The Problem Patron and the Academic Library Web Site as Virtual Reference Desk.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Taylor, Daniel; Porter, George S.

2002-01-01

Considers problem library patrons in a virtual environment based on experiences at California Institute of Technology's Web site and its use for virtual reference. Discusses the virtual reference desk concept; global visibility and access to the World Wide Web; problematic email; and advantages in the electronic environment. (LRW)

Travels towards Problem Based Learning in Medical Education (VPBL).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bowdish, Bruce E.; Chauvin, Sheila W.; Kreisman, Norman; Britt, Mike

2003-01-01

Reports results of an investigation of the effectiveness of a prototype virtual problem-based learning (VPBL) exercise delivered via the World Wide Web to first year medical students. Compares the VPBL and a text-based version of the same exercise on students' achievement and examines instructional design issues including learner control and…

What Works: Study Circles in the Real World. Best Practices for Producing Community-Wide Study Circles.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mengual, Gloria

This document, which is based on information gathered during a 1998 study of how study circle programs contribute to community problem solving, presents best practices for producing community-wide study circles. The best practices are illustrated through stories that are grouped into five sections on the following themes: (1) creating a…

Safeguarding Our World Environment. The U.N. Conference on the Human Environment. Stockholm, June 1972.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Department of State, Washington, DC.

This booklet contains a summary of the preparation efforts of the United States for participation in the U.N. Conference on the Human Environment. This conference, the first world-wide effort of governments to consider and act upon the environmental problems of the entire human community, was held in Stockholm in June, 1972. Description is given…

Improving Hospital-wide Patient Scheduling Decisions by Clinical Pathway Mining.

PubMed

Gartner, Daniel; Arnolds, Ines V; Nickel, Stefan

2015-01-01

Recent research has highlighted the need for solving hospital-wide patient scheduling problems. Inpatient scheduling, patient activities have to be scheduled on scarce hospital resources such that temporal relations between activities (e.g. for recovery times) are ensured. Common objectives are, among others, the minimization of the length of stay (LOS). In this paper, we consider a hospital-wide patient scheduling problem with LOS minimization based on uncertain clinical pathways. We approach the problem in three stages: First, we learn most likely clinical pathways using a sequential pattern mining approach. Second, we provide a mathematical model for patient scheduling and finally, we combine the two approaches. In an experimental study carried out using real-world data, we show that our approach outperforms baseline approaches on two metrics.

TRSkit: A Simple Digital Library Toolkit

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nelson, Michael L.; Esler, Sandra L.

1997-01-01

This paper introduces TRSkit, a simple and effective toolkit for building digital libraries on the World Wide Web. The toolkit was developed for the creation of the Langley Technical Report Server and the NASA Technical Report Server, but is applicable to most simple distribution paradigms. TRSkit contains a handful of freely available software components designed to be run under the UNIX operating system and served via the World Wide Web. The intended customer is the person that must continuously and synchronously distribute anywhere from 100 - 100,000's of information units and does not have extensive resources to devote to the problem.

Problems and Practical Solutions of Web-Based Courses: Lessons Learned from Three Educational Institutions.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Miltiadou, Marios; McIsaac, Marina S.

The purpose of this paper is to review problems encountered in World Wide Web-based courses delivered at three different educational institutions (i.e., two community colleges and a university) in the metropolitan Phoenix (Arizona) area. Implications are discussed based on distance education theories of interaction. Interaction is a vital issue to…

EDITORIAL: Sixth World Congress on Industrial Process Tomography (WCIPT6) Sixth World Congress on Industrial Process Tomography (WCIPT6)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takei, Masahiro; Xu, Lijun

2011-10-01

We are pleased to publish this special feature on the Sixth World Congress on Industrial Process Tomography (WCIPT6) in Measurement Science and Technology. The international congress was successfully held in the campus of Beihang University, Beijing, China, from 6-9 September 2010. It was jointly organized by International Society for Industrial Process Tomography (ISIPT), North China Electric Power University (NCEPU) and Beihang University (BUAA). Process tomography is a tangible tool to visualize and determine the material distribution inside a process non-intrusively in real time. The internal features that can be monitored by process tomography are frequently encountered and required in the design of processes and industrial plants in the fields of chemical, oil, power and metallurgical engineering as well as many other activities such as food, material handling and combustion systems. One of the key characteristics of process tomography is to provide a direct impression and instant and clear understanding of a complex phenomenon. From the viewpoint of practical applications, industries all over the world are currently facing a number of daunting challenges including many wide-range and complex technical problems. The innovative technology of process tomography consistently contributes to providing better and better solutions to the problems as 'seeing is believing'. As a regular event, WCIPT is playing a more and more important role in addressing the challenges to overcome these problems. We are glad to see that this special feature provides a great opportunity for world-wide top-level researchers to discuss and make further developments in process tomography and its applications. The 20 articles included in this issue cover a wide range of relevant topics including sensors and sensing mechanisms, data acquisition systems and instrumentation, electrical, optical, acoustic and hybrid systems, image reconstruction and system evaluation, data and sensor fusion, data processing, other emerging technologies, and their industrial applications such as in multi-phase systems, combustion and chemical reaction, etc. The Seventh World Congress on Industrial Process Tomography (WCIPT7) will take place in Krakow, Poland, from 2-5 September 2013. We look forward to meeting you in Poland!

The Internet as a Means of Information Resources' Integration: The Regional Aspect.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Elepov, Boris S.; Soboleva, Elena B.; Fedotova, Olga P.; Shabanov, Andrei V.

The presence of Siberian and Far Eastern libraries on the Internet has become the reality of today. Joining this community, they solve at least two main problems--those of rational use of World Wide Web resources and those of providing access to their own products. There is a system of fixing documentary streams disclosing regional problems. Each…

Alternative Fuels and Hybrid Technology: A Classroom Activity Designed to Evaluate a Contemporary Problem

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Roy MacArthur, Amy H.; Copper, Christine L.

2009-01-01

As petroleum reserves are being depleted worldwide and energy costs are increasing, the use of alternative fuels is being more widely considered as a solution to the impending energy crisis. In this classroom activity students are presented with a real-world problem in which they must evaluate the properties and environmental impacts of a variety…

Validity and Worth in the Science Curriculum: Learning School Science Outside the Laboratory

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Braund, Martin; Reiss, Michael

2006-01-01

It is widely acknowledged that there are problems with school science in many developed countries of the world. Such problems manifest themselves in a progressive decline in pupil enthusiasm for school science across the secondary age range and by the fact that fewer students are choosing to study the physical sciences at higher levels and as…

Geological problems in radioactive waste isolation - A world wide review

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

Witherspoon, P.A.

1991-06-01

The problem of isolating radioactive wastes from the biosphere presents specialists in the earth sciences with some of the most complicated problems they have ever encountered. This is especially true for high-level waste (HLW), which must be isolated in the underground and away from the biosphere for thousands of years. The most widely accepted method of doing this is to seal the radioactive materials in metal canisters that are enclosed by a protective sheath and placed underground in a repository that has been carefully constructed in an appropriate rock formation. Much new technology is being developed to solve the problemsmore » that have been raised, and there is a continuing need to publish the results of new developments for the benefit of all concerned. Table 1 presents a summary of the various formations under investigation according to the reports submitted for this world wide review. It can be seen that in those countries that are searching for repository sites, granitic and metamorphic rocks are the prevalent rock type under investigation. Six countries have developed underground research facilities that are currently in use. All of these investigations are in saturated systems below the water table, except the United States project, which is in the unsaturated zone of a fractured tuff.« less

A Global Imperative for the Environment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Strong, Maurice F.

1974-01-01

Population, depleted resources, pollution and other environmental issues are reviewed from an international perspective. The imperative nature of world-wide cooperation is emphasized for dealing effectively with ecological problems. Directions in which this cooperation should be effected are presented. (JP)

TOXICITY TESTS FOR SEDIMENT QUALITY ASSESSMENTS

EPA Science Inventory

Toxic sediments have contributed to a wide-variety of environmental problems around the world. The observed effects include direct toxic effects to aquatic life, bio-magnification of toxicants in the food chain, and economic impacts. This chapter discusses the use of toxicity...

FIELD VALIDATION OF SEDIMENT TIE METHODS

EPA Science Inventory

Sediment toxicity is a widely recognized problem in many regions of the world. Frequently, however, the cause of toxicity is not known. The ability to identify the cause(s) of toxicity in sediments allows managers to determine sources of continuing contamination to support sele...

The Web: Can We Make It Easier To Find Information?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Maddux, Cleborne D.

1999-01-01

Reviews problems with the World Wide Web that can be attributed to human error or ineptitude, and provides suggestions for improvement. Discusses poor Web design, poor use of search engines, and poor quality control by search engines and directories. (AEF)

Testing, Testing...Managing Electronic Access in Disparate Times.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Carrington, Bessie M.

1996-01-01

Duke University's Perkins Library (North Carolina) tests electronic resources and services for remote accessibility by examining capabilities on various platforms, operating systems, communications software, and World Wide Web browsers. Problems occur in establishing connections, screen display, navigation or retrieval, keyboard variations, and in…

Remediating soils: Designing biochars to meet the need

EPA Science Inventory

Biochar, the porous, carbon-rich product of pyrolysis, may provide an additional tool for remediating both metal and organic contaminated soils and for reducing other soil limitations. Soils contaminated with metals, organics or limited in some other way is a world-wide problem...

Ferreting Out Terms and Conditions.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ebbinghouse, Carol

1999-01-01

Discusses problems for information professionals arising from traditional copyright legislation, as well as from the proposed Uniform Commercial Code 2B on information licensing. Highlights include responsibility of information consumers; World Wide Web terms and conditions, including those of newspapers and publishers; privacy issues; database…

Goodbye to 'one by one' genetics

PubMed Central

Theologis, Athanasios

2001-01-01

The completion of the Arabidopsis thaliana (mustard weed) genome sequence constitutes a major breakthrough in plant biology. It will revolutionize how we answer questions about the biology and evolution of plants as well as how we confront and resolve world-wide agricultural problems. PMID:11305933

Algorithm for Overcoming the Curse of Dimensionality for Certain Non-convex Hamilton-Jacobi Equations, Projections and Differential Games

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-05-01

Algorithm for Overcoming the Curse of Dimensionality for Certain Non-convex Hamilton-Jacobi Equations, Projections and Differential Games Yat Tin...subproblems. Our approach is expected to have wide applications in continuous dynamic games , control theory problems, and elsewhere. Mathematics...differential dynamic games , control theory problems, and dynamical systems coming from the physical world, e.g. [11]. An important application is to

ARSENIC SPECIES CAUSE RELEASE OF IRON FROM FERRITIN GENERATING REACTIVE OXYGEN SPECIES

EPA Science Inventory

ARSENIC SPECIES CAUSE RELEASE OF IRON FROM FERRITIN GENERATING REACTIVE OXYGEN SPECIES

Arsenic-associated cancer (lung, bladder, skin, liver, kidney) remains a significant world- wide public health problem (e.g., Taiwan, Chile, Bangladesh, India, China and Thailand). Rece...

ARSENIC SPECIES CAUSE RELEASE OF IRON FROM FERRITIN GENERATING REACTIVIE OXYGEN SPECIES

EPA Science Inventory

ARSENIC SPECIES. CAUSE RELEASE OF IRON , FROM FERRITIN GENERATING REACTIVE OXYGEN SPECIES

Arsenic-associated cancer (lung, bladder, skin, liver, kidney) remains a significant world- wide public health problem (e.g., Taiwan, Chile, Bangladesh, India, China and Thailand). R...

Intranets: Just Another Bandwagon?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lynch, Gary

1997-01-01

Discusses intranets--the deployment and use of Internet technologies such as the World Wide Web, electronic mail, and Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) on a closed network. Considers the "hype," benefits, standards, implementation, and problems of intranets, and concludes that while intranets can be beneficial,…

Directed Selection of Biochars for Amending Metal Contaminated Mine Soils

EPA Science Inventory

Approximately 500,000 abandoned mines across the U.S. pose a considerable, pervasive risk to human health and the environment. World-wide the problem is even larger. Lime, organic matter, biosolids and other amendments have been used to decrease metal bioavailability in contami...

MANAGEMENT OF PAH-IMPACTED SITES VIA IN SITU CHEMICAL CONTAINMENT AND MONITORING

EPA Science Inventory

On a world-wide basis the magnitude of environmental contamination problems involving polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs) is unmatched by any other group of organic chemicals. Despite the recognized limitations to PAH biodegradation (e.g., intrinsic chemical stability of the h...

The Development of Ontology from Multiple Databases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kasim, Shahreen; Aswa Omar, Nurul; Fudzee, Mohd Farhan Md; Azhar Ramli, Azizul; Aizi Salamat, Mohamad; Mahdin, Hairulnizam

2017-08-01

The area of halal industry is the fastest growing global business across the world. The halal food industry is thus crucial for Muslims all over the world as it serves to ensure them that the food items they consume daily are syariah compliant. Currently, ontology has been widely used in computer sciences area such as web on the heterogeneous information processing, semantic web, and information retrieval. However, ontology has still not been used widely in the halal industry. Today, Muslim community still have problem to verify halal status for products in the market especially foods consisting of E number. This research tried to solve problem in validating the halal status from various halal sources. There are various chemical ontology from multilple databases found to help this ontology development. The E numbers in this chemical ontology are codes for chemicals that can be used as food additives. With this E numbers ontology, Muslim community could identify and verify the halal status effectively for halal products in the market.

