The Scoring of Integrative Complexity as a Tool in Forecasting Adversary Intentions: Three Case Studies

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-04-01

certaines crises internationales. En analysant des documents et des archives sonores remis par des chefs nationaux et des groupes dirigeants, on a constaté...de lettres, de notes officielles, etc., de chefs et de groupes dirigeants identifiés, comme les conseils de ministre ou des équipes de résolution...Voulant conserver le pouvoir, les fidèles de Mugabe ont lancé une série d’attaques physiques contre les chefs et les membres de l’opposition, et ce

Tool-use: An open window into body representation and its plasticity

PubMed Central

Martel, Marie; Cardinali, Lucilla; Roy, Alice C.; Farnè, Alessandro

2016-01-01

ABSTRACT Over the last decades, scientists have questioned the origin of the exquisite human mastery of tools. Seminal studies in monkeys, healthy participants and brain-damaged patients have primarily focused on the plastic changes that tool-use induces on spatial representations. More recently, we focused on the modifications tool-use must exert on the sensorimotor system and highlighted plastic changes at the level of the body representation used by the brain to control our movements, i.e., the Body Schema. Evidence is emerging for tool-use to affect also more visually and conceptually based representations of the body, such as the Body Image. Here we offer a critical review of the way different tool-use paradigms have been, and should be, used to try disentangling the critical features that are responsible for tool incorporation into different body representations. We will conclude that tool-use may offer a very valuable means to investigate high-order body representations and their plasticity. PMID:27315277

Tool-use: An open window into body representation and its plasticity.

PubMed

Martel, Marie; Cardinali, Lucilla; Roy, Alice C; Farnè, Alessandro

2016-01-01

Over the last decades, scientists have questioned the origin of the exquisite human mastery of tools. Seminal studies in monkeys, healthy participants and brain-damaged patients have primarily focused on the plastic changes that tool-use induces on spatial representations. More recently, we focused on the modifications tool-use must exert on the sensorimotor system and highlighted plastic changes at the level of the body representation used by the brain to control our movements, i.e., the Body Schema. Evidence is emerging for tool-use to affect also more visually and conceptually based representations of the body, such as the Body Image. Here we offer a critical review of the way different tool-use paradigms have been, and should be, used to try disentangling the critical features that are responsible for tool incorporation into different body representations. We will conclude that tool-use may offer a very valuable means to investigate high-order body representations and their plasticity.

Linear and Non-Linear Piezoresistance Coefficients in Cubic Semiconductors. I. Theoretical Formulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Durand, S.; Tellier, C. R.

1996-02-01

This paper constitutes the first part of a work devoted to applications of piezoresistance effects in germanium and silicon semiconductors. In this part, emphasis is placed on a formal explanation of non-linear effects. We propose a brief phenomenological description based on the multi-valleys model of semiconductors before to adopt a macroscopic tensorial model from which general analytical expressions for primed non-linear piezoresistance coefficients are derived. Graphical representations of linear and non-linear piezoresistance coefficients allows us to characterize the influence of the two angles of cut and of directions of alignment. The second part will primarily deal with specific applications for piezoresistive sensors. Cette publication constitue la première partie d'un travail consacré aux applications des effets piézorésistifs dans les semiconducteurs germanium et silicium. Cette partie traite essentiellement de la modélisation des effets non-linéaires. Après une description phénoménologique à partir du modèle de bande des semiconducteurs nous développons un modèle tensoriel macroscopique et nous proposons des équations générales analytiques exprimant les coefficients piézorésistifs non-linéaires dans des repères tournés. Des représentations graphiques des variations des coefficients piézorésistifs linéaires et non-linéaires permettent une pré-caractérisation de l'influence des angles de coupes et des directions d'alignement avant l'étude d'applications spécifiques qui feront l'objet de la deuxième partie.

Choline chloride based ionic liquid analogues as tool for the fabrication of agar films with improved mechanical properties

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

In the present paper, we test the suitability of Choline-Cl/urea (DES-U) and Choline-Cl/glycerol (DES-G) eutectic mixtures at 1:2 molar ratios for the production of agar biodegradable films. A three-step process is proposed: pre-solubilization of polymer in DES followed by compression-molding and s...

Des schémas équivalents pour les circuits couplés multi-enroulements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Keradec, J. P.; Cogitore, B.; Laveuve, E.; Bensoam, M.

1994-04-01

The aim of this paper is to represent the electrical behaviour of any number of magnetically coupled windings with couplers and inductors. Two methods, mathematicaly justified, are proposed. The second one introduces only positive inductances. As an exemple, it is applied to the representation of a three column three phase transformer. The obtained circuits supply the requisite guide to design more complete circuits which allow the high frequency behaviour of wound components to be taken into account, especialy in electronics simulation softwares. Le but de cet article est de traduire le comportement électrique d'un nombre quelconque d'enroulements magnétiquement couplés, par des coupleurs et des inductances. Deux méthodes, établies mathématiquement, sont proposées. La seconde n'introduit que des inductances positives. A titre d'exemple, elle est appliquée à la représentation d'un transformateur triphasé à trois colonnes. Les schémas obtenus fournissent l'indispensable ossature de schémas plus complets, aptes à représenter le comportement haute fréquence des composants bobinés, notamment dans un logiciel de simulation électronique.

Sharik 1.0: User Needs and System Requirements for a Web-Based Tool to Support Collaborative Sensemaking

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-05-01

Sharik 1.0: User Needs and System Requirements for a Web -Based Tool to Support Collaborative Sensemaking Shadi Ghajar-Khosravi...share the new intelligence items with their peers. In this report, the authors describe Sharik (SHAring Resources, Information, and Knowledge), a web ...SHAring Resources, Information and Knowledge, soit le partage des ressources, de l’information et des connaissances), un outil Web qui facilite le

Modelling, Simulation & Analysis (MS&A): Potent Enabling Tools for Planning and Executing Complex Major National Events

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-10-01

de 2012 à Londres, les Jeux du Commonwealth de 2015 à Toronto et la gestion des cas d’urgence transfrontaliers...tels que les Jeux olympiques. La gestion de la sécurité lors d’événements comme Vancouver 2010 et les sommets du G8 et du G20 est un enjeu... des plans de gestion des mesures d’urgence et de continuité des opérations, une structure permanente a été mise sur pied

Effets des electrons secondaires sur l'ADN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boudaiffa, Badia

Les interactions des electrons de basse energie (EBE) representent un element important en sciences des radiations, particulierement, les sequences se produisant immediatement apres l'interaction de la radiation ionisante avec le milieu biologique. Il est bien connu que lorsque ces radiations deposent leur energie dans la cellule, elles produisent un grand nombre d'electrons secondaires (4 x 104/MeV), qui sont crees le long de la trace avec des energies cinetiques initiales bien inferieures a 20 eV. Cependant, il n'y a jamais eu de mesures directes demontrant l'interaction de ces electrons de tres basse energie avec l'ADN, du principalement aux difficultes experimentales imposees par la complexite du milieu biologique. Dans notre laboratoire, les dernieres annees ont ete consacrees a l'etude des phenomenes fondamentaux induits par impact des EBE sur differentes molecules simples (e.g., N2, CO, O2, H2O, NO, C2H 4, C6H6, C2H12) et quelques molecules complexes dans leur phase solide. D'autres travaux effectues recemment sur des bases de l'ADN et des oligonucleotides ont montre que les EBE produisent des bris moleculaires sur les biomolecules. Ces travaux nous ont permis d'elaborer des techniques pour mettre en evidence et comprendre les interactions fondamentales des EBE avec des molecules d'interet biologique, afin d'atteindre notre objectif majeur d'etudier l'effet direct de ces particules sur la molecule d'ADN. Les techniques de sciences des surfaces developpees et utilisees dans les etudes precitees peuvent etre etendues et combinees avec des methodes classiques de biologie pour etudier les dommages de l'ADN induits par l'impact des EBE. Nos experiences ont montre l'efficacite des electrons de 3--20 eV a induire des coupures simple et double brins dans l'ADN. Pour des energies inferieures a 15 eV, ces coupures sont induites par la localisation temporaire d'un electron sur une unite moleculaire de l'ADN, ce qui engendre la formation d'un ion negatif transitoire dans un etat electronique dissociatif, cette localisation est suivie d'une fragmentation. A plus haute energie, la dissociation dipolaire (i.e., la formation simultanee d'un ion positif et negatif) et l'ionisation jouent un role important dans le dommage de l'ADN. L'ensemble de nos resultats permet d'expliquer les mecanismes de degradation de l'ADN par les EBE et d'obtenir des sections efficaces effectives des differents types de dommages.

Modeling using discrete event simulation: a report of the ISPOR-SMDM Modeling Good Research Practices Task Force--4.

PubMed

Karnon, Jonathan; Stahl, James; Brennan, Alan; Caro, J Jaime; Mar, Javier; Möller, Jörgen

2012-01-01

Discrete event simulation (DES) is a form of computer-based modeling that provides an intuitive and flexible approach to representing complex systems. It has been used in a wide range of health care applications. Most early applications involved analyses of systems with constrained resources, where the general aim was to improve the organization of delivered services. More recently, DES has increasingly been applied to evaluate specific technologies in the context of health technology assessment. The aim of this article was to provide consensus-based guidelines on the application of DES in a health care setting, covering the range of issues to which DES can be applied. The article works through the different stages of the modeling process: structural development, parameter estimation, model implementation, model analysis, and representation and reporting. For each stage, a brief description is provided, followed by consideration of issues that are of particular relevance to the application of DES in a health care setting. Each section contains a number of best practice recommendations that were iterated among the authors, as well as among the wider modeling task force. Copyright © 2012 International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Fabrication et caracterisation de nanocristaux de silicium localises, realises par gravure electrochimique pour des applications nanoelectroniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ayari-Kanoun, Asma

Ce travail de these porte sur le developpement d'une nouvelle approche pour la localisation et l'organisation de nanocristaux de silicium realises par gravure electrochimique. Cette derniere represente une technique simple et peu couteuse par rapport aux autres techniques couramment utilisees pour la fabrication de nanocristaux de silicium. L'idee de ce travail a ete d'etudier la nanostructuration de minces couches de nitrure de silicium, d'environ 30 nm d'epaisseur pour permettre par la suite un arrangement periodique des nanocristaux de silicium. Cette pre-structuration est obtenue de facon artificielle en imposant un motif periodique via une technique de lithographie par faisceau d'electrons combinee avec une gravure plasma. Une optimisation des conditions de lithographie et de gravure plasma ont permis d'obtenir des reseaux de trous de 30 nm de diametre debouchant sur le silicium avec un bon controle de leur morphologie (taille, profondeur et forme). En ajustant les conditions de gravure electrochimique (concentration d'acide, temps de gravure et densite de courant), nous avons obtenu des reseaux -2D ordonnes de nanocristaux de silicium de 10 nm de diametre a travers ces masques de nanotrous avec le controle parfait de leur localisation, la distance entre les nanocristaux et leur orientation cristalline. Des etudes electriques preliminaires sur ces nanocristaux ont permis de mettre en evidence des effets de chargement. Ces resultats tres prometteurs confirment l'interet des nanocristaux de silicium realises par gravure electrochimique dans le futur pour la fabrication a grande echelle de dispositifs nanoelectroniques. Mots-cles : localisation, organisation, nanocristaux de silicium, gravure electrochimique, lithographie electronique, gravure plasma, nitrure de silicium.

The Digital electronic Guideline Library (DeGeL): a hybrid framework for representation and use of clinical guidelines.

PubMed

Shahar, Yuval; Young, Ohad; Shalom, Erez; Mayaffit, Alon; Moskovitch, Robert; Hessing, Alon; Galperin, Maya

2004-01-01

We propose to present a poster (and potentially also a demonstration of the implemented system) summarizing the current state of our work on a hybrid, multiple-format representation of clinical guidelines that facilitates conversion of guidelines from free text to a formal representation. We describe a distributed Web-based architecture (DeGeL) and a set of tools using the hybrid representation. The tools enable performing tasks such as guideline specification, semantic markup, search, retrieval, visualization, eligibility determination, runtime application and retrospective quality assessment. The representation includes four parallel formats: Free text (one or more original sources); semistructured text (labeled by the target guideline-ontology semantic labels); semiformal text (which includes some control specification); and a formal, machine-executable representation. The specification, indexing, search, retrieval, and browsing tools are essentially independent of the ontology chosen for guideline representation, but editing the semi-formal and formal formats requires ontology-specific tools, which we have developed in the case of the Asbru guideline-specification language. The four formats support increasingly sophisticated computational tasks. The hybrid guidelines are stored in a Web-based library. All tools, such as for runtime guideline application or retrospective quality assessment, are designed to operate on all representations. We demonstrate the hybrid framework by providing examples from the semantic markup and search tools.

Federation Development and Execution Process (FEDEP) Tools in Support of NATO Modelling & Simulation (M&S) Programmes (Des outils d’aide au processus de d’eveloppement et d’execution de federations (FEDEP))

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-05-01

currently contains 79 tools and others should be added as they become known. Finally, the Task Group has recommended that the tool list be made available...approach and analysis. Conclusions and recommendations are contained in Chapter 5. RTO-TR-MSG-005 v Des outils d’aide au processus de développement...generation, Version 1.5 [A.3-1], was created in December 1999 and contained only minor editorial changes. RTO-TR-MSG-005 2 - 1 FEDEP With this

Using the verona coding definitions of emotional sequences (VR-CoDES) and health provider responses (VR-CoDES-P) in the dental context.

PubMed

Wright, Alice; Humphris, Gerry; Wanyonyi, Kristina L; Freeman, Ruth

2012-10-01

To show if cues, concerns and provider responses (defined in VR-CoDES and VR-CoDES-P manuals) are present, can be reliably coded and require additional advice for adoption in a dental context. Thirteen patients in a dental practice setting were videoed with either their dentist or hygienist and dental nurse present in routine treatment sessions. All utterances were coded using the Verona systems: VR-CoDES and the VR-CoDES-P. Rates of cue, concerns and provider responses described and reliability tested. The VR-CoDES and VR-CoDES-P were successfully applied in the dental context. The intra-rater ICCs for the detection of cues and concerns and provider response were acceptable and above 0.75. A similar satisfactory result was found for the inter-rater reliability. The VR-CoDES and the VR-CoDES-P are applicable in the dental setting with minor supporting guidelines and show evidence of reliable coding. The VR-CoDES and the VR-CoDES-P may be helpful tools for analysing patient cues and concerns and the dental professionals' responses in the dental context. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Disentangling representations of shape and action components in the tool network.

PubMed

Wang, Xiaoying; Zhuang, Tonghe; Shen, Jiasi; Bi, Yanchao

2018-05-30

Shape and how they should be used are two key components of our knowledge about tools. Viewing tools preferentially activated a frontoparietal and occipitotemporal network, with dorsal regions implicated in computation of tool-related actions and ventral areas in shape representation. As shape and manners of manipulation are highly correlated for daily tools, whether they are independently represented in different regions remains inconclusive. In the current study, we collected fMRI data when participants viewed blocks of pictures of four daily tools (i.e., paintbrush, corkscrew, screwdriver, razor) where shape and action (manner of manipulation for functional use) were orthogonally manipulated, to tease apart these two dimensions. Behavioral similarity judgments tapping on object shape and finer aspects of actions (i.e., manners of motion, magnitude of arm movement, configuration of hand) were also collected to further disentangle the representation of object shape and different action components. Information analysis and representational similarity analysis were conducted on regional neural activation patterns of the tool-preferring network. In both analyses, the bilateral lateral occipitotemporal cortex showed robust shape representations but could not effectively distinguish between tool-use actions. The frontal and precentral regions represented kinematic action components, whereas the left parietal region (in information analyses) exhibited coding of both shape and tool-use action. By teasing apart shape and action components, we found both dissociation and association of them within the tool network. Taken together, our study disentangles representations for object shape from finer tool-use action components in the tool network, revealing the potential dissociable roles different tool-preferring regions play in tool processing. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Gestion des ressources hydriques adaptee aux changements climatiques pour la production optimale d'hydroelectricite. Etude de cas: Bassin versant de la riviere Manicouagan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haguma, Didier

Il est dorenavant etabli que les changements climatiques auront des repercussions sur les ressources en eau. La situation est preoccupante pour le secteur de production d'energie hydroelectrique, car l'eau constitue le moteur pour generer cette forme d'energie. Il sera important d'adapter les regles de gestion et/ou les installations des systemes hydriques, afin de minimiser les impacts negatifs et/ou pour capitaliser sur les retombees positives que les changements climatiques pourront apporter. Les travaux de la presente recherche s'interessent au developpement d'une methode de gestion des systemes hydriques qui tient compte des projections climatiques pour mieux anticiper les impacts de l'evolution du climat sur la production d'hydroelectricite et d'etablir des strategies d'adaptation aux changements climatiques. Le domaine d'etude est le bassin versant de la riviere Manicouagan situe dans la partie centrale du Quebec. Une nouvelle approche d'optimisation des ressources hydriques dans le contexte des changements climatiques est proposee. L'approche traite le probleme de la saisonnalite et de la non-stationnarite du climat d'une maniere explicite pour representer l'incertitude rattachee a un ensemble des projections climatiques. Cette approche permet d'integrer les projections climatiques dans le probleme d'optimisation des ressources en eau pour une gestion a long terme des systemes hydriques et de developper des strategies d'adaptation de ces systemes aux changements climatiques. Les resultats montrent que les impacts des changements climatiques sur le regime hydrologique du bassin de la riviere Manicouagan seraient le devancement et l'attenuation de la crue printaniere et l'augmentation du volume annuel d'apports. L'adaptation des regles de gestion du systeme hydrique engendrerait une hausse de la production hydroelectrique. Neanmoins, une perte de la performance des installations existantes du systeme hydrique serait observee a cause de l'augmentation des deversements non productibles dans le climat futur. Des strategies d'adaptation structurale ont ete analysees pour augmenter la capacite de production et la capacite d'ecoulement de certaines centrales hydroelectriques afin d'ameliorer la performance du systeme. Une analyse economique a permis de choisir les meilleures mesures d'adaptation et de determiner le moment opportun pour la mise en oeuvre de ces mesures. Les resultats de la recherche offrent aux gestionnaires des systemes hydriques un outil qui permet de mieux anticiper les consequences des changements climatiques sur la production hydroelectrique, incluant le rendement de centrales, les deversements non productibles et le moment le plus opportun pour inclure des modifications aux systemes hydriques. Mots-cles : systemes hydriques, adaptation aux changements climatiques, riviere Manicouagan

The tissue micro-array data exchange specification: a web based experience browsing imported data

PubMed Central

Nohle, David G; Hackman, Barbara A; Ayers, Leona W

2005-01-01

Background The AIDS and Cancer Specimen Resource (ACSR) is an HIV/AIDS tissue bank consortium sponsored by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis (DCTD). The ACSR offers to approved researchers HIV infected biologic samples and uninfected control tissues including tissue cores in micro-arrays (TMA) accompanied by de-identified clinical data. Researchers interested in the type and quality of TMA tissue cores and the associated clinical data need an efficient method for viewing available TMA materials. Because each of the tissue samples within a TMA has separate data including a core tissue digital image and clinical data, an organized, standard approach to producing, navigating and publishing such data is necessary. The Association for Pathology Informatics (API) extensible mark-up language (XML) TMA data exchange specification (TMA DES) proposed in April 2003 provides a common format for TMA data. Exporting TMA data into the proposed format offers an opportunity to implement the API TMA DES. Using our public BrowseTMA tool, we created a web site that organizes and cross references TMA lists, digital "virtual slide" images, TMA DES export data, linked legends and clinical details for researchers. Microsoft Excel® and Microsoft Word® are used to convert tabular clinical data and produce an XML file in the TMA DES format. The BrowseTMA tool contains Extensible Stylesheet Language Transformation (XSLT) scripts that convert XML data into Hyper-Text Mark-up Language (HTML) web pages with hyperlinks automatically added to allow rapid navigation. Results Block lists, virtual slide images, legends, clinical details and exports have been placed on the ACSR web site for 14 blocks with 1623 cores of 2.0, 1.0 and 0.6 mm sizes. Our virtual microscope can be used to view and annotate these TMA images. Researchers can readily navigate from TMA block lists to TMA legends and to clinical details for a selected tissue core. Exports for 11 blocks with 3812 cores from three other institutions were processed with the BrowseTMA tool. Fifty common data elements (CDE) from the TMA DES were used and 42 more created for site-specific data. Researchers can download TMA clinical data in the TMA DES format. Conclusion Virtual TMAs with clinical data can be viewed on the Internet by interested researchers using the BrowseTMA tool. We have organized our approach to producing, sorting, navigating and publishing TMA information to facilitate such review. We have converted Excel TMA data into TMA DES XML, and imported it and TMA DES XML from another institution into BrowseTMA to produce web pages that allow us to browse through the merged data. We proposed enhancements to the TMA DES as a result of this experience. We implemented improvements to the API TMA DES as a result of using exported data from several institutions. A document type definition was written for the API TMA DES (that optionally includes proposed enhancements). Independent validators can be used to check exports against the DTD (with or without the proposed enhancements). Linking tissue core images to readily navigable clinical data greatly improves the value of the TMA. PMID:16086837

The recalibration of tactile perception during tool use is body-part specific

PubMed Central

Cawley-Bennett, Andrew; Longo, Matthew R.; Saygin, Ayse P.

2018-01-01

Two decades of research have demonstrated that using a tool modulates spatial representations of the body. Whether this embodiment is specific to representations of the tool-using limb or extends to representations of other body parts has received little attention. Several studies of other perceptual phenomena have found that modulations to the primary somatosensory representation of the hand transfers to the face, due in part to their close proximity in primary somatosensory cortex. In the present study, we investigated whether tool-induced recalibration of tactile perception on the hand transfers to the cheek. Participants verbally estimated the distance between two tactile points applied to either their hand or face, before and after using a hand-shaped tool. Tool use recalibrated tactile distance perception on the hand—in line with previous findings—but left perception on the cheek unchanged. This finding provides support for the idea that embodiment is body-part specific. Furthermore, it suggests that tool-induced perceptual recalibration occurs at a level of somatosensory processing, where representations of the hand and face have become functionally disentangled. PMID:28702834

The Heterogeneity of Self-Portraits of Gifted Students in France

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Courtinat-Camps, Amélie; Massé, Line; de Léonardis, Myriam; Capdevielle-Mougnibas, Valérie

2017-01-01

The objective of this research is to understand the diversity of gifted students' self-representations through self-portrait analysis. Two hundred twenty-seven French gifted students (intelligence quotient = 130; 45 girls, 182 boys), aged from 9 to 15 years completed the GPS instrument ("Genèse des Perceptions de Soi" [Genesis of the…

Les systemes approximatifs et l'enseignement des langues secondes (Approximative Systems and the Teaching of Second Languages).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

High, Virginia Lacastro

Errors can be considered concrete representations of stages through which one must go in order to acquire one's native language and a second language. It has been discovered that certain errors appear systematically, revealing an approximate system, or "interlanguage," behind the erroneous utterances. Present research in second language…

Apprentissage dans un Environnement Informatique: Possibilite, Nature, Transfert des Acquis (Learning within an Information Environment: Possibilities, Native, and Transfer of Ideas).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dagher, Antoine

1996-01-01

Examines possibilities for learning offered by a piece of software, Fonctuse, likely to encourage the linking of algebraic and graphical representations of functions. Studied the influence of prior algebraic knowledge on the cognitive processes and constructions of knowledge at play in this environment. (Author/MKR)

A hybrid simulation approach for integrating safety behavior into construction planning: An earthmoving case study.

PubMed

Goh, Yang Miang; Askar Ali, Mohamed Jawad

2016-08-01

One of the key challenges in improving construction safety and health is the management of safety behavior. From a system point of view, workers work unsafely due to system level issues such as poor safety culture, excessive production pressure, inadequate allocation of resources and time and lack of training. These systemic issues should be eradicated or minimized during planning. However, there is a lack of detailed planning tools to help managers assess the impact of their upstream decisions on worker safety behavior. Even though simulation had been used in construction planning, the review conducted in this study showed that construction safety management research had not been exploiting the potential of simulation techniques. Thus, a hybrid simulation framework is proposed to facilitate integration of safety management considerations into construction activity simulation. The hybrid framework consists of discrete event simulation (DES) as the core, but heterogeneous, interactive and intelligent (able to make decisions) agents replace traditional entities and resources. In addition, some of the cognitive processes and physiological aspects of agents are captured using system dynamics (SD) approach. The combination of DES, agent-based simulation (ABS) and SD allows a more "natural" representation of the complex dynamics in construction activities. The proposed hybrid framework was demonstrated using a hypothetical case study. In addition, due to the lack of application of factorial experiment approach in safety management simulation, the case study demonstrated sensitivity analysis and factorial experiment to guide future research. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Quality Improvement With Discrete Event Simulation: A Primer for Radiologists.

PubMed

Booker, Michael T; O'Connell, Ryan J; Desai, Bhushan; Duddalwar, Vinay A

2016-04-01

The application of simulation software in health care has transformed quality and process improvement. Specifically, software based on discrete-event simulation (DES) has shown the ability to improve radiology workflows and systems. Nevertheless, despite the successful application of DES in the medical literature, the power and value of simulation remains underutilized. For this reason, the basics of DES modeling are introduced, with specific attention to medical imaging. In an effort to provide readers with the tools necessary to begin their own DES analyses, the practical steps of choosing a software package and building a basic radiology model are discussed. In addition, three radiology system examples are presented, with accompanying DES models that assist in analysis and decision making. Through these simulations, we provide readers with an understanding of the theory, requirements, and benefits of implementing DES in their own radiology practices. Copyright © 2016 American College of Radiology. All rights reserved.

Discrete event simulation for healthcare organizations: a tool for decision making.

PubMed

Hamrock, Eric; Paige, Kerrie; Parks, Jennifer; Scheulen, James; Levin, Scott

2013-01-01

Healthcare organizations face challenges in efficiently accommodating increased patient demand with limited resources and capacity. The modern reimbursement environment prioritizes the maximization of operational efficiency and the reduction of unnecessary costs (i.e., waste) while maintaining or improving quality. As healthcare organizations adapt, significant pressures are placed on leaders to make difficult operational and budgetary decisions. In lieu of hard data, decision makers often base these decisions on subjective information. Discrete event simulation (DES), a computerized method of imitating the operation of a real-world system (e.g., healthcare delivery facility) over time, can provide decision makers with an evidence-based tool to develop and objectively vet operational solutions prior to implementation. DES in healthcare commonly focuses on (1) improving patient flow, (2) managing bed capacity, (3) scheduling staff, (4) managing patient admission and scheduling procedures, and (5) using ancillary resources (e.g., labs, pharmacies). This article describes applicable scenarios, outlines DES concepts, and describes the steps required for development. An original DES model developed to examine crowding and patient flow for staffing decision making at an urban academic emergency department serves as a practical example.

Technique distribuee de gestion de la charge sur le reseau electrique et ring-tree: Un nouveau systeme de communication P2P

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ayoub, Simon

Le reseau de distribution et de transport de l'electricite se modernise dans plusieurs pays dont le Canada. La nouvelle generation de ce reseau que l'on appelle smart grid, permet entre autre l'automatisation de la production, de la distribution et de la gestion de la charge chez les clients. D'un autre cote, des appareils domestiques intelligents munis d'une interface de communication pour des applications du smart grid commencent a apparaitre sur le marche. Ces appareils intelligents pourraient creer une communaute virtuelle pour optimiser leurs consommations d'une facon distribuee. La gestion distribuee de ces charges intelligentes necessite la communication entre un grand nombre d'equipements electriques. Ceci represente un defi important a relever surtout si on ne veut pas augmenter le cout de l'infrastructure et de la maintenance. Lors de cette these deux systemes distincts ont ete concus : un systeme de communication peer-to-peer, appele Ring-Tree, permettant la communication entre un nombre important de noeuds (jusqu'a de l'ordre de grandeur du million) tel que des appareils electriques communicants et une technique distribuee de gestion de la charge sur le reseau electrique. Le systeme de communication Ring-Tree inclut une nouvelle topologie reseau qui n'a jamais ete definie ou exploitee auparavant. Il inclut egalement des algorithmes pour la creation, l'exploitation et la maintenance de ce reseau. Il est suffisamment simple pour etre mis en oeuvre sur des controleurs associes aux dispositifs tels que des chauffe-eaux, chauffage a accumulation, bornes de recharges electriques, etc. Il n'utilise pas un serveur centralise (ou tres peu, seulement lorsqu'un noeud veut rejoindre le reseau). Il offre une solution distribuee qui peut etre mise en oeuvre sans deploiement d'une infrastructure autre que les controleurs sur les dispositifs vises. Finalement, un temps de reponse de quelques secondes pour atteindre 1'ensemble du reseau peut etre obtenu, ce qui est suffisant pour les besoins des applications visees. Les protocoles de communication s'appuient sur un protocole de transport qui peut etre un de ceux utilises sur l'Internet comme TCP ou UDP. Pour valider le fonctionnement de de la technique de controle distribuee et le systeme de communiction Ring-Tree, un simulateur a ete developpe; un modele de chauffe-eau, comme exemple de charge, a ete integre au simulateur. La simulation d'une communaute de chauffe-eaux intelligents a montre que la technique de gestion de la charge combinee avec du stockage d'energie sous forme thermique permet d'obtenir, sans affecter le confort de l'utilisateur, des profils de consommation varies dont un profil de consommation uniforme qui represente un facteur de charge de 100%. Mots-cles : Algorithme Distribue, Demand Response, Gestion de la Charge Electrique, M2M (Machine-to-Machine), P2P (Peer-to-Peer), Reseau Electrique Intelligent, Ring-Tree, Smart Grid

Domestic violence against women: representations of health professionals 1

PubMed Central

Gomes, Vera Lúcia de Oliveira; Silva, Camila Daiane; de Oliveira, Denize Cristina; Acosta, Daniele Ferreira; Amarijo, Cristiane Lopes

2015-01-01

Abstract Objective: to analyze the representations about domestic violence against women, among health professionals of Family Health Units. Method: qualitative study based on the Theory of Social Representations. Data were collected by means of evocations and interviews, treating them in the Ensemble de Programmes Pemettant L'Analyse des Evocations software - EVOC and content analysis. Results: nurses, physicians, nursing technicians and community health agents participated. The evocations were answered by 201 professionals and, of these, 64 were interviewed. The central core of this representation, comprised by the terms "aggression", "physical-aggression", "cowardice" and "lack of respect", which have negative connotations and were cited by interviewees. In the contrast zone, comprised by the terms "abuse", "abuse-power", "pain", "humiliation", "impunity", "suffering", "sadness" and "violence", two subgroups were identified. The first periphery contains the terms "fear", evoked most often, followed by "revolt", "low self-esteem" and "submission", and in the second periphery "acceptance" and "professional support". Conclusion: this is a structured representation since it contains conceptual, imagetic and attitudinal elements. The subgroups were comprised by professionals working in the rural area and by those who had completed their professional training course in or after 2004. These presented a representation of violence different from the representation of the general group, although all demonstrated a negative connotation of this phenomenon. PMID:26444175

Adsorption de gaz sur les materiaux microporeux modelisation, thermodynamique et applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Richard, Marc-Andre

2009-12-01

Nos travaux sur l'adsorption de gaz dans les materiaux microporeux s'inscrivent dans le cadre des recherches visant a augmenter l'efficacite du stockage de l'hydrogene a bord des vehicules. Notre objectif etait d'etudier la possibilite d'utiliser l'adsorption afin d'ameliorer l'efficacite de la liquefaction de l'hydrogene des systemes a petite echelle. Nous avons egalement evalue les performances d'un systeme de stockage cryogenique de l'hydrogene base sur la physisorption. Comme nous avons affaire a des plages de temperatures particulierement etendues et a de hautes pressions dans la region supercritique du gaz, nous avons du commencer par travailler sur la modelisation et la thermodynamique de l'adsorption. La representation de la quantite de gaz adsorbee en fonction de la temperature et de la pression par un modele semi-empirique est un outil utile pour determiner la masse de gaz adsorbee dans un systeme mais egalement pour calculer les effets thermiques lies a l'adsorption. Nous avons adapte le modele Dubinin-Astakhov (D-A) pour modeliser des isothermes d'adsorption d'hydrogene, d'azote et de methane sur du charbon actif a haute pression et sur une grande plage de temperatures supercritiques en considerant un volume d'adsorption invariant. Avec cinq parametres de regression (incluant le volume d'adsorption Va), le modele que nous avons developpe permet de tres bien representer des isothermes experimentales d'adsorption d'hydrogene (de 30 a 293 K, jusqu'a 6 MPa), d'azote (de 93 a 298 K, jusqu'a 6 MPa) et de methane (de 243 a 333 K, jusqu'a 9 MPa) sur le charbon actif. Nous avons calcule l'energie interne de la phase adsorbee a partir du modele en nous servant de la thermodynamique des solutions sans negliger le volume d'adsorption. Par la suite, nous avons presente les equations de conservation de la niasse et de l'energie pour un systeme d'adsorption et valide notre demarche en comparant des simulations et des tests d'adsorption et de desorption. En plus de l'energie interne, nous avons evalue l'entropie, l'energie differentielle d'adsorption et la chaleur isosterique d'adsorption. Nous avons etudie la performance d'un systeme de stockage d'hydrogene par adsorption pour les vehicules. La capacite de stockage d'hydrogene et les performances thermiques d'un reservoir de 150 L contenant du charbon actif Maxsorb MSC-30(TM) (surface specifique ˜ 3000 m2/g) ont ete etudiees sur une plage de temperatures de 60 a 298 K et a des pressions allant jusqu'a 35 MPa. Le systeme a ete considere de facon globale, sans nous attarder a un design particulier. Il est possible de stocker 5 kg d'hydrogene a des pressions de 7.8, 15.2 et 29 MPa pour des temperatures respectivement de 80, 114 et 172 K, lorsqu'on recupere l'hydrogene residuel a 2.5 bars en le chauffant. La simulation des phenomenes thermiques nous a permis d'analyser le refroidissement necessaire lors du remplissage, le chauffage lors de la decharge et le temps de dormance. Nous avons developpe un cycle de liquefaction de l'hydrogene base sur l'adsorption avec compression mecanique (ACM) et avons evalue sa faisabilite. L'objectif etait d'augmenter sensiblement l'efficacite des systemes de liquefaction de l'hydrogene a petite echelle (moins d'une tonne/jour) et ce, sans en augmenter le cout en capital. Nous avons adapte le cycle de refrigeration par ACM afin qu'il puisse par la suite etre ajoute a un cycle de liquefaction de l'hydrogene. Nous avons ensuite simule des cycles idealises de refrigeration par ACM. Meme dans ces conditions ideales, la refrigeration specifique est faible. De plus, l'efficacite theorique maximale de ces cycles de refrigeration est d'environ 20 a 30% de l'ideal. Nous avons realise experimentalement un cycle de refrigeration par ACM avec le couple azote/charbon actif. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

Young-Person's Guide to Detached-Eddy Simulation Grids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Spalart, Philippe R.; Streett, Craig (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

We give the "philosophy", fairly complete instructions, a sketch and examples of creating Detached-Eddy Simulation (DES) grids from simple to elaborate, with a priority on external flows. Although DES is not a zonal method, flow regions with widely different gridding requirements emerge, and should be accommodated as far as possible if a good use of grid points is to be made. This is not unique to DES. We brush on the time-step choice, on simple pitfalls, and on tools to estimate whether a simulation is well resolved.

Forming Tool Use Representations: A Neurophysiological Investigation into Tool Exposure

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mizelle, John Christopher; Tang, Teresa; Pirouz, Nikta; Wheaton, Lewis A.

2011-01-01

Prior work has identified a common left parietofrontal network for storage of tool-related information for various tasks. How these representations become established within this network on the basis of different modes of exposure is unclear. Here, healthy subjects engaged in physical practice (direct exposure) with familiar and unfamiliar tools.…

Experiences with the MANA simulation tool

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-08-01

ALERT and FAVS simulations. Also, agents in these simulations needed to conduct careful formation fighting while following established CF doctrine...simulations auraient dû pouvoir se déplacer en formation , suivant la doctrine établie des Forces canadiennes. Cependant, des comportements d’une...29 Annex C – Alternative approach to inter-squad coordination of retreat.................................. 32 List of acronyms

Center for Disease Control's Diethylstilbestrol Update: a case for effective operationalization of messaging in social marketing practice.

PubMed

Mattson, Marifran; Basu, Ambar

2010-07-01

The Center for Disease Control's (CDC) Diethylstilbestrol (DES) Update, a campaign to educate people who may have been exposed to the drug DES, is framed on the premises of the social marketing model, namely formative research, audience segmentation, product, price, placement, promotion, and campaign evaluation. More than that, the campaign takes a critical step in extending the social marketing paradigm by highlighting the need to situate the messaging process at the heart of any health communication campaign. This article uses CDC's DES Update as a case study to illustrate an application of a message development tool within social marketing. This tool promotes the operationalization of messaging within health campaigns. Ultimately, the goal of this project is to extend the social marketing model and provide useful theoretical guidance to health campaign practitioners on how to accomplish stellar communication within a social marketing campaign.

Solving Additive Problems at Pre-Elementary School Level with the Support of Graphical Representation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Selva, Ana Coelho Vieira; Falcao, Jorge Tarcisio da Rocha; Nunes, Terezinha

2005-01-01

This research offers empirical evidence of the importance of supplying diverse symbolic representations in order to support concept development in mathematics. Graphical representation can be a helpful symbolic tool for concept development in the conceptual field of additive structures. Nevertheless, this symbolic tool has specific difficulties…

Detached-Eddy Simulations of Separated Flow Around Wings With Ice Accretions: Year One Report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Choo, Yung K. (Technical Monitor); Thompson, David; Mogili, Prasad

2004-01-01

A computational investigation was performed to assess the effectiveness of Detached-Eddy Simulation (DES) as a tool for predicting icing effects. The AVUS code, a public domain flow solver, was employed to compute solutions for an iced wing configuration using DES and steady Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equation methodologies. The configuration was an extruded GLC305/944-ice shape section with a rectangular planform. The model was mounted between two walls so no tip effects were considered. The numerical results were validated by comparison with experimental data for the same configuration. The time-averaged DES computations showed some improvement in lift and drag results near stall when compared to steady RANS results. However, comparisons of the flow field details did not show the level of agreement suggested by the integrated quantities. Based on our results, we believe that DES may prove useful in a limited sense to provide analysis of iced wing configurations when there is significant flow separation, e.g., near stall, where steady RANS computations are demonstrably ineffective. However, more validation is needed to determine what role DES can play as part of an overall icing effects prediction strategy. We conclude the report with an assessment of existing computational tools for application to the iced wing problem and a discussion of issues that merit further study.

Elaboration de nouvelles approches micromecaniques pour l'optimisation des performances mecaniques des materiaux heterogenes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aboutajeddine, Ahmed

Les modeles micromecaniques de transition d'echelles qui permettent de determiner les proprietes effectives des materiaux heterogenes a partir de la microstructure sont consideres dans ce travail. L'objectif est la prise en compte de la presence d'une interphase entre la matrice et le renforcement dans les modeles micromecaniques classiques, de meme que la reconsideration des approximations de base de ces modeles, afin de traiter les materiaux multiphasiques. Un nouveau modele micromecanique est alors propose pour tenir compte de la presence d'une interphase elastique mince lors de la determination des proprietes effectives. Ce modele a ete construit grace a l'apport de l'equation integrale, des operateurs interfaciaux de Hill et de la methode de Mori-Tanaka. Les expressions obtenues pour les modules globaux et les champs dans l'enrobage sont de nature analytique. L'approximation de base de ce modele est amelioree par la suite dans un nouveau modele qui s'interesse aux inclusions enrobees avec un enrobage mince ou epais. La resolution utilisee s'appuie sur une double homogeneisation realisee au niveau de l'inclusion enrobee et du materiau. Cette nouvelle demarche, permettra d'apprehender completement les implications des approximations de la modelisation. Les resultats obtenus sont exploites par la suite dans la solution de l'assemblage de Hashin. Ainsi, plusieurs modeles micromecaniques classiques d'origines differentes se voient unifier et rattacher, dans ce travail, a la representation geometrique de Hashin. En plus de pouvoir apprecier completement la pertinence de l'approximation de chaque modele dans cette vision unique, l'extension correcte de ces modeles aux materiaux multiphasiques est rendue possible. Plusieurs modeles analytiques et explicites sont alors proposee suivant des solutions de differents ordres de l'assemblage de Hashin. L'un des modeles explicite apparait comme une correction directe du modele de Mori-Tanaka, dans les cas ou celui ci echoue a donner de bons resultats. Finalement, ce modele de Mori-Tanaka corrige est utilise avec les operateurs de Hill pour construire un modele de transition d'echelle pour les materiaux ayant une interphase elastoplastique. La loi de comportement effective trouvee est de nature incrementale et elle est conjuguee a la relation de la plasticite de l'interphase. Des simulations d'essais mecaniques pour plusieurs proprietes de l'interphase plastique a permis de dresser des profils de l'enrobage octroyant un meilleur comportement au materiau.

Validating Human Performance Models of the Future Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wong, Douglas T.; Walters, Brett; Fairey, Lisa

2010-01-01

NASA's Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) will provide transportation for crew and cargo to and from destinations in support of the Constellation Architecture Design Reference Missions. Discrete Event Simulation (DES) is one of the design methods NASA employs for crew performance of the CEV. During the early development of the CEV, NASA and its prime Orion contractor Lockheed Martin (LM) strived to seek an effective low-cost method for developing and validating human performance DES models. This paper focuses on the method developed while creating a DES model for the CEV Rendezvous, Proximity Operations, and Docking (RPOD) task to the International Space Station. Our approach to validation was to attack the problem from several fronts. First, we began the development of the model early in the CEV design stage. Second, we adhered strictly to M&S development standards. Third, we involved the stakeholders, NASA astronauts, subject matter experts, and NASA's modeling and simulation development community throughout. Fourth, we applied standard and easy-to-conduct methods to ensure the model's accuracy. Lastly, we reviewed the data from an earlier human-in-the-loop RPOD simulation that had different objectives, which provided us an additional means to estimate the model's confidence level. The results revealed that a majority of the DES model was a reasonable representation of the current CEV design.

Learning with Multiple Representations: Infographics as Cognitive Tools for Authentic Learning in Science Literacy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gebre, Engida

2018-01-01

This paper presents a descriptive case study where infographics--visual representation of data and ideas--have been used as cognitive tools to facilitate learning with multiple representations in the context of secondary school students' science news reporting. Despite the complementary nature of the two research foci, studies on cognitive tools…

Some Recent Developments in Turbulence Closure Modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Durbin, Paul A.

2018-01-01

Turbulence closure models are central to a good deal of applied computational fluid dynamical analysis. Closure modeling endures as a productive area of research. This review covers recent developments in elliptic relaxation and elliptic blending models, unified rotation and curvature corrections, transition prediction, hybrid simulation, and data-driven methods. The focus is on closure models in which transport equations are solved for scalar variables, such as the turbulent kinetic energy, a timescale, or a measure of anisotropy. Algebraic constitutive representations are reviewed for their role in relating scalar closures to the Reynolds stress tensor. Seamless and nonzonal methods, which invoke a single closure model, are reviewed, especially detached eddy simulation (DES) and adaptive DES. Other topics surveyed include data-driven modeling and intermittency and laminar fluctuation models for transition prediction. The review concludes with an outlook.

Ce que peut la sociologie.

PubMed

Lahire, Bernard

2017-08-01

When it is relational, processual, and it articulates the incorporated dispositions of the actors and the contexts of their actions, sociology "desevidentialize," denaturalize, desubstantialize, and historicize the social world by contributing to do away with spontaneous representations that distort the reality of things. Besides, when sociology studies the social at the level of the individuals and individual actions, it destroys the fictions (juridical and philosophical) of the isolated individuals, enclosed on himself, free and fully conscious of everything. By producing images of the real state of the social world, sociology fully participates in the democratic life of our societies and should, therefore, be at the heart of the formation of citizens. Lorsqu'elle est relationnelle, processuelle, et qu'elle articule les dispositions incorporées des acteurs et les contextes de leurs actions, la sociologie 'désévidentialise', dénaturalise, désubstantialise et historicise le monde social en contribuant à chasser les représentations spontanées qui déforment la réalité des choses. Lorsque, par ailleurs, elle étudie le social à l'échelle des individus et des actions individuelles, elle détruit les fictions (juridique comme philosophique) de l'individu isolé, enfermé sur lui-même, libre et pleinement conscient de tout. Produisant des images un tant soit peu précises et justes de l'état réel du monde social, la sociologie participe pleinement à la vie démocratique de nos sociétés et devrait, pour cette raison, être au cœur de la formation des citoyens. © 2017 Canadian Sociological Association/La Société canadienne de sociologie.

Estimation des masses, des centres de gravite ainsi que des moments d'inertie de l'avion cessna citation X

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chahbani, Samia

The masses, centers of gravity and moments of inertia are the main parameters in the three phases of the design of the aircraft. They are of extreme importance in the studies of the stability and proper functioning of the aircraft by modeling and simulation methods. Unfortunately, these data are not always available given the confidentiality of aerospace field. A question arises naturally: How to estimate the mass, center of gravity and moments of inertia of an aircraft based on only its geometry? In this context in which this thesis is realized, the masses are estimated by Raymer`s methods. The aircraft described in procedures based on mechanical techniques engineers are used for determining the centers of gravity. The DATCOM is applied for obtaining moments of inertia. Finally, the results obtained are validated by using the flight simulator at the LARCASE corresponding to Cessna Citation X. we conclude with a representation of an analytical model that sum up the different step to follow up for estimating masses, centers of gravity and moments of inertia for any commercial aircraft.

Analyse chronometrique intersexes de la resolution de la tache d'horizontalite des liquides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berthiaume, Francois

D'abondantes recherches ont demontre que la reussite a la tache d'horizontalite des liquides est en moyenne plus elevee chez les individus de sexe masculin que chez ceux de sexe feminin. Deux facteurs principaux ont ete proposes: il s'agit de la connaissance du principe physique de l'invariance de l'orientation des liquides et de certaines habiletes perceptives d'ordre visuel. Le but de la presente recherche est d'etablir la duree detaillee de la resolution de la tache d'horizontalite des liquides chez 185 filles et 180 garcons, ages de 15 a 19 ans et repartis en 8 groupes. Dans une version informatisee, le premier groupe trace la position de la surface de l'eau a l'interieur d'un contenant dans diverses inclinaisons et le deuxieme evalue si l'orientation d'une ligne y represente bien cette position; le troisieme groupe trace une horizontale dans un rectangle et le quatrieme juge si la ligne illustree y est bien horizontale. Quatre autres groupes executent respectivement les memes taches dans la version classique papier-crayon. Le temps accorde a la reflexion avant de commencer le trace, le temps de tracage comme tel et le temps de verification du trace complete sont calcules. Chez les groupes qui evaluent l'orientation d'une ligne sur support informatique, le temps requis pour y parvenir est note. Enfin, un questionnaire estime si les participants connaissent ou non le principe physique d'invariance de l'orientation de la surface d'un liquide. Les resultats revelent que cette connaissance est plus frequente chez les garcons dans l'ensemble des groupes. Dans le cas ou les sujets ont a tracer une ligne, les filles reussissent moins d'essais que les garcons s'il faut, sur support informatique, tracer la surface de l'eau dans un contenant incline ou a l'horizontale. Il en va de meme s'il faut, sur support papier, tracer une horizontale dans un contenant incline. Le trace de la surface de l'eau est plus exact chez les sujets connaissant le principe d'invariance et l'ecart intersexes disparait si l'analyse tient compte de cette connaissance. Sur le plan du temps de reponse, les deux sexes ne se distinguent que lors du trace de la surface de l'eau dans un contenant incline, les garcons reflechissant alors plus longtemps. Le temps mis a produire, puis a verifier un trace, ne differe pas selon le sexe des participants. Dans l'evaluation de l'orientation d'une ligne cependant, les filles ne se distinguent pas des garcons et les participants connaissant le principe d'invariance reussissent mieux que ceux l'ignorant. Par ailleurs, les filles procedent toujours moins rapidement que les garcons. Pour les contenants inclines ou a l'horizontale, si la ligne represente la surface de l'eau, la difference intersexes est annulee quand la connaissance du principe est prise en compte. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

Canadian Mathematics Education Study Group = Groupe Canadien d'etude en didactique des mathematiques. Proceedings of the 1993 Annual Meeting (York, Ontario, Canada, May 28-June 1, 1993).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Quigley, Martyn, Ed.

These proceedings contain papers presented at the 1993 annual meeting of the Canadian Mathematics Education Study Group. Papers are presented in four sections: (1) invited lectures; (2) working groups; (3) topic groups; and (4) ad hoc groups. Papers include: (1) "What is a Square Root? A Study of Geometrical Representation in Different…

Improving the Representation of Human Factors in Operational Analysis

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-10-01

Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) via Human Factors Integration Defence Technology Centre ( HFI DTC) activities. In particular this study’s Theme...Framework has been exploited in the HFI DTC Social Organisational Framework study, and the study team has provided a short extract for contribution to...the HFI DTC Handbook. The study has also been explicitly referenced in support to future MOD OA research studies. 8 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS This

Simulating Mission Command for Planning and Analysis

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-06-01

mission plan. 14. SUBJECT TERMS Mission Planning, CPM , PERT, Simulation, DES, Simkit, Triangle Distribution, Critical Path 15. NUMBER OF...Battalion Task Force CO Company CPM Critical Path Method DES Discrete Event Simulation FA BAT Field Artillery Battalion FEL Future Event List FIST...management tools that can be utilized to find the critical path in military projects. These are the Critical Path Method ( CPM ) and the Program Evaluation and

Instruments of scientific visual representation in atomic databases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kazakov, V. V.; Kazakov, V. G.; Meshkov, O. I.

2017-10-01

Graphic tools of spectral data representation provided by operating information systems on atomic spectroscopy—ASD NIST, VAMDC, SPECTR-W3, and Electronic Structure of Atoms—for the support of scientific-research and human-resource development are presented. Such tools of visual representation of scientific data as those of the spectrogram and Grotrian diagram plotting are considered. The possibility of comparative analysis of the experimentally obtained spectra and reference spectra of atomic systems formed according to the database of a resource is described. The access techniques to the mentioned graphic tools are presented.

Data encryption standard ASIC design and development report.

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

Robertson, Perry J.; Pierson, Lyndon George; Witzke, Edward L.

2003-10-01

This document describes the design, fabrication, and testing of the SNL Data Encryption Standard (DES) ASIC. This device was fabricated in Sandia's Microelectronics Development Laboratory using 0.6 {micro}m CMOS technology. The SNL DES ASIC was modeled using VHDL, then simulated, and synthesized using Synopsys, Inc. software and finally IC layout was performed using Compass Design Automation's CAE tools. IC testing was performed by Sandia's Microelectronic Validation Department using a HP 82000 computer aided test system. The device is a single integrated circuit, pipelined realization of DES encryption and decryption capable of throughputs greater than 6.5 Gb/s. Several enhancements accommodate ATMmore » or IP network operation and performance scaling. This design is the latest step in the evolution of DES modules.« less

World heritage site - Bien du Patrimoine Mondial - Kluane/Wrangell-St. Elias/Glacier Bay/Tatshenshini-Alsek

USGS Publications Warehouse

Labay, Keith A.; Wilson, Frederic H.

2004-01-01

The four parks depicted on this map make up a single World Heritage Site that covers 24.3 million acres. Together, they comprise the largest internationally protected land-based ecosystem on the planet. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) established the World Heritage Program in 1972 for the identification and protection of the world?s irreplaceable natural and cultural resources. World Heritage Sites are important as storehouses of memory and evolution, as anchors for sustainable tourism and community, and as laboratories for the study and understanding of the earth and culture. This World Heritage Site protects the prominent mountain ranges of Kluane, Wrangell, Saint Elias, and Chugach. It includes many of the tallest peaks on the continent, the world's largest non-polar icefield, extensive glaciers, vital watersheds, and expanses of dramatic wilderness. [Les quatre parcs figurant sur cette carte ne constituent qu?un seul site du patrimoine mondial recouvrant plus de 99 millions de km2, ce qui en fait le plus grand ecosysteme terrestre protege par loi internationale. En 1972, L?UNESCO (l?organisation des Nations Unies pour les sciences, l'education et la culture) a etabli le programme du patrimoine mondial afin d?identifier et de proteger les ressources naturelles et culturelles irremplacables de notre plan?te. Si les sites du patrimoine mondial sont si importants c'est parce qu'ils representent a la fois des livres ouverts sur l?histoire de la Terre, le point de depart du tourisme durable et du developpement des collectivites, des laboratoires pour etudier et comprendre la nature et la culture. Ce site du patrimoine mondial assure la protection des chaines de montagnes de Kluane, Wrangell, Saint Elias, et Chugach. On y trouve plusieurs des plus hauts sommets du continent, le plus grand champ de glace non-polaire du monde, d?immenses glaciers, des bassins hydrologiques essentiels, et de la nature sauvage a perte de vue.

Extending peripersonal space representation without tool-use: evidence from a combined behavioral-computational approach

PubMed Central

Serino, Andrea; Canzoneri, Elisa; Marzolla, Marilena; di Pellegrino, Giuseppe; Magosso, Elisa

2015-01-01

Stimuli from different sensory modalities occurring on or close to the body are integrated in a multisensory representation of the space surrounding the body, i.e., peripersonal space (PPS). PPS dynamically modifies depending on experience, e.g., it extends after using a tool to reach far objects. However, the neural mechanism underlying PPS plasticity after tool use is largely unknown. Here we use a combined computational-behavioral approach to propose and test a possible mechanism accounting for PPS extension. We first present a neural network model simulating audio-tactile representation in the PPS around one hand. Simulation experiments showed that our model reproduced the main property of PPS neurons, i.e., selective multisensory response for stimuli occurring close to the hand. We used the neural network model to simulate the effects of a tool-use training. In terms of sensory inputs, tool use was conceptualized as a concurrent tactile stimulation from the hand, due to holding the tool, and an auditory stimulation from the far space, due to tool-mediated action. Results showed that after exposure to those inputs, PPS neurons responded also to multisensory stimuli far from the hand. The model thus suggests that synchronous pairing of tactile hand stimulation and auditory stimulation from the far space is sufficient to extend PPS, such as after tool-use. Such prediction was confirmed by a behavioral experiment, where we used an audio-tactile interaction paradigm to measure the boundaries of PPS representation. We found that PPS extended after synchronous tactile-hand stimulation and auditory-far stimulation in a group of healthy volunteers. Control experiments both in simulation and behavioral settings showed that the same amount of tactile and auditory inputs administered out of synchrony did not change PPS representation. We conclude by proposing a simple, biological-plausible model to explain plasticity in PPS representation after tool-use, which is supported by computational and behavioral data. PMID:25698947

Extending peripersonal space representation without tool-use: evidence from a combined behavioral-computational approach.

PubMed

Serino, Andrea; Canzoneri, Elisa; Marzolla, Marilena; di Pellegrino, Giuseppe; Magosso, Elisa

2015-01-01

Stimuli from different sensory modalities occurring on or close to the body are integrated in a multisensory representation of the space surrounding the body, i.e., peripersonal space (PPS). PPS dynamically modifies depending on experience, e.g., it extends after using a tool to reach far objects. However, the neural mechanism underlying PPS plasticity after tool use is largely unknown. Here we use a combined computational-behavioral approach to propose and test a possible mechanism accounting for PPS extension. We first present a neural network model simulating audio-tactile representation in the PPS around one hand. Simulation experiments showed that our model reproduced the main property of PPS neurons, i.e., selective multisensory response for stimuli occurring close to the hand. We used the neural network model to simulate the effects of a tool-use training. In terms of sensory inputs, tool use was conceptualized as a concurrent tactile stimulation from the hand, due to holding the tool, and an auditory stimulation from the far space, due to tool-mediated action. Results showed that after exposure to those inputs, PPS neurons responded also to multisensory stimuli far from the hand. The model thus suggests that synchronous pairing of tactile hand stimulation and auditory stimulation from the far space is sufficient to extend PPS, such as after tool-use. Such prediction was confirmed by a behavioral experiment, where we used an audio-tactile interaction paradigm to measure the boundaries of PPS representation. We found that PPS extended after synchronous tactile-hand stimulation and auditory-far stimulation in a group of healthy volunteers. Control experiments both in simulation and behavioral settings showed that the same amount of tactile and auditory inputs administered out of synchrony did not change PPS representation. We conclude by proposing a simple, biological-plausible model to explain plasticity in PPS representation after tool-use, which is supported by computational and behavioral data.

Generative Representations for Computer-Automated Design Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hornby, Gregory S.

2004-01-01

With the increasing computational power of Computers, software design systems are progressing from being tools for architects and designers to express their ideas to tools capable of creating designs under human guidance. One of the main limitations for these computer-automated design programs is the representation with which they encode designs. If the representation cannot encode a certain design, then the design program cannot produce it. Similarly, a poor representation makes some types of designs extremely unlikely to be created. Here we define generative representations as those representations which can create and reuse organizational units within a design and argue that reuse is necessary for design systems to scale to more complex and interesting designs. To support our argument we describe GENRE, an evolutionary design program that uses both a generative and a non-generative representation, and compare the results of evolving designs with both types of representations.

Modelisation numerique de l'hydrologie pour l'aide a la gestion des bassins versants, par l'utilisation conjointe des systemes d'information geographique et de la methode des elements finis un nouvel outil pour le developpement durable SAGESS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bel Hadj Kacem, Mohamed Salah

All hydrological processes are affected by the spatial variability of the physical parameters of the watershed, and also by human intervention on the landscape. The water outflow from a watershed strictly depends on the spatial and temporal variabilities of the physical parameters of the watershed. It is now apparent that the integration of mathematical models into GIS's can benefit both GIS and three-dimension environmental models: a true modeling capability can help the modeling community bridge the gap between planners, scientists, decision-makers and end-users. The main goal of this research is to design a practical tool to simulate run-off water surface using Geographic design a practical tool to simulate run-off water surface using Geographic Information Systems and the simulation of the hydrological behavior by the Finite Element Method.

DISCRETE EVENT SIMULATION OF OPTICAL SWITCH MATRIX PERFORMANCE IN COMPUTER NETWORKS

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

Imam, Neena; Poole, Stephen W

2013-01-01

In this paper, we present application of a Discrete Event Simulator (DES) for performance modeling of optical switching devices in computer networks. Network simulators are valuable tools in situations where one cannot investigate the system directly. This situation may arise if the system under study does not exist yet or the cost of studying the system directly is prohibitive. Most available network simulators are based on the paradigm of discrete-event-based simulation. As computer networks become increasingly larger and more complex, sophisticated DES tool chains have become available for both commercial and academic research. Some well-known simulators are NS2, NS3, OPNET,more » and OMNEST. For this research, we have applied OMNEST for the purpose of simulating multi-wavelength performance of optical switch matrices in computer interconnection networks. Our results suggest that the application of DES to computer interconnection networks provides valuable insight in device performance and aids in topology and system optimization.« less

DES Science Portal: Computing Photometric Redshifts

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

Gschwend, Julia

An important challenge facing photometric surveys for cosmological purposes, such as the Dark Energy Survey (DES), is the need to produce reliable photometric redshifts (photo-z). The choice of adequate algorithms and configurations and the maintenance of an up-to-date spectroscopic database to build training sets, for example, are challenging tasks when dealing with large amounts of data that are regularly updated and constantly growing. In this paper, we present the first of a series of tools developed by DES, provided as part of the DES Science Portal, an integrated web-based data portal developed to facilitate the scientific analysis of the data,more » while ensuring the reproducibility of the analysis. We present the DES Science Portal photometric redshift tools, starting from the creation of a spectroscopic sample to training the neural network photo-z codes, to the final estimation of photo-zs for a large photometric catalog. We illustrate this operation by calculating well calibrated photo-zs for a galaxy sample extracted from the DES first year (Y1A1) data. The series of processes mentioned above is run entirely within the Portal environment, which automatically produces validation metrics, and maintains the provenance between the different steps. This system allows us to fine tune the many steps involved in the process of calculating photo-zs, making sure that we do not lose the information on the configurations and inputs of the previous processes. By matching the DES Y1A1 photometry to a spectroscopic sample, we define different training sets that we use to feed the photo-z algorithms already installed at the Portal. Finally, we validate the results under several conditions, including the case of a sample limited to i<22.5 with the color properties close to the full DES Y1A1 photometric data. This way we compare the performance of multiple methods and training configurations. The infrastructure presented here is an effcient way to test several methods of calculating photo-zs and use them to create different catalogs for portal science workflows« less

Multivariate Pattern Analysis Reveals Category-Related Organization of Semantic Representations in Anterior Temporal Cortex.

PubMed

Malone, Patrick S; Glezer, Laurie S; Kim, Judy; Jiang, Xiong; Riesenhuber, Maximilian

2016-09-28

The neural substrates of semantic representation have been the subject of much controversy. The study of semantic representations is complicated by difficulty in disentangling perceptual and semantic influences on neural activity, as well as in identifying stimulus-driven, "bottom-up" semantic selectivity unconfounded by top-down task-related modulations. To address these challenges, we trained human subjects to associate pseudowords (TPWs) with various animal and tool categories. To decode semantic representations of these TPWs, we used multivariate pattern classification of fMRI data acquired while subjects performed a semantic oddball detection task. Crucially, the classifier was trained and tested on disjoint sets of TPWs, so that the classifier had to use the semantic information from the training set to correctly classify the test set. Animal and tool TPWs were successfully decoded based on fMRI activity in spatially distinct subregions of the left medial anterior temporal lobe (LATL). In addition, tools (but not animals) were successfully decoded from activity in the left inferior parietal lobule. The tool-selective LATL subregion showed greater functional connectivity with left inferior parietal lobule and ventral premotor cortex, indicating that each LATL subregion exhibits distinct patterns of connectivity. Our findings demonstrate category-selective organization of semantic representations in LATL into spatially distinct subregions, continuing the lateral-medial segregation of activation in posterior temporal cortex previously observed in response to images of animals and tools, respectively. Together, our results provide evidence for segregation of processing hierarchies for different classes of objects and the existence of multiple, category-specific semantic networks in the brain. The location and specificity of semantic representations in the brain are still widely debated. We trained human participants to associate specific pseudowords with various animal and tool categories, and used multivariate pattern classification of fMRI data to decode the semantic representations of the trained pseudowords. We found that: (1) animal and tool information was organized in category-selective subregions of medial left anterior temporal lobe (LATL); (2) tools, but not animals, were encoded in left inferior parietal lobe; and (3) LATL subregions exhibited distinct patterns of functional connectivity with category-related regions across cortex. Our findings suggest that semantic knowledge in LATL is organized in category-related subregions, providing evidence for the existence of multiple, category-specific semantic representations in the brain. Copyright © 2016 the authors 0270-6474/16/3610089-08$15.00/0.

Integrated Airframe Design Technology (Les Technologies pour la Conception Integree des Cellules)

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-12-01

encourageant ainsi une plus forte interaction entre les organisations, ce qui laisse prevoir une ing~nierie commune concurrente pour Ia conception des...cellules. La co-localisation de personnels de diff~rentes disciplines sera n~cessaire. mais ceci pourrait se faire sous Ia forme d’une "co...integrated analysis tool Their presentation highlighted the development (e.g., ELFINI) for managing aeroelasticity, of an Aeroelastic Design

Tackling the 2nd V: Big Data, Variety and the Need for Representation Consistency

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clune, T.; Kuo, K. S.

2016-12-01

While Big Data technologies are transforming our ability to analyze ever larger volumes of Earth science data, practical constraints continue to limit our ability to compare data across datasets from different sources in an efficient and robust manner. Within a single data collection, invariants such as file format, grid type, and spatial resolution greatly simplify many types of analysis (often implicitly). However, when analysis combines data across multiple data collections, researchers are generally required to implement data transformations (i.e., "data preparation") to provide appropriate invariants. These transformation include changing of file formats, ingesting into a database, and/or regridding to a common spatial representation, and they can either be performed once, statically, or each time the data is accessed. At the very least, this process is inefficient from the perspective of the community as each team selects its own representation and privately implements the appropriate transformations. No doubt there are disadvantages to any "universal" representation, but we posit that major benefits would be obtained if a suitably flexible spatial representation could be standardized along with tools for transforming to/from that representation. We regard this as part of the historic trend in data publishing. Early datasets used ad hoc formats and lacked metadata. As better tools evolved, published data began to use standardized formats (e.g., HDF and netCDF) with attached metadata. We propose that the modern need to perform analysis across data sets should drive a new generation of tools that support a standardized spatial representation. More specifically, we propose the hierarchical triangular mesh (HTM) as a suitable "generic" resolution that permits standard transformations to/from native representations in use today, as well as tools to convert/regrid existing datasets onto that representation.

Drug-eluting stents. Insights from invasive imaging technologies.

PubMed

Honda, Yasuhiro

2009-08-01

Drug-eluting stents (DES) represent a revolutionary technology in their unique ability to provide both mechanical and biological solutions simultaneously to the target lesion. As a result of biological effects from the pharmacological agents and interaction of DES components with the arterial wall, considerable differences exist between DES and conventional bare metal stents (BMS), yet some of the old lessons learned in the BMS era remain clinically significant. In this context, contrast angiography provides very little information about in vivo device properties and their biomechanical effects on the arterial wall. In contrast, current catheter-based imaging tools, such as intravascular ultrasound, optical coherence tomography, and intracoronary angioscopy can offer unique insights into DES through direct assessment of the device and treated vessel in the clinical setting. This article reviews these insights from current DES with particular focus on performance and safety characteristics as well as discussing an optimal deployment technique, based upon findings obtained through the use of the invasive imaging technologies.

Extension of perceived arm length following tool-use: clues to plasticity of body metrics.

PubMed

Sposito, Ambra; Bolognini, Nadia; Vallar, Giuseppe; Maravita, Angelo

2012-07-01

Humans hold a very accurate representation of the metrics of their body parts. Recent evidence shows that the spatial estimation of body parts length, as assessed through a bisection task, is even more accurate than that of non-corporeal extrapersonal objects (Sposito, Bolognini, Vallar, Posteraro, & Maravita (2009)). In the present paper we show that human participants estimate the mid-point of their forearm, which was kept in a radial posture, to be more distal following a 15-min training with a 60 cm-long tool as compared to pre tool-use. This outcome is compatible with an increased representation of the participants' forearm length. Control experiments show that this result was not due to a mere distal proprioceptive shift induced by tool-use, and was not replicated following the use of a 20 cm-long, functionally irrelevant tool. These results strongly support the view that, although the inner knowledge of one's own body metrics appears to be one of the more stable features of body representation, body-space interactions requiring the use of tools that extend the natural range of action, entail measurable dynamic changes in the representation of body metrics. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effets de l'humidite sur la propagation du delaminage dans un composite carbone/epoxy sollicite en mode mixte I/II

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

LeBlanc, Luc R.

Les materiaux composites sont de plus en plus utilises dans des domaines tels que l'aerospatiale, les voitures a hautes performances et les equipements sportifs, pour en nommer quelques-uns. Des etudes ont demontre qu'une exposition a l'humidite nuit a la resistance des composites en favorisant l'initiation et la propagation du delaminage. De ces etudes, tres peu traitent de l'effet de l'humidite sur l'initiation du delaminage en mode mixte I/II et aucune ne traite des effets de l'humidite sur le taux de propagation du delaminage en mode mixte I/II dans un composite. La premiere partie de cette these consiste a determiner les effets de l'humidite sur la propagation du delaminage lors d'une sollicitation en mode mixte I/II. Des eprouvettes d'un composite unidirectionnel de carbone/epoxy (G40-800/5276-1) ont ete immergees dans un bain d'eau distillee a 70°C jusqu'a leur saturation. Des essais experimentaux quasi-statiques avec des chargements d'une gamme de mixites des modes I/II (0%, 25%, 50%, 75% et 100%) ont ete executes pour determiner les effets de l'humidite sur la resistance au delaminage du composite. Des essais de fatigue ont ete realises, avec la meme gamme de mixite des modes I/II, pour determiner 1'effet de 1'humidite sur l'initiation et sur le taux de propagation du delaminage. Les resultats des essais en chargement quasi-statique ont demontre que l'humidite reduit la resistance au delaminage d'un composite carbone/epoxy pour toute la gamme des mixites des modes I/II, sauf pour le mode I ou la resistance au delaminage augmente apres une exposition a l'humidite. Pour les chargements en fatigue, l'humidite a pour effet d'accelerer l'initiation du delaminage et d'augmenter le taux de propagation pour toutes les mixites des modes I/II. Les donnees experimentales recueillies ont ete utilisees pour determiner lesquels des criteres de delaminage en statique et des modeles de taux de propagation du delaminage en fatigue en mode mixte I/II proposes dans la litterature representent le mieux le delaminage du composite etudie. Une courbe de regression a ete utilisee pour determiner le meilleur ajustement entre les donnees experimentales et les criteres de delaminage en statique etudies. Une surface de regression a ete utilisee pour determiner le meilleur ajustement entre les donnees experimentales et les modeles de taux de propagation en fatigue etudies. D'apres les ajustements, le meilleur critere de delaminage en statique est le critere B-K et le meilleur modele de propagation en fatigue est le modele de Kenane-Benzeggagh. Afin de predire le delaminage lors de la conception de pieces complexes, des modeles numeriques peuvent etre utilises. La prediction de la longueur de delaminage lors des chargements en fatigue d'une piece est tres importante pour assurer qu'une fissure interlaminaire ne va pas croitre excessivement et causer la rupture de cette piece avant la fin de sa duree de vie de conception. Selon la tendance recente, ces modeles sont souvent bases sur l'approche de zone cohesive avec une formulation par elements finis. Au cours des travaux presentes dans cette these, le modele de progression du delaminage en fatigue de Landry & LaPlante (2012) a ete ameliore en y ajoutant le traitement des chargements en mode mixte I/II et en y modifiant l'algorithme du calcul de la force d'entrainement maximale du delaminage. Une calibration des parametres de zone cohesive a ete faite a partir des essais quasi-statiques experimentaux en mode I et II. Des resultats de simulations numeriques des essais quasi-statiques en mode mixte I/II, avec des eprouvettes seches et humides, ont ete compares avec les essais experimentaux. Des simulations numeriques en fatigue ont aussi ete faites et comparees avec les resultats experimentaux du taux de propagation du delaminage. Les resultats numeriques des essais quasi-statiques et de fatigue ont montre une bonne correlation avec les resultats experimentaux pour toute la gamme des mixites des modes I/II etudiee.

Subsetting and Formatting Landsat-7 LOR ETM+ and Data Products

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reid, Michael R.

2000-01-01

The Landsat-7 Processing System (LPS) processes Landsat-7 Enhanced Thematic Mapper (ETM+) instrument data into large, contiguous segments called "subintervals" and stores them in Level OR (LOR) data files. The LPS processed subinterval products must be subsetted and reformatted before the Level I processing systems can ingest them. The initial full subintervals produced by the LPS are stored mainly in HDF Earth Observing System (HDF-EOS) format which is an extension to the Hierarchical Data Format (HDF). The final LOR products are stored in native HDF format. Primarily the EOS Core System (ECS) and alternately the DAAC Emergency System (DES) subset the subinterval data for the operational Landsat-7 data processing systems. The HDF and HDF-EOS application programming interfaces (APIs) can be used for extensive data subsetting and data reorganization. A stand-alone subsetter tool has been developed which is based on some of the DES code. This tool makes use of the HDF and HDFEOS APIs to perform Landsat-7 LOR product subsetting and demonstrates how HDF and HDFEOS can be used for creating various configurations of full LOR products. How these APIs can be used to efficiently subset, format, and organize Landsat-7 LOR data as demonstrated by the subsetter tool and the DES is discussed.

Moteurs piézo-électriques à onde progressive : I. Modélisation de la conversion d'énergie mécanique à l'interface stator/rotor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Minotti, P.; Le Moal, P.; Buchaillot, L.; Ferreira, A.

1996-10-01

The modeling of traveling wave type piezoelectric motors involves a large variety of mechanical and physical phenomena and therefore leads to numerous approaches and models. The latter, mainly based on phenomenological and numerical (based on Finite Element Method) analyses, are not suitable for current objectives oriented toward the development of efficient C.A.D. tools. As a result, an attempt is done to investigate analytical approaches, in order to theoretically model the mechanical energy conversion at the stator/rotor interface. This paper is the first in a serie of three articles devoted to the modeling of such rotative motors. After a short description of the operating principles specific to the piezomotors, the mechanical and tribological assumptions made for the driving mechanism of the rotor are briefly described. Then it is shown that the kinematic and dynamic modeling of the stator, combined with the static representation of the stator/rotor interface, gives an efficient way in order to perform the calculation of the loading characteristics of the driving shaft. Finally, the specifications of a new software named C.A.S.I.M.M.I.R.E., which has been recently developed on the basis of our earlier mechanical modeling, are described. In the last of these three papers, the theoretical simulations performed on SHINSEI Japanese motors will show to be close to the experimental data and that the results reported in this paper will lead to the structural optimization of future traveling wave ultrasonic motors. La modélisation des moteurs piézo-électriques à onde progressive implique une grande variété de phénomènes physiques et mécaniques. Cette variété conduit à des approches et modèles tout aussi nombreux et variés, qui reposent principalement sur des analyses phénoménologiques et numériques (Méthode Élements Finis), et ne permettent pas de répondre aux éxigences actuelles concernant le développement d'outils C.A.O. performants. Cette nécessité nous a conduits à développer une modélisation théorique analytique de la conversion d'énergie à l'interface stator/rotor. Ce papier est le premier d'une série de trois articles consacrés à la modélisation des moteurs piézo-électriques rotatifs. Après une rapide description des principes de fonctionnement de ces piézomoteurs, les hypothèses mécaniques et tribologiques concernant le mécanisme d'entraînement du rotor sont énoncées succinctement. On démontre ensuite que la modélisation cinématique et dynamique du stator, combinée à une représentation statique du comportement à l'interface stator/rotor, autorise l'évaluation des caractéristiques en charge des moteurs à onde progressive. Enfin, le logiciel baptisé C.A.S.I.M.M.I.R.E., récemment développé sur la base de la modélisation mécanique précédente, est présenté puis testé. Dans le dernier article de cette série, nous confirmerons la validité des simulations théoriques issues de ce logiciel, à partir de la caractérisation expérimentale de moteurs japonais de la firme SHINSEI. Ce nouveau logiciel constitue d'ores et déjà un outil performant en vue de l'optimisation des futurs moteurs à onde progressive, et a déjà fait l'objet d'une première exploitation en milieu industriel.

Cognitive Dissonance as an Instructional Tool for Understanding Chemical Representations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Corradi, David; Clarebout, Geraldine; Elen, Jan

2015-01-01

Previous research on multiple external representations (MER) indicates that sequencing representations (compared with presenting them as a whole) can, in some cases, increase conceptual understanding if there is interference between internal and external representations. We tested this mechanism by sequencing different combinations of scientific…

Health technology assessment process of a cardiovascular medical device in four different settings.

PubMed

Olry de Labry Lima, Antonio; Espín Balbino, Jaime; Lemgruber, Alexandre; Caro Martínez, Araceli; García-Mochón, Leticia; Martín Ruiz, Eva; Lessa, Fernanda

2017-10-01

Health technology assessment (HTA) is a tool to help the decision-making process. The aim is to describe methods and processes used in the reimbursement decision making for drug-eluting stents (DES) in four different settings. DES as a technology under study was selected according to different criteria, all of them agreed by a working group. A survey of key informants was designed. DES was evaluated following well-structured HTA processes. Nonetheless, scope for improvement was observed in relation to the data considered for the final decision, the transparency and inclusiveness of the process as well as in the methods employed. An attempt to describe the HTA processes of a well-known medical device.

Picture this: The value of multiple visual representations for student learning of quantum concepts in general chemistry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Allen, Emily Christine

Mental models for scientific learning are often defined as, "cognitive tools situated between experiments and theories" (Duschl & Grandy, 2012). In learning, these cognitive tools are used to not only take in new information, but to help problem solve in new contexts. Nancy Nersessian (2008) describes a mental model as being "[loosely] characterized as a representation of a system with interactive parts with representations of those interactions. Models can be qualitative, quantitative, and/or simulative (mental, physical, computational)" (p. 63). If conceptual parts used by the students in science education are inaccurate, then the resulting model will not be useful. Students in college general chemistry courses are presented with multiple abstract topics and often struggle to fit these parts into complete models. This is especially true for topics that are founded on quantum concepts, such as atomic structure and molecular bonding taught in college general chemistry. The objectives of this study were focused on how students use visual tools introduced during instruction to reason with atomic and molecular structure, what misconceptions may be associated with these visual tools, and how visual modeling skills may be taught to support students' use of visual tools for reasoning. The research questions for this study follow from Gilbert's (2008) theory that experts use multiple representations when reasoning and modeling a system, and Kozma and Russell's (2005) theory of representational competence levels. This study finds that as students developed greater command of their understanding of abstract quantum concepts, they spontaneously provided additional representations to describe their more sophisticated models of atomic and molecular structure during interviews. This suggests that when visual modeling with multiple representations is taught, along with the limitations of the representations, it can assist students in the development of models for reasoning about abstract topics such as atomic and molecular structure. There is further gain if students' difficulties with these representations are targeted through the use additional instruction such as a workbook that requires the students to exercise their visual modeling skills.

Elaboration d'un plan de transition et de mise en oeuvre pour ameliorer la gestion de l'obsolescence dans une entreprise du secteur aeronautique =

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Conrad, Heloise

L'evolution technologique des composants electroniques entraine des problemes de gestion de l'obsolescence dans le secteur aeronautique. Les systemes aeronautiques ont en effet des durees de vie nettement superieures aux composants qu'ils contiennent. Cette difference de duree de vie et les normes strictes propres a l'aeronautique obligent les constructeurs a mettre en place une gestion efficace de l'obsolescence pour eviter les couts supplementaires de maintenance et de retards. De plus, a cause des faibles volumes de production qu'ils representent, les constructeurs aeronautiques n'ont que peu de controle sur leur chaine d'approvisionnement. La litterature offre beaucoup d'etudes sur l'obsolescence, appliquees a l'aeronautique. Les auteurs recommandent de mettre en place des processus de gestion et de prevision de l'obsolescence, et de construire des relations de collaboration avec leurs fournisseurs, qui ont plus de visibilite sur la chaine d'approvisionnement. Cette recherche presente d'abord l'elaboration d'une liste de criteres de bonne gestion de l'obsolescence, ainsi que la creation d'une methode de generation de plan de transition et de mise en oeuvre de l'amelioration de la gestion et de la prevision de l'obsolescence pour un cas concret. La methode est creee pour un manufacturier aeronautique ne possedant pas de systemes de gestion proactive ou de prevision de l'obsolescence. La creation de la methode s'est faite en suivant la methodologie de la science de la conception, en impliquant les employes concernes par la gestion de l'obsolescence. La methode comporte douze (12) etapes, amenant au developpement du plan de transition et de mise en oeuvre. Pour applique la methode, divers entretiens individuels et de groupe ont ete realises. Ces entretiens ont aussi permis de lister les criteres de gestion et de prevision efficaces de l'obsolescence. Cette liste a ete comparee avec les criteres issus de la litterature. En respect des besoins enonces par les employes et des conseils d'un industriel expert en obsolescence des composants avioniques, le plan de transition et de mise en oeuvre cree se divise en trois (3) phases : 1) amelioration de la gestion de l'obsolescence, 2) amelioration de la prevision de l'obsolescence et 3) gestion des fournisseurs. Meme si le plan de transition n'a pas ete applique dans l'entreprise partenaire, la methode et le plan cree ont ete approuves par les employes et utilisateurs.

Gestural Imitation and Limb Apraxia in Corticobasal Degeneration

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Salter, Jennifer E.; Roy, Eric A.; Black, Sandra E.; Joshi, Anish; Almeida, Quincy

2004-01-01

Limb apraxia is a common symptom of corticobasal degeneration (CBD). While previous research has shown that individuals with CBD have difficulty imitating transitive (tool-use actions) and intransitive non-representational gestures (nonsense actions), intransitive representational gestures (actions without a tool) have not been examined. In the…

The Spectra of Des S-Boxes

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-06-01

Consider the BF defined as f : F22 → F2, with ANF given by 1⊕ x1⊕ x2. The truth table representation is given in Table 4.8. x2 x1 f 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 1...1 Table 4.8: Truth Table Representation for 1⊕ x1⊕ x2. WT F(w) =W ( f )(w) = ∑ x∈ F22 f (x) · (−1)<w·x> F(00) = 1(−1)0 +0+0+1(−1)0 = 2 F(01) = 1(−1)0...Fn2 [51, 68]. The function f (x) = x1x2 on F22 is bent since the Walsh-Hadamard spectrum is |F̂(u)| = 22/2 =(2,2,2,−2). Another version of Fourier

Conceptual Learning with Multiple Graphical Representations: Intelligent Tutoring Systems Support for Sense-Making and Fluency-Building Processes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rau, Martina A.

2013-01-01

Most learning environments in the STEM disciplines use multiple graphical representations along with textual descriptions and symbolic representations. Multiple graphical representations are powerful learning tools because they can emphasize complementary aspects of complex learning contents. However, to benefit from multiple graphical…

PubMed

Albers, Andreas E; Kaufmann, Andreas M

2018-05-01

Zanotti L et al. Epidermal growth factor receptor detection in serum and saliva as a diagnostic and prognostic tool in oral cancer. Laryngoscope 2017; 127: E408–E414 DER EGF-REZEPTOR (EGFR) IST EIN TRANSMEMBRANREZEPTOR MIT INTRINSISCHER TYROSINKINASE-AKTIVITäT, DER IN ALLEN ZELLARTEN VORKOMMT. DIE ÜBEREXPRESSION DES EGFR IST BEI VERSCHIEDENEN TUMORARTEN NACHWEISBAR, SO AUCH BEIM PLATTENEPITHELKARZINOM IM MUNDRAUM (OSCC). DEN DIAGNOSTISCHEN UND PROGNOSTISCHEN WERT DES EGFR BEIM OSCC AUS SERUM UND SPEICHEL BESTIMMTEN ITALIENISCHE ÄRZTE DER UNIVERSITäT VON BRESCIA.

Reconnaissance invariante d'objets 3-D et correlation SONG

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roy, Sebastien

Cette these propose des solutions a deux problemes de la reconnaissance automatique de formes: la reconnaissance invariante d'objets tridimensionnels a partir d'images d'intensite et la reconnaissance robuste a la presence de bruit disjoint. Un systeme utilisant le balayage angulaire des images et un classificateur par trajectoires d'espace des caracteristiques permet d'obtenir la reconnaissance invariante d'objets tridimensionnels. La reconnaissance robuste a la presence de bruit disjoint est realisee au moyen de la correlation SONG. Nous avons realise la reconnaissance invariante aux translations, rotations et changements d'echelle d'objets tridimensionnels a partir d'images d'intensite segmentees. Nous utilisons le balayage angulaire et un classificateur a trajectoires d'espace des caracteris tiques. Afin d'obtenir l'invariance aux translations, le centre de balayage angulaire coincide avec le centre geometrique de l'image. Le balayage angulaire produit un vecteur de caracteristiques invariant aux changements d'echelle de l'image et il transforme en translations du signal les rotations autour d'un axe parallele a la ligne de visee. Le classificateur par trajectoires d'espace des caracteristiques represente une rotation autour d'un axe perpendiculaire a la ligne de visee par une courbe dans l'espace. La classification se fait par la mesure de la distance du vecteur de caracteristiques de l'image a reconnaitre aux trajectoires stockees dans l'espace. Nos resultats numeriques montrent un taux de classement atteignant 98% sur une banque d'images composee de 5 vehicules militaires. La correlation non-lineaire generalisee en tranches orthogonales (SONG) traite independamment les niveaux de gris presents dans une image. Elle somme les correlations lineaires des images binaires ayant le meme niveau de gris. Cette correlation est equivalente a compter le nombre de pixels situes aux memes positions relatives et ayant les memes intensites sur deux images. Nous presentons une realisation opto-electronique de la correlation SONG. Cette realisation utilise le correlateur a transformees conjointes. Les resultats des experiences numeriques et optiques montrent que le bruit disjoint ne nuit pas a la correlation SONG.

Generative Representations for Computer-Automated Evolutionary Design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hornby, Gregory S.

2006-01-01

With the increasing computational power of computers, software design systems are progressing from being tools for architects and designers to express their ideas to tools capable of creating designs under human guidance. One of the main limitations for these computer-automated design systems is the representation with which they encode designs. If the representation cannot encode a certain design, then the design system cannot produce it. To be able to produce new types of designs, and not just optimize pre-defined parameterizations, evolutionary design systems must use generative representations. Generative representations are assembly procedures, or algorithms, for constructing a design thereby allowing for truly novel design solutions to be encoded. In addition, by enabling modularity, regularity and hierarchy, the level of sophistication that can be evolved is increased. We demonstrate the advantages of generative representations on two different design domains: the evolution of spacecraft antennas and the evolution of 3D objects.

Effects of an ontology display with history representation on organizational memory information systems.

PubMed

Hwang, Wonil; Salvendy, Gavriel

2005-06-10

Ontologies, as a possible element of organizational memory information systems, appear to support organizational learning. Ontology tools can be used to share knowledge among the members of an organization. However, current ontology-viewing user interfaces of ontology tools do not fully support organizational learning, because most of them lack proper history representation in their display. In this study, a conceptual model was developed that emphasized the role of ontology in the organizational learning cycle and explored the integration of history representation in the ontology display. Based on the experimental results from a split-plot design with 30 participants, two conclusions were derived: first, appropriately selected history representations in the ontology display help users to identify changes in the ontologies; and second, compatibility between types of ontology display and history representation is more important than ontology display and history representation in themselves.

"The Electric City": Sherbrooke et son paysage hydroelectrique (1880--1930)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guillemette, Remi

Ce memoire presente l'imbrication des elements hydroelectrique au sein du paysage de la ville de Sherbrooke entre 1880 et 1930. Nous cherchons a comprendre comment les nouveaux elements energetiques s'integrent a celui-ci et comment la population sherbrookoise se represente ces espaces transformes. Comment le paysage hydroelectrique, en tant qu'espace vu et vecu, interagit-il avec la societe sherbrookoise ? A l'interieur de cette problematique generale, nous chercherons a repondre a trois sous-questions. Quelles sont les transformations physiques et materielles engendrees par l'implantation de cette nouvelle technologie hydroelectrique sur le paysage urbain sherbrookois ? Qu'est-ce que les differents groupes valorisent au sein du paysage ? Quel sens prennent ces nouveaux paysages pour les Sherbrookois ? En effet, l'etude du developpement rapide du potentiel hydroelectrique de la riviere Magog nous amene a demontrer que l'exploitation des ressources energetiques a profondement transforme le paysage de Sherbrooke : vastes modifications du trace des cours d'eau, apparition de batiments specifiques a la production energetique, structures de distributions et infrastructures permettant l'illumination de la ville. Nous avancons aussi que differents groupes d'individus ne valorisent pas les memes elements paysagers. Finalement, nous proposons que le regard porte par les citoyens sur le paysage energetique est tributaire de l'usage qu'ils en font. Comme la fonction des elements energetiques paysagers evolue, le regard qu' ils portent vers ces structures se transforme lui aussi. Mots cles: histoire de Sherbrooke, paysage, hydroelectricite, electricite, transformation de l'espace, histoire environnementale

The Ability of Young Korean Children to Use Spatial Representations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kim, Minsung; Bednarz, Robert; Kim, Jaeyil

2012-01-01

The National Research Council emphasizes using tools of representation as an essential element of spatial thinking. However, it is debatable at what age the use of spatial representation for spatial thinking skills should begin. This study investigated whether young Korean children possess the potential to understand map-like representation using…

Effects of Computer-Based Visual Representation on Mathematics Learning and Cognitive Load

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yung, Hsin I.; Paas, Fred

2015-01-01

Visual representation has been recognized as a powerful learning tool in many learning domains. Based on the assumption that visual representations can support deeper understanding, we examined the effects of visual representations on learning performance and cognitive load in the domain of mathematics. An experimental condition with visual…

The Influence of Action Perception on Object Recognition: A Developmental Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mounoud, Pierre; Duscherer, Katia; Moy, Guenael; Perraudin, Sandrine

2007-01-01

Two experiments explored the existence and the development of relations between action representations and object representations. A priming paradigm was used in which participants viewed an action pantomime followed by the picture of a tool, the tool being either associated or unassociated with the preceding action. Overall, we observed that the…

"Will I Learn What I Want to Learn?" Usable Representations, "Students" and OECD Assessment Production

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shahjahan, Riyad A.; Morgan, Clara; Nguyen, David J.

2015-01-01

Amid growing debates around international assessment tools in educational policy, few have critically examined how students themselves are cast in policy tool production processes and discourse. Drawing on Stuart Hall's concept of representation, we show how higher education (HE) "students" are constructed, fixed and normalized by the…

Generating and Analyzing Visual Representations of Conic Sections with the Use of Technological Tools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Santos-Trigo, Manuel; Espinosa-Perez, Hugo; Reyes-Rodriguez, Aaron

2006-01-01

Technological tools have the potential to offer students the possibility to represent information and relationships embedded in problems and concepts in ways that involve numerical, algebraic, geometric, and visual approaches. In this paper, the authors present and discuss an example in which an initial representation of a mathematical object…

Nonstandard Dirac equations for nonstandard spinors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nikitin, A. G.

2014-11-01

Generalized Dirac equation with operator mass term is presented. Its solutions are nonstandard spinors (NSS) which, like eigenspinoren des Ladungskonjugationsoperators (ELKO), are eigenvectors of the charge conjugation and dual-helicity operators. It is demonstrated that in spite of their noncovariant nature the NSS can serve as a carrier space of a representation of Poincaré group. However, the corresponding boost generators are not manifestly covariant and generate nonlocal momentum dependent transformations, which are presented explicitly. These results can present a new look on group-theoretical grounds of ELKO theories.

Discours oraux--discours ecrits: quelles relations? Actes du 4eme colloque d'orthophoine/logopedie (Neuchatel, 3-4 octobre, 1996) (Oral Discourse--Written Discourse: What Is the Relationship? Proceedings of the Colloquium on Speech Therapy (4th, Neuchatel, Switzerland, October 3-4, 1996).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Py, Bernard, Ed.

1996-01-01

Research papers on the relationship between oral and written language include: "Une distinction bien fragile: oral/ecrit" ("A Fragile Distinction: Oral/Written") (Francoise Gadet); "Oral et ecrit dans les representations des enseignants et dans les pratiques quotidiennes de la classe de francais" ("Oral and Written Language in Teachers'…

Mission Assignment Model and Simulation Tool for Different Types of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-09-01

TABLE OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS AAA Anti Aircraft Artillery ATO Air Tasking Order BDA Battle Damage Assessment DES Discrete Event Simulation...clock is advanced in small, fixed time steps. Since the value of simulated time is important in DES , an internal variable, called as simulation clock...VEHICLES Yücel Alver Captain, Turkish Air Force B.S., Turkish Air Force Academy, 2000 Murat Özdoğan 1st Lieutenant, Turkish Air Force B.S., Turkish

Immediate tool incorporation processes determine human motor planning with tools

PubMed Central

Ganesh, G.; Yoshioka, T.; Osu, R.; Ikegami, T.

2014-01-01

Human dexterity with tools is believed to stem from our ability to incorporate and use tools as parts of our body. However tool incorporation, evident as extensions in our body representation and peri-personal space, has been observed predominantly after extended tool exposures and does not explain our immediate motor behaviours when we change tools. Here we utilize two novel experiments to elucidate the presence of additional immediate tool incorporation effects that determine motor planning with tools. Interestingly, tools were observed to immediately induce a trial-by-trial, tool length dependent shortening of the perceived limb lengths, opposite to observations of elongations after extended tool use. Our results thus exhibit that tools induce a dual effect on our body representation; an immediate shortening that critically affects motor planning with a new tool, and the slow elongation, probably a consequence of skill related changes in sensory-motor mappings with the repeated use of the tool. PMID:25077612

Comprendre la maltraitance des aînés en pratique familiale

PubMed Central

Yaffe, Mark J.; Tazkarji, Bachir

2012-01-01

Résumé Objectif Présenter ce qui constitue la maltraitance des aînés, ce dont les médecins de famille devraient être au courant, les signes et les symptômes laissant présager de mauvais traitements chez des adultes plus âgés, comment l’outil Elder Abuse Suspicion Index peut aider à détecter la maltraitance et les options qui existent pour réagir en cas de soupçons de maltraitance. Sources des données On a fait une recension dans MEDLINE, PsycINFO et Social Work Abstracts pour trouver des publications en français ou en anglais, de 1970 à 2011, à l’aide des expressions elder abuse, elder neglect, elder mistreatment, seniors, older adults, violence, identification, detection tools et signs and symptoms. Les publications pertinentes ont fait l’objet d’un examen. Message principal La maltraitance des aînés est une cause importante de morbidité et de mortalité chez les adultes plus âgés. Si les médecins de famille sont bien placés pour détecter des mauvais traitements infligés aux aînés, leurs taux réels de signalement de cas de maltraitance sont plus faibles que dans d’autres professions. Cette situation pourrait s’améliorer s’ils comprenaient mieux les genres d’agissements qui constituent de la maltraitance des aînés, ainsi que les signes et les symptômes observés au bureau qui pourraient pointer vers des cas de mauvais traitements. La détection de tels cas pourrait être facilitée par le recours à un court outil validé, comme l’Elder Abuse Suspicion Index. Conclusion Les médecins de famille peuvent jouer un rôle plus important dans la détection d’une éventuelle maltraitance des aînés. Une fois qu’on soupçonne de mauvais traitements, il existe dans la plupart des communautés des services sociaux ou des forces de l’ordre accessibles pour effectuer des évaluations plus approfondies et intervenir.

Improvement in the technological feasibility of a web-based dietary survey system in local settings.

PubMed

Jung, Hyun Ju; Lee, Sang Eun; Kim, Dongwoo; Noh, Hwayoung; Song, Sujin; Kang, Minji; Song, Yoon Ju; Paik, Hee-Young

2015-01-01

The feasibility of a dietary survey tool is crucial for successful nutritional assessment via a community survey and for nutritional epidemiology. In 2012, we identified a newly developed computerized dietary survey system, the Diet Evaluation System (DES), which could be successfully applied to a community survey delivered during home visits using notebook computers when the internet environment was adequate, using either a WiBro modem or a smartphone as a tethered modem. In 2013, we retested DES feasibility using various mobile devices and in a larger number of subjects. We conducted a total of 430 interviews, representing two for each of 215 subjects of various ages, using tablet personal computers (PCs) and laptops. In addition, a group discussion with the interviewers was conducted. The interview success rate was improved to 84% (compared to 67% in 2012). Completing each interview took 14 min 1 s, and data processing was conducted automatically. The subjects' age, gender, and the type of mobile device used influenced the DES interview time. This study implies that the DES is an effective one-stop dietary survey system for use in a local setting. The interviewers' group discussion revealed that a one-stop system using the DES is convenient and that DES optimization for tablet PCs and continued database updating is needed.

Solution des systemes de controle de grandes dimensions basee sur les boucles de retroaction dans la simulation des reseaux electriques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mugombozi, Chuma Francis

The generation of electrical energy, as well as its transportation and consumption, requires complex control systems for the regulation of power and frequency. These control systems must take into account, among others, new energy sources such as wind energy and new technologies for interconnection by high voltage DC link. These control systems must be able to monitor and achieve such regulation in accordance with the dynamics of the energy source, faults and other events which may induce transients phenomena into the power network. Such transients conditions have to be analyzed using the most accurate and detailed hence, complex models of control system. In addition, in the feasibility study phase, the calibration or the setup of equipment as well as in the operation of the power network, one may require decision aid tools for engineers. This includes, for instance, knowledge of energy dissipated into the arresters in transient analysis. These tools use simulation programs data as inputs and may require that complex functions be solved with numerical methods. These functions are part of control system in computer simulator. Moreover, the simulation evolves in a broader context of the development of digital controller, distributed and parallel high performance computing and rapid evolutions in computer (multiprocessor) technology. In such context, a continuing improvement of the control equations solver is welcomed. Control systems are modelled using ax=b simultaneous system of equations. These equations are sometimes non-linear with feedback loops and thus require iterative Newton methods, including the formation of a Jacobian matrix and ordering as well as processing by graph theory tools. The proposed approach is based on the formulation of a reduced rank Jacobian matrix. The dimension is reduced up to the count of feedback loops. With this new approach, gains in computation speed are expected without compromising its accuracy when compared to classical full rank Jacobian matrix representation. A directed graph representation is adopted and a proper approach for detecting and removing cycles within the graph is introduced. A condition of all zero eigenvalues of adjacency matrix of the graph is adopted. The transformation of the graph of controls with no cycle permits a formulation of control equations for only feedback points. This yields a general feedback interconnection (GFBI) representation of control, which is the main contribution of this thesis. Methods for solving (non-linear) equations of control systems were deployed into the new GFBI approach. Five variants of the new approach were illustrated including firstly, a basic Newton method (1), a more robust one, the Dogleg method (2) and a fixed-point iterations method (3). I. The presented approach is implemented in Electromagnetic Transient program EMTP-RV and tested on practical systems of various types and levels of complexity: the PLL, an asynchronous machine with 87 blocks reduced to 23 feedback equations by GFBI, and 12 wind power plants integrated to the IEEE-39 buses system. Further analysis, which opens up avenues for future research includes comparison of the proposed approach against existing ones. With respect to the sole representation, it is shown that the proposed approach is equivalent to full classic representation of system of equations through a proper substitution process which complies with topological sequence and by skipping feedback variable identified by GFBI. Moreover, a second comparison with state space based approach, such as that in MATLAB/Simulink, shows that output evaluation step in state-space approach with algebraic constraints is similar to the GFBI. The algebraic constraints are similar to feedback variables. A difference may arise, however, when the number of algebraic constraints is not the optimal number of cuts for the GFBI method: for the PLL, for example, MATLAB/Simulink generated 3 constraints while the GFBI generated only 2. The GFBI method may offer some advantages in this case. A last analysis axis prompted further work in initialization. It is shown that GFBI method may modifies the convergence properties of iterations of the Newton method. The Newton- Kantorovich theorem, using bounds on the norms of the Jacobian, has been applied to the proposed GFBI and classic full representation of control equations. The expressions of the Jacobian norms have been established for generic cases using Coates graph. It appears from the analysis of a simple case, for the same initial conditions, the behaviour of the Newton- Kantorovich theorem differs in both cases. These differences may also be more pronounced in the non-linear case. Further work would be useful to investigate this aspect and, eventually, pave the way to new initialization approaches. Despite these limitations, not to mention areas for improvement in further work, one notes the contribution of this thesis to improve the gain of time on simulation for the solution of control systems. (Abstract shortened by UMI.).

Impulse-Momentum Diagrams

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rosengrant, David

2011-01-01

Multiple representations are a valuable tool to help students learn and understand physics concepts. Furthermore, representations help students learn how to think and act like real scientists. These representations include: pictures, free-body diagrams, energy bar charts, electrical circuits, and, more recently, computer simulations and…

Chimpanzees' context-dependent tool use provides evidence for separable representations of hand and tool even during active use within peripersonal space.

PubMed

Povinelli, Daniel J; Reaux, James E; Frey, Scott H

2010-01-01

Considerable attention has been devoted to behaviors in which tools are used to perform actions in extrapersonal space by extending the reach. Evidence suggests that these behaviors result in an expansion of the body schema and peripersonal space. However, humans often use tools to perform tasks within peripersonal space that cannot be accomplished with the hands. In some of these instances (e.g., cooking), a tool is used as a substitute for the hand in order to pursue actions that would otherwise be hazardous. These behaviors suggest that even during the active use of tools, we maintain non-isomorphic representations that distinguish between our hands and handheld tools. Understanding whether such representations are a human specialization is of potentially great relevance to understand the evolutionary history of technological behaviors including the controlled use of fire. We tested six captive adult chimpanzees to determine whether they would elect to use a tool, rather than their hands, when acting in potentially hazardous vs. nonhazardous circumstances located within reach. Their behavior suggests that, like humans, chimpanzees represent the distinction between the hand vs. tool even during active use. We discuss the implications of this evidence for our understanding of tool use and its evolution.

The Challenge of Multiple Perspectives: Multiple Solution Tasks for Students Incorporating Diverse Tools and Representation Systems

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kordaki, Maria

2015-01-01

This study focuses on the role of multiple solution tasks (MST) incorporating multiple learning tools and representation systems (MTRS) in encouraging each student to develop multiple perspectives on the learning concepts under study and creativity of thought. Specifically, two types of MST were used, namely tasks that allowed and demanded…

Underwater Photogrammetry, Coded Target and Plenoptic Technology: a Set of Tools for Monitoring Red Coral in Mediterranean Sea in the Framework of the "perfect" Project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Drap, P.; Royer, J. P.; Nawaf, M. M.; Saccone, M.; Merad, D.; López-Sanz, À.; Ledoux, J. B.; Garrabou, J.

2017-02-01

PErfECT "Photogrammetry, gEnetic, Ecology for red coral ConservaTion" is a project leaded by the Laboratoire des Sciences de lInformation et des Systmes (LSIS - UMR 7296 CNRS) from the Aix-Marseille University (France) in collaboration with the Spanish National Agency for Scientific Research (CSIC, Spain). The main objective of the project is to develop innovative Tools for the conservation of the Mediterranean red coral, Corallium rubrum. PErfECT was funded by the Total Fundation. The adaptation of digital photogrammetric techniques for use in submarine is rapidly increasing in recent years. In fact, these techniques are particularly well suited for use in underwater environments. PErfECT developed different photogrammetry tools to enhance the red coral population surveys based in: (i) automatic orientation on coded quadrats, (ii) use of NPR (Non Photo realistic Rendering) techniques, (iii) the calculation of distances between colonies within local populations and finally (iv) the use of plenoptic approaches in underwater conditions.

Teaching structure: student use of software tools for understanding macromolecular structure in an undergraduate biochemistry course.

PubMed

Jaswal, Sheila S; O'Hara, Patricia B; Williamson, Patrick L; Springer, Amy L

2013-01-01

Because understanding the structure of biological macromolecules is critical to understanding their function, students of biochemistry should become familiar not only with viewing, but also with generating and manipulating structural representations. We report a strategy from a one-semester undergraduate biochemistry course to integrate use of structural representation tools into both laboratory and homework activities. First, early in the course we introduce the use of readily available open-source software for visualizing protein structure, coincident with modules on amino acid and peptide bond properties. Second, we use these same software tools in lectures and incorporate images and other structure representations in homework tasks. Third, we require a capstone project in which teams of students examine a protein-nucleic acid complex and then use the software tools to illustrate for their classmates the salient features of the structure, relating how the structure helps explain biological function. To ensure engagement with a range of software and database features, we generated a detailed template file that can be used to explore any structure, and that guides students through specific applications of many of the software tools. In presentations, students demonstrate that they are successfully interpreting structural information, and using representations to illustrate particular points relevant to function. Thus, over the semester students integrate information about structural features of biological macromolecules into the larger discussion of the chemical basis of function. Together these assignments provide an accessible introduction to structural representation tools, allowing students to add these methods to their biochemical toolboxes early in their scientific development. © 2013 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

Direct observation of multistep energy transfer in LHCII with fifth-order 3D electronic spectroscopy.

PubMed

Zhang, Zhengyang; Lambrev, Petar H; Wells, Kym L; Garab, Győző; Tan, Howe-Siang

2015-07-31

During photosynthesis, sunlight is efficiently captured by light-harvesting complexes, and the excitation energy is then funneled towards the reaction centre. These photosynthetic excitation energy transfer (EET) pathways are complex and proceed in a multistep fashion. Ultrafast two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy (2DES) is an important tool to study EET processes in photosynthetic complexes. However, the multistep EET processes can only be indirectly inferred by correlating different cross peaks from a series of 2DES spectra. Here we directly observe multistep EET processes in LHCII using ultrafast fifth-order three-dimensional electronic spectroscopy (3DES). We measure cross peaks in 3DES spectra of LHCII that directly indicate energy transfer from excitons in the chlorophyll b (Chl b) manifold to the low-energy level chlorophyll a (Chl a) via mid-level Chl a energy states. This new spectroscopic technique allows scientists to move a step towards mapping the complete complex EET processes in photosynthetic systems.

Developing young adults' representational competence through infographic-based science news reporting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gebre, Engida H.; Polman, Joseph L.

2016-12-01

This study presents descriptive analysis of young adults' use of multiple representations in the context of science news reporting. Across one semester, 71 high school students, in a socioeconomically diverse suburban secondary school in Midwestern United States, participated in activities of researching science topics of their choice and producing infographic-based science news for possible online publication. An external editor reviewed their draft infographics and provided comments for subsequent revision. Students also provided peer feedback to the draft version of infographics using an online commentary tool. We analysed the nature of representations students used as well as the comments from peer and the editor feedback. Results showed both students' capabilities and challenges in learning with representations in this context. Students frequently rely on using certain kinds of representations that are depictive in nature, and supporting their progress towards using more abstract representations requires special attention and identifying learning gaps. Results also showed that students were able to determine representational adequacy in the context of providing peer feedback. The study has implication for research and instruction using infographics as expressive tools to support learning.

Tool use as distributed cognition: how tools help, hinder and define manual skill.

PubMed

Baber, Chris; Parekh, Manish; Cengiz, Tulin G

2014-01-01

Our thesis in this paper is that, in order to appreciate the interplay between cognitive (goal-directed) and physical performance in tool use, it is necessary to determine the role that representations play in the use of tools. We argue that rather being solely a matter of internal (mental) representation, tool use makes use of the external representations that define the human-environment-tool-object system. This requires the notion of Distributed Cognition to encompass not simply the manner in which artifacts represent concepts but also how they represent praxis. Our argument is that this can be extended to include how artifacts-in-context afford use and how this response to affordances constitutes a particular form of skilled performance. By artifacts-in-context, we do not mean solely the affordances offered by the physical dimensions of a tool but also the interaction between the tool and the object that it is being used on. From this, "affordance" does not simply relate to the physical appearance of the tool but anticipates subsequent actions by the user directed towards the goal of changing the state of the object and this is best understood in terms of the "complimentarity" in the system. This assertion raises two challenges which are explored in this paper. The first is to distinguish "affordance" from the adaptation that one might expect to see in descriptions of motor control; when we speak of "affordance" as a form of anticipation, don't we just mean the ability to adjust movements in response to physical demands? The second is to distinguish "affordance" from a schema of the tool; when we talk about anticipation, don't we just mean the ability to call on a schema representing a "recipe" for using that tool for that task? This question of representation, specifically what knowledge needs to be represented in tool use, is central to this paper.

What puts the how in where? Tool use and the divided visual streams hypothesis.

PubMed

Frey, Scott H

2007-04-01

An influential theory suggests that the dorsal (occipito-parietal) visual stream computes representations of objects for purposes of guiding actions (determining 'how') independently of ventral (occipito-temporal) stream processes supporting object recognition and semantic processing (determining 'what'). Yet, the ability of the dorsal stream alone to account for one of the most common forms of human action, tool use, is limited. While experience-dependent modifications to existing dorsal stream representations may explain simple tool use behaviors (e.g., using sticks to extend reach) found among a variety of species, skillful use of manipulable artifacts (e.g., cups, hammers, pencils) requires in addition access to semantic representations of objects' functions and uses. Functional neuroimaging suggests that this latter information is represented in a left-lateralized network of temporal, frontal and parietal areas. I submit that the well-established dominance of the human left hemisphere in the representation of familiar skills stems from the ability for this acquired knowledge to influence the organization of actions within the dorsal pathway.

Developpement et evaluation d'un environnement informatise d'apprentissage pour faciliter l'integration des sciences et de la technologie

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saliba, Marie-Therese

2011-12-01

Through this research we will fully assess the benefits brought by the ExAO (Computer Assisted Experimentation) in school laboratories of science and technology in Lebanon. We would also like to mention its contribution in a tangible way in laboratory research of Pedagogic Robotic from Montreal University, particularly in the development of ExAO mulaboratory. We wanted to test the capabilities of the ExAO, its use in the classroom such as: 1. A replacement of a traditional laboratory in the use of the experimental method. 2. A scientific investigation tool. 3. An integration tool of experimental sciences and mathematics. 4. An integration tool of experimental sciences, mathematics and technology in the technoscientific learning. To do so, we have mobilized 13 group classes, designated teachers to experiment themselves along with their students in order to assess, in a more realistic way, the benefits of implementing this micro computer laboratory at school. Different testing, evaluated using the results of learning activities undertaken by students, their responses to a questionnaire and feedback from teachers, show that: 1. The replacement of a traditional laboratory with an ExAO mulaboratory does not seem to pose problem, expected that students have adapted to it in only ten minutes, indicating that the speed with which data were graphed was more productive. 2. In order to investigate a physical phenomenon, the usability of the tutorial associated with the ability to amplify the phenomenon before its graph representation, has allowed students to design and implement quickly and independently an experiment to verify their prediction. 3. The integration of mathematics into an experimental approach can quickly grasp the phenomenon. In addition, it gives more autonomy and a meaning to the graphs and algebraic representations allowing to use them as a cognitive tool to interpret this phenomenon. 4. The approach made by the students to design and construct a technological object, showed that this activity was easily carried out by the use of universal sensors, amplifiers to offset the graphical modeling tool, and the tutorial ability to transform any measured variable by another variable (for instance, the resistance variation in temperature change, ...). This educational activity shows that students had no difficulty integrating in a single learning activity the mathematics, experimental sciences and technology, in order to design and implement a functional piece of technology. The ExAO mulaboratory, by offering new educational opportunities, such as the ability to design, produce and validate a technological object, in order to do so, new capacities to boost measures, modeling physical phenomena, developing new sensors, is an important addition to the experiments being conducted in ExAO. Keywords: ExAO, teaching, integration, Lebanese schools.

Syntactic levels, lexicalism, and ellipsis: The jury is still out.

PubMed

Hartsuiker, Robert J; Bernolet, Sarah

2017-01-01

Structural priming data are sometimes compatible with several theoretical views, as shown here for three key theoretical claims. One reason is that prime sentences affect multiple representational levels driving syntactic choice. Additionally, priming is affected by further cognitive functions (e.g., memory). We therefore see priming as a useful tool for the investigation of linguistic representation but not the only tool.

Knowledge Organization through Multiple Representations in a Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning Environment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Namdar, Bahadir; Shen, Ji

2018-01-01

Computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) environments provide learners with multiple representational tools for storing, sharing, and constructing knowledge. However, little is known about how learners organize knowledge through multiple representations about complex socioscientific issues. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to…

Unsteady Three-Dimensional Simulation of a Shear Coaxial GO2/GH2 Rocket Injector with RANS and Hybrid-RAN-LES/DES Using Flamelet Models

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Westra, Doug G.; West, Jeffrey S.; Richardson, Brian R.

2015-01-01

Historically, the analysis and design of liquid rocket engines (LREs) has relied on full-scale testing and one-dimensional empirical tools. The testing is extremely expensive and the one-dimensional tools are not designed to capture the highly complex, and multi-dimensional features that are inherent to LREs. Recent advances in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools have made it possible to predict liquid rocket engine performance, stability, to assess the effect of complex flow features, and to evaluate injector-driven thermal environments, to mitigate the cost of testing. Extensive efforts to verify and validate these CFD tools have been conducted, to provide confidence for using them during the design cycle. Previous validation efforts have documented comparisons of predicted heat flux thermal environments with test data for a single element gaseous oxygen (GO2) and gaseous hydrogen (GH2) injector. The most notable validation effort was a comprehensive validation effort conducted by Tucker et al. [1], in which a number of different groups modeled a GO2/GH2 single element configuration by Pal et al [2]. The tools used for this validation comparison employed a range of algorithms, from both steady and unsteady Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (U/RANS) calculations, large-eddy simulations (LES), detached eddy simulations (DES), and various combinations. A more recent effort by Thakur et al. [3] focused on using a state-of-the-art CFD simulation tool, Loci/STREAM, on a two-dimensional grid. Loci/STREAM was chosen because it has a unique, very efficient flamelet parameterization of combustion reactions that are too computationally expensive to simulate with conventional finite-rate chemistry calculations. The current effort focuses on further advancement of validation efforts, again using the Loci/STREAM tool with the flamelet parameterization, but this time with a three-dimensional grid. Comparisons to the Pal et al. heat flux data will be made for both RANS and Hybrid RANSLES/ Detached Eddy simulations (DES). Computation costs will be reported, along with comparison of accuracy and cost to much less expensive two-dimensional RANS simulations of the same geometry.

Development and psychometric evaluation of the Decisional Engagement Scale (DES-10): A patient-reported psychosocial survey for quality cancer care.

PubMed

Hoerger, Michael; Chapman, Benjamin P; Mohile, Supriya G; Duberstein, Paul R

2016-09-01

In light of recent health care reforms, we have provided an illustrative example of new opportunities available for psychologists to develop patient-reported measures related to health care quality. Patient engagement in health care decision making has been increasingly acknowledged as a vital component of quality cancer care. We developed the 10-item Decisional Engagement Scale (DES-10), a patient-reported measure of engagement in decision making in cancer care that assesses patients' awareness of their diagnosis, sense of empowerment and involvement, and level of information seeking and planning. The National Institutes of Health's ResearchMatch recruitment tool was used to facilitate Internet-mediated data collection from 376 patients with cancer. DES-10 scores demonstrated good internal consistency reliability (α = .80), and the hypothesized unidimensional factor structure fit the data well. The reliability and factor structure were supported across subgroups based on demographic, socioeconomic, and health characteristics. Higher DES-10 scores were associated with better health-related quality of life (r = .31). In concurrent validity analyses controlling for age, socioeconomic status, and health-related quality of life, higher DES-10 scores were associated with higher scores on quality-of-care indices, including greater awareness of one's treatments, greater preferences for shared decision making, and clearer preferences about end-of-life care. A mini-measure, the DES-3, also performed well psychometrically. In conclusion, DES-10 and DES-3 scores showed evidence of reliability and validity, and these brief patient-reported measures can be used by researchers, clinicians, nonprofits, hospitals, insurers, and policymakers interested in evaluating and improving the quality of cancer care. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved).

Application of the verona coding definitions of emotional sequences (VR-CoDES) on a pediatric data set.

PubMed

Vatne, Torun M; Finset, Arnstein; Ørnes, Knut; Ruland, Cornelia M

2010-09-01

Adult patients present concerns as defined in the Verona Coding Definitions of Emotional Sequences (VR-CoDES), but we do not know how children express their concerns during medical consultations. This study aimed to evaluate the applicability of VR-CoDES to pediatric oncology consultations. Twenty-eight pediatric consultations were coded with the Verona Coding Definitions of Emotional Sequences (VR-CoDES), and the material was also qualitatively analyzed for descriptive purposes. Five consultations were randomly selected for reliability testing and descriptive statistics were computed. Perfect inter-rater reliability for concerns and moderate reliability for cues were obtained. Cues and/or concerns were present in over half of the consultations. Cues were more frequent than concerns, with the majority of cues being verbal hints to hidden concerns or non-verbal cues. Intensity of expressions, limitations in vocabulary, commonality of statements, and complexity of the setting complicated the use of VR-CoDES. Child-specific cues; use of the imperative, cues about past experiences, and use of onomatopoeia were observed. Children with cancer express concerns during medical consultations. VR-CoDES is a reliable tool for coding concerns in pediatric data sets. For future applications in pediatric settings an appendix should be developed to incorporate the child-specific traits. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

When your arm becomes mine: pathological embodiment of alien limbs using tools modulates own body representation.

PubMed

Garbarini, Francesca; Fossataro, Carlotta; Berti, Anna; Gindri, Patrizia; Romano, Daniele; Pia, Lorenzo; della Gatta, Francesco; Maravita, Angelo; Neppi-Modona, Marco

2015-04-01

Previous evidence has shown that active tool-use can reshape one's own body schema, extend peripersonal space and modulate the representation of related body parts. Here we investigate the effect of tool-use training on length representation of the contralesional forearm in brain-damaged hemiplegic patients who manifested a pathological embodiment of other people body parts. Four patients and 20 aged-matched healthy-controls were asked to estimate the mid-point of their contralesional forearm before and after 15 min of tool-use training (i.e. retrieving targets with a garbage plier). In the case of patients, training was always performed by the examiner's (alien) arm acting in two different positions, aligned (where the pathological embodiment occurs; E+ condition) or misaligned (where the pathological embodiment does not occur; E- condition) relative to the patients' shoulder. Healthy controls performed tool-use training either with their own arm (action condition) or observing the examiner's arm performing the task (observation condition), handling (observation with-tool condition) or not (observation without-tool condition) a similar tool. Crucially, in the E+ condition, when patients were convinced to perform the tool-use training with their own paralyzed arm, a significant overestimation effect was found (as in the Action condition with normal subjects): patients mislocated their forearm midpoint more proximally to the hand in the post- than in the pre-training phase. Conversely, in the E- condition, they did not show any overestimation effect, similarly to healthy subjects in the observation condition (neither in the with-tool nor in the without-tool condition significant overestimation effects were found). These findings show the existence of a tight link between spatial, motor and bodily representations and provide strong evidence that a pathological sense of body ownership can extend to intentional motor processes and modulate the sensory map of action-related body parts. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Tool use as distributed cognition: how tools help, hinder and define manual skill

PubMed Central

Baber, Chris; Parekh, Manish; Cengiz, Tulin G.

2014-01-01

Our thesis in this paper is that, in order to appreciate the interplay between cognitive (goal-directed) and physical performance in tool use, it is necessary to determine the role that representations play in the use of tools. We argue that rather being solely a matter of internal (mental) representation, tool use makes use of the external representations that define the human–environment–tool–object system. This requires the notion of Distributed Cognition to encompass not simply the manner in which artifacts represent concepts but also how they represent praxis. Our argument is that this can be extended to include how artifacts-in-context afford use and how this response to affordances constitutes a particular form of skilled performance. By artifacts-in-context, we do not mean solely the affordances offered by the physical dimensions of a tool but also the interaction between the tool and the object that it is being used on. From this, “affordance” does not simply relate to the physical appearance of the tool but anticipates subsequent actions by the user directed towards the goal of changing the state of the object and this is best understood in terms of the “complimentarity” in the system. This assertion raises two challenges which are explored in this paper. The first is to distinguish “affordance” from the adaptation that one might expect to see in descriptions of motor control; when we speak of “affordance” as a form of anticipation, don’t we just mean the ability to adjust movements in response to physical demands? The second is to distinguish “affordance” from a schema of the tool; when we talk about anticipation, don’t we just mean the ability to call on a schema representing a “recipe” for using that tool for that task? This question of representation, specifically what knowledge needs to be represented in tool use, is central to this paper. PMID:24605103

Comparing the Effects of Representational Tools in Collaborative and Individual Inquiry Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kolloffel, Bas; Eysink, Tessa H. S.; de Jong, Ton

2011-01-01

Constructing a representation in which students express their domain understanding can help them improve their knowledge. Many different representational formats can be used to express one's domain understanding (e.g., concept maps, textual summaries, mathematical equations). The format can direct students' attention to specific aspects of the…

Student Teachers' Knowledge about Chemical Representations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Taskin, Vahide; Bernholt, Sascha; Parchmann, Ilka

2017-01-01

Chemical representations serve as a communication tool not only in exchanges between scientists but also in chemistry lessons. The goals of the present study were to measure the extent of student teachers' knowledge about chemical representations, focusing on chemical formulae and structures in particular, and to explore which factors related to…

Interactivity of Visual Mathematical Representations: Factors Affecting Learning and Cognitive Processes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sedig, Kamran; Liang, Hai-Ning

2006-01-01

Computer-based mathematical cognitive tools (MCTs) are a category of external aids intended to support and enhance learning and cognitive processes of learners. MCTs often contain interactive visual mathematical representations (VMRs), where VMRs are graphical representations that encode properties and relationships of mathematical concepts. In…

On Representations and Situated Tools.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moreno-Armella, Luis

This paper suggests that the systems of representations that we use in mathematics have a cultural origin and concludes that the knowledge produced with the help of these systems of representation likewise has a cultural origin. This assertion forces a reformulation of the issue of objectivity in terms that differ from those inherited from…

Blue and green infrastructures implementation to solve stormwater management issues in a new urban development project - a modelling approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Versini, Pierre-Antoine; Tchiguirinskaia, Ioulia; Schertzer, Daniel

2016-04-01

Concentrating buildings and socio-economic activities, urban areas are particularly vulnerable to hydrological risks. Modification in climate may intensify already existing issues concerning stormwater management (due to impervious area) and water supply (due to the increase of the population). In this context, water use efficiency and best water management practices are key-issues in the urban environment already stressed. Blue and green infrastructures are nature-based solutions that provide synergy of the blue and green systems to provide multifunctional solutions and multiple benefits: increased amenity, urban heat island improvement, biodiversity, reduced energy requirements... They are particularly efficient to reduce the potential impact of new and existing developments with respect to stormwater and/or water supply issues. The Multi-Hydro distributed rainfall-runoff model represents an adapted tool to manage the impacts of such infrastructures at the urban basin scale. It is a numerical platform that makes several models interact, each of them representing a specific portion of the water cycle in an urban environment: surface runoff and infiltration depending on a land use classification, sub-surface processes and sewer network drainage. Multi-Hydro is still being developed at the Ecole des Ponts (open access from https://hmco.enpc.fr/Tools-Training/Tools/Multi-Hydro.php) to take into account the wide complexity of urban environments. The latest advancements have made possible the representation of several blue and green infrastructures (green roof, basin, swale). Applied in a new urban development project located in the Paris region, Multi-Hydro has been used to simulate the impact of blue and green infrastructures implementation. It was particularly focused on their ability to fulfil regulation rules established by local stormwater managers in order to connect the parcel to the sewer network. The results show that a combination of several blue and green infrastructures, if they are widely implemented, could represent an efficient tool to ensure regulation rules at the parcel scale.

A multicomponent matched filter cluster confirmation tool for eROSITA: initial application to the RASS and DES-SV data sets

DOE PAGES

Klein, M.; Mohr, J. J.; Desai, S.; ...

2017-11-14

We describe a multi-component matched filter cluster confirmation tool (MCMF) designed for the study of large X-ray source catalogs produced by the upcoming X-ray all-sky survey mission eROSITA. We apply the method to confirm a sample of 88 clusters with redshifts $0.05

Origine et developpement des industries de la langue (Origin and Development of Language Utilities). Publication K-8.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

L'Homme, Marie-Claude

The evolution of "language utilities," a concept confined largely to the francophone world and relating to the uses of language in computer science and the use of computer science for languages, is chronicled. The language utilities are of three types: (1) tools for language development, primarily dictionary databases and related tools;…

A multicomponent matched filter cluster confirmation tool for eROSITA: initial application to the RASS and DES-SV data sets

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

Klein, M.; Mohr, J. J.; Desai, S.

We describe a multi-component matched filter cluster confirmation tool (MCMF) designed for the study of large X-ray source catalogs produced by the upcoming X-ray all-sky survey mission eROSITA. We apply the method to confirm a sample of 88 clusters with redshifts $0.05

Managing resource capacity using hybrid simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmad, Norazura; Ghani, Noraida Abdul; Kamil, Anton Abdulbasah; Tahar, Razman Mat

2014-12-01

Due to the diversity of patient flows and interdependency of the emergency department (ED) with other units in hospital, the use of analytical models seems not practical for ED modeling. One effective approach to study the dynamic complexity of ED problems is by developing a computer simulation model that could be used to understand the structure and behavior of the system. Attempts to build a holistic model using DES only will be too complex while if only using SD will lack the detailed characteristics of the system. This paper discusses the combination of DES and SD in order to get a better representation of the actual system than using either modeling paradigm solely. The model is developed using AnyLogic software that will enable us to study patient flows and the complex interactions among hospital resources for ED operations. Results from the model show that patients' length of stay is influenced by laboratories turnaround time, bed occupancy rate and ward admission rate.

Investigation of Transonic Wake Dynamics for Mechanically Deployable Entry Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stern, Eric; Barnhardt, Michael; Venkatapathy, Ethiraj; Candler, Graham; Prabhu, Dinesh

2012-01-01

A numerical investigation of transonic flow around a mechanically deployable entry system being considered for a robotic mission to Venus has been performed, and preliminary results are reported. The flow around a conceptual representation of the vehicle geometry was simulated at discrete points along a ballistic trajectory using Detached Eddy Simulation (DES). The trajectory points selected span the low supersonic to transonic regimes with freestream Mach numbers from 1:5 to 0:8, and freestream Reynolds numbers (based on diameter) between 2:09 x 10(exp 6) and 2:93 x 10(exp 6). Additionally, the Mach 0:8 case was simulated at angles of attack between 0 and 5 . Static aerodynamic coefficients obtained from the data show qualitative agreement with data from 70deg sphere-cone wind tunnel tests performed for the Viking program. Finally, the effect of choices of models and numerical algorithms is addressed by comparing the DES results to those using a Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) model, as well as to results using a more dissipative numerical scheme.

The Effect of Using a Visual Representation Tool in a Teaching-Learning Sequence for Teaching Newton's Third Law

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Savinainen, Antti; Mäkynen, Asko; Nieminen, Pasi; Viiri, Jouni

2017-01-01

This paper presents a research-based teaching-learning sequence (TLS) that focuses on the notion of interaction in teaching Newton's third law (N3 law) which is, as earlier studies have shown, a challenging topic for students to learn. The TLS made systematic use of a visual representation tool--an interaction diagram (ID)--highlighting…

2D-dynamic representation of DNA sequences as a graphical tool in bioinformatics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bielińska-Wa̧Ż, D.; Wa̧Ż, P.

2016-10-01

2D-dynamic representation of DNA sequences is briefly reviewed. Some new examples of 2D-dynamic graphs which are the graphical tool of the method are shown. Using the examples of the complete genome sequences of the Zika virus it is shown that the present method can be applied for the study of the evolution of viral genomes.

Synthese de champs sonores adaptative

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gauthier, Philippe-Aubert

La reproduction de champs acoustiques est une approche physique au probleme technologique de la spatialisation sonore. Cette these concerne l'aspect physique de la reproduction de champs acoustiques. L'objectif principal est l'amelioration de la reproduction de champs acoustiques par "synthese de champs acoustiques" ("Wave Field Synthesis", WFS), une approche connue, basee sur des hypotheses de champ libre, a l'aide du controle actif par l'ajout de capteurs de l'erreur de reproduction et d'une boucle fermee. Un premier chapitre technique (chapitre 4) expose les resultats d'appreciation objective de la WFS par simulations et mesures experimentales. L'effet indesirable de la salle de reproduction sur les qualites objectives de la WFS fut illustre. Une premiere question de recherche fut ensuite abordee (chapitre 5), a savoir s'il est possible de reproduire des champs progressifs en salle dans un paradigme physique de controle actif: cette possibilite fut prouvee. L'approche technique privilegiee, "synthese de champs adaptative" ("Adaptive Wave Field Synthesis" [AWFS]), fut definie, puis simulee (chapitre 6). Cette approche d'AWFS comporte une originalite en controle actif et en reproduction de champs acoustiques: la fonction cout quadratique representant la minimisation des erreurs de reproduction inclut une regularisation de Tikhonov avec solution a priori qui vient de la WFS. L'etude de l'AWFS a l'aide de la decomposition en valeurs singulieres (chapitre 7) a permis de comprendre les mecanismes propres a l'AWFS. C'est la deuxieme principale originalite de la these. L'algorithme FXLMS (LMS et reference filtree) est modifie pour l'AWFS (chapitre 8). Le decouplage du systeme par decomposition en valeurs singulieres est illustre dans le domaine du traitement de signal et l'AWFS basee sur le controle independant des modes de rayonnement est simulee (chapitre 8). Ce qui constitue la troisieme originalite principale de cette these. Ces simulations du traitement de signal montrent l'efficacite des algorithmes et la capacite de l'AWFS a attenuer les erreurs attribuables a des reflexions acoustiques. Le neuvieme chapitre presente des resultats experimentaux d'AWFS. L'objectif etait de valider la methode et d'evaluer les performances de l'AWFS. Un autre algorithme prometteur est aussi teste. Les resultats demontrent la bonne marche de l'AWFS et des algorithmes testes. Autant dans le cas de la reproduction de champs harmoniques que dans le cas de la reproduction de champs a large bande, l'AWFS reduit l'erreur de reproduction de la WFS et les effets indesirables causes par les lieux de reproduction.

Integrated health management and control of complex dynamical systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tolani, Devendra K.

2005-11-01

A comprehensive control and health management strategy for human-engineered complex dynamical systems is formulated for achieving high performance and reliability over a wide range of operation. Results from diverse research areas such as Probabilistic Robust Control (PRC), Damage Mitigating/Life Extending Control (DMC), Discrete Event Supervisory (DES) Control, Symbolic Time Series Analysis (STSA) and Health and Usage Monitoring System (HUMS) have been employed to achieve this goal. Continuous-domain control modules at the lower level are synthesized by PRC and DMC theories, whereas the upper-level supervision is based on DES control theory. In the PRC approach, by allowing different levels of risk under different flight conditions, the control system can achieve the desired trade off between stability robustness and nominal performance. In the DMC approach, component damage is incorporated in the control law to reduce the damage rate for enhanced structural durability. The DES controller monitors the system performance and, based on the mission requirements (e.g., performance metrics and level of damage mitigation), switches among various lower-level controllers. The core idea is to design a framework where the DES controller at the upper-level, mimics human intelligence and makes appropriate decisions to satisfy mission requirements, enhance system performance and structural durability. Recently developed tools in STSA have been used for anomaly detection and failure prognosis. The DMC deals with the usage monitoring or operational control part of health management, where as the issue of health monitoring is addressed by the anomaly detection tools. The proposed decision and control architecture has been validated on two test-beds, simulating the operations of rotorcraft dynamics and aircraft propulsion.

Observations and Student Perceptions of the Quality of Preservice Teachers' Teaching Behaviour: Construct Representation and Predictive Quality

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Maulana, Ridwan; Helms-Lorenz, Michelle

2016-01-01

Observations and student perceptions are recognised as important tools for examining teaching behaviour, but little is known about whether both perspectives share similar construct representations and how both perspectives link with student academic outcomes. The present study compared the construct representation of preservice teachers' teaching…

Experts and Novices: Differences in Their Use of Mental Representation and Metacognition in Engineering Design

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dixon, Raymond Anthony

2010-01-01

Research shows that mental representation such as analogical reasoning is a fundamental cognitive tool for design problem solving (Daugherty & Mentzer, 2008; Hey, Lensey, Agogino, & Wood, 2008; Lewis, 2008). Not much is known, however, about the way students and professional engineers actively generate and change their mental representation when…

Connecting Architecture and Implementation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buchgeher, Georg; Weinreich, Rainer

Software architectures are still typically defined and described independently from implementation. To avoid architectural erosion and drift, architectural representation needs to be continuously updated and synchronized with system implementation. Existing approaches for architecture representation like informal architecture documentation, UML diagrams, and Architecture Description Languages (ADLs) provide only limited support for connecting architecture descriptions and implementations. Architecture management tools like Lattix, SonarJ, and Sotoarc and UML-tools tackle this problem by extracting architecture information directly from code. This approach works for low-level architectural abstractions like classes and interfaces in object-oriented systems but fails to support architectural abstractions not found in programming languages. In this paper we present an approach for linking and continuously synchronizing a formalized architecture representation to an implementation. The approach is a synthesis of functionality provided by code-centric architecture management and UML tools and higher-level architecture analysis approaches like ADLs.

Development of Multi-slice Analytical Tool to Support BIM-based Design Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Atmodiwirjo, P.; Johanes, M.; Yatmo, Y. A.