An evaluation of the role played by remote sensing technology following the World Trade Center attack

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huyck, Charles K.; Adams, Beverley J.; Kehrlein, David I.

2003-06-01

Remote sensing technology has been widely recognized for contributing to emergency response efforts after the World Trade Center attack on September 11th, 2001. The need to coordinate activities in the midst of a dense, yet relatively small area, made the combination of imagery and mapped data strategically useful. This paper reviews the role played by aerial photography, satellite imagery, and LIDAR data at Ground Zero. It examines how emergency managers utilized these datasets, and identifies significant problems that were encountered. It goes on to explore additional ways in which imagery could have been used, while presenting recommendations for more effective use in future disasters and Homeland Security applications. To plan adequately for future events, it was important to capture knowledge from individuals who responded to the World Trade Center attack. In recognition, interviews with key emergency management and geographic information system (GIS) personnel provide the basis of this paper. Successful techniques should not be forgotten, or serious problems dismissed. Although widely used after September 11th, it is important to recognize that with better planning, remote sensing and GIS could have played an even greater role. Together with a data acquisition timeline, an expanded discussion of these issues is available in the MCEER/NSF report “Emergency Response in the Wake of the World Trade Center Attack; The Remote Sensing Perspective” (Huyck and Adams, 2002)

Chemical Markup, XML, and the World Wide Web. 7. CMLSpect, an XML vocabulary for spectral data.

PubMed

Kuhn, Stefan; Helmus, Tobias; Lancashire, Robert J; Murray-Rust, Peter; Rzepa, Henry S; Steinbeck, Christoph; Willighagen, Egon L

2007-01-01

CMLSpect is an extension of Chemical Markup Language (CML) for managing spectral and other analytical data. It is designed to be flexible enough to contain a wide variety of spectral data. The paper describes the CMLElements used and gives practical examples for common types of spectra. In addition it demonstrates how different views of the data can be expressed and what problems still exist.

Zinc and Diarrheal Disease - Control Status and Future Perspectives

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Diarrhea is a public health problem world-wide. Although elimination of exposure to infectious pathogens is the primary means to combat this debilitating malady, use of oral zinc supplementation has been used to prevent and treat acute diarrhea in children. Evidence suggests that supplemental zinc...

Optimal Prediction in the Retina and Natural Motion Statistics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salisbury, Jared M.; Palmer, Stephanie E.

2016-03-01

Almost all behaviors involve making predictions. Whether an organism is trying to catch prey, avoid predators, or simply move through a complex environment, the organism uses the data it collects through its senses to guide its actions by extracting from these data information about the future state of the world. A key aspect of the prediction problem is that not all features of the past sensory input have predictive power, and representing all features of the external sensory world is prohibitively costly both due to space and metabolic constraints. This leads to the hypothesis that neural systems are optimized for prediction. Here we describe theoretical and computational efforts to define and quantify the efficient representation of the predictive information by the brain. Another important feature of the prediction problem is that the physics of the world is diverse enough to contain a wide range of possible statistical ensembles, yet not all inputs are probable. Thus, the brain might not be a generalized predictive machine; it might have evolved to specifically solve the prediction problems most common in the natural environment. This paper summarizes recent results on predictive coding and optimal predictive information in the retina and suggests approaches for quantifying prediction in response to natural motion. Basic statistics of natural movies reveal that general patterns of spatiotemporal correlation are present across a wide range of scenes, though individual differences in motion type may be important for optimal processing of motion in a given ecological niche.

Evaluation of traditional classroom teaching methods versus course delivery via the World Wide Web.

PubMed

Ryan, M; Carlton, K H; Ali, N S

1999-09-01

Higher education is moving with deliberate speed to an electronic classroom. Much has been published on faculty experiences with World Wide Web (WWW) course delivery. However, little research exists on the evaluation of these methods. The purpose of this study was to evaluate students' perceptions of two approaches to teaching: classroom and WWW modules. Classroom methods were rated significantly higher in relation to content, interaction, participation, faculty preparation, and communication. Technical skills were rated higher for WWW modules. Critical thinking and time allotted for assignments were not significantly different between classroom and WWW instruction. Open-ended comments were rich and supported both positive and negative aspects of classroom and WWW-based modules. Implications call for creativity in course development, course redesign and orientation, active communication with students, support for technical problems, faculty development, and university-wide planning through partnerships.

Open Educational Resources: Education for the World?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Richter, Thomas; McPherson, Maggie

2012-01-01

Education is widely seen as an important means of addressing both national and international problems, such as political or religious extremism, poverty, and hunger. However, if developing countries are to become societies that can compete properly with Western industrialized countries, not only is a fundamental shift in thinking with regard to…

Insensitivity of editors and indexers regarding the cultural variations of authors’ surnames

PubMed Central

Raveenthiran, V.

2016-01-01

Surnames, although widely used, are not obligatory in many parts of the world. This communication describes the hurdles and humiliations suffered by Oriental and South Indian authors who do not have a surname. A novel solution to the problem of author surnames is also proposed. PMID:27346959

Disrupting the School-to-Prison Pipeline

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bahena, Sofía, Ed.; Cooc, North, Ed.; Currie-Rubin, Rachel, Ed.; Kuttner, Paul, Ed.; Ng, Monica, Ed.

2012-01-01

A trenchant and wide-ranging look at this alarming national trend, "Disrupting the School-to-Prison Pipeline" is unsparing in its account of the problem while pointing in the direction of meaningful and much-needed reforms. The "school-to-prison pipeline" has received much attention in the education world over the past few…

The origin of weediness in U.S. red rice

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Weedy or red rice, a congeneric weed of cultivated rice (Oryza sativa L.), is a significant problem throughout the world. Despite belonging to the same species complex as domesticated rice and its wild relatives, the evolutionary origins of weedy rice remain unclear. We have used genome-wide and can...

Assuring Integrity of Information Utility in Cyber-Learning Formats.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Morrison, James L.; Stein, Linda L.

1999-01-01

Describes a cyber-learning project for the World Wide Web developed by faculty and librarians at the University of Delaware that combined discovery learning with problem-based learning to develop critical thinking and quality management for information. Undergraduates were to find, evaluate, and use information to generate an Internet marketing…

Buddying or Bullying? A School-Wide Decision

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Riley, Jeanetta G.; Boyce, Janet S.

2007-01-01

Bullying and harassment are increasing problems in educational settings around the world. In some countries, such as Norway, England, and Canada, the concern about bullying is so great that national governments have required schools to initiate anti-bullying policies. How can teachers and families reduce bullying in early childhood programs,…

Improving public health through mycotoxin control

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

This book from the International Agency for Research on Cancer, a part of the World Health Organization, aims to sensitize the international community to the mycotoxin problem in a format which is accessible to a wide audience and is useful to decision-makers across a broad spectrum of disciplines i...

PLASMID DNA DAMAGE CAUSED BY METHYLATED ARSENICALS, ASCORBIC ACID AND HUMAN LIVER FERRITIN

EPA Science Inventory

Plasmid DNA damage caused by methylated arsenicals, ascorbic acid and human liver ferritin.

Arsenic causes cancer in human skin, urinary bladder, lung, liver and kidney and is a significant world-wide public health problem. Although the metabolism of inorganic arsenic is ...

Instructional Technology and Higher Education: Rewards, Rights, and Responsibilities.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Albright, Michael J.

This keynote address seeks to establish a definition for "instructional technology" that does not emphasize computer hardware and software but instead focuses on human skills, resource management, problem solving, and educational settings. Also discussed are ways in which technology like electronic mail and the world wide web has…

A tabu search evalutionary algorithm for multiobjective optimization: Application to a bi-criterion aircraft structural reliability problem

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Long, Kim Chenming

Real-world engineering optimization problems often require the consideration of multiple conflicting and noncommensurate objectives, subject to nonconvex constraint regions in a high-dimensional decision space. Further challenges occur for combinatorial multiobjective problems in which the decision variables are not continuous. Traditional multiobjective optimization methods of operations research, such as weighting and epsilon constraint methods, are ill-suited to solving these complex, multiobjective problems. This has given rise to the application of a wide range of metaheuristic optimization algorithms, such as evolutionary, particle swarm, simulated annealing, and ant colony methods, to multiobjective optimization. Several multiobjective evolutionary algorithms have been developed, including the strength Pareto evolutionary algorithm (SPEA) and the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA), for determining the Pareto-optimal set of non-dominated solutions. Although numerous researchers have developed a wide range of multiobjective optimization algorithms, there is a continuing need to construct computationally efficient algorithms with an improved ability to converge to globally non-dominated solutions along the Pareto-optimal front for complex, large-scale, multiobjective engineering optimization problems. This is particularly important when the multiple objective functions and constraints of the real-world system cannot be expressed in explicit mathematical representations. This research presents a novel metaheuristic evolutionary algorithm for complex multiobjective optimization problems, which combines the metaheuristic tabu search algorithm with the evolutionary algorithm (TSEA), as embodied in genetic algorithms. TSEA is successfully applied to bicriteria (i.e., structural reliability and retrofit cost) optimization of the aircraft tail structure fatigue life, which increases its reliability by prolonging fatigue life. A comparison for this application of the proposed algorithm, TSEA, with several state-of-the-art multiobjective optimization algorithms reveals that TSEA outperforms these algorithms by providing retrofit solutions with greater reliability for the same costs (i.e., closer to the Pareto-optimal front) after the algorithms are executed for the same number of generations. This research also demonstrates that TSEA competes with and, in some situations, outperforms state-of-the-art multiobjective optimization algorithms such as NSGA II and SPEA 2 when applied to classic bicriteria test problems in the technical literature and other complex, sizable real-world applications. The successful implementation of TSEA contributes to the safety of aeronautical structures by providing a systematic way to guide aircraft structural retrofitting efforts, as well as a potentially useful algorithm for a wide range of multiobjective optimization problems in engineering and other fields.

Web based Health Education, E-learning, for weight management.

PubMed

Heetebry, Irene; Hatcher, Myron; Tabriziani, Hossein

2005-12-01

Obesity is a major health problem across the United States and becoming a progressive world wide problem. An overweight person could access the weight management program and develop a personalized weight reduction plan. The customer enters specific data to personalize the program and in the future an artificial intelligence program can evaluate customer behavior and adjust accordingly. This is an on-line program with class room support, offered as back up when desired by the patient.

The challenges of leadership in the modern world: introduction to the special issue.

PubMed

Bennis, Warren

2007-01-01

This article surveys contemporary trends in leadership theory as well as its current status and the social context that has shaped the contours of leadership studies. Emphasis is placed on the urgent need for collaboration among social-neuro-cognitive scientists in order to achieve an integrated theory, and the author points to promising leads for accomplishing this. He also asserts that the 4 major threats to world stability are a nuclear/biological catastrophe, a world-wide pandemic, tribalism, and the leadership of human institutions. Without exemplary leadership, solving the problems stemming from the first 3 threats will be impossible. ((c) 2007 APA, all rights reserved)

Medical Students' Evaluation of Physiology Learning Environments in Two Nigerian Medical Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Anyaehie, U. S. B.; Nwobodo, E.; Oze, G.; Nwagha, U. I.; Orizu, I.; Okeke, T.; Anyanwu, G. E.

2011-01-01

The expansion of biomedical knowledge and the pursuit of more meaningful learning have led to world-wide evidence-based innovative changes in medical education and curricula. The recent emphasis on problem-based learning (PBL) and student-centred learning environments are, however, not being implemented in Nigerian medical schools. Traditional…

Language Learning on the World Wide Web: An Investigation of EFL Learners' Attitudes and Perceptions.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yang, Shu Ching

2001-01-01

Describes the integration of Web resources as instructional and learning tools in an EFL (English as a Foreign Language) class in Taiwan. Highlights include challenges and advantages of using the Web; learners' perceptions; intentional and incidental learning; disorientation and cognitive overload; and information seeking as problem-solving. A…

Evaluating Text-Based Information on the World Wide Web

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wopereis, Iwan G. J. H.; van Merrienboer, Jeroen J. G.

2011-01-01

This special section contributes to an inclusive cognitive model of information problem solving (IPS) activity, touches briefly IPS learning, and brings to the notice methodological pitfalls related to uncovering IPS processes. Instead of focusing on the IPS process as a whole, the contributing articles turn their attention to what is regarded the…

Roadmap for a Departmental Web Site

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zhang, Guo-Qiang; White, Lee; Hesse, Christopher; Buchner, Marc; Mehregany, Mehran

2005-01-01

Virtually every academic department in an institute of higher education requires Web presence as a critical component of its information technology strategy. The problem of how to leverage the World Wide Web and build effective and useful departmental Web sites seems to have long been solved. Yet browsing academic Web sites from around the world…

Soil compaction and chestnut ink disease

Treesearch

T.F. Fonseca; C.G. Abreu; B.R. Parresol

2004-01-01

Chestnut ink disease caused by the oomycete Phytophthora cinnamomi, a soil-borne pathogen of world-wide distribution, accounts for the majority of disease problems on chestnuts in Portugal, limiting yield in a large number of stands and impeding establishment of trees in new areas. A survey was carried out in 32 chestnut stands in the Padrela...