2017-03-01

This paper describes the on-going development of computational tool to analyse architecture and interior space based on multi-slice representation approach that is integrated with Building Information Modelling (BIM). Architecture and interior space is experienced as a dynamic entity, which have the spatial properties that might be variable from one part of space to another, therefore the representation of space through standard architectural drawings is sometimes not sufficient. The representation of space as a series of slices with certain properties in each slice becomes important, so that the different characteristics in each part of space could inform the design process. The analytical tool is developed for use as a stand-alone application that utilises the data exported from generic BIM modelling tool. The tool would be useful to assist design development process that applies BIM, particularly for the design of architecture and interior spaces that are experienced as continuous spaces. The tool allows the identification of how the spatial properties change dynamically throughout the space and allows the prediction of the potential design problems. Integrating the multi-slice analytical tool in BIM-based design process thereby could assist the architects to generate better design and to avoid unnecessary costs that are often caused by failure to identify problems during design development stages.

Improving primary palliative care in Scotland: lessons from a mixed methods study.

PubMed

Mason, Bruce; Buckingham, Susan; Finucane, Anne; Hutchison, Peter; Kendall, Marilyn; McCutcheon, Hazel; Porteous, Lorna; Murray, Scott A

2015-12-10

Since 2012, all GP practices across Scotland have been supported to take a systematic approach to end-of-life care, by helping them to identify more patients for palliative care through a Palliative Care Directed Enhanced Service (DES). We aimed to understand the impact of this initiative. Routine quantitative data from the 2012/13, and 2013/14 DES were collected from regional health boards, analysed and discussed. Qualitative data were collected from a sample of 2012/13 DES returns and analysed using Thematic Analysis. Data were received from 512 practices in nine Scottish Health boards for the 2012-13 DES and 638 practices in 11 Health boards for 2013-14. A sample of 90 of the returns for 2012-13 was selected for qualitative analysis. In 2012-13, 72 % of patients who died of cancer were listed on the palliative care register (PCR) before death while 27 % of patients who died as a result of non-malignant conditions were listed on the PCR. In 2013-14, cancer identification remained the same but identification of people dying with other long-term conditions had improved to 32.5 %. We identified several key issues needed to improve palliative care in the community. The need for training to identify patients with palliative care needs (particularly non-cancer); communication skills training; improvements in sharing information across the NHS; under-resource of and lack of coordination with district nurses; improvements in information technology; and tools for working with enlarged palliative care registers. The DES helped more patients with long-term conditions (LTC) receive generalist palliative care. Approaching generalist palliative care as anticipatory care could facilitate communication between GPs and patients/families and remove some barriers to early identification of palliative care needs. Improvement of information technology and use of identification tools like the SPICT™ may improve professionals' communication with each other and help may make identification and management of patients easier.

Costs and benefits of tool-use on the perception of reachable space.

PubMed

Bourgeois, Jérémy; Farnè, Alessandro; Coello, Yann

2014-05-01

Previous studies have shown that using a tool modifies in a short time-scale both near-body space perception and arm-length representation in the body schema. However, to date no research has specifically investigated the effect of tool-use on an action-related perceptual task. We report here a study assessing the effect of tool-use on the perception of reachable space for perceptual estimates made in reference to either the tool or the hand. Using the tool on distal objects resulted in an extension of perceived reachable space with the tool and reduced the variability of reachability estimates. Tool use also extended perceived reachable space with the hand, but with a concomitant increase of the variability of reachability estimates. These findings suggest that tool incorporation into the represented arm following tool-use improves the anticipation of action possibilities with the tool, while hand representation becomes less accurate. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Rapid Globalization of Medical Device Clinical Development Programs in Japan　- The Case of Drug-Eluting Stents.

PubMed

Murakami, Madoka; Suzuki, Yuka; Tominaga, Toshiyoshi

2018-02-23

Delays in the introduction to the Japanese market of drug-eluting stents (DES) developed overseas (i.e., "device lag") decreased sharply between 2004 and 2012. The reduction accompanied a shift in clinical development from a succession pattern (initial product development and approval overseas followed by eventual entrance into the Japanese market) to parallel development (employing multiregional clinical trials (MRCTs)). Although resource-intensive in the short-term, MRCTs are proving to be an effective tool in simultaneous global product development. Creative study designs and the absence of significant ethnic differences in Japanese subjects regarding DES safety and efficacy and the pharmacokinetic behavior of their coating drugs propel this process. More general factors such as medical need and industry incentivization also encourage this shift. Physicians' preference for DES over other percutaneous coronary interventions, the expanding global DES market, and streamlined development and approval prospects each motivate industry to continue investing in DES product development. The efforts of various stakeholders were also integral to overcoming practical obstacles, and contributions by 'Harmonization by Doing' and a premarket collaboration initiative between the USA and Japan were particularly effective. Today, USA/Japan regulatory cooperation is routine, and Japan is now integrated into global medical device development. MRCTs including Japanese subjects, sites, and investigators are now commonplace.

Measuring Diversity and Inclusion in Academic Medicine: The Diversity Engagement Survey (DES)

PubMed Central

Person, Sharina D.; Jordan, C. Greer; Allison, Jeroan J.; Fink Ogawa, Lisa M.; Castillo-Page, Laura; Conrad, Sarah; Nivet, Marc A.; Plummer, Deborah L.

2018-01-01

Purpose To produce a physician and scientific workforce capable of delivering high quality, culturally competent health care and research, academic medical centers must assess their capacity for diversity and inclusion and respond to identified opportunities. Thus, the Diversity Engagement Survey (DES) is presented as a diagnostic and benchmarking tool. Method The 22-item DES connects workforce engagement theory with inclusion and diversity constructs. Face and content validity were established based on decades of previous work to promote institutional diversity. The survey was pilot tested at a single academic medical center and subsequently administered at 13 additional academic medical centers. Cronbach alphas assessed internal consistency and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) established construct validity. Criterion validity was assessed by observed separation in scores for groups traditionally recognized to have less workforce engagement. Results The sample consisted of 13,694 individuals at 14 medical schools from across the U.S. who responded to the survey administered between 2011– 2012. The Cronbach alphas for inclusion and engagement factors (range: 0.68 to 0.85), CFA fit indices, and item correlations with latent constructs, indicated an acceptable model fit and that questions measured the intended concepts. DES scores clearly distinguished higher and lower performing institutions. The DES detected important disparities for black, women, and those who did not have heterosexual orientation. Conclusions This study demonstrated that the DES is a reliable and valid instrument for internal assessment and evaluation or external benchmarking of institutional progress in building inclusion and engagement. PMID:26466376

Computer Based Decision Support Tool for Helicopter Mission Planning in Disaster Relief and Military Operations (Outil informatique d’aide a la decision pour la planification des missions d’helicopteres dans des operations militaires et de secours en cas de catastrophe)

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-06-01

capacity planning; • Electrical generation capacity planning; • Machine scheduling; • Freight scheduling; • Dairy farm expansion planning...Support Systems and Multi Criteria Decision Analysis Products A.2.11.2.2.1 ELECTRE IS ELECTRE IS is a generalization of ELECTRE I. It is a...criteria, ELECTRE IS supports the user in the process of selecting one alternative or a subset of alternatives. The method consists of two parts

Characterizing and Supporting Change in Algebra Students' Representational Fluency in a CAS/Paper-and-Pencil Environment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fonger, Nicole L.

2012-01-01

Representational fluency (RF) includes an ability to interpret, create, move within and among, and connect tool-based representations of mathematical objects. Taken as an indicator of conceptual understanding, there is a need to better support school algebra students' RF in learning environments that utilize both computer algebra systems…

Representational Tools in Computer-Supported Collaborative Argumentation-Based Learning: How Dyads Work with Constructed and Inspected Argumentative Diagrams

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

van Amelsvoort, Marije; Andriessen, Jerry; Kanselaar, Gellof

2007-01-01

This article investigates the conditions under which diagrammatic representations support collaborative argumentation-based learning in a computer environment. Thirty dyads of 15- to 18-year-old students participated in a writing task consisting of 3 phases. Students prepared by constructing a representation (text or diagram) individually. Then…

The Number Line as a Representation of Decimal Numbers: A Research with Sixth Grade Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Michaelidou, Niki; Gagatsis, Athanasios; Pitta-Pantazi, Demetra

2004-01-01

One of the aims of mathematics instruction is to achieve the understanding of mathematical concepts through the development of rich and well organized cognitive representations (Goldin, 1998; NCTM, 2000; DeWindt-King, & Goldin, 2003). In this study the term representation is interpreted as the tool used for representing mathematical ideas such…

Towards "Inverse" Character Tables? A One-Step Method for Decomposing Reducible Representations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Piquemal, J.-Y.; Losno, R.; Ancian, B.

2009-01-01

In the framework of group theory, a new procedure is described for a one-step automated reduction of reducible representations. The matrix inversion tool, provided by standard spreadsheet software, is applied to the central part of the character table that contains the characters of the irreducible representation. This method is not restricted to…

Towards objective and reproducible study of patient-doctor interaction: Automatic text analysis based VR-CoDES annotation of consultation transcripts.

PubMed

Birkett, Charlotte; Arandjelovic, Ognjen; Humphris, Gerald

2017-07-01

While increasingly appreciated for its importance, the interaction between health care professionals (HCP) and patients is notoriously difficult to study, with both methodological and practical challenges. The former has been addressed by the so-called Verona coding definitions of emotional sequences (VR-CoDES) - a system for identifying and coding patient emotions and the corresponding HCP responses - shown to be reliable and informative in a number of independent studies in different health care delivery contexts. In the preset work we focus on the practical challenge of the scalability of this coding system, namely on making it easily usable more widely and on applying it on larger patient cohorts. In particular, VR-CoDES is inherently complex and training is required to ensure consistent annotation of audio recordings or textual transcripts of consultations. Following up on our previous pilot investigation, in the the present paper we describe the first automatic, computer based algorithm capable of providing coarse level coding of textual transcripts. We investigate different representations of patient utterances and classification methodologies, and label each utterance as either containing an explicit expression of emotional distress (a `concern'), an implicit one (a `cue'), or neither. Using a data corpus comprising 200 consultations between radiotherapists and adult female breast cancer patients we demonstrate excellent labelling performance.

From action to language: comparative perspectives on primate tool use, gesture and the evolution of human language

PubMed Central

Steele, James; Ferrari, Pier Francesco; Fogassi, Leonardo

2012-01-01

The papers in this Special Issue examine tool use and manual gestures in primates as a window on the evolution of the human capacity for language. Neurophysiological research has supported the hypothesis of a close association between some aspects of human action organization and of language representation, in both phonology and semantics. Tool use provides an excellent experimental context to investigate analogies between action organization and linguistic syntax. Contributors report and contextualize experimental evidence from monkeys, great apes, humans and fossil hominins, and consider the nature and the extent of overlaps between the neural representations of tool use, manual gestures and linguistic processes. PMID:22106422

DES-ncRNA: A knowledgebase for exploring information about human micro and long noncoding RNAs based on literature-mining.

PubMed

Salhi, Adil; Essack, Magbubah; Alam, Tanvir; Bajic, Vladan P; Ma, Lina; Radovanovic, Aleksandar; Marchand, Benoit; Schmeier, Sebastian; Zhang, Zhang; Bajic, Vladimir B

2017-07-03

Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), particularly microRNAs (miRNAs) and long ncRNAs (lncRNAs), are important players in diseases and emerge as novel drug targets. Thus, unraveling the relationships between ncRNAs and other biomedical entities in cells are critical for better understanding ncRNA roles that may eventually help develop their use in medicine. To support ncRNA research and facilitate retrieval of relevant information regarding miRNAs and lncRNAs from the plethora of published ncRNA-related research, we developed DES-ncRNA ( www.cbrc.kaust.edu.sa/des_ncrna ). DES-ncRNA is a knowledgebase containing text- and data-mined information from public scientific literature and other public resources. Exploration of mined information is enabled through terms and pairs of terms from 19 topic-specific dictionaries including, for example, antibiotics, toxins, drugs, enzymes, mutations, pathways, human genes and proteins, drug indications and side effects, mutations, diseases, etc. DES-ncRNA contains approximately 878,000 associations of terms from these dictionaries of which 36,222 (5,373) are with regards to miRNAs (lncRNAs). We provide several ways to explore information regarding ncRNAs to users including controlled generation of association networks as well as hypotheses generation. We show an example how DES-ncRNA can aid research on Alzheimer disease and suggest potential therapeutic role for Fasudil. DES-ncRNA is a powerful tool that can be used on its own or as a complement to the existing resources, to support research in human ncRNA. To our knowledge, this is the only knowledgebase dedicated to human miRNAs and lncRNAs derived primarily through literature-mining enabling exploration of a broad spectrum of associated biomedical entities, not paralleled by any other resource.

DES-ncRNA: A knowledgebase for exploring information about human micro and long noncoding RNAs based on literature-mining

PubMed Central

Salhi, Adil; Essack, Magbubah; Alam, Tanvir; Bajic, Vladan P.; Ma, Lina; Radovanovic, Aleksandar; Marchand, Benoit; Zhang, Zhang; Bajic, Vladimir B.

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), particularly microRNAs (miRNAs) and long ncRNAs (lncRNAs), are important players in diseases and emerge as novel drug targets. Thus, unraveling the relationships between ncRNAs and other biomedical entities in cells are critical for better understanding ncRNA roles that may eventually help develop their use in medicine. To support ncRNA research and facilitate retrieval of relevant information regarding miRNAs and lncRNAs from the plethora of published ncRNA-related research, we developed DES-ncRNA (www.cbrc.kaust.edu.sa/des_ncrna). DES-ncRNA is a knowledgebase containing text- and data-mined information from public scientific literature and other public resources. Exploration of mined information is enabled through terms and pairs of terms from 19 topic-specific dictionaries including, for example, antibiotics, toxins, drugs, enzymes, mutations, pathways, human genes and proteins, drug indications and side effects, mutations, diseases, etc. DES-ncRNA contains approximately 878,000 associations of terms from these dictionaries of which 36,222 (5,373) are with regards to miRNAs (lncRNAs). We provide several ways to explore information regarding ncRNAs to users including controlled generation of association networks as well as hypotheses generation. We show an example how DES-ncRNA can aid research on Alzheimer disease and suggest potential therapeutic role for Fasudil. DES-ncRNA is a powerful tool that can be used on its own or as a complement to the existing resources, to support research in human ncRNA. To our knowledge, this is the only knowledgebase dedicated to human miRNAs and lncRNAs derived primarily through literature-mining enabling exploration of a broad spectrum of associated biomedical entities, not paralleled by any other resource. PMID:28387604

The Dark Energy Survey Data Release 1

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

Abbott, T.M.C.; et al.

We describe the first public data release of the Dark Energy Survey, DES DR1, consisting of reduced single epoch images, coadded images, coadded source catalogs, and associated products and services assembled over the first three years of DES science operations. DES DR1 is based on optical/near-infrared imaging from 345 distinct nights (August 2013 to February 2016) by the Dark Energy Camera mounted on the 4-m Blanco telescope at Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory in Chile. We release data from the DES wide-area survey covering ~5,000 sq. deg. of the southern Galactic cap in five broad photometric bands, grizY. DES DR1 hasmore » a median delivered point-spread function of g = 1.12, r = 0.96, i = 0.88, z = 0.84, and Y = 0.90 arcsec FWHM, a photometric precision of < 1% in all bands, and an astrometric precision of 151 mas. The median coadded catalog depth for a 1.95" diameter aperture at S/N = 10 is g = 24.33, r = 24.08, i = 23.44, z = 22.69, and Y = 21.44 mag. DES DR1 includes nearly 400M distinct astronomical objects detected in ~10,000 coadd tiles of size 0.534 sq. deg. produced from ~39,000 individual exposures. Benchmark galaxy and stellar samples contain ~310M and ~ 80M objects, respectively, following a basic object quality selection. These data are accessible through a range of interfaces, including query web clients, image cutout servers, jupyter notebooks, and an interactive coadd image visualization tool. DES DR1 constitutes the largest photometric data set to date at the achieved depth and photometric precision.« less

DES Y1 Results: Validating Cosmological Parameter Estimation Using Simulated Dark Energy Surveys

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

MacCrann, N.; et al.

We use mock galaxy survey simulations designed to resemble the Dark Energy Survey Year 1 (DES Y1) data to validate and inform cosmological parameter estimation. When similar analysis tools are applied to both simulations and real survey data, they provide powerful validation tests of the DES Y1 cosmological analyses presented in companion papers. We use two suites of galaxy simulations produced using different methods, which therefore provide independent tests of our cosmological parameter inference. The cosmological analysis we aim to validate is presented in DES Collaboration et al. (2017) and uses angular two-point correlation functions of galaxy number counts and weak lensing shear, as well as their cross-correlation, in multiple redshift bins. While our constraints depend on the specific set of simulated realisations available, for both suites of simulations we find that the input cosmology is consistent with the combined constraints from multiple simulated DES Y1 realizations in themore » $$\\Omega_m-\\sigma_8$$ plane. For one of the suites, we are able to show with high confidence that any biases in the inferred $$S_8=\\sigma_8(\\Omega_m/0.3)^{0.5}$$ and $$\\Omega_m$$ are smaller than the DES Y1 $$1-\\sigma$$ uncertainties. For the other suite, for which we have fewer realizations, we are unable to be this conclusive; we infer a roughly 70% probability that systematic biases in the recovered $$\\Omega_m$$ and $$S_8$$ are sub-dominant to the DES Y1 uncertainty. As cosmological analyses of this kind become increasingly more precise, validation of parameter inference using survey simulations will be essential to demonstrate robustness.« less

"I remember when we stayed still and the computer still made lines": Young children's invented and conventional representations of motion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kahn, Jason

This dissertation concerns kindergarteners' and second graders' invented representations of motion, their interactions with conventional representations of motion built from the child's movement in front of a motion detector and using real-time graphing tools, and any changes in the invented representations that this interaction brings about. We have known for several decades that advanced learners (high school aged and beyond) struggle with physics concepts of motion and sometimes Cartesian graph-based representations of motion. Little has been known about how younger students approach the same concepts. In this study, eighteen children (10 kindergarteners and eight second graders) completed a three-hour clinical interview spread out evenly over three weeks. In the first and last interviews, the child was asked to produce external representations of movement and interpret conventional distance and time graphs of motion. In the second interview the children interacted with a motion detector and real-time graphing tools in a semi-self-directed format. Qualitative and quantitative results are presented and discussed. Qualitative data shows that children are adroit at representing motion and their productions are systematic and purposeful. Children produce drawings that both give context to the physical environment around them and also redescribe the drawn environment, meaning that they provide a potential audience with information otherwise imperceptible, by making certain implicit aspects more explicit. Second graders quickly appropriate the Cartesian graph during the intervention, though at times misinterpret the meaning associated with slope. Children correctly associate slope with direction, but at times misattribute sign of slope (positive or negative) and its corresponding direction (i.e. some children do not ascribe positive slope with motion away from a point of reference, but toward it). Kindergarteners showed a range of experiences during the intervention, one of the students showed a near mastery in interpretation of a Cartesian graph as a representation of motion, while another vehemently resisted graph as a representation of motion. Quantitative data gives a mechanism for comparing pre- and post-assessment productions. Both kindergarten and second grade students provide richer post-assessment representations, with kindergarteners more likely to include a figurative point of reference in the post-assessment and second graders including more explicit information about speed. The implications of this study are that invented representations of motion are a powerful tool for providing insights into children's thinking. The motion detector and real-time graphing tool can be used as early as kindergarten to help children build resources in their representations of motion; second grade students could find the same benefit and potentially begin to build conventional ideas about graphing and movement.

Representing Numbers as Continued Fractions and an N-Spire. tns Document to Do Some Basic Continued Fraction Arithmetic

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Leinbach, L. Carl

2015-01-01

This paper illustrates a TI N-Spire .tns file created by the author for generating continued fraction representations of real numbers and doing arithmetic with them. The continued fraction representation provides an alternative to the decimal representation. The .tns file can be used as tool for studying continued fractions and their properties as…

Progress in knowledge representation research

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lum, Henry

1985-01-01

Brief descriptions are given of research being carried out in the field of knowledge representation. Dynamic simulation and modelling of planning systems with real-time sensor inputs; development of domain-independent knowledge representation tools which can be used in the development of application-specific expert and planning systems; and development of a space-borne very high speed integrated circuit processor are among the projects discussed.

A multicomponent matched filter cluster confirmation tool for eROSITA: initial application to the RASS and DES-SV data sets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klein, M.; Mohr, J. J.; Desai, S.; Israel, H.; Allam, S.; Benoit-Lévy, A.; Brooks, D.; Buckley-Geer, E.; Carnero Rosell, A.; Carrasco Kind, M.; Cunha, C. E.; da Costa, L. N.; Dietrich, J. P.; Eifler, T. F.; Evrard, A. E.; Frieman, J.; Gruen, D.; Gruendl, R. A.; Gutierrez, G.; Honscheid, K.; James, D. J.; Kuehn, K.; Lima, M.; Maia, M. A. G.; March, M.; Melchior, P.; Menanteau, F.; Miquel, R.; Plazas, A. A.; Reil, K.; Romer, A. K.; Sanchez, E.; Santiago, B.; Scarpine, V.; Schubnell, M.; Sevilla-Noarbe, I.; Smith, M.; Soares-Santos, M.; Sobreira, F.; Suchyta, E.; Swanson, M. E. C.; Tarle, G.; Collaboration, the DES

2018-03-01

We describe a multicomponent matched filter (MCMF) cluster confirmation tool designed for the study of large X-ray source catalogues produced by the upcoming X-ray all-sky survey mission eROSITA. We apply the method to confirm a sample of 88 clusters with redshifts 0.05 < z < 0.8 in the recently published 2RXS catalogue from the ROSAT All-Sky Survey (RASS) over the 208 deg2 region overlapped by the Dark Energy Survey (DES) Science Verification (DES-SV) data set. In our pilot study, we examine all X-ray sources, regardless of their extent. Our method employs a multicolour red sequence (RS) algorithm that incorporates the X-ray count rate and peak position in determining the region of interest for follow-up and extracts the positionally and colour-weighted optical richness λMCMF as a function of redshift for each source. Peaks in the λMCMF-redshift distribution are identified and used to extract photometric redshifts, richness and uncertainties. The significances of all optical counterparts are characterized using the distribution of richnesses defined along random lines of sight. These significances are used to extract cluster catalogues and to estimate the contamination by random superpositions of unassociated optical systems. The delivered photometric redshift accuracy is δz/(1 + z) = 0.010. We find a well-defined X-ray luminosity-λMCMF relation with an intrinsic scatter of δln (λMCMF|Lx) = 0.21. Matching our catalogue with the DES-SV redMaPPer catalogue yields good agreement in redshift and richness estimates; comparing our catalogue with the South Pole Telescope (SPT) selected clusters shows no inconsistencies. SPT clusters in our data set are consistent with the high-mass extension of the RASS-based λMCMF-mass relation.

Designing selection tests for the future National Airspace System architecture

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1997-08-01

Empirical data describing the mix of human abilities required to operate and maintain the future National Airspace System (NAS) architecture are presently lacking. A research program is proposed to develop the scientific tools and collect data to des...

Uninhabited Military Vehicles (UMVs): Human Factors Issues in Augmenting the Force (Vehicules Militaires sans Pilote (UMV): Questions Relatives aux Facteurs Humains lies a l’augmentation des Forces)

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-07-01

engineering of a process or system that mimics biology, to investigate behaviours in robots that emulate animals such as self - healing and swarming [2...7.3.5 References 7-25 7.4 Adaptive Automation for Robotic Military Systems 7-29 7.4.1 Introduction 7-29 7.4.2 Human Performance Issues for...Figure 6-7 Integrated Display of Video, Range Readings, and Robot Representation 6-31 Figure 6-8 Representing the Pose of a Panning Camera 6-32 Figure

Natural language generation of surgical procedures.

PubMed

Wagner, J C; Rogers, J E; Baud, R H; Scherrer, J R

1999-01-01

A number of compositional Medical Concept Representation systems are being developed. Although these provide for a detailed conceptual representation of the underlying information, they have to be translated back to natural language for used by end-users and applications. The GALEN programme has been developing one such representation and we report here on a tool developed to generate natural language phrases from the GALEN conceptual representations. This tool can be adapted to different source modelling schemes and to different destination languages or sublanguages of a domain. It is based on a multilingual approach to natural language generation, realised through a clean separation of the domain model from the linguistic model and their link by well defined structures. Specific knowledge structures and operations have been developed for bridging between the modelling 'style' of the conceptual representation and natural language. Using the example of the scheme developed for modelling surgical operative procedures within the GALEN-IN-USE project, we show how the generator is adapted to such a scheme. The basic characteristics of the surgical procedures scheme are presented together with the basic principles of the generation tool. Using worked examples, we discuss the transformation operations which change the initial source representation into a form which can more directly be translated to a given natural language. In particular, the linguistic knowledge which has to be introduced--such as definitions of concepts and relationships is described. We explain the overall generator strategy and how particular transformation operations are triggered by language-dependent and conceptual parameters. Results are shown for generated French phrases corresponding to surgical procedures from the urology domain.

Differential Tuning of Ventral and Dorsal Streams during the Generation of Common and Uncommon Tool Uses.

PubMed

Matheson, Heath E; Buxbaum, Laurel J; Thompson-Schill, Sharon L

2017-11-01

Our use of tools is situated in different contexts. Prior evidence suggests that diverse regions within the ventral and dorsal streams represent information supporting common tool use. However, given the flexibility of object concepts, these regions may be tuned to different types of information when generating novel or uncommon uses of tools. To investigate this, we collected fMRI data from participants who reported common or uncommon tool uses in response to visually presented familiar objects. We performed a pattern dissimilarity analysis in which we correlated cortical patterns with behavioral measures of visual, action, and category information. The results showed that evoked cortical patterns within the dorsal tool use network reflected action and visual information to a greater extent in the uncommon use group, whereas evoked neural patterns within the ventral tool use network reflected categorical information more strongly in the common use group. These results reveal the flexibility of cortical representations of tool use and the situated nature of cortical representations more generally.

Biostereometrics In Art

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferenc, Kovats

1986-07-01

Desuis mon enfance je suis un type soidisant visuel. Cette deviation etait toujours profitable pour moi, pour le clinicien , ainsi que pour le rechercheur scientifique.I1 y a trente ans, que dans l'Atlas Radioanatomique du Thorax nous avons deja utilis6 la conception de trois dimensions. Dans les derni6res edition de cet ouvrage nous avons travaille mke avec la guatrieme, le temps facteur. DePuis cette 6poque-la je me suis ori-en-be vers les quatre dimensions, vers les mouvements dans l'espace et le temps. -:tudiant les mouvements,les mouvements ventilatoires mesure par photogrammetrie le tronc humain.En projetant sur la surface du tronc un reseau quadratique, on pent compter de 3oo-400 points d'information, si un carre est 2 This 2 cm. Simultanement on pent ainsi contraler les deplacement relatifs des differents points. Travaillant avec seriophotographie et ces dernieres annees avec Video, nous avons des documents cDntinuellement en trois dimensions sun la position actuelle en espace de notre modele.On pent mesurer, reproduire la position momentan6e du sujet d'une frequence et dans la quantite desiree. Par exemple on peut les reproduire, une a une, comme une sculpture, en domontrant les changements d'un tronc humain pendant les mouvements respiratoires, comme nous avions fait en 1969 avec le sculpteur Istvan Bencsik en realisant nos differents modeles en inspiration et expiration.flais thooriquement on pent construire tant de sculptures qu'on vent entre les deux positions extremes.La methode est tres utilisable pour l'observation des mouvements sportifs on artistiques, comme le ballet par exemple. / Figure 1./ En etudiant en plusieures series la morphometrie des mouvements respiratoires on pent acquerir une certain experience, qui concerne la phase de respiration, on se trouve un corps humain sculpte, dessine on peint. Come le mimique d'un visage explkue toujours l'6tat affectif d'un individu, le corps humain peut expliquer tart des chases entre les mains d'un artiste doue. Liais nous retournerons encore a cet argument. Avec un objet d'art l'artiste registe un seul moment dune serie de mouvements de son sujet, spit en deux dimensions, s'il est peintre on graveur , dessinateur etc., spit en trois dimensions s'il est sculpteur.i:algre cela , il y a beaucoup d'oeuvresd'art dyna-miques, qui donnent l'impression de mouvement.On pent produire cet effetavec la ROMDOSi-tion des mouvements non simultanees , comme par exemple sur les tableaux de XIX 'si8cle representant des concours hyppiques, on les extremit-ees des chevaux sort distandue an maximum en avant et en arriere; c'est un mode de galop inexistant, mais malgr6, qu'il est faux, it suggere la vitesse.

When action is not enough: tool-use reveals tactile-dependent access to Body Schema.

PubMed

Cardinali, L; Brozzoli, C; Urquizar, C; Salemme, R; Roy, A C; Farnè, A

2011-11-01

Proper motor control of our own body implies a reliable representation of body parts. This information is supposed to be stored in the Body Schema (BS), a body representation that appears separate from a more perceptual body representation, the Body Image (BI). The dissociation between BS for action and BI for perception, originally based on neuropsychological evidence, has recently become the focus of behavioural studies in physiological conditions. By inducing the rubber hand illusion in healthy participants, Kammers et al. (2009) showed perceptual changes attributable to the BI to which the BS, as indexed via motor tasks, was immune. To more definitively support the existence of dissociable body representations in physiological conditions, here we tested for the opposite dissociation, namely, whether a tool-use paradigm would induce a functional update of the BS (via a motor localization task) without affecting the BI (via a perceptual localization task). Healthy subjects were required to localize three anatomical landmarks on their right arm, before and after using the same arm to control a tool. In addition to this classical task-dependency approach, we assessed whether preferential access to the BS could also depend upon the way positional information about forearm targets is provided, to subsequently execute the same task. To this aim, participants performed either verbally or tactually driven versions of the motor and perceptual localization tasks. Results showed that both the motor and perceptual tasks were sensitive to the update of the forearm representation, but only when the localization task (perceptual or motor) was driven by a tactile input. This pattern reveals that the motor output is not sufficient per se, but has to be coupled with tactually mediated information to guarantee access to the BS. These findings shade a new light on the action-perception models of body representations and underlie how functional plasticity may be a useful tool to clarify their operational definition. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Methode d'identification parametrique pour la surveillance in situ des joints a recouvrement par propagation d'ondes vibratoires

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Francoeur, Dany

Cette these de doctorat s'inscrit dans le cadre de projets CRIAQ (Consortium de recherche et d'innovation en aerospatiale du Quebec) orientes vers le developpement d'approches embarquees pour la detection de defauts dans des structures aeronautiques. L'originalite de cette these repose sur le developpement et la validation d'une nouvelle methode de detection, quantification et localisation d'une entaille dans une structure de joint a recouvrement par la propagation d'ondes vibratoires. La premiere partie expose l'etat des connaissances sur l'identification d'un defaut dans le contexte du Structural Health Monitoring (SHM), ainsi que la modelisation de joint a recouvrements. Le chapitre 3 developpe le modele de propagation d'onde d'un joint a recouvrement endommage par une entaille pour une onde de flexion dans la plage des moyennes frequences (10-50 kHz). A cette fin, un modele de transmission de ligne (TLM) est realise pour representer un joint unidimensionnel (1D). Ce modele 1D est ensuite adapte a un joint bi-dimensionnel (2D) en faisant l'hypothese d'un front d'onde plan incident et perpendiculaire au joint. Une methode d'identification parametrique est ensuite developpee pour permettre a la fois la calibration du modele du joint a recouvrement sain, la detection puis la caracterisation de l'entaille situee sur le joint. Cette methode est couplee a un algorithme qui permet une recherche exhaustive de tout l'espace parametrique. Cette technique permet d'extraire une zone d'incertitude reliee aux parametres du modele optimal. Une etude de sensibilite est egalement realisee sur l'identification. Plusieurs resultats de mesure sur des joints a recouvrements 1D et 2D sont realisees permettant ainsi l'etude de la repetabilite des resultats et la variabilite de differents cas d'endommagement. Les resultats de cette etude demontrent d'abord que la methode de detection proposee est tres efficace et permet de suivre la progression d'endommagement. De tres bons resultats de quantification et de localisation d'entailles ont ete obtenus dans les divers joints testes (1D et 2D). Il est prevu que l'utilisation d'ondes de Lamb permettraient d'etendre la plage de validite de la methode pour de plus petits dommages. Ces travaux visent d'abord la surveillance in-situ des structures de joint a recouvrements, mais d'autres types de defauts. (comme les disbond) et. de structures complexes sont egalement envisageables. Mots cles : joint a recouvrement, surveillance in situ, localisation et caracterisation de dommages

Phenotypic and biochemical profile changes in calendula (Calendula officinalis L.) plants treated with two chemical mutagenesis.

PubMed

El-Nashar, Y I; Asrar, A A

2016-05-06

Chemical mutagenesis is an efficient tool used in mutation-breeding programs to improve the vital characters of the floricultural crops. This study aimed to estimate the effects of different concentrations of two chemical mutagens; sodium azide (SA) and diethyl sulfate (DES). The vegetative growth and flowering characteristics in two generations (M1 and M2) of calendula plants were investigated. Seeds were treated with five different concentrations of SA and DES (at the same rates) of 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, and 5000 ppm, in addition to a control treatment of 0 ppm. Results showed that lower concentrations of SA mutagen had significant effects on seed germination percentage, plant height, leaf area, plant fresh weight, flowering date, inflorescence diameter, and gas-exchange measurements in plants of both generations. Calendula plants tended to flower earlier under low mutagen concentrations (1000 ppm), whereas higher concentrations delayed flowering significantly. Positive results on seed germination, plant height, number of branches, plant fresh weight, and leaf area were observed in the M2-generation at lower concentrations of SA (1000 ppm), as well as at 4000 ppm DES on number of leaves and inflorescences. The highest total soluble protein was detected at the concentrations of 1000 ppm SA and 2000 ppm DES. DES showed higher average of acid phosphatase activity than SA. Results indicated that lower concentrations of SA and DES mutagens had positive effects on seed germination percentage, plant height, leaf area, plant fresh weight, flowering date, inflorescence diameter, and gas-exchange measurements. Thus, lower mutagen concentrations could be recommended for better floral and physio-chemical performance.

Factors Associated with a Lack of Pap Smear Utilization in Women Exposed In Utero to Diethylstilbestrol

PubMed Central

Camp, Elizabeth A.; Prehn, Angela W.; Shen, Ji; Herbst, Arthur L.; Strohsnitter, William C.; Hobday, Christopher D.; Robboy, Stanley J.

2015-01-01

Abstract Background: Women in the1940s–1960s were prescribed diethylstilbestrol (DES), a nonsteroidal estrogen, to prevent miscarriages, but the practice was terminated after it was discovered that the daughters so exposed in utero were at increased risk for developing clear cell adenocarcinoma (CCA) of the vagina or cervix at early ages. Pap smear screening is one of the principal methods used to identify tumor development and is necessary in this group of women to maintain their health. Currently, little is known about the factors associated with nonutilization of this screening tool in this high-risk population of women. Methods: National cohort data from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) DES Combined Cohort Follow-up Study during 1994, 1997, 2001, and 2006 were used to determine which factors were associated with Pap smear screening nonutilization in 2006 among DES-exposed and unexposed women. Self-reported questionnaire data from 2,861 DES-exposed and 1,027 unexposed women were analyzed using binary logistic regression models. Results: DES exposure, not having a previous gynecologic dysplasia diagnosis, lack of insurance, originating cohort, increasing age, and previous screening behavior were all factors associated with not reporting a Pap smear examination in the 2006 questionnaire, although college education reduced nonutilization. Conclusions: Understanding which factors are associated with not acquiring a screening exam can help clinicians better identify which DES-exposed women are at risk for nonutilization and possibly tailor their standard of care to aid in the early detection of cervical and vaginal adenocarcinomas in this high-risk group. PMID:25768943

bioWeb3D: an online webGL 3D data visualisation tool.

PubMed

Pettit, Jean-Baptiste; Marioni, John C

2013-06-07

Data visualization is critical for interpreting biological data. However, in practice it can prove to be a bottleneck for non trained researchers; this is especially true for three dimensional (3D) data representation. Whilst existing software can provide all necessary functionalities to represent and manipulate biological 3D datasets, very few are easily accessible (browser based), cross platform and accessible to non-expert users. An online HTML5/WebGL based 3D visualisation tool has been developed to allow biologists to quickly and easily view interactive and customizable three dimensional representations of their data along with multiple layers of information. Using the WebGL library Three.js written in Javascript, bioWeb3D allows the simultaneous visualisation of multiple large datasets inputted via a simple JSON, XML or CSV file, which can be read and analysed locally thanks to HTML5 capabilities. Using basic 3D representation techniques in a technologically innovative context, we provide a program that is not intended to compete with professional 3D representation software, but that instead enables a quick and intuitive representation of reasonably large 3D datasets.

On the importance of incorporating sampling weights in occupancy model estimation

EPA Science Inventory

Occupancy models are used extensively to assess wildlife-habitat associations and to predict species distributions across large geographic regions. Occupancy models were developed as a tool to properly account for imperfect detection of a species. Current guidelines on survey des...

Structural priming is a useful but imperfect technique for studying all linguistic representations, including those of pragmatics.

PubMed

Rees, Alice; Bott, Lewis

2017-01-01

Structural priming is a useful tool for investigating linguistics representations. We argue that structural priming can be extended to the investigation of pragmatic representations such as Gricean enrichments. That is not to say priming is without its limitations, however. Interpreting a failure to observe priming may not be as simple as Branigan & Pickering (B&P) imply.

Alternative Submarine Watch Systems: Recommendation for a New CF Submarine Watch Schedule (Systemes Differents d’Horaire de Garde a Bord des Sous-Marins: Nouvel Horaire Recommande Pour les Sous-Marins des FC)

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-01-01

comparativement à une efficacité cognitive de 96 % pour l’horaire de 1 tour sur trois de quatre heures ainsi que pour l’horaire de 1 tour sur trois de...tour sur 2 (8-4-4-8) comparativement à une efficacité cognitive de 96 % pour l’horaire de 1 tour sur trois de quatre heures ainsi que pour l’horaire...FAST™ (Fatigue Avoidance and Safety Tool), a computer application designed to predict and prevent fatigue in operational settings. The output of FAST

Supernova Photometric Lightcurve Classification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zaidi, Tayeb; Narayan, Gautham

2016-01-01

This is a preliminary report on photometric supernova classification. We first explore the properties of supernova light curves, and attempt to restructure the unevenly sampled and sparse data from assorted datasets to allow for processing and classification. The data was primarily drawn from the Dark Energy Survey (DES) simulated data, created for the Supernova Photometric Classification Challenge. This poster shows a method for producing a non-parametric representation of the light curve data, and applying a Random Forest classifier algorithm to distinguish between supernovae types. We examine the impact of Principal Component Analysis to reduce the dimensionality of the dataset, for future classification work. The classification code will be used in a stage of the ANTARES pipeline, created for use on the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope alert data and other wide-field surveys. The final figure-of-merit for the DES data in the r band was 60% for binary classification (Type I vs II).Zaidi was supported by the NOAO/KPNO Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program which is funded by the National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program (AST-1262829).

A Hanged From the Past: Medical Consideration on the Judas Iscariot Fresco-Chapelle Notre-Dame-des-Fontaines, La Brigue (15th Century).

PubMed

Gaeta, Raffaele; Fornaciari, Antonio

2016-09-01

The medieval chapel of Notre Dame-des-Fontaines (Our Lady of the Fountains), in the French Maritime Alps, is entirely covered by the fresco cycle of the Passion (15th century) that depicts the last days of Jesus from the Last Supper to the Resurrection. Under a small window, there is the brutal representation of the suicide of Judas Iscariot, hanging from a tree, with the abdomen quartered from which his soul, represented by a small man, is kidnapped by a devil. The author, Giovanni Canavesio, represented the traitor's death with very detailed anatomical structures, differently thus from other paintings of the same subject; it is therefore possible to assume that the artist had become familiar with the human anatomy. In particular, the realism of the hanged man's posture, neck bent in an unnatural way, allows us to hypothesize that it probably comes from direct observation of the executions of capital punishment, not infrequently imposed by the public authorities in low medieval Italy.

Synthetic Infrared Scene: Improving the KARMA IRSG Module and Signature Modelling Tool SMAT

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-03-01

d’engagements impliquant des autodirecteurs infrarouges dans l’environnement de simulation KARMA. Le travail a été réalisé à partir de novembre 2008...infrarouges dans l’environnement de simulation KARMA. Le travail a été réalisé à partir de novembre 2008 jusqu’à mars 2011. Ce rapport de contrat est axé...74 13 Evaluating Performance Validator tool

discovery toolset for Emulytics v. 1.0

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

Fritz, David; Crussell, Jonathan

The discovery toolset for Emulytics enables the construction of high-fidelity emulation models of systems. The toolset consists of a set of tools and techniques to automatically go from network discovery of operational systems to emulating those complex systems. Our toolset combines data from host discovery and network mapping tools into an intermediate representation that can then be further refined. Once the intermediate representation reaches the desired state, our toolset supports emitting the Emulytics models with varying levels of specificity based on experiment needs.

PhET Interactive Simulations: Transformative Tools for Teaching Chemistry

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moore, Emily B.; Chamberlain, Julia M.; Parson, Robert; Perkins, Katherine K.

2014-01-01

Developing fluency across symbolic-, macroscopic-, and particulate-level representations is central to learning chemistry. Within the chemistry education community, animations and simulations that support multi-representational fluency are considered critical. With advances in the accessibility and sophistication of technology,…

An overview of 3D software visualization.

PubMed

Teyseyre, Alfredo R; Campo, Marcelo R

2009-01-01

Software visualization studies techniques and methods for graphically representing different aspects of software. Its main goal is to enhance, simplify and clarify the mental representation a software engineer has of a computer system. During many years, visualization in 2D space has been actively studied, but in the last decade, researchers have begun to explore new 3D representations for visualizing software. In this article, we present an overview of current research in the area, describing several major aspects like: visual representations, interaction issues, evaluation methods and development tools. We also perform a survey of some representative tools to support different tasks, i.e., software maintenance and comprehension, requirements validation and algorithm animation for educational purposes, among others. Finally, we conclude identifying future research directions.

Decoding the neural mechanisms of human tool use

PubMed Central

Gallivan, Jason P; McLean, D Adam; Valyear, Kenneth F; Culham, Jody C

2013-01-01

Sophisticated tool use is a defining characteristic of the primate species but how is it supported by the brain, particularly the human brain? Here we show, using functional MRI and pattern classification methods, that tool use is subserved by multiple distributed action-centred neural representations that are both shared with and distinct from those of the hand. In areas of frontoparietal cortex we found a common representation for planned hand- and tool-related actions. In contrast, in parietal and occipitotemporal regions implicated in hand actions and body perception we found that coding remained selectively linked to upcoming actions of the hand whereas in parietal and occipitotemporal regions implicated in tool-related processing the coding remained selectively linked to upcoming actions of the tool. The highly specialized and hierarchical nature of this coding suggests that hand- and tool-related actions are represented separately at earlier levels of sensorimotor processing before becoming integrated in frontoparietal cortex. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.00425.001 PMID:23741616

The cognitive ontogeny of tool making in children: The role of inhibition and hierarchical structuring.

PubMed

Gönül, Gökhan; Takmaz, Ece Kamer; Hohenberger, Annette; Corballis, Michael

2018-05-07

During the last decade, the ontogeny of tool making has received growing attention in the literature on tool-related behaviors. However, the cognitive demands underlying tool making are still not clearly understood. In this cross-sectional study of 52 Turkish preschool children from 3 to 6 years of age, the roles of executive function (response inhibition), ability to form hierarchical representations (hierarchical structuring), and social learning were investigated with the hook task previously used with children and animals. In this task, children needed to bend a pipe cleaner to fetch a small bucket with a sticker out of a tall jar. This study replicated earlier findings that preschoolers have great difficulty in tool innovation. However, social learning facilitates tool making, especially after 5 years of age. Capacities to form hierarchical representations and to inhibit prepotent responses were significant positive predictors of tool making after social learning. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Design of a Cognitive Tool to Enhance Problemsolving Performance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lee, Youngmin; Nelson, David

2005-01-01

The design of a cognitive tool to support problem-solving performance for external representation of knowledge is described. The limitations of conventional knowledge maps are analyzed in proposing the tool. The design principles and specifications are described. This tool is expected to enhance learners problem-solving performance by allowing…

Pour un enseignement aspectuo-modal et illustre des temps du passe (For an Illustrated, Modal-Aspectual Teaching of the Past Tenses).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gezundhajt, Henriette

2000-01-01

Demonstrates how multimedia tools can be combined with an enunciation based analysis of the French verb system in order to develop innovative ways of teaching the imparfait and passe compose. (Author/VWL)

The tissue microarray data exchange specification: A document type definition to validate and enhance XML data

PubMed Central

Nohle, David G; Ayers, Leona W

2005-01-01

Background The Association for Pathology Informatics (API) Extensible Mark-up Language (XML) TMA Data Exchange Specification (TMA DES) proposed in April 2003 provides a community-based, open source tool for sharing tissue microarray (TMA) data in a common format. Each tissue core within an array has separate data including digital images; therefore an organized, common approach to produce, navigate and publish such data facilitates viewing, sharing and merging TMA data from different laboratories. The AIDS and Cancer Specimen Resource (ACSR) is a HIV/AIDS tissue bank consortium sponsored by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis (DCTD). The ACSR offers HIV-related malignancies and uninfected control tissues in microarrays (TMA) accompanied by de-identified clinical data to approved researchers. Exporting our TMA data into the proposed API specified format offers an opportunity to evaluate the API specification in an applied setting and to explore its usefulness. Results A document type definition (DTD) that governs the allowed common data elements (CDE) in TMA DES export XML files was written, tested and evolved and is in routine use by the ACSR. This DTD defines TMA DES CDEs which are implemented in an external file that can be supplemented by internal DTD extensions for locally defined TMA data elements (LDE). Conclusion ACSR implementation of the TMA DES demonstrated the utility of the specification and allowed application of a DTD to validate the language of the API specified XML elements and to identify possible enhancements within our TMA data management application. Improvements to the specification have additionally been suggested by our experience in importing other institution's exported TMA data. Enhancements to TMA DES to remove ambiguous situations and clarify the data should be considered. Better specified identifiers and hierarchical relationships will make automatic use of the data possible. Our tool can be used to reorder data and add identifiers; upgrading data for changes in the specification can be automatically accomplished. Using a DTD (optionally reflecting our proposed enhancements) can provide stronger validation of exported TMA data. PMID:15871741

Software tool for data mining and its applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Jie; Ye, Chenzhou; Chen, Nianyi

2002-03-01

A software tool for data mining is introduced, which integrates pattern recognition (PCA, Fisher, clustering, hyperenvelop, regression), artificial intelligence (knowledge representation, decision trees), statistical learning (rough set, support vector machine), computational intelligence (neural network, genetic algorithm, fuzzy systems). It consists of nine function models: pattern recognition, decision trees, association rule, fuzzy rule, neural network, genetic algorithm, Hyper Envelop, support vector machine, visualization. The principle and knowledge representation of some function models of data mining are described. The software tool of data mining is realized by Visual C++ under Windows 2000. Nonmonotony in data mining is dealt with by concept hierarchy and layered mining. The software tool of data mining has satisfactorily applied in the prediction of regularities of the formation of ternary intermetallic compounds in alloy systems, and diagnosis of brain glioma.

Evaluating and Evolving Metadata in Multiple Dialects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kozimor, J.; Habermann, T.; Powers, L. A.; Gordon, S.

2016-12-01

Despite many long-term homogenization efforts, communities continue to develop focused metadata standards along with related recommendations and (typically) XML representations (aka dialects) for sharing metadata content. Different representations easily become obstacles to sharing information because each representation generally requires a set of tools and skills that are designed, built, and maintained specifically for that representation. In contrast, community recommendations are generally described, at least initially, at a more conceptual level and are more easily shared. For example, most communities agree that dataset titles should be included in metadata records although they write the titles in different ways. This situation has led to the development of metadata repositories that can ingest and output metadata in multiple dialects. As an operational example, the NASA Common Metadata Repository (CMR) includes three different metadata dialects (DIF, ECHO, and ISO 19115-2). These systems raise a new question for metadata providers: if I have a choice of metadata dialects, which should I use and how do I make that decision? We have developed a collection of metadata evaluation tools that can be used to evaluate metadata records in many dialects for completeness with respect to recommendations from many organizations and communities. We have applied these tools to over 8000 collection and granule metadata records in four different dialects. This large collection of identical content in multiple dialects enables us to address questions about metadata and dialect evolution and to answer those questions quantitatively. We will describe those tools and results from evaluating the NASA CMR metadata collection.

Graphic Representations as Tools for Decision Making.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Howard, Judith

2001-01-01

Focuses on the use of graphic representations to enable students to improve their decision making skills in the social studies. Explores three visual aids used in assisting students with decision making: (1) the force field; (2) the decision tree; and (3) the decision making grid. (CMK)

Count on It: Congruent Manipulative Displays

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Morin, Joe; Samelson, Vicki M.

2015-01-01

Representations that create informative visual displays are powerful tools for communicating mathematical concepts. The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics encourages the use of manipulatives (NCTM 2000). Manipulative materials are often used to present initial representations of basic numerical principles to young children, and it is…

Electromagnetic Concepts in Mathematical Representation of Physics.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Albe, Virginie; Venturini, Patrice; Lascours, Jean

2001-01-01

Addresses the use of mathematics when studying the physics of electromagnetism. Focuses on common electromagnetic concepts and their associated mathematical representation and arithmetical tools. Concludes that most students do not understand the significant aspects of physical situations and have difficulty using relationships and models specific…

The wheelchair as a full-body tool extending the peripersonal space

PubMed Central

Galli, Giulia; Noel, Jean Paul; Canzoneri, Elisa; Blanke, Olaf; Serino, Andrea

2015-01-01

Dedicated multisensory mechanisms in the brain represent peripersonal space (PPS), a limited portion of space immediately surrounding the body. Previous studies have illustrated the malleability of PPS representation through hand-object interaction, showing that tool use extends the limits of the hand-centered PPS. In the present study we investigated the effects of a special tool, the wheelchair, in extending the action possibilities of the whole body. We used a behavioral measure to quantify the extension of the PPS around the body before and after Active (Experiment 1) and Passive (Experiment 2) training with a wheelchair and when participants were blindfolded (Experiment 3). Results suggest that a wheelchair-mediated passive exploration of far space extended PPS representation. This effect was specifically related to the possibility of receiving information from the environment through vision, since no extension effect was found when participants were blindfolded. Surprisingly, the active motor training did not induce any modification in PPS representation, probably because the wheelchair maneuver was demanding for non-expert users and thus they may have prioritized processing of information from close to the wheelchair rather than at far spatial locations. Our results suggest that plasticity in PPS representation after tool use seems not to strictly depend on active use of the tool itself, but is triggered by simultaneous processing of information from the body and the space where the body acts in the environment, which is more extended in the case of wheelchair use. These results contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms underlying body–environment interaction for developing and improving applications of assistive technological devices in different clinical populations. PMID:26042069

Airlift Operation Modeling Using Discrete Event Simulation (DES)

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-12-01

Java ......................................................................................................20 2. Simkit...JRE Java Runtime Environment JVM Java Virtual Machine lbs Pounds LAM Load Allocation Mode LRM Landing Spot Reassignment Mode LEGO Listener Event...SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT ENVIRONMENT The following are the software tools and development environment used for constructing the models. 1. Java Java

La situation des traducteurs dans les pays arabes (The Role of Translators in the Arab Countries).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hanafi, Benaissa

1980-01-01

Reviews the services provided by translators under colonialism, as compared with their new role in independent Algeria. Stresses the socioeconomic and political importance of translation as a tool for the diffusion of technological and scientific information in Arabic. (MES)

Turnaround Time Modeling for Conceptual Rocket Engines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nix, Michael; Staton, Eric J.

2004-01-01

Recent years have brought about a paradigm shift within NASA and the Space Launch Community regarding the performance of conceptual design. Reliability, maintainability, supportability, and operability are no longer effects of design; they have moved to the forefront and are affecting design. A primary focus of this shift has been a planned decrease in vehicle turnaround time. Potentials for instituting this decrease include attacking the issues of removing, refurbishing, and replacing the engines after each flight. less, it is important to understand the operational affects of an engine on turnaround time, ground support personnel and equipment. One tool for visualizing this relationship involves the creation of a Discrete Event Simulation (DES). A DES model can be used to run a series of trade studies to determine if the engine is meeting its requirements, and, if not, what can be altered to bring it into compliance. Using DES, it is possible to look at the ways in which labor requirements, parallel maintenance versus serial maintenance, and maintenance scheduling affect the overall turnaround time. A detailed DES model of the Space Shuttle Main Engines (SSME) has been developed. Trades may be performed using the SSME Processing Model to see where maintenance bottlenecks occur, what the benefits (if any) are of increasing the numbers of personnel, or the number and location of facilities, in addition to trades previously mentioned, all with the goal of optimizing the operational turnaround time and minimizing operational cost. The SSME Processing Model was developed in such a way that it can easily be used as a foundation for developing DES models of other operational or developmental reusable engines. Performing a DES on a developmental engine during the conceptual phase makes it easier to affect the design and make changes to bring about a decrease in turnaround time and costs.

The Representation of Object-Directed Action and Function Knowledge in the Human Brain

PubMed Central

Chen, Quanjing; Garcea, Frank E.; Mahon, Bradford Z.

2016-01-01

The appropriate use of everyday objects requires the integration of action and function knowledge. Previous research suggests that action knowledge is represented in frontoparietal areas while function knowledge is represented in temporal lobe regions. Here we used multivoxel pattern analysis to investigate the representation of object-directed action and function knowledge while participants executed pantomimes of familiar tool actions. A novel approach for decoding object knowledge was used in which classifiers were trained on one pair of objects and then tested on a distinct pair; this permitted a measurement of classification accuracy over and above object-specific information. Region of interest (ROI) analyses showed that object-directed actions could be decoded in tool-preferring regions of both parietal and temporal cortex, while no independently defined tool-preferring ROI showed successful decoding of object function. However, a whole-brain searchlight analysis revealed that while frontoparietal motor and peri-motor regions are engaged in the representation of object-directed actions, medial temporal lobe areas in the left hemisphere are involved in the representation of function knowledge. These results indicate that both action and function knowledge are represented in a topographically coherent manner that is amenable to study with multivariate approaches, and that the left medial temporal cortex represents knowledge of object function. PMID:25595179

Statistical and Probabilistic Extensions to Ground Operations' Discrete Event Simulation Modeling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Trocine, Linda; Cummings, Nicholas H.; Bazzana, Ashley M.; Rychlik, Nathan; LeCroy, Kenneth L.; Cates, Grant R.

2010-01-01

NASA's human exploration initiatives will invest in technologies, public/private partnerships, and infrastructure, paving the way for the expansion of human civilization into the solar system and beyond. As it is has been for the past half century, the Kennedy Space Center will be the embarkation point for humankind's journey into the cosmos. Functioning as a next generation space launch complex, Kennedy's launch pads, integration facilities, processing areas, launch and recovery ranges will bustle with the activities of the world's space transportation providers. In developing this complex, KSC teams work through the potential operational scenarios: conducting trade studies, planning and budgeting for expensive and limited resources, and simulating alternative operational schemes. Numerous tools, among them discrete event simulation (DES), were matured during the Constellation Program to conduct such analyses with the purpose of optimizing the launch complex for maximum efficiency, safety, and flexibility while minimizing life cycle costs. Discrete event simulation is a computer-based modeling technique for complex and dynamic systems where the state of the system changes at discrete points in time and whose inputs may include random variables. DES is used to assess timelines and throughput, and to support operability studies and contingency analyses. It is applicable to any space launch campaign and informs decision-makers of the effects of varying numbers of expensive resources and the impact of off nominal scenarios on measures of performance. In order to develop representative DES models, methods were adopted, exploited, or created to extend traditional uses of DES. The Delphi method was adopted and utilized for task duration estimation. DES software was exploited for probabilistic event variation. A roll-up process was used, which was developed to reuse models and model elements in other less - detailed models. The DES team continues to innovate and expand DES capabilities to address KSC's planning needs.

Efficiency of endoscopy units can be improved with use of discrete event simulation modeling.

PubMed

Sauer, Bryan G; Singh, Kanwar P; Wagner, Barry L; Vanden Hoek, Matthew S; Twilley, Katherine; Cohn, Steven M; Shami, Vanessa M; Wang, Andrew Y

2016-11-01

Background and study aims: The projected increased demand for health services obligates healthcare organizations to operate efficiently. Discrete event simulation (DES) is a modeling method that allows for optimization of systems through virtual testing of different configurations before implementation. The objective of this study was to identify strategies to improve the daily efficiencies of an endoscopy center with the use of DES. Methods: We built a DES model of a five procedure room endoscopy unit at a tertiary-care university medical center. After validating the baseline model, we tested alternate configurations to run the endoscopy suite and evaluated outcomes associated with each change. The main outcome measures included adequate number of preparation and recovery rooms, blocked inflow, delay times, blocked outflows, and patient cycle time. Results: Based on a sensitivity analysis, the adequate number of preparation rooms is eight and recovery rooms is nine for a five procedure room unit (total 3.4 preparation and recovery rooms per procedure room). Simple changes to procedure scheduling and patient arrival times led to a modest improvement in efficiency. Increasing the preparation/recovery rooms based on the sensitivity analysis led to significant improvements in efficiency. Conclusions: By applying tools such as DES, we can model changes in an environment with complex interactions and find ways to improve the medical care we provide. DES is applicable to any endoscopy unit and would be particularly valuable to those who are trying to improve on the efficiency of care and patient experience.

Efficiency of endoscopy units can be improved with use of discrete event simulation modeling

PubMed Central

Sauer, Bryan G.; Singh, Kanwar P.; Wagner, Barry L.; Vanden Hoek, Matthew S.; Twilley, Katherine; Cohn, Steven M.; Shami, Vanessa M.; Wang, Andrew Y.

2016-01-01

Background and study aims: The projected increased demand for health services obligates healthcare organizations to operate efficiently. Discrete event simulation (DES) is a modeling method that allows for optimization of systems through virtual testing of different configurations before implementation. The objective of this study was to identify strategies to improve the daily efficiencies of an endoscopy center with the use of DES. Methods: We built a DES model of a five procedure room endoscopy unit at a tertiary-care university medical center. After validating the baseline model, we tested alternate configurations to run the endoscopy suite and evaluated outcomes associated with each change. The main outcome measures included adequate number of preparation and recovery rooms, blocked inflow, delay times, blocked outflows, and patient cycle time. Results: Based on a sensitivity analysis, the adequate number of preparation rooms is eight and recovery rooms is nine for a five procedure room unit (total 3.4 preparation and recovery rooms per procedure room). Simple changes to procedure scheduling and patient arrival times led to a modest improvement in efficiency. Increasing the preparation/recovery rooms based on the sensitivity analysis led to significant improvements in efficiency. Conclusions: By applying tools such as DES, we can model changes in an environment with complex interactions and find ways to improve the medical care we provide. DES is applicable to any endoscopy unit and would be particularly valuable to those who are trying to improve on the efficiency of care and patient experience. PMID:27853739

Development of an Optimum Rescue Tool, Detailed Prototype Concept Design.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-06-01

vAll Ai24 108 0VLOOKIN Of A1 OPTIU.M *t$CUI VOOL OITAILEO /D ..010 ",:N COAC IPT DES III AMETIc/01fI SANTA SAROARA CA IT A Ot SIN IT aL. -~ JUaI A...penetrate hardened metal structures of aircraft. A large number of tools are transported to the scene of a crashed air- craft. Valuable time is lost deciding...carrying system is necessary for transport of the tool to allow the operator free use of his hands. Such a system would be a shoulder sling assembly

bioWeb3D: an online webGL 3D data visualisation tool

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Data visualization is critical for interpreting biological data. However, in practice it can prove to be a bottleneck for non trained researchers; this is especially true for three dimensional (3D) data representation. Whilst existing software can provide all necessary functionalities to represent and manipulate biological 3D datasets, very few are easily accessible (browser based), cross platform and accessible to non-expert users. Results An online HTML5/WebGL based 3D visualisation tool has been developed to allow biologists to quickly and easily view interactive and customizable three dimensional representations of their data along with multiple layers of information. Using the WebGL library Three.js written in Javascript, bioWeb3D allows the simultaneous visualisation of multiple large datasets inputted via a simple JSON, XML or CSV file, which can be read and analysed locally thanks to HTML5 capabilities. Conclusions Using basic 3D representation techniques in a technologically innovative context, we provide a program that is not intended to compete with professional 3D representation software, but that instead enables a quick and intuitive representation of reasonably large 3D datasets. PMID:23758781

Graphical Representations of Electronic Search Patterns.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lin, Xia; And Others

1991-01-01

Discussion of search behavior in electronic environments focuses on the development of GRIP (Graphic Representor of Interaction Patterns), a graphing tool based on HyperCard that produces graphic representations of search patterns. Search state spaces are explained, and forms of data available from electronic searches are described. (34…

The MEDA Project: Developing Evaluation Competence in the Training Software Domain.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Machell, Joan; Saunders, Murray

1992-01-01

The MEDA (Methodologie d'Evaluation des Didacticiels pour les Adultes) tool is a generic instrument to evaluate training courseware. It was developed for software designers to improve products, for instructors to select appropriate courseware, and for distributors and consultants to match software to client needs. Describes software evaluation…

Water supply rates for recirculating evaporative cooling systems in poultry housing

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Evaporative cooling (EC) is an important tool to reduce heat stress in animal housing systems. Expansion of ventilation capacity in tunnel ventilated poultry facilities has resulted in increased water demand for EC systems. As water resources become more limited and costly, proper planning and des...

Evaluating and Evolving Metadata in Multiple Dialects

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kozimore, John; Habermann, Ted; Gordon, Sean; Powers, Lindsay

2016-01-01

Despite many long-term homogenization efforts, communities continue to develop focused metadata standards along with related recommendations and (typically) XML representations (aka dialects) for sharing metadata content. Different representations easily become obstacles to sharing information because each representation generally requires a set of tools and skills that are designed, built, and maintained specifically for that representation. In contrast, community recommendations are generally described, at least initially, at a more conceptual level and are more easily shared. For example, most communities agree that dataset titles should be included in metadata records although they write the titles in different ways.

Integrating multiple data sources for malware classification

DOEpatents

Anderson, Blake Harrell; Storlie, Curtis B; Lane, Terran

2015-04-28

Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of tools and techniques for classifying programs. According to one exemplary technique, at least one graph representation of at least one dynamic data source of at least one program is generated. Also, at least one graph representation of at least one static data source of the at least one program is generated. Additionally, at least using the at least one graph representation of the at least one dynamic data source and the at least one graph representation of the at least one static data source, the at least one program is classified.

Modeling Airport Ground Operations using Discrete Event Simulation (DES) and X3D Visualization

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-03-01

scenes. It is written in open-source Java and XML using the Netbeans platform, which gave the features of being suitable as standalone applications...and as a plug-in module for the Netbeans integrated development environment (IDE). X3D Graphics is the tool used for the elaboration the creation of...process is shown in Figure 2. To 20 create a new event graph in Viskit, first, Viskit tool must be launched via Netbeans or from the executable

A Graphical Teaching Tool for Understanding Two's Complement.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Luck, Carlos L.

As part of the Electrical Engineering program at the Univesity of Southern Maine, students are typically introduced to Two's Complement algebra and representation, a method to include negative numbers in the binary representation of integers that is widely used in microprocessors and related digital systems. The traditional, procedural method to…

Students' Construction of External Representations in Design-Based Learning Situations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

de Vries, Erica

2006-01-01

This article develops a theoretical framework for the study of students' construction of mixed multiple external representations in design-based learning situations involving an adaptation of professional tasks and tools to a classroom setting. The framework draws on research on professional design processes and on learning with multiple external…

The Thinker versus a Quilting Bee: Contrasting Images.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thayer-Bacon, Barbara J.

1999-01-01

Offers the image of the quilting bee as a contrasting representation of critical thinking (or constructive thinking), comparing the two images, discussing a quilting bee representation of knowledge construction in terms of the tools used by quilters (knowers), and summarizing the transformation of critical thinking theory that a quilting bee image…

From knowledge presentation to knowledge representation to knowledge construction: Future directions for hypermedia

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Palumbo, David B.

1990-01-01

Relationships between human memory systems and hypermedia systems are discussed with particular emphasis on the underlying importance of associational memory. The distinctions between knowledge presentation, knowledge representation, and knowledge constructions are addressed. Issues involved in actually developing individualizable hypermedia based knowledge construction tools are presented.

Piano Students' Conceptions of Musical Scores as External Representations: A Cross-Sectional Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bautista, Alfredo; Perez Echeverria, Ma del Puy; Pozo, J. Ignacio; Brizuela, Barbara M.

2009-01-01

Musical scores are some of the most important learning tools for musicians' acquisition of musical knowledge. However, despite their educational relevance, very little is known about how music students "conceive" of these cultural external representations. Given that these conceptions might act as mediators of students' learning…

Identifying Secondary-School Students' Difficulties When Reading Visual Representations Displayed in Physics Simulations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

López, Víctor; Pintó, Roser

2017-01-01

Computer simulations are often considered effective educational tools, since their visual and communicative power enable students to better understand physical systems and phenomena. However, previous studies have found that when students read visual representations some reading difficulties can arise, especially when these are complex or dynamic…

Designing and Evaluating Representations to Model Pedagogy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Masterman, Elizabeth; Craft, Brock

2013-01-01

This article presents the case for a theory-informed approach to designing and evaluating representations for implementation in digital tools to support Learning Design, using the framework of epistemic efficacy as an example. This framework, which is rooted in the literature of cognitive psychology, is operationalised through dimensions of fit…

Communication and Representation as Elements in Mathematical Literacy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thompson, Denisse R.; Chappell, Michaele F.

2007-01-01

The process standards of communication and representation in the "Principles and Standards for School Mathematics" are critical tools to help students develop mathematical literacy. In the mathematics classroom, students need to be encouraged to use speaking, listening, reading, and writing to communicate their understanding of mathematics words,…

Microwave Workshop for Windows.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

White, Colin

1998-01-01

"Microwave Workshop for Windows" consists of three programs that act as teaching aid and provide a circuit design utility within the field of microwave engineering. The first program is a computer representation of a graphical design tool; the second is an accurate visual and analytical representation of a microwave test bench; the third…

Navigation d'un vehicule autonome autour d'un asteroide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dionne, Karine

Les missions d'exploration planetaire utilisent des vehicules spatiaux pour acquerir les donnees scientifiques qui font avancer notre connaissance du systeme solaire. Depuis les annees 90, ces missions ciblent non seulement les planetes, mais aussi les corps celestes de plus petite taille comme les asteroides. Ces astres representent un defi particulier du point de vue des systemes de navigation, car leur environnement dynamique est complexe. Une sonde spatiale doit reagir rapidement face aux perturbations gravitationnelles en presence, sans quoi sa securite pourrait etre compromise. Les delais de communication avec la Terre pouvant souvent atteindre plusieurs dizaines de minutes, il est necessaire de developper des logiciels permettant une plus grande autonomie d'operation pour ce type de mission. Ce memoire presente un systeme de navigation autonome qui determine la position et la vitesse d'un satellite en orbite autour d'un asteroide. Il s'agit d'un filtre de Kalman etendu adaptatif a trois degres de liberte. Le systeme propose se base sur l'imagerie optique pour detecter des " points de reperes " qui ont ete prealablement cartographies. Il peut s'agir de crateres, de rochers ou de n'importe quel trait physique discernable a la camera. Les travaux de recherche realises se concentrent sur les techniques d'estimation d'etat propres a la navigation autonome. Ainsi, on suppose l'existence d'un logiciel approprie qui realise les fonctions de traitement d'image. La principale contribution de recherche consiste en l'inclusion, a chaque cycle d'estimation, d'une mesure de distance afin d'ameliorer les performances de navigation. Un estimateur d'etat de type adaptatif est necessaire pour le traitement de ces mesures, car leur precision varie dans le temps en raison de l'erreur de pointage. Les contributions secondaires de recherche sont liees a l'analyse de l'observabilite du systeme ainsi qu'a une analyse de sensibilite pour six parametres principaux de conception. Les resultats de simulation montrent que l'ajout d'une mesure de distance par cycle de mise a jour entraine une amelioration significative des performances de navigation. Ce procede reduit l'erreur d'estimation ainsi que les periodes de non-observabilite en plus de contrer la dilution de precision des mesures. Les analyses de sensibilite confirment quant a elles la contribution des mesures de distance a la diminution globale de l'erreur d'estimation et ce pour une large gamme de parametres de conception. Elles indiquent egalement que l'erreur de cartographie est un parametre critique pour les performances du systeme de navigation developpe. Mots cles : Estimation d'etat, filtre de Kalman adaptatif, navigation optique, lidar, asteroide, simulations numeriques

Le transfert de connaissances entre les mathematiques et les sciences. Une etude exploratoire aupres d'eleves de 4e secondaire

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Samson, Ghislain

2003-06-01

Au moment ou dans plusieurs pays on travaille a refondre les programmes d'etudes, tant au primaire qu'au secondaire, l'interet pour le transfert renait. Un des concepts fondamentaux en apprentissage consiste en l'habilete a reutiliser de facon consciente et efficace un acquis d'une situation a une autre situation. Cette recherche emane de preoccupations professionnelles au moment ou le chercheur etait enseignant au secondaire. Au cours de ces annees, il lui a ete possible de constater que plusieurs eleves percevaient difficilement les liens presents entre les disciplines mathematiques et scientifiques. Des travaux en psychologie cognitive et plus particulierement selon une perspective du traitement de l'information ont servi de cadre de reference pour evaluer et analyser les capacites de transfert aupres d'eleves de 4e secondaire. Ce cadre de reference permet de formuler le principal objectif qui est de mieux comprendre le processus de transfert chez des eleves en situation de resolution de problemes scientifiques. Cette these s'interesse donc au transfert en tant que phenomene important du processus d'apprentissage au sens de l'integration. La methode de recherche choisie, de nature qualitative, est principalement axee sur l'evaluation de la capacite a transferer des connaissances lors d'une epreuve et d'un entretien. Pour evaluer ce potentiel de transfert, nous avons elabore deux outils: une epreuve en mathematiques et en sciences et un guide d'entretien. Pour la passation de l'epreuve, le chercheur a pu compter sur la collaboration de 130 sujets provenant de deux ecoles. L'entretien complete la prise de donnees avec 13 sujets ayant accepte de poursuivre l'etude. Les donnees recueillies par ces instruments font ensuite l'objet d'une analyse de contenu. En premier lieu, les verbatims de l'epreuve et de l'entretien ont ete transcrits, puis codifies. La correction des reponses fournies pour les problemes resolus s'est faite a partir d'une grille d'analyse qualitative et adaptee de la litterature (Thouin, 1995). Une seconde serie d'analyses permettant de categoriser les reponses selon la typologie des connaissances declaratives, procedurales et conditionnelles complete la prise de donnees. Nos resultats indiquent que les sujets sont tres influences par des elements de surface, principalement lorsqu'il s'agit de problemes auxquels ils ne sont pas habitues. En l'absence de connaissances de base, plusieurs sujets vont tendre vers des propositions de solution "pratico-pratique" provenant de leur vecu: cela nous apparait d'importance d'un point de vue didactique et en matiere de transfert. Lors des entretiens realises un mois plus tard, les sujets ont eprouve de la difficulte a se rappeler le contenu de l'epreuve. Et lorsqu'il y avait un rappel, celui-ci etait superficiel et surtout axe sur le contenu ou le contexte d'un probleme. La plupart des sujets ne pouvait nommer que deux ou trois elements (des problemes en mathematiques, en sciences physiques, le probleme de la fenetre, le probleme du laser, etc.). Nos resultats confirment ce que plusieurs chercheurs (Julo, 1995, Jonnaert et Vander Borght, 1999; Richard et al., 1990) qui s'interessent aux questions de l'apprentissage admettent aujourd'hui: l'eleve ne travaille jamais sur la situation proposee par l'enseignant, mais bien sur la representation qu'il s'en est construite. Au plan methodologique, cette recherche est interessante par la variete des sources de collecte de donnees utilisees, par l'application d'outils methodologiques et d'analyses originaux tires de la recherche et de la pratique. Du cote theorique, il resulte de cette etude une meilleure comprehension du processus de transfert des connaissances mathematiques vers les sciences physiques. Finalement, aux plans didactique et pedagogique, cette recherche alimente la reflexion sur l'apprentissage et l'enseignement des sciences au secondaire. Elle fait ressortir que les mathematiques sont importantes dans la mobilisation de certaines connaissances scientifiques et que l'enseignant peut et devrait jouer un role pour favoriser le transfert.

Le role strategique des representations sociales a caractere paysager dans le mouvement de recuperation des rivieres a des fins recreatives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tremblay, Francois

Historically, the rivers of Quebec have played outstanding parts in the territory cultural and political establishment, in the homeland discovery and colonization processes, and also in its economic development. One after another, transportation, trade, log driving and hydroelectricity production have been the dominant usage on these watercourses, and any other users had to give in. For the last thirty years, the wastewater cleaning efforts, the watercourse public access development as well as the withdrawal on some pollution producing practices like log driving, have given rise to a new recreational usage on many of these watercourses. In reality, this recreational usage barely put up with the magnitude of the hydro electricity production. This results in conflicts with increasing rate and intensity. The recreational users' demands are taken in consideration by the hydro electricity projects participants. However this consideration doesn't seem to satisfy the recreational users' expectations due to fundamental opposed viewpoints and principles which are being promoted by each group. Such radical divergence between these two groups introduces the notion of strategy being promoted by one group to be able to pressure the other group's practices. These strategies development depends on the participants' ability to force social issues upon the others pressing them to reconsider their own underlying principles. In the case of the conflict opposing the recreational wastewater industry with the small private hydroelectric projects on the Gatineau River, the recreational users, with the use of recontextualisation (or reframing of information) processes have been able to slow down and even momentarily stop hydro electric projects there. These recontextualisation processes are based on landscape related social representations which emphasize the aesthetic, emblematic and identity dimensions of the Gatineau River. These social representations introduce several paradoxes in the conflict between the recreational whitewater and hydroelectricity industries. These paradoxes force a reassessment on the traditional ways of dealing with (a) the area where the participants have an effect on (b) the temporal aspects of the issues, as well as (c) the social reference rationalizing their actions. In addition, these three recontextualisations, (spatial, temporal and social) put forward new ways about how to intervene on the river. These proposals, while relying on a coherent outlook on the world, are carried out into a local scale society building project, the landscape of a natural Gatineau river project. The research course of action developed for this thesis allows understanding the richness and intensity of the participants' radicalism experience. Beyond the typical "not in my backyard" reaction, the extreme oppositions between different participants quite often reveal some consistent, multifaceted, rightful and operational outlooks on the world. To understand ambitions, motivations and the projects, underlying the extremism of the participants, allow considering this radicalism from a viewpoint that is constructive for the participants as a whole, involved in territory planning.

Cognitive Dissonance as an Instructional Tool for Understanding Chemical Representations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Corradi, David; Clarebout, Geraldine; Elen, Jan

2015-10-01

Previous research on multiple external representations (MER) indicates that sequencing representations (compared with presenting them as a whole) can, in some cases, increase conceptual understanding if there is interference between internal and external representations. We tested this mechanism by sequencing different combinations of scientific and abstract chemical representations and presenting them to 133 learners with low prior knowledge of the represented domain. The results provide insight into three separate mechanisms of learning with MER. (1) A memory (number of ideas reproduced) and (2) an accuracy (correctness of these ideas) effects occur when two representations are presented in a sequence. An accuracy and a (3) redundancy (number of redundant ideas remembered) effects occur when three representations are presented in a sequence. A necessary precondition for these effects is that descriptive formats are placed before depictive formats. The identified effects are analyzed in terms of the concept of cognitive dissonance.

Problem Representation, Background Evidence, Analysis, Recommendation: An Oral Case Presentation Tool to Promote Diagnostic Reasoning.

PubMed

Carter, Cristina; Akar-Ghibril, Nicole; Sestokas, Jeff; Dixon, Gabrina; Bradford, Wilhelmina; Ottolini, Mary

2018-03-01

Oral case presentations provide an opportunity for trainees to communicate diagnostic reasoning at the bedside. However, few tools exist to enable faculty to provide effective feedback. We developed a tool to assess diagnostic reasoning and communication during oral case presentations. Published by Elsevier Inc.

A Python tool to set up relative free energy calculations in GROMACS.

PubMed

Klimovich, Pavel V; Mobley, David L

2015-11-01

Free energy calculations based on molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have seen a tremendous growth in the last decade. However, it is still difficult and tedious to set them up in an automated manner, as the majority of the present-day MD simulation packages lack that functionality. Relative free energy calculations are a particular challenge for several reasons, including the problem of finding a common substructure and mapping the transformation to be applied. Here we present a tool, alchemical-setup.py, that automatically generates all the input files needed to perform relative solvation and binding free energy calculations with the MD package GROMACS. When combined with Lead Optimization Mapper (LOMAP; Liu et al. in J Comput Aided Mol Des 27(9):755-770, 2013), recently developed in our group, alchemical-setup.py allows fully automated setup of relative free energy calculations in GROMACS. Taking a graph of the planned calculations and a mapping, both computed by LOMAP, our tool generates the topology and coordinate files needed to perform relative free energy calculations for a given set of molecules, and provides a set of simulation input parameters. The tool was validated by performing relative hydration free energy calculations for a handful of molecules from the SAMPL4 challenge (Mobley et al. in J Comput Aided Mol Des 28(4):135-150, 2014). Good agreement with previously published results and the straightforward way in which free energy calculations can be conducted make alchemical-setup.py a promising tool for automated setup of relative solvation and binding free energy calculations.

A first approach for digital representation and automated classification of toolmarks on locking cylinders using confocal laser microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clausing, Eric; Kraetzer, Christian; Dittmann, Jana; Vielhauer, Claus

2012-10-01

An important part of criminalistic forensics is the analysis of toolmarks. Such toolmarks often consist of plenty of single striations, scratches and dents which can allow for conclusions in regards to the sequence of events or used tools. To receive qualified results with an automated analysis and contactless acquisition of such toolmarks, a detailed digital representation of these and their orientation as well as placing to each other is required. For marks of firearms and tools the desired result of an analysis is a conclusion whether or not a mark has been generated by a tool under suspicion. For toolmark analysis on locking cylinders, the aim is not an identification of the used tool but rather an identification of the opening method. The challenge of such an identification is that a one-to-one comparison of two images is not sufficient - although two marked objects look completely different in regards to the specific location and shape of found marks they still can represent a sample for the identical opening method. This paper provides the first approach for modelling toolmarks on lock pins and takes into consideration the different requirements necessary to generate a detailed and interpretable digital representation of these traces. These requirements are 'detail', i.e. adequate features which allow for a suitable representation and interpretation of single marks, 'meta detail', i.e. adequate representation of the context and connection between all marks and 'distinctiveness', i.e. the possibility to reliably distinguish different sample types by the according model. The model is evaluated with a set of 15 physical samples (resulting in 675 digital scans) of lock pins from cylinders opened with different opening methods, contactlessly scanned with a confocal laser microscope. The presented results suggest a high suitability for the aspired purpose of opening method determination.

The Representation of Object-Directed Action and Function Knowledge in the Human Brain.

PubMed

Chen, Quanjing; Garcea, Frank E; Mahon, Bradford Z

2016-04-01

The appropriate use of everyday objects requires the integration of action and function knowledge. Previous research suggests that action knowledge is represented in frontoparietal areas while function knowledge is represented in temporal lobe regions. Here we used multivoxel pattern analysis to investigate the representation of object-directed action and function knowledge while participants executed pantomimes of familiar tool actions. A novel approach for decoding object knowledge was used in which classifiers were trained on one pair of objects and then tested on a distinct pair; this permitted a measurement of classification accuracy over and above object-specific information. Region of interest (ROI) analyses showed that object-directed actions could be decoded in tool-preferring regions of both parietal and temporal cortex, while no independently defined tool-preferring ROI showed successful decoding of object function. However, a whole-brain searchlight analysis revealed that while frontoparietal motor and peri-motor regions are engaged in the representation of object-directed actions, medial temporal lobe areas in the left hemisphere are involved in the representation of function knowledge. These results indicate that both action and function knowledge are represented in a topographically coherent manner that is amenable to study with multivariate approaches, and that the left medial temporal cortex represents knowledge of object function. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Microscopic transport model animation visualisation on KML base

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yatskiv, I.; Savrasovs, M.

2012-10-01

By reading classical literature devoted to the simulation theory it could be found that one of the greatest possibilities of simulation is the ability to present processes inside the system by animation. This gives to the simulation model additional value during presentation of simulation results for the public and authorities who are not familiar enough with simulation. That is why most of universal and specialised simulation tools have the ability to construct 2D and 3D representation of the model. Usually the development of such representation could take much time and there must be put a lot forces into creating an adequate 3D representation of the model. For long years such well-known microscopic traffic flow simulation software tools as VISSIM, AIMSUN and PARAMICS have had a possibility to produce 2D and 3D animation. But creation of realistic 3D model of the place where traffic flows are simulated, even in these professional software tools it is a hard and time consuming action. The goal of this paper is to describe the concepts of use the existing on-line geographical information systems for visualisation of animation produced by simulation software. For demonstration purposes the following technologies and tools have been used: PTV VISION VISSIM, KML and Google Earth.

Neurocognitive inefficacy of the strategy process.

PubMed

Klein, Harold E; D'Esposito, Mark

2007-11-01

The most widely used (and taught) protocols for strategic analysis-Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) and Porter's (1980) Five Force Framework for industry analysis-have been found to be insufficient as stimuli for strategy creation or even as a basis for further strategy development. We approach this problem from a neurocognitive perspective. We see profound incompatibilities between the cognitive process-deductive reasoning-channeled into the collective mind of strategists within the formal planning process through its tools of strategic analysis (i.e., rational technologies) and the essentially inductive reasoning process actually needed to address ill-defined, complex strategic situations. Thus, strategic analysis protocols that may appear to be and, indeed, are entirely rational and logical are not interpretable as such at the neuronal substrate level where thinking takes place. The analytical structure (or propositional representation) of these tools results in a mental dead end, the phenomenon known in cognitive psychology as functional fixedness. The difficulty lies with the inability of the brain to make out meaningful (i.e., strategy-provoking) stimuli from the mental images (or depictive representations) generated by strategic analysis tools. We propose decreasing dependence on these tools and conducting further research employing brain imaging technology to explore complex data handling protocols with richer mental representation and greater potential for strategy creation.

Coordinating complex decision support activities across distributed applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adler, Richard M.

1994-01-01

Knowledge-based technologies have been applied successfully to automate planning and scheduling in many problem domains. Automation of decision support can be increased further by integrating task-specific applications with supporting database systems, and by coordinating interactions between such tools to facilitate collaborative activities. Unfortunately, the technical obstacles that must be overcome to achieve this vision of transparent, cooperative problem-solving are daunting. Intelligent decision support tools are typically developed for standalone use, rely on incompatible, task-specific representational models and application programming interfaces (API's), and run on heterogeneous computing platforms. Getting such applications to interact freely calls for platform independent capabilities for distributed communication, as well as tools for mapping information across disparate representations. Symbiotics is developing a layered set of software tools (called NetWorks! for integrating and coordinating heterogeneous distributed applications. he top layer of tools consists of an extensible set of generic, programmable coordination services. Developers access these services via high-level API's to implement the desired interactions between distributed applications.

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

Kim, Suk; Rey, Soo-Chang; Lisker, Thorsten

We present ultraviolet (UV) color-magnitude relations (CMRs) of early-type dwarf galaxies in the Virgo cluster, based on Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX) UV and Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) optical imaging data. We find that dwarf lenticular galaxies (dS0s), including peculiar dwarf elliptical galaxies (dEs) with disk substructures and blue centers, show a surprisingly distinct and tight locus separated from that of ordinary dEs, which is not clearly seen in previous CMRs. The dS0s in UV CMRs follow a steeper sequence than dEs and show bluer UV-optical color at a given magnitude. We also find that the UV CMRs of dEsmore » in the outer cluster region are slightly steeper than that of their counterparts in the inner region, due to the existence of faint, blue dEs in the outer region. We explore the observed CMRs with population models of a luminosity-dependent delayed exponential star formation history. We confirm that the feature of delayed star formation of early-type dwarf galaxies in the Virgo cluster is strongly correlated with their morphology and environment. The observed CMR of dS0s is well matched by models with relatively long delayed star formation. Our results suggest that dS0s are most likely transitional objects at the stage of subsequent transformation of late-type progenitors to ordinary red dEs in the cluster environment. In any case, UV photometry provides a powerful tool to disentangle the diverse subpopulations of early-type dwarf galaxies and uncover their evolutionary histories.« less

Third Graders' Mathematical Thinking of Place Value through the Use of Concrete and Virtual Manipulatives

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Burris, Justin T.

2010-01-01

As one research priority for mathematics education is "to research how mathematical meanings are structured by tools available," the present study examined mathematical representations more closely by investigating instructional modes of representation (Noss, Healy & Hoyles, 1997). The study compared two modes of instruction of place value with…

The Influence of Textbooks on Teachers' Knowledge of Chemical Bonding Representations Relative to Students' Difficulties Understanding

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bergqvist, Anna; Chang Rundgren, Shu-Nu

2017-01-01

Background: Textbooks are integral tools for teachers' lessons. Several researchers observed that school teachers rely heavily on textbooks as informational sources when planning lessons. Moreover, textbooks are an important resource for developing students' knowledge as they contain various representations that influence students' learning.…

Dissociation and Association of the Embodied Representation of Tool-Use Verbs and Hand Verbs: An fMRI Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yang, Jie; Shu, Hua; Bi, Yanchao; Liu, Youyi; Wang, Xiaoyi

2011-01-01

Embodied semantic theories suppose that representation of word meaning and actual sensory-motor processing are implemented in overlapping systems. According to this view, association and dissociation of different word meaning should correspond to dissociation and association of the described sensory-motor processing. Previous studies demonstrate…

Young Children's Representations of Earth Materials on the Science Journal Page.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shepardson, Daniel P.; Britsch, Susan J.

The value of children's drawing and writing in science lies in its potential to assist children in making observations, remembering events, and communicating understandings. However, a neglected aspect of children's representations is that they can serve the teacher as guide to children's understandings and as a diagnostic tool. By creating their…

What Does Knowledge Look Like? Drawing as a Means of Knowledge Representation and Knowledge Construction

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bowen, Tracey; Evans, M. Max

2015-01-01

The most common tools individuals use to articulate complex and abstract concepts are writing and spoken language, long privileged as primary forms of communication. However, our, explanations of these concepts may be more aptly communicated through visual means, such as drawings. Interpreting and analyzing abstract graphic representations is…

How Pictorial Knowledge Representations Mediate Collaborative Knowledge Construction in Groups

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Naykki, Piia; Jarvela, Sanna

2008-01-01

This study investigates the process of collaborative knowledge construction when technology and pictorial knowledge representations are used for visualizing individual and groups' shared ideas. The focus of the study is on how teacher-students contribute to the group's collaborative knowledge construction and use each other's ideas and tools as an…

The Construction of the Relation Between National Past and present in the Appropriation of Historical Master Narratives.

PubMed

van Alphen, Floor; Carretero, Mario

2015-09-01

Master narratives about national history have been recognized as powerful cultural tools, influencing both historical understanding and national identity construction. For example, by the work of James Wertsch and studies on national history representation from a sociocultural point of view. However, the appropriation of these narratives needs to be considered in more detail for a clearer picture of how the nation is imagined and how this representation could change. In this paper a contribution is made by analyzing how the relation between past and present is constructed in master narrative representation, based on interviews with high school students narrating national history and presidential discourse commemorating it. It is proposed that the relation between past and present is constructed in three ways: past and present are identified; the past is idealized and their relation is teleologically constructed. By looking at how past and present are related in representations of the national past, the functioning of national historical myths as cultural tool becomes more clear. This contributes to clarifying how the master narrative constrains historical understanding and how it might enable national identification processes.

Geochemistry and the understanding of ground-water systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Glynn, Pierre D.; Plummer, L. Niel

2005-03-01

Geochemistry has contributed significantly to the understanding of ground-water systems over the last 50 years. Historic advances include development of the hydrochemical facies concept, application of equilibrium theory, investigation of redox processes, and radiocarbon dating. Other hydrochemical concepts, tools, and techniques have helped elucidate mechanisms of flow and transport in ground-water systems, and have helped unlock an archive of paleoenvironmental information. Hydrochemical and isotopic information can be used to interpret the origin and mode of ground-water recharge, refine estimates of time scales of recharge and ground-water flow, decipher reactive processes, provide paleohydrological information, and calibrate ground-water flow models. Progress needs to be made in obtaining representative samples. Improvements are needed in the interpretation of the information obtained, and in the construction and interpretation of numerical models utilizing hydrochemical data. The best approach will ensure an optimized iterative process between field data collection and analysis, interpretation, and the application of forward, inverse, and statistical modeling tools. Advances are anticipated from microbiological investigations, the characterization of natural organics, isotopic fingerprinting, applications of dissolved gas measurements, and the fields of reaction kinetics and coupled processes. A thermodynamic perspective is offered that could facilitate the comparison and understanding of the multiple physical, chemical, and biological processes affecting ground-water systems. La géochimie a contribué de façon importante à la compréhension des systèmes d'eaux souterraines pendant les 50 dernières années. Les avancées ont portées sur le développement du concept des faciès hydrochimiques, sur l'application de la théorie des équilibres, l'étude des processus d'oxydoréduction, et sur la datation au radiocarbone. D'autres concepts, outils et techniques, ont aidé à l' élucidation des élucider les mécanismes d'écoulement et de transport dans les systèmes d'eaux souterraines, et à la compréhension des archives informations paléo-environnementales. Les informations hydrochimiques et isotopiques peuvent être utilisées pour interpréter l'origine et le mode de recharge des eaux souterraines, affiner l'estimation des temps de recharge et d' écoulements, déchiffrer les processus de réaction, apporter une meilleure information paléohydrogéologique et calibrer les modèles d'écoulement des eaux souterraines. Beaucoup de progrès ont besoin d'être réalisés pour obtenir des échantillons représentatifs. Des améliorations sont nécessaires dans l'interprétation des informations obtenues, et dans la construction et l'interprétation de modèles numériques utilisant des données hydrochimiques. La meilleure approches arsurément un processus itératif optimisé entre la collection de données de terrain et l'analyse, l'interprétation, et l'application d'outils de modélisation statistique, inverse et direct. Des avancées sont anticipées par les dans le demeine des études microbiologiques, dans la caractérisation des matières organiques naturelles, le marquage isotopique, les mesures de gaz dissous, les réactions cinétiques la compréhension des couplages. Une perspectives thermodynamique pourraient faciliter la comparaison et la compréhension des multiples processus physiques, chimiques et biologiques qui affectent les systèmes hydrogéologiques. La geoquímica ha contribuido significativamente al entendimiento de los sistemas de aguas subterráneas durante los últimos 50 años. Entre los avances históricos puede incluirse el desarrollo del concento de facies hidroquímicas, la aplicación de la teoría de equilibrio, investigación de los procesos oxidación-reducción, y datación con radiocarbono. Otros conceptos, herramientas y técnicas hidroquímicas han ayudado a esclarecer los mecanismos de flujo y transporte en sistemas de agua subterránea, y han ayudado a descifrar un archivo de información paleoambiental. Información hidroquímica e isotópica puede utilizarse para interpretar el origen y modo de recarga de agua subterránea, descifrar procesos reactivos, aportar información paleohidrológica, y calibrar modelos de flujo de agua subterránea. Necesita avanzarse en la obtención de muestras representativas. Se necesitan mejoras en la interpretación de la información obtenida y en la construcción e interpretación de modelos numéricos que utilizan datos hidroquímicos. El mejor enfoque asegurará un proceso iterativo optimizado entre toma y análisis de datos de campo, interpretación, y la aplicación de herramientas de modelizado estadísticas, directas, e inversas. Se anticipan avancesa partir de investigaciones microbiológicas, la caracterización de orgánicos naturales, caracterización isotópica, aplicaciones de mediciones de gas disuelto, y los campos de cinética de reacción y procesos acoplados. Se ofrece una perspectiva termodinámica que podría facilitar la comparación y entendimiento de los múltiples procesos físicos, químicos, y biológicos que afectan sistemas de aguas subterráneas.

Mental Imagery Scale: a new measurement tool to assess structural features of mental representations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

D'Ercole, Martina; Castelli, Paolo; Giannini, Anna Maria; Sbrilli, Antonella

2010-05-01

Mental imagery is a quasi-perceptual experience which resembles perceptual experience, but occurring without (appropriate) external stimuli. It is a form of mental representation and is often considered centrally involved in visuo-spatial reasoning and inventive and creative thought. Although imagery ability is assumed to be functionally independent of verbal systems, it is still considered to interact with verbal representations, enabling objects to be named and names to evoke images. In literature, most measurement tools for evaluating imagery capacity are self-report instruments focusing on differences in individuals. In the present work, we applied a Mental Imagery Scale (MIS) to mental images derived from verbal descriptions in order to assess the structural features of such mental representations. This is a key theme for those disciplines which need to turn objects and representations into words and vice versa, such as art or architectural didactics. To this aim, an MIS questionnaire was administered to 262 participants. The questionnaire, originally consisting of a 33-item 5-step Likert scale, was reduced to 28 items covering six areas: (1) Image Formation Speed, (2) Permanence/Stability, (3) Dimensions, (4) Level of Detail/Grain, (5) Distance and (6) Depth of Field or Perspective. Factor analysis confirmed our six-factor hypothesis underlying the 28 items.

Functionality and Usability Assessment of the Complement Generation Tool (CGT): A Preliminary Review (Evaluation de la Fonctionnalite et de la Convivialite de Generation de Complements (CGT) - Examen Preliminaire)

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-04-01

Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of National Defence, 2011 © Sa Majesté la Reine (en droit du Canada), telle...l’utilité et la convivialité du CGT en ce qui concerne la détermination des besoins de main- d’œuvre au cours de la phase initiale de la conception d’une...lesquelles il a été conçu. L’évaluation a confirmé l’utilité du CGT en ce qui concerne la détermination des besoins de main-d’œuvre au cours de la phase

Tool-Use and the Left Hemisphere: What Is Lost in Ideomotor Apraxia?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sunderland, Alan; Wilkins, Leigh; Dineen, Rob; Dawson, Sophie E.

2013-01-01

Impaired tool related action in ideomotor apraxia is normally ascribed to loss of sensorimotor memories for habitual actions (engrams), but this account has not been tested against a hypothesis of a general deficit in representation of hand-object spatial relationships. Rapid reaching for familiar tools was compared with reaching for abstract…

EXPECT: Explicit Representations for Flexible Acquisition

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Swartout, BIll; Gil, Yolanda

1995-01-01

To create more powerful knowledge acquisition systems, we not only need better acquisition tools, but we need to change the architecture of the knowledge based systems we create so that their structure will provide better support for acquisition. Current acquisition tools permit users to modify factual knowledge but they provide limited support for modifying problem solving knowledge. In this paper, the authors argue that this limitation (and others) stem from the use of incomplete models of problem-solving knowledge and inflexible specification of the interdependencies between problem-solving and factual knowledge. We describe the EXPECT architecture which addresses these problems by providing an explicit representation for problem-solving knowledge and intent. Using this more explicit representation, EXPECT can automatically derive the interdependencies between problem-solving and factual knowledge. By deriving these interdependencies from the structure of the knowledge-based system itself EXPECT supports more flexible and powerful knowledge acquisition.

Visual Learning in Application of Integration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bt Shafie, Afza; Barnachea Janier, Josefina; Bt Wan Ahmad, Wan Fatimah

Innovative use of technology can improve the way how Mathematics should be taught. It can enhance student's learning the concepts through visualization. Visualization in Mathematics refers to us of texts, pictures, graphs and animations to hold the attention of the learners in order to learn the concepts. This paper describes the use of a developed multimedia courseware as an effective tool for visual learning mathematics. The focus is on the application of integration which is a topic in Engineering Mathematics 2. The course is offered to the foundation students in the Universiti Teknologi of PETRONAS. Questionnaire has been distributed to get a feedback on the visual representation and students' attitudes towards using visual representation as a learning tool. The questionnaire consists of 3 sections: Courseware Design (Part A), courseware usability (Part B) and attitudes towards using the courseware (Part C). The results showed that students demonstrated the use of visual representation has benefited them in learning the topic.

Biopathways representation and simulation on hybrid functional petri net.

PubMed

Matsuno, Hiroshi; Tanaka, Yukiko; Aoshima, Hitoshi; Doi, Atsushi; Matsui, Mika; Miyano, Satoru

2011-01-01

The following two matters should be resolved in order for biosimulation tools to be accepted by users in biology/medicine: (1) remove issues which are irrelevant to biological importance, and (2) allow users to represent biopathways intuitively and understand/manage easily the details of representation and simulation mechanism. From these criteria, we firstly define a novel notion of Petri net called Hybrid Functional Petri Net (HFPN). Then, we introduce a software tool, Genomic Object Net, for representing and simulating biopathways, which we have developed by employing the architecture of HFPN. In order to show the usefulness of Genomic Object Net for representing and simulating biopathways, we show two HFPN representations of gene regulation mechanisms of Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) circadian rhythm and apoptosis induced by Fas ligand. The simulation results of these biopathways are also correlated with biological observations. The software is available to academic users from http://www.GenomicObject.Net/.

Modeling and Simulation of High Dimensional Stochastic Multiscale PDE Systems at the Exascale

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

Kevrekidis, Ioannis

2017-03-22

The thrust of the proposal was to exploit modern data-mining tools in a way that will create a systematic, computer-assisted approach to the representation of random media -- and also to the representation of the solutions of an array of important physicochemical processes that take place in/on such media. A parsimonious representation/parametrization of the random media links directly (via uncertainty quantification tools) to good sampling of the distribution of random media realizations. It also links directly to modern multiscale computational algorithms (like the equation-free approach that has been developed in our group) and plays a crucial role in accelerating themore » scientific computation of solutions of nonlinear PDE models (deterministic or stochastic) in such media – both solutions in particular realizations of the random media, and estimation of the statistics of the solutions over multiple realizations (e.g. expectations).« less

Parcellation of left parietal tool representations by functional connectivity

PubMed Central

Garcea, Frank E.; Z. Mahon, Bradford

2014-01-01

Manipulating a tool according to its function requires the integration of visual, conceptual, and motor information, a process subserved in part by left parietal cortex. How these different types of information are integrated and how their integration is reflected in neural responses in the parietal lobule remains an open question. Here, participants viewed images of tools and animals during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). K-means clustering over time series data was used to parcellate left parietal cortex into subregions based on functional connectivity to a whole brain network of regions involved in tool processing. One cluster, in the inferior parietal cortex, expressed privileged functional connectivity to the left ventral premotor cortex. A second cluster, in the vicinity of the anterior intraparietal sulcus, expressed privileged functional connectivity with the left medial fusiform gyrus. A third cluster in the superior parietal lobe expressed privileged functional connectivity with dorsal occipital cortex. Control analyses using Monte Carlo style permutation tests demonstrated that the clustering solutions were outside the range of what would be observed based on chance ‘lumpiness’ in random data, or mere anatomical proximity. Finally, hierarchical clustering analyses were used to formally relate the resulting parcellation scheme of left parietal tool representations to previous work that has parcellated the left parietal lobule on purely anatomical grounds. These findings demonstrate significant heterogeneity in the functional organization of manipulable object representations in left parietal cortex, and outline a framework that generates novel predictions about the causes of some forms of upper limb apraxia. PMID:24892224

Identification of a Novel De Novo Variant in the PAX3 Gene in Waardenburg Syndrome by Diagnostic Exome Sequencing: The First Molecular Diagnosis in Korea.

PubMed

Jang, Mi-Ae; Lee, Taeheon; Lee, Junnam; Cho, Eun-Hae; Ki, Chang-Seok

2015-05-01

Waardenburg syndrome (WS) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous hereditary auditory pigmentary disorder characterized by congenital sensorineural hearing loss and iris discoloration. Many genes have been linked to WS, including PAX3, MITF, SNAI2, EDNRB, EDN3, and SOX10, and many additional genes have been associated with disorders with phenotypic overlap with WS. To screen all possible genes associated with WS and congenital deafness simultaneously, we performed diagnostic exome sequencing (DES) in a male patient with clinical features consistent with WS. Using DES, we identified a novel missense variant (c.220C>G; p.Arg74Gly) in exon 2 of the PAX3 gene in the patient. Further analysis by Sanger sequencing of the patient and his parents revealed a de novo occurrence of the variant. Our findings show that DES can be a useful tool for the identification of pathogenic gene variants in WS patients and for differentiation between WS and similar disorders. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of genetically confirmed WS in Korea.

``Living polymers'' in organic solvents : stress relaxation in bicopper tetracarboxylate/tert-butyl cyclohexane solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Terech, P.; Maldivi, P.; Dammer, C.

1994-10-01

Viscoelastic solutions of a bicopper tetracarboxylate complex in tert-butylcyclohexane have been studied by dynamic rheology in a wide range of concentrations (0.5-1.5 % volume fraction). The zero shear viscosity, the elastic modulus, the terminal stress relaxation time and the height of the high-frequency dip, in a Cole-Cole representation of the complex elastic modulus, follow scaling laws. The related exponents are discussed in the context of the physics of “living polymers” : a term used to describe worm-like species undergoing scission/recombination reactions competing mainly with the reptation motions of the chains. The current system, made up of molecular threads (17.5 Å diameter) of Cu2(O2C-CH(C2H5)C4H9)4 in the apolar solvent, is representative of a “living polymer” where, instead of mechanisms involving transient star polymeric crosslinks, a reversible scission mechanism prevails. The dynamics in the high-frequency range evolves from a regime where reptation is the dominant relaxation mechanism to a cross-over regime where “breathing” fluctuations and Rouse motions become important. Large modifications of the stress relaxation function occur for more concentrated systems. The binary system is the first example of a “living polymer” in an organic solvent and exhibits elastic moduli (G ≈ ca. 120 Pa à φ = 1 %) which are at least 20 times larger than those found for the aqueous “living polymer” systems. Les solutions viscoélastiques d'un tétracarboxylate binucléaire de cuivre dans le tert-butylcyclohexane sont étudiées par rhéologie en mode dynamique dans une gamme étendue de concentrations (0,5 %-15,5 %). La viscosité à gradient nul, le module élastique, le temps terminal de relaxation et la hauteur du puits à haute fréquence, dans une représentation Cole-Cole du module élastique complexe, suivent des lois d'échelles. Les exposants correspondants sont discutés dans le contexte de la physique des “polymères vivants" : un terme utilisé pour décrire des espèces vermiformes subissant des réactions de scission/recombinaison en compétition principalement avec les mouvements de reptation des chaînes. Le système constitué de fils moléculaires (17,5 Å de diamètre) de Cu2(O2C-CH(C2H5)C4H9)4 dans le solvant apolaire est typique de “polymères vivants” où le mécanisme de scission réversible prévaut plutôt que les mécanismes impliquant des nœuds transitoires branchés. La dynamique dans le domaine des hautes fréquences évolue d'un régime où la reptation est le mécanisme de relaxation dominant vers un régime intermédiaire où les modes de “respiration” et de Rouse deviennent importants. D'importantes modifications de la relaxation de contrainte se produisent pour les systèmes concentrés. Le système binaire est le premier exemple de “polymère vivant” en milieu organique et présente des modules élastiques (G ≈ ca. 120 Pa à φ = 1 %) qui sont au moins 20 fois plus grands que ceux des homologues aqueux.

Neo: an object model for handling electrophysiology data in multiple formats

PubMed Central

Garcia, Samuel; Guarino, Domenico; Jaillet, Florent; Jennings, Todd; Pröpper, Robert; Rautenberg, Philipp L.; Rodgers, Chris C.; Sobolev, Andrey; Wachtler, Thomas; Yger, Pierre; Davison, Andrew P.

2014-01-01

Neuroscientists use many different software tools to acquire, analyze and visualize electrophysiological signals. However, incompatible data models and file formats make it difficult to exchange data between these tools. This reduces scientific productivity, renders potentially useful analysis methods inaccessible and impedes collaboration between labs. A common representation of the core data would improve interoperability and facilitate data-sharing. To that end, we propose here a language-independent object model, named “Neo,” suitable for representing data acquired from electroencephalographic, intracellular, or extracellular recordings, or generated from simulations. As a concrete instantiation of this object model we have developed an open source implementation in the Python programming language. In addition to representing electrophysiology data in memory for the purposes of analysis and visualization, the Python implementation provides a set of input/output (IO) modules for reading/writing the data from/to a variety of commonly used file formats. Support is included for formats produced by most of the major manufacturers of electrophysiology recording equipment and also for more generic formats such as MATLAB. Data representation and data analysis are conceptually separate: it is easier to write robust analysis code if it is focused on analysis and relies on an underlying package to handle data representation. For that reason, and also to be as lightweight as possible, the Neo object model and the associated Python package are deliberately limited to representation of data, with no functions for data analysis or visualization. Software for neurophysiology data analysis and visualization built on top of Neo automatically gains the benefits of interoperability, easier data sharing and automatic format conversion; there is already a burgeoning ecosystem of such tools. We intend that Neo should become the standard basis for Python tools in neurophysiology. PMID:24600386

Neo: an object model for handling electrophysiology data in multiple formats.

PubMed

Garcia, Samuel; Guarino, Domenico; Jaillet, Florent; Jennings, Todd; Pröpper, Robert; Rautenberg, Philipp L; Rodgers, Chris C; Sobolev, Andrey; Wachtler, Thomas; Yger, Pierre; Davison, Andrew P

2014-01-01

Neuroscientists use many different software tools to acquire, analyze and visualize electrophysiological signals. However, incompatible data models and file formats make it difficult to exchange data between these tools. This reduces scientific productivity, renders potentially useful analysis methods inaccessible and impedes collaboration between labs. A common representation of the core data would improve interoperability and facilitate data-sharing. To that end, we propose here a language-independent object model, named "Neo," suitable for representing data acquired from electroencephalographic, intracellular, or extracellular recordings, or generated from simulations. As a concrete instantiation of this object model we have developed an open source implementation in the Python programming language. In addition to representing electrophysiology data in memory for the purposes of analysis and visualization, the Python implementation provides a set of input/output (IO) modules for reading/writing the data from/to a variety of commonly used file formats. Support is included for formats produced by most of the major manufacturers of electrophysiology recording equipment and also for more generic formats such as MATLAB. Data representation and data analysis are conceptually separate: it is easier to write robust analysis code if it is focused on analysis and relies on an underlying package to handle data representation. For that reason, and also to be as lightweight as possible, the Neo object model and the associated Python package are deliberately limited to representation of data, with no functions for data analysis or visualization. Software for neurophysiology data analysis and visualization built on top of Neo automatically gains the benefits of interoperability, easier data sharing and automatic format conversion; there is already a burgeoning ecosystem of such tools. We intend that Neo should become the standard basis for Python tools in neurophysiology.

Chimpanzees' Context-Dependent Tool Use Provides Evidence for Separable Representations of Hand and Tool Even during Active Use within Peripersonal Space

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Povinelli, Daniel J.; Reaux, James E.; Frey, Scott H.

2010-01-01

Considerable attention has been devoted to behaviors in which tools are used to perform actions in extrapersonal space by extending the reach. Evidence suggests that these behaviors result in an expansion of the body schema and peripersonal space. However, humans often use tools to perform tasks within peripersonal space that cannot be…

Modeling rheumatoid arthritis using different techniques - a review of model construction and results.

PubMed

Scholz, Stefan; Mittendorf, Thomas

2014-12-01

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, inflammatory disease with severe effects on the functional ability of patients. Due to the prevalence of 0.5 to 1.0 percent in western countries, new treatment options are a major concern for decision makers with regard to their budget impact. In this context, cost-effectiveness analyses are a helpful tool to evaluate new treatment options for reimbursement schemes. To analyze and compare decision analytic modeling techniques and to explore their use in RA with regard to their advantages and shortcomings. A systematic literature review was conducted in PubMED and 58 studies reporting health economics decision models were analyzed with regard to the modeling technique used. From the 58 reviewed publications, we found 13 reporting decision tree-analysis, 25 (cohort) Markov models, 13 publications on individual sampling methods (ISM) and seven discrete event simulations (DES). Thereby 26 studies were identified as presenting independently developed models and 32 models as adoptions. The modeling techniques used were found to differ in their complexity and in the number of treatment options compared. Methodological features are presented in the article and a comprehensive overview of the cost-effectiveness estimates is given in Additional files 1 and 2. When compared to the other modeling techniques, ISM and DES have advantages in the coverage of patient heterogeneity and, additionally, DES is capable to model more complex treatment sequences and competing risks in RA-patients. Nevertheless, the availability of sufficient data is necessary to avoid assumptions in ISM and DES exercises, thereby enabling biased results. Due to the different settings, time frames and interventions in the reviewed publications, no direct comparison of modeling techniques was applicable. The results from other indications suggest that incremental cost-effective ratios (ICERs) do not differ significantly between Markov and DES models, but DES is able to report more outcome parameters. Given a sufficient data supply, DES is the modeling technique of choice when modeling cost-effectiveness in RA. Otherwise transparency on the data inputs is crucial for valid results and to inform decision makers about possible biases. With regard to ICERs, Markov models might provide similar estimates as more advanced modeling techniques.

Diagnostic exome sequencing provides a molecular diagnosis for a significant proportion of patients with epilepsy.

PubMed

Helbig, Katherine L; Farwell Hagman, Kelly D; Shinde, Deepali N; Mroske, Cameron; Powis, Zöe; Li, Shuwei; Tang, Sha; Helbig, Ingo

2016-09-01

To assess the yield of diagnostic exome sequencing (DES) and to characterize the molecular findings in characterized and novel disease genes in patients with epilepsy. In an unselected sample of 1,131 patients referred for DES, overall results were compared between patients with and without epilepsy. DES results were examined based on age of onset and epilepsy diagnosis. Positive/likely positive results were identified in 112/293 (38.2%) epilepsy patients compared with 210/732 (28.7%) patients without epilepsy (P = 0.004). The diagnostic yield in characterized disease genes among patients with epilepsy was 33.4% (105/314). KCNQ2, MECP2, FOXG1, IQSEC2, KMT2A, and STXBP1 were most commonly affected by de novo alterations. Patients with epileptic encephalopathies had the highest rate of positive findings (43.4%). A likely positive novel genetic etiology was proposed in 14/200 (7%) patients with epilepsy; this frequency was highest in patients with epileptic encephalopathies (17%). Three genes (COQ4, DNM1, and PURA) were initially reported as likely positive novel disease genes and were subsequently corroborated in independent peer-reviewed publications. DES with analysis and interpretation of both characterized and novel genetic etiologies is a useful diagnostic tool in epilepsy, particularly in severe early-onset epilepsy. The reporting on novel genetic etiologies may further increase the diagnostic yield.Genet Med 18 9, 898-905.

Intensité thérapeutique optimale : comment mesurer l'intensité d'une association radiothérapie-chimiothérapie ?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ganem, G.; Dubray, B.

1998-04-01

Treatment intensification is needed to overcome the disappointing efficacy of anticancer treatments used as a single modality. The conception, comparison and optimization of radiotherapy - chemotherapy combinations is hampered by the lack of a common tool enabling the clinicians to quantify the effects of the association of different treatment modalities. Such a difficulty is mainly due to chemotherapy (large array of drugs, pharmacological uncertainties), but is also the consequence of end-point multiplicity (tumour control, normal tissue injury) and tumour biology complexity. L'intensification thérapeutique est une nécessité face à l'efficacité insuffisante des traitements anticancéreux utilisés séparément. La conception, la comparaison, et l'optimisation des modalités possibles d'association de radiothérapie et de chimiothérapie est considérablement gênée par l'absence d'un outil permettant de mesurer l'efficacitéé résultante de la combinaison d'agents thérapeutiques différents. Cette difficulté provient essentiellement de l'usage de la chimiothérapie (nombreuses drogues, pharmacocinétique mal connue), mais aussi de la multiplicité des critères de jugement (action anti-tumorale, lésions des tissus sains) et de la complexité de la biologie tumorale.

Distributed Cognition and Embodiment in Text Planning: A Situated Study of Collaborative Writing in the Workplace

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Clayson, Ashley

2018-01-01

Through a study of collaborative writing at a student advocacy nonprofit, this article explores how writers distribute their text planning across tools, artifacts, and gestures, with a particular focus on how embodied representations of texts are present in text planning. Findings indicate that these and other representations generated by the…

Developing Instruction Materials Based on Joyful PBL to Improve Students Mathematical Representation Ability

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Minarni, Ani; Napitupulu, E. Elvis

2017-01-01

Solving problem either within mathematics or beyond is one of the ultimate goal students learn mathematics. It is since mathematics takes role tool as well as vehicle to develop problem solving ability. One of the supporting components to problem solving is mathematical representation ability (MRA). Nowadays, many teachers and researchers find out…

A symbolic shaped-based retrieval of skull images.

PubMed

Lin, H Jill; Ruiz-Correa, Salvador; Shapiro, Linda G; Cunningham, Michael L; Sze, Raymond W

2005-01-01

In this work, we describe a novel symbolic representation of shapes for quantifying skull abnormalities in children with craniosynostosis. We show the efficacy of our work by demonstrating an application of this representation in shape-based retrieval of skull morphologies. This tool will enable correlation with potential pathogenesis and prognosis in order to enhance medical care.

The Concept of Happiness as Conveyed in Visual Representations: Analysis of the Work of Early Childhood Educators

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Russo-Zimet, Gila; Segel, Sarit

2014-01-01

This research was designed to examine how early-childhood educators pursuing their graduate degrees perceive the concept of happiness, as conveyed in visual representations. The research methodology combines qualitative and quantitative paradigms using the metaphoric collage, a tool used to analyze visual and verbal aspects. The research…

The Born Digital Graduate: Multiple Representations of and within Digital Humanities PhD Theses

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Webb, Sharon; Teehan, Aja; Keating, John

2013-01-01

This chapter examines the production and utilisation of digital tools to create and present a born-digital theses, and in so doing, considers the changing function of traditional theses. It asks how (relatively) new technologies and methodologies should affect the representation and function of graduate scholarship in the Digital Humanities (DH),…

The Role of Mental Representation in Social Development

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dweck, Carol S.; London, Bonita

2004-01-01

In this article we focus on a major advance of the past few decades: the introduction of mental representation as a tool for understanding social development. We argue that despite the considerable contributions made by this approach, it is underrepresented in social developmental research, except in the area of attachment. We go on to show that…

Share Repository Framework: Component Specification and Otology

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-04-23

Palantir Technologies has created one such software application to support the DoD intelligence community by providing robust capabilities for...managing data from various sources. The Palantir tool is based on user-defined ontologies and supports multiple representation and analysis tools

A Comparison of Reasoning Processes in a Collaborative Modelling Environment: Learning about genetics problems using virtual chat

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pata, Kai; Sarapuu, Tago

2006-09-01

This study investigated the possible activation of different types of model-based reasoning processes in two learning settings, and the influence of various terms of reasoning on the learners’ problem representation development. Changes in 53 students’ problem representations about genetic issue were analysed while they worked with different modelling tools in a synchronous network-based environment. The discussion log-files were used for the “microgenetic” analysis of reasoning types. For studying the stages of students’ problem representation development, individual pre-essays and post-essays and their utterances during two reasoning phases were used. An approach for mapping problem representations was developed. Characterizing the elements of mental models and their reasoning level enabled the description of five hierarchical categories of problem representations. Learning in exploratory and experimental settings was registered as the shift towards more complex stages of problem representations in genetics. The effect of different types of reasoning could be observed as the divergent development of problem representations within hierarchical categories.

Understanding Deep Representations Learned in Modeling Users Likes.

PubMed

Guntuku, Sharath Chandra; Zhou, Joey Tianyi; Roy, Sujoy; Lin, Weisi; Tsang, Ivor W

2016-08-01

Automatically understanding and discriminating different users' liking for an image is a challenging problem. This is because the relationship between image features (even semantic ones extracted by existing tools, viz., faces, objects, and so on) and users' likes is non-linear, influenced by several subtle factors. This paper presents a deep bi-modal knowledge representation of images based on their visual content and associated tags (text). A mapping step between the different levels of visual and textual representations allows for the transfer of semantic knowledge between the two modalities. Feature selection is applied before learning deep representation to identify the important features for a user to like an image. The proposed representation is shown to be effective in discriminating users based on images they like and also in recommending images that a given user likes, outperforming the state-of-the-art feature representations by  ∼ 15 %-20%. Beyond this test-set performance, an attempt is made to qualitatively understand the representations learned by the deep architecture used to model user likes.

VacciCost - A tool to estimate the resource requirements for implementing livestock vaccination campaigns. Application to peste des petits ruminants (PPR) vaccination in Senegal.

PubMed

Tago, Damian; Sall, Baba; Lancelot, Renaud; Pradel, Jennifer

2017-09-01

Vaccination is one of the main tools currently available to control animal diseases. In eradication campaigns, vaccination plays a crucial role by reducing the number of susceptible hosts with the ultimate goal of interrupting disease transmission. Nevertheless, mass vaccination campaigns may be very expensive and in some cases unprofitable. VacciCost is a tool designed to help decision-makers in the estimation of the resources required to implement mass livestock vaccination campaigns against regulated diseases. The tool focuses on the operational or running costs of the campaign, so acquisition of new equipment or vehicles is not considered. It takes into account different types of production systems to differentiate the vaccination productivity (number of animals vaccinated per day) in systems where animals are concentrated and easy to reach, from those characterized by small herds that are scattered and less accessible. The resource requirements are classified in eight categories: vaccines, injection supplies, personnel, transport, maintenance and overhead, training, social mobilization, and surveillance and monitoring. This categorization allows identifying the most expensive components of a vaccination campaign, which is crucial to design cost-reduction strategies. The use of the tool is illustrated using data collected in collaboration with Senegalese Veterinary Services regarding vaccination against peste des petits ruminants. The average daily number of animals vaccinated per vaccination team was found to be crucial for the costs of the campaign so significant savings can be obtained by implementing training to improve the performance of vaccination teams. Copyright © 2017 Centre de cooperation internationale en recherche agronomique pour le developpement (CIRAD). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Characterisation of Teacher Professional Knowledge and Skill through Content Representations from Tertiary Chemistry Educators

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schultz, M.; Lawrie, G. A.; Bailey, C. H.; Dargaville, B. L.

2018-01-01

An established tool for collating secondary teachers' pedagogical content knowledge (Loughran's CoRe) has been adapted for use by tertiary educators. Chemistry lecturers with a range of levels of experience were invited to participate in workshops through which the tool was piloted, refined and applied. We now present this refined tool for the…

LIBRE Stick Figure Tool: A Graphic Organizer to Foster Self-Regulated Social Cognitive Problem Solving

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Guerra, Norma S.

2009-01-01

Graphic organizers are powerful visual tools. The representation provides dimension and relationship to ideas and a framework for organization and elaboration. The LIBRE Stick Figure Tool is a graphic organizer for the problem-solving application of the LIBRE Model counseling approach. It resembles a "stick person" and offers the teacher and…

An Exploratory Study of Interactivity in Visualization Tools: "Flow" of Interaction

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Liang, Hai-Ning; Parsons, Paul C.; Wu, Hsien-Chi; Sedig, Kamran

2010-01-01

This paper deals with the design of interactivity in visualization tools. There are several factors that can be used to guide the analysis and design of the interactivity of these tools. One such factor is flow, which is concerned with the duration of interaction with visual representations of information--interaction being the actions performed…

Humanities in Gross Anatomy Project: A Novel Humanistic Learning Tool at Des Moines University

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Canby, Craig A.; Bush, Traci A.

2010-01-01

Gross anatomy affords physical therapy students an opportunity to discover human morphology by intimately studying the dead. Moreover, it also exposes future physical therapists to the humanistic aspects of the profession. In 2007, anatomy faculty decided to socialize students to the humanities with a new course requirement: Humanities in Gross…

Oracle. Three Histories of the 1980's: Implications for Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Graeber, James J.; And Others

Three hypothetical scenarios for the 1980's are presented as tools for exploring the future of the Des Moines, Iowa, Independent Community School District. Each is written in the past tense as a "history" and is followed by a set of implications for education. The first scenario conveys an optimistic view of current trends, suggesting…

The Index Offence Representation Scales; a predictive clinical tool in the management of dangerous, violent patients with personality disorder?

PubMed

McGauley, Gill; Ferris, Scott; Marin-Avellan, Luisa; Fonagy, Peter

2013-10-01

Forensic mental health professionals attach considerable importance to their patient's description of his or her index offence. Despite this, there is no systematic approach to examining and formulating the patient's offence narrative. To use the index offence narratives and capacity to mentalize of violent offender-patients with personality disorder to develop a tool to predict their progress and to evaluate that tool. In a prospective, cohort study, the index offence narratives of 66 violent high security hospital patients with personality disorder were obtained from a semi-structured interview and used to generate the Index Offence Representational Scales (IORS). The predictive validity of these scales was investigated across a range of outcome variables, controlling for the association between initial and final value of the dependent variable. The degree to which patients held internal representations of interpersonal violence and malevolence, as measured by the IORS, predicted subsequent violent behaviour. In contrast to their actual aggressive behaviour, these patients rated themselves as having fewer symptoms on the Symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL-90-R) and fewer problems in interpersonal relationships on the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems. A more empathic victim representation on the IORS predicted better engagement with treatment. The IORS show promise for helping clinicians formulate the early institutional pathway of seriously violent people with personality disorder, particularly with respect to their overt aggression and prosocial engagement. Replication studies are, however, indicated. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

ISAC: A tool for aeroservoelastic modeling and analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adams, William M., Jr.; Hoadley, Sherwood Tiffany

1993-01-01

The capabilities of the Interaction of Structures, Aerodynamics, and Controls (ISAC) system of program modules is discussed. The major modeling, analysis, and data management components of ISAC are identified. Equations of motion are displayed for a Laplace-domain representation of the unsteady aerodynamic forces. Options for approximating a frequency-domain representation of unsteady aerodynamic forces with rational functions of the Laplace variable are shown. Linear time invariant state-space equations of motion that result are discussed. Model generation and analyses of stability and dynamic response characteristics are shown for an aeroelastic vehicle which illustrates some of the capabilities of ISAC as a modeling and analysis tool for aeroelastic applications.

Using Knowledge Space Theory To Assess Student Understanding of Stoichiometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arasasingham, Ramesh D.; Taagepera, Mare; Potter, Frank; Lonjers, Stacy

2004-10-01

Using the concept of stoichiometry we examined the ability of beginning college chemistry students to make connections among the molecular, symbolic, and graphical representations of chemical phenomena, as well as to conceptualize, visualize, and solve numerical problems. Students took a test designed to follow conceptual development; we then analyzed student responses and the connectivities of their responses, or the cognitive organization of the material or thinking patterns, applying knowledge space theory (KST). The results reveal that the students' logical frameworks of conceptual understanding were very weak and lacked an integrated understanding of some of the fundamental aspects of chemical reactivity. Analysis of response states indicates that the overall thinking patterns began with symbolic representations, moved to numerical problem solving, and then lastly to visualization: the acquisition of visualization skills comes later in the knowledge structure. The results strongly suggest the need for teaching approaches that help students integrate their knowledge by emphasizing the relationships between the different representations and presenting them concurrently during instruction. Also, the results indicate that KST is a useful tool for revealing various aspects of students' cognitive structure in chemistry and can be used as an assessment tool or as a pedagogical tool to address a number of student-learning issues.

GRASP/Ada: Graphical Representations of Algorithms, Structures, and Processes for Ada. The development of a program analysis environment for Ada: Reverse engineering tools for Ada, task 2, phase 3

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cross, James H., II

1991-01-01

The main objective is the investigation, formulation, and generation of graphical representations of algorithms, structures, and processes for Ada (GRASP/Ada). The presented task, in which various graphical representations that can be extracted or generated from source code are described and categorized, is focused on reverse engineering. The following subject areas are covered: the system model; control structure diagram generator; object oriented design diagram generator; user interface; and the GRASP library.

Service Level Agreements in BREIN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koller, Bastian; Frutos, Henar Munoz; Laria, Giuseppe

With electronic business (eBusiness) becoming ubiquitous, the traditional ways of doing commerce need to be changed or completely replaced to support the end users effectively in performing their business. This includes especially the representation of business relationships with an electronic format to allow for automated processing of the respective parts of e.g. contractual obligations. One prominent representation tool are Service Level Agreements. Conceptually established as paper representation to describe parts of contracts of telecom operators, SLAs have become a research topic in the ICT domain now since several years.

The Cytochrome b5 dependent C-5(6) sterol desaturase DES5A from the endoplasmic reticulum of Tetrahymena thermophila complements ergosterol biosynthesis mutants in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

PubMed Central

Poklepovich, Tomas J.; Rinaldi, Mauro A.; Tomazic, Mariela L.; Favale, Nicolas O.; Turkewitz, Aaron P.; Nudel, Clara B.; Nusblat, Alejandro D.

2012-01-01

Tetrahymena thermophila is a free-living ciliate with no exogenous sterol requirement. However, it can perform several modifications on externally added sterols including desaturation at C5(6), C7(8), and C22(23). Sterol desaturases in Tetrahymena are microsomal enzymes that require Cyt b5, Cyt b5 reductase, oxygen, and reduced NAD(P)H for their activity, and some of the genes encoding these functions have recently been identified. The DES5A gene encodes a C-5(6) sterol desaturase, as shown by gene knockout in Tetrahymena. To confirm and extend that result, and to develop new approaches to gene characterization in Tetrahymena, we have now, expressed DES5A in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The DES5A gene was codon optimized and expressed in a yeast mutant, erg3Δ, which is disrupted for the gene encoding the S. cerevisiae C-5(6) sterol desaturase ERG3. The complemented strain was able to accumulate 74% of the wild type level of ergosterol, and also lost the hypersensitivity to cycloheximide associated with the lack of ERG3 function. C-5(6) sterol desaturases are expected to function at the endoplasmic reticulum. Consistent with this, a GFP-tagged copy of Des5Ap was localized to the endoplasmic reticulum in both Tetrahymena and yeast. This work shows for the first time that both function and localization are conserved for a microsomal enzyme between ciliates and fungi, notwithstanding the enormous evolutionary distance between these lineages. The results suggest that heterologous expression of ciliate genes in S. cerevisiae provides a useful tool for the characterization of genes in Tetrahymena, including genes encoding membrane protein complexes. PMID:22982564

DeepLensing: The Use of Deep Machine Learning to Find Strong Gravitational Lenses in Astronomical Surveys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nord, Brian

2017-01-01

Strong gravitational lenses have potential as very powerful probes of dark energy and cosmic structure. However, efficiently finding lenses poses a significant challenge—especially in the era of large-scale cosmological surveys. I will present a new application of deep machine learning algorithms to find strong lenses, as well as the strong lens discovery program of the Dark Energy Survey (DES).Strong lenses provide unique information about the evolution of distant galaxies, the nature of dark energy, and the shapes of dark matter haloes. Current and future surveys, like DES and the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope, present an opportunity to find many thousands of strong lenses, far more than have ever been discovered. By and large, searches have heretofore relied on the time-consuming effort of human scanners. Deep machine learning frameworks, like convolutional neural nets, have revolutionized the task of image recognition, and have a natural place in the processing of astronomical images, including the search for strong lenses.Over five observing seasons, which started in August 2013, DES will carry out a wide-field survey of 5000 square degrees of the Southern Galactic Cap. DES has identified nearly 200 strong lensing candidates in the first two seasons of data. We have performed spectroscopic follow-up on a subsample of these candidates at Gemini South, confirming over a dozen new strong lenses. I will present this DES discovery program, including searches and spectroscopic follow-up of galaxy-scale, cluster-scale and time-delay lensing systems.I will focus, however, on a discussion of the successful search for strong lenses using deep learning methods. In particular, we show that convolutional neural nets present a new set of tools for efficiently finding lenses, and accelerating advancements in strong lensing science.

Spatial Representations in Older Adults are Not Modified by Action: Evidence from Tool Use

PubMed Central

Costello, Matthew C.; Bloesch, Emily K.; Davoli, Christopher C.; Panting, Nicholas D.; Abrams, Richard A.; Brockmole, James R.

2015-01-01

Theories of embodied perception hold that the visual system is calibrated by both the body schema and the action system, allowing for adaptive action-perception responses. One example of embodied perception involves the effects of tool-use on distance perception, in which wielding a tool with the intention to act upon a target appears to bring that object closer. This tool-based spatial compression (i.e., tool-use effect) has been studied exclusively with younger adults, but it is unknown whether the phenomenon exists with older adults. In this study, we examined the effects of tool use on distance perception in younger and older adults in two experiments. In Experiment 1, younger and older adults estimated the distances of targets just beyond peripersonal space while either wielding a tool or pointing with the hand. Younger adults, but not older adults, estimated targets to be closer after reaching with a tool. In Experiment 2, younger and older adults estimated the distance to remote targets while using either a baton or laser pointer. Younger adults displayed spatial compression with the laser pointer compared to the baton, although older adults did not. Taken together, these findings indicate a generalized absence of the tool-use effect in older adults during distance estimation suggesting that the visuomotor system of older adults does not remap from peripersonal to extrapersonal spatial representations during tool use. PMID:26052886

TAR (Theatre as Representation) as a Provocative Teaching Tool in School Administration: A Dramatized Inclusive Classroom Scenario

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Meyer, Matthew J.; Young, David C.

2013-01-01

The following dramatized classroom scenario depicts a teacher struggling with the nature of an inclusive learning environment, with instructional leadership and supervision of instruction as the theoretical and practical backdrop. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate how the use of a TAR (theatre as representation) case study can be used…

A Service Oriented Web Application for Learner Knowledge Representation, Management and Sharing Conforming to IMS LIP

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lazarinis, Fotis

2014-01-01

iLM is a Web based application for representation, management and sharing of IMS LIP conformant user profiles. The tool is developed using a service oriented architecture with emphasis on the easy data sharing. Data elicitation from user profiles is based on the utilization of XQuery scripts and sharing with other applications is achieved through…

Symbolic Representation in Early Years Learning: The Acquisition of Complex Notions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Veraksa, Aleksander; Veraksa, Nikolay

2016-01-01

This article defines the concepts related to symbolic and sign representations, cognition and learning in the early years. The first study experiment of teaching 33 preschool children (19 boys and 14 girls; M = 68, 5 months) the notion of rainbow phenomenon proved the equal effectiveness of the use of both sign and symbolic tools. The second study…

Sketching Muslims: A Corpus Driven Analysis of Representations around the Word "Muslim" in the British Press 1998-2009

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Baker, Paul; Gabrielatos, Costas; McEnery, Tony

2013-01-01

This article uses methods from corpus linguistics and critical discourse analysis to examine patterns of representation around the word "Muslim" in a 143 million word corpus of British newspaper articles published between 1998 and 2009. Using the analysis tool Sketch Engine, an analysis of noun collocates of "Muslim" found that the following…

Graphical Representations and Odds Ratios in a Distance-Association Model for the Analysis of Cross-Classified Data

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

de Rooij, Mark; Heiser, Willem J.

2005-01-01

Although RC(M)-association models have become a generally useful tool for the analysis of cross-classified data, the graphical representation resulting from such an analysis can at times be misleading. The relationships present between row category points and column category points cannot be interpreted by inter point distances but only through…

Promoting Pedagogical Content Knowledge Development for Early Career Secondary Teachers in Science and Technology Using Content Representations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Williams, John; Eames, Chris; Hume, Anne; Lockley, John

2012-01-01

Background: This research addressed the key area of early career teacher education and aimed to explore the use of a "content representation" (CoRe) as a mediational tool to develop early career secondary teacher pedagogical content knowledge (PCK). This study was situated in the subject areas of science and technology, where sound…

Interoperability science cases with the CDPP tools

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nathanaël, J.; Cecconi, B.; André, N.; Bouchemit, M.; Gangloff, M.; Budnik, E.; Jacquey, C.; Pitout, F.; Durand, J.; Rouillard, A.; Lavraud, B.; Genot, V. N.; Popescu, D.; Beigbeder, L.; Toniutti, J. P.; Caussarieu, S.