Three Problems with the Connectivist Conception of Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Clarà, M.; Barberà, E.

2014-01-01

Connectivism, which has been argued to be a new learning theory, has emerged in the field of online learning during the last decade. On the World Wide Web at least, connectivism promises to establish learning spaces similar to those that Ivan Illich imagined in "Deschooling Society", through so-called massive online open courses (MOOCs).…

Families That Work: Policies for Reconciling Parenthood and Employment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gornick, Janet C.; Meyers, Marcia K.

2003-01-01

Parents around the world grapple with the common challenge of balancing work and child care. Despite common problems, the industrialized nations have developed dramatically different social and labor market policies--policies that vary widely in the level of support they provide for parents and the extent to which they encourage an equal division…

Genetic diversity for Russian wheat aphid resistance as determined by genome-wide association mapping and inheritance in progeny

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Russian wheat aphid (RWA) is an increasing problem on barley throughout the world. Genetic resistance has been identified and used to create barley germplasm and cultivars adapted to the US. Several mapping studies have been conducted to identify loci associated with resistance, but questions remain...

Herbicides--Protecting Long-Term Sustainability and Water Quality in Forest Ecosystems

Treesearch

Daniel G. Neary; Jerry L. Michael

1996-01-01

World-wide, sediment is the major water quality problem. The use of herbicides for controllingcompeting vegetation during stand establishment can be benciicial to forest ecosystem sustainability and water quality by minimising off-site soil loss, reducing onsite soil and organic matter displacement, and preventing deterioration of soil physical properties. Sediment...

Humans Do It Better: Inside the Open Directory Project.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sherman, Chris

2000-01-01

Explains the Open Directory Project (ODP), an attempt to catalog the World Wide Web by creating a human-compiled Web directory. Discusses the history of the project; open source models; the use of volunteer editors; quality control; problems and complaints; and use of ODP data by commercial services such as Google. (LRW)

Creativity, Mathematizing, and Didactizing: Leen Streefland's Work Continues

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Presmeg, Norma

2003-01-01

This reaction to the papers in this PME Special Issue of "Educational Studies in Mathematics" draws a wider perspective on the issues addressed and some of the constructs used in research in Realistic Mathematics Education (RME). In particular, it tries to show that while the problems addressed existed within the world-wide arena of…

A Digital Library for Education: The PEN-DOR Project.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fullerton, Karen; Greenberg, Jane; McClure, Maureen; Rasmussen, Edie; Stewart, Darin

1999-01-01

Describes Pen-DOR (Pennsylvania Education Network Digital Object Repository), a digital library designed to provide K-12 educators with access to multimedia resources and tools to create new lesson plans and modify existing ones via the World Wide Web. Discusses design problems of a distributed, object-oriented database architecture and describes…

Making the World Wide Web Accessible to All Students.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Guthrie, Sally A.

2000-01-01

Examines the accessibility of Web sites belonging to 80 colleges of communications and schools of journalism by examining the hypertext markup language (HTML) used to format the pages. Suggests ways to revise the markup of pages to make them more accessible to students with vision, hearing, and mobility problems. Lists resources of the latest…

Rebooting the East: Automation in University Libraries of the Former German Democratic Republic.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Seadle, Michael

1996-01-01

Provides a history of the automation efforts at former East German libraries that have made their resources available for the first time. Highlights include World Wide Web home page addresses; library problems, including censorship; automation guidelines, funding, and cooperation; online catalogs; and specific examples of university libraries'…

Visits, Hits, Caching and Counting on the World Wide Web: Old Wine in New Bottles?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Berthon, Pierre; Pitt, Leyland; Prendergast, Gerard

1997-01-01

Although web browser caching speeds up retrieval, reduces network traffic, and decreases the load on servers and browser's computers, an unintended consequence for marketing research is that Web servers undercount hits. This article explores counting problems, caching, proxy servers, trawler software and presents a series of correction factors…

Linear systems on balancing chemical reaction problem

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kafi, R. A.; Abdillah, B.

2018-01-01

The concept of linear systems appears in a variety of applications. This paper presents a small sample of the wide variety of real-world problems regarding our study of linear systems. We show that the problem in balancing chemical reaction can be described by homogeneous linear systems. The solution of the systems is obtained by performing elementary row operations. The obtained solution represents the finding coefficients of chemical reaction. In addition, we present a computational calculation to show that mathematical software such as Matlab can be used to simplify completion of the systems, instead of manually using row operations.

Registration of DT99-16864 soybean germplasm line with moderate resistance to charcoal rot [Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Charcoal rot, caused by Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goidanich, is a disease that is a world-wide problem in soybean production for which no highly resistant cultivars are currently available. Soybean germplasm line DT99-16864, a maturity group V line, was developed by the U.S. Department of Ag...

An Empirical Comparison of Navigation Effect of Pull-Down Menu Style on The World Wide Web.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yu, Byeong-Min; Han, Sungwook

Effective navigation is becoming more and more critical to the success of electronic commerce (E-commerce). It remains a challenge for educational technologists and Web designers to develop Web systems that can help customers find products or services without experiencing disorientation problems and cognitive overload. Many E-commerce Web sites…

Think outside the Box: A Logic-Defying "Impossible" Solution

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Raje, Sonali

2012-01-01

"Think outside the box" is a very common phrase, routinely used to convey the idea of finding creative and unconventional solutions to problems. Although widely used as a cliche in the business world, this phrase is significantly applicable to people who do science for a living, because scientists are constantly developing and testing new ideas.…

Social Psychology, Social Science, and Economics: Twentieth Century Progress and Problems, Twenty-First Century Prospects

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

House, James S.

2008-01-01

Stimulated by social scientists' and especially social psychologists' contributions during World War II, as well as by America's post-war economic and population growth, the period from 1945 to 1970 was widely viewed as a "Golden Age" for American social science. Interdisciplinary social psychology arguably was in the vanguard of these…

Addressing the Needs of Students with Learning Disabilities during Their Interaction with the Web

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Curcic, Svjetlana

2011-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of instruction in information problem solving within the world wide web (the web) environment. The participants were 20 seventh and eighth grade students with a learning disability (LD) in reading. An experimental pretest-posttest control group method was used to investigate the…

CalMHSA Student Mental Health Campus-Wide Survey. 2013 Summary Report

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sontag-Padilla, Lisa; Roth, Elizabeth; Woodbridge, Michelle W.; Kase, Courtney Ann; Osilla, Karen Chan; D'Amico, Elizabeth; Jaycox, Lisa H.; Stein, Bradley D.

2014-01-01

Mental Health Problems among college and university students represent a significant public health issue in the United States. Mental disorders account for nearly one-half of the disease burden for young adults in the United States (World Health Organization, 2008), and most lifetime mental disorders have first onset by age 24 (Kessler et al.,…

Development and Integration of WWW-Based Services in an Existing University Environment.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Garofalakis, John; Kappos, Panagiotis; Tsakalidis, Athanasios; Tsaknakis, John; Tzimas, Giannis; Vassiliadis, Vassilios

This paper describes the experience and the problems solved in the process of developing and integrating advanced World Wide Web-based services into the University of Patras (Greece) system. In addition to basic network services (e.g., e-mail, file transfer protocol), the final system will integrate the following set of advanced services: a…

User Identification and Tracking in an Educational Web Environment.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Marzo-Lazaro, J. L.; Verdu-Carbo, T.; Fabregat-Gesa, R.

This paper describes a solution to the user identification and tracking problem within an educational World Wide Web environment. The paper begins with an overview of the Teaching Support System project at the University of Girona (Spain); the main objective of the project is to create an integrated set of tools for teachers to use to create and…

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…

EKISTICS [OIKIETIKH]: The Problem and Science of Human Settlements, Volume 41, Number 246, May 1976. Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bell, Gwen, Ed.

Articles related to educational planning in developing nations are presented. This issue of the journal of the World Society for Ekistics reviews environmental and settlement education programs which offer a wide variety of new approaches. Topics discussed include becoming a planning society; challenges, dilemmas, and strategies of ekistics…

Development of an Inquiry-Based Learning Support System Based on an Intelligent Knowledge Exploration Approach

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wu, Ji-Wei; Tseng, Judy C. R.; Hwang, Gwo-Jen

2015-01-01

Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL) is an effective approach for promoting active learning. When inquiry-based learning is incorporated into instruction, teachers provide guiding questions for students to actively explore the required knowledge in order to solve the problems. Although the World Wide Web (WWW) is a rich knowledge resource for students to…

Health Information Retrieval Tool (HIRT)

PubMed Central

Nyun, Mra Thinzar; Ogunyemi, Omolola; Zeng, Qing

2002-01-01

The World Wide Web (WWW) is a powerful way to deliver on-line health information, but one major problem limits its value to consumers: content is highly distributed, while relevant and high quality information is often difficult to find. To address this issue, we experimented with an approach that utilizes three-dimensional anatomic models in conjunction with free-text search.

Exploring Writing Individually and Collaboratively Using Google Docs in EFL Contexts

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alsubaie, Jawaher; Ashuraidah, Ali

2017-01-01

Online teaching and learning became popular with the evolution of the World Wide Web now days. Implementing online learning tools within EFL contexts will help better address the multitude of teaching and learning styles. Difficulty in academic writing can be considered one of the common problems that students face in and outside their classrooms.…

Folk Taxonomies. Connected Classroom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bull, Glen

2005-01-01

Early in the 1990s, Tim Berners-Lee had a powerful idea--the concept of the World Wide Web. The success of this vision produced an unparalleled explosion of information, which in turn resulted in a parallel problem--how to locate the right piece of information. A 2005 study by Hanson and Carlson, published by the Educational Development Center,…

A World Wide Web-based antimicrobial stewardship program improves efficiency, communication, and user satisfaction and reduces cost in a tertiary care pediatric medical center.

PubMed

Agwu, Allison L; Lee, Carlton K K; Jain, Sanjay K; Murray, Kara L; Topolski, Jason; Miller, Robert E; Townsend, Timothy; Lehmann, Christoph U

2008-09-15

Antimicrobial stewardship programs aim to reduce inappropriate hospital antimicrobial use. At the Johns Hopkins Children's Medical and Surgical Center (Baltimore, MD), we implemented a World Wide Web-based antimicrobial restriction program to address problems with the existing restriction program. A user survey identified opportunities for improvement of an existing antimicrobial restriction program and resulted in subsequent design, implementation, and evaluation of a World Wide Web-based antimicrobial restriction program at a 175-bed, tertiary care pediatric teaching hospital. The program provided automated clinical decision support, facilitated approval, and enhanced real-time communication among prescribers, pharmacists, and pediatric infectious diseases fellows. Approval status, duration, and rationale; missing request notifications; and expiring approvals were stored in a database that is accessible via a secure Intranet site. Before and after implementation of the program, user satisfaction, reports of missed and/or delayed doses, antimicrobial dispensing times, and cost were evaluated. After implementation of the program, there was a $370,069 reduction in projected annual cost associated with restricted antimicrobial use and an 11.6% reduction in the number of dispensed doses. User satisfaction increased from 22% to 68% and from 13% to 69% among prescribers and pharmacists, respectively. There were 21% and 32% reductions in the number of prescriber reports of missed and delayed doses, respectively, and there was a 37% reduction in the number of pharmacist reports of delayed approvals; measured dispensing times were unchanged (P = .24). In addition, 40% fewer restricted antimicrobial-related phone calls were noted by the pharmacy. The World Wide Web-based antimicrobial approval program led to improved communication, more-efficient antimicrobial administration, increased user satisfaction, and significant cost savings. Integrated tools, such as this World Wide Web-based antimicrobial approval program, will effectively enhance antimicrobial stewardship programs.

Distributed intelligent urban environment monitoring system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Du, Jinsong; Wang, Wei; Gao, Jie; Cong, Rigang

2018-02-01

The current environmental pollution and destruction have developed into a world-wide major social problem that threatens human survival and development. Environmental monitoring is the prerequisite and basis of environmental governance, but overall, the current environmental monitoring system is facing a series of problems. Based on the electrochemical sensor, this paper designs a small, low-cost, easy to layout urban environmental quality monitoring terminal, and multi-terminal constitutes a distributed network. The system has been small-scale demonstration applications and has confirmed that the system is suitable for large-scale promotion

Evaluation of Tools for Protection of Interest against Hacking and Cracking

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jahankhani, Hossein; Antonijevic, Branko; Walcott, Terry

The internet considered a tool that effectively ensures communication globally has been hindered by hackers and crackers continuously. In so doing, a multitude of network facilitated tools such as firewalls, virtual private networks (VPN) and a variety of antivirus software packages has been enabled for dealing with such predicaments. However, more often than not these facilitated tools are marketed as perfect solutions to the ever culminating problems such as loss of data and privacy in networked and world wide intercommunications. We provide a forum for addressing these perceived problems in this paper.

Honor crimes: review and proposed definition.