2017-12-01

Data exchange protocols are never as efficient as when they are invisible for the end user who is then able to discover data, to cross compare observations and modeled data and finally to perform in depth analysis. Over the years these protocols, including SAMP from IVOA, EPN-TAP from the Europlanet 2020 RI community, backed by standard web-services, have been deployed in tools designed by the French Centre de Données de la Physique des Plasmas (CDPP) including AMDA, the Propagation Tool, 3DView, ... . This presentation will focus on science cases which show the capability of interoperability in the planetary and heliophysics contexts, involving both CDPP and companion tools. Europlanet 2020 RI has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 654208.

The eXtensible ontology development (XOD) principles and tool implementation to support ontology interoperability.

PubMed

He, Yongqun; Xiang, Zuoshuang; Zheng, Jie; Lin, Yu; Overton, James A; Ong, Edison

2018-01-12

Ontologies are critical to data/metadata and knowledge standardization, sharing, and analysis. With hundreds of biological and biomedical ontologies developed, it has become critical to ensure ontology interoperability and the usage of interoperable ontologies for standardized data representation and integration. The suite of web-based Ontoanimal tools (e.g., Ontofox, Ontorat, and Ontobee) support different aspects of extensible ontology development. By summarizing the common features of Ontoanimal and other similar tools, we identified and proposed an "eXtensible Ontology Development" (XOD) strategy and its associated four principles. These XOD principles reuse existing terms and semantic relations from reliable ontologies, develop and apply well-established ontology design patterns (ODPs), and involve community efforts to support new ontology development, promoting standardized and interoperable data and knowledge representation and integration. The adoption of the XOD strategy, together with robust XOD tool development, will greatly support ontology interoperability and robust ontology applications to support data to be Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable (i.e., FAIR).

Model-Based Economic Evaluation of Treatments for Depression: A Systematic Literature Review.

PubMed

Kolovos, Spyros; Bosmans, Judith E; Riper, Heleen; Chevreul, Karine; Coupé, Veerle M H; van Tulder, Maurits W

2017-09-01

An increasing number of model-based studies that evaluate the cost effectiveness of treatments for depression are being published. These studies have different characteristics and use different simulation methods. We aimed to systematically review model-based studies evaluating the cost effectiveness of treatments for depression and examine which modelling technique is most appropriate for simulating the natural course of depression. The literature search was conducted in the databases PubMed, EMBASE and PsycInfo between 1 January 2002 and 1 October 2016. Studies were eligible if they used a health economic model with quality-adjusted life-years or disability-adjusted life-years as an outcome measure. Data related to various methodological characteristics were extracted from the included studies. The available modelling techniques were evaluated based on 11 predefined criteria. This methodological review included 41 model-based studies, of which 21 used decision trees (DTs), 15 used cohort-based state-transition Markov models (CMMs), two used individual-based state-transition models (ISMs), and three used discrete-event simulation (DES) models. Just over half of the studies (54%) evaluated antidepressants compared with a control condition. The data sources, time horizons, cycle lengths, perspectives adopted and number of health states/events all varied widely between the included studies. DTs scored positively in four of the 11 criteria, CMMs in five, ISMs in six, and DES models in seven. There were substantial methodological differences between the studies. Since the individual history of each patient is important for the prognosis of depression, DES and ISM simulation methods may be more appropriate than the others for a pragmatic representation of the course of depression. However, direct comparisons between the available modelling techniques are necessary to yield firm conclusions.

Dengue disease surveillance: an updated systematic literature review

PubMed Central

Runge-Ranzinger, S; McCall, P J; Kroeger, A; Horstick, O

2014-01-01

Objectives To review the evidence for the application of tools for dengue outbreak prediction/detection and trend monitoring in passive and active disease surveillance systems in order to develop recommendations for endemic countries and identify important research needs. Methods This systematic literature review followed the protocol of a review from 2008, extending the systematic search from January 2007 to February 2013 on PubMed, EMBASE, CDSR, WHOLIS and Lilacs. Data reporting followed the PRISMA statement. The eligibility criteria comprised (i) population at risk of dengue, (ii) dengue disease surveillance, (iii) outcome of surveillance described and (iv) empirical data evaluated. The analysis classified studies based on the purpose of the surveillance programme. The main limitation of the review was expected publication bias. Results A total of 1116 papers were identified of which 36 articles were included in the review. Four cohort-based prospective studies calculated expansion factors demonstrating remarkable levels of underreporting in the surveillance systems. Several studies demonstrated that enhancement methods such as laboratory support, sentinel-based reporting and staff motivation contributed to improvements in dengue reporting. Additional improvements for passive surveillance systems are possible by incorporating simple data forms/entry/electronic-based reporting; defining clear system objectives; performing data analysis at the lowest possible level (e.g. district); seeking regular data feedback. Six studies showed that serotype changes were positively correlated with the number of reported cases or with dengue incidence, with lag times of up to 6 months. Three studies found that data on internet searches and event-based surveillance correlated well with the epidemic curve derived from surveillance data. Conclusions Passive surveillance providing the baseline for outbreak alert should be strengthened and appropriate threshold levels for outbreak alerts investigated. Additional enhancement tools such as syndromic surveillance, laboratory support and motivation strategies can be added. Appropriate alert signals need to be identified and integrated into a risk assessment tool. Shifts in dengue serotypes/genotype or electronic event-based surveillance have also considerable potential as indicator in dengue surveillance. Further research on evidence-based response strategies and cost-effectiveness is needed. Objectifs Analyser les résultats de l'application d'outils pour la prédiction/détection des épidémies de dengue et la surveillance des tendances dans les systèmes de surveillance active et passive des maladies, afin d’élaborer des recommandations pour les pays endémiques et identifier les besoins importants de recherche. PMID:24889501

Investigating grounded conceptualization: motor system state-dependence facilitates familiarity judgments of novel tools.

PubMed

Matheson, Heath E; Familiar, Ariana M; Thompson-Schill, Sharon L

2018-03-02

Theories of embodied cognition propose that we recognize tools in part by reactivating sensorimotor representations of tool use in a process of simulation. If motor simulations play a causal role in tool recognition then performing a concurrent motor task should differentially modulate recognition of experienced vs. non-experienced tools. We sought to test the hypothesis that an incompatible concurrent motor task modulates conceptual processing of learned vs. non-learned objects by directly manipulating the embodied experience of participants. We trained one group to use a set of novel, 3-D printed tools under the pretense that they were preparing for an archeological expedition to Mars (manipulation group); we trained a second group to report declarative information about how the tools are stored (storage group). With this design, familiarity and visual attention to different object parts was similar for both groups, though their qualitative interactions differed. After learning, participants made familiarity judgments of auditorily presented tool names while performing a concurrent motor task or simply sitting at rest. We showed that familiarity judgments were facilitated by motor state-dependence; specifically, in the manipulation group, familiarity was facilitated by a concurrent motor task, whereas in the spatial group familiarity was facilitated while sitting at rest. These results are the first to directly show that manipulation experience differentially modulates conceptual processing of familiar vs. unfamiliar objects, suggesting that embodied representations contribute to recognizing tools.

The nature and evaluation of commercial expert system building tools, revision 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gevarter, William B.

1987-01-01

This memorandum reviews the factors that constitute an Expert System Building Tool (ESBT) and evaluates current tools in terms of these factors. Evaluation of these tools is based on their structure and their alternative forms of knowledge representation, inference mechanisms and developer end-user interfaces. Next, functional capabilities, such as diagnosis and design, are related to alternative forms of mechanization. The characteristics and capabilities of existing commercial tools are then reviewed in terms of these criteria.

Chemical Risk Assessment: Selected Federal Agencies’ Procedures, Assumptions, and Policies

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-08-01

adverse effects of exposures to hazardous substances or situations. It is a complex but valuable set of tools for federal regulatory agencies, helping...Act DES diethylstilbestrol DOT Department of Transportation ED effective dose EPA Environmental Protection Agency EPCRA Emergency Planning and...ISO International Organization for Standardization LED lowest effective dose LOAEL lowest observed adverse effect level LOEL lowest observed effect

Validation of mechanical models for reinforced concrete structures: Presentation of the French project ``Benchmark des Poutres de la Rance''

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

L'Hostis, V.; Brunet, C.; Poupard, O.; Petre-Lazar, I.

2006-11-01

Several ageing models are available for the prediction of the mechanical consequences of rebar corrosion. They are used for service life prediction of reinforced concrete structures. Concerning corrosion diagnosis of reinforced concrete, some Non Destructive Testing (NDT) tools have been developed, and have been in use for some years. However, these developments require validation on existing concrete structures. The French project “Benchmark des Poutres de la Rance” contributes to this aspect. It has two main objectives: (i) validation of mechanical models to estimate the influence of rebar corrosion on the load bearing capacity of a structure, (ii) qualification of the use of the NDT results to collect information on steel corrosion within reinforced-concrete structures. Ten French and European institutions from both academic research laboratories and industrial companies contributed during the years 2004 and 2005. This paper presents the project that was divided into several work packages: (i) the reinforced concrete beams were characterized from non-destructive testing tools, (ii) the mechanical behaviour of the beams was experimentally tested, (iii) complementary laboratory analysis were performed and (iv) finally numerical simulations results were compared to the experimental results obtained with the mechanical tests.

A knowledge based software engineering environment testbed

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gill, C.; Reedy, A.; Baker, L.

1985-01-01

The Carnegie Group Incorporated and Boeing Computer Services Company are developing a testbed which will provide a framework for integrating conventional software engineering tools with Artifical Intelligence (AI) tools to promote automation and productivity. The emphasis is on the transfer of AI technology to the software development process. Experiments relate to AI issues such as scaling up, inference, and knowledge representation. In its first year, the project has created a model of software development by representing software activities; developed a module representation formalism to specify the behavior and structure of software objects; integrated the model with the formalism to identify shared representation and inheritance mechanisms; demonstrated object programming by writing procedures and applying them to software objects; used data-directed and goal-directed reasoning to, respectively, infer the cause of bugs and evaluate the appropriateness of a configuration; and demonstrated knowledge-based graphics. Future plans include introduction of knowledge-based systems for rapid prototyping or rescheduling; natural language interfaces; blackboard architecture; and distributed processing

What Happens to Student Learning When Color Is Added to a New Knowledge Representation Strategy? Implications from Visual Thinking Networking.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Longo, Palma J.

A long-term study was conducted to test the effectiveness of visual thinking networking (VTN), a new generation of knowledge representation strategies with 56 ninth grade earth science students. The recent findings about the brain's organization and processing conceptually ground VTN as a new cognitive tool used by learners when making their…

Introducing "SandRA": Visual Representation of the Research-Teaching Nexus as a Tool in the Dissemination of a New Research Strategy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Couper, Pauline; Stoakes, Geoff

2011-01-01

The "research-teaching nexus" has been the subject of much recent debate, yet little attention has been paid to institutional initiatives to promote and encourage the integration of teaching and research. This article presents a novel diagrammatical representation of the relationship between research and teaching which was developed to aid the…

A JAVA-based multimedia tool for clinical practice guidelines.

PubMed

Maojo, V; Herrero, C; Valenzuela, F; Crespo, J; Lazaro, P; Pazos, A

1997-01-01

We have developed a specific language for the representation of Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) and Windows C++ and platform independent JAVA applications for multimedia presentation and edition of electronically stored CPGs. This approach facilitates translation of guidelines and protocols from paper to computer-based flowchart representations. Users can navigate through the algorithm with a friendly user interface and access related multimedia information within the context of each clinical problem. CPGs can be stored in a computer server and distributed over the World Wide Web, facilitating dissemination, local adaptation, and use as a reference element in medical care. We have chosen the Agency for Health Care and Policy Research's heart failure guideline to demonstrate the capabilities of our tool.

ISAC - A tool for aeroservoelastic modeling and analysis. [Interaction of Structures, Aerodynamics, and Control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adams, William M., Jr.; Hoadley, Sherwood T.

1993-01-01

This paper discusses the capabilities of the Interaction of Structures, Aerodynamics, and Controls (ISAC) system of program modules. The major modeling, analysis, and data management components of ISAC are identified. Equations of motion are displayed for a Laplace-domain representation of the unsteady aerodynamic forces. Options for approximating a frequency-domain representation of unsteady aerodynamic forces with rational functions of the Laplace variable are shown. Linear time invariant state-space equations of motion that result are discussed. Model generation and analyses of stability and dynamic response characteristics are shown for an aeroelastic vehicle which illustrate some of the capabilities of ISAC as a modeling and analysis tool for aeroelastic applications.

The neurolinguistic approach to awake surgery reviewed.

PubMed

De Witte, Elke; Mariën, Peter

2013-02-01

Intraoperative direct electrical stimulation (DES) is increasingly used in patients operated on for tumours in critical language areas. Although a positive impact of DES on postoperative linguistic outcome is generally advocated, the literature is only scantily documented with information about the linguistic methods applied in awake surgery. This article critically reviews the neurolinguistic procedures currently used in awake studies. Based on an extensive review of the literature, an overview is given of the language mapping techniques applied in brain tumour surgery. Studies investigating linguistic testing and outcome in awake surgery were analysed. Information about the timing of the assessment(s), the linguistic tasks, the linguistic stimuli and the indication for awake surgery was also discussed. Intraoperative DES remains the 'gold standard' for language mapping, but pre- and postoperative non-invasive mapping methods are important adjuncts. In the pre- and postoperative phase, standardised linguistic test batteries are generally used to assess language function. In the intraoperative phase, only naming and number counting are commonly applied. Most often no detailed information about the linguistic stimuli is provided and no standardised protocols measuring different linguistic levels have been described. Awake surgery with DES is a useful tool for preserving linguistic functions in patients undergoing surgery in critical brain regions. However, no studies exist that apply a well-balanced and standardised linguistic protocol to reliably identify the critical language zones. The availability of a standardised linguistic protocol might substantially increase intraoperative comfort and might improve outcome and quality of life. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Absolute measurement of the 1S0 − 3P0 clock transition in neutral 88Sr over the 330 km-long stabilized fibre optic link

PubMed Central

Morzyński, Piotr; Bober, Marcin; Bartoszek-Bober, Dobrosława; Nawrocki, Jerzy; Krehlik, Przemysław; Śliwczyński, Łukasz; Lipiński, Marcin; Masłowski, Piotr; Cygan, Agata; Dunst, Piotr; Garus, Michał; Lisak, Daniel; Zachorowski, Jerzy; Gawlik, Wojciech; Radzewicz, Czesław; Ciuryło, Roman; Zawada, Michał

2015-01-01

We report a stability below 7 × 10−17 of two independent optical lattice clocks operating with bosonic 88Sr isotope. The value (429 228 066 418 008.3(1.9)syst (0.9)stat Hz) of the absolute frequency of the 1S0 – 3P0 transition was measured with an optical frequency comb referenced to the local representation of the UTC by the 330 km-long stabilized fibre optical link. The result was verified by series of measurements on two independent optical lattice clocks and agrees with recommendation of Bureau International des Poids et Mesures. PMID:26639347

Galileo and the Movies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Olivotto, Cristina; Testa, Antonella

2010-12-01

We analyze the character of Galileo Galilei (1564-1642), one of the most famous scientists of all time, as portrayed in three significant movies: Luigi Maggi's Galileo Galilei (1909), Liliana Cavani's Galileo (1968), and Joseph Losey's Galileo (1975), the last one of which was based upon Bertolt Brecht's drama, Das Leben des Galilei (1947). We investigate the relationships between the main characteristics of these fictional Galileos and the most important twentieth-century Galilean historiographic models. We also analyze the veracity of the plots of these three movies and the role that historical and scientific consultants played in producing them. We conclude that connections between these three movies and Galilean historiographic models are far from evident, that other factors deeply influenced the representation of Galileo on the screen.

Method and apparatus for modeling interactions

DOEpatents

Xavier, Patrick G.

2000-08-08

A method and apparatus for modeling interactions between bodies. The method comprises representing two bodies undergoing translations and rotations by two hierarchical swept volume representations. Interactions such as nearest approach and collision can be modeled based on the swept body representations. The present invention can serve as a practical tool in motion planning, CAD systems, simulation systems, safety analysis, and applications that require modeling time-based interactions. A body can be represented in the present invention by a union of convex polygons and convex polyhedra. As used generally herein, polyhedron includes polygon, and polyhedra includes polygons. The body undergoing translation can be represented by a swept body representation, where the swept body representation comprises a hierarchical bounding volume representation whose leaves each contain a representation of the region swept by a section of the body during the translation, and where the union of the regions is a superset of the region swept by the surface of the body during translation. Interactions between two bodies thus represented can be modeled by modeling interactions between the convex hulls of the finite sets of discrete points in the swept body representations.

The Neuroscience of Storing and Molding Tool Action Concepts: How "Plastic" is Grounded Cognition?

PubMed

Mizelle, J C; Wheaton, Lewis A

2010-01-01

Choosing how to use tools to accomplish a task is a natural and seemingly trivial aspect of our lives, yet engages complex neural mechanisms. Recently, work in healthy populations has led to the idea that tool knowledge is grounded to allow for appropriate recall based on some level of personal history. This grounding has presumed neural loci for tool use, centered on parieto-temporo-frontal areas to fuse perception and action representations into one dynamic system. A challenge for this idea is related to one of its great benefits. For such a system to exist, it must be very plastic, to allow for the introduction of novel tools or concepts of tool use and modification of existing ones. Thus, learning new tool usage (familiar tools in new situations and new tools in familiar situations) must involve mapping into this grounded network while maintaining existing rules for tool usage. This plasticity may present a challenging breadth of encoding that needs to be optimally stored and accessed. The aim of this work is to explore the challenges of plasticity related to changing or incorporating representations of tool action within the theory of grounded cognition and propose a modular model of tool-object goal related accomplishment. While considering the neuroscience evidence for this approach, we will focus on the requisite plasticity for this system. Further, we will highlight challenges for flexibility and organization of already grounded tool actions and provide thoughts on future research to better evaluate mechanisms of encoding in the theory of grounded cognition.

Identification of a Novel De Novo Variant in the PAX3 Gene in Waardenburg Syndrome by Diagnostic Exome Sequencing: The First Molecular Diagnosis in Korea

PubMed Central

Jang, Mi-Ae; Lee, Taeheon; Lee, Junnam

2015-01-01

Waardenburg syndrome (WS) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous hereditary auditory pigmentary disorder characterized by congenital sensorineural hearing loss and iris discoloration. Many genes have been linked to WS, including PAX3, MITF, SNAI2, EDNRB, EDN3, and SOX10, and many additional genes have been associated with disorders with phenotypic overlap with WS. To screen all possible genes associated with WS and congenital deafness simultaneously, we performed diagnostic exome sequencing (DES) in a male patient with clinical features consistent with WS. Using DES, we identified a novel missense variant (c.220C>G; p.Arg74Gly) in exon 2 of the PAX3 gene in the patient. Further analysis by Sanger sequencing of the patient and his parents revealed a de novo occurrence of the variant. Our findings show that DES can be a useful tool for the identification of pathogenic gene variants in WS patients and for differentiation between WS and similar disorders. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of genetically confirmed WS in Korea. PMID:25932447

The Complexity Analysis Tool

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-10-01

overview of the complexity analysis tool ( CAT ), an automated tool which will analyze mission critical computer resources (MCCR) software. CAT is based...84 MAR UNCLASSIFIED SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF THIS PAGE 19. ABSTRACT: (cont) CAT automates the metric for BASIC (HP-71), ATLAS (EQUATE), Ada (subset...UNIX 5.2). CAT analyzes source code and computes complexity on a module basis. CAT also generates graphic representations of the logic flow paths and

Group Mirrors to Support Interaction Regulation in Collaborative Problem Solving

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jermann, Patrick; Dillenbourg, Pierre

2008-01-01

Two experimental studies test the effect of group mirrors upon quantitative and qualitative aspects of participation in collaborative problem solving. Mirroring tools consist of a graphical representation of the group's actions which is dynamically updated and displayed to the collaborators. In addition, metacognitive tools display a standard for…

Spatial allocation of forest recreation value

Treesearch

Kenneth A. Baerenklau; Armando Gonzalez-Caban; Catrina Paez; Edgard Chavez

2009-01-01

Non-market valuation methods and geographic information systems are useful planning and management tools for public land managers. Recent attention has been given to investigation and demonstration of methods for combining these tools to provide spatially-explicit representations of non-market value. Most of these efforts have focused on spatial allocation of...

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

Hill, David P.; D’Eustachio, Peter; Berardini, Tanya Z.

The concept of a biological pathway, an ordered sequence of molecular transformations, is used to collect and represent molecular knowledge for a broad span of organismal biology. Representations of biomedical pathways typically are rich but idiosyncratic presentations of organized knowledge about individual pathways. Meanwhile, biomedical ontologies and associated annotation files are powerful tools that organize molecular information in a logically rigorous form to support computational analysis. The Gene Ontology (GO), representing Molecular Functions, Biological Processes and Cellular Components, incorporates many aspects of biological pathways within its ontological representations. Here we present a methodology for extending and refining the classes inmore » the GO for more comprehensive, consistent and integrated representation of pathways, leveraging knowledge embedded in current pathway representations such as those in the Reactome Knowledgebase and MetaCyc. With carbohydrate metabolic pathways as a use case, we discuss how our representation supports the integration of variant pathway classes into a unified ontological structure that can be used for data comparison and analysis.« less

On the acquisition and representation of procedural knowledge

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Saito, T.; Ortiz, C.; Loftin, R. B.

1992-01-01

Historically knowledge acquisition has proven to be one of the greatest barriers to the development of intelligent systems. Current practice generally requires lengthy interactions between the expert whose knowledge is to be captured and the knowledge engineer whose responsibility is to acquire and represent knowledge in a useful form. Although much research has been devoted to the development of methodologies and computer software to aid in the capture and representation of some of some types of knowledge, little attention has been devoted to procedural knowledge. NASA personnel frequently perform tasks that are primarily procedural in nature. Previous work is reviewed in the field of knowledge acquisition and then focus on knowledge acquisition for procedural tasks with special attention devoted to the Navy's VISTA tool. The design and development is described of a system for the acquisition and representation of procedural knowledge-TARGET (Task Analysis and Rule Generation Tool). TARGET is intended as a tool that permits experts to visually describe procedural tasks and as a common medium for knowledge refinement by the expert and knowledge engineer. The system is designed to represent the acquired knowledge in the form of production rules. Systems such as TARGET have the potential to profoundly reduce the time, difficulties, and costs of developing knowledge-based systems for the performance of procedural tasks.

Extended fusion yield integral using pathway idea in case of Shock-compressed heated plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Dilip; Haubold, Hans

The extended non-resonant thermonuclear reaction rate probability integral obtained in Haubold and Kumar [Haubold, H.J. and Kumar, D.: 2008, Extension of thermonuclear functions through the pathway model including Maxwell-Boltzmann and Tsallis distributions, Astroparticle Physics, 29, 70-76] is used to evaluate the fusion energy by itegrating it over temperature. The closed form representation of the extended reaction rate integral via Meijer's G-function is expressed as a solution of a homogeneous differential equation. A physical model of Guderley[Guderley G. :1942, Starke kugelige und zylindrische Verdichtungsstsse in der Nhe des Kugelmittelpunktes bzw. der Zylinderachse, Luftfahrtforschung, 19, 302] has been considered for the laser driven hydrodynamical process in a compressed fusion plasma and heated strong spherical shock wave. The fusion yield integral obtained in the paper is compared with the standard fusion yield ob-tained by Haubold and John [Haubold, H.J. and John, R.W.:1981, Analytical representation of the thermonuclear reaction rate and fusion energy production in a spherical plasma shock wave, Plasma Physics, 5, 399-411]. The pathway parameter used in this paper is given an interpretation in terms of moments.

Detecting objects in radiographs for homeland security

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prasad, Lakshman; Snyder, Hans

2005-05-01

We present a general scheme for segmenting a radiographic image into polygons that correspond to visual features. This decomposition provides a vectorized representation that is a high-level description of the image. The polygons correspond to objects or object parts present in the image. This characterization of radiographs allows the direct application of several shape recognition algorithms to identify objects. In this paper we describe the use of constrained Delaunay triangulations as a uniform foundational tool to achieve multiple visual tasks, namely image segmentation, shape decomposition, and parts-based shape matching. Shape decomposition yields parts that serve as tokens representing local shape characteristics. Parts-based shape matching enables the recognition of objects in the presence of occlusions, which commonly occur in radiographs. The polygonal representation of image features affords the efficient design and application of sophisticated geometric filtering methods to detect large-scale structural properties of objects in images. Finally, the representation of radiographs via polygons results in significant reduction of image file sizes and permits the scalable graphical representation of images, along with annotations of detected objects, in the SVG (scalable vector graphics) format that is proposed by the world wide web consortium (W3C). This is a textual representation that can be compressed and encrypted for efficient and secure transmission of information over wireless channels and on the Internet. In particular, our methods described here provide an algorithmic framework for developing image analysis tools for screening cargo at ports of entry for homeland security.

Eulerian frequency analysis of structural vibrations from high-speed video

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

Venanzoni, Andrea; Siemens Industry Software NV, Interleuvenlaan 68, B-3001 Leuven; De Ryck, Laurent

An approach for the analysis of the frequency content of structural vibrations from high-speed video recordings is proposed. The techniques and tools proposed rely on an Eulerian approach, that is, using the time history of pixels independently to analyse structural motion, as opposed to Lagrangian approaches, where the motion of the structure is tracked in time. The starting point is an existing Eulerian motion magnification method, which consists in decomposing the video frames into a set of spatial scales through a so-called Laplacian pyramid [1]. Each scale — or level — can be amplified independently to reconstruct a magnified motionmore » of the observed structure. The approach proposed here provides two analysis tools or pre-amplification steps. The first tool provides a representation of the global frequency content of a video per pyramid level. This may be further enhanced by applying an angular filter in the spatial frequency domain to each frame of the video before the Laplacian pyramid decomposition, which allows for the identification of the frequency content of the structural vibrations in a particular direction of space. This proposed tool complements the existing Eulerian magnification method by amplifying selectively the levels containing relevant motion information with respect to their frequency content. This magnifies the displacement while limiting the noise contribution. The second tool is a holographic representation of the frequency content of a vibrating structure, yielding a map of the predominant frequency components across the structure. In contrast to the global frequency content representation of the video, this tool provides a local analysis of the periodic gray scale intensity changes of the frame in order to identify the vibrating parts of the structure and their main frequencies. Validation cases are provided and the advantages and limits of the approaches are discussed. The first validation case consists of the frequency content retrieval of the tip of a shaker, excited at selected fixed frequencies. The goal of this setup is to retrieve the frequencies at which the tip is excited. The second validation case consists of two thin metal beams connected to a randomly excited bar. It is shown that the holographic representation visually highlights the predominant frequency content of each pixel and locates the global frequencies of the motion, thus retrieving the natural frequencies for each beam.« less

Improving the learning of clinical reasoning through computer-based cognitive representation.

PubMed

Wu, Bian; Wang, Minhong; Johnson, Janice M; Grotzer, Tina A

2014-01-01

Objective Clinical reasoning is usually taught using a problem-solving approach, which is widely adopted in medical education. However, learning through problem solving is difficult as a result of the contextualization and dynamic aspects of actual problems. Moreover, knowledge acquired from problem-solving practice tends to be inert and fragmented. This study proposed a computer-based cognitive representation approach that externalizes and facilitates the complex processes in learning clinical reasoning. The approach is operationalized in a computer-based cognitive representation tool that involves argument mapping to externalize the problem-solving process and concept mapping to reveal the knowledge constructed from the problems. Methods Twenty-nine Year 3 or higher students from a medical school in east China participated in the study. Participants used the proposed approach implemented in an e-learning system to complete four learning cases in 4 weeks on an individual basis. For each case, students interacted with the problem to capture critical data, generate and justify hypotheses, make a diagnosis, recall relevant knowledge, and update their conceptual understanding of the problem domain. Meanwhile, students used the computer-based cognitive representation tool to articulate and represent the key elements and their interactions in the learning process. Results A significant improvement was found in students' learning products from the beginning to the end of the study, consistent with students' report of close-to-moderate progress in developing problem-solving and knowledge-construction abilities. No significant differences were found between the pretest and posttest scores with the 4-week period. The cognitive representation approach was found to provide more formative assessment. Conclusions The computer-based cognitive representation approach improved the learning of clinical reasoning in both problem solving and knowledge construction.

Improving the learning of clinical reasoning through computer-based cognitive representation

PubMed Central

Wu, Bian; Wang, Minhong; Johnson, Janice M.; Grotzer, Tina A.

2014-01-01

Objective Clinical reasoning is usually taught using a problem-solving approach, which is widely adopted in medical education. However, learning through problem solving is difficult as a result of the contextualization and dynamic aspects of actual problems. Moreover, knowledge acquired from problem-solving practice tends to be inert and fragmented. This study proposed a computer-based cognitive representation approach that externalizes and facilitates the complex processes in learning clinical reasoning. The approach is operationalized in a computer-based cognitive representation tool that involves argument mapping to externalize the problem-solving process and concept mapping to reveal the knowledge constructed from the problems. Methods Twenty-nine Year 3 or higher students from a medical school in east China participated in the study. Participants used the proposed approach implemented in an e-learning system to complete four learning cases in 4 weeks on an individual basis. For each case, students interacted with the problem to capture critical data, generate and justify hypotheses, make a diagnosis, recall relevant knowledge, and update their conceptual understanding of the problem domain. Meanwhile, students used the computer-based cognitive representation tool to articulate and represent the key elements and their interactions in the learning process. Results A significant improvement was found in students’ learning products from the beginning to the end of the study, consistent with students’ report of close-to-moderate progress in developing problem-solving and knowledge-construction abilities. No significant differences were found between the pretest and posttest scores with the 4-week period. The cognitive representation approach was found to provide more formative assessment. Conclusions The computer-based cognitive representation approach improved the learning of clinical reasoning in both problem solving and knowledge construction. PMID:25518871

Assessment of representational competence in kinematics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klein, P.; Müller, A.; Kuhn, J.

2017-06-01

A two-tier instrument for representational competence in the field of kinematics (KiRC) is presented, designed for a standard (1st year) calculus-based introductory mechanics course. It comprises 11 multiple choice (MC) and 7 multiple true-false (MTF) questions involving multiple representational formats, such as graphs, pictures, and formal (mathematical) expressions (1st tier). Furthermore, students express their answer confidence for selected items, providing additional information (2nd tier). Measurement characteristics of KiRC were assessed in a validation sample (pre- and post-test, N =83 and N =46 , respectively), including usefulness for measuring learning gain. Validity is checked by interviews and by benchmarking KiRC against related measures. Values for item difficulty, discrimination, and consistency are in the desired ranges; in particular, a good reliability was obtained (KR 20 =0.86 ). Confidence intervals were computed and a replication study yielded values within the latter. For practical and research purposes, KiRC as a diagnostic tool goes beyond related extant instruments both for the representational formats (e.g., mathematical expressions) and for the scope of content covered (e.g., choice of coordinate systems). Together with the satisfactory psychometric properties it appears a versatile and reliable tool for assessing students' representational competency in kinematics (and of its potential change). Confidence judgments add further information to the diagnostic potential of the test, in particular for representational misconceptions. Moreover, we present an analytic result for the question—arising from guessing correction or educational considerations—of how the total effect size (Cohen's d ) varies upon combination of two test components with known individual effect sizes, and then discuss the results in the case of KiRC (MC and MTF combination). The introduced method of test combination analysis can be applied to any test comprising two components for the purpose of finding effect size ranges.

Improving the learning of clinical reasoning through computer-based cognitive representation.

PubMed

Wu, Bian; Wang, Minhong; Johnson, Janice M; Grotzer, Tina A

2014-01-01

Clinical reasoning is usually taught using a problem-solving approach, which is widely adopted in medical education. However, learning through problem solving is difficult as a result of the contextualization and dynamic aspects of actual problems. Moreover, knowledge acquired from problem-solving practice tends to be inert and fragmented. This study proposed a computer-based cognitive representation approach that externalizes and facilitates the complex processes in learning clinical reasoning. The approach is operationalized in a computer-based cognitive representation tool that involves argument mapping to externalize the problem-solving process and concept mapping to reveal the knowledge constructed from the problems. Twenty-nine Year 3 or higher students from a medical school in east China participated in the study. Participants used the proposed approach implemented in an e-learning system to complete four learning cases in 4 weeks on an individual basis. For each case, students interacted with the problem to capture critical data, generate and justify hypotheses, make a diagnosis, recall relevant knowledge, and update their conceptual understanding of the problem domain. Meanwhile, students used the computer-based cognitive representation tool to articulate and represent the key elements and their interactions in the learning process. A significant improvement was found in students' learning products from the beginning to the end of the study, consistent with students' report of close-to-moderate progress in developing problem-solving and knowledge-construction abilities. No significant differences were found between the pretest and posttest scores with the 4-week period. The cognitive representation approach was found to provide more formative assessment. The computer-based cognitive representation approach improved the learning of clinical reasoning in both problem solving and knowledge construction.

Developmental origins of recoding and decoding in memory.

PubMed

Kibbe, Melissa M; Feigenson, Lisa

2014-12-01

Working memory is severely limited in both adults and children, but one way that adults can overcome this limit is through the process of recoding. Recoding happens when representations of individual items are chunked together into a higher order representation, and the chunk is assigned a label. That label can then be decoded to retrieve the individual items from long-term memory. Whereas this ability has been extensively studied in adults (as, for example, in classic studies of memory in chess), little is known about recoding's developmental origins. Here we asked whether 2- to 3-year-old children also can recode-that is, can they restructure representations of individual objects into a higher order chunk, assign this new representation a verbal label, and then later decode the label to retrieve the represented individuals from memory. In Experiments 1 and 2, we showed children identical blocks that could be connected to make tools. Children learned a novel name for a tool that could be built from two blocks, and for a tool that could be built from three blocks. Later we told children that one of the tools was hidden in a box, with no visual information provided. Children were allowed to search the box and retrieve varying numbers of blocks. Critically, the retrieved blocks were identical and unconnected, so the only way children could know whether any blocks remained was by using the verbal label to recall how many objects comprised each tool (or chunk). We found that even children who could not yet count adjusted their searching of the box depending on the label they had heard. This suggests that they had recoded representations of individual blocks into higher-order chunks, attached labels to the chunks, and then later decoded the labels to infer how many blocks were hidden. In Experiments 3 and 4 we asked whether recoding also can expand the number of individual objects children could remember, as in the classic studies with adults. We found that when no information was provided to support recoding, children showed the standard failure to remember more than three hidden objects at once. But when provided recoding information, children successfully represented up to five individual objects in the box, thereby overcoming typical working memory limits. These results are the first demonstration of recoding by young children; we close by discussing their implications for understanding the structure of memory throughout the lifespan. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Augmentation-related brain plasticity

PubMed Central

Di Pino, Giovanni; Maravita, Angelo; Zollo, Loredana; Guglielmelli, Eugenio; Di Lazzaro, Vincenzo

2014-01-01

Today, the anthropomorphism of the tools and the development of neural interfaces require reconsidering the concept of human-tools interaction in the framework of human augmentation. This review analyses the plastic process that the brain undergoes when it comes into contact with augmenting artificial sensors and effectors and, on the other hand, the changes that the use of external augmenting devices produces in the brain. Hitherto, few studies investigated the neural correlates of augmentation, but clues on it can be borrowed from logically-related paradigms: sensorimotor training, cognitive enhancement, cross-modal plasticity, sensorimotor functional substitution, use and embodiment of tools. Augmentation modifies function and structure of a number of areas, i.e., primary sensory cortices shape their receptive fields to become sensitive to novel inputs. Motor areas adapt the neuroprosthesis representation firing-rate to refine kinematics. As for normal motor outputs, the learning process recruits motor and premotor cortices and the acquisition of proficiency decreases attentional recruitment, focuses the activity on sensorimotor areas and increases the basal ganglia drive on the cortex. Augmentation deeply relies on the frontoparietal network. In particular, premotor cortex is involved in learning the control of an external effector and owns the tool motor representation, while the intraparietal sulcus extracts its visual features. In these areas, multisensory integration neurons enlarge their receptive fields to embody supernumerary limbs. For operating an anthropomorphic neuroprosthesis, the mirror system is required to understand the meaning of the action, the cerebellum for the formation of its internal model and the insula for its interoception. In conclusion, anthropomorphic sensorized devices can provide the critical sensory afferences to evolve the exploitation of tools through their embodiment, reshaping the body representation and the sense of the self. PMID:24966816

An Analysis of South African Grade 9 Natural Sciences Textbooks for Their Representation of Nature of Science

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ramnarain, Umesh Dewnarain; Chanetsa, Tarisai

2016-01-01

This article reports on an analysis and comparison of three South African Grade 9 (13-14 years) Natural Sciences textbooks for the representation of nature of science (NOS). The analysis was framed by an analytical tool developed and validated by Abd-El-Khalick and a team of researchers in a large-scale study on the high school textbooks in the…

Identifying Misconceptions Related to Chemical Bonding Concepts in the Slovak School System Using the Bonding Representations Inventory as a Diagnostic Tool

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vrabec, Michal; Prokša, Miroslav

2016-01-01

In this article we present the results of a study in which we tested the use of the experimental inventory BRI (Bonding Representations Inventory), developed by Cynthia J. Luxford and Stacey Lowery Bretz. The aim of our study was to test the usability of the experimental instrument in the Slovak educational system and to identify concrete…

The Effect of Dynamic and Interactive Mathematics Learning Environments (DIMLE), Supporting Multiple Representations, on Perceptions of Elementary Mathematics Pre-Service Teachers in Problem Solving Process

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ozdemir, S.; Reis, Z. Ayvaz

2013-01-01

Mathematics is an important discipline, providing crucial tools, such as problem solving, to improve our cognitive abilities. In order to solve a problem, it is better to envision and represent through multiple means. Multiple representations can help a person to redefine a problem with his/her own words in that envisioning process. Dynamic and…

Decision Support Tool for Deep Energy Efficiency Retrofits in DoD Installations

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-01-01

representations (HDMR). Chemical Engineering Science, 57, 4445–4460. 2. Sobol ’, I., 2001. Global sensitivity indices for nonlinear mathematical...models and their Monte Carlo estimates. Mathematics and computers in simulation, 55, 271–280. 3. Sobol , I. and Kucherenko, S., 2009. Derivative based...representations (HDMR). Chemical Engineering Science, 57, 4445–4460. 16. Sobol ’, I., 2001. Global sensitivity indices for nonlinear mathematical models and

Representation-based user interfaces for the audiovisual library of the year 2000

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aigrain, Philippe; Joly, Philippe; Lepain, Philippe; Longueville, Veronique

1995-03-01

The audiovisual library of the future will be based on computerized access to digitized documents. In this communication, we address the user interface issues which will arise from this new situation. One cannot simply transfer a user interface designed for the piece by piece production of some audiovisual presentation and make it a tool for accessing full-length movies in an electronic library. One cannot take a digital sound editing tool and propose it as a means to listen to a musical recording. In our opinion, when computers are used as mediations to existing contents, document representation-based user interfaces are needed. With such user interfaces, a structured visual representation of the document contents is presented to the user, who can then manipulate it to control perception and analysis of these contents. In order to build such manipulable visual representations of audiovisual documents, one needs to automatically extract structural information from the documents contents. In this communication, we describe possible visual interfaces for various temporal media, and we propose methods for the economically feasible large scale processing of documents. The work presented is sponsored by the Bibliotheque Nationale de France: it is part of the program aiming at developing for image and sound documents an experimental counterpart to the digitized text reading workstation of this library.

Crossmodal representation of a functional robotic hand arises after extensive training in healthy participants.

PubMed

Marini, Francesco; Tagliabue, Chiara F; Sposito, Ambra V; Hernandez-Arieta, Alejandro; Brugger, Peter; Estévez, Natalia; Maravita, Angelo

2014-01-01

The way in which humans represent their own bodies is critical in guiding their interactions with the environment. To achieve successful body-space interactions, the body representation is strictly connected with that of the space immediately surrounding it through efficient visuo-tactile crossmodal integration. Such a body-space integrated representation is not fixed, but can be dynamically modulated by the use of external tools. Our study aims to explore the effect of using a complex tool, namely a functional prosthesis, on crossmodal visuo-tactile spatial interactions in healthy participants. By using the crossmodal visuo-tactile congruency paradigm, we found that prolonged training with a mechanical hand capable of distal hand movements and providing sensory feedback induces a pattern of interference, which is not observed after a brief training, between visual stimuli close to the prosthesis and touches on the body. These results suggest that after extensive, but not short, training the functional prosthesis acquires a visuo-tactile crossmodal representation akin to real limbs. This finding adds to previous evidence for the embodiment of functional prostheses in amputees, and shows that their use may also improve the crossmodal combination of somatosensory feedback delivered by the prosthesis with visual stimuli in the space around it, thus effectively augmenting the patients' visuomotor abilities. © 2013 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Terrorism in the United States 1999

DTIC Science & Technology

1999-01-01

Rican separatist groups such as the Armed Forces for Puerto Rican National Liberation (FALN–Fuerzas Armadas de Liberacion Nacional Puertorriquena...use vio- lence and intimidation as a tool of foreign policy. The U.S. Department of State currently des - ignates seven nations–Cuba, Iran, Iraq...organizations, and his prominent standing among the mujahedin and other disaffected populations have established him as a type of de facto state sponsor of

Le Nouveau Manuel de Formation sur l'Elaboration et la Gestion des Projets. (The New Project Design and Management Workshop Training Manual).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Peace Corps, Washington, DC. Information Collection and Exchange Div.

A french language version of a training manual that presents guidelines for planning and conducting a project design and management (PDM) workshop to teach Peace Corps volunteers to involve local community members in the process of using participatory analysis tools and planning and implementing projects meeting local desires and needs. The first…

An Evaluation Tool for CONUS-Scale Estimates of Components of the Water Balance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saxe, S.; Hay, L.; Farmer, W. H.; Markstrom, S. L.; Kiang, J. E.

2016-12-01

Numerous research groups are independently developing data products to represent various components of the water balance (e.g. runoff, evapotranspiration, recharge, snow water equivalent, soil moisture, and climate) at the scale of the conterminous United States. These data products are derived from a range of sources, including direct measurement, remotely-sensed measurement, and statistical and deterministic model simulations. An evaluation tool is needed to compare these data products and the components of the water balance they contain in order to identify the gaps in the understanding and representation of continental-scale hydrologic processes. An ideal tool will be an objective, universally agreed upon, framework to address questions related to closing the water balance. This type of generic, model agnostic evaluation tool would facilitate collaboration amongst different hydrologic research groups and improve modeling capabilities with respect to continental-scale water resources. By adopting a comprehensive framework to consider hydrologic modeling in the context of a complete water balance, it is possible to identify weaknesses in process modeling, data product representation and regional hydrologic variation. As part of its National Water Census initiative, the U.S. Geological survey is facilitating this dialogue to developing prototype evaluation tools.

An application of object-oriented knowledge representation to engineering expert systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Logie, D. S.; Kamil, H.; Umaretiya, J. R.

1990-01-01

The paper describes an object-oriented knowledge representation and its application to engineering expert systems. The object-oriented approach promotes efficient handling of the problem data by allowing knowledge to be encapsulated in objects and organized by defining relationships between the objects. An Object Representation Language (ORL) was implemented as a tool for building and manipulating the object base. Rule-based knowledge representation is then used to simulate engineering design reasoning. Using a common object base, very large expert systems can be developed, comprised of small, individually processed, rule sets. The integration of these two schemes makes it easier to develop practical engineering expert systems. The general approach to applying this technology to the domain of the finite element analysis, design, and optimization of aerospace structures is discussed.

2D biological representations with reduced speckle obtained from two perpendicular ultrasonic arrays.

PubMed

Rodriguez-Hernandez, Miguel A; Gomez-Sacristan, Angel; Sempere-Payá, Víctor M

2016-04-29

Ultrasound diagnosis is a widely used medical tool. Among the various ultrasound techniques, ultrasonic imaging is particularly relevant. This paper presents an improvement to a two-dimensional (2D) ultrasonic system using measurements taken from perpendicular planes, where digital signal processing techniques are used to combine one-dimensional (1D) A-scans were acquired by individual transducers in arrays located in perpendicular planes. An algorithm used to combine measurements is improved based on the wavelet transform, which includes a denoising step during the 2D representation generation process. The inclusion of this new denoising stage generates higher quality 2D representations with a reduced level of speckling. The paper includes different 2D representations obtained from noisy A-scans and compares the improvements obtained by including the denoising stage.

Theory-Led Design of Instruments and Representations in Learning Analytics: Developing a Novel Tool for Orchestration of Online Collaborative Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kelly, Nick; Thompson, Kate; Yeoman, Pippa

2015-01-01

This paper describes theory-led design as a way of developing novel tools for learning analytics (LA). It focuses upon the domain of automated discourse analysis (ADA) of group learning activities to help an instructor to orchestrate online groups in real-time. The paper outlines the literature on the development of LA tools within the domain of…

ProphTools: general prioritization tools for heterogeneous biological networks.

PubMed

Navarro, Carmen; Martínez, Victor; Blanco, Armando; Cano, Carlos

2017-12-01

Networks have been proven effective representations for the analysis of biological data. As such, there exist multiple methods to extract knowledge from biological networks. However, these approaches usually limit their scope to a single biological entity type of interest or they lack the flexibility to analyze user-defined data. We developed ProphTools, a flexible open-source command-line tool that performs prioritization on a heterogeneous network. ProphTools prioritization combines a Flow Propagation algorithm similar to a Random Walk with Restarts and a weighted propagation method. A flexible model for the representation of a heterogeneous network allows the user to define a prioritization problem involving an arbitrary number of entity types and their interconnections. Furthermore, ProphTools provides functionality to perform cross-validation tests, allowing users to select the best network configuration for a given problem. ProphTools core prioritization methodology has already been proven effective in gene-disease prioritization and drug repositioning. Here we make ProphTools available to the scientific community as flexible, open-source software and perform a new proof-of-concept case study on long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) to disease prioritization. ProphTools is robust prioritization software that provides the flexibility not present in other state-of-the-art network analysis approaches, enabling researchers to perform prioritization tasks on any user-defined heterogeneous network. Furthermore, the application to lncRNA-disease prioritization shows that ProphTools can reach the performance levels of ad hoc prioritization tools without losing its generality. © The Authors 2017. Published by Oxford University Press.

Eco-Logic: Logic-Based Approaches to Ecological Modelling

Treesearch

Daniel L. Schmoldt

1991-01-01

This paper summarizes the simulation research carried out during 1984-1989 at the University of Edinburgh. Two primary objectives of their research are 1) to provide tools for manipulating simulation models (i.e., implementation tools) and 2) to provide advice on conceptualizing real-world phenomena into an idealized representation for simulation (i.e., model design...

Canon Fodder: Young Adult Literature as a Tool for Critiquing Canonicity

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hateley, Erica

2013-01-01

Young adult literature is a tool of socialisation and acculturation for young readers. This extends to endowing "reading" with particular significance in terms of what literature should be read and why. This paper considers some recent young adult fiction with an eye to its engagement with canonical literature and its representations of…

Improving the Usefulness of Concept Maps as a Research Tool for Science Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Van Zele, Els; Lenaerts, Josephina; Wieme, Willem

2004-01-01

The search for authentic science research tools to evaluate student understanding in a hybrid learning environment with a large multimedia component has resulted in the use of concept maps as a representation of student's knowledge organization. One hundred and seventy third-semester introductory university-level engineering students represented…

The MATH--Open Source Application for Easier Learning of Numerical Mathematics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Glaser-Opitz, Henrich; Budajová, Kristina

2016-01-01

The article introduces a software application (MATH) supporting an education of Applied Mathematics, with focus on Numerical Mathematics. The MATH is an easy to use tool supporting various numerical methods calculations with graphical user interface and integrated plotting tool for graphical representation written in Qt with extensive use of Qwt…

Learner-Information Interaction: A Macro-Level Framework Characterizing Visual Cognitive Tools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sedig, Kamran; Liang, Hai-Ning

2008-01-01

Visual cognitive tools (VCTs) are external mental aids that maintain and display visual representations (VRs) of information (i.e., structures, objects, concepts, ideas, and problems). VCTs allow learners to operate upon the VRs to perform epistemic (i.e., reasoning and knowledge-based) activities. In VCTs, the mechanism by which learners operate…

Comprehensive Analysis of Semantic Web Reasoners and Tools: A Survey

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Khamparia, Aditya; Pandey, Babita

2017-01-01

Ontologies are emerging as best representation techniques for knowledge based context domains. The continuing need for interoperation, collaboration and effective information retrieval has lead to the creation of semantic web with the help of tools and reasoners which manages personalized information. The future of semantic web lies in an ontology…

Macromedia Flash as a Tool for Mathematics Teaching and Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Garofalo, Joe; Summers, Tim

2004-01-01

Macromedia Flash is a powerful and robust development tool. Because of its graphical, sound, and animation capabilities (and ubiquitous browser plug-in), major companies employ it in their website development (see www.nike.com or www.espn.com). These same features also make Flash a valuable environment for building multi-representational "movies"…

A python tool for the implementation of domain-specific languages

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dejanović, Igor; Vaderna, Renata; Milosavljević, Gordana; Simić, Miloš; Vuković, Željko

2017-07-01

In this paper we describe textX, a meta-language and a tool for building Domain-Specific Languages. It is implemented in Python using Arpeggio PEG (Parsing Expression Grammar) parser library. From a single language description (grammar) textX will build a parser and a meta-model (a.k.a. abstract syntax) of the language. The parser is used to parse textual representations of models conforming to the meta-model. As a result of parsing, a Python object graph will be automatically created. The structure of the object graph will conform to the meta-model defined by the grammar. This approach frees a developer from the need to manually analyse a parse tree and transform it to other suitable representation. The textX library is independent of any integrated development environment and can be easily integrated in any Python project. The textX tool works as a grammar interpreter. The parser is configured at run-time using the grammar. The textX tool is a free and open-source project available at GitHub.

Galen-In-Use: using artificial intelligence terminology tools to improve the linguistic coherence of a national coding system for surgical procedures.

PubMed

Rodrigues, J M; Trombert-Paviot, B; Baud, R; Wagner, J; Meusnier-Carriot, F

1998-01-01

GALEN has developed a language independent common reference model based on a medically oriented ontology and practical tools and techniques for managing healthcare terminology including natural language processing. GALEN-IN-USE is the current phase which applied the modelling and the tools to the development or the updating of coding systems for surgical procedures in different national coding centers co-operating within the European Federation of Coding Centre (EFCC) to create a language independent knowledge repository for multicultural Europe. We used an integrated set of artificial intelligence terminology tools named CLAssification Manager workbench to process French professional medical language rubrics into intermediate dissections and to the Grail reference ontology model representation. From this language independent concept model representation we generate controlled French natural language. The French national coding centre is then able to retrieve the initial professional rubrics with different categories of concepts, to compare the professional language proposed by expert clinicians to the French generated controlled vocabulary and to finalize the linguistic labels of the coding system in relation with the meanings of the conceptual system structure.

Genomicus update 2015: KaryoView and MatrixView provide a genome-wide perspective to multispecies comparative genomics

PubMed Central

Louis, Alexandra; Nguyen, Nga Thi Thuy; Muffato, Matthieu; Roest Crollius, Hugues

2015-01-01

The Genomicus web server (http://www.genomicus.biologie.ens.fr/genomicus) is a visualization tool allowing comparative genomics in four different phyla (Vertebrate, Fungi, Metazoan and Plants). It provides access to genomic information from extant species, as well as ancestral gene content and gene order for vertebrates and flowering plants. Here we present the new features available for vertebrate genome with a focus on new graphical tools. The interface to enter the database has been improved, two pairwise genome comparison tools are now available (KaryoView and MatrixView) and the multiple genome comparison tools (PhyloView and AlignView) propose three new kinds of representation and a more intuitive menu. These new developments have been implemented for Genomicus portal dedicated to vertebrates. This allows the analysis of 68 extant animal genomes, as well as 58 ancestral reconstructed genomes. The Genomicus server also provides access to ancestral gene orders, to facilitate evolutionary and comparative genomics studies, as well as computationally predicted regulatory interactions, thanks to the representation of conserved non-coding elements with their putative gene targets. PMID:25378326

Conversion from Tree to Graph Representation of Requirements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mayank, Vimal; Everett, David Frank; Shmunis, Natalya; Austin, Mark

2009-01-01

A procedure and software to implement the procedure have been devised to enable conversion from a tree representation to a graph representation of the requirements governing the development and design of an engineering system. The need for this procedure and software and for other requirements-management tools arises as follows: In systems-engineering circles, it is well known that requirements- management capability improves the likelihood of success in the team-based development of complex systems involving multiple technological disciplines. It is especially desirable to be able to visualize (in order to identify and manage) requirements early in the system- design process, when errors can be corrected most easily and inexpensively.

Knowledge Representation and Management. From Ontology to Annotation. Findings from the Yearbook 2015 Section on Knowledge Representation and Management.

PubMed

Charlet, J; Darmoni, S J

2015-08-13

To summarize the best papers in the field of Knowledge Representation and Management (KRM). A comprehensive review of medical informatics literature was performed to select some of the most interesting papers of KRM published in 2014. Four articles were selected, two focused on annotation and information retrieval using an ontology. The two others focused mainly on ontologies, one dealing with the usage of a temporal ontology in order to analyze the content of narrative document, one describing a methodology for building multilingual ontologies. Semantic models began to show their efficiency, coupled with annotation tools.

Sentiments analysis at conceptual level making use of the Narrative Knowledge Representation Language.

PubMed

Zarri, Gian Piero

2014-10-01

This paper illustrates some of the knowledge representation structures and inference procedures proper to a high-level, fully implemented conceptual language, NKRL (Narrative Knowledge Representation Language). The aim is to show how these tools can be used to deal, in a sentiment analysis/opinion mining context, with some common types of human (and non-human) "behaviors". These behaviors correspond, in particular, to the concrete, mutual relationships among human and non-human characters that can be expressed under the form of non-fictional and real-time "narratives" (i.e., as logically and temporally structured sequences of "elementary events"). Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Visual representation of medical information: the importance of considering the end-user in the design of medical illustrations.

PubMed

Scheltema, Emma; Reay, Stephen; Piper, Greg

2018-01-01

This practice led research project explored visual representation through illustrations designed to communicate often complex medical information for different users within Auckland City Hospital, New Zealand. Media and tools were manipulated to affect varying degrees of naturalism or abstraction from reality in the creation of illustrations for a variety of real-life clinical projects, and user feedback on illustration preference gathered from both medical professionals and patients. While all users preferred the most realistic representations of medical information from the illustrations presented, patients often favoured illustrations that depicted a greater amount of information than professionals suggested was necessary.

Hand-independent representation of tool-use pantomimes in the left anterior intraparietal cortex.

PubMed

Ogawa, Kenji; Imai, Fumihito

2016-12-01

Previous neuropsychological studies of ideomotor apraxia (IMA) indicated impairments in pantomime actions for tool use for both right and left hands following lesions of parieto-premotor cortices in the left hemisphere. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) with multi-voxel pattern analysis (MVPA), we tested the hypothesis that the left parieto-premotor cortices are involved in the storage or retrieval of hand-independent representation of tool-use actions. In the fMRI scanner, one of three kinds of tools was displayed in pictures or letters, and the participants made pantomimes of the use of these tools using the right hand for the picture stimuli or with the left hand for the letters. We then used MVPA to classify which kind of tool the subjects were pantomiming. Whole-brain searchlight analysis revealed successful decoding using the activities largely in the contralateral primary sensorimotor region, ipsilateral cerebellum, and bilateral early visual area, which may reflect differences in low-level sensorimotor components for three types of pantomimes. Furthermore, a successful cross-classification between the right and left hands was possible using the activities of the left inferior parietal lobule (IPL) near the junction of the anterior intraparietal sulcus. Our finding indicates that the left anterior intraparietal cortex plays an important role in the production of tool-use pantomimes in a hand-independent manner, and independent of stimuli modality.

Tool use and the distalization of the end-effector

PubMed Central

Bonaiuto, James B.; Jacobs, Stéphane; Frey, Scott H.

2009-01-01

We review recent neurophysiological data from macaques and humans suggesting that the use of tools extends the internal representation of the actor’s hand, and relate it to our modeling of the visual control of grasping. We introduce the idea that, in addition to extending the body schema to incorporate the tool, tool use involves distalization of the end-effector from hand to tool. Different tools extend the body schema in different ways, with a displaced visual target and a novel, task-specific processing of haptic feedback to the hand. This distalization is critical in order to exploit the unique functional capacities engendered by complex tools. PMID:19347356

Modeling microbial processes in porous media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murphy, Ellyn M.; Ginn, Timothy R.

The incorporation of microbial processes into reactive transport models has generally proceeded along two separate lines of investigation: (1) transport of bacteria as inert colloids in porous media, and (2) the biodegradation of dissolved contaminants by a stationary phase of bacteria. Research over the last decade has indicated that these processes are closely linked. This linkage may occur when a change in metabolic activity alters the attachment/detachment rates of bacteria to surfaces, either promoting or retarding bacterial transport in a groundwater-contaminant plume. Changes in metabolic activity, in turn, are controlled by the time of exposure of the microbes to electron acceptors/donor and other components affecting activity. Similarly, metabolic activity can affect the reversibility of attachment, depending on the residence time of active microbes. Thus, improvements in quantitative analysis of active subsurface biota necessitate direct linkages between substrate availability, metabolic activity, growth, and attachment/detachment rates. This linkage requires both a detailed understanding of the biological processes and robust quantitative representations of these processes that can be tested experimentally. This paper presents an overview of current approaches used to represent physicochemical and biological processes in porous media, along with new conceptual approaches that link metabolic activity with partitioning of the microorganism between the aqueous and solid phases. Résumé L'introduction des processus microbiologiques dans des modèles de transport réactif a généralement suivi deux voies différentes de recherches: (1) le transport de bactéries sous forme de colloïdes inertes en milieu poreux, et (2) la biodégradation de polluants dissous par une phase stationnaire de bactéries. Les recherches conduites au cours des dix dernières années indiquent que ces processus sont intimement liés. Cette liaison peut intervenir lorsqu'un changement dans l'activité métabolique modifie les taux de fixation/libération de bactéries des surfaces, soit en facilitant, soit en retardant le transport bactérien dans le panache de polluant de l'eau souterraine. Des changements de l'activité métabolique peuvent en retour être contrôlés par le temps d'exposition des microbes à des donneurs ou à des accepteurs d'électrons et à d'autres composés affectant cette activité. De façon similaire, l'activité métabolique peut affecter la réversibilité de la fixation, en fonction du temps de séjour des microbes actifs. Ainsi, les améliorations de l'analyse quantitative des organismes souterrains nécessitent d'établir des liens directs entre les possibilités du substrat, l'activité métabolique, la croissance et les taux de fixation/libération. Cette liaison nécessite à la fois une compréhension détaillée des processus biologiques et des représentations quantitatives robustes de ces processus qui puissent être testées expérimentalement. Cet article présente une revue des approches courantes utilisées pour représenter les processus physio-chimiques et biologiques en milieu poreux, en même temps que de nouvelles approches conceptuelles qui associent l'activité métabolique à la répartition des micro-organismes entre les phases aqueuse et solide. Resumen La incorporación de los procesos microbianos en los modelos de transporte reactivos ha procedido tradicionalmente a lo largo de dos líneas de investigación independientes: (1) el transporte de bacterias como coloides inertes en el medio poroso, y (2) la biodegradación de los contaminantes disueltos por una fase estacionaria de bacterias. En los últimos años se ha comprobado que estos dos procesos están muy interrelacionados. En concreto, un cambio en la actividad metabólica puede alterar la relación de adsorción/desorción de las bacterias, favoreciendo o retardando el transporte bacteriano en un penacho de contaminación. A su vez, los cambios en la actividad metabólica están controlados, entre otros factores, por el tiempo de exposición de los microbios a los receptores/donantes de electrones. Además, la actividad metabólica puede afectar la reversibilidad de la adsorción, en función del tiempo de residencia de los microbios activos. Así, el análisis cuantitativo de la actividad subsuperficial biótica necesita de un estudio detallado de las conexiones entre disponibilidad del substrato, actividad metabólica, crecimiento y relación de adsorción/desorción, lo que requiere tanto un conocimiento de los procesos biológicos, como una representación cuantitativa robusta de dichos procesos, comprobable experimentalmente. Este artículo presenta una revisión de los métodos actuales para representar los procesos fisioquímicos y biológicos en el medio poroso, además de nuevas metodologías para relacionar la actividad metabólica con el fraccionamiento de los microorganismos entre las fases sólida y acuosa.

Handling or being the concept: An fMRI study on metonymy representations in coverbal gestures.

PubMed

Joue, Gina; Boven, Linda; Willmes, Klaus; Evola, Vito; Demenescu, Liliana R; Hassemer, Julius; Mittelberg, Irene; Mathiak, Klaus; Schneider, Frank; Habel, Ute

2018-01-31

In "Two heads are better than one," "head" stands for people and focuses the message on the intelligence of people. This is an example of figurative language through metonymy, where substituting a whole entity by one of its parts focuses attention on a specific aspect of the entity. Whereas metaphors, another figurative language device, are substitutions based on similarity, metonymy involves substitutions based on associations. Both are figures of speech but are also expressed in coverbal gestures during multimodal communication. The closest neuropsychological studies of metonymy in gestures have been nonlinguistic tool-use, illustrated by the classic apraxic problem of body-part-as-object (BPO, equivalent to an internal metonymy representation of the tool) vs. pantomimed action (external metonymy representation of the absent object/tool). Combining these research domains with concepts in cognitive linguistic research on gestures, we conducted an fMRI study to investigate metonymy resolution in coverbal gestures. Given the greater difficulty in developmental and apraxia studies, perhaps explained by the more complex semantic inferencing involved for external metonymy than for internal metonymy representations, we hypothesized that external metonymy resolution requires greater processing demands and that the neural resources supporting metonymy resolution would modulate regions involved in semantic processing. We found that there are indeed greater activations for external than for internal metonymy resolution in the temporoparietal junction (TPJ). This area is posterior to the lateral temporal regions recruited by metaphor processing. Effective connectivity analysis confirmed our hypothesis that metonymy resolution modulates areas implicated in semantic processing. We interpret our results in an interdisciplinary view of what metonymy in action can reveal about abstract cognition. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Exploring the Structure of Spatial Representations

PubMed Central

Madl, Tamas; Franklin, Stan; Chen, Ke; Trappl, Robert; Montaldi, Daniela

2016-01-01

It has been suggested that the map-like representations that support human spatial memory are fragmented into sub-maps with local reference frames, rather than being unitary and global. However, the principles underlying the structure of these ‘cognitive maps’ are not well understood. We propose that the structure of the representations of navigation space arises from clustering within individual psychological spaces, i.e. from a process that groups together objects that are close in these spaces. Building on the ideas of representational geometry and similarity-based representations in cognitive science, we formulate methods for learning dissimilarity functions (metrics) characterizing participants’ psychological spaces. We show that these learned metrics, together with a probabilistic model of clustering based on the Bayesian cognition paradigm, allow prediction of participants’ cognitive map structures in advance. Apart from insights into spatial representation learning in human cognition, these methods could facilitate novel computational tools capable of using human-like spatial concepts. We also compare several features influencing spatial memory structure, including spatial distance, visual similarity and functional similarity, and report strong correlations between these dimensions and the grouping probability in participants’ spatial representations, providing further support for clustering in spatial memory. PMID:27347681

The Role of Task Understanding on Younger and Older Adults' Performance.

PubMed

Frank, David J; Touron, Dayna R

2016-12-16

Age-related performance decrements have been linked to inferior strategic choices. Strategy selection models argue that accurate task representations are necessary for choosing appropriate strategies. But no studies to date have compared task representations in younger and older adults. Metacognition research suggests age-related deficits in updating and utilizing strategy knowledge, but other research suggests age-related sparing when information can be consolidated into a coherent mental model. Study 1 validated the use of concept mapping as a tool for measuring task representation accuracy. Study 2 measured task representations before and after a complex strategic task to test for age-related decrements in task representation formation and updating. Task representation accuracy and task performance were equivalent across age groups. Better task representations were related to better performance. However, task representation scores remained fairly stable over the task with minimal evidence of updating. Our findings mirror those in the mental model literature suggesting age-related sparing of strategy use when information can be integrated into a coherent mental model. Future research should manipulate the presence of a unifying context to better evaluate this hypothesis. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Gerontological Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Automatic three-dimensional registration of intra-vascular optical coherence tomography images for the clinical evaluation of stent implantation over time

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ughi, Giovanni J.; Adriaenssens, Tom; Larsson, Matilda; Dubois, Christophe; Sinnaeve, Peter; Coosemans, Mark; Desmet, Walter; D'hooghe, Jan

2012-01-01

In the last decade a large number of new intracoronary devices (i.e. drug-eluting stents, DES) have been developed to reduce the risks related to bare metal stent (BMS) implantation. The use of this new generation of DES has been shown to substantially reduce, compared with BMS, the occurrence of restenosis and recurrent ischemia that would necessitate a second revascularization procedure. Nevertheless, safety issues on the use of DES persist and full understanding of mechanisms of adverse clinical events is still a matter of concern and debate. Intravascular Optical Coherence Tomography (IV-OCT) is an imaging technique able to visualize the microstructure of blood vessels with an axial resolution <20 μm. Due to its very high spatial resolution, it enables detailed in-vivo assessment of implanted devices and vessel wall. Currently, the aim of several major clinical trials is to observe and quantify the vessel response to DES implantation over time. However, image analysis is currently performed manually and corresponding images, belonging to different IV-OCT acquisitions, can only be matched through a very labor intensive and subjective procedure. The aim of this study is to develop and validate a new methodology for the automatic registration of IV-OCT datasets on an image level. Hereto, we propose a landmark based rigid registration method exploiting the metallic stent framework as a feature. Such a tool would provide a better understanding of the behavior of different intracoronary devices in-vivo, giving unique insights about vessel pathophysiology and performance of new generation of intracoronary devices and different drugs.

Using eye movements to explore mental representations of space.

PubMed

Fourtassi, Maryam; Rode, Gilles; Pisella, Laure

2017-06-01

Visual mental imagery is a cognitive experience characterised by the activation of the mental representation of an object or scene in the absence of the corresponding stimulus. According to the analogical theory, mental representations have a pictorial nature that preserves the spatial characteristics of the environment that is mentally represented. This cognitive experience shares many similarities with the experience of visual perception, including eye movements. The mental visualisation of a scene is accompanied by eye movements that reflect the spatial content of the mental image, and which can mirror the deformations of this mental image with respect to the real image, such as asymmetries or size reduction. The present article offers a concise overview of the main theories explaining the interactions between eye movements and mental representations, with some examples of the studies supporting them. It also aims to explain how ocular-tracking could be a useful tool in exploring the dynamics of spatial mental representations, especially in pathological situations where these representations can be altered, for instance in unilateral spatial neglect. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Environmental isotopes (18O, 2H, and 87Sr/86Sr) as a tool in groundwater investigations in the Keta Basin, Ghana

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jørgensen, Niels; Banoeng-Yakubo, Bruce

2001-03-01

Analyses of environmental isotopes (18O, 2H, and 87Sr/86Sr) are applied to groundwater studies with emphasis on saline groundwater in aquifers in the Keta Basin, Ghana. The 87Sr/86Sr ratios of groundwater and surface water of the Keta Basin primarily reflect the geology and the mineralogical composition of the formations in the catchments and recharge areas. The isotopic compositions of 18O and 2H of deep groundwater have small variations and plot close to the global meteoric water line. Shallow groundwater and surface water have considerably larger variations in isotopic compositions, which reflect evaporation and preservation of seasonal fluctuations. A significant excess of chloride in shallow groundwater in comparison to the calculated evaporation loss is the result of a combination of evaporation and marine sources. Groundwaters from deep wells and dug wells in near-coastal aquifers are characterized by relatively high chloride contents, and the significance of marine influence is evidenced by well-defined mixing lines for strontium isotopes, and hydrogen and oxygen stable isotopes, with isotopic compositions of seawater as one end member. The results derived from environmental isotopes in this study demonstrate that a multi-isotope approach is a useful tool to identify the origin and sources of saline groundwater. Résumé. L'analyse des isotopes du milieu (18O, 2H, et 87Sr/86Sr) a été mise en œuvre pour des études hydrogéologiques portant sur des eaux souterraines salées des aquifères du bassin de Keta (Ghana). Les rapports isotopiques 87Sr/86Sr de l'eau souterraine et de l'eau de surface du bassin de Keta reflètent principalement la géologie et la composition minéralogique des formations des bassins d'alimentation et des zones de recharge. Les compositions isotopiques en 18O et en 2H des eaux souterraines profondes présentent de faibles variations et se placent près de la droite des eaux météoriques mondiales. Les eaux des nappes peu profondes et les eaux de surface subissent des variations beaucoup plus fortes de leurs compositions isotopiques, dues à l'évaporation et aux fluctuations saisonnières. Un excès significatif en chlorures dans les eaux souterraines peu profondes, compte tenu de l'évaporation calculée, résulte à la fois de l'évaporation et d'apports marins. Les eaux souterraines de forages profonds et de puits dans les aquifères proches de la côte sont caractérisées par des concentrations relativement élevées en chlorure; une influence marine significative est mise en évidence par des droites de mélange bien définies pour les isotopes du strontium et les isotopes stables de l'oxygène et de l'hydrogène, avec les compositions de l'eau de mer pour l'un des termes du mélange. Les résultats fournis par les isotopes du milieu dans cette étude montrent qu'une approche multi-isotopique est un outil pertinent pour identifier l'origine et les sources d'eaux souterraines salées. Resumen. Se ha aplicado el análisis de los isótopos ambientales (18O, 2H y 87Sr/86Sr) al estudio de las aguas subterráneas en la Cuenca de Keta (Ghana), haciendo énfasis en acuíferos salinizados. Las proporciones de 87Sr/86Sr en las aguas subterráneas y superficiales de la Cuenca de Keta reflejan, fundamentalmente, la geología y la composición mineralógica de las formaciones dominantes en las zonas de captación y de recarga. La composición isotópica de las aguas subterráneas profundas presenta variaciones pequeñas en 18O y 2H y se acerca a la línea meteórica mundial. Las aguas subterráneas someras y las superficiales presentan variaciones considerablemente mayores en la composición isotópica, hecho que refleja la evaporación y las fluctuaciones estacionales. Como resultado de la combinación entre evaporación e influencia marina, se observa un exceso significativo de cloruros en las aguas subterráneas someras en comparación con las pérdidas por evaporación. Las aguas subterráneas de pozos profundos y de pozos excavados en acuíferos cercanos a la costa se caracterizan por sus contenidos relativamente altos de cloruros. La influencia marina se evidencia por las líneas de mezcla bien definidas por los isótopos del estroncio y los isótopos estables del hidrógeno y oxígeno, mientras que la composición isotópica del agua marina se comporta como punto extremo de dichas líneas. Los resultados obtenidos en este trabajo a partir de los isótopos ambientales demuestran que el enfoque multi-isotópico es una herramienta útil para identificar el origen y las fuentes de aguas subterráneas salinas.

The tissue microarray data exchange specification: Extending TMA DES to provide flexible scoring and incorporate virtual slides

PubMed Central

Wright, Alexander; Lyttleton, Oliver; Lewis, Paul; Quirke, Philip; Treanor, Darren

2011-01-01

Background: Tissue MicroArrays (TMAs) are a high throughput technology for rapid analysis of protein expression across hundreds of patient samples. Often, data relating to TMAs is specific to the clinical trial or experiment it is being used for, and not interoperable. The Tissue Microarray Data Exchange Specification (TMA DES) is a set of eXtensible Markup Language (XML)-based protocols for storing and sharing digitized Tissue Microarray data. XML data are enclosed by named tags which serve as identifiers. These tag names can be Common Data Elements (CDEs), which have a predefined meaning or semantics. By using this specification in a laboratory setting with increasing demands for digital pathology integration, we found that the data structure lacked the ability to cope with digital slide imaging in respect to web-enabled digital pathology systems and advanced scoring techniques. Materials and Methods: By employing user centric design, and observing behavior in relation to TMA scoring and associated data, the TMA DES format was extended to accommodate the current limitations. This was done with specific focus on developing a generic tool for handling any given scoring system, and utilizing data for multiple observations and observers. Results: DTDs were created to validate the extensions of the TMA DES protocol, and a test set of data containing scores for 6,708 TMA core images was generated. The XML was then read into an image processing algorithm to utilize the digital pathology data extensions, and scoring results were easily stored alongside the existing multiple pathologist scores. Conclusions: By extending the TMA DES format to include digital pathology data and customizable scoring systems for TMAs, the new system facilitates the collaboration between pathologists and organizations, and can be used in automatic or manual data analysis. This allows complying systems to effectively communicate complex and varied scoring data. PMID:21572508

Integrity(®) bare-metal coronary stent-induced platelet and endothelial cell activation results in a higher risk of restenosis compared to Xience(®) everolimus-eluting stents in stable angina patients.

PubMed

Szük, Tibor; Fejes, Zsolt; Debreceni, Ildikó Beke; Kerényi, Adrienne; Édes, István; Kappelmayer, János; Nagy, Béla

2016-07-01

Drug-eluting stenting (DES) has become a reliable tool for coronary stenting; however, its direct effects on platelet and endothelium function differ from those of bare-metal stenting (BMS). This study involved a periprocedural analysis of various biomarkers of cellular activation after elective DES (Xience(®), Abbott Vascular, Santa Clara, CA, USA) or BMS (Integrity(®), Medtronic, Minneapolis, MI, USA). Forty-nine stable angina patients were recruited: 28 underwent BMS, and 21 received everolimus-eluting stents. Samples were collected (i) prior to stenting, (ii) at 24 hours after procedure, and (iii) after 1 month of dual antiplatelet therapy. Platelet activation was analyzed by surface P-selectin positivity in parallel with plasma levels of soluble P-selectin, CD40L and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). Endothelial cell (EC) activation was detected by measuring markers of early (von Willebrand factor) and delayed response (VCAM-1, ICAM-1, E-selectin). Patients were followed for 6 months for the occurrence of restenosis or stent thrombosis. Increased platelet activation was sustained regardless of stent type or antiplatelet medication. Concentrations of most EC markers were more elevated after BMS than after DES. No stent thrombosis was seen, but six BMS subjects displayed restenosis with significantly higher sCD40L (779 [397-899] vs. 381 [229-498] pg/mL; p = 0.032) and sICAM-1 (222 [181-272] vs. 162 [153-223] ng/mL; p = 0.046) levels than in those without complication, while DES patients exhibited significantly decreased PDGF (572 [428-626] vs. 244 [228-311] pg/mL; p = 0.004) after 1 month. Nonresponsiveness to antiplatelet drugs did not influence these changes. In conclusion, the degree of platelet and EC activation suggests that Xience(®) DES may be regarded a safer coronary intervention than Integrity(®) BMS, with a lower risk of in-stent restenosis.

Long range science scheduling for the Hubble Space Telescope

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miller, Glenn; Johnston, Mark

1991-01-01

Observations with NASA's Hubble Space Telescope (HST) are scheduled with the assistance of a long-range scheduling system (SPIKE) that was developed using artificial intelligence techniques. In earlier papers, the system architecture and the constraint representation and propagation mechanisms were described. The development of high-level automated scheduling tools, including tools based on constraint satisfaction techniques and neural networks is described. The performance of these tools in scheduling HST observations is discussed.

Occlusions in Camera Networks and Vision: The Bridge between Topological Recovery and Metric Reconstruction

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-05-18

serves as a didactic tool to understand the information required for the approach to coordinate free tracking and navigation problems. Observe that the...layout (left), and in the CN -Complex (right). These paths can be compared by using the algebraic topological tools covered in chapter 2. . . . 34 3.9...right). mathematical tools necessary to make our discussion formal; chapter 3 will present the construction of a simplicial representation called

A generic discrete-event simulation model for outpatient clinics in a large public hospital.

PubMed

Weerawat, Waressara; Pichitlamken, Juta; Subsombat, Peerapong

2013-01-01

The orthopedic outpatient department (OPD) ward in a large Thai public hospital is modeled using Discrete-Event Stochastic (DES) simulation. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are used to measure effects across various clinical operations during different shifts throughout the day. By considering various KPIs such as wait times to see doctors, percentage of patients who can see a doctor within a target time frame, and the time that the last patient completes their doctor consultation, bottlenecks are identified and resource-critical clinics can be prioritized. The simulation model quantifies the chronic, high patient congestion that is prevalent amongst Thai public hospitals with very high patient-to-doctor ratios. Our model can be applied across five different OPD wards by modifying the model parameters. Throughout this work, we show how DES models can be used as decision-support tools for hospital management.

Surface generation and editing operations applied to structural support of aerospace vehicle fuselages. M.S. Thesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schwartz, Susan K.

1992-01-01

The Solid Modeling Aerospace Research Tool (SMART) is a computer aided design tool used in aerospace vehicle design. Modeling of structural components using SMART includes the representation of the transverse or cross-wise elements of a vehicle's fuselage, ringframes, and bulkheads. Ringframes are placed along a vehicle's fuselage to provide structural support and maintain the shape of the fuselage. Bulkheads are also used to maintain shape, but are placed at locations where substantial structural support is required. Given a Bezier curve representation of a cross sectional cut through a vehicle's fuselage and/or an internal tank, this project produces a first-guess Bezier patch representation of a ringframe or bulkhead at the cross-sectional position. The grid produced is later used in the structural analysis of the vehicle. The graphical display of the generated patches allows the user to edit patch control points in real time. Constraints considered in the patch generation include maintaining 'square-like' patches and placement of longitudinal, or lengthwise along the fuselage, structural elements called longerons.

[Validity of the suicidality assessment instrument PRISM-S (Pictoral Representation of Illness Self Measure - Suicidality)].

PubMed

Ring, Mariann; Harbauer, Gregor; Haas, Sebastian; Schuetz, Christopher; Andreae, Andreas; Maercker, Andreas; Ajdacic-Gross, Vladeta

2014-01-01

In routine clinical practice the assessment of suicidality proves to be difficult and complex. The aim of the present study was to examine if PRISM can be used to measure validly the person's subjectively perceived suicidality. The nonverbal visualization technique PRISM (Pictoral Representation of Illness and Self Measure) has been developed by Büchi et al. (2002) to evaluate the perceived burden of suffering due to physical illness. The adapted version of PRISM used in our study is called PRISM-S (Pictoral Representation of Illness and Self Measure - Suicidality). 156 eligible inpatients, admitted voluntarily to the crisis intervention centre Winterthur, participated in the study. We used as gold standards the well established assessment tools the Beck Scale of Suicide Ideation (BSS) and the Depressive Symptome Inventory - Subscale (DSI-SS). The results showed high correlations between PRISM-S and the BSS (r = - 0,73) and the DSI-SS scores (r = - 0,76). Clinicians, general practitioners, psychiatrists and psychologists receive with PRISM-S a valid suicidality assessment tool that is very brief and easy to administer in clinical settings.

Rhorix: An interface between quantum chemical topology and the 3D graphics program blender

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

Mills, Matthew J. L.; Sale, Kenneth L.; Simmons, Blake A.

Journal of Computational Chemistry Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Chemical research is assisted by the creation of visual representations that map concepts (such as atoms and bonds) to 3D objects. These concepts are rooted in chemical theory that predates routine solution of the Schrödinger equation for systems of interesting size. The method of Quantum Chemical Topology (QCT) provides an alternative, parameter-free means to understand chemical phenomena directly from quantum mechanical principles. Representation of the topological elements of QCT has lagged behind the best tools available. Here, we describe a general abstraction (and corresponding file format) that permits the definition ofmore » mappings between topological objects and their 3D representations. Possible mappings are discussed and a canonical example is suggested, which has been implemented as a Python “Add-On” named Rhorix for the state-of-the-art 3D modeling program Blender. This allows chemists to use modern drawing tools and artists to access QCT data in a familiar context. Finally, a number of examples are discussed..« less

Rhorix: An interface between quantum chemical topology and the 3D graphics program blender

PubMed Central

Sale, Kenneth L.; Simmons, Blake A.; Popelier, Paul L. A.

2017-01-01

Chemical research is assisted by the creation of visual representations that map concepts (such as atoms and bonds) to 3D objects. These concepts are rooted in chemical theory that predates routine solution of the Schrödinger equation for systems of interesting size. The method of Quantum Chemical Topology (QCT) provides an alternative, parameter‐free means to understand chemical phenomena directly from quantum mechanical principles. Representation of the topological elements of QCT has lagged behind the best tools available. Here, we describe a general abstraction (and corresponding file format) that permits the definition of mappings between topological objects and their 3D representations. Possible mappings are discussed and a canonical example is suggested, which has been implemented as a Python “Add‐On” named Rhorix for the state‐of‐the‐art 3D modeling program Blender. This allows chemists to use modern drawing tools and artists to access QCT data in a familiar context. A number of examples are discussed. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Computational Chemistry Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. PMID:28857244

Rhorix: An interface between quantum chemical topology and the 3D graphics program blender

DOE PAGES

Mills, Matthew J. L.; Sale, Kenneth L.; Simmons, Blake A.; ...

2017-08-31

Journal of Computational Chemistry Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Chemical research is assisted by the creation of visual representations that map concepts (such as atoms and bonds) to 3D objects. These concepts are rooted in chemical theory that predates routine solution of the Schrödinger equation for systems of interesting size. The method of Quantum Chemical Topology (QCT) provides an alternative, parameter-free means to understand chemical phenomena directly from quantum mechanical principles. Representation of the topological elements of QCT has lagged behind the best tools available. Here, we describe a general abstraction (and corresponding file format) that permits the definition ofmore » mappings between topological objects and their 3D representations. Possible mappings are discussed and a canonical example is suggested, which has been implemented as a Python “Add-On” named Rhorix for the state-of-the-art 3D modeling program Blender. This allows chemists to use modern drawing tools and artists to access QCT data in a familiar context. Finally, a number of examples are discussed..« less

Didactique des langues etrangeres: De quoi parle-t-on quand on parle de grammaire? (Didactic of Foreign Languages: What Are We Talking About When We Talk About Grammar?).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Berche, Merce Pujol

1998-01-01

A discussion of the term "grammar" in the context of second-language teaching and learning looks at various approaches to/definitions of grammar, including linguistic, psychological, sociological, and pedagogical grammars. Pedagogical grammars are viewed as learning tools for the second-language classroom, and their properties and components are…

Amélioration des performances d'une implantation parallélovectorielle du gradient conjugué par extension du schéma de stockage matriciel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Magnin, H.; Coulomb, J. L.

1993-03-01

Electromagnetic field computation with the Finite Element (FE) method implies solving of large linear systems of equations. Performances and memory capacities of today computers allow to achieve three-dimensional FE discretizations of electromagnetic problems, but the number of unknowns grows high. So, to improve time to the numerical solution of the linear system(s) thus arising, the use of parallel and/or vector computers has to be envisaged. In this paper, the main constitutive steps of the Pre-conditioned Conjugate Gradient algorithm (PCG) are analysed. After a short recall of our previous work concerning their improvement by use of vector and parallel computations, we show some speedup limitations due to the sparse row-wise matrix storage scheme employed. Then, an extension of this matrix representation is proposed, leading to introduce redundant storage of non-zero coefficients. In spite of the “memory waste” thus implied, it is shown how this extension can be successfully employed to increase the speedup due to parallelism and vectorization on the whole algorithm, and in particular to derive a parallel preconditioner. La résolution par la méthode des éléments finis des équations de l'électromagnétisme conduit à résoudre de grands systèmes d'équations linéaires. Les capacités mémoire et les performances actuelles des systèmes informatiques permettent de traiter les problèmes électromagnétiques par discrétisation tridimensionnelle, mais alors le nombre d'inconnues devient très élevé. Ainsi, la résolution en un temps raisonnable des équations linéaires associées à de telles discrétisations conduit à envisager l'emploi d'ordinateurs à architecture parallèle. Dans cet article, les différentes étapes constitutives de l'algorithme du gradient conjugué préconditionné (GCP) sont analysées. Après un court rappel de nos travaux antérieurs concemant leur amélioration par utilisation de traitements parallèles et vectoriels, nous montrons les limitations du gain de temps dues au mode de stockage matriciel utilisé : la représentation creuse dite “Morse”. Nous proposons alors une extension de ce mode de stockage, conduisant à l'introduction de redondance au niveau du rangement des termes matriciels en mémoire. Malgré le “gaspillage” mémoire ainsi occasionné, il apparait que cette extension peut être mise à profit pour augmenter sensiblement les gains par parallélisation et vectorisation de l'ensemble de l'algorithme du gradient conjugué, et notamment pour la réalisation d'un pré-conditionnement parallèle.

Integration of Energy Consumption and CO2 Emissions into the DES Tool with Lean Thinking

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nujoom, Reda; Wang, Qian

2018-01-01

Products are often made by accomplishing a number of manufacturing processes on a sequential flow line which is also known as manufacturing systems. In a traditional way, design or evaluation of a manufacturing system involves a determination or an analysis of the system performance by adjusting system parameters relating to such as system capacity, material processing time, material-handling and transportation and shop-floor layout. Environment related parameters, however, are not considered or considered as separate issues. In the past decade, there has been a growing concern about the environmental protection and governments almost in all over the world enforced certain rules and regulation to promote energy saving and reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in manufacturing industry. To date, development of a sustainable manufacturing system requires designers who need not merely to apply traditional methods of improving system efficiency and productivity but also examine the environmental issues in production of the developed manufacturing system. Most researchers, however, focused on operational systems, which do not incorporate the effect of environmental factors that may also affect the system performance. This paper presents a research work aiming to addresses these issues in design and evaluation of sustainable manufacturing systems incorporating parameters of energy consumption and CO2 emissions into a DES (discrete event simulation) tool.

Progress with modeling activity landscapes in drug discovery.

PubMed

Vogt, Martin

2018-04-19

Activity landscapes (ALs) are representations and models of compound data sets annotated with a target-specific activity. In contrast to quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models, ALs aim at characterizing structure-activity relationships (SARs) on a large-scale level encompassing all active compounds for specific targets. The popularity of AL modeling has grown substantially with the public availability of large activity-annotated compound data sets. AL modeling crucially depends on molecular representations and similarity metrics used to assess structural similarity. Areas covered: The concepts of AL modeling are introduced and its basis in quantitatively assessing molecular similarity is discussed. The different types of AL modeling approaches are introduced. AL designs can broadly be divided into three categories: compound-pair based, dimensionality reduction, and network approaches. Recent developments for each of these categories are discussed focusing on the application of mathematical, statistical, and machine learning tools for AL modeling. AL modeling using chemical space networks is covered in more detail. Expert opinion: AL modeling has remained a largely descriptive approach for the analysis of SARs. Beyond mere visualization, the application of analytical tools from statistics, machine learning and network theory has aided in the sophistication of AL designs and provides a step forward in transforming ALs from descriptive to predictive tools. To this end, optimizing representations that encode activity relevant features of molecules might prove to be a crucial step.

A Novel Cylindrical Representation for Characterizing Intrinsic Properties of Protein Sequences.

PubMed

Yu, Jia-Feng; Dou, Xiang-Hua; Wang, Hong-Bo; Sun, Xiao; Zhao, Hui-Ying; Wang, Ji-Hua

2015-06-22

The composition and sequence order of amino acid residues are the two most important characteristics to describe a protein sequence. Graphical representations facilitate visualization of biological sequences and produce biologically useful numerical descriptors. In this paper, we propose a novel cylindrical representation by placing the 20 amino acid residue types in a circle and sequence positions along the z axis. This representation allows visualization of the composition and sequence order of amino acids at the same time. Ten numerical descriptors and one weighted numerical descriptor have been developed to quantitatively describe intrinsic properties of protein sequences on the basis of the cylindrical model. Their applications to similarity/dissimilarity analysis of nine ND5 proteins indicated that these numerical descriptors are more effective than several classical numerical matrices. Thus, the cylindrical representation obtained here provides a new useful tool for visualizing and charactering protein sequences. An online server is available at http://biophy.dzu.edu.cn:8080/CNumD/input.jsp .

Changing Internal Representations of Self and Other: Philosophical Tools for the Attachment-Informed Psychotherapy with Perpetrators and Victims of Violence1

PubMed Central

Pârvan, Alexandra

2016-01-01

Attachment research shows that the formation of unconscious, insecure representations of the self, the other, and the self-other relations is linked to perpetration and receipt of violence. Attachment-focused therapy aims to change these internal schemata to more secure, adaptive representations by therapeutic work addressed to senses, emotions, and behavior. The paper proposes a new approach to altering the self and other representations in offenders and victims: it involves intellectual reflection on self, will, action and responsibility informed by Augustine’s views, facilitated by actual relational experience, and translated into a distinct self-soothing strategy. The reflective-experiential approach can complement existing methods of working with violent or traumatized individuals both within and outside an attachment theory framework. It consists in: identifying that a non-reflective nondistinction between self and behavior supports damaging self- and other- representations and interactions; proposing ways for clients to comprehend and consciously operate with the distinction between self and action. PMID:28936108

Modeling biochemical pathways in the gene ontology

DOE PAGES

Hill, David P.; D’Eustachio, Peter; Berardini, Tanya Z.; ...

2016-09-01

The concept of a biological pathway, an ordered sequence of molecular transformations, is used to collect and represent molecular knowledge for a broad span of organismal biology. Representations of biomedical pathways typically are rich but idiosyncratic presentations of organized knowledge about individual pathways. Meanwhile, biomedical ontologies and associated annotation files are powerful tools that organize molecular information in a logically rigorous form to support computational analysis. The Gene Ontology (GO), representing Molecular Functions, Biological Processes and Cellular Components, incorporates many aspects of biological pathways within its ontological representations. Here we present a methodology for extending and refining the classes inmore » the GO for more comprehensive, consistent and integrated representation of pathways, leveraging knowledge embedded in current pathway representations such as those in the Reactome Knowledgebase and MetaCyc. With carbohydrate metabolic pathways as a use case, we discuss how our representation supports the integration of variant pathway classes into a unified ontological structure that can be used for data comparison and analysis.« less

The power of simulation: imagining one's own and other's behavior.

PubMed

Decety, Jean; Grèzes, Julie

2006-03-24

A large number of cognitive neuroscience studies point to the similarities in the neural circuits activated during the generation, imagination, as well as observation of one's own and other's behavior. Such findings support the shared representations account of social cognition, which is suggested to provide the basic mechanism for social interaction. Mental simulation may also be a representational tool to understand the self and others. However, successfully navigating these shared representations--both within oneself and between individuals--constitutes an essential functional property of any autonomous agent. It will be argued that self-awareness and agency, mediated by the temporoparietal (TPJ) area and the prefrontal cortex, are critical aspects of the social mind. Thus, differences as well as similarities between self and other representations at the neural level may be related to the degrees of self-awareness and agency. Overall, these data support the view that social cognition draws on both domain-general mechanisms and domain-specific embodied representations.

The Circuit of Culture as a Generative Tool of Contemporary Analysis: Examining the Construction of an Education Commodity

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Leve, Annabelle M.

2012-01-01

Contemporary studies in the field of education cannot afford to neglect the ever present interrelationships between power and politics, economics and consumption, representation and identity. In studying a recent cultural phenomenon in government schools, it became clear that a methodological tool that made sense of these interlinked processes was…

Using Metadata To Improve Organization and Information Retrieval on the WWW.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Doan, Bich-Lien; Beigbeder, Michel; Girardot, Jean-Jacques; Jaillon, Philippe

The growing volume of heterogeneous and distributed information on the World Wide Web has made it increasingly difficult for existing tools to retrieve relevant information. To improve the performance of these tools, this paper suggests how to handle two aspects of the problem. The first aspect concerns a better representation and description of…

Applying the metro map to software development management

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aguirregoitia, Amaia; Dolado, J. Javier; Presedo, Concepción

2010-01-01

This paper presents MetroMap, a new graphical representation model for controlling and managing the software development process. Metromap uses metaphors and visual representation techniques to explore several key indicators in order to support problem detection and resolution. The resulting visualization addresses diverse management tasks, such as tracking of deviations from the plan, analysis of patterns of failure detection and correction, overall assessment of change management policies, and estimation of product quality. The proposed visualization uses a metaphor with a metro map along with various interactive techniques to represent information concerning the software development process and to deal efficiently with multivariate visual queries. Finally, the paper shows the implementation of the tool in JavaFX with data of a real project and the results of testing the tool with the aforementioned data and users attempting several information retrieval tasks. The conclusion shows the results of analyzing user response time and efficiency using the MetroMap visualization system. The utility of the tool was positively evaluated.

Composing Data Parallel Code for a SPARQL Graph Engine

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

Castellana, Vito G.; Tumeo, Antonino; Villa, Oreste

Big data analytics process large amount of data to extract knowledge from them. Semantic databases are big data applications that adopt the Resource Description Framework (RDF) to structure metadata through a graph-based representation. The graph based representation provides several benefits, such as the possibility to perform in memory processing with large amounts of parallelism. SPARQL is a language used to perform queries on RDF-structured data through graph matching. In this paper we present a tool that automatically translates SPARQL queries to parallel graph crawling and graph matching operations. The tool also supports complex SPARQL constructs, which requires more than basicmore » graph matching for their implementation. The tool generates parallel code annotated with OpenMP pragmas for x86 Shared-memory Multiprocessors (SMPs). With respect to commercial database systems such as Virtuoso, our approach reduces memory occupation due to join operations and provides higher performance. We show the scaling of the automatically generated graph-matching code on a 48-core SMP.« less

Object oriented studies into artificial space debris

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adamson, J. M.; Marshall, G.

1988-01-01

A prototype simulation is being developed under contract to the Royal Aerospace Establishment (RAE), Farnborough, England, to assist in the discrimination of artificial space objects/debris. The methodology undertaken has been to link Object Oriented programming, intelligent knowledge based system (IKBS) techniques and advanced computer technology with numeric analysis to provide a graphical, symbolic simulation. The objective is to provide an additional layer of understanding on top of conventional classification methods. Use is being made of object and rule based knowledge representation, multiple reasoning, truth maintenance and uncertainty. Software tools being used include Knowledge Engineering Environment (KEE) and SymTactics for knowledge representation. Hooks are being developed within the SymTactics framework to incorporate mathematical models describing orbital motion and fragmentation. Penetration and structural analysis can also be incorporated. SymTactics is an Object Oriented discrete event simulation tool built as a domain specific extension to the KEE environment. The tool provides facilities for building, debugging and monitoring dynamic (military) simulations.

Refactoring DIRT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amarnath, N. S.; Pound, M. W.; Wolfire, M. G.

The Dust InfraRed ToolBox (DIRT - a part of the Web Infrared ToolShed, or WITS, located at http://dustem.astro.umd.edu) is a Java applet for modeling astrophysical processes in circumstellar shells around young and evolved stars. DIRT has been used by the astrophysics community for about 4 years. DIRT uses results from a number of numerical models of astrophysical processes, and has an AWT based user interface. DIRT has been refactored to decouple data representation from plotting and curve fitting. This makes it easier to add new kinds of astrophysical models, use the plotter in other applications, migrate the user interface to Swing components, and modify the user interface to add functionality (for example, SIRTF tools). DIRT is now an extension of two generic libraries, one of which manages data representation and caching, and the second of which manages plotting and curve fitting. This project is an example of refactoring with no impact on user interface, so the existing user community was not affected.

Structure, stability and behaviour of nucleic acids in ionic liquids

PubMed Central

Tateishi-Karimata, Hisae; Sugimoto, Naoki

2014-01-01

Nucleic acids have become a powerful tool in nanotechnology because of their conformational polymorphism. However, lack of a medium in which nucleic acid structures exhibit long-term stability has been a bottleneck. Ionic liquids (ILs) are potential solvents in the nanotechnology field. Hydrated ILs, such as choline dihydrogen phosphate (choline dhp) and deep eutectic solvent (DES) prepared from choline chloride and urea, are ‘green’ solvents that ensure long-term stability of biomolecules. An understanding of the behaviour of nucleic acids in hydrated ILs is necessary for developing DNA materials. We here review current knowledge about the structures and stabilities of nucleic acids in choline dhp and DES. Interestingly, in choline dhp, A–T base pairs are more stable than G–C base pairs, the reverse of the situation in buffered NaCl solution. Moreover, DNA triplex formation is markedly stabilized in hydrated ILs compared with aqueous solution. In choline dhp, the stability of Hoogsteen base pairs is comparable to that of Watson–Crick base pairs. Moreover, the parallel form of the G-quadruplex is stabilized in DES compared with aqueous solution. The behaviours of various DNA molecules in ILs detailed here should be useful for designing oligonucleotides for the development of nanomaterials and nanodevices. PMID:25013178

Modeling the Transfer Function for the Dark Energy Survey

DOE PAGES

Chang, C.

2015-03-04

We present a forward-modeling simulation framework designed to model the data products from the Dark Energy Survey (DES). This forward-model process can be thought of as a transfer function—a mapping from cosmological/astronomical signals to the final data products used by the scientists. Using output from the cosmological simulations (the Blind Cosmology Challenge), we generate simulated images (the Ultra Fast Image Simulator) and catalogs representative of the DES data. In this work we demonstrate the framework by simulating the 244 deg 2 coadd images and catalogs in five bands for the DES Science Verification data. The simulation output is compared withmore » the corresponding data to show that major characteristics of the images and catalogs can be captured. We also point out several directions of future improvements. Two practical examples—star-galaxy classification and proximity effects on object detection—are then used to illustrate how one can use the simulations to address systematics issues in data analysis. With clear understanding of the simplifications in our model, we show that one can use the simulations side-by-side with data products to interpret the measurements. This forward modeling approach is generally applicable for other upcoming and future surveys. It provides a powerful tool for systematics studies that is sufficiently realistic and highly controllable.« less

Tools for Knowledge Analysis, Synthesis, and Sharing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Medland, Michael B.

2007-04-01

Change and complexity are creating a need for increasing levels of literacy in science and technology. Presently, we are beginning to provide students with clear contexts in which to learn, including clearly written text, visual displays and maps, and more effective instruction. We are also beginning to give students tools that promote their own literacy by helping them to interact with the learning context. These tools include peer-group skills as well as strategies to analyze text and to indicate comprehension by way of text summaries and concept maps. Even with these tools, more appears to be needed. Disparate backgrounds and languages interfere with the comprehension and the sharing of knowledge. To meet this need, two new tools are proposed. The first tool fractures language ontologically, giving all learners who use it a language to talk about what has, and what has not, been uttered in text or talk about the world. The second fractures language epistemologically, giving those involved in working with text or on the world around them a way to talk about what they have done and what remains to be done. Together, these tools operate as a two- tiered knowledge representation of knowledge. This representation promotes both an individual meta-cognitive and a social meta-cognitive approach to what is known and to what is not known, both ontologically and epistemologically. Two hypotheses guide the presentation: If the tools are taught during early childhood, children will be prepared to master science and technology content. If the tools are used by both students and those who design and deliver instruction, the learning of such content will be accelerated.

Natural language generation of surgical procedures.

PubMed

Wagner, J C; Rogers, J E; Baud, R H; Scherrer, J R

1998-01-01

The GALEN-IN-USE project has developed a compositional scheme for the conceptual representation of surgical operative procedure rubrics. The complex representations which result are translated back to surface language by a tool for multilingual natural language generation. This generator can be adapted to the specific characteristics of the scheme by introducing particular definitions of concepts and relationships. We discuss how the generator uses such definitions to bridge between the modelling 'style' of the GALEN scheme and natural language.

A novel framework for change detection in bi-temporal polarimetric SAR images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pirrone, Davide; Bovolo, Francesca; Bruzzone, Lorenzo

2016-10-01

Last years have seen relevant increase of polarimetric Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data availability, thanks to satellite sensors like Sentinel-1 or ALOS-2 PALSAR-2. The augmented information lying in the additional polarimetric channels represents a possibility for better discriminate different classes of changes in change detection (CD) applications. This work aims at proposing a framework for CD in multi-temporal multi-polarization SAR data. The framework includes both a tool for an effective visual representation of the change information and a method for extracting the multiple-change information. Both components are designed to effectively handle the multi-dimensionality of polarimetric data. In the novel representation, multi-temporal intensity SAR data are employed to compute a polarimetric log-ratio. The multitemporal information of the polarimetric log-ratio image is represented in a multi-dimensional features space, where changes are highlighted in terms of magnitude and direction. This representation is employed to design a novel unsupervised multi-class CD approach. This approach considers a sequential two-step analysis of the magnitude and the direction information for separating non-changed and changed samples. The proposed approach has been validated on a pair of Sentinel-1 data acquired before and after the flood in Tamil-Nadu in 2015. Preliminary results demonstrate that the representation tool is effective and that the use of polarimetric SAR data is promising in multi-class change detection applications.

SA-Search: a web tool for protein structure mining based on a Structural Alphabet

PubMed Central

Guyon, Frédéric; Camproux, Anne-Claude; Hochez, Joëlle; Tufféry, Pierre

2004-01-01

SA-Search is a web tool that can be used to mine for protein structures and extract structural similarities. It is based on a hidden Markov model derived Structural Alphabet (SA) that allows the compression of three-dimensional (3D) protein conformations into a one-dimensional (1D) representation using a limited number of prototype conformations. Using such a representation, classical methods developed for amino acid sequences can be employed. Currently, SA-Search permits the performance of fast 3D similarity searches such as the extraction of exact words using a suffix tree approach, and the search for fuzzy words viewed as a simple 1D sequence alignment problem. SA-Search is available at http://bioserv.rpbs.jussieu.fr/cgi-bin/SA-Search. PMID:15215446

SA-Search: a web tool for protein structure mining based on a Structural Alphabet.

PubMed

Guyon, Frédéric; Camproux, Anne-Claude; Hochez, Joëlle; Tufféry, Pierre

2004-07-01

SA-Search is a web tool that can be used to mine for protein structures and extract structural similarities. It is based on a hidden Markov model derived Structural Alphabet (SA) that allows the compression of three-dimensional (3D) protein conformations into a one-dimensional (1D) representation using a limited number of prototype conformations. Using such a representation, classical methods developed for amino acid sequences can be employed. Currently, SA-Search permits the performance of fast 3D similarity searches such as the extraction of exact words using a suffix tree approach, and the search for fuzzy words viewed as a simple 1D sequence alignment problem. SA-Search is available at http://bioserv.rpbs.jussieu.fr/cgi-bin/SA-Search.

GLYDE-II: The GLYcan data exchange format

PubMed Central

Ranzinger, Rene; Kochut, Krys J.; Miller, John A.; Eavenson, Matthew; Lütteke, Thomas; York, William S.

2017-01-01

Summary The GLYcan Data Exchange (GLYDE) standard has been developed for the representation of the chemical structures of monosaccharides, glycans and glycoconjugates using a connection table formalism formatted in XML. This format allows structures, including those that do not exist in any database, to be unambiguously represented and shared by diverse computational tools. GLYDE implements a partonomy model based on human language along with rules that provide consistent structural representations, including a robust namespace for specifying monosaccharides. This approach facilitates the reuse of data processing software at the level of granularity that is most appropriate for extraction of the desired information. GLYDE-II has already been used as a key element of several glycoinformatics tools. The philosophical and technical underpinnings of GLYDE-II and recent implementation of its enhanced features are described. PMID:28955652

Regulatory sequence analysis tools.

PubMed

van Helden, Jacques

2003-07-01

The web resource Regulatory Sequence Analysis Tools (RSAT) (http://rsat.ulb.ac.be/rsat) offers a collection of software tools dedicated to the prediction of regulatory sites in non-coding DNA sequences. These tools include sequence retrieval, pattern discovery, pattern matching, genome-scale pattern matching, feature-map drawing, random sequence generation and other utilities. Alternative formats are supported for the representation of regulatory motifs (strings or position-specific scoring matrices) and several algorithms are proposed for pattern discovery. RSAT currently holds >100 fully sequenced genomes and these data are regularly updated from GenBank.

The Influence of Tablet PCs on Students' Use of Multiple Representations in Lab Reports

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guelman, Clarisa Bercovich; De Leone, Charles; Price, Edward

2009-11-01

This study examined how different tools influenced students' use of representations in the Physics laboratory. In one section of a lab course, every student had a Tablet PC that served as a digital-ink based lab notebook. Students could seamlessly create hand-drawn graphics and equations, and write lab reports on the same computer used for data acquisition, simulation, and analysis. In another lab section, students used traditional printed lab guides, kept paper notebooks, and then wrote lab reports on regular laptops. Analysis of the lab reports showed differences between the sections' use of multiple representations, including an increased use of diagrams and equations by the Tablet users.

Proceedings of the Workshop on software tools for distributed intelligent control systems

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

Herget, C.J.

1990-09-01

The Workshop on Software Tools for Distributed Intelligent Control Systems was organized by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory for the United States Army Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. The goals of the workshop were to the identify the current state of the art in tools which support control systems engineering design and implementation, identify research issues associated with writing software tools which would provide a design environment to assist engineers in multidisciplinary control design and implementation, formulate a potential investment strategy to resolve the research issues and develop public domain code which can formmore » the core of more powerful engineering design tools, and recommend test cases to focus the software development process and test associated performance metrics. Recognizing that the development of software tools for distributed intelligent control systems will require a multidisciplinary effort, experts in systems engineering, control systems engineering, and compute science were invited to participate in the workshop. In particular, experts who could address the following topics were selected: operating systems, engineering data representation and manipulation, emerging standards for manufacturing data, mathematical foundations, coupling of symbolic and numerical computation, user interface, system identification, system representation at different levels of abstraction, system specification, system design, verification and validation, automatic code generation, and integration of modular, reusable code.« less

Beyond Point Clouds and Virtual Reality. Innovative Methods and Technologies for the Protection and Promotion of Cultural Heritage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Canevese, E. P.; De Gottardo, T.

2017-05-01

The morphometric and photogrammetric knowledge, combined with the historical research, are the indispensable prerequisites for the protection and enhancement of historical, architectural and cultural heritage. Nowadays the use of BIM (Building Information Modeling) as a supporting tool for restoration and conservation purposes is becoming more and more popular. However this tool is not fully adequate in this context because of its simplified representation of three-dimensional models, resulting from solid modelling techniques (mostly used in virtual reality) causing the loss of important morphometric information. One solution to this problem is imagining new advanced tools and methods that enable the building of effective and efficient three-dimensional representations backing the correct geometric analysis of the built model. Twenty-year of interdisciplinary research activities implemented by Virtualgeo focused on developing new methods and tools for 3D modeling that go beyond the simplified digital-virtual reconstruction used in standard solid modeling. Methods and tools allowing the creation of informative and true to life three-dimensional representations, that can be further used by various academics or industry professionals to carry out diverse analysis, research and design activities. Virtualgeo applied research activities, in line with the European Commission 2013's directives of Reflective 7 - Horizon 2020 Project, gave birth to GeomaticsCube Ecosystem, an ecosystem resulting from different technologies based on experiences garnered from various fields, metrology in particular, a discipline used in the automotive and aviation industry, and in general mechanical engineering. The implementation of the metrological functionality is only possible if the 3D model is created with special modeling techniques, based on surface modeling that allow, as opposed to solid modeling, a 3D representation of the manufact that is true to life. The advantages offered by metrological analysis are varied and important because they permit a precise and detailed overview of the 3D model's characteristics, and especially the over time monitoring of the model itself, these informations are impossible to obtain from a three-dimensional representation produced with solid modelling techniques. The applied research activities are also focused on the possibility of obtaining a photogrammetric and informative 3D model., Two distinct applications have been developed for this purpose, the first allows the classification of each individual element and the association of its material characteristics during the 3D modelling phase, whilst the second allows segmentations of the photogrammetric 3D model in its diverse aspects (materic, related to decay, chronological) with the possibility to make use and to populate the database, associated with the 3D model, with all types of multimedia contents.

The use of laboratory experiments for the study of conservative solute transport in heterogeneous porous media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Silliman, S. E.; Zheng, L.; Conwell, P.

Laboratory experiments on heterogeneous porous media (otherwise known as intermediate scale experiments, or ISEs) have been increasingly relied upon by hydrogeologists for the study of saturated and unsaturated groundwater systems. Among the many ongoing applications of ISEs is the study of fluid flow and the transport of conservative solutes in correlated permeability fields. Recent advances in ISE design have provided the capability of creating correlated permeability fields in the laboratory. This capability is important in the application of ISEs for the assessment of recent stochastic theories. In addition, pressure-transducer technology and visualization methods have provided the potential for ISEs to be used in characterizing the spatial distributions of both hydraulic head and local water velocity within correlated permeability fields. Finally, various methods are available for characterizing temporal variations in the spatial distribution (and, thereby, the spatial moments) of solute concentrations within ISEs. It is concluded, therefore, that recent developments in experimental techniques have provided an opportunity to use ISEs as important tools in the continuing study of fluid flow and the transport of conservative solutes in heterogeneous, saturated porous media. Résumé Les hydrogéologues se sont progressivement appuyés sur des expériences de laboratoire sur des milieux poreux hétérogènes (connus aussi par l'expression "Expériences àéchelle intermédiaire", ISE) pour étudier les zones saturées et non saturées des aquifères. Parmi les nombreuses applications en cours des ISE, il faut noter l'étude de l'écoulement de fluide et le transport de solutés conservatifs dans des champs aux perméabilités corrélées. Les récents progrès du protocole des ISE ont donné la possibilité de créer des champs de perméabilités corrélées au laboratoire. Cette possibilité est importante dans l'application des ISE pour l'évaluation des théories stochastiques récentes. En outre, la technologie des capteurs de pression et les méthodes de visualisation donnent la possibilité d'utiliser les ISE pour caractériser les distributions spatiales à la fois de la piézométrie et de la vitesse locale de l'eau dans un champs de perméabilités corrélées. Finalement, des méthodes variées peuvent être utilisées pour caractériser les variations temporelles de la distribution spatiale (et, par conséquent, les moments spatiaux) des concentrations de soluté dans les ISE. En conclusion, donc, des développements récents des techniques expérimentales ont fourni l'occasion d'utiliser les ISE comme d'importants outils d'étude en continu des écoulement de fluides et de transport de solutés conservatifs dans des milieux poreux saturés hétérogènes. Resumen Los experimentos de laboratorio en medio poroso heterogéneo (conocidos como Experimentos a Escala Intermedia o ISE) están cada vez mejor considerados para el estudio de los sistemas saturados y no saturados. Entre las muchas aplicaciones de los ISE se encuentra el estudio del flujo y el transporte de solutos conservativos en medios con permeabilidad que presentan una cierta estructura de correlación. Avances recientes en el diseño de los ISE han proporcionado la capacidad de crear medios de este tipo en el laboratorio. Esta capacidad es importante para la aplicación de los ISE a la evaluación de las teorías estocásticas recientes. Además, la tecnología de los transductores de presión y los métodos de visualización han permitido que los ISE se usen para caracterizar la distribución espacial de niveles hidráulicos y de las velocidades locales del agua en campos de permeabilidad con determinada correlación espacial. Finalmente, existen varios métodos para caracterizar las variaciones temporales en la distribución espacial (y por tanto los momentos estadísticos espaciales) de la concentración de solutos en los ISE. Se concluye que los desarrollos recientes en las técnicas experimentales han proporcionado una oportunidad para usar los ISE como herramientas fundamentales en el estudio del flujo y transporte de solutos conservativos en medio poroso heterogéneo y saturado.

Extending the Body to Virtual Tools Using a Robotic Surgical Interface: Evidence from the Crossmodal Congruency Task

PubMed Central

Sengül, Ali; van Elk, Michiel; Rognini, Giulio; Aspell, Jane Elizabeth; Bleuler, Hannes; Blanke, Olaf

2012-01-01

The effects of real-world tool use on body or space representations are relatively well established in cognitive neuroscience. Several studies have shown, for example, that active tool use results in a facilitated integration of multisensory information in peripersonal space, i.e. the space directly surrounding the body. However, it remains unknown to what extent similar mechanisms apply to the use of virtual-robotic tools, such as those used in the field of surgical robotics, in which a surgeon may use bimanual haptic interfaces to control a surgery robot at a remote location. This paper presents two experiments in which participants used a haptic handle, originally designed for a commercial surgery robot, to control a virtual tool. The integration of multisensory information related to the virtual-robotic tool was assessed by means of the crossmodal congruency task, in which subjects responded to tactile vibrations applied to their fingers while ignoring visual distractors superimposed on the tip of the virtual-robotic tool. Our results show that active virtual-robotic tool use changes the spatial modulation of the crossmodal congruency effects, comparable to changes in the representation of peripersonal space observed during real-world tool use. Moreover, when the virtual-robotic tools were held in a crossed position, the visual distractors interfered strongly with tactile stimuli that was connected with the hand via the tool, reflecting a remapping of peripersonal space. Such remapping was not only observed when the virtual-robotic tools were actively used (Experiment 1), but also when passively held the tools (Experiment 2). The present study extends earlier findings on the extension of peripersonal space from physical and pointing tools to virtual-robotic tools using techniques from haptics and virtual reality. We discuss our data with respect to learning and human factors in the field of surgical robotics and discuss the use of new technologies in the field of cognitive neuroscience. PMID:23227142

Extending the body to virtual tools using a robotic surgical interface: evidence from the crossmodal congruency task.

PubMed

Sengül, Ali; van Elk, Michiel; Rognini, Giulio; Aspell, Jane Elizabeth; Bleuler, Hannes; Blanke, Olaf

2012-01-01

The effects of real-world tool use on body or space representations are relatively well established in cognitive neuroscience. Several studies have shown, for example, that active tool use results in a facilitated integration of multisensory information in peripersonal space, i.e. the space directly surrounding the body. However, it remains unknown to what extent similar mechanisms apply to the use of virtual-robotic tools, such as those used in the field of surgical robotics, in which a surgeon may use bimanual haptic interfaces to control a surgery robot at a remote location. This paper presents two experiments in which participants used a haptic handle, originally designed for a commercial surgery robot, to control a virtual tool. The integration of multisensory information related to the virtual-robotic tool was assessed by means of the crossmodal congruency task, in which subjects responded to tactile vibrations applied to their fingers while ignoring visual distractors superimposed on the tip of the virtual-robotic tool. Our results show that active virtual-robotic tool use changes the spatial modulation of the crossmodal congruency effects, comparable to changes in the representation of peripersonal space observed during real-world tool use. Moreover, when the virtual-robotic tools were held in a crossed position, the visual distractors interfered strongly with tactile stimuli that was connected with the hand via the tool, reflecting a remapping of peripersonal space. Such remapping was not only observed when the virtual-robotic tools were actively used (Experiment 1), but also when passively held the tools (Experiment 2). The present study extends earlier findings on the extension of peripersonal space from physical and pointing tools to virtual-robotic tools using techniques from haptics and virtual reality. We discuss our data with respect to learning and human factors in the field of surgical robotics and discuss the use of new technologies in the field of cognitive neuroscience.

L'effet Hall Quantique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Samson, Thomas

Nous proposons une methode permettant d'obtenir une expression pour la conductivite de Hall de structures electroniques bidimensionnelles et nous examinons celle -ci a la limite d'une temperature nulle dans le but de verifier l'effet Hall quantique. Nous allons nous interesser essentiellement a l'effet Hall quantique entier et aux effets fractionnaires inferieurs a un. Le systeme considere est forme d'un gaz d'electrons en interaction faible avec les impuretes de l'echantillon. Le modele du gaz d'electrons consiste en un gaz bidimensionnel d'electrons sans spin expose perpendiculairement a un champ magnetique uniforme. Ce dernier est decrit par le potentiel vecteur vec{rm A} defini dans la jauge de Dingle ou jauge symetrique. Conformement au formalisme de la seconde quantification, l'hamiltonien de ce gaz est represente dans la base des etats a un-corps de Dingle |n,m> et exprime ainsi en terme des operateurs de creation et d'annihilation correspondants a_sp{ rm n m}{dag} et a _{rm n m}. Nous supposons de plus que les electrons du niveau fondamental de Dingle interagissent entre eux via le potentiel coulombien. La methode utilisee fait appel a une equation mai tresse a N-corps, de nature quantique et statistique, et verifiant le second principe de la thermodynamique. A partir de celle-ci, nous obtenons un systeme d'equations differentielles appele hierarchie d'equations quantique dont la resolution nous permet de determiner une equation a un-corps, dite de Boltzmann quantique, et dictant l'evolution de la moyenne statistique de l'operateur non-diagonal a _sp{rm n m}{dag } a_{rm n}, _{rm m}, sous l'action du champ electrique applique vec{rm E}(t). C'est sa solution Tr(p(t) a _sp{rm n m}{dag} a_{rm n},_ {rm m}), qui definit la relation de convolution entre la densite courant de Hall vec{rm J}_{rm H }(t) et le champ electrique vec {rm E}(t) dont la transformee de Laplace-Fourier du noyau nous fournit l'expression de la conductivite de Hall desiree. Pour une valeur de facteur d'occupation (nombre d'electrons/degenerescence des etats de Dingle) superieure a un, c'est-a-dire en absence d'interaction electron-electron, il nous sera facile d'evaluer cette conductivite a la limite d'une temperature nulle et de demontrer qu'elle tend vers l'une des valeurs quantiques qe^2/h conformement a l'effet Hall quantique entier. Cependant, pour une valeur du facteur d'occupation inferieure a un, c'est-a-dire en presence d'interaction electron-electron, nous ne pourrons evaluer cette limite et obtenir les resultats escomptes a cause de l'impossibilite de determiner l'un des termes impliques. Neanmoins, ce dernier etant de nature statistique, il pourra etre aisement mis en fonction du propagateur du gaz d'electrons dont on doit maintenant determiner une expression en regime effet Hall quantique fractionnaire. Apres avoir demontre l'impuissance de la theorie des perturbations, basee sur le theoreme de Wick et la technique des diagrammes de Feynman, a accomplir cette tache correctement, nous proposons une seconde methode. Celle -ci fait appel au formalisme de l'integrale fonctionnelle et a l'utilisation d'une transformation de Hubbard-Stratonovich generalisee permettant de substituer a l'interaction a deux-corps une interaction effective a un-corps. L'expression finale obtenue bien que non completement resolue, devrait pouvoir etre estimee par une bonne approximation analytique ou au pire numeriquement.

The current practice of using multiple representations in year 4 science classrooms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chuenmanee, Chanoknat; Thathong, Kongsak

2018-01-01

Multiple representations have been widely used as a reasoning tool for understanding complex scientific concepts. Thus this study attempted to investigate the current practice of using multiple representations on Year 4 science classrooms in terms of modes and levels which appear in curriculum documents, teaching plans, tasks and assessments, teaching practices, and students' behaviors. Indeed, documentary analysis, classroom observation, and interview were used as the data collection methods. First of all, Year 4 science documents were analyzed. Then classroom observation was used as a collecting method to seek what actually happen in the classroom. Finally, in-depth interviews were used to gather more information and obtain meaningful data. The finding reveals that many modes of verbal, visual, and tactile representations within three levels of representations are posed in Year 4 documents. Moreover, according to classroom observations and interviews, there are three main points of applying multiple representations into classrooms. First of all, various modes of representations were used, however, a huge number of them did not come together with the levels. The levels of representations, secondly, macroscopic and cellular levels were introduced into all classrooms while symbolic level was provided only in some classrooms. Finally, the connection of modes and levels pointed out that modes of representations were used without the considerations on the levels of them. So, it seems to be that teaching practice did not meet the aims of curriculum. Therefore, these issues were being considered in order to organize and design the further science lessons.

Liver Rapid Reference Set Application: Kevin Qu-Quest (2011) — EDRN Public Portal

Cancer.gov

We propose to evaluate the performance of a novel serum biomarker panel for early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This panel is based on markers from the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) in combination with the existing known HCC biomarkers, namely, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), AFP-L3%, and des-y-carboxy prothrombin (DCP). To this end, we applied multivariate logistic regression analysis to optimize this biomarker algorithm tool.

Computational Fluid Dynamic Solutions of Optimized Heat Shields Designed for Earth Entry

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-01-01

domain ρ = Density (kg/m3) σ = Stefan Boltzmann constant τ = Shear stress tensor τT−V = T-V relaxation time τe−V = e-V relaxation time xi φ = Sweep angle...Vehicle DES = Differential evolutionary Scheme DOR = Design Optimization Tools DPLR = Data Parallel Line Relaxation GSLR = Gauss- Seidel Line... Stefan - Boltzmann constant. This model provides accurate heating predictions, especially for the non-ablating heat-shields explored in this work. Various

A Prototype Digital Library for 3D Collections: Tools To Capture, Model, Analyze, and Query Complex 3D Data.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rowe, Jeremy; Razdan, Anshuman

The Partnership for Research in Spatial Modeling (PRISM) project at Arizona State University (ASU) developed modeling and analytic tools to respond to the limitations of two-dimensional (2D) data representations perceived by affiliated discipline scientists, and to take advantage of the enhanced capabilities of three-dimensional (3D) data that…

A Study to Determine the Contribution Made by Concept Maps to a Computer Architecture and Organization Course

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aydogan, Tuncay; Ergun, Serap

2016-01-01

Concept mapping is a method of graphical learning that can be beneficial as a study method for concept linking and organization. Concept maps, which provide an elegant, easily understood representation of an expert's domain knowledge, are tools for organizing and representing knowledge. These tools have been used in educational environments to…

Creating Cube Nets by Using Educational Tools in Pre-School

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shiakalli, Maria Angela; Zacharos, Konstantinos; Markopoulos, Christos

2015-01-01

Our research programme, a part of which is presented in this paper, looked at four year old children's ability to use manipulatives in the construction of cube models. We looked at how pre-school children managed the creation of cube nets as a mathematical problem and whether graphical representations of solutions could become a useful tool in a…

Multivariate Density Estimation and Remote Sensing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scott, D. W.

1983-01-01

Current efforts to develop methods and computer algorithms to effectively represent multivariate data commonly encountered in remote sensing applications are described. While this may involve scatter diagrams, multivariate representations of nonparametric probability density estimates are emphasized. The density function provides a useful graphical tool for looking at data and a useful theoretical tool for classification. This approach is called a thunderstorm data analysis.

Advanced techniques in reliability model representation and solution

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Palumbo, Daniel L.; Nicol, David M.

1992-01-01

The current tendency of flight control system designs is towards increased integration of applications and increased distribution of computational elements. The reliability analysis of such systems is difficult because subsystem interactions are increasingly interdependent. Researchers at NASA Langley Research Center have been working for several years to extend the capability of Markov modeling techniques to address these problems. This effort has been focused in the areas of increased model abstraction and increased computational capability. The reliability model generator (RMG) is a software tool that uses as input a graphical object-oriented block diagram of the system. RMG uses a failure-effects algorithm to produce the reliability model from the graphical description. The ASSURE software tool is a parallel processing program that uses the semi-Markov unreliability range evaluator (SURE) solution technique and the abstract semi-Markov specification interface to the SURE tool (ASSIST) modeling language. A failure modes-effects simulation is used by ASSURE. These tools were used to analyze a significant portion of a complex flight control system. The successful combination of the power of graphical representation, automated model generation, and parallel computation leads to the conclusion that distributed fault-tolerant system architectures can now be analyzed.

Genomicus update 2015: KaryoView and MatrixView provide a genome-wide perspective to multispecies comparative genomics.

PubMed

Louis, Alexandra; Nguyen, Nga Thi Thuy; Muffato, Matthieu; Roest Crollius, Hugues

2015-01-01

The Genomicus web server (http://www.genomicus.biologie.ens.fr/genomicus) is a visualization tool allowing comparative genomics in four different phyla (Vertebrate, Fungi, Metazoan and Plants). It provides access to genomic information from extant species, as well as ancestral gene content and gene order for vertebrates and flowering plants. Here we present the new features available for vertebrate genome with a focus on new graphical tools. The interface to enter the database has been improved, two pairwise genome comparison tools are now available (KaryoView and MatrixView) and the multiple genome comparison tools (PhyloView and AlignView) propose three new kinds of representation and a more intuitive menu. These new developments have been implemented for Genomicus portal dedicated to vertebrates. This allows the analysis of 68 extant animal genomes, as well as 58 ancestral reconstructed genomes. The Genomicus server also provides access to ancestral gene orders, to facilitate evolutionary and comparative genomics studies, as well as computationally predicted regulatory interactions, thanks to the representation of conserved non-coding elements with their putative gene targets. © The Author(s) 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Nucleic Acids Research.

Le role du phytoplancton de petite taille (<20 mum) dans les variations des proprietes optiques des eaux du Saint-Laurent

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mas, Sebastien

Les mesures satellitaires de couleur des oceans sont largement determinees par les proprietes optiques inherentes (IOPs) des eaux de surface. D'autre part, le phytoplancton de petite taille (<20 mum) est le plus souvent dominant dans les oceans, et peut donc etre une source importante de variation des IOPs dans les oceans. Dans ce contexte, le but principal de ce doctorat etait de definir l'impact du phytoplancton (<20 mum) sur les variations des proprietes optiques de l'Estuaire et du Golfe du Saint-Laurent (Canada). Afin d'atteindre cet objectif, il etait necessaire de determiner en milieu controle les facteurs de variabilite des proprietes optiques cellulaires et des IOPs du phytoplancton (<20 mum) des eaux du Saint-Laurent, et d'evaluer la contribution du phytoplancton (<20 mum) aux proprietes optiques totales des eaux du Saint-Laurent. Des experiences en laboratoire ont montre que les variations des proprietes optiques des cellules phytoplanctoniques soumises a un cycle jour-nuit, ainsi qu'a des changements concomitants d'intensite lumineuse, peuvent contribuer significativement a la variabilite des proprietes optiques observee en milieu naturel. D'autres experiences ont, quant a elles, mis en evidence que les variations des proprietes optiques des cellules phytoplanctoniques dues aux phases de croissance peuvent alterer les IOPs des oceans, particulierement pendant les periodes de floraison. De plus, la presence de bacteries et de particules detritiques peut egalement affecter la variabilite des IOPs totales, notamment la diffusion. Au printemps, dans l'Estuaire et le Golfe du Saint-Laurent, la contribution du phytoplancton <20 mum aux IOPs presentait des differences regionales evidentes pour les proprietes d'absorption et de diffusion. En plus de la variabilite spatiale, les proprietes optiques cellulaires presentaient des variations journalieres, et ce particulierement pour le picophytoplancton. Enfin, la plupart des differences observees dans les proprietes biooptiques, particulierement l'absorption, etaient attribuables a la contribution du phytoplancton <20 mum. Ceci confirme l'importance de la structure de taille des communautes phytoplanctoniques dans les modeles bio-optiques appliques au Saint-Laurent. L'ensemble des resultats a permis de mettre en evidence l'importance des mecanismes de photoacclimatation et de synchronisation du cycle cellulaire du phytoplancton sur les variations journalieres des IOPs, ainsi que de l'etat physiologique relie au stade de croissance sur les variations temporelles a long terme des IOPs. De plus, le phytoplancton <20 mum contribue de maniere importante aux IOPs et a leur variabilite dans l'Estuaire et le Golfe du St-Laurent, et ce particulierement pour l'absorption. Cette etude de doctorat souligne donc l'importance du phytoplancton <20 mum sur la variabilite des IOPs des oceans.

AIC identifies optimal representation of longitudinal dietary variables.

PubMed

VanBuren, John; Cavanaugh, Joseph; Marshall, Teresa; Warren, John; Levy, Steven M

2017-09-01

The Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) is a well-known tool for variable selection in multivariable modeling as well as a tool to help identify the optimal representation of explanatory variables. However, it has been discussed infrequently in the dental literature. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the use of AIC in determining the optimal representation of dietary variables in a longitudinal dental study. The Iowa Fluoride Study enrolled children at birth and dental examinations were conducted at ages 5, 9, 13, and 17. Decayed or filled surfaces (DFS) trend clusters were created based on age 13 DFS counts and age 13-17 DFS increments. Dietary intake data (water, milk, 100 percent-juice, and sugar sweetened beverages) were collected semiannually using a food frequency questionnaire. Multinomial logistic regression models were fit to predict DFS cluster membership (n=344). Multiple approaches could be used to represent the dietary data including averaging across all collected surveys or over different shorter time periods to capture age-specific trends or using the individual time points of dietary data. AIC helped identify the optimal representation. Averaging data for all four dietary variables for the whole period from age 9.0 to 17.0 provided a better representation in the multivariable full model (AIC=745.0) compared to other methods assessed in full models (AICs=750.6 for age 9 and 9-13 increment dietary measurements and AIC=762.3 for age 9, 13, and 17 individual measurements). The results illustrate that AIC can help researchers identify the optimal way to summarize information for inclusion in a statistical model. The method presented here can be used by researchers performing statistical modeling in dental research. This method provides an alternative approach for assessing the propriety of variable representation to significance-based procedures, which could potentially lead to improved research in the dental community. © 2017 American Association of Public Health Dentistry.

Immersive virtual reality in computational chemistry: Applications to the analysis of QM and MM data.

PubMed

Salvadori, Andrea; Del Frate, Gianluca; Pagliai, Marco; Mancini, Giordano; Barone, Vincenzo

2016-11-15

The role of Virtual Reality (VR) tools in molecular sciences is analyzed in this contribution through the presentation of the Caffeine software to the quantum chemistry community. Caffeine, developed at Scuola Normale Superiore, is specifically tailored for molecular representation and data visualization with VR systems, such as VR theaters and helmets. Usefulness and advantages that can be gained by exploiting VR are here reported, considering few examples specifically selected to illustrate different level of theory and molecular representation.

Towards Ontology as Knowledge Representation for Intellectual Capital Measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zadjabbari, B.; Wongthongtham, P.; Dillon, T. S.

For many years, physical asset indicators were the main evidence of an organization’s successful performance. However, the situation has changed after information technology revolution in the knowledge-based economy. Since 1980’s business performance has not been limited only to physical assets instead intellectual capital are increasingly playing a major role in business performance. In this paper, we utilize ontology as a tool for knowledge representation in the domain of intellectual capital measurement. The ontology classifies ways of intangible capital measurement.

Methodology Investigation of AI(Artificial Intelligence) Test Officer Support Tool. Volume 2

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-03-01

a mathematical representation of a PE and its connections. This representation describes the " neurodynamics " of a PE. A sigmoid transfer function is...Element(i) Neurodynamics : Summation Function: Wo*XO + W,*X + W*X "X 0 0 1 1 2 W~fn Transfer Function: F(k) = (1 + e k) Output: x. - F(I) Figure 2-4...simplifies the description of the network operations. Thus, one or more PEs grouped together, with the same neurodynamics , is a layer [reference 5]. A

Pictorial representation of illness and self measure (PRISM): an effective tool to assess the burden of psoriasis.

PubMed

Fotiou, K; Hofmann, M; Kaufmann, R; Thaci, D

2015-12-01

Psoriasis has a negative impact on patient's' quality of life, which may reflect the physical and psychosocial impact of the disease. However, little is known about the perceived burden of disease. Pictorial Representation of Illness and Self Measure (PRISM), a pictorial tool, was developed to measure this global suffering. Capturing quality of life impairments in psoriasis is an integral part of assessing the overall disease severity and planning effective treatment strategies. To validate Pictorial Representation of Illness and Self Measure (PRISM) in psoriasis patients. An investigator initiated, prospective cohort study was performed in 108 outpatients with psoriasis to validate PRISM as an appropriate tool; Reliability was assessed in a cohort with controlled stable disease, repeated after 1 hour and after a 3-month follow-up phase; Convergent validity determined by correlation against measures of life quality (DLQI) and reported severity of psoriasis (PASI, PGA and BSA) was performed. For PRISM, we found a high reliability for short-term measurements (ICC = 0.98, P < 0.001) and for follow-up assessments at 3 months (ICC = 0.76, P < 0.001). Our investigation showed significant differences between patients with clear to minimal (PGA 0, 1), mild (PGA 2) and moderate-to-severe disease (PGA 3, 4) and significant (P < 0.001) correlation with DLQI, PGA, PASI and BSA (ρ = -0.62, -0.54, -0.44 and -0.39 respectively). PRISM is a highly reliable tool and new approach to assess perceived burden of patients with psoriasis. It is easy to use and we recommend the application as an additional outcome measure in clinical trial settings. © 2015 European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.