PubMed

Elakkary, Sally; Franke, Barbara; Shokri, Dina; Hartwig, Sven; Tsokos, Michael; Püschel, Klaus

2014-03-01

There is every reason to believe that honor based violence is one of the forms of domestic violence that is being practiced against females all over the world. This type of violence includes a wide range of crimes, the severest of which is honor killing. Many studies have adopted different definitions for the so-called honor killing. In this paper some of these definitions are discussed and a working definition is proposed. The scope of the problem worldwide is presented. Honor killing goes beyond ethnicity, class, and religion. It is a very old phenomenon that was practiced in ancient Rome, guided by penal codes. Some of the older as well as new penal codes are discussed concerning this matter from different regions of the world. The different efforts of international governmental and nongovernmental organizations in combating this problem are also presented.

Joint Operating Environment: The Joint Force in a Contested and Disordered World

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-07-14

spilling over borders, and creating wide-ranging international problems. The future of Science, Technology, and Engineering will see others reaching...10 Science, Technology, and Engineering and the Future Joint Force ..........................................15 Summary... Engineering – may lead to new and challenging conditions that will redefine the security environment of 2035.  Section 2: Contexts of Future Conflict

An Internet Application To Relieve Constraints in the Flow of Technical Information--The Virtual Technology Market (VTM).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Beverly, James E.; Xue, Lan; Lee, Chung-Shing

1996-01-01

Reports on the use of the Internet and World Wide Web as a virtual technology market (VTM) for information and technology transfer. The project focuses on creating awareness of technology demand (problems) and linking it to technology supply (solutions) in the field of particle technology and multiphase processes in the chemical industry. Benefits…

Urban containment policies and the protection of natural areas: the case of Seoul's greenbelt

Treesearch

David N. Bengston; Yeo-Chang Youn

2006-01-01

Countries around the world have responded to the problems associated with rapid urban growth and increasingly land-consumptive development patterns by creating a wide range of policy instruments designed to manage urban growth. Of the array of growth management techniques, urban containment policies are considered by some to be a promising approach. This paper focuses...

Establishing and Applying Criteria for Evaluating the Ease of Use of Dynamic Platforms for Teaching Web Application Development

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dehinbo, Johnson

2011-01-01

The widespread use of the Internet and the World Wide Web led to the availability of many platforms for developing dynamic Web application and the problem of choosing the most appropriate platform that will be easy to use for undergraduate students of web applications development in tertiary institutions. Students beginning to learn web…

What Constitutes Adoption of the Web: A Methodological Problem in Assessing Adoption of the World Wide Web for Electronic Commerce.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

White, Marilyn Domas; Abels, Eileen G.; Gordon-Murnane, Laura

1998-01-01

Reports on methodological developments in a project to assess the adoption of the Web by publishers of business information for electronic commerce. Describes the approach used on a sample of 20 business publishers to identify five clusters of publishers ranging from traditionalist to innovator. Distinguishes between adopters and nonadopters of…

Failures of Sustained Attention in Life, Lab, and Brain: Ecological Validity of the SART

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smilek, Daniel; Carriere, Jonathan S. A.; Cheyne, J. Allan

2010-01-01

The Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART) is a widely used tool in cognitive neuroscience increasingly employed to identify brain regions associated with failures of sustained attention. An important claim of the SART is that it is significantly related to real-world problems of sustained attention such as those experienced by TBI and ADHD…

Neo-Liberal Policy Agendas and the Problem of Inequality in Higher Education: The Ethiopian Case

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Molla, Tebeje

2014-01-01

Under the influence of the external policy pressure of donors such as the World Bank, higher education in Ethiopia has witnessed a series of institutional and system-wide reforms. This article reviews selected policy documents to show key neo-liberal policy agendas endorsed in the reforms and explicate how they have affected social equity in the…

Key Information-Problem Solving Skills to Learn in Secondary Education: A Qualitative, Multi-Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Argelagós, Esther; Pifarré, Manoli

2016-01-01

Internet has become one of the most important information sources for students' personal and academic life. In addition, the World Wide Web is receiving increased attention in education because of its potential to support new forms of learning. However, using the information from the net for learning requires the development of a set of abilities…

Datasets for transcriptomic analyses of maize leaves in response to Asian corn borer feeding and/or jasmonic acid

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Corn is one of the most widely grown crops throughout the world. However, many corn fields develop pest problems such as corn borers every year that seriously affect its yield and quality. Corn's response to initial insect damage involves a variety of changes to the levels of defensive enzymes, toxi...

Perspectives on Children's Navigation of the World Wide Web: Does the Type of Search Task Make a Difference?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bilal, Dania

2002-01-01

Reports findings of a three-part research project that examined the information seeking behavior and success of 22 seventh-grade science students in using the Web. Discusses problems encountered, including inadequate knowledge of how to use the search engine and poor level of research skills; and considers implications for Web training and system…

Violence: a glossary

PubMed Central

Rutherford, Alison; Zwi, Anthony B; Grove, Natalie J; Butchart, Alexander

2007-01-01

Violence has been explicitly identified as a significant public health problem. This glossary clarifies widely used definitions and concepts of violence within the public health field, building on those promoted through the 2002 World Report on Violence and Health. We provide definitions and concepts that can be usefully applied to identify points for public health intervention to prevent the social and health impacts of violence. PMID:17630364

Teachers' Attitudes Toward WebQuests as a Method of Teaching

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Perkins, Robert; McKnight, Margaret L.

2005-01-01

One of the latest uses of technology gaining popular status in education is the WebQuest, a process that involves students using the World Wide Web to solve a problem. The goals of this project are to: (a) determine if teachers are using WebQuests in their classrooms; (b) ascertain whether teachers feel WebQuests are effective for teaching…

Stewart and Ray's Big Adventure: A Research Experience for Teachers at UMASS/Amherst

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McCarthy, Ray

2011-01-01

Late in the winter of 2010, teachers across Massachusetts received invitations to apply for six- to eight-week Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) in which middle or high school teachers in STEM subjects would work alongside scientists and their graduate students as they sought to solve real-world problems. This country-wide effort was funded…

Challenges and Opportunities: A Report of the 1998 Library Survey of Internet Users at Seton Hall University.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bao, Xue-Ming

1998-01-01

A survey of 786 students and faculty found 78.6% used the World Wide Web on a daily or weekly basis and provided information about user demographics, frequency of use and satisfaction, search results and problems, university library home-page use, search strategies, and search training. Discusses challenges and opportunities for librarians…

Identifying the causes of water crises: A configurational frequency analysis of 22 basins world wide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Srinivasan, V.; Gorelick, S.; Lambin, E.; Rozelle, S.; Thompson, B.

2010-12-01

Freshwater "scarcity" has been identified as being a major problem world-wide, but it is surprisingly hard to assess if water is truly scarce at a global or even regional scale. Most empirical water research remains location specific. Characterizing water problems, transferring lessons across regions, to develop a synthesized global view of water issues remains a challenge. In this study we attempt a systematic understanding of water problems across regions. We compared case studies of basins across different regions of the world using configurational frequency analysis. Because water crises are multi-symptom and multi-causal, a major challenge was to categorize water problems so as to make comparisons across cases meaningful. In this study, we focused strictly on water unsustainability, viz. the inability to sustain current levels of the anthropogenic (drinking water, food, power, livelihood) and natural (aquatic species, wetlands) into the future. For each case, the causes of three outcome variables, groundwater declines, surface water declines and aquatic ecosystem declines, were classified and coded. We conducted a meta-analysis in which clusters of peer-reviewed papers by interdisciplinary teams were considered to ensure that the results were not biased towards factors privileged by any one discipline. Based on our final sample of 22 case study river basins, some clear patterns emerged. The meta-analysis suggests that water resources managers have long overemphasized the factors governing supply of water resources and while insufficient attention has been paid to the factors driving demand. Overall, uncontrolled increase in demand was twice as frequent as declines in availability due to climate change or decreased recharge. Moreover, groundwater and surface water declines showed distinct causal pathways. Uncontrolled increases in demand due to lack of credible enforcement were a key factor driving groundwater declines; while increased upstream abstractions, inadequate infrastructure investments, and pollution were dominant causes of surface water declines.

Multi-Instance Metric Transfer Learning for Genome-Wide Protein Function Prediction.

PubMed

Xu, Yonghui; Min, Huaqing; Wu, Qingyao; Song, Hengjie; Ye, Bicui

2017-02-06

Multi-Instance (MI) learning has been proven to be effective for the genome-wide protein function prediction problems where each training example is associated with multiple instances. Many studies in this literature attempted to find an appropriate Multi-Instance Learning (MIL) method for genome-wide protein function prediction under a usual assumption, the underlying distribution from testing data (target domain, i.e., TD) is the same as that from training data (source domain, i.e., SD). However, this assumption may be violated in real practice. To tackle this problem, in this paper, we propose a Multi-Instance Metric Transfer Learning (MIMTL) approach for genome-wide protein function prediction. In MIMTL, we first transfer the source domain distribution to the target domain distribution by utilizing the bag weights. Then, we construct a distance metric learning method with the reweighted bags. At last, we develop an alternative optimization scheme for MIMTL. Comprehensive experimental evidence on seven real-world organisms verifies the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed MIMTL approach over several state-of-the-art methods.

Observational Mishaps - a Database

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

von Braun, K.; Chiboucas, K.; Hurley-Keller, D.

1999-05-01

We present a World-Wide-Web-accessible database of astronomical images which suffer from a variety of observational problems. These problems range from common phenomena, such as dust grains on filters and/or dewar window, to more exotic cases like, for instance, deflated support airbags underneath the primary mirror. The purpose of this database is to enable astronomers at telescopes to save telescope time by discovering the nature of the trouble they might be experiencing with the help of this online catalog. Every observational mishap contained in this collection is presented in the form of a GIF image, a brief explanation of the problem, and, to the extent possible, a suggestion of what might be done to solve the problem and improve the image quality.

Tracing medical information over the Internet.

PubMed

Mutairi, S M

2000-05-01

The Internet became with do doubt a huge and valuable source of information for researchers. The wealth of information on the Internet is second to none and medical information is no exception. Yet with the vast expansion of the Internet and the World Wide Web in specie, to find the kind of information one is looking for, he/she needs to browse thousands of web sites and the experience would be like digging into a stack of hay looking for a needle. That's why search engines and subject indexes, as means to overcome this problem, were introduced and grew so rapidly. In general, there are three approaches to retrieve data from the World Wide Web; the subject directories, search engines and detailed subject indexes. However, there is no single comprehensive search engine or directory and it is recommended to use more than one with different keywords and synonymous.

The Problem of False Discovery: Many Scientific Results Can't Be Replicated, Leading to Serious Questions about What's True and False in the World of Research.

PubMed

Foster, Kenneth R; Skufca, Joseph

2016-01-01

Is there a Cheshire Cat in science? One might believe so, given the many published scientific discoveries that cannot be independently reproduced. The ?replication crisis? in science has become a widely discussed issue among scientists and the lay media and even has its own entry in Wikipedia.

War Peace Film Guide. Revised Edition.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dowling, John

This filmography is a selective listing of 287 films dealing with the topics of war and peace for use with K-12 and college students and with adults. The annotated guide will be of use to anyone planning a world affairs program and of special value to those interested in the problem of war. A wide variety of subject areas are treated in the films.…

The Effects of General Interpersonal and Bullying-Specific Teacher Behaviors on Pupils' Bullying Behaviors at School

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

van der Zanden, Petrie J. A. C.; Denessen, Eddie J. P. G.; Scholte, Ron H. J.

2015-01-01

Bullying is a problem in many schools around the world. It is seen as an unwanted phenomenon in education and in many contexts the reduction of bullying is a target of national and local education policy. In practice, the extent to which bullying occurs differs widely across classrooms. Part of these differences may be explained by teachers'…

The Resilience of Recently Graduated and Unemployed Dutch Academics in Coping with the Economic Crisis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dekker, Jeroen J. H.; Amsing, Hilda T. A.; Hahurij, Lisa; Wichgers, Inge

2014-01-01

Some years after the world-wide crisis starting in 2008, also many recently graduated Dutch academics were confronted with the problem of how to cope with getting a job. This article focuses on the coping strategies they use when searching after a job, spending the day, and coping with limited financial means. 91 graduated academics completed a…

Virtual Mobility in Reality: A Study of the Use of ICT in Finnish Leonardo da Vinci Mobility Projects.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Valjus, Sonja

An e-mail survey and interviews collected data on use of information and communications technology (ICT) in Finnish Leonardo da Vinci mobility projects from 2000-02. Findings showed that the most common ICT tools used were e-mail, digital tools, and the World Wide Web; ICT was used during all project phases; the most common problems concerned…

Classification of complex networks based on similarity of topological network features

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Attar, Niousha; Aliakbary, Sadegh

2017-09-01

Over the past few decades, networks have been widely used to model real-world phenomena. Real-world networks exhibit nontrivial topological characteristics and therefore, many network models are proposed in the literature for generating graphs that are similar to real networks. Network models reproduce nontrivial properties such as long-tail degree distributions or high clustering coefficients. In this context, we encounter the problem of selecting the network model that best fits a given real-world network. The need for a model selection method reveals the network classification problem, in which a target-network is classified into one of the candidate network models. In this paper, we propose a novel network classification method which is independent of the network size and employs an alignment-free metric of network comparison. The proposed method is based on supervised machine learning algorithms and utilizes the topological similarities of networks for the classification task. The experiments show that the proposed method outperforms state-of-the-art methods with respect to classification accuracy, time efficiency, and robustness to noise.

Evolutionary Computation with Spatial Receding Horizon Control to Minimize Network Coding Resources

PubMed Central

Leeson, Mark S.