GALEN: a third generation terminology tool to support a multipurpose national coding system for surgical procedures.

PubMed

Trombert-Paviot, B; Rodrigues, J M; Rogers, J E; Baud, R; van der Haring, E; Rassinoux, A M; Abrial, V; Clavel, L; Idir, H

2000-09-01

Generalised architecture for languages, encyclopedia and nomenclatures in medicine (GALEN) has developed a new generation of terminology tools based on a language independent model describing the semantics and allowing computer processing and multiple reuses as well as natural language understanding systems applications to facilitate the sharing and maintaining of consistent medical knowledge. During the European Union 4 Th. framework program project GALEN-IN-USE and later on within two contracts with the national health authorities we applied the modelling and the tools to the development of a new multipurpose coding system for surgical procedures named CCAM in a minority language country, France. On one hand, we contributed to a language independent knowledge repository and multilingual semantic dictionaries for multicultural Europe. On the other hand, we support the traditional process for creating a new coding system in medicine which is very much labour consuming by artificial intelligence tools using a medically oriented recursive ontology and natural language processing. We used an integrated software named CLAW (for classification workbench) to process French professional medical language rubrics produced by the national colleges of surgeons domain experts into intermediate dissections and to the Grail reference ontology model representation. From this language independent concept model representation, on one hand, we generate with the LNAT natural language generator controlled French natural language to support the finalization of the linguistic labels (first generation) in relation with the meanings of the conceptual system structure. On the other hand, the Claw classification manager proves to be very powerful to retrieve the initial domain experts rubrics list with different categories of concepts (second generation) within a semantic structured representation (third generation) bridge to the electronic patient record detailed terminology.

Representational similarity of social and valence information in the medial pFC.

PubMed

Chavez, Robert S; Heatherton, Todd F

2015-01-01

The human brain is remarkably adept at integrating complex information to form unified psychological representations of agents, objects, and events in the environment. Two domains in which this ability is particularly salient are the processing of social and valence information and are supported by common cortical areas in the medial pFC (MPFC). Because social information is often embedded within valenced emotional contexts, it is possible that activation patterns within the MPFC may represent both of these types of cognitive processes when presented simultaneously. The current study tested this possibility by employing a large-scale automated meta-analysis tool, together with multivoxel pattern analysis to investigate the representational similarity of social and valence information in the MPFC during fMRI. Using a representational similarity analysis, we found a high degree of representational similarity both within social dimensions and within valence dimensions, but not across them (e.g., positive social information was highly dissimilar to negative nonsocial information), in a ventral portion of the MPFC. These results were significantly correlated with a behaviorally measured similarity structure of the same stimuli, suggesting that a psychologically meaningful representation of social and valence information is reflected by multivoxel activation patterns in the ventral MPFC.

Who speaks for whom? Health humanities and the ethics of representation.

PubMed

Garden, Rebecca

2015-12-01

The medical or health humanities are in essence a form of advocacy, a means of addressing a problem of underrepresentation. They focus on suffering, rather than pathology, and on sociocultural understandings of illness and disability, rather than a narrow biomedical perspective. The health humanities thus analyse and attempt to recalibrate the power imbalance in healthcare. This article reviews health humanities scholarship that addresses underrepresentation through the analysis of illness and disability narratives. It examines the ethics of representation by exploring how literary representation functions, its aesthetic as well as political dimensions, and how it operates as a relay mechanism for power. The mechanism of representation is further explored through a reading of Eli Clare's narrative Exile and Pride. Donna Haraway's notion of articulations is proposed as a tool for a more ethical approach to representation. The article suggests that transparency about the power health humanities scholars stand to gain through representation may contribute to a more ethical health humanities practice. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

Medical Image Fusion Based on Feature Extraction and Sparse Representation

PubMed Central

Wei, Gao; Zongxi, Song

2017-01-01

As a novel multiscale geometric analysis tool, sparse representation has shown many advantages over the conventional image representation methods. However, the standard sparse representation does not take intrinsic structure and its time complexity into consideration. In this paper, a new fusion mechanism for multimodal medical images based on sparse representation and decision map is proposed to deal with these problems simultaneously. Three decision maps are designed including structure information map (SM) and energy information map (EM) as well as structure and energy map (SEM) to make the results reserve more energy and edge information. SM contains the local structure feature captured by the Laplacian of a Gaussian (LOG) and EM contains the energy and energy distribution feature detected by the mean square deviation. The decision map is added to the normal sparse representation based method to improve the speed of the algorithm. Proposed approach also improves the quality of the fused results by enhancing the contrast and reserving more structure and energy information from the source images. The experiment results of 36 groups of CT/MR, MR-T1/MR-T2, and CT/PET images demonstrate that the method based on SR and SEM outperforms five state-of-the-art methods. PMID:28321246

Identifying secondary-school students' difficulties when reading visual representations displayed in physics simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

López, Víctor; Pintó, Roser

2017-07-01

Computer simulations are often considered effective educational tools, since their visual and communicative power enable students to better understand physical systems and phenomena. However, previous studies have found that when students read visual representations some reading difficulties can arise, especially when these are complex or dynamic representations. We have analyzed how secondary-school students read the visual representations displayed in two PhET simulations (one addressing the friction-heating at microscopic level, and the other addressing the electromagnetic induction), and different typologies of reading difficulties have been identified: when reading the compositional structure of the representation, when giving appropriate relevance and semantic meaning to each visual element, and also when dealing with multiple representations and dynamic information. All students experienced at least one of these difficulties, and very similar difficulties appeared in the two groups of students, despite the different scientific content of the simulations. In conclusion, visualisation does not imply a full comprehension of the content of scientific simulations per se, and an effective reading process requires a set of reading skills, previous knowledge, attention, and external supports. Science teachers should bear in mind these issues in order to help students read images to take benefit of their educational potential.

La planification préalable des soins pour les patients en pédiatrie

PubMed Central

2008-01-01

RÉSUMÉ Les progrès médicaux et technologiques ont permis d’ac-croître les taux de survie et d’améliorer la qualité de vie des nourrissons, des enfants et des adolescents ayant des maladies chroniques mettant la vie en danger. La planifi-cation préalable des soins inclut le processus relié aux discussions sur les traitements essentiels au maintien de la survie et la détermination des objectifs des soins de longue durée. Les dispensateurs de soins pédiatriques ont l’obligation éthique d’assimiler cet aspect des soins médicaux. Le présent document de principes vise à aider les dispensateurs de soins à discuter de la planification préalable des soins des patients pédiatriques dans diverses situations. La planification préalable des soins exige des communications efficaces afin de clarifier les objectifs des soins et de s’entendre sur les traitements pertinents ou non pour réaliser ces objectifs, y compris les mesures de réanimation et les mesures palliatives.

Lignes directrices canadiennes sur l’utilisation sécuritaire et efficace des opioïdes pour la douleur chronique non cancéreuse

PubMed Central

Kahan, Meldon; Wilson, Lynn; Mailis-Gagnon, Angela; Srivastava, Anita

2011-01-01

Résumé Objectif Présenter aux médecins de famille un résumé clinique pratique sur la prescription d’opioïdes à des populations particulières en se fondant sur les recommandations faites dans les lignes directrices canadiennes sur l’utilisation sécuritaire et efficace des opioïdes pour la douleur chronique non cancéreuse. Qualité des données Pour produire les lignes directrices, les chercheurs ont effectué une synthèse critique de la littérature médicale en insistant plus précisément sur les études de l’efficacité et de la sécurité des opioïdes dans des populations particulières. Message principal Les médecins de famille peuvent atténuer les risques de surdose, de sédation, d’usage abusif et de dépendance grâce à des stratégies adaptées à l’âge et à l’état de santé des patients. Dans le cas de patients à risque de dépendance, on devrait réserver les opioïdes aux douleurs nociceptives ou neuropathiques bien définies qui n’ont pas répondu aux traitements de première intention. Il faut procéder lentement au titrage des opioïdes, avec des dispensations fréquentes et une étroite surveillance pour dépister tout signe d’usage abusif. Une dépendance aux opioïdes suspectée est prise en charge au moyen d’une thérapie structurée aux opioïdes, d’un traitement à la méthadone ou à la buprénorphine ou encore d’un traitement fondé sur l’abstinence. Les patients souffrant de troubles de l’humeur ou d’anxiété ont tendance à avoir une réponse analgésique atténuée aux opioïdes, sont à risque plus élevé d’usage abusif et prennent souvent des sédatifs qui interagissent défavorablement avec les opioïdes. Il faut prendre des précautions semblables à celles utilisées avec d’autres patients à risque élevé. Il faut faire un sevrage progressif si la douleur du patient demeure sévère même avec un essai adéquat de thérapie aux opioïdes. Chez les personnes âgées, la sédation, les chutes et la surdose peuvent être minimisées en utilisant des doses initiales faibles, un titrage plus lent, un sevrage des benzodiazépines et une bonne éducation des patients. Dans le cas des femmes enceintes qui prennent des opioïdes chaque jour, il faut faire un sevrage progressif et cesser complètement. Si ce n’est pas possible, il faut administrer la dose efficace la plus faible. Les femmes enceintes qui ont une dépendance aux opioïdes devraient recevoir un traitement à la méthadone. Les adolescents sont à risque élevé de surdose d’opioïdes, d’usage abusif et de dépendance. Les patients qui ont des adolescents qui vivent à la maison devraient entreposer leurs opioïdes dans un lieu sûr. Les adolescents ont rarement besoin d’une thérapie à long terme aux opioïdes. Conclusion Les médecins de famille doivent tenir compte de l’âge, de la condition psychiatrique, du degré de risque de dépendance du patient et d’autres facteurs quand ils prescrivent des opioïdes pour la douleur chronique.

Symmetries in N-body problem

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xia, Zhihong

2008-09-01

The purpose of this note is to introduce some of the basic techniques in group theory to the study the symmetries of the Newtonian n-body problem. The main tool is the representations of finite groups.

DspaceOgreTerrain 3D Terrain Visualization Tool

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Myint, Steven; Jain, Abhinandan; Pomerantz, Marc I.

2012-01-01

DspaceOgreTerrain is an extension to the DspaceOgre 3D visualization tool that supports real-time visualization of various terrain types, including digital elevation maps, planets, and meshes. DspaceOgreTerrain supports creating 3D representations of terrains and placing them in a scene graph. The 3D representations allow for a continuous level of detail, GPU-based rendering, and overlaying graphics like wheel tracks and shadows. It supports reading data from the SimScape terrain- modeling library. DspaceOgreTerrain solves the problem of displaying the results of simulations that involve very large terrains. In the past, it has been used to visualize simulations of vehicle traverses on Lunar and Martian terrains. These terrains were made up of billions of vertices and would not have been renderable in real-time without using a continuous level of detail rendering technique.

Revisiting the role of durable polymers in cardiovascular devices.

PubMed

Mori, Hiroyoshi; Otsuka, Fumiyuki; Gupta, Anuj; Jinnouchi, Hiroyuki; Torii, Sho; Harari, Emanuel; Virmani, Renu; Finn, Aloke V

2017-11-01

Polymers are an essential component of drug-eluting stents (DES) used to control drug release but remain the most controversial component of DES technology. There are two types of polymers employed in DES: durable polymer based DES (DP-DES) and biodegradable polymer DES (BP-DES). First-generation DES were exclusively composed of DP and demonstrated increased rates of late stent failure due in part to poor polymer biocompatibility. Newer generations DES use more biocompatible durable polymers or biodegradable polymers. Areas covered: We will cover issues identified with 1st-generation DP-DES, areas of success and failure in 2nd-generation DP-DES and examine the promise and shortcomings of BP-DES. Briefly, fluorinated polymers used in 2nd-generation DP-DES have excellent anti-thrombogenicity and better biocompatibility than 1st-generation DES polymers. However, these devices lead to persistent drug exposure to the endothelium which impairs endothelial function and predisposes towards neoatherosclerosis. Meanwhile, BP-DES has shortened the duration of drug exposure which might be beneficial for endothelial functional recovery leading to less neoatherosclerosis. However, it remains uncertain whether the long-term biocompatibility of bare metal surfaces is better than that of polymer-coated metals. Expert commentary: Each technology has distinct advantages, which can be optimized depending upon the particular characteristics of the patient being treated.

The CIPM list of recommended frequency standard values: guidelines and procedures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Riehle, Fritz; Gill, Patrick; Arias, Felicitas; Robertsson, Lennart

2018-04-01

A list of standard reference frequency values (LoF) of quantum transitions from the microwave to the optical regime has been recommended by the International Committee for Weights and Measures (Comité international des poids et mesures, CIPM) for use in basic research, technology, and for the metrology of time, frequency and length. The CIPM LoF contains entries that are recommended as secondary representations of the second in the International System of Units, and entries that can be used to serve as realizations of the definition of the metre. The historical perspective that led to the CIPM LoF is outlined. Procedures have been developed for updating existing, and validating new, entries into the CIPM LoF. The CIPM LoF might serve as an entry for a future redefinition of the second by an optical transition.

Acquisition, representation and rule generation for procedural knowledge

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ortiz, Chris; Saito, Tim; Mithal, Sachin; Loftin, R. Bowen

1991-01-01

Current research into the design and continuing development of a system for the acquisition of procedural knowledge, its representation in useful forms, and proposed methods for automated C Language Integrated Production System (CLIPS) rule generation is discussed. The Task Analysis and Rule Generation Tool (TARGET) is intended to permit experts, individually or collectively, to visually describe and refine procedural tasks. The system is designed to represent the acquired knowledge in the form of graphical objects with the capacity for generating production rules in CLIPS. The generated rules can then be integrated into applications such as NASA's Intelligent Computer Aided Training (ICAT) architecture. Also described are proposed methods for use in translating the graphical and intermediate knowledge representations into CLIPS rules.

Students' meaning making in science: solving energy resource problems in virtual worlds combined with spreadsheets to develop graphs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krange, Ingeborg; Arnseth, Hans Christian

2012-09-01

The aim of this study is to scrutinize the characteristics of conceptual meaning making when students engage with virtual worlds in combination with a spreadsheet with the aim to develop graphs. We study how these tools and the representations they contain or enable students to construct serve to influence their understanding of energy resource consumption. The data were gathered in 1st grade upper-secondary science classes and they constitute the basis for the interaction analysis of students' meaning making with representations. Our analyses demonstrate the difficulties involved in developing students' orientation toward more conceptual orientations to representations of the knowledge domain. Virtual worlds do not in themselves represent a solution to this problem.

Implicit Wiener series analysis of epileptic seizure recordings.

PubMed

Barbero, Alvaro; Franz, Matthias; van Drongelen, Wim; Dorronsoro, José R; Schölkopf, Bernhard; Grosse-Wentrup, Moritz

2009-01-01

Implicit Wiener series are a powerful tool to build Volterra representations of time series with any degree of non-linearity. A natural question is then whether higher order representations yield more useful models. In this work we shall study this question for ECoG data channel relationships in epileptic seizure recordings, considering whether quadratic representations yield more accurate classifiers than linear ones. To do so we first show how to derive statistical information on the Volterra coefficient distribution and how to construct seizure classification patterns over that information. As our results illustrate, a quadratic model seems to provide no advantages over a linear one. Nevertheless, we shall also show that the interpretability of the implicit Wiener series provides insights into the inter-channel relationships of the recordings.

Wavelet Applications for Flight Flutter Testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lind, Rick; Brenner, Marty; Freudinger, Lawrence C.

1999-01-01

Wavelets present a method for signal processing that may be useful for analyzing responses of dynamical systems. This paper describes several wavelet-based tools that have been developed to improve the efficiency of flight flutter testing. One of the tools uses correlation filtering to identify properties of several modes throughout a flight test for envelope expansion. Another tool uses features in time-frequency representations of responses to characterize nonlinearities in the system dynamics. A third tool uses modulus and phase information from a wavelet transform to estimate modal parameters that can be used to update a linear model and reduce conservatism in robust stability margins.

Modelisation de l'erosion et des sources de pollution dans le bassin versant Iroquois/Blanchette dans un contexte de changements climatiques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coulibaly, Issa

Principale source d'approvisionnement en eau potable de la municipalite d'Edmundston, le bassin versant Iroquois/Blanchette est un enjeu capital pour cette derniere, d'ou les efforts constants deployes pour assurer la preservation de la qualite de son eau. A cet effet, plusieurs etudes y ont ete menees. Les plus recentes ont identifie des menaces de pollution de diverses origines dont celles associees aux changements climatiques (e.g. Maaref 2012). Au regard des impacts des modifications climatiques annonces a l'echelle du Nouveau-Brunswick, le bassin versant Iroquois/Blanchette pourrait etre fortement affecte, et cela de diverses facons. Plusieurs scenarios d'impacts sont envisageables, notamment les risques d'inondation, d'erosion et de pollution a travers une augmentation des precipitations et du ruissellement. Face a toutes ces menaces eventuelles, l'objectif de cette etude est d'evaluer les impacts potentiels des changements climatiques sur les risques d'erosion et de pollution a l'echelle du bassin versant Iroquois/Blanchette. Pour ce faire, la version canadienne de l'equation universelle revisee des pertes en sol RUSLE-CAN et le modele hydrologique SWAT ( Soil and Water Assessment Tool) ont ete utilises pour modeliser les risques d'erosion et de pollution au niveau dans la zone d'etude. Les donnees utilisees pour realiser ce travail proviennent de sources diverses et variees (teledetections, pedologiques, topographiques, meteorologiques, etc.). Les simulations ont ete realisees en deux etapes distinctes, d'abord dans les conditions actuelles ou l'annee 2013 a ete choisie comme annee de reference, ensuite en 2025 et 2050. Les resultats obtenus montrent une tendance a la hausse de la production de sediments dans les prochaines annees. La production maximale annuelle augmente de 8,34 % et 8,08 % respectivement en 2025 et 2050 selon notre scenario le plus optimiste, et de 29,99 % en 2025 et 29,72 % en 2050 selon le scenario le plus pessimiste par rapport a celle de 2013. Pour ce qui est de la pollution, les concentrations observees (sediment, nitrate et phosphore) connaissent une evolution avec les changements climatiques. La valeur maximale de la concentration en sediments connait une baisse en 2025 et 2050 par rapport a 2013, de 11,20 mg/l en 2013, elle passe a 9,03 mg/l en 2025 puis a 6,25 en 2050. On s'attend egalement a une baisse de la valeur maximale de la concentration en nitrate au fil des annees, plus accentuee en 2025. De 4,12 mg/l en 2013, elle passe a 1,85 mg/l en 2025 puis a 2,90 en 2050. La concentration en phosphore par contre connait une augmentation dans les annees a venir par rapport a celle de 2013, elle passe de 0,056 mg/l en 2013 a 0,234 mg/l en 2025 puis a 0,144 en 2050.

Etude numerique et experimentale de la reponse vibro-acoustique des structures raidies a des excitations aeriennes et solidiennes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mejdi, Abderrazak

Les fuselages des avions sont generalement en aluminium ou en composite renforces par des raidisseurs longitudinaux (lisses) et transversaux (cadres). Les raidisseurs peuvent etre metalliques ou en composite. Durant leurs differentes phases de vol, les structures d'avions sont soumises a des excitations aeriennes (couche limite turbulente : TBL, champs diffus : DAF) sur la peau exterieure dont l'energie acoustique produite se transmet a l'interieur de la cabine. Les moteurs, montes sur la structure, produisent une excitation solidienne significative. Ce projet a pour objectifs de developper et de mettre en place des strategies de modelisations des fuselages d'avions soumises a des excitations aeriennes et solidiennes. Tous d'abord, une mise a jour des modeles existants de la TBL apparait dans le deuxieme chapitre afin de mieux les classer. Les proprietes de la reponse vibro-acoustique des structures planes finies et infinies sont analysees. Dans le troisieme chapitre, les hypotheses sur lesquelles sont bases les modeles existants concernant les structures metalliques orthogonalement raidies soumises a des excitations mecaniques, DAF et TBL sont reexamines en premier lieu. Ensuite, une modelisation fine et fiable de ces structures est developpee. Le modele est valide numeriquement a l'aide des methodes des elements finis (FEM) et de frontiere (BEM). Des tests de validations experimentales sont realises sur des panneaux d'avions fournis par des societes aeronautiques. Au quatrieme chapitre, une extension vers les structures composites renforcees par des raidisseurs aussi en composites et de formes complexes est etablie. Un modele analytique simple est egalement implemente et valide numeriquement. Au cinquieme chapitre, la modelisation des structures raidies periodiques en composites est beaucoup plus raffinee par la prise en compte des effets de couplage des deplacements planes et transversaux. L'effet de taille des structures finies periodiques est egalement pris en compte. Les modeles developpes ont permis de conduire plusieurs etudes parametriques sur les proprietes vibro-acoustiques des structures d'avions facilitant ainsi la tache des concepteurs. Dans le cadre de cette these, un article a ete publie dans le Journal of Sound and Vibration et trois autres soumis, respectivement aux Journal of Acoustical Society of America, International Journal of Solid Mechanics et au Journal of Sound and Vibration Mots cles : structures raidies, composites, vibro-acoustique, perte par transmission.

Commentary on "Theory-Led Design of Instruments and Representations in Learning Analytics: Developing a Novel Tool for Orchestration of Online Collaborative Learning"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Teplovs, Chris

2015-01-01

This commentary reflects on the contributions to learning analytics and theory by a paper that describes how multiple theoretical frameworks were woven together to inform the creation of a new, automated discourse analysis tool. The commentary highlights the contributions of the original paper, provides some alternative approaches, and touches on…

Knowledge Representation Standards and Interchange Formats for Causal Graphs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Throop, David R.; Malin, Jane T.; Fleming, Land

2005-01-01

In many domains, automated reasoning tools must represent graphs of causally linked events. These include fault-tree analysis, probabilistic risk assessment (PRA), planning, procedures, medical reasoning about disease progression, and functional architectures. Each of these fields has its own requirements for the representation of causation, events, actors and conditions. The representations include ontologies of function and cause, data dictionaries for causal dependency, failure and hazard, and interchange formats between some existing tools. In none of the domains has a generally accepted interchange format emerged. The paper makes progress towards interoperability across the wide range of causal analysis methodologies. We survey existing practice and emerging interchange formats in each of these fields. Setting forth a set of terms and concepts that are broadly shared across the domains, we examine the several ways in which current practice represents them. Some phenomena are difficult to represent or to analyze in several domains. These include mode transitions, reachability analysis, positive and negative feedback loops, conditions correlated but not causally linked and bimodal probability distributions. We work through examples and contrast the differing methods for addressing them. We detail recent work in knowledge interchange formats for causal trees in aerospace analysis applications in early design, safety and reliability. Several examples are discussed, with a particular focus on reachability analysis and mode transitions. We generalize the aerospace analysis work across the several other domains. We also recommend features and capabilities for the next generation of causal knowledge representation standards.

Retour vers le futur: l'expérience des patients et le lien avec la qualité, la sécurité et le rendement financier.

PubMed

Cochrane, Bonnie S; Hagins, Mitch; King, John A; Picciano, Gino; McCafferty, Maureen M; Nelson, Brian

2015-11-01

Au Canada, l'amélioration de l'expérience des patients est devenue une priorité des politiques de santé. Le perfectionnement et la normalisation des outils et systèmes pour surveiller les mesures de l'expérience des patients augmentent, tandis que la tendance vers une plus grande reddition de compte sur des améliorations durables et abordables se confirme. Pour de nombreux professionnels de la santé, ce phénomène fait foi d'un intérêt renouvelé pour les besoins et priorités fondamentaux des patients, après des décennies où les changements structurels et technologiques ont dominé les programmes de santé. Pour les leaders en santé canadiens, l'amélioration de l'expérience des patients comporte actuellement de grands défis et de belles possibilités. À cet égard, l'expérience des organisations partenaires du groupe Studer au Canada est à la fois pertinente et instructive. Ces organisations ont adopté un modèle, du nom de Evidence-Based Leadership (EBL, ou leadership fondé sur des données probantes), qui favorise et soutient l'harmonisation de l'ensemble des activités et des comportements, conformément à des objectifs organisationnels précis, y compris des améliorations mesurables de l'expérience des patients. Le présent article expose des études de cas d'organisations qui ont adopté l'EBL. Ces organisations ont réalisé des progrès rapides en matière d'indicateurs de l'expérience des patients, ainsi que dans des secteurs essentiels comme les résultats cliniques, la sécurité et le rendement financier. Les données émergentes sur les facteurs et processus qui sous-tendent ces améliorations sont également abordées. © 2015 Collège canadien des leaders en santé

The Regionally-Oriented National Schools, an Innovative Tool for National and Regional Security Building

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-04-04

General Military Training CSID Cours Supérieur Interarmées de Défense Advanced Joint Services Defense Course 2008 EEML Ecole d’Etat-Major de...201271 ACRONYM FRENCH NAME ENGLISH TRANSLATION CAOG Cours d’Application des Officiers de Gendarmerie Gendarmerie Officers Training Course CPADD...Maintien de l’Ordre Law Enforcement Training Centre CSID Cours Supérieur Interarmées de Défense Advanced Joint Services Defense Course EAI Ecole

The steam laboratory of the Institut de Médecine Navale du Service de Santé des Armées: a set of tools in the service of the French Navy.

PubMed

Desruelle, Anne-Virginie; Schmid, Bruno

2004-09-01

Accidental exposure to hot water steam is a potential risk in the French Navy, and particularly on nuclear submarines or ships. Direct human exposure to this extreme environment during an accident leads to death in a short time. In order to protect the crew members of the French Navy, a laboratory was created at the Institut de Médecine Navale du Service de Santé des Armées (IMNSSA). A set of tools was developed to study the effects of exposure to hot water steam atmospheres on human physiology and on the protective capacities of textile fabrics and equipment. A testing device allows the quantification of the protective capacities of fabrics under steam stresses. A thermal manikin and a steam climatic chamber allow the evaluation of the protective capacities of equipment. The tests on fabrics and on garments were in good agreement. Water vapour impermeable fabrics and garments provide greater protection in steamy conditions. Moreover, the thicker the sample or garment, the higher the protection it gives. Care should be taken to verify that fabrics keep their thermal characteristics under steam stress. These characteristics, measured under standard comfortable conditions, are not always indicative of the protective abilities of the fabrics under steamy conditions.

Massive separation around bluff bodies: comparisons among different cfd solvers and turbulence models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Armenio, Vincenzo; Fakhari, Ahmad; Petronio, Andrea; Padovan, Roberta; Pittaluga, Chiara; Caprino, Giovanni

2015-11-01

Massive flow separation is ubiquitous in industrial applications, ruling drag and hydrodynamic noise. In spite of considerable efforts, its numerical prediction still represents a challenge for CFD models in use in engineering. Aside commercial software, over the latter years the opensource software OpenFOAMR (OF) has emerged as a valid tool for prediction of complex industrial flows. In the present work, we simulate two flows representative of a class of situations occurring in industrial problems: the flow around sphere and that around a wall-mounted square cylinder at Re = 10000 . We compare the performance two different tools, namely OF and ANSYS CFX 15.0 (CFX) using different unstructured grids and turbulence models. The grids have been generated using SNAPPYHEXMESH and ANSYS ICEM CFD 15.0 with different near wall resolutions. The codes have been run in a RANS mode using k - ɛ model (OF) and SST - k - ω (CFX) with and without wall-layer models. OF has been also used in LES, WMLES and DES mode. Regarding the sphere, RANS models were not able to catch separation, while good prediction of separation and distribution of stresses over the surface were obtained using LES, WMLES and DES. Results for the second test case are currently under analysis. Financial support from COSMO ``cfd open source per opera mortta'' PAR FSC 2007-2013, Friuli Venezia Giulia.

Unraveling the cytotoxicity and metabolic pathways of binary natural deep eutectic solvent systems

PubMed Central

Mbous, Yves Paul; Hayyan, Maan; Wong, Won Fen; Looi, Chung Yeng; Hashim, Mohd Ali

2017-01-01

In this study, the anticancer potential and cytotoxicity of natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) were assessed using HelaS3, PC3, A375, AGS, MCF-7, and WRL-68 hepatic cell lines. NADESs were prepared from choline chloride, fructose, or glucose and compared with an N,N-diethyl ethanolammonium chloride:triethylene glycol DES. The NADESs (98 ≤ EC50 ≥ 516 mM) were less toxic than the DES (34 ≤ EC50 ≥ 120 mM). The EC50 values of the NADESs were significantly higher than those of the aqueous solutions of their individual components but were similar to those of the aqueous solutions of combinations of their chief elements. Due to the uniqueness of these results, the possibility that NADESs could be synthesized intracellularly to counterbalance the cytotoxicity of their excess principal constituents must be entertained. However, further research is needed to explore this avenue. NADESs exerted cytotoxicity by increasing membrane porosity and redox stress. In vivo, they were more destructive than the DES and induced liver failure. The potential of these mixtures was evidenced by their anticancer activity and intracellular processing. This infers that they can serve as tools for increasing our understanding of cell physiology and metabolism. It is likely that we only have begun to comprehend the nature of NADESs. PMID:28145498

Modeling nitrate-nitrogen load reduction strategies for the des moines river, iowa using SWAT

USGS Publications Warehouse

Schilling, K.E.; Wolter, C.F.

2009-01-01

The Des Moines River that drains a watershed of 16,175 km2 in portions of Iowa and Minnesota is impaired for nitrate-nitrogen (nitrate) due to concentrations that exceed regulatory limits for public water supplies. The Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model was used to model streamflow and nitrate loads and evaluate a suite of basin-wide changes and targeting configurations to potentially reduce nitrate loads in the river. The SWAT model comprised 173 subbasins and 2,516 hydrologic response units and included point and nonpoint nitrogen sources. The model was calibrated for an 11-year period and three basin-wide and four targeting strategies were evaluated. Results indicated that nonpoint sources accounted for 95% of the total nitrate export. Reduction in fertilizer applications from 170 to 50 kg/ha achieved the 38% reduction in nitrate loads, exceeding the 34% reduction required. In terms of targeting, the most efficient load reductions occurred when fertilizer applications were reduced in subbasins nearest the watershed outlet. The greatest load reduction for the area of land treated was associated with reducing loads from 55 subbasins with the highest nitrate loads, achieving a 14% reduction in nitrate loads achieved by reducing applications on 30% of the land area. SWAT model results provide much needed guidance on how to begin implementing load reduction strategies most efficiently in the Des Moines River watershed. ?? 2009 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.

Unraveling the cytotoxicity and metabolic pathways of binary natural deep eutectic solvent systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mbous, Yves Paul; Hayyan, Maan; Wong, Won Fen; Looi, Chung Yeng; Hashim, Mohd Ali

2017-02-01

In this study, the anticancer potential and cytotoxicity of natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) were assessed using HelaS3, PC3, A375, AGS, MCF-7, and WRL-68 hepatic cell lines. NADESs were prepared from choline chloride, fructose, or glucose and compared with an N,N-diethyl ethanolammonium chloride:triethylene glycol DES. The NADESs (98 ≤ EC50 ≥ 516 mM) were less toxic than the DES (34 ≤ EC50 ≥ 120 mM). The EC50 values of the NADESs were significantly higher than those of the aqueous solutions of their individual components but were similar to those of the aqueous solutions of combinations of their chief elements. Due to the uniqueness of these results, the possibility that NADESs could be synthesized intracellularly to counterbalance the cytotoxicity of their excess principal constituents must be entertained. However, further research is needed to explore this avenue. NADESs exerted cytotoxicity by increasing membrane porosity and redox stress. In vivo, they were more destructive than the DES and induced liver failure. The potential of these mixtures was evidenced by their anticancer activity and intracellular processing. This infers that they can serve as tools for increasing our understanding of cell physiology and metabolism. It is likely that we only have begun to comprehend the nature of NADESs.

Correspondence analysis

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Correspondence analysis is a powerful exploratory multivariate technique for categorical variables with many levels. It is a data analysis tool that characterizes associations between levels of 2 or more categorical variables using graphical representations of the information in a contingency table...

Preface: Materiaux 2010

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheikhrouhou, Abdelwaheb

2012-02-01

The national conference 'MATERIAUX 2010', which took place in Mahdia (Tunisia), from 4-7 November 2010 was organized by The 'Tunisian Materials Research Society: Tu-MRS' in collaboration with the Materials Physics Laboratory of Sfax 'LPM', Faculty of Sciences, Sfax University and the Research Unit ' Physique, Informatique et Mathématiques ', Faculty of Sciences, Gafsa University The First National Conference on Materials 'MATERIAUX 2006' was organized in Douz (Tunisia) in December 2006. This was followed by 'MATERIAUX 2007' held in Hammamet (Tunisia) in April 2007 and the National Conference 'MATERIAUX 2009' organized jointly with the Second 'Journées Internationales de la Physique des Matériaux et Applications: JIPMA 2009' in Gafsa (Tunisia) from 20-24 December 2009. 'MATERIAUX 2010' is intended to provide an excellent opportunity for National, Maghreb and International researchers to make their own work on materials known to a wider audience and to have discussions with other participants. This conference will also be an opportunity to exchange experiences, create and consolidate cooperation between different research structures in the Maghreb countries and also the countries around the Mediterranean. This conference will equally promote research development, contribution to collaboration between universities and the socio-economical milieu. More than 300 senior researchers, Professors, PhD and Masters students attended this conference from Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, France, Spain and Canada. Several researchers, engineers and managers from industrial firms also attended. The conference consisted of plenary talks (8), oral contributions (40) and poster presentations (250). The topics of the Conference were: Nano-materials, nano-systems, thin films, surfaces and interfaces, applications Multifunctionnal materials, magnetic materials, dielectric materials, superconducting materials, applications,... Materials for electronics, informatics and communication Ceramics, glasses, polymers Natural materials (phosphates, clay,...) Metallic materials, alloys, metallurgy,... Others (materials and environment, materials and energy, biomaterials,...) I want to thank the scientific committee, the organizing committee, the local committee and everyone who contributed to the organization of this meeting for their invaluable efforts in order to guarantee the complete success of this conference. Abdelwaheb Cheikhrouhou President of 'Tu-MRS' Chairman of the Conference 'MATERIAUX 2010' Conference photograph Committies Organizing Committee Chairman CHEIKHROUHOU Abdelwaheb (Faculté des Sciences de Sfax) Members ALAYA Sahbi (Faculté des Sciences de Gabès) BENNACEUR Raouf (Faculté des Sciences de Tunis) BEN SALEM Mohamed (Faculté des Sciences de Bizerte) CHEIKHROUHOU-KOUBAA Wissem (Faculté des Sciences de Sfax) EL JANI Belgacem (Faculté des Sciences de Monastir) EZZAOUIA Hatem (Centre de Recherches et de Technologies de l'Energie, Technopole de Borj Cédria) LAMLOUMI Jilani (Ecole Supérieure des Sciences et Techniques de Tunis) REZIG Bahri (Ecole Nationale d'Ingénieurs de Tunis) Local Committee Chairman CHEIKHROUHOU Abdelwaheb (Faculté des Sciences de Sfax) Members CHEIKHROUHOU-KOUBAA Wissem (Faculté des Sciences de Sfax) KOUBAA Mohamed (Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie de Sfax) NJEH Anwar (Institut Préparatoire aux Etudes d'Ingénieurs de Sfax) BEN SALAH Issam (Faculté des Sciences de Sfax) TAKKALI Férid (Faculté des Sciences de Sfax) REGAIEG Yassin (Faculté des Sciences de Sfax) OTHMANI Safa (Faculté des Sciences de Sfax) MNASSRI Rafik (Faculté des Sciences de Sfax) Secretariat BEN GHOZLEN Afifa (Faculté des Sciences de Sfax) BOUGHARIOU Sana (Faculté des Sciences de Sfax) Scientific Committee M. ADDOU, Faculté des Sciences de Kénitra (Morocco) N. AMDOUNI, Faculté des Sciences de Tunis (Tunisia) M. BACCOUCHE, Faculté des Sciences d'Annaba (Algeria) H. BATIS, Faculté des Sciences de Tunis (Tunisia) A. BELAFHAL, Faculté des Sciences d'El Jadida (Morocco) M.H. BEN GHOZLEN, Faculté des Sciences de Sfax (Tunisia) R. BENNACEUR, Faculté des Sciences de Tunis (Tunisia) B. BENYOUCEF, Université Abou Bakr Belkaid, Tlemcen (Algeria) M. BEN SALEM, Faculté des Sciences de Bizerte (Tunisia) B. BESSAIES, Centre de Recherches et Technologies de l'Energie (Tunisia) H. BOUCHRIHA, Faculté des Sciences de Tunis (Tunisia) W. BOUJELBEN, Faculté des Sciences de Sfax (Tunisia) A. CHEIKHROUHOU, Faculté des Sciences de Sfax (Tunisia) W. CHEIKHROUHOU-KOUBAA, Faculté des Sciences de Sfax (Tunisia) R. CHTOUROU, Centre de Recherches et Technologies de l'Energie (Tunisia) M. DEBBABI, Ecole Nationale d'Ingénieurs de Monastir (Tunisia) A. DAKHLAOUI, Faculté des Sciences de Bizerte (Tunisia) A. DINIA, Université de Strasbourg (France) B. ELJANI, Faculté des Sciences de Monastir (Tunisia) A. ELJAZOULI, Faculté des Sciences Ben Msik, Casablanca (Morocco) Z. FAKHFAKH, Faculté des Sciences de Sfax (Tunisia) A. GASMI, Faculté des Sciences d'Annaba (Algeria) A. GHARBI, Faculté des Sciences de Tunis (Tunisia) R. GHARBI, Faculté des Sciences de Sfax (Tunisia) K. GUIDARA, Faculté des Sciences de Sfax (Tunisia) H. GUERMAZI, Institut Préparatoire aux Etudes d'Ingénieurs de Sfax (Tunisia) S. GUERMAZI, Faculté des Sciences de Sfax (Tunisia) M. HADDAD, Faculté des Sciences de Meknès (Morocco) A. HAJ AMARA, Faculté des Sciences de Bizerte (Tunisia) D. HAMANA, Faculté des Sciences de Constantine (Algeria) N. KAMOUN, Faculté des Sciences de Tunis (Tunisia) S. KADDOUR-CHARFI, Faculté des Sciences de Tunis (Tunisia) M. KADDOUR, Faculté des Sciences de Sfax (Tunisia) M. KHITOUNI, Faculté des Sciences de Sfax (Tunisia) T. MHIRI, Faculté des Sciences de Sfax (Tunisia) Y. MLIK, Institut Préparatoire aux Etudes Scientifiques et Techniques (Tunisia) N. MLIKI, Faculté des Sciences de Tunis (Tunisia) A. NJAH, Faculté des Sciences de Gafsa (Tunisia) M. OUESLATI, Faculté des Sciences de Tunis (Tunisia) K. ZELLAMA, Faculté des Sciences d'Amiens (France) Invited Speakers AMMAR-MERIAH Souad, ITODYS, Université Paris Diderot (France) BEN SALEM Mohamed, Faculté des Sciences de Bizerte, Université du 7 Novembre á Carthage (Tunisia) CHEIKHROUHOU Abdelwaheb, Faculté des Sciences de Sfax, Université de Sfax (Tunisia) DAKHLAOUI Amel, Faculté des Sciences de Bizerte, Université du 7 Novembre á Carthage (Tunisia) DJABBAR Ahmed, Université des Sciences et des Technologies de Lille (France) DURASTANTI Félix, Centre d'Etudes et Recherche en Thermique, Environnement et Systèmes (C.E.R.T.E.S.), Université Paris Est- Créteil (France) FERY-FORGUES Suzanne, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse (France) GIRAUD Romain, Laboratoire de Photonique et de Nanostructures, CNRS/LPN, Marcoussis (France)

CDPP Tools in the IMPEx infrastructure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gangloff, Michel; Génot, Vincent; Bourrel, Nataliya; Hess, Sébastien; Khodachenko, Maxim; Modolo, Ronan; Kallio, Esa; Alexeev, Igor; Al-Ubaidi, Tarek; Cecconi, Baptiste; André, Nicolas; Budnik, Elena; Bouchemit, Myriam; Dufourg, Nicolas; Beigbeder, Laurent

2014-05-01

The CDPP (Centre de Données de la Physique des Plasmas, http://cdpp.eu/), the French data center for plasma physics, is engaged for more than a decade in the archiving and dissemination of plasma data products from space missions and ground observatories. Besides these activities, the CDPP developed services like AMDA (http://amda.cdpp.eu/) which enables in depth analysis of large amount of data through dedicated functionalities such as: visualization, conditional search, cataloguing, and 3DView (http://3dview.cdpp.eu/) which provides immersive visualisations in planetary environments and is further developed to include simulation and observational data. Both tools implement the IMPEx protocol (http://impexfp7.oeaw.ac.at/) to give access to outputs of simulation runs and models in planetary sciences from several providers like LATMOS, FMI , SINP; prototypes have also been built to access some UCLA and CCMC simulations. These tools and their interaction will be presented together with the IMPEx simulation data model (http://impex.latmos.ipsl.fr/tools/DataModel.htm) used for the interface to model databases.

Les effets des interfaces sur les proprietes magnetiques et de transport des multicouches nickel/iron et cobalt/silver

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Veres, Teodor

Cette these est consacree a l'etude de l'evolution structurale des proprietes magnetiques et de transport des multicouches Ni/Fe et nanostructures a base de Co et de l'Ag. Dans une premiere partie, essentiellement bibliographique, nous introduisons quelques concepts de base relies aux proprietes magnetiques et de transport des multicouches metalliques. Ensuite, nous presentons une breve description des methodes d'analyse des resultats. La deuxieme partie est consacree a l'etude des proprietes magnetiques et de transport des multicouches ferromagnetiques/ferromagnetiques Ni/Fe. Nous montrerons qu'une interpretation coherente de ces proprietes necessite la prise en consideration des effets des interfaces. Nous nous attacherons a mettre en evidence, a evaluer et a etudier les effets de ces interfaces ainsi que leur evolution, et ce, suite a des traitements thermiques tel que le depot a temperature elevee et l'irradiation ionique. Les analyses correlees de la structure et de la magnetoresistance nous permettront d'emettre des conclusions sur l'influence des couches tampons entre l'interface et le substrat ainsi qu'entre les couches elles-memes sur le comportement magnetique des couches F/F. La troisieme partie est consacree aux systemes a Magneto-Resistance Geante (MRG) a base de Co et Ag. Nous allons etudier l'evolution de la microstructure suite a l'irradiation avec des ions Si+ ayant une energie de 1 MeV, ainsi que les effets de ces changements sur le comportement magnetique. Cette partie debutera par l'analyse des proprietes d'une multicouche hybride, intermediaire entre les multicouches et les materiaux granulaires. Nous analyserons a l'aide des mesures de diffraction, de relaxation superparamagnetique et de magnetoresistance, les evolutions structurales produites par l'irradiation ionique. Nous etablirons des modeles qui nous aideront a interpreter les resultats pour une serie des multicouches qui couvrent un large eventail de differents comportements magnetiques et ceci en fonction de l'epaisseur de la couche magnetique de Co. Nous verrons que dans ces systemes les effets de l'irradiation ionique sont fortement influences par l'energie de surface ainsi que par l'enthalpie de formation, largement positive pour le systeme Co/Ag.

[Industrial first aid equipment: a historical analysis (1840-1914) ].

PubMed

Porro, Alessandro; Franchini, Antonia Francesca; Lorusso, Lorenzo; Falconi, Bruno

2015-01-09

Even if references to the tools required to intervene after an accident can be found in the works of Bernardino Ramazzini (1633-1714) or Johann Peter Frank (1745-1821), it was only with the development of industrial manufacturing that the need to study means to prevent and intervene in cases of accident became evident. In October 1894 the III Congrés International des Accidents du Travail et des Assurances Sociales was held in Milan. The following year, the Milanese trade union movement acknowledged the necessity to address the problem of industrial accidents. In 1896 the Association for Medical Assistance in  Industrial Accidents was founded in Milan. A specific medical institute was set up, appropriate first aid tools were collected and first aid rooms in the main Milanese factories were inaugurated. Nevertheless, few data seem to be available regarding the manufacture and use of this equipment in industry. We analyzed more than fifty catalogs of European industrial products, between 1843 and 1914, to study the evolution of first aid equipment for industrial use. They reflect and attest to the evolution of medicine and surgery, although some models seem to be related to certain industrial categories (railways, electrical appliances), some were similar to ordinary first aid boxes, others were strictly related to surgery; some could only be used by physicians, and others only by workers. Identification, conservation, and reappraisal of these tools is essential for historians of occupational health because these objects were normally not preserved. The catalogues of industrial production are also precious sources, since they are rarely preserved in public libraries and deserve to be used for historical studies.

National Observation Services at OSUG and construction of a Data Center and of a mutualized information system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meunier, N.

2016-12-01

OSUG (Observatoire des Sciences de l'Univers de Grenoble) is strongly involved in more than 20 national observation services (hereafter SNO) covering the different INSU (Institut National des Sciences de l'Univers) sections, and is the PI for ten of them. This strong involvement led us to implement a data center (OSUG-DC), in order to provide the SNO and many other projects an infrastructure and common tools (software development, data monitoring, ...): the objective is to allow them to make their data available to the community in the best conditions. The OSUG-DC has been recognized as a Regional Expertise Center for the astronomy-astrophysics component in 2003 (3 SNO are concerned). This construction is also part of a larger reflexion concerning the mutualization of certain services of the information system at OSUG and at University Grenoble Alpes, some already in place for some time such as a high performance computation regional center. This paper presents the management organisation of these projects, strong points and issues.

Inhibitors of dihydroceramide desaturase 1: Therapeutic agents and pharmacological tools to decipher the role of dihydroceramides in cell biology.

PubMed

Casasampere, Mireia; Ordoñez, Yadira F; Pou, Ana; Casas, Josefina

2016-05-01

Dihydroceramide desaturase (Des1) is the last enzyme in the de novo synthesis of ceramides (Cer). It catalyzes the insertion of a double bond into dihydroceramides (dhCer) to convert them to Cer, both of which are further metabolized to more complex (dihydro) sphingolipids. For many years dhCer have received poor attention, mainly due to their supposed lack of biological activity. It was not until about ten years ago that the concept that dhCer might have regulatory roles in biology emerged for the first time. Since then, multiple publications have established that dhCer are implicated in a wide spectrum of biological processes. Physiological and pathophysiological functions of dhCer have been recently reviewed. In this review we will focus on the biochemical features of Des1 and on its inhibition by different compounds with presumably different modes of action. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fiabilité des structures mécaniques adaptatives: effet de la panne des actionneurs ou des capteurs sur la stabilité

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fall, H.; Charon, W.; Kouta, R.

2002-12-01

Ces dernières décennies, des activités significatives dans le monde étaient dirigées autour du contrôle actif. Le but de ces recherches était essentiellement d'améliorer les performances, la fiabilité et la sécurité des systèmes. Notamment dans le cas des structures soumises à des vibrations aléatoires. D'importants travaux ont été consacré à l'utilisation des “matériaux intelligents” comme capteurs et actionneurs. Cette article propose l'analyse de la fiabilité des systèmes mécaniques en étudiant les pannes des actionneurs ou des capteurs. L'effet de ces pannes sur la stabilité et la performance du système y est démontré. Les méthodologies de conception y sont rappelées. Des exemples numériques sont fournis à travers le contrôle d'un panneau sous chargement dynamique pour illustrer la méthode proposée.

Visual illusion of tool use recalibrates tactile perception

PubMed Central

Miller, Luke E.; Longo, Matthew R.; Saygin, Ayse P.

2018-01-01

Brief use of a tool recalibrates multisensory representations of the user’s body, a phenomenon called tool embodiment. Despite two decades of research, little is known about its boundary conditions. It has been widely argued that embodiment requires active tool use, suggesting a critical role for somatosensory and motor feedback. The present study used a visual illusion to cast doubt on this view. We used a mirror-based setup to induce a visual experience of tool use with an arm that was in fact stationary. Following illusory tool use, tactile perception was recalibrated on this stationary arm, and with equal magnitude as physical use. Recalibration was not found following illusory passive tool holding, and could not be accounted for by sensory conflict or general interhemispheric plasticity. These results suggest visual tool-use signals play a critical role in driving tool embodiment. PMID:28196765

Diethylstilbestrol-Induced Mouse Hypospadias: “Window of Susceptibility”

PubMed Central

Sinclair, Adriane Watkins; Cao, Mei; Baskin, Laurence; Cunha, Gerald R.

2016-01-01

Hypospadias, an abnormality affecting the penile urethra, is one of the most prevalent congenital malformations afflicting human males. The morphology of hypospadias is markedly different in humans versus mice reflecting substantial differences in penile development in humans and mice. Estrogens such as diethylstilbestrol (DES) elicit mouse penile malformations, but the types of penile abnormalities differ depending on whether DES treatment is prenatal or neonatal. To define the actual “window of susceptibility” to the adverse effects of DES, pregnant mice and their neonatal pups were injected subcutaneously with 200ng/gbw DES every other day from embryonic day 12 to 18 (DES E12-E18), postnatal day 0 to 10 (DES P0-P10), embryonic day 12 to postnatal day 10 (DES E12 to P10), postnatal day 5 to 15 (DES P5 to P15), and postnatal day 10 to 20 (DES P10 to P20). Aged-matched controls received sesame oil vehicle. After euthanasia at 10, 15, 20 and 60 days, penises were analyzed by gross morphology, histology and morphometry. Penises of all 5 groups of DES-treated mice were reduced in size, which was confirmed by morphometric analysis of internal penile structures. The most profound effects were seen in the DES E12-P10, DES P0-P10, and DES P5-P15 groups, thus defining a DES “programming window”. For all parameters, DES treatment from P10-P20 showed the most mild of effects. Adverse effects of DES on the MUMP cartilage and erectile bodies observed shortly after the last DES injection reverted to normality in the DES P5-P15, but not in the E12-P10 and P0-P10 groups, in which MUMP cartilage and erectile body malformations persisted into adulthood, again emphasizing a “window of susceptibility” in the early neonatal period. PMID:26810244

La manucure et la pédicure dans la ville de Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso): pratiques et risqué

PubMed Central

Korsaga-Somé, Nina; Andonaba, Jean Baptiste; Ouédraogo, Muriel Sidnoma; Tapsoba, Gilbert Patrice; Ilboudo, Léopold; Savadogo, Cérina; Barro-Traoré, Fatou; Niamba, Pascal; Traoré, Adama

2016-01-01

La manucure-pédicure est l'ensemble des soins esthétiques des mains, des pieds et des ongles. Au Burkina Faso, l'usage des produits de manucure-pédicure, les techniques utilisées ainsi que les risques encourus restent méconnus. L'objectif de notre étude était d’évaluer la pratique de la manucure-pédicure dans la ville de Ouagadougou. Nous avons mené une étude transversale descriptive de décembre 2010 à novembre 2012 incluant tout les praticiens ayant au moins six mois d'expérience dans l'activité et les clients présents sur les lieux au moment de l'enquête. Nous avons interrogé au total 313 praticiens et 313 clients. L’âge moyen des praticiens était de 19 ans et celui des clients de 32,2 ans. Les praticiens fixes étaient en majorité des femmes (96,87%), ceux mobiles surtout des hommes (68,37%), et 64,53% des clients étaient des femmes. Le pourcentage de praticiens n'ayant pas reçu de formation professionnelle était de 93,92%. 29,7% des praticiens faisaient tremper les instruments pendant au moins dix minutes dans de l'eau de javel; 75,71% savaient que l'utilisation de certains outils étaient dangereux et 26,51% étaient avaient présenté des effets secondaires. Parmi les clients, 40,25% savaient que le matériel utilisé comportait des risques et 30,35% avaient été victimes d'accidents. Les soins de manucure et de pédicure se font dans les salons de coiffure par des coiffeuses non formées à l'exercice de la profession La provenance et la composition des produits n'est pas connues. Des produits non recommandés sont utilisés (shampooing pour trempage des pieds, lame de rasoir et ciseaux pour raclage des pieds). Le recours à la manucure et/ou pédicure est parfois nécessaire mais cela ne doit pas faire perdre de vue les risques encourus. Une sensibilisation des clients et une formation des praticiens semblent nécessaires pour minimiser les risques. PMID:27642448

La prise en charge des troubles de santé mentale par les omnipraticiens du Québec

PubMed Central

Fleury, Marie-Josée; Farand, Lambert; Aubé, Denise; Imboua, Armelle

2012-01-01

Résumé Objectif Cette recherche vise à documenter la prise en charge des troubles mentaux (TM) par les omnipraticiens. Type d’étude Il s’agit d’une étude mixte intégrant un questionnaire auto-administré et des entrevues qualitatives. La banque de données administratives des actes médicaux de la Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec a aussi été analysée. Contexte La province de Québec. Participants Un total de 1415 omnipraticiens de différents lieux de pratiques ont été sollicités pour le questionnaire; 970 ont été rejoints. Un sous-groupe de 60 omnipraticiens a été rejoint pour les entrevues. Principaux paramètres à l'étude La prévalence annuelle des consultations reliées à des TM courants (TMC) ou graves (TMG), les pratiques cliniques, les pratiques de collaboration, les facteurs facilitant ou entravant la prise en charge des TM, ainsi que les recommandations pour l’amélioration du système de soins. Résultats Le taux de réponse a été de 41% (n = 398 omnipraticiens) pour le questionnaire et de 63% (n = 60) pour les entrevues. Environ 25 % des visites chez les omnipraticiens sont associées à des TM. Presque tous les omnipraticiens prennent en charge des TMC et se sentent compétents pour le faire, à l’inverse de la situation retrouvée pour les TMG. Près de 20 % des TMC sont référés (principalement à des intervenants psychosociaux), alors que près de 75 % des TMG sont référés (surtout en psychiatrie et à l’urgence). Plus de 50 % des omnipraticiens affirment n’entretenir aucun contact avec l’une ou l’autre des ressources de santé mentale. Plusieurs facteurs influencent la prise en charge des TM: les profils des patients (complexité des TM, troubles concomitants); les caractéristiques des omnipraticiens (réseau informel, formation); la culture professionnelle (travail en silo, mécanismes cliniques formalisés); le milieu institutionnel (multidisciplinarité, salariat); l’organisation des services (ressources; coordination formalisée) et l’environnement (politiques). Conclusion Le rôle clé des omnipraticiens et leur soutien à la prise en charge des TM ont été démontrés, spécifiquement pour les TMC. Pour une prise en charge optimale des soins primaires de santé mentale, des stratégies à composantes multiples, dont les soins partagés, devraient être davantage déployées.

Distributed Contour Trees

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

Morozov, Dmitriy; Weber, Gunther H.

2014-03-31

Topological techniques provide robust tools for data analysis. They are used, for example, for feature extraction, for data de-noising, and for comparison of data sets. This chapter concerns contour trees, a topological descriptor that records the connectivity of the isosurfaces of scalar functions. These trees are fundamental to analysis and visualization of physical phenomena modeled by real-valued measurements. We study the parallel analysis of contour trees. After describing a particular representation of a contour tree, called local{global representation, we illustrate how di erent problems that rely on contour trees can be solved in parallel with minimal communication.

The influence of textbooks on teachers' knowledge of chemical bonding representations relative to students' difficulties understanding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bergqvist, Anna; Chang Rundgren, Shu-Nu

2017-04-01

Background: Textbooks are integral tools for teachers' lessons. Several researchers observed that school teachers rely heavily on textbooks as informational sources when planning lessons. Moreover, textbooks are an important resource for developing students' knowledge as they contain various representations that influence students' learning. However, several studies report that students have difficulties understanding models in general, and chemical bonding models in particular, and that students' difficulties understanding chemical bonding are partly due to the way it is taught by teachers and presented in textbooks.

SPLICER - A GENETIC ALGORITHM TOOL FOR SEARCH AND OPTIMIZATION, VERSION 1.0 (MACINTOSH VERSION)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wang, L.

1994-01-01

SPLICER is a genetic algorithm tool which can be used to solve search and optimization problems. Genetic algorithms are adaptive search procedures (i.e. problem solving methods) based loosely on the processes of natural selection and Darwinian "survival of the fittest." SPLICER provides the underlying framework and structure for building a genetic algorithm application. These algorithms apply genetically-inspired operators to populations of potential solutions in an iterative fashion, creating new populations while searching for an optimal or near-optimal solution to the problem at hand. SPLICER 1.0 was created using a modular architecture that includes a Genetic Algorithm Kernel, interchangeable Representation Libraries, Fitness Modules and User Interface Libraries, and well-defined interfaces between these components. The architecture supports portability, flexibility, and extensibility. SPLICER comes with all source code and several examples. For instance, a "traveling salesperson" example searches for the minimum distance through a number of cities visiting each city only once. Stand-alone SPLICER applications can be used without any programming knowledge. However, to fully utilize SPLICER within new problem domains, familiarity with C language programming is essential. SPLICER's genetic algorithm (GA) kernel was developed independent of representation (i.e. problem encoding), fitness function or user interface type. The GA kernel comprises all functions necessary for the manipulation of populations. These functions include the creation of populations and population members, the iterative population model, fitness scaling, parent selection and sampling, and the generation of population statistics. In addition, miscellaneous functions are included in the kernel (e.g., random number generators). Different problem-encoding schemes and functions are defined and stored in interchangeable representation libraries. This allows the GA kernel to be used with any representation scheme. The SPLICER tool provides representation libraries for binary strings and for permutations. These libraries contain functions for the definition, creation, and decoding of genetic strings, as well as multiple crossover and mutation operators. Furthermore, the SPLICER tool defines the appropriate interfaces to allow users to create new representation libraries. Fitness modules are the only component of the SPLICER system a user will normally need to create or alter to solve a particular problem. Fitness functions are defined and stored in interchangeable fitness modules which must be created using C language. Within a fitness module, a user can create a fitness (or scoring) function, set the initial values for various SPLICER control parameters (e.g., population size), create a function which graphically displays the best solutions as they are found, and provide descriptive information about the problem. The tool comes with several example fitness modules, while the process of developing a fitness module is fully discussed in the accompanying documentation. The user interface is event-driven and provides graphic output in windows. SPLICER is written in Think C for Apple Macintosh computers running System 6.0.3 or later and Sun series workstations running SunOS. The UNIX version is easily ported to other UNIX platforms and requires MIT's X Window System, Version 11 Revision 4 or 5, MIT's Athena Widget Set, and the Xw Widget Set. Example executables and source code are included for each machine version. The standard distribution media for the Macintosh version is a set of three 3.5 inch Macintosh format diskettes. The standard distribution medium for the UNIX version is a .25 inch streaming magnetic tape cartridge in UNIX tar format. For the UNIX version, alternate distribution media and formats are available upon request. SPLICER was developed in 1991.

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

Jarocki, John Charles; Zage, David John; Fisher, Andrew N.

LinkShop is a software tool for applying the method of Linkography to the analysis time-sequence data. LinkShop provides command line, web, and application programming interfaces (API) for input and processing of time-sequence data, abstraction models, and ontologies. The software creates graph representations of the abstraction model, ontology, and derived linkograph. Finally, the tool allows the user to perform statistical measurements of the linkograph and refine the ontology through direct manipulation of the linkograph.

Transitioning Human, Social, Cultural Behavior (HSCB) Models and Simulations to the Operational User1

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-10-01

actuelle M&S couvrant le soutien aux operations, la representation du comportement humain , la guerre asymetrique, la defense contre le terrorisme et...methods, tools, data, intellectual capital , and processes to address these capability requirements. Fourth, there is a need to compare capability...requirements to current capabilities to identify gaps that may be addressed with DoD HSCB methods, tools, data, intellectual capital , and process

Effets de la formation sur la violence conjugale

PubMed Central

Zaher, Eman; Keogh, Kelly; Ratnapalan, Savithiri

2014-01-01

Résumé Objectif Décrire et évaluer l’efficacité de la formation concernant la violence conjugale pour améliorer les connaissances et permettre la reconnaissance et la prise en charge par les médecins des femmes victimes de violence. Sources des données On a fait une recension dans la base de données des révisions systématiques de Cochrane, MEDLINE, PubMed, PsycINFO, ERIC et EMBASE pour trouver des articles publiés entre le 1e janvier 2000 et le 1e novembre 2012. Des recherches manuelles ont complété cette recension pour cerner des articles pertinents à l’aide d’une stratégie de recherche combinant des textes, mots et expressions MeSH. Sélection des études On a choisi des études randomisées contrôlées qui portaient sur des interventions éducatives à l’intention des médecins et fournissaient des données sur les effets des interventions. Synthèse On a inclus 9 études randomisées contrôlées qui décrivaient différentes approches pédagogiques et diverses mesures des résultats. Trois études examinaient les effets d’interventions éducatives pour des médecins en formation postdoctorale et ont constaté une augmentation des connaissances, mais il n’y a eu aucun changement dans le comportement en ce qui a trait à l’identification des victimes de violence conjugale. Six études portaient sur des interventions éducatives pour des médecins en pratique active. Trois d’entre elles utilisaient une approche à multiples facettes pour les médecins, qui combinait une formation ainsi que des interventions de soutien de la part du système pour changer les comportements des médecins, comme une sensibilisation générale accrue à la violence conjugale au moyen de brochures et d’affiches, des aide-mémoire pour rappeler aux médecins comment identifier les victimes, des moyens pour faciliter l’accès des médecins à des services de soutien pour les victimes, la réalisation d’audits et la fourniture de rétroaction. Les interventions éducatives à multiples facettes prenaient la forme d’ateliers interactifs, d’apprentissage sur le web et de formation expérientielle. Une autre étude utilisait des discussions de groupes témoins et de la formation et a permis de constater une amélioration dans le signalement de la violence conjugale par les médecins. Les 2 autres études ont relevé une meilleure perception par les médecins en pratique de leur confiance en eux à l’aide d’apprentissage par problèmes en ligne. Conclusion Il a été difficile de déterminer quelle stratégie pédagogique était la plus efficace étant donné que les interventions éducatives et les mesures des résultats variaient entre les études choisies. De brèves interventions pour les médecins en formation postdoctorale amélioraient les connaissances mais ne semblaient pas influencer les comportements. La formation en ligne sous forme d’apprentissage par problèmes améliorait les perceptions des médecins en pratique, leurs connaissances et leurs habiletés quant à la prise en charge de la violence conjugale. La formation des médecins combinée à des interventions de soutien de la part du système semblait bénéfique aux victimes de violence conjugale et augmentait le nombre de demandes de consultations auprès des ressources de soutien à leur intention.

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

Smith, Curtis L.; Prescott, Steven; Coleman, Justin

This report describes the current progress and status related to the Industry Application #2 focusing on External Hazards. For this industry application within the Light Water Reactor Sustainability (LWRS) Program Risk-Informed Safety Margin Characterization (RISMC) R&D Pathway, we will create the Risk-Informed Margin Management (RIMM) approach to represent meaningful (i.e., realistic facility representation) event scenarios and consequences by using an advanced 3D facility representation that will evaluate external hazards such as flooding and earthquakes in order to identify, model and analyze the appropriate physics that needs to be included to determine plant vulnerabilities related to external events; manage the communicationmore » and interactions between different physics modeling and analysis technologies; and develop the computational infrastructure through tools related to plant representation, scenario depiction, and physics prediction. One of the unique aspects of the RISMC approach is how it couples probabilistic approaches (the scenario) with mechanistic phenomena representation (the physics) through simulation. This simulation-based modeling allows decision makers to focus on a variety of safety, performance, or economic metrics. In this report, we describe the evaluation of various physics toolkits related to flooding representation. Ultimately, we will be coupling the flooding representation with other events such as earthquakes in order to provide coupled physics analysis for scenarios where interactions exist.« less

FitEM2EM—Tools for Low Resolution Study of Macromolecular Assembly and Dynamics

PubMed Central

Frankenstein, Ziv; Sperling, Joseph; Sperling, Ruth; Eisenstein, Miriam

2008-01-01

Studies of the structure and dynamics of macromolecular assemblies often involve comparison of low resolution models obtained using different techniques such as electron microscopy or atomic force microscopy. We present new computational tools for comparing (matching) and docking of low resolution structures, based on shape complementarity. The matched or docked objects are represented by three dimensional grids where the value of each grid point depends on its position with regard to the interior, surface or exterior of the object. The grids are correlated using fast Fourier transformations producing either matches of related objects or docking models depending on the details of the grid representations. The procedures incorporate thickening and smoothing of the surfaces of the objects which effectively compensates for differences in the resolution of the matched/docked objects, circumventing the need for resolution modification. The presented matching tool FitEM2EMin successfully fitted electron microscopy structures obtained at different resolutions, different conformers of the same structure and partial structures, ranking correct matches at the top in every case. The differences between the grid representations of the matched objects can be used to study conformation differences or to characterize the size and shape of substructures. The presented low-to-low docking tool FitEM2EMout ranked the expected models at the top. PMID:18974836

Galen: a third generation terminology tool to support a multipurpose national coding system for surgical procedures.

PubMed

Trombert-Paviot, B; Rodrigues, J M; Rogers, J E; Baud, R; van der Haring, E; Rassinoux, A M; Abrial, V; Clavel, L; Idir, H

1999-01-01

GALEN has developed a new generation of terminology tools based on a language independent concept reference model using a compositional formalism allowing computer processing and multiple reuses. During the 4th framework program project Galen-In-Use we applied the modelling and the tools to the development of a new multipurpose coding system for surgical procedures (CCAM) in France. On one hand we contributed to a language independent knowledge repository for multicultural Europe. On the other hand we support the traditional process for creating a new coding system in medicine which is very much labour consuming by artificial intelligence tools using a medically oriented recursive ontology and natural language processing. We used an integrated software named CLAW to process French professional medical language rubrics produced by the national colleges of surgeons into intermediate dissections and to the Grail reference ontology model representation. From this language independent concept model representation on one hand we generate controlled French natural language to support the finalization of the linguistic labels in relation with the meanings of the conceptual system structure. On the other hand the classification manager of third generation proves to be very powerful to retrieve the initial professional rubrics with different categories of concepts within a semantic network.