2014-01-01

The minimization of network coding resources, such as coding nodes and links, is a challenging task, not only because it is a NP-hard problem, but also because the problem scale is huge; for example, networks in real world may have thousands or even millions of nodes and links. Genetic algorithms (GAs) have a good potential of resolving NP-hard problems like the network coding problem (NCP), but as a population-based algorithm, serious scalability and applicability problems are often confronted when GAs are applied to large- or huge-scale systems. Inspired by the temporal receding horizon control in control engineering, this paper proposes a novel spatial receding horizon control (SRHC) strategy as a network partitioning technology, and then designs an efficient GA to tackle the NCP. Traditional network partitioning methods can be viewed as a special case of the proposed SRHC, that is, one-step-wide SRHC, whilst the method in this paper is a generalized N-step-wide SRHC, which can make a better use of global information of network topologies. Besides the SRHC strategy, some useful designs are also reported in this paper. The advantages of the proposed SRHC and GA for the NCP are illustrated by extensive experiments, and they have a good potential of being extended to other large-scale complex problems. PMID:24883371

Interaction Design and Usability of Learning Spaces in 3D Multi-user Virtual Worlds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Minocha, Shailey; Reeves, Ahmad John

Three-dimensional virtual worlds are multimedia, simulated environments, often managed over the Web, which users can 'inhabit' and interact via their own graphical, self-representations known as 'avatars'. 3D virtual worlds are being used in many applications: education/training, gaming, social networking, marketing and commerce. Second Life is the most widely used 3D virtual world in education. However, problems associated with usability, navigation and way finding in 3D virtual worlds may impact on student learning and engagement. Based on empirical investigations of learning spaces in Second Life, this paper presents design guidelines to improve the usability and ease of navigation in 3D spaces. Methods of data collection include semi-structured interviews with Second Life students, educators and designers. The findings have revealed that design principles from the fields of urban planning, Human- Computer Interaction, Web usability, geography and psychology can influence the design of spaces in 3D multi-user virtual environments.

SNIF-ACT: A Cognitive Model of User Navigation on the World Wide Web

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-01-03

opinions of others on a particular topic or problems. Obviously, our model was not able to answer these questions directly, and more research is... Research Center 3333 Coyote Hill Rd Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA Manuscript submitted to Human-Computer Interaction Date: Jan 03, 2007...models. Rational analysis is a variant form of an approach called methodological adaptationism that has also shaped research programs in behavioral

The Use of Webquest to Enhance the Mathematical Problem-Posing Skills of Pre-Service Teachers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Elwan, Reda Abu

2007-01-01

The advent of the World Wide Web is affecting many aspects of education, with claims that its use can transform the way students learn and are taught. WebQuest, the name given to an inquiry-oriented activity in which most or all of the information used by learners is drawn from the Web, is being suggested as a means of enhancing learning. This…

Web Accessibility of the Higher Education Institute Websites Based on the World Wide Web Consortium and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alam, Najma H.

2014-01-01

The problem observed in this study is the low level of compliance of higher education website accessibility with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The literature supports the non-compliance of websites with the federal policy in general. Studies were performed to analyze the accessibility of fifty-four sample web pages using automated…

A case of phytodermatitis due to the Ceratocephalus falcatus.

PubMed

Gönül, Müzeyyen; Cakmak, Seray Külcü

2014-03-01

Many people widely use herbal therapies for health problems in the world. Although these herbal therapies sometimes may be useful for some disorders they are not risk free. Ceratocephalus falcatus is an annual, wild plant which is a member of Ranunculaceae family. There are few case reports of phytodermatitis due to the Ranunculaceae family. We present a 58-year-old woman with irritant phytodermatitis due to C. falcatus.

Medicinal Plants, Effective Plant Compounds (Compositions) and their Effects on Stomach Cancer.

PubMed

Aleebrahim-Dehkordy, Elahe; Nasri, Hamid; Baradaran, Azar; Nasri, Parto; Tamadon, Mohammad Reza; Hedaiaty, Mahrang; Beigrezaei, Sara; Rafieian-Kopaei, Mahmoud

2017-01-01

Medicinal plants have special importance around the world. Further, they have been noticed for nutrition and illness treatment such as preparation of anticancer new drugs. Therefore, a wide range of studies have been done on different plants, and their anticancer effects have been investigated. Nowadays, cancer is the most important factor of death rate in the developed and developing countries. Among them, stomach cancer is one of the most common malignancies around the world. At present, it is recognized as the fourth common cancer and the second factor of death rate due to cancer. So far, there has been wide range of effort for cancer treatment; however, in most cases, the response to the treatment has been very weak and often accompanied improper subsidiary effects. The present problems as a consequence of chemical treatment and radiotherapy and many subsidiary problems created due to their use for patients, and also, the resistance to the current treatment has motivated researchers to apply new medicines with more effect and less toxicity. The secondary metabolisms existent in the plants have an important role in the treatment of several diseases such as cancer. This study was conducted to investigate and collect scientific results for stomach cancer and to clarify the role of medicinal plants and secondary plant compounds on its treatment.

Third World experiences in health planning.

PubMed

Molina-Guzman, G

1979-01-01

In response to an invitation by the American Public Health Association, the author discusses his experiences in health work with particular reference to the Third World. These cover a period of four decades of activities in many countries, the discussion being primarily directed toward the North American audience attending the panel organized by the International Health Committee at the 104th Annual Meeting of the Association in Miami Beach in October 1976. First the paper deals with the legacy of broad social teaching resulting from the years of international collaboration from the time of Franklin D. Roosevelt to that of Richard Nixon. Public health problems, whether new or old, are essentially social in character and can only be solved in terms of social policy. Attention is directed to the current mistake of placing the emphasis on individual behavior, divorced from its social base, in the work of health professionals servings in Third World countries. The weakness of national average values and the consequent need of measuring the differentials between social groups and classes are widely illustrated. Finally, positive and negative lessons learned by experimenting with health technology consistent with the expected development of countries are examined as a basis for a genuinely emancipatory approach to the health problems in the Third World.

Java and its future in biomedical computing.

PubMed Central

Rodgers, R P

1996-01-01

Java, a new object-oriented computing language related to C++, is receiving considerable attention due to its use in creating network-sharable, platform-independent software modules (known as "applets") that can be used with the World Wide Web. The Web has rapidly become the most commonly used information-retrieval tool associated with the global computer network known as the Internet, and Java has the potential to further accelerate the Web's application to medical problems. Java's potentially wide acceptance due to its Web association and its own technical merits also suggests that it may become a popular language for non-Web-based, object-oriented computing. PMID:8880677

A Galaxy Zoo - WorldWide Telescope Mashup: Expanding User Defined Exploration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luebbert, Jarod; Sands, M.; Fay, J.; Smith, A.; Gay, P. L.; Galaxy Zoo Team

2010-01-01

We present a new way of exploring your favorite Galaxy Zoo galaxies within the context of the sky using Microsoft Research's WorldWide Telescope. Galaxy Zoo has a fantastic community that is eager to learn and contribute to science through morphological classifications of galaxies. WorldWide Telescope is an interactive observatory that allows users to explore the sky. WorldWide Telescope uses images from the world's best telescopes, including the galaxies of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. WorldWide Telescope provides a fantastic sense of size and distance that is hard to experience in Galaxy Zoo. Creating tours from favorite galaxies directly from Galaxy Zoo aims to solve this dilemma.The incorporation of Galaxy Zoo and WorldWide telescope provides a great resource for users to learn more about the galaxies they are classifying. Users can now explore the areas around certain galaxies and view information about that location from within WorldWide Telescope. Not only does this encourage self-motivated research but after tours are created they can be shared with anyone. We hope this will help spread citizen science to different audiences via email, Facebook, and Twitter.Without the WorldWide Telescope team at Microsoft Research this project would not have been possible. Please go start exploring at http://wwt.galaxyzoo.org. This project was funded through the Microsoft Research Academic Program.

A Comparison of Techniques for Scheduling Fleets of Earth-Observing Satellites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Globus, Al; Crawford, James; Lohn, Jason; Pryor, Anna

2003-01-01

Earth observing satellite (EOS) scheduling is a complex real-world domain representative of a broad class of over-subscription scheduling problems. Over-subscription problems are those where requests for a facility exceed its capacity. These problems arise in a wide variety of NASA and terrestrial domains and are .XI important class of scheduling problems because such facilities often represent large capital investments. We have run experiments comparing multiple variants of the genetic algorithm, hill climbing, simulated annealing, squeaky wheel optimization and iterated sampling on two variants of a realistically-sized model of the EOS scheduling problem. These are implemented as permutation-based methods; methods that search in the space of priority orderings of observation requests and evaluate each permutation by using it to drive a greedy scheduler. Simulated annealing performs best and random mutation operators outperform our squeaky (more intelligent) operator. Furthermore, taking smaller steps towards the end of the search improves performance.

The Fate of the World is in your hands: computer gaming for multi-faceted climate change education

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bedford, D. P.

2015-12-01

Climate change is a multi-faceted (or 'wicked') problem. True climate literacy therefore requires understanding not only the workings of the climate system, but also the current and potential future impacts of climate change and sea level rise on individuals, communities and countries around the world, as noted in the US Global Change Research Program's (2009) Climate Literacy: The Essential Principles of Climate Sciences. The asymmetric nature of climate change impacts, whereby the world's poorest countries have done the least to cause the problem but will suffer disproportionate consequences, has also been widely noted. Education in climate literacy therefore requires an element of ethics in addition to physical and social sciences. As if addressing these multiple aspects of climate change were not challenging enough, polling data has repeatedly shown that many members of the public tend to see climate change as a far away problem affecting people remote from them at a point in the future, but not themselves. This perspective is likely shared by many students. Computer gaming provides a possible solution to the combined problems of, on the one hand, addressing the multi-faceted nature of climate change, and, on the other hand, making the issue real to students. Fate of the World, a game produced by the company Red Redemption, has been used on several occasions in a small (20-30 students) introductory level general education course on global warming at Weber State University. Players are required to balance difficult decisions about energy investment while managing regional political disputes and attempting to maintain minimum levels of development in the world's poorer countries. By providing a realistic "total immersion" experience, the game has the potential to make climate change issues more immediate to players, and presents them with the ethical dilemmas inherent in climate change. This presentation reports on the use of Fate of the World in an educational setting, highlighting student experiences and lessons learned from two attempts to use the game as a tool for teaching the multi-faceted nature of climate change.

Scaling the PuNDIT project for wide area deployments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McKee, Shawn; Batista, Jorge; Carcassi, Gabriele; Dovrolis, Constantine; Lee, Danny

2017-10-01

In today’s world of distributed scientific collaborations, there are many challenges to providing reliable inter-domain network infrastructure. Network operators use a combination of active monitoring and trouble tickets to detect problems, but these are often ineffective at identifying issues that impact wide-area network users. Additionally, these approaches do not scale to wide area inter-domain networks due to unavailability of data from all the domains along typical network paths. The Pythia Network Diagnostic InfrasTructure (PuNDIT) project aims to create a scalable infrastructure for automating the detection and localization of problems across these networks. The project goal is to gather and analyze metrics from existing perfSONAR monitoring infrastructures to identify the signatures of possible problems, locate affected network links, and report them to the user in an intuitive fashion. Simply put, PuNDIT seeks to convert complex network metrics into easily understood diagnoses in an automated manner. We present our progress in creating the PuNDIT system and our status in developing, testing and deploying PuNDIT. We report on the project progress to-date, describe the current implementation architecture and demonstrate some of the various user interfaces it will support. We close by discussing the remaining challenges and next steps and where we see the project going in the future.

[Counterfeit drugs in Israel and worldwide. Part II: distribution profile and anti-counterfeiting strategies and actions].

PubMed

Furman-Assaf, Sharon; Tamir, Orly; Marom, Eli; Arieli, Mickey; Shemer, Joshua

2010-07-01

Counterfeit drugs are a major threat to public health and safety around the world. This review describes the various distribution methods and channels of counterfeit drugs, including the growing use of the internet. National, regional and international efforts to confront this problem are presented, as well as a wide range of technologies that may assist in detection and enforcement. Finally, the Israeli perspective and actions are illustrated.

Organization and dissemination of multimedia medical databases on the WWW.

PubMed

Todorovski, L; Ribaric, S; Dimec, J; Hudomalj, E; Lunder, T

1999-01-01

In the paper, we focus on the problem of building and disseminating multimedia medical databases on the World Wide Web (WWW). The current results of the ongoing project of building a prototype dermatology images database and its WWW presentation are presented. The dermatology database is part of an ambitious plan concerning an organization of a network of medical institutions building distributed and federated multimedia databases of a much wider scale.

Ranking Information in Networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eliassi-Rad, Tina; Henderson, Keith

Given a network, we are interested in ranking sets of nodes that score highest on user-specified criteria. For instance in graphs from bibliographic data (e.g. PubMed), we would like to discover sets of authors with expertise in a wide range of disciplines. We present this ranking task as a Top-K problem; utilize fixed-memory heuristic search; and present performance of both the serial and distributed search algorithms on synthetic and real-world data sets.

JPRS Report, Soviet Union. World Economy & International Relations, No. 12, December 1988.

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-04-18

conditions of scientific and technological progress is considered to be the main factor influencing such process. Leading companies are trying to...departments, groups etc. Project teams are widely used when a new kind of product is developed or when R and D or technological problems are to be...medium-sized partners are integrated into a single scientific and technological entity by big companies. Cooperation in production is also important

A deadly disease that is getting deadlier.

PubMed

1999-01-01

In her role as President Clinton's mental health policy advisor, Tipper Gore underscores the data that show HIV is still a prevalent problem, despite new treatments and declining numbers of infections. Approximately 33 million people world wide are HIV-infected, and in the U.S. 40,000 people are infected each year. Gore credits the Clinton administration with support and funding for anti-HIV efforts, and urges adults to inform children about the disease.

Approximate series solution of multi-dimensional, time fractional-order (heat-like) diffusion equations using FRDTM.

PubMed

Singh, Brajesh K; Srivastava, Vineet K

2015-04-01

The main goal of this paper is to present a new approximate series solution of the multi-dimensional (heat-like) diffusion equation with time-fractional derivative in Caputo form using a semi-analytical approach: fractional-order reduced differential transform method (FRDTM). The efficiency of FRDTM is confirmed by considering four test problems of the multi-dimensional time fractional-order diffusion equation. FRDTM is a very efficient, effective and powerful mathematical tool which provides exact or very close approximate solutions for a wide range of real-world problems arising in engineering and natural sciences, modelled in terms of differential equations.

Approximate series solution of multi-dimensional, time fractional-order (heat-like) diffusion equations using FRDTM

PubMed Central

Singh, Brajesh K.; Srivastava, Vineet K.

2015-01-01

The main goal of this paper is to present a new approximate series solution of the multi-dimensional (heat-like) diffusion equation with time-fractional derivative in Caputo form using a semi-analytical approach: fractional-order reduced differential transform method (FRDTM). The efficiency of FRDTM is confirmed by considering four test problems of the multi-dimensional time fractional-order diffusion equation. FRDTM is a very efficient, effective and powerful mathematical tool which provides exact or very close approximate solutions for a wide range of real-world problems arising in engineering and natural sciences, modelled in terms of differential equations. PMID:26064639

The history and perspective of Romania-USA cooperation in the field of technologic transfer of TRIGA reactor concept

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

Ciocaanescu, M.; Ionescu, M.

1996-08-01

The cooperation between Romania and the USA in the field of technologic transfer of nuclear research reactor technology began with the steady state 14 MW{sub t} TRIGA reactor, installed at INR Pitesti, Romania. It is the first in the range of TRIGA reactors proposed as a materials testing reactor. The first criticality was reached in November 19, 1979 and first operation at 14 MW{sub t} level was in February 1980. The paper will present the short history of this cooperation and the perspective for a new cooperation for building a Nuclear Heating Plant using the TRIGA reactor concept for demonstrationmore » purpose. The energy crisis is a world-wide problem which affects each country in different ways because the resources and the consumption are unfairly distributed. World-wide research points out that the fossil fuel sources are not to be considered the main energy sources for the long term as they are limited.« less

GeoCENS: a geospatial cyberinfrastructure for the world-wide sensor web.

PubMed

Liang, Steve H L; Huang, Chih-Yuan

2013-10-02

The world-wide sensor web has become a very useful technique for monitoring the physical world at spatial and temporal scales that were previously impossible. Yet we believe that the full potential of sensor web has thus far not been revealed. In order to harvest the world-wide sensor web's full potential, a geospatial cyberinfrastructure is needed to store, process, and deliver large amount of sensor data collected worldwide. In this paper, we first define the issue of the sensor web long tail followed by our view of the world-wide sensor web architecture. Then, we introduce the Geospatial Cyberinfrastructure for Environmental Sensing (GeoCENS) architecture and explain each of its components. Finally, with demonstration of three real-world powered-by-GeoCENS sensor web applications, we believe that the GeoCENS architecture can successfully address the sensor web long tail issue and consequently realize the world-wide sensor web vision.

GeoCENS: A Geospatial Cyberinfrastructure for the World-Wide Sensor Web

PubMed Central

Liang, Steve H.L.; Huang, Chih-Yuan

2013-01-01

The world-wide sensor web has become a very useful technique for monitoring the physical world at spatial and temporal scales that were previously impossible. Yet we believe that the full potential of sensor web has thus far not been revealed. In order to harvest the world-wide sensor web's full potential, a geospatial cyberinfrastructure is needed to store, process, and deliver large amount of sensor data collected worldwide. In this paper, we first define the issue of the sensor web long tail followed by our view of the world-wide sensor web architecture. Then, we introduce the Geospatial Cyberinfrastructure for Environmental Sensing (GeoCENS) architecture and explain each of its components. Finally, with demonstration of three real-world powered-by-GeoCENS sensor web applications, we believe that the GeoCENS architecture can successfully address the sensor web long tail issue and consequently realize the world-wide sensor web vision. PMID:24152921

Toward citizenship science education: what students do to make the world a better place?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vesterinen, Veli-Matti; Tolppanen, Sakari; Aksela, Maija

2016-01-01

With increased focus on sustainability and socioscientific issues, dealing with issues related to citizenship is now seen as an important element of science education. However, in order to make the world a better place, mere understanding about socioscientific issues is not enough. Action must also be taken. In this study, 35 international gifted students-potential scientists-aged 15-19 were interviewed to investigate what they were doing to make the world a better place. The interviews were analyzed using qualitative content analysis with focus on students' actions toward a better world, their rationalizations for such actions, and the role of science in the rationalizations. The analysis shows that students consciously take a wide range of actions, and that they see citizenship as a process of constant self-development. The three categories created to highlight the variation in the ways students take action were personally responsible actions, participatory actions, and preparing for future. Although many students saw that science and scientists play a big role in solving especially the environmental problems, most of them also discussed the structural causes for problems, as well as the interplay of social, economic, and political forces. The results indicate that citizenship science education should take the variety of students' actions into consideration, give students the possibility to take individual and participatory action, as well as give students opportunities to get to know and discuss the ways a career in science or engineering can contribute to saving the world.

Real-world implications of apathy among older adults: Independent associations with activities of daily living and quality of life.

PubMed

Tierney, Savanna M; Woods, Steven Paul; Weinborn, Michael; Bucks, Romola S

2018-03-13

Apathy is common in older adults and has been linked to adverse health outcomes. The current study examined whether apathy contributes to problems managing activities of daily living (ADLs) and lower quality of life (QoL) in older adults. Participants included 83 community-dwelling older adults. Apathy was assessed using a composite of the self and family-rating scales from the Frontal Systems Behavioral Scale (FrSBe). A knowledgeable informant completed the Activities of Daily Living Questionnaire (ADLQ), and participants completed the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQol) scale. Nominal logistic regressions controlling for age, anxiety and depression symptoms, chronic medical conditions, and global cognition revealed that higher levels of apathy were significantly associated with a wide range of mild ADL problems. In parallel, a multiple linear regression indicated that greater apathy was significantly associated with lower QoL independent of ADL problems, anxious and depressive symptomology, chronic medical conditions, global cognition and age. Findings suggest that apathy confers an increased risk of problems in the independent management of daily activities and poorer well-being among community-dwelling older adults. Neurobehavioral and pharmacological interventions to improve apathy may have beneficial effects on the daily lives of older adults.

Did the Germans learn from Goddard? An examination of whether the rocketry of R.H. Goddard influenced German Pre-World-War II missile development

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Winter, Frank H.

2016-10-01

Ever since a few months before the death of American rocket pioneer Dr. Robert H. Goddard, on 10 August 1945, it has been widely claimed he was the true source of the development of the infamous V-2 rocket of World War II - the world's first large-scale liquid-propellant rocket. It is thus alleged the German developers of the V-2 had ;stolen; ideas from Goddard to create the V-2 that was also the forerunner of the world's first space launch vehicles. The question of the validity of this claim thus becomes far more significant than first appears and is the subject of this article. But we must first briefly examine other popular conceptions, or rather, misconceptions, about Goddard in our own Space Age. This helps establish a ;bigger picture; that identifies some of the problems in overall misinterpretations of Goddard that also applies to his supposed role in the development of the V-2.1

Introduction to the world wide web.

PubMed

Downes, P K

2007-05-12

The World Wide Web used to be nicknamed the 'World Wide Wait'. Now, thanks to high speed broadband connections, browsing the web has become a much more enjoyable and productive activity. Computers need to know where web pages are stored on the Internet, in just the same way as we need to know where someone lives in order to post them a letter. This section explains how the World Wide Web works and how web pages can be viewed using a web browser.

The Missing Curriculum in Physics Problem-Solving Education

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Williams, Mobolaji

2018-05-01

Physics is often seen as an excellent introduction to science because it allows students to learn not only the laws governing the world around them, but also, through the problems students solve, a way of thinking which is conducive to solving problems outside of physics and even outside of science. In this article, we contest this latter idea and argue that in physics classes, students do not learn widely applicable problem-solving skills because physics education almost exclusively requires students to solve well-defined problems rather than the less-defined problems which better model problem solving outside of a formal class. Using personal, constructed, and the historical accounts of Schrödinger's development of the wave equation and Feynman's development of path integrals, we argue that what is missing in problem-solving education is practice in identifying gaps in knowledge and in framing these knowledge gaps as questions of the kind answerable using techniques students have learned. We discuss why these elements are typically not taught as part of the problem-solving curriculum and end with suggestions on how to incorporate these missing elements into physics classes.

Using Computers in Fluids Engineering Education

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Benson, Thomas J.

1998-01-01

Three approaches for using computers to improve basic fluids engineering education are presented. The use of computational fluid dynamics solutions to fundamental flow problems is discussed. The use of interactive, highly graphical software which operates on either a modern workstation or personal computer is highlighted. And finally, the development of 'textbooks' and teaching aids which are used and distributed on the World Wide Web is described. Arguments for and against this technology as applied to undergraduate education are also discussed.

International Federation of Library Associations Annual Conference. Papers of the Special Libraries Division: Geographical and Map, Science and Technology and Social Science Libraries Sections (47th, Leipzig, East Germany, August 17-22, 1981).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sprudzs, Adolf; And Others

This set of eight papers includes papers presented by participants from the United States, France, East Germany, the United Kingdom, West Germany, and the USSR: "Problems with Sources of Information in International Law and Relations: The Case of the World-Wide Treaty Jungle," by Adolf Sprudzs; "French Map Libraries and National and…

The workshop. [use and application of remotely sensed data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wake, W. H.

1981-01-01

The plan is presented for a two day workshop held to provide educational and training experience in the reading, interpretation, and application of LANDSAT and correlated larger scale imagery, digital printout maps, and other collateral material for a large number of participants with widely diverse levels of expertise, backgrounds, and occupations in government, industry, and education. The need for using surface truth field studies with correlated aerial imagery in solving real world problems was demonstrated.

The positive impacts of Real-World Data on the challenges facing the evolution of biopharma.

PubMed

Wise, John; Möller, Angeli; Christie, David; Kalra, Dipak; Brodsky, Elia; Georgieva, Evelina; Jones, Greg; Smith, Ian; Greiffenberg, Lars; McCarthy, Marie; Arend, Michael; Luttringer, Olivier; Kloss, Sebastian; Arlington, Steve

2018-04-01

Demand for healthcare services is unprecedented. Society is struggling to afford the cost. Pricing of biopharmaceutical products is under scrutiny, especially by payers and Health Technology Assessment agencies. As we discuss here, rapidly advancing technologies, such as Real-World Data (RWD), are being utilized to increase understanding of disease. RWD, when captured and analyzed, produces the Real-World Evidence (RWE) that underpins the economic case for innovative medicines. Furthermore, RWD can inform the understanding of disease, help identify new therapeutic intervention points, and improve the efficiency of research and development (R&D), especially clinical trials. Pursuing precompetitive collaborations to define shared requirements for the use of RWD would equip service-providers with the specifications needed to implement cloud-based solutions for RWD acquisition, management and analysis. Only this approach would deliver cost-effective solutions to an industry-wide problem. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Vitamin D and obesity.

PubMed

Vanlint, Simon

2013-03-20

Obesity is a significant health problem world-wide, particularly in developed nations. Vitamin D deficiency is pandemic, and has been implicated in a wide variety of disease states. This paper seeks to examine the consistently reported relationship between obesity and low vitamin D concentrations, with reference to the possible underlying mechanisms. The possibility that vitamin D may assist in preventing or treating obesity is also examined, and recommendations for future research are made. There is a clear need for adequately-powered, prospective interventions which include baseline measurement of 25D concentrations and involve adequate doses of supplemental vitamin D. Until such studies have been reported, the role of vitamin D supplementation in obesity prevention remains uncertain.