From Content Knowledge to Community Change: A Review of Representations of Environmental Health Literacy

PubMed Central

Gray, Kathleen M.

2018-01-01

Environmental health literacy (EHL) is a relatively new framework for conceptualizing how people understand and use information about potentially harmful environmental exposures and their influence on health. As such, information on the characterization and measurement of EHL is limited. This review provides an overview of EHL as presented in peer-reviewed literature and aggregates studies based on whether they represent individual level EHL or community level EHL or both. A range of assessment tools has been used to measure EHL, with many studies relying on pre-/post-assessment; however, a broader suite of assessment tools may be needed to capture community-wide outcomes. This review also suggests that the definition of EHL should explicitly include community change or collective action as an important longer-term outcome and proposes a refinement of previous representations of EHL as a theoretical framework, to include self-efficacy. PMID:29518955

Enhanced Information Retrieval Using AJAX

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kachhwaha, Rajendra; Rajvanshi, Nitin

2010-11-01

Information Retrieval deals with the representation, storage, organization of, and access to information items. The representation and organization of information items should provide the user with easy access to the information with the rapid development of Internet, large amounts of digitally stored information is readily available on the World Wide Web. This information is so huge that it becomes increasingly difficult and time consuming for the users to find the information relevant to their needs. The explosive growth of information on the Internet has greatly increased the need for information retrieval systems. However, most of the search engines are using conventional information retrieval systems. An information system needs to implement sophisticated pattern matching tools to determine contents at a faster rate. AJAX has recently emerged as the new tool such the of information retrieval process of information retrieval can become fast and information reaches the use at a faster pace as compared to conventional retrieval systems.

A Process for the Representation of openEHR ADL Archetypes in OWL Ontologies.

PubMed

Porn, Alex Mateus; Peres, Leticia Mara; Didonet Del Fabro, Marcos

2015-01-01

ADL is a formal language to express archetypes, independent of standards or domain. However, its specification is not precise enough in relation to the specialization and semantic of archetypes, presenting difficulties in implementation and a few available tools. Archetypes may be implemented using other languages such as XML or OWL, increasing integration with Semantic Web tools. Exchanging and transforming data can be better implemented with semantics oriented models, for example using OWL which is a language to define and instantiate Web ontologies defined by W3C. OWL permits defining significant, detailed, precise and consistent distinctions among classes, properties and relations by the user, ensuring the consistency of knowledge than using ADL techniques. This paper presents a process of an openEHR ADL archetypes representation in OWL ontologies. This process consists of ADL archetypes conversion in OWL ontologies and validation of OWL resultant ontologies using the mutation test.

[Shared decision-making and individualized goal setting - a pilot trial using PRISM (Pictorial Representation of Illness and Self Measure) in psychiatric inpatients].

PubMed

Büchi, S; Straub, S; Schwager, U

2010-12-01

Although there is much talk about shared decision making and individualized goal setting, there is a lack of knowledge and knowhow in their realization in daily clinical practice. There is a lack in tools for easy applicable tools to ameliorate person-centred individualized goal setting processes. In three selected psychiatric inpatients the semistructured, theory driven use of PRISM (Pictorial Representation of Illness and Self Measure) in patients with complex psychiatric problems is presented and discussed. PRISM sustains a person-centred individualized process of goal setting and treatment and reinforces the active participation of patients. The process of visualisation and synchronous documentation is validated positively by patients and clinicians. The visual goal setting requires 30 to 45 minutes. In patients with complex psychiatric illness PRISM was used successfully to ameliorate individual goal setting. Specific effects of PRISM-visualisation are actually evaluated in a randomized controlled trial.

DIAMS revisited: Taming the variety of knowledge in fault diagnosis expert systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Haziza, M.; Ayache, S.; Brenot, J.-M.; Cayrac, D.; Vo, D.-P.

1994-01-01

The DIAMS program, initiated in 1986, led to the development of a prototype expert system, DIAMS-1 dedicated to the Telecom 1 Attitude and Orbit Control System, and to a near-operational system, DIAMS-2, covering a whole satellite (the Telecom 2 platform and its interfaces with the payload), which was installed in the Satellite Control Center in 1993. The refinement of the knowledge representation and reasoning is now being studied, focusing on the introduction of appropriate handling of incompleteness, uncertainty and time, and keeping in mind operational constraints. For the latest generation of the tool, DIAMS-3, a new architecture has been proposed, that enables the cooperative exploitation of various models and knowledge representations. On the same baseline, new solutions enabling higher integration of diagnostic systems in the operational environment and cooperation with other knowledge intensive systems such as data analysis, planning or procedure management tools have been introduced.

The Victor C++ library for protein representation and advanced manipulation.

PubMed

Hirsh, Layla; Piovesan, Damiano; Giollo, Manuel; Ferrari, Carlo; Tosatto, Silvio C E

2015-04-01

Protein sequence and structure representation and manipulation require dedicated software libraries to support methods of increasing complexity. Here, we describe the VIrtual Constrution TOol for pRoteins (Victor) C++ library, an open source platform dedicated to enabling inexperienced users to develop advanced tools and gathering contributions from the community. The provided application examples cover statistical energy potentials, profile-profile sequence alignments and ab initio loop modeling. Victor was used over the last 15 years in several publications and optimized for efficiency. It is provided as a GitHub repository with source files and unit tests, plus extensive online documentation, including a Wiki with help files and tutorials, examples and Doxygen documentation. The C++ library and online documentation, distributed under a GPL license are available from URL: http://protein.bio.unipd.it/victor/. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

La prévention de l’étouffement et de la suffocation chez les enfants

PubMed Central

Cyr, Claude

2012-01-01

RÉSUMÉ L’étouffement, la suffocation et la strangulation sont responsables de graves blessures non intentionnelles chez les enfants et constituent des causes importantes de décès non intentionnels chez les nourrissons et les tout-petits. Presque la totalité des décès et des blessures attribuables à un étouffement, une suffocation ou une strangulation sont évitables. Le présent document de principes traite des définitions, de l’épidémiologie et des stratégies de prévention efficaces de ces blessures. Des recommandations qui combinent des démarches pour améliorer la sécurité, incluant des recherches, de la surveillance, des lois et des normes, la conception des produits et l’éducation, sont présentées. Les dispensateurs de soins pédiatriques devraient encourager les parents et autres personnes qui s’occupent d’enfants à apprendre la réanimation cardiorespiratoire (RCR) et les premiers soins en cas d’étouffement, et leur offrir des conseils préventifs adaptés à l’âge de leur enfant lors des bilans de santé réguliers afin de prévenir ces blessures.

Measuring Effects and Success in Influence Operations: Challenges, Limitations and Opportunitites

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-04-01

domaines de la psychologie , de l’anthropologie et de la sociologie, ainsi que sur des entrevues menées auprès de pionniers des technologies de...documents issus des domaines de la psychologie , de l’anthropologie et de la sociologie, ainsi que sur des entrevues menées auprès de pionniers des...la psychologie , de l’anthropologie et de la sociologie, ainsi que sur des entrevues menées auprès de pionniers des technologies de l’intelligence

Phase Shadows: An Enhanced Representation of Nonlinear Dynamic Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luque, Amalia; Barbancho, Julio; Cañete, Javier Fernández; Córdoba, Antonio

2017-12-01

Many nonlinear dynamic systems have a rotating behavior where an angle defining its state may extend to more than 360∘. In these cases the use of the phase portrait does not properly depict the system’s evolution. Normalized phase portraits or cylindrical phase portraits have been extensively used to overcome the original phase portrait’s disadvantages. In this research a new graphic representation is introduced: the phase shadow. Its use clearly reveals the system behavior while overcoming the drawback of the existing plots. Through the paper the method to obtain the graphic is stated. Additionally, to show the phase shadow’s expressiveness, a rotating pendulum is considered. The work exposes that the new graph is an enhanced representational tool for systems having equilibrium points, limit cycles, chaotic attractors and/or bifurcations.

Using texts in science education: cognitive processes and knowledge representation.

PubMed

van den Broek, Paul

2010-04-23

Texts form a powerful tool in teaching concepts and principles in science. How do readers extract information from a text, and what are the limitations in this process? Central to comprehension of and learning from a text is the construction of a coherent mental representation that integrates the textual information and relevant background knowledge. This representation engenders learning if it expands the reader's existing knowledge base or if it corrects misconceptions in this knowledge base. The Landscape Model captures the reading process and the influences of reader characteristics (such as working-memory capacity, reading goal, prior knowledge, and inferential skills) and text characteristics (such as content/structure of presented information, processing demands, and textual cues). The model suggests factors that can optimize--or jeopardize--learning science from text.

Implementation Cryptography Data Encryption Standard (DES) and Triple Data Encryption Standard (3DES) Method in Communication System Based Near Field Communication (NFC)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ratnadewi; Pramono Adhie, Roy; Hutama, Yonatan; Saleh Ahmar, A.; Setiawan, M. I.

2018-01-01

Cryptography is a method used to create secure communication by manipulating sent messages during the communication occurred so only intended party that can know the content of that messages. Some of the most commonly used cryptography methods to protect sent messages, especially in the form of text, are DES and 3DES cryptography method. This research will explain the DES and 3DES cryptography method and its use for stored data security in smart cards that working in the NFC-based communication system. Several things that will be explained in this research is the ways of working of DES and 3DES cryptography method in doing the protection process of a data and software engineering through the creation of application using C++ programming language to realize and test the performance of DES and 3DES cryptography method in encrypted data writing process to smart cards and decrypted data reading process from smart cards. The execution time of the entering and the reading process data using a smart card DES cryptography method is faster than using 3DES cryptography.

Left caloric vestibular stimulation as a tool to reveal implicit and explicit parameters of body representation.

PubMed

Sedda, A; Tonin, D; Salvato, G; Gandola, M; Bottini, G

2016-04-01

Homeostatic parameters, such as temperature, are related to body representation. In this study, we measured whether caloric vestibular stimulation (CVS) alters body temperature and tactile processing, and if in the direction predicted by a holistic body matrix representation. Skin temperature and tactile two-point discrimination (TPD) acuity were measured for both arms before, immediately after and with a delay from CVS. Participants were also administered a personality questionnaire and an anxiety inventory to rule out confounding factors. Two control experiments were planned to exclude casual variations. Our results show that temperature drops significantly in both arms after CVS. CVS also induces a bilateral improvement in tactile acuity (even though not immediately after but in the delayed condition). Finally, these effects are not due to learning, as demonstrated by the control experiment. In summary, our results suggest that vestibular stimulation updates body representation, supporting the evidence in favor of a body matrix. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Kennedy Space Center Orion Processing Team Planning for Ground Operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Letchworth, Gary; Schlierf, Roland

2011-01-01

Topics in this presentation are: Constellation Ares I/Orion/Ground Ops Elements Orion Ground Operations Flow Orion Operations Planning Process and Toolset Overview, including: 1 Orion Concept of Operations by Phase 2 Ops Analysis Capabilities Overview 3 Operations Planning Evolution 4 Functional Flow Block Diagrams 5 Operations Timeline Development 6 Discrete Event Simulation (DES) Modeling 7 Ground Operations Planning Document Database (GOPDb) Using Operations Planning Tools for Operability Improvements includes: 1 Kaizen/Lean Events 2 Mockups 3 Human Factors Analysis

Marketing Tools for Increasing Proactivity in Technical Information Centers. (Les Outils de Marketing dans la Stimulation de la Proactivite au Sein des Infocentres)

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-02-01

others in the cluster . Think about this map when you develop your research survey. The positioning map technique can help you discover customer percep...AD-A277 574 ________________!___ Il~llrlrIJill 11 II ’I IlI !Ill ,,______,.____.,,___A.RD AR 32 AGARD-A-2 SADVISORY GROUP FOR AEROSPACE RESEARCH ...Published February 1994 Dlstrihhutlon and Avwilahillv nn RA.k rnytr AGARD-AR-326 ADVISORY GROUP FOR AEROSPACE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT 7 RUE ANCELLE

Simulation Tool for Optimizing Non-Combatant Evacuation (STONE): Optimization of Evacuation Time and Transportation Resource Utilization

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-05-01

2015 © Sa Majesté la Reine (en droit du Canada), telle que représentée par le ministre de la Défense nationale, 2015 Abstract A Non-Combatant Evacuation...Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade recommended that more frequent assessments of NEO plans be conducted...étrangères et du commerce international a recommandé que des évaluations dans ses missions à l’étranger soient faites plus fréquemment

The Effect of Stages and Levels of Automation and Reliability on Workload and Performance for Remotely Piloted Aircraft Operations

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-03-26

participant, it is assumed that no learning effects affected the data. Preview This chapter began with the background of RPAs and described a...for alarm- style automation systems; however, these attributes may be less relevant for other types of automation implementation. For example, with...and tactile and the speech channel was added for a total of seven channels that are being used in the DES software tool IMPRINT. This updated

Lagrangian analysis. Modern tool of the dynamics of solids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cagnoux, J.; Chartagnac, P.; Hereil, P.; Perez, M.; Seaman, L.

Explosive metal-working, material synthesis under shock loading, terminal ballistics, and explosive rock-blasting, are some of the civil and military fields of activity that call for a wider knowledge about the behavior of materials subjected to strong dynamic pressures. It is in these fields that Lagrangian analysis methods, the subject of this work, prove to be a useful investigative tool for the physicist. Lagrangian analysis was developed around 1970 by Fowles and Williams. The idea is based on the integration of the conservation equations of mechanics using stress or particle velocity records obtained by means of transducers placed in the path of a stress wave. In this way, all the kinematical and mechanical quantities contained in the conservation equations are obtained. In the first chapter the authors introduce the mathematical tools used to analyze plane and spherical one-dimensional motions. For plane motion, they describe the mathematical analysis methods pertinent to the three regimes of wave propagation encountered : the non-attenuating unsteady wave, the simple wave, and the attenuating unsteady wave. In each of these regimes, cases are treated for which either stress or particle velocity records are initially available. The authors insist that one or the other groups of data (stress and particle velocity) are sufficient to integrate the conservation equations in the case of the plane motion when both groups of data are necessary in the case of the spherical motion. However, in spite of this additional difficulty, Lagrangian analysis of the spherical motion remains particularly interesting for the physicist because it allows access to the behavior of the material under deformation processes other than that imposed by plane one-dimensional motion. The methods expounded in the first chapter are based on Lagrangian measurement of particle velocity and stress in relation to time in a material compressed by a plane or spherical dilatational wave. The Lagrangian specificity of the required measurements is assured by the fact that a transducer enclosed within a solid material is necessarily linked in motion to the particles of the material which surround it. This Lagrangian instrumentation is described in the second chapter. The authors are concerned with the techniques considered today to be the most effective. These are, for stress : piezoresistive gauges (50 Ω and low impedance) and piezoelectric techniques (PVF2 gauges, quartz transducers) ; and for particle velocity : electromagnetic gauges, VISAR and IDL Doppler laser interferometers. In each case both the physical principles as well as techniques of use are set out in detail. For the most part, the authors use their own experience to describe the calibration of these instrumentation systems and to compare their characteristics : measurement range, response time, accuracy, useful recording time, detection area... These characteristics should be taken into account by the physicist when he has to choose the instrumentation systems best adapted to the Lagrangian analysis he intends to apply to any given material. The discussion at the end of chapter 2 should guide his choice both for plane and spherical one-dimensional motions. The third chapter examines to what extent the accuracy of Lagrangian analysis is affected by the accuracies of the numerical analysis methods and experimental techniques. By means of a discussion of different cases of analysis, the authors want to make the reader aware of the different kinds of sources of errors that may be encountered. This work brings up to date the state of studies on Lagrangian analysis methods based on a wide review of bibliographical sources together with the contribution made to research in this field by the four authors themselves in the course of the last ten years. Le formage des métaux par explosif, la consolidation dynamique des poudres, la balistique terminale, l'abattage des roches par explosif, sont autant d'applications, dans les domaines civil et militaire, qui exigent d'approfondir les connaissances que l'on a des comportements des matériaux chargés par des ondes de contrainte de forte intensité. C'est dans ce domaine que les méthodes d'analyse lagrangienne, sujets de cet ouvrage, seront un outil d'investigation intéressant pour le mécanicien du solide. L'analyse lagrangienne a été développée autour des années 1970 par Fowles et Williams. L'idée de base repose sur l'intégration des équations de la mécanique en utilisant l'histoire des contraintes ou des vitesses matérielles obtenues au moyen de capteurs minces sur le trajet d'une onde de contrainte. Sont ainsi obtenues toutes les grandeurs cinématiques et mécaniques contenues dans les équations de conservation. Dans le premier chapitre, les auteurs introduisent les outils mathématiques destinés à analyser les mouvements monodimensionnels plan et sphérique. Pour le premier de ces mouvements, sont décrites les méthodes mathématiques d'analyse propres aux trois régimes de propagation d'onde rencontrés: l'onde instationnaire non amortie, l'onde simple et l'onde instationnaire amortie. Par ailleurs, pour chacun de ces régimes sont traités les cas où l'on dispose initialement des profils des contraintes ou des vitesses matérielles. Les auteurs insistent sur le fait que l'une ou l'autre des deux collections de données (contraintes et vitesses matérielles) sont suffisantes pour intégrer les équations de conservation dans le cas du mouvement plan, alors que les deux collections de données sont indispensables dans le cas de mouvement sphérique. Cependant, malgré cette difficulté supplémentaire, l'analyse lagrangienne du mouvement sphérique reste particulièrement intéressante pour le mécanicien puisqu'elle permet d'accéder au comportement du matériau pour des processus de déformation différents de celui imposé par le mouvement plan. Les méthodes exposées dans le premier chapitre reposent sur la mesure lagrangienne de la vitesse matérielle et de la contrainte, en fonction du temps dans le matériau comprimé par une onde longitudinale plane ou sphérique. La spécificité lagrangienne des mesures requises est assurec par le fait qu'un capteur inclus dans un matériau solide est lié dans le mouvement aux particules du matériau qui l'entourent. Cette métrologie lagrangienne est décrite dans le deuxième chapitre. Les auteurs se sont intéressés aux techniques considérées aujourd'hui comme les plus performantes ; elles se rapportent d'une part à la vitesse matérielle: jauges électromagnétiques, interféromètres Doppler laser de types VISAR et IDL ; d'autre part à la contrainte : jauges piézorésistives (50 Ω et basse impédance) et techniques piézoélectriques (jauges PVF2-capteurs à quartz). Dans chacun des cas les principes de fonctionnement ainsi que les techniques de mise en œuvre sont détaillés. Les auteurs utilisent largement leurs propres résultats pour décrire l'étalonnage de ces moyens métrologiques et comparer leurs performances : étendue de mesure, temps de réponse, précision, durée maximale d'utilisation, surface visée... Ce sont ces performances que devra prendre en compte le mécanicien lorsqu'il devra choisir parmi les différents moyens métrologiques la technique la mieux adaptée à l'analyse lagrangienne qu'il se proposera d'effectuer dans un matériau donné. Les arguments développés à la fin du chapitre 2 devraient lui permettre de guider son choix aussi bien dans le cas du mouvement monodimensionnel plan que dans le cas du mouvement monodimensionnel sphérique. Dans le troisième chapitre la précision de l'analyse lagrangienne est examinée sous l'aspect de l'influence des précisions des méthodes d'analyse numérique d'une part et des techniques expérimentales d'autre part. A partir du traitement de différents cas concrets d'analyse, les auteurs cherchent à sensibiliser le lecteur aux différentes sources d'erreurs rencontrées. Cet ouvrage constitue un état de l'art sur les méthodes d'analyse lagrangienne à partir d'une large étude bibliographique et de la contribution apportée dans ce domaine par les quatre auteurs depuis une dizaine d'années.

Préoccupations de carrière chez les médecins de travail des groupements de Médecine de travail en Tunisie

PubMed Central

Merchaoui, Irtyah; Chouchène, Asma; Bouanène, Ines; Chaari, Néila; Zrafi, Wassim; Henchi, Adnène; Akrout, Mohamed; Amri, Charfeddine

2017-01-01

Introduction L'insatisfaction de carrière des médecins de travail (MT) peut influencer leur performance et la qualité des prestations fournies. L'objectif de notre étude est d'évaluer la satisfaction au travail des MT du terrain de l'ensemble des Groupements de médecine de travail (GMT) de la Tunisie et préciser les facteurs déterminants. Méthodes Il s'agit d'une étude nationale transversale portant sur les MT de 22 GMT, basée sur le questionnaire, validé SAPHORA JOB. Résultats 58% des MT des GMT étaient insatisfaits de leur carrière. La satisfaction de carrière était statistiquement influencée par le nombre d'entreprises en charge (p=0,016), l'organisation du travail (p=0,010),le ressenti du métier (p=0,011),le salaire (p‹10-3) et l'information sur la réglementation en vigueur (p=0,047). Conclusion L'homogénéisation des grilles salariales et des échelons de carrière des MT des GMT basée sur une révision des textes législatifs est indiquée. L'amélioration de l'organisation et des conditions de travail peut permettre un épanouissement au travail et une amélioration des prestations. PMID:28819472

From infotainment to tools of interaction - A critical perspective on the use of film/video in geoscience

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ickert, Johanna

2017-04-01

In times of omnipresent digitisation and interconnectedness, the way how we generate and experience knowledge on geo-related themes is strongly influenced by audiovisual media representations. Moving images are powerful tools and have significant potential to communicate science in novel ways. Major research frameworks such as Horizon 2020 strongly encourage the use of audiovisual media in order to communicate science "more effectively" to the public. An increasing number of geoscientists produce films themselves, while most of them still delegate this task to media professionals to whom they provide their scientific expert knowledge. Usually, the intention behind these outreach efforts is to take advantage of the suitability of the medium to convey "scientific facts", or to motivate certain cognitive/behavioural responses of different target audiences. Undoubtedly, film has a great potential for representing geoscientific knowledge and thus has become a key instrument for geoscience communication. However, the use of images also raises fundamental ethical and representational concerns. While the latter have provoked intense debates in sub-disciplines such as visual anthropology or film geography, the geosciences have paid only little attention to questions on how distinct practices and disciplinary paradigms create filmic representations. Given the fact that the use of scientific images and film is far from being "objective" and that the way how we create and experience images is always context-specific and strongly influenced by the relationship between film maker, film subjects/informants and audience, a series of important question arises: What do we know about the use of film in geosciences beyond the realm of information and representational purposes? What can we learn from using film as a reflexive, process-oriented and dialogue-based medium? How can film help us to better understand ethical and representational dimensions of our interaction with the public? What are the phenomenological qualities of film and how can they be made productive for science communication? This article explores the potential for novel approaches to use film in geology not only as outreach tool, but also as method of joint knowledge production in inter- and transdisciplinary collaboration. In order to provide evidence for the above-mentioned observations, a historical perspective on the use of film in geosciences as well as an in-depth analysis of recent art-science-collaborations will be given.

Magrit: a new thematic cartography tool

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Viry, Matthieu; Giraud, Timothée; Lambert, Nicolas

2018-05-01

The article provides an overview of the features of the Magrit web application: a free online thematic mapping tool, presenting a strong pedagogical dimension and making possible to mobilize all the elements necessary for the realization of a thematic map. In this tool, several simple modes of representation are proposed such as proportional maps or choropleth maps. Other, more complex modes are also available such as smoothed maps and cartograms. Each map can be finalized thanks to layout and customization features (projection, scale, orientation, toponyms, etc.) and exported in vector format. Magrit is therefore a complete, light and versatile tool particularly adapted to cartography teaching at the university.

An Overview of the Canadian Forces’ Second Generation Capability-Based Planning Analytical Process

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-09-01

gestion et intgration des capacités Feuille de route des capacits stratégiques Produits clès Plan d’investissement Plan de capacités de défense...méthodes de recherche opérationnelle objectives et subjectives permet- tant la mise en œuvre du volet « planification, gestion et intégration des ...pacités, la gestion des capacités et l’intégration des capacités. Le processus comprend des intrants, des méthodes

GeneTools--application for functional annotation and statistical hypothesis testing.

PubMed

Beisvag, Vidar; Jünge, Frode K R; Bergum, Hallgeir; Jølsum, Lars; Lydersen, Stian; Günther, Clara-Cecilie; Ramampiaro, Heri; Langaas, Mette; Sandvik, Arne K; Laegreid, Astrid

2006-10-24

Modern biology has shifted from "one gene" approaches to methods for genomic-scale analysis like microarray technology, which allow simultaneous measurement of thousands of genes. This has created a need for tools facilitating interpretation of biological data in "batch" mode. However, such tools often leave the investigator with large volumes of apparently unorganized information. To meet this interpretation challenge, gene-set, or cluster testing has become a popular analytical tool. Many gene-set testing methods and software packages are now available, most of which use a variety of statistical tests to assess the genes in a set for biological information. However, the field is still evolving, and there is a great need for "integrated" solutions. GeneTools is a web-service providing access to a database that brings together information from a broad range of resources. The annotation data are updated weekly, guaranteeing that users get data most recently available. Data submitted by the user are stored in the database, where it can easily be updated, shared between users and exported in various formats. GeneTools provides three different tools: i) NMC Annotation Tool, which offers annotations from several databases like UniGene, Entrez Gene, SwissProt and GeneOntology, in both single- and batch search mode. ii) GO Annotator Tool, where users can add new gene ontology (GO) annotations to genes of interest. These user defined GO annotations can be used in further analysis or exported for public distribution. iii) eGOn, a tool for visualization and statistical hypothesis testing of GO category representation. As the first GO tool, eGOn supports hypothesis testing for three different situations (master-target situation, mutually exclusive target-target situation and intersecting target-target situation). An important additional function is an evidence-code filter that allows users, to select the GO annotations for the analysis. GeneTools is the first "all in one" annotation tool, providing users with a rapid extraction of highly relevant gene annotation data for e.g. thousands of genes or clones at once. It allows a user to define and archive new GO annotations and it supports hypothesis testing related to GO category representations. GeneTools is freely available through www.genetools.no

Paternité des articles et intérêts concurrents : une analyse des recommandations aux auteurs des journaux traitant de pratique pharmaceutique

PubMed Central

Courbon, Ève; Tanguay, Cynthia; Lebel, Denis; Bussières, Jean-François

2014-01-01

RÉSUMÉ Contexte : La présence d’auteurs honorifiques et fantômes ainsi que les intérêts concurrents représentent des difficultés bien documentées, liées à la publication d’articles scientifiques. Il existe des lignes directrices encadrant la rédaction et la publication de manuscrits scientifiques, notamment celles de l’International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE). Objectifs : L’objectif principal de cette étude descriptive et transversale visait à recenser les instructions portant sur la paternité des articles et les intérêts concurrents provenant des recommandations aux auteurs des journaux traitant de pratique pharmaceutique. L’objectif secondaire visait à déterminer des mesures correctrices pour une paternité des articles plus transparente. Méthode : La recherche a débuté par l’identification des journaux traitant de pratique pharmaceutique. La consultation des instructions aux auteurs des journaux a permis ensuite de recenser les recommandations destinées à éviter les problèmes de paternité des articles et d’intérêts concurrents. Finalement, les membres de l’équipe de recherche se sont consultés afin de définir des mesures correctrices possibles à l’intention des chercheurs. Résultats : Des 232 journaux traitant de pharmacie, 33 ont été définis comme traitant de pratique pharmaceutique. Un total de 24 (73 %) journaux mentionnaient suivre la politique de l’ICMJE, 14 (42 %) demandaient aux auteurs de remplir un formulaire de déclaration d’intérêts concurrents au moment de la soumission de l’article, 17 (52 %) présentaient une définition de la qualité d’auteur et 5 (15 %) demandaient de détailler les contributions de chaque auteur. Une grille de 40 critères a été élaborée pour définir l’attribution du statut d’auteur. Conclusion : Moins de la moitié des journaux demandait aux auteurs de transmettre un formulaire de déclaration des intérêts concurrents au moment de la soumission d’un article et seulement la moitié des journaux avait donné une définition de la qualité d’auteur. La publication scientifique de travaux sur les pratiques pharmaceutiques n’est pas à l’abri des manques de transparence liés à la publication. L’utilisation d’une grille décrivant la contribution de chaque auteur et la publication en ligne des travaux peuvent contribuer à limiter ces risques. PMID:24970938

Mechanisms and Patterns of Intravascular Ultrasound In-Stent Restenosis Among Bare Metal Stents and First- and Second-Generation Drug-Eluting Stents.

PubMed

Goto, Kosaku; Zhao, Zhijing; Matsumura, Mitsuaki; Dohi, Tomotaka; Kobayashi, Nobuaki; Kirtane, Ajay J; Rabbani, LeRoy E; Collins, Michael B; Parikh, Manish A; Kodali, Susheel K; Leon, Martin B; Moses, Jeffrey W; Mintz, Gary S; Maehara, Akiko

2015-11-01

The most common causes of in-stent restenosis (ISR) are intimal hyperplasia and stent under expansion. The purpose of this study was to use intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) to compare the ISR mechanisms of bare metal stents (BMS), first-generation drug-eluting stents (DES), and second-generation DES. There were 298 ISR lesions including 52 BMS, 73 sirolimus-eluting stents, 52 paclitaxel-eluting stents, 16 zotarolimus-eluting stents, and 105 everolimus-eluting stent. Mean patient age was 66.6 ± 1.1 years, 74.2% were men, and 48.3% had diabetes mellitus. BMS restenosis presented later (70.0 ± 66.7 months) with more intimal hyperplasia compared with DES (BMS 58.6 ± 15.5%, first-generation DES 52.6 ± 20.9%, second-generation DES 48.2 ± 22.2%, p = 0.02). Although reference lumen areas were similar in BMS and first- and second-generation DES, restenotic DES were longer (BMS 21.8 ± 13.5 mm, first-generation DES 29.4 ± 16.1 mm, second-generation DES 32.1 ± 18.7 mm, p = 0.003), and stent areas were smaller (BMS 7.2 ± 2.4 mm(2), first-generation DES 6.1 ± 2.1 mm(2), second-generation DES 5.7 ± 2.0 mm(2), p <0.001). Stent fracture was seen only in DES (first-generation DES 7 [5.0%], second-generation DES 8 [7.4%], p = 0.13). In conclusion, restenotic first- and second-generation DES were characterized by less neointimal hyperplasia, smaller stent areas, longer stent lengths, and more stent fractures than restenotic BMS. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Learning from graphically integrated 2D and 3D representations improves retention of neuroanatomy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naaz, Farah

Visualizations in the form of computer-based learning environments are highly encouraged in science education, especially for teaching spatial material. Some spatial material, such as sectional neuroanatomy, is very challenging to learn. It involves learning the two dimensional (2D) representations that are sampled from the three dimensional (3D) object. In this study, a computer-based learning environment was used to explore the hypothesis that learning sectional neuroanatomy from a graphically integrated 2D and 3D representation will lead to better learning outcomes than learning from a sequential presentation. The integrated representation explicitly demonstrates the 2D-3D transformation and should lead to effective learning. This study was conducted using a computer graphical model of the human brain. There were two learning groups: Whole then Sections, and Integrated 2D3D. Both groups learned whole anatomy (3D neuroanatomy) before learning sectional anatomy (2D neuroanatomy). The Whole then Sections group then learned sectional anatomy using 2D representations only. The Integrated 2D3D group learned sectional anatomy from a graphically integrated 3D and 2D model. A set of tests for generalization of knowledge to interpreting biomedical images was conducted immediately after learning was completed. The order of presentation of the tests of generalization of knowledge was counterbalanced across participants to explore a secondary hypothesis of the study: preparation for future learning. If the computer-based instruction programs used in this study are effective tools for teaching anatomy, the participants should continue learning neuroanatomy with exposure to new representations. A test of long-term retention of sectional anatomy was conducted 4-8 weeks after learning was completed. The Integrated 2D3D group was better than the Whole then Sections group in retaining knowledge of difficult instances of sectional anatomy after the retention interval. The benefit of learning from an integrated 2D3D representation suggests that there are some spatial transformations which are better retained if they are learned through an explicit demonstration. Participants also showed evidence of continued learning on the tests of generalization with the help of cues and practice, even without feedback. This finding suggests that the computer-based learning programs used in this study were good tools for instruction of neuroanatomy.

Nouvelles approches en theorie du champ moyen dynamique: le cas du pouvoir thermoelectrique et celui de l'effet orbital d'un champ magnetique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arsenault, Louis-Francois

Les applications reliees a la generation d'energie motivent la recherche de materiaux ayant un fort pouvoir thermoelectrique (S). De plus, S nous renseigne sur certaines proprietes fondamentales des materiaux, comme, par exemple, la transition entre l'etat coherent et incoherent des quasi-particules lorsque la temperature augmente. Empiriquement, la presence de fortes interactions electron-electron peut mener a un pouvoir thermoelectrique geant. Nous avons donc etudie le modele le plus simple qui tient compte de ces fortes interactions, le modele de Hubbard. La theorie du champ moyen dynamique (DMFT) est tout indiquee dans ce cas. Nous nous sommes concentres sur un systeme tridimensionnel (3d) cubique a face centree (fcc), et ce, pour plusieurs raisons. A) Ce type de cristal est tres commun dans la nature. B) La DMFT donne de tres bons resultats en 3d et donc ce choix sert aussi de preuve de principe de la methode. C) Finalement, a cause de la frustration electronique intrinseque au fcc, celui-ci ne presente pas de symetrie particule-trou, ce qui est tres favorable a l'apparition d'une grande valeur de S. Ce travail demontre que lorsque le materiau est un isolant a demi-remplissage a cause des fortes interactions (isolant de Mott), il est possible d'obtenir de grands pouvoirs thermoelectriques en le dopant legerement. C'est un resultat pratique important. Du point de vue methodologique, nous avons montre comment la limite de frequence infinie de S et l'approche dite de Kelvin, qui considere la limite de frequence nulle avant la limite thermodynamique pour S, donnent des estimations fiables de la vraie limite continue (DC) dans les domaines de temperature appropriee. Ces deux approches facilitent grandement les calculs en court-circuit ant la necessite de recourir a de problematiques prolongements analytiques. Nous avons trouve que la methode de calcul a frequence infinie fonctionne bien lorsque les echelles d'energie sont relativement faibles. En d'autres termes, cette approche donne une bonne representation de S lorsque le systeme devient coherent. Les calculs montrent aussi que la formule Kelvin est precise lorsque la fonction spectrale des electrons devient incoherente, soit a plus haute temperature. Dans la limite Kelvin, S est essentiellement l'entropie par particule, tel que propose il y a longtemps. Nos resultats demontrent ainsi que la vision purement entropique de S est la bonne dans le regime incoherent, alors que dans le regime coherent, l'approche a frequence infinie est meilleure. Nous avons utilise une methode a la fine pointe, soit le Monte-Carlo quantique en temps continu pour resoudre la DMFT. Pour permettre une exploration rapide du diagramme de phase, nous avons du developper une nouvelle version de la methode des perturbations iterees pour qu'elle soit applicable aussi a forte interaction au-dela de la valeur critique de la transition de Mott. Un autre sujet a aussi ete aborde. L'effet orbital du champ magnetique dans les systemes electroniques fortement correles est une question tres importante et peu developpee. Cela est d'autant plus essentiel depuis la decouverte des oscillations quantiques dans les supraconducteurs a haute temperature (haut- Tc). Par desir de developper une methode la moins biaisee possible, nous avons derive la DMFT lorsqu'un champ se couplant a l'operateur energie cinetique par la substitution de Peierls est present. Ce type d'approche est necessaire pour comprendre entre autres l'effet de la physique de Mott sur des phenomenes tels que les oscillations quantiques. Nous avons obtenu un resultat tres important en demontrant rigoureusement que la relation d'auto-coherence de la DMFT et le systeme intermediaire d'impurete quantique restent les memes. L'effet du champ peut etre contenu dans la fonction de Green locale, ce qui constitue la grande difference avec le cas habituel. Ceci permet de continuer a utiliser les solutionneurs d'impuretes standards, qui sont de plus en plus puissants. Nous avons aussi developpe la methode pour le cas d'un empilement de plans bidimensionnels selon z, ce qui permet d'etudier l'effet orbital du champ dans des nanostructures et meme dans les materiaux massifs, si le nombre de plans est suffisant pour obtenir la limite tridimensionnelle. Mots cles : Pouvoir thermoelectrique, Theorie du Champ Moyen Dynamique, Modele de Hubbard, Effet orbital du champ magnetique, Electrons fortement correles, Materiaux quantiques, Theorie des perturbations iterees

NATO Human Resources (Manpower) Management (Gestion des ressources humaines (effectifs) de l’OTAN)

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-02-01

performances , la gestion des récompenses et du salaire, et la motivation du personnel. En conséquence, il faut que la gestion des ressources humaines...importance au fil du temps. Les ressources humaines, chargées à l’origine de l’embauche, du licenciement, de la paie et de la gestion des ...les effets des systèmes d’évaluation des performances ;

Determination dans les Installations au Sol des Parametres Aerodynamiques de Stabilite des Aeronefs (Determination in Ground Facilities of Aerodynamic Stability Parameters of Aircraft),

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-06-01

7 INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................... 12 CHAPITRE I : ELEMENTS DE DYNAMIQUE...daone Ie texts. 12 INTRODUCTION La ddtermination des ddrivdes adrodynamiques de stabilitd, en soufflerie et au tunnel de tir, aur des maquettes...ddtection des forces eat effectuds de fegon classiqus depuis plus de vingt ana par des barreaux d’acier dquipds de jauges de contrainte, gdndralament en

Electronic Messaging for the 90s (Les Messageries Electroniques des Annees 90)

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-05-01

des autres unitds (un programme peut par exemple inclure un algorithme de 2. L CICULAIONDE ’INFRMAION recherche dans des donn~es...dit quc le rdseau, en particulier le r.dseau distant, cette coopdration homme /macbine. aifre des performances bien infirieures A celles des ordinateurs...dans ce sens, entre constructeurs d’ordinateurs, des opdrations traitementltransport. constructeurs didquipements de t~ l ~communications et exploitants de

Evacuation simulation using Hybrid Space Discretisation and Application to Large Underground Rail Tunnel Station

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chooramun, N.; Lawrence, P. J.; Galea, E. R.

2017-08-01

In all evacuation simulation tools, the space through which agents navigate and interact is represented by one the following methods, namely Coarse regions, Fine nodes and Continuous regions. Each of the spatial representation methods has its benefits and limitations. For instance, the Coarse approach allows simulations to be processed very rapidly, but is unable to represent the interactions of the agents from an individual perspective; the Continuous approach provides a detailed representation of agent movement and interaction but suffers from relatively poor computational performance. The Fine nodal approach presents a compromise between the Continuous and Coarse approaches such that it allows agent interaction to be modelled while providing good computational performance. Our approach for representing space in an evacuation simulation tool differs such that it allows evacuation simulations to be run using a combination of Coarse regions, Fine nodes and Continuous regions. This approach, which we call Hybrid Spatial Discretisation (HSD), is implemented within the buildingEXODUS evacuation simulation software. The HSD incorporates the benefits of each of the spatial representation methods whilst providing an optimal environment for representing agent movement and interaction. In this work, we demonstrate the effectiveness of the HSD through its application to a moderately large case comprising of an underground rail tunnel station with a population of 2,000 agents.

Road-safety education: spatial decentering and subjective or objective picture processing.

PubMed

Guercin, F

2007-10-01

The current study examined children's ability to analyse pictures of a risky situation, both in relation to the characteristics of the pictures and in relation to the centering/decentering process of cognitive development. Sixty children aged 6, 9 or 11 years were given an objective or subjective version of a story about a risky situation involving road crossing and were asked to reconstruct it by putting six pictures in chronological order. The type of picture series, objective or subjective, had a different effect on the children's understanding and performance, according to the age. The older children were better at ordering the pictures, but on the subjective version only. The picture-version effect on planning time decreased with age; only the younger children took more time to start touching the pictures. On one hand, it is concluded that for the youngest children, objective representations are essential to analysing pictures showing a risk, whereas the oldest children will profit more from a subjective view. On the other hand, subjective representations, which give a more realistic view, provide an excellent tool for testing children's abilities. Subjective representations can be used to detect potentially risky behaviour in virtual situations (static pictures, or multimedia tools), since it permits one to predict at-risk behaviour in the street and to assess the effectiveness of remedial measures.

MetaJC++: A flexible and automatic program transformation technique using meta framework

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beevi, Nadera S.; Reghu, M.; Chitraprasad, D.; Vinodchandra, S. S.

2014-09-01

Compiler is a tool to translate abstract code containing natural language terms to machine code. Meta compilers are available to compile more than one languages. We have developed a meta framework intends to combine two dissimilar programming languages, namely C++ and Java to provide a flexible object oriented programming platform for the user. Suitable constructs from both the languages have been combined, thereby forming a new and stronger Meta-Language. The framework is developed using the compiler writing tools, Flex and Yacc to design the front end of the compiler. The lexer and parser have been developed to accommodate the complete keyword set and syntax set of both the languages. Two intermediate representations have been used in between the translation of the source program to machine code. Abstract Syntax Tree has been used as a high level intermediate representation that preserves the hierarchical properties of the source program. A new machine-independent stack-based byte-code has also been devised to act as a low level intermediate representation. The byte-code is essentially organised into an output class file that can be used to produce an interpreted output. The results especially in the spheres of providing C++ concepts in Java have given an insight regarding the potential strong features of the resultant meta-language.

Spinal cord lesions shrink peripersonal space around the feet, passive mobilization of paraplegic limbs restores it.

PubMed

Scandola, Michele; Aglioti, Salvatore Maria; Bonente, Claudio; Avesani, Renato; Moro, Valentina

2016-04-06

Peripersonal space (PPS) is the space surrounding us within which we interact with objects. PPS may be modulated by actions (e.g. when using tools) or sense of ownership (e.g. over a rubber hand). Indeed, intense and/or prolonged use of a tool may induce a sense of ownership over it. Conversely, inducing ownership over a rubber hand may activate brain regions involved in motor control. However, the extent to which PPS is modulated by action-dependent or ownership-dependent mechanisms remains unclear. Here, we explored the PPS around the feet and the sense of ownership over lower limbs in people with Paraplegia following Complete spinal cord Lesions (PCL) and in healthy subjects. PCL people can move their upper body but have lost all sensory-motor functions in their lower body (e.g. lower limbs). We tested whether PPS alterations reflect the topographical representations of various body parts. We found that the PPS around the feet was impaired in PCL who however had a normal representation of the PPS around the hands. Significantly, passive mobilization of paraplegic limbs restored the PPS around the feet suggesting that activating action representations in PCL brings about short-term changes of PPS that may thus be more plastic than previously believed.

Spinal cord lesions shrink peripersonal space around the feet, passive mobilization of paraplegic limbs restores it

PubMed Central

Scandola, Michele; Aglioti, Salvatore Maria; Bonente, Claudio; Avesani, Renato; Moro, Valentina

2016-01-01

Peripersonal space (PPS) is the space surrounding us within which we interact with objects. PPS may be modulated by actions (e.g. when using tools) or sense of ownership (e.g. over a rubber hand). Indeed, intense and/or prolonged use of a tool may induce a sense of ownership over it. Conversely, inducing ownership over a rubber hand may activate brain regions involved in motor control. However, the extent to which PPS is modulated by action-dependent or ownership-dependent mechanisms remains unclear. Here, we explored the PPS around the feet and the sense of ownership over lower limbs in people with Paraplegia following Complete spinal cord Lesions (PCL) and in healthy subjects. PCL people can move their upper body but have lost all sensory-motor functions in their lower body (e.g. lower limbs). We tested whether PPS alterations reflect the topographical representations of various body parts. We found that the PPS around the feet was impaired in PCL who however had a normal representation of the PPS around the hands. Significantly, passive mobilization of paraplegic limbs restored the PPS around the feet suggesting that activating action representations in PCL brings about short-term changes of PPS that may thus be more plastic than previously believed. PMID:27049439

Knowledge acquisition and representation using fuzzy evidential reasoning and dynamic adaptive fuzzy Petri nets.

PubMed

Liu, Hu-Chen; Liu, Long; Lin, Qing-Lian; Liu, Nan

2013-06-01

The two most important issues of expert systems are the acquisition of domain experts' professional knowledge and the representation and reasoning of the knowledge rules that have been identified. First, during expert knowledge acquisition processes, the domain expert panel often demonstrates different experience and knowledge from one another and produces different types of knowledge information such as complete and incomplete, precise and imprecise, and known and unknown because of its cross-functional and multidisciplinary nature. Second, as a promising tool for knowledge representation and reasoning, fuzzy Petri nets (FPNs) still suffer a couple of deficiencies. The parameters in current FPN models could not accurately represent the increasingly complex knowledge-based systems, and the rules in most existing knowledge inference frameworks could not be dynamically adjustable according to propositions' variation as human cognition and thinking. In this paper, we present a knowledge acquisition and representation approach using the fuzzy evidential reasoning approach and dynamic adaptive FPNs to solve the problems mentioned above. As is illustrated by the numerical example, the proposed approach can well capture experts' diversity experience, enhance the knowledge representation power, and reason the rule-based knowledge more intelligently.

Efficient processing of fluorescence images using directional multiscale representations.

PubMed

Labate, D; Laezza, F; Negi, P; Ozcan, B; Papadakis, M

2014-01-01

Recent advances in high-resolution fluorescence microscopy have enabled the systematic study of morphological changes in large populations of cells induced by chemical and genetic perturbations, facilitating the discovery of signaling pathways underlying diseases and the development of new pharmacological treatments. In these studies, though, due to the complexity of the data, quantification and analysis of morphological features are for the vast majority handled manually, slowing significantly data processing and limiting often the information gained to a descriptive level. Thus, there is an urgent need for developing highly efficient automated analysis and processing tools for fluorescent images. In this paper, we present the application of a method based on the shearlet representation for confocal image analysis of neurons. The shearlet representation is a newly emerged method designed to combine multiscale data analysis with superior directional sensitivity, making this approach particularly effective for the representation of objects defined over a wide range of scales and with highly anisotropic features. Here, we apply the shearlet representation to problems of soma detection of neurons in culture and extraction of geometrical features of neuronal processes in brain tissue, and propose it as a new framework for large-scale fluorescent image analysis of biomedical data.

Aversive Learning Modulates Cortical Representations of Object Categories

PubMed Central

Dunsmoor, Joseph E.; Kragel, Philip A.; Martin, Alex; LaBar, Kevin S.

2014-01-01

Experimental studies of conditioned learning reveal activity changes in the amygdala and unimodal sensory cortex underlying fear acquisition to simple stimuli. However, real-world fears typically involve complex stimuli represented at the category level. A consequence of category-level representations of threat is that aversive experiences with particular category members may lead one to infer that related exemplars likewise pose a threat, despite variations in physical form. Here, we examined the effect of category-level representations of threat on human brain activation using 2 superordinate categories (animals and tools) as conditioned stimuli. Hemodynamic activity in the amygdala and category-selective cortex was modulated by the reinforcement contingency, leading to widespread fear of different exemplars from the reinforced category. Multivariate representational similarity analyses revealed that activity patterns in the amygdala and object-selective cortex were more similar among exemplars from the threat versus safe category. Learning to fear animate objects was additionally characterized by enhanced functional coupling between the amygdala and fusiform gyrus. Finally, hippocampal activity co-varied with object typicality and amygdala activation early during training. These findings provide novel evidence that aversive learning can modulate category-level representations of object concepts, thereby enabling individuals to express fear to a range of related stimuli. PMID:23709642

Efficient processing of fluorescence images using directional multiscale representations

PubMed Central

Labate, D.; Laezza, F.; Negi, P.; Ozcan, B.; Papadakis, M.

2017-01-01

Recent advances in high-resolution fluorescence microscopy have enabled the systematic study of morphological changes in large populations of cells induced by chemical and genetic perturbations, facilitating the discovery of signaling pathways underlying diseases and the development of new pharmacological treatments. In these studies, though, due to the complexity of the data, quantification and analysis of morphological features are for the vast majority handled manually, slowing significantly data processing and limiting often the information gained to a descriptive level. Thus, there is an urgent need for developing highly efficient automated analysis and processing tools for fluorescent images. In this paper, we present the application of a method based on the shearlet representation for confocal image analysis of neurons. The shearlet representation is a newly emerged method designed to combine multiscale data analysis with superior directional sensitivity, making this approach particularly effective for the representation of objects defined over a wide range of scales and with highly anisotropic features. Here, we apply the shearlet representation to problems of soma detection of neurons in culture and extraction of geometrical features of neuronal processes in brain tissue, and propose it as a new framework for large-scale fluorescent image analysis of biomedical data. PMID:28804225

Arrowheaded enhanced multivariance products representation for matrices (AEMPRM): Specifically focusing on infinite matrices and converting arrowheadedness to tridiagonality

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Özdemir, Gizem; Demiralp, Metin

2015-12-01

In this work, Enhanced Multivariance Products Representation (EMPR) approach which is a Demiralp-and-his- group extension to the Sobol's High Dimensional Model Representation (HDMR) has been used as the basic tool. Their discrete form have also been developed and used in practice by Demiralp and his group in addition to some other authors for the decomposition of the arrays like vectors, matrices, or multiway arrays. This work specifically focuses on the decomposition of infinite matrices involving denumerable infinitely many rows and columns. To this end the target matrix is first decomposed to the sum of certain outer products and then each outer product is treated by Tridiagonal Matrix Enhanced Multivariance Products Representation (TMEMPR) which has been developed by Demiralp and his group. The result is a three-matrix- factor-product whose kernel (the middle factor) is an arrowheaded matrix while the pre and post factors are invertable matrices decomposed of the support vectors of TMEMPR. This new method is called as Arrowheaded Enhanced Multivariance Products Representation for Matrices. The general purpose is approximation of denumerably infinite matrices with the new method.

Comparative investigations of manual action representations: evidence that chimpanzees represent the costs of potential future actions involving tools.

PubMed

Frey, Scott H; Povinelli, Daniel J

2012-01-12

The ability to adjust one's ongoing actions in the anticipation of forthcoming task demands is considered as strong evidence for the existence of internal action representations. Studies of action selection in tool use reveal that the behaviours that we choose in the present moment differ depending on what we intend to do next. Further, they point to a specialized role for mechanisms within the human cerebellum and dominant left cerebral hemisphere in representing the likely sensory costs of intended future actions. Recently, the question of whether similar mechanisms exist in other primates has received growing, but still limited, attention. Here, we present data that bear on this issue from a species that is a natural user of tools, our nearest living relative, the chimpanzee. In experiment 1, a subset of chimpanzees showed a non-significant tendency for their grip preferences to be affected by anticipation of the demands associated with bringing a tool's baited end to their mouths. In experiment 2, chimpanzees' initial grip preferences were consistently affected by anticipation of the forthcoming movements in a task that involves using a tool to extract a food reward. The partial discrepancy between the results of these two studies is attributed to the ability to accurately represent differences between the motor costs associated with executing the two response alternatives available within each task. These findings suggest that chimpanzees are capable of accurately representing the costs of intended future actions, and using those predictions to select movements in the present even in the context of externally directed tool use.

Comparative investigations of manual action representations: evidence that chimpanzees represent the costs of potential future actions involving tools

PubMed Central

Frey, Scott H.; Povinelli, Daniel J.

2012-01-01

The ability to adjust one's ongoing actions in the anticipation of forthcoming task demands is considered as strong evidence for the existence of internal action representations. Studies of action selection in tool use reveal that the behaviours that we choose in the present moment differ depending on what we intend to do next. Further, they point to a specialized role for mechanisms within the human cerebellum and dominant left cerebral hemisphere in representing the likely sensory costs of intended future actions. Recently, the question of whether similar mechanisms exist in other primates has received growing, but still limited, attention. Here, we present data that bear on this issue from a species that is a natural user of tools, our nearest living relative, the chimpanzee. In experiment 1, a subset of chimpanzees showed a non-significant tendency for their grip preferences to be affected by anticipation of the demands associated with bringing a tool's baited end to their mouths. In experiment 2, chimpanzees' initial grip preferences were consistently affected by anticipation of the forthcoming movements in a task that involves using a tool to extract a food reward. The partial discrepancy between the results of these two studies is attributed to the ability to accurately represent differences between the motor costs associated with executing the two response alternatives available within each task. These findings suggest that chimpanzees are capable of accurately representing the costs of intended future actions, and using those predictions to select movements in the present even in the context of externally directed tool use. PMID:22106426

PubMed

Belaid, Loubna; Cloos, Patrick; Ridde, Valéry

2017-04-20

Cette étude vise à décrire la mobilisation des représentations ethnoculturelles par des agents et des gestionnaires de santé pour expliquer l'échec partiel d'une politique de santé maternelle et discuter des conséquences potentielles de ces représentations sur l'accès aux soins de santé des populations.MÉTHODES : Il s'agit d'une recherche qualitative de type socio-anthropologique mobilisant des entretiens approfondis, des discussions informelles, des observations non participantes menées dans les centres de santé et une analyse documentaire. Les entretiens ont été menés auprès de 16 agents de santé et de 10 gestionnaires. Les entretiens ont été enregistrés sous support numérique et transcrits. L'étude s'est déroulée dans le district sanitaire de Djibo au Burkina Faso.RÉSULTATS : L'identification ethnique, les coutumes relatives à l'accouchement (pudeur, discrétion, présence féminine), le statut social des femmes (le faible pouvoir décisionnel), le nomadisme et l'organisation sociale des populations et leurs résistances au changement sont érigés comme des obstacles « culturels » à la politique de santé. L'usage largement répandu de ces représentations par les agents et les gestionnaires de santé contribue à réprimander les populations et à masquer les facteurs structurels qui ont pourtant une influence plus importante sur l'utilisation des services de santé maternelle. Cette recherche met en lumière le danger de l'usage excessif des représentations ethnoculturelles teintées de culturalisme dans les pratiques et les politiques de santé publique en véhiculant des stéréotypes à l'égard de certains groupes de population. Pour comprendre le succès ou l'échec des politiques sanitaires, il demeure important de considérer la qualité du contact avec le système de santé, les facteurs structurels notamment les capacités des ménages à faire face aux dépenses des soins de santé et des distances entre les villages et les centres de santé. Ces éléments permettraient de mieux comprendre les disparités constatées à l'égard des indicateurs d'utilisation des services de santé.

Gnome View: A tool for visual representation of human genome data

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

Pelkey, J.E.; Thomas, G.S.; Thurman, D.A.

1993-02-01

GnomeView is a tool for exploring data generated by the Human Gemone Project. GnomeView provides both graphical and textural styles of data presentation: employs an intuitive window-based graphical query interface: and integrates its underlying genome databases in such a way that the user can navigate smoothly across databases and between different levels of data. This paper describes GnomeView and discusses how it addresses various genome informatics issues.

How learning to abstract shapes neural sound representations

PubMed Central

Ley, Anke; Vroomen, Jean; Formisano, Elia

2014-01-01

The transformation of acoustic signals into abstract perceptual representations is the essence of the efficient and goal-directed neural processing of sounds in complex natural environments. While the human and animal auditory system is perfectly equipped to process the spectrotemporal sound features, adequate sound identification and categorization require neural sound representations that are invariant to irrelevant stimulus parameters. Crucially, what is relevant and irrelevant is not necessarily intrinsic to the physical stimulus structure but needs to be learned over time, often through integration of information from other senses. This review discusses the main principles underlying categorical sound perception with a special focus on the role of learning and neural plasticity. We examine the role of different neural structures along the auditory processing pathway in the formation of abstract sound representations with respect to hierarchical as well as dynamic and distributed processing models. Whereas most fMRI studies on categorical sound processing employed speech sounds, the emphasis of the current review lies on the contribution of empirical studies using natural or artificial sounds that enable separating acoustic and perceptual processing levels and avoid interference with existing category representations. Finally, we discuss the opportunities of modern analyses techniques such as multivariate pattern analysis (MVPA) in studying categorical sound representations. With their increased sensitivity to distributed activation changes—even in absence of changes in overall signal level—these analyses techniques provide a promising tool to reveal the neural underpinnings of perceptually invariant sound representations. PMID:24917783

"Voici des fruits, des fleurs, des feuilles et des branches" et pourquoi pas des legumes? ("Here are Fruits, Flowers, Leaves, and Branches" and Why Not Vegetables?).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

van Zundert, Danielle

1986-01-01

Describes an experiment in teaching language to young children through nature study. Activities are outlined, including the linguistic, cognitive, and cultural objectives for each. Brief illustrated descriptions are also given. (MSE)

US Army Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Programmes : Links to Readiness and Retention

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-01-01

la Direction des opérations, Bureau du sous-chef d’état-major pour la ... gestion des emprises et garnisons de l’US Army, Washington, DC. Il enseigne au Département de philosophie du Northern Virginia Community College...américaine à l’intention des personnels militaires et des familles, et des variables mesurant l’état de préparation des forces et la fidélisation de

Aircraft Disinsection: A Guide for Military and Civilian Air Carriers (Desinsectisation des aeronefs: Un guide a l’intention des responsables des transports aeriens civils et militaires)

DTIC Science & Technology

1996-04-01

regulations. - Ceratitis capitata (Mediterranean fruit fly). Quarantine regulations generally reduce - Rhagoletis pomonella (Apple maggot). the chances of a...d’insectes nuisibles dans un pays, en 6vitant des risques pour la sant6 des 6quipages, pour la s~curit6 de 1’a~ronef et pour l’industrie. Ce rapport examine 1...diffrrents officiels responsables de la r~glementation des insectes nuisibles introduits, de l’inscription des pesticides et de leur utilisation en

Contrôler la douleur et réduire l’usage abusif d’opioïdes

PubMed Central

Kotalik, Jaro

2012-01-01

Résumé Objectif Aider les médecins de famille à faire un juste équilibre sur le plan de l’éthique dans leurs pratiques de prescription d’opioïdes. Source des données Une recension des articles en anglais publiés entre 1985 et 2011 a été effectuée dans MEDLINE. La majorité des données probantes étaient de niveau III. Message principal Il est essentiel de suivre les guides de pratique clinique quand on prescrit des opioïdes, sauf s’il est démontré qu’une autre option est justifiée. De plus, quand on réfléchit à la pertinence de prescrire des opioïdes et aux nombreuses implications sur le plan de l’éthique, il est utile de fonder sa décision sur l’application des principes éthiques de la bienfaisance, de la non-malfaisance, du respect de l’autonomie et de la justice. En outre, il est essentiel de se tenir au fait des changements dans les lois et la règlementation, ainsi qu’à propos des registres électroniques provinciaux des ordonnances d’opioïdes. Conclusion Les médecins doivent s’assurer que la douleur de leurs patients est bien évaluée et prise en charge. Le contrôle optimal de la douleur peut exiger la prescription d’opioïdes. Cependant, l’obligation de soulager la douleur doit être exercée en juste équilibre avec l’acquittement de la responsabilité tout aussi importante de ne pas exposer les patients au risque de dépendance et de ne pas créer de possibilités de détournement de drogues, de trafic et de dépendance chez d’autres personnes. Les principes éthiques fondamentaux offrent un cadre de réflexion qui peut aider les médecins à prendre des décisions appropriées sur le plan de l’éthique au sujet de la prescription d’opioïdes.

Approche à l’endroit des blessures traumatiques à la main en soins primaires

PubMed Central

Cheung, Kevin; Hatchell, Alexandra; Thoma, Achilleas

2013-01-01

Résumé Objectif Passer en revue la prise en charge initiale des blessures traumatiques communes à la main que voient les médecins de soins primaires. Sources des données Nous avons examiné les données cliniques probantes et les ouvrages spécialisés récents cernés par des recherches dans la base de données électronique MEDLINE. Nous avons utilisé l’opinion d’experts pour compléter les recommandations dans les domaines où les données scientifiques étaient rares. Message principal Les médecins de soins primaires sont couramment appelés à prendre en charge des patients victimes de blessures traumatiques à la main. Dans le contexte d’un cas clinique, nous examinons l’évaluation, le diagnostic et la prise en charge initiale des traumatismes communs à la main. La présentation et la prise en charge des blessures au lit de l’ongle, des amputations de l’extrémité du doigt, des doigts en maillet, des fractures à la main, des lacérations de tendons, des morsures et de la ténosynovite infectieuse seront aussi discutées. Les principes de la prise en charge des blessures traumatiques à la main comportent la réduction et l’immobilisation des fractures, la prescription d’imagerie radiographique post-réduction, l’obtention d’un recouvrement par les tissus mous, la prévention et le traitement des infections et l’assurance d’une prophylaxie antitétanique. Conclusion Il est essentiel d’assurer une évaluation et une prise en charge appropriées des blessures traumatiques à la main pour prévenir une morbidité considérable à long terme dans une population autrement en santé. La reconnaissance sans délai des blessures qui nécessitent une demande de consultation urgente ou rapide auprès d’un chirurgien spécialiste de la main est également critique.

Relation entre les caractéristiques des table-bancs et les mesures anthropométriques des écoliers au Benin

PubMed Central

Falola, Stève Marjelin; Gouthon, Polycarpe; Falola, Jean-Marie; Fiogbe, Michel Armand; Nigan, Issiako Bio

2014-01-01

Introduction Le mobilier scolaire et la posture assise en classe sont souvent impliqués dans l'apparition des douleurs rachidiennes, influant de fait sur la qualité des tâches réalisées par les apprenants. Aucune étude n'a encore vérifié le degré d'adéquation entre les caractéristiques du mobilier et celles des écoliers au Bénin. L'objectif de cette étude transversale est donc de déterminer la relation entre les dimensions des table-bancs utilisées en classe et les mesures anthropométriques des écoliers au Bénin. Methods Elle a été réalisée avec un échantillon probabiliste de 678 écoliers, âgés de 4 à 17 ans. Les mesures anthropométriques des écoliers et les mensurations relatives aux longueurs, largeurs et hauteurs des table-bancs ont été mesurées, puis intégrées aux équations proposées dans la littérature. Les pourcentages des valeurs situées hors des limitesacceptables, dérivées de l'application des équations ont été calculés. Results La largeur et la hauteur des table-bancs utilisées par les écoliers étaient plus élevées (p < 0,05) que les valeurs de référence recommandées par les structures officielles de contrôle et de production des mobiliers scolaires au Bénin. Quel que soit le sexe, il y avait une inadéquation entre la largeur du banc et la longueur fesse-poplité, puis entre la hauteur de la table et la distance coude-bancdes écoliers. Conclusion Les résultats suggèrent de prendre en compte l’évolution des mesures anthropométriques des écoliers dans la confection des table-bancs, afin de promouvoir de bonnes postures assises en classe et de réduire le risque de troubles du rachis. PMID:25317232

Guide de pratique clinique pour les lésions cérébrales traumatiques légères et les symptômes persistants

PubMed Central

Marshall, Shawn; Bayley, Mark; McCullagh, Scott; Velikonja, Diana; Berrigan, Lindsay

2012-01-01

Résumé Objectif Présenter les nouvelles lignes directrices sur la prise en charge des lésions cérébrales traumatiques légères (LCTL) et les symptômes persistants post-commotion (SPPC) afin de renseigner et d’orienter les médecins qui prennent en charge des patients qui se remettent d’une LCTL. Qualité des données On a effectué une recherche des guides de pratique clinique existants portant sur les LCTL et une synthèse critique des ouvrages scientifiques évaluant le traitement des SPPC. Étant donné la rareté des conseils sur la prise en charge des SPPC dans les travaux sur les lésions cérébrales traumatiques, une deuxième recherche documentaire a été faite pour recenser les guides de pratique clinique et les synthèses critiques concernant la prise en charge de ces symptômes communs dans la population en général. On a convoqué des professionnels de la santé provenant de différentes disciplines et régions du Canada et de l’étranger à une conférence consensuelle d’experts pour examiner les lignes directrices et les données probantes existantes et élaborer un guide complet pour la prise en charge des LCTL et des SPPC. Message principal À l’aide d’un processus Delphi modifié, on a produit 71 recommandations portant sur le diagnostic et la prise en charge des LCTL et des SPPC. De plus, on a inclus dans le guide de nombreuses ressources et des outils pour faciliter la mise en œuvre des recommandations. Conclusion Un guide de pratique clinique a été élaboré pour aider les professionnels de la santé à fournir des soins fondés sur les données probantes et les pratiques exemplaires à la population complexe de personnes qui ont des SPPC à la suite d’une LCTL.

La singularité du patient tuberculeux dans le système de santé: l'expérience du Burkina Faso

PubMed Central

Zerbo, Roger

2013-01-01

La démarche pluridisciplinaire s'impose de plus en plus dans le secteur de la santé dans le contexte africain, où les parcours thérapeutiques sont pluriels et les rapports des usagers des centres de santé sont complexes et peu satisfaisants. La compréhension des représentations de la maladie est nécessaire pour offrir des soins appropriés certes, mais l'expérience individuelle des malades représente également une source de savoir. Les données ont été collectées à travers des entretiens semi-directifs, le recueil des récits de vie et des observations participantes. Cet article rend compte d'une expérience d'implication de socio-anthropologue dans la mise en œuvre d'un programme de santé publique au Burkina Faso en vue d'une amélioration de la prise en charge des malades tuberculeux. L'analyse des données à été conduite dans une visée réflexive. Les perspectives socio-anthropologiques ont révélé que l'expérience des anciens malades tuberculeux peut être mise à profit afin d'apporter des changements dans les relations thérapeutiques et l'intégration sociale des autres malades. Cette idée à été mise en application pour tenir lieu d'une traduction des analyses anthropologiques en actes pour un changement. L'article évoque la manière dont l'approche socio-anthropologique au sein d'un programme de santé, peut mettre en évidence le potentiel des malades à être des acteurs importants dans le fonctionnement des services de soins et leur propre bien-être. Dans cette situation, la démarche théorique implique la réflexivité de l'anthropologue, mais également un regard critique sur les modes d'intervention en santé publique. PMID:24009798