The Influence of Gender and Sexual Orientation on Alcohol Use and Alcohol-Related Problems

PubMed Central

Hughes, Tonda L.; Wilsnack, Sharon C.; Kantor, Lori Wolfgang

2016-01-01

Although there are wide differences in alcohol use patterns among countries, men are consistently more likely than women to be drinkers and to drink heavily. Studies of alcohol use among sexual minorities (SMs), however, reflect a more complex picture. Such research has found higher rates of alcohol use and alcohol-related problems among SM persons than among heterosexuals and greater differences between SM and heterosexual women than between SM and heterosexual men. A variety of factors may contribute to differences in alcohol use and alcohol-related problems between men and women and between SM and heterosexual people. An improved understanding of these factors is important to guide prevention and treatment efforts. Although there is a dearth of literature on use of alcohol by SMs in many parts of the world, especially lower- and middle-income countries, we attempt to review and integrate the sparse data that are available from these lower-resourced countries. The global perspective presented in this article is the first attempt to go beyond a general review of literature in the Western world to document the gender paradox in alcohol use among heterosexuals and SMs in diverse countries worldwide. PMID:27159819

Use of World Wide Web and NCSA Mcsaic at Langley

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nelson, Michael

1994-01-01

A brief history of the use of the World Wide Web at Langley Research Center is presented along with architecture of the Langley Web. Benefits derived from the Web and some Langley projects that have employed the World Wide Web are discussed.

The World Wide Web and Chemistry Books On Line

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Palmer, W. P.

1997-01-01

This paper illustrates the educational uses of the Word Wide Web in a university situation; it gives an account some of the ways in which the World Wide Web and other information technologies have been used to extend the scope of the history of science generally and the history of chemistry in particular. I observed that the World Wide Web…

Gopher Is No Longer Just a Rodent: Using Gopher and World Wide Web in Composition Studies.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Krause, Steve

Gopher and World Wide Web (WWW) are two useful Internet technologies for the composition and rhetoric classroom. Gopher software makes available a wide variety of text-based information in the Internet. A Gopher at Bowling Green State University offers many types of information. The World Wide Web, using a fairly simple markup language, is also…

Fireworks Algorithm with Enhanced Fireworks Interaction.

PubMed

Zhang, Bei; Zheng, Yu-Jun; Zhang, Min-Xia; Chen, Sheng-Yong

2017-01-01

As a relatively new metaheuristic in swarm intelligence, fireworks algorithm (FWA) has exhibited promising performance on a wide range of optimization problems. This paper aims to improve FWA by enhancing fireworks interaction in three aspects: 1) Developing a new Gaussian mutation operator to make sparks learn from more exemplars; 2) Integrating the regular explosion operator of FWA with the migration operator of biogeography-based optimization (BBO) to increase information sharing; 3) Adopting a new population selection strategy that enables high-quality solutions to have high probabilities of entering the next generation without incurring high computational cost. The combination of the three strategies can significantly enhance fireworks interaction and thus improve solution diversity and suppress premature convergence. Numerical experiments on the CEC 2015 single-objective optimization test problems show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. The application to a high-speed train scheduling problem also demonstrates its feasibility in real-world optimization problems.

76 FR 46854 - Hewlett Packard Company, Imaging and Printing Group, World Wide Product Data Management...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-08-03

..., Imaging and Printing Group, World Wide Product Data Management Operations, Including On-Site Leased... Company, Imaging and Printing Group, World Wide Products Data Management Operations, Boise, Idaho and Fort... Management Operations. The Department has determined that these workers were sufficiently under the control...

Innovation in Science Education - World-Wide.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Baez, Albert V.

The purpose of this book is to promote improvements in science education, world-wide, but particularly in developing countries. It is addressed to those in positions to make effective contributions to the improvement of science education. The world-wide role of science education, the goals of innovative activities, past experience in efforts to…

Beam Dynamics Considerations in Electron Ion Colliders

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krafft, Geoffrey

2015-04-01

The nuclear physics community is converging on the idea that the next large project after FRIB should be an electron-ion collider. Both Brookhaven National Lab and Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility have developed accelerator designs, both of which need novel solutions to accelerator physics problems. In this talk we discuss some of the problems that must be solved and their solutions. Examples in novel beam optics systems, beam cooling, and beam polarization control will be presented. Authored by Jefferson Science Associates, LLC under U.S. DOE Contract No. DE-AC05-06OR23177. The U.S. Government retains a non-exclusive, paid-up, irrevocable, world-wide license to publish or reproduce this manuscript for U.S. Government purposes.

Present and future of scientific bird ringing

USGS Publications Warehouse

Spina, F.; Tautin, J.; Adams, N.J.; Slotow, R.H.

1998-01-01

In 1999 scientific bird ringing will celebrate its first century of existence. Started mainly to investigate bird movements, bird ringing has become a much more flexible method to study different aspects of bird biology. Bird ringing can only be properly organised if an effective international co-operation exists. In Europe, this co-ordination is ensured by EURING, made of 35 national ringing centres; sister organisations exist in other parts of the world (like Africa, Australia, U.S. and Canada), sharing the same aims and problems. This RTD is mainly targeted to ornithologists involved with the co-ordination of bird ringing stations and national centres world-wide. Common aspects of the organisation of ringing activities, as well as of the potential ringing has and will have in the future in addressing major scientific questions in Ornithology will be taken into account. The advisability of setting up a standing committee on bird ringing within the IOC will be discussed, and the project of creating a world-wide organisation of ringing schemes in order to further improve communication and exchange of experiences will also be addressed. This new organisation would be formally founded in 1999, when an international conference organised by EURING to celebrate the first 100 years of bird ringing will be held in Denmark.

Present and future of scientific bird ringing

USGS Publications Warehouse

Spina, F.; Tautin, J.; Adams, N.J.; Slotow, R.H.

1999-01-01

In 1999 scientific bird ringing will celebrate its first century of existence. Started mainly to investigate bird movements, bird ringing has become a much more flexible method to study different aspects of bird biology. Bird ringing can only be properly organised if an effective international co-operation exists. In Europe, this co-ordination is ensured by EURING, made of 35 national ringing centres; sister organisations exist in other parts of the world (like Africa, Australia, U.S. and Canada), sharing the same aims and problems. This RTD is mainly targeted to ornithologists involved with the co-ordination of bird ringing stations and national centres world-wide. Common aspects of the organisation of ringing activities, as well as of the potential ringing has and will have in the future in addressing major scientific questions in Ornithology will be taken into account. The advisability of setting up a standing committee on bird ringing within the IOC will be discussed, and the project of creating a world-wide organisation of ringing schemes in order to further improve communication and exchange of experiences will also be addressed. This new organisation would be formally founded in 1999, when an international conference organised by EURING to celebrate the first 100 years of bird ringing will be held in Denmark.

Business ethics as a novel issue in health care economics.

PubMed

Vrbová, H; Holmerová, I; Hrubantová, L

1997-01-01

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

Public-Sector Information Security: A Call to Action for Public-Sector CIOs

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-10-01

scenarios. However, in a larger sense, it is a story for all public-sector CIOs, a story both prophetic and sobering. Deep in this story, however, there...information technology (IT), our way of life, and the values that lay deep in the core of our American culture. These values include rights to...defines roles and accountabilities. The Scope of the Problem Today there are 109.5 million Internet hosts on the World Wide Web . Five years ago there

JPRS Report, Soviet Union: The Working Class & The Contemporary World, No. 5, September-October 1987.

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-03-24

categories (8). The so-called quality control groups —5-15-men groups of workers regularly participating in the discussion of questions concerning an... groups of research associates, encompass a wide spectrum of problems of the unions’ participation in the struggle for peace and disarmament (44) and...is a subject of discus- sion at various levels—union and research . Thus in November 1985 a special conference of the European Center for Labor and

12 CFR 309.4 - Publicly available records.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... INFORMATION § 309.4 Publicly available records. (a) Records available on the FDIC's World Wide Web page—(1... on the FDIC's World Wide Web page, located at: http://www.fdic.gov. The FDIC has elected to publish a broad range of materials on its World Wide Web page, including consumer guides; financial and...

A Semiotic Analysis of Icons on the World Wide Web.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ma, Yan

The World Wide Web allows users to interact with a graphic interface to search information in a hypermedia and multimedia environment. Graphics serve as reference points on the World Wide Web for searching and retrieving information. This study analyzed the culturally constructed syntax patterns, or codes, embedded in the icons of library…

Thermodynamic Studies of High Temperature Materials Via Knudsen Cell Mass Spectrometry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jacobson, Nathan S.; Brady, Michael P.

1997-01-01

The Knudsen Cell technique is a classic technique from high temperature chemistry for studying condensed phase/vapor equilibria. It is based on a small enclosure, usually about 1 cm in diameter by 1 cm high, with an orifice of well-defined geometry. This forms a molecular beam which is analyzed with mass spectrometry. There are many applications to both fundamental and applied problems with high temperature materials. Specific measurements include vapor pressures and vapor compositions above solids, activities of alloy components, and fundamental gas/solid reactions. The basic system is shown. Our system can accommodate a wide range of samples, temperatures, and attachments, such as gas inlets. It is one of only about ten such systems world-wide.

Student world view as a framework for learning genetics and evolution in high school biology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McCoy, Roger Wesley

Statement of the problem. Few studies in biology education have examined the underlying presuppositions which guide thinking and concept learning in adolescents. The purpose of this study was to describe and understand the biological world views of a variety of high school students before they take biology courses. Specifically, the study examined student world views in the domains of Classification, Relationship and Causation related to the concepts of heredity, evolution and biotechnology. The following served as guiding questions: (1) What are the personal world views of high school students entering biology classes, related to the domain of Classification, Relationship and Causality? (2) How do these student world views confound or enhance the learning of basic concepts in genetics and evolution? Methods. An interpretive method was chosen for this study. The six student participants were ninth graders and represented a wide range of world view backgrounds. A series of three interviews was conducted with each participant, with a focus group used for triangulation of data. The constant comparative method was used to categorize the data and facilitate the search for meaningful patterns. The analysis included a thick description of each student's personal views of classification, evolution and the appropriate use of biotechnology. Results. The study demonstrates that world view is the basis upon which students build knowledge in biology. The logic of their everyday thinking may not match that of scientists. The words they use are sometimes inconsistent with scientific terminology. This study provides evidence that students voice different opinions depending on the social situation, since they are strongly influenced by peers. Students classify animals based on behaviors. They largely believe that the natural world is unpredictable, and that humans are not really part of that world. Half are unlikely to accept the evolution of humans, but may accept it in other species. Their views on causation of evolution vary widely, focusing on intentional changes made by animals. Students who hold world views which differ from scientific world views may become marginalized unless differences in world view are addressed. Researchers and teachers must be mindful of social pressures which cause students to reject certain ideas which may appear to be in opposition to their existing world view.

Understanding real-world implementation quality and "active ingredients" of PBIS.

PubMed

Molloy, Lauren E; Moore, Julia E; Trail, Jessica; Van Epps, John James; Hopfer, Suellen

2013-12-01

Programs delivered in the "real world" often look substantially different from what was originally intended by program developers. Depending on which components of a program are being trimmed or altered, such modifications may seriously undermine the effectiveness of a program. In the present study, these issues are explored within a widely used school-based, non-curricular intervention, Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports. The present study takes advantage of a uniquely large dataset to gain a better understanding of the "real-world" implementation quality of PBIS and to take a first step toward identifying the components of PBIS that "matter most" for student outcomes. Data from 27,689 students and 166 public primary and secondary schools across seven states included school and student demographics, indices of PBIS implementation quality, and reports of problem behaviors for any student who received an office discipline referral during the 2007-2008 school year. Results of the present study identify three key components of PBIS that many schools are failing to implement properly, three program components that were most related to lower rates of problem behavior (i.e., three "active ingredients" of PBIS), and several school characteristics that help to account for differences across schools in the quality of PBIS implementation. Overall, findings highlight the importance of assessing implementation quality in "real-world" settings, and the need to continue improving understanding of how and why programs work. Findings are discussed in terms of their implications for policy.

Risks of exposure to ionizing and millimeter-wave radiation from airport whole-body scanners.

PubMed

Moulder, John E

2012-06-01

Considerable public concern has been expressed around the world about the radiation risks posed by the backscatter (ionizing radiation) and millimeter-wave (nonionizing radiation) whole-body scanners that have been deployed at many airports. The backscatter and millimeter-wave scanners currently deployed in the U.S. almost certainly pose negligible radiation risks if used as intended, but their safety is difficult-to-impossible to prove using publicly accessible data. The scanners are widely disliked and often feared, which is a problem made worse by what appears to be a veil of secrecy that covers their specifications and dosimetry. Therefore, for these and future similar technologies to gain wide acceptance, more openness is needed, as is independent review and regulation. Publicly accessible, and preferably peer-reviewed evidence is needed that the deployed units (not just the prototypes) meet widely-accepted safety standards. It is also critical that risk-perception issues be handled more competently.

Techniques for integrating ‐omics data

PubMed Central

Akula, Siva Prasad; Miriyala, Raghava Naidu; Thota, Hanuman; Rao, Allam Appa; Gedela, Srinubabu

2009-01-01

The challenge for -omics research is to tackle the problem of fragmentation of knowledge by integrating several sources of heterogeneous information into a coherent entity. It is widely recognized that successful data integration is one of the keys to improve productivity for stored data. Through proper data integration tools and algorithms, researchers may correlate relationships that enable them to make better and faster decisions. The need for data integration is essential for present ‐omics community, because ‐omics data is currently spread world wide in wide variety of formats. These formats can be integrated and migrated across platforms through different techniques and one of the important techniques often used is XML. XML is used to provide a document markup language that is easier to learn, retrieve, store and transmit. It is semantically richer than HTML. Here, we describe bio warehousing, database federation, controlled vocabularies and highlighting the XML application to store, migrate and validate -omics data. PMID:19255651

Techniques for integrating -omics data.

PubMed

Akula, Siva Prasad; Miriyala, Raghava Naidu; Thota, Hanuman; Rao, Allam Appa; Gedela, Srinubabu

2009-01-01

The challenge for -omics research is to tackle the problem of fragmentation of knowledge by integrating several sources of heterogeneous information into a coherent entity. It is widely recognized that successful data integration is one of the keys to improve productivity for stored data. Through proper data integration tools and algorithms, researchers may correlate relationships that enable them to make better and faster decisions. The need for data integration is essential for present -omics community, because -omics data is currently spread world wide in wide variety of formats. These formats can be integrated and migrated across platforms through different techniques and one of the important techniques often used is XML. XML is used to provide a document markup language that is easier to learn, retrieve, store and transmit. It is semantically richer than HTML. Here, we describe bio warehousing, database federation, controlled vocabularies and highlighting the XML application to store, migrate and validate -omics data.

Beyond Piñatas, Fortune Cookies, and Wooden Shoes: Using the World Wide Web to Help Children Explore the Whole Wide World

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kirkwood, Donna; Shulsky, Debra; Willis, Jana

2014-01-01

The advent of technology and access to the internet through the World Wide Web have stretched the traditional ways of teaching social studies beyond classroom boundaries. This article explores how teachers can create authentic and contextualized cultural studies experiences for young children by integrating social studies and technology. To…

The Land of Confusion? High School Students and Their Use of the World Wide Web for Research.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lorenzen, Michael

2002-01-01

Examines high school students' use of the World Wide Web to complete assignments. Findings showed the students used a good variety of resources, including libraries and the World Wide Web, to find information for assignments. However, students were weak at determining the quality of the information found on web sites. Students did poorly at…

Learning To Use the World Wide Web. Academic Edition.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ackerman, Ernest

This book emphasizes how to use Netscape Navigator to access the World Wide Web and associated resources and services in a step-by-step, organized manner. Chapters include -- Chapter 1: Introduction to the World Wide Web and the Internet; Chapter 2: Using a Web Browser; Chapter 3: The Basics of Electronic Mail and Using Netscape Email; Chapter 4:…

STS Case Study Development Support

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rosa de Jesus, Dan A.; Johnson, Grace K.

2013-01-01

The Shuttle Case Study Collection (SCSC) has been developed using lessons learned documented by NASA engineers, analysts, and contractors. The SCSC provides educators with a new tool to teach real-world engineering processes with the goal of providing unique educational materials that enhance critical thinking, decision-making and problem-solving skills. During this third phase of the project, responsibilities included: the revision of the Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML) source code to ensure all pages follow World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) standards, and the addition and edition of website content, including text, documents, and images. Basic HTML knowledge was required, as was basic knowledge of photo editing software, and training to learn how to use NASA's Content Management System for website design. The outcome of this project was its release to the public.

Generating Adaptive Behaviour within a Memory-Prediction Framework

PubMed Central

Rawlinson, David; Kowadlo, Gideon

2012-01-01

The Memory-Prediction Framework (MPF) and its Hierarchical-Temporal Memory implementation (HTM) have been widely applied to unsupervised learning problems, for both classification and prediction. To date, there has been no attempt to incorporate MPF/HTM in reinforcement learning or other adaptive systems; that is, to use knowledge embodied within the hierarchy to control a system, or to generate behaviour for an agent. This problem is interesting because the human neocortex is believed to play a vital role in the generation of behaviour, and the MPF is a model of the human neocortex. We propose some simple and biologically-plausible enhancements to the Memory-Prediction Framework. These cause it to explore and interact with an external world, while trying to maximize a continuous, time-varying reward function. All behaviour is generated and controlled within the MPF hierarchy. The hierarchy develops from a random initial configuration by interaction with the world and reinforcement learning only. Among other demonstrations, we show that a 2-node hierarchy can learn to successfully play “rocks, paper, scissors” against a predictable opponent. PMID:22272231

Composition in the Quantum World

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hall, Edward Jonathan

This thesis presents a problem for the foundations of quantum mechanics. It arises from the way that theory describes the composition of larger systems in terms of smaller ones, and renders untenable a wide range of interpretations of quantum mechanics. That quantum mechanics is difficult to interpret is old news, given the well-known Measurement Problem. But the problem I raise is quite different, and in important respects more fundamental. In brief: The physical world exhibits mereological structure: physical objects have parts, which in turn have parts, and so on. A natural way to try to represent this structure is by means of a particle theory, according to which the physical world consists entirely enduring physical objects which themselves have no proper parts, but aggregates of which are, or compose, all physical objects. Elementary, non-relativistic quantum mechanics can be cast in this mold--at least, according to the usual expositions of that theory. But herein lies the problem: the standard attempt to give a systematic particle interpretation to elementary quantum mechanics results in nonsense, thanks to the well-established principle of Permutation Invariance, which constrains the quantum -mechanical description of systems containing identical particles. Specifically, it follows from the most minimal principles of a particle interpretation (much weaker than those needed to generate the Measurement Problem), together with Permutation Invariance, that systems identical in composition must have the same physical state. In other words, systems which merely have the same numbers of the same types of particles are therefore, at all times, perfect physical duplicates. This conclusion is absurd: e.g., it is quite plausible that some of those particles which compose my body make up a system identical in composition to some pepperoni pizza. Yet no part of me is a qualitative physical duplicate of any pepperoni pizza. Perhaps "you are what you eat" --but not in this sense! In what follows I develop the principles needed to explore this problem, contrast it with the Measurement Problem, and consider, finally, how it should influence our judgments of the relative merits of the many extant interpretations of quantum mechanics.

Eugenic World Building and Disability: The Strange World of Kazuo Ishiguro's Never Let Me Go.

PubMed

Garland-Thomson, Rosemarie

2017-06-01

A crucial challenge for critical disability studies is developing an argument for why disabled people should inhabit our democratic, shared public sphere. The ideological and material separation of citizens into worthy and unworthy based on physiological variations imagined as immutable differences is what I call eugenic world building. It is justified by the idea that social improvement and freedom of choice require eliminating devalued human traits in the interest of reducing human suffering, increasing life quality, and building a more desirable citizenry. In this essay, I outline the logic of inclusive and eugenic world building, define and explain the role of the "normate" in eugenic logic, and provide a critical disability studies reading of the 2005 novel Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro and its 2010 film adaptation. I argue that the ways of being in the world we think of as disabilities must be understood as the natural variations, abilities, and limitations inherent in human embodiment. When this happens, disability will be understood not as a problem to be eliminated but, rather, as a valid way of being in the world that must be accommodated through a sustaining and sustainable environment designed to afford access for a wide range of human variations.

The troublesome birth of hydrodynamic stability theory: Sommerfeld and the turbulence problem

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eckert, M.

2010-07-01

More than a hundred years ago William McFadden Orr and Arnold Sommerfeld conceived an approach to account for the transition from laminar to turbulent flow in terms of hydrodynamic stability theory. But the “turbulence problem”, as this challenge became notoriously famous, could not be solved by this method. By 1920, it was widely recognized as an outstanding riddle. Although famous theoretical physicists like Werner Heisenberg dedicated a considerable effort to this problem, the “Orr-Sommerfeld method” has never found the attention of historians of science. This article describes its early perception and development in Germany, and how the “turbulence problem” reached center stage after the First World war as a major challenge for theorists with different perspectives.

The development and preliminary application of an invariant coupled diffusion and chemistry model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hilst, G. R.; Donaldson, C. DUP.; Teske, M.; Contiliano, R.; Freiberg, J.

1973-01-01

In many real-world pollution chemical reaction problems, the rate of reaction problems, the rate of reaction may be greatly affected by unmixedness. An approximate closure scheme for a chemical kinetic submodel which conforms to the principles of invariant modeling and which accounts for the effects of inhomogeneous mixing over a wide range of conditions has been developed. This submodel has been coupled successfully with invariant turbulence and diffusion models, permitting calculation of two-dimensional diffusion of two reacting (isothermally) chemical species. The initial calculations indicate the ozone reactions in the wake of stratospheric aircraft will be substantially affected by the rate of diffusion of ozone into the wake, and in the early wake, by unmixedness.

"You Can't Go on the Other Side of the Fence": Preservice Teachers and Real-World Problems

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Simic-Muller, Ksenija; Fernandes, Anthony; Felton-Koestler, Mathew D.

2016-01-01

Our study investigates preservice teachers' perceptions of real-world problems; their beliefs about teaching real-world contexts, especially ones sociopolitical in nature; and their ability to pose meaningful real-world problems. In this paper we present cases of three preservice teachers who participated in interviews that probed their thinking…

How belief in a just world might shape responses to discrimination: A case study of left-behind children in China.

PubMed

Lan, Tian; Jia, Xuji; Liu, Xia

2018-05-01

Previous study has indicated that perceived discrimination affected the children's behaviors, but whether belief in a just world moderates the relationship between perceived discrimination and problem behaviors among left-behind children and whether there are differences between boys and girls are still unknown. This study aims at exploring whether perceived discrimination influences the left-behind children's behaviors and the moderating role of belief in a just world among both boys and girls. Using cross-sectional data on rural left-behind children in Henan Province of China, this study examined the relationships among perceived discrimination (personal and group), belief in a just world and problem behaviors for both boys and girls. The participants included 336 boys and 310 girls. Self-report questionnaires captured perceived discrimination, belief in a just world and problem behaviors. The results demonstrated that Chinese left-behind boys who perceived a high amount of personal discrimination were prone to exhibit problem behaviors. Yet, neither perceived personal nor group discrimination was associated with problem behaviors among the left-behind girls. Moreover, the children's belief in a just world moderated the association between perceived discrimination and problem behaviors among the boys; in those who reported higher levels of belief in a just world, the negative effect of perceived personal discrimination on problem behaviors appeared weaker, comparing to those who reported lower levels of belief in a just world. In addition, the negative effect of perceived group discrimination on problem behaviors appeared stronger among the left-behind boys who reported higher levels of belief in a just world. Belief in a just world provided a protect function for the left-behind children when facing perceived personal discrimination. More attention should be paid on belief in a just world, perceived discrimination and problem behaviors among left-behind children.

A Novel Biobjective Risk-Based Model for Stochastic Air Traffic Network Flow Optimization Problem.

PubMed

Cai, Kaiquan; Jia, Yaoguang; Zhu, Yanbo; Xiao, Mingming

2015-01-01

Network-wide air traffic flow management (ATFM) is an effective way to alleviate demand-capacity imbalances globally and thereafter reduce airspace congestion and flight delays. The conventional ATFM models assume the capacities of airports or airspace sectors are all predetermined. However, the capacity uncertainties due to the dynamics of convective weather may make the deterministic ATFM measures impractical. This paper investigates the stochastic air traffic network flow optimization (SATNFO) problem, which is formulated as a weighted biobjective 0-1 integer programming model. In order to evaluate the effect of capacity uncertainties on ATFM, the operational risk is modeled via probabilistic risk assessment and introduced as an extra objective in SATNFO problem. Computation experiments using real-world air traffic network data associated with simulated weather data show that presented model has far less constraints compared to stochastic model with nonanticipative constraints, which means our proposed model reduces the computation complexity.

Two Dimensional Finite Element Analysis for the Effect of a Pressure Wave in the Human Brain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ponce L., Ernesto; Ponce S., Daniel

2008-11-01

Brain injuries in people of all ages is a serious, world-wide health problem, with consequences as varied as attention or memory deficits, difficulties in problem-solving, aggressive social behavior, and neuro degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Brain injuries can be the result of a direct impact, but also pressure waves and direct impulses. The aim of this work is to develop a predictive method to calculate the stress generated in the human brain by pressure waves such as high power sounds. The finite element method is used, combined with elastic wave theory. The predictions of the generated stress levels are compared with the resistance of the arterioles that pervade the brain. The problem was focused to the Chilean mining where there are some accidents happen by detonations and high sound level. There are not formal medical investigation, however these pressure waves could produce human brain damage.

Multiple Kernel Learning for Heterogeneous Anomaly Detection: Algorithm and Aviation Safety Case Study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Das, Santanu; Srivastava, Ashok N.; Matthews, Bryan L.; Oza, Nikunj C.

2010-01-01

The world-wide aviation system is one of the most complex dynamical systems ever developed and is generating data at an extremely rapid rate. Most modern commercial aircraft record several hundred flight parameters including information from the guidance, navigation, and control systems, the avionics and propulsion systems, and the pilot inputs into the aircraft. These parameters may be continuous measurements or binary or categorical measurements recorded in one second intervals for the duration of the flight. Currently, most approaches to aviation safety are reactive, meaning that they are designed to react to an aviation safety incident or accident. In this paper, we discuss a novel approach based on the theory of multiple kernel learning to detect potential safety anomalies in very large data bases of discrete and continuous data from world-wide operations of commercial fleets. We pose a general anomaly detection problem which includes both discrete and continuous data streams, where we assume that the discrete streams have a causal influence on the continuous streams. We also assume that atypical sequence of events in the discrete streams can lead to off-nominal system performance. We discuss the application domain, novel algorithms, and also discuss results on real-world data sets. Our algorithm uncovers operationally significant events in high dimensional data streams in the aviation industry which are not detectable using state of the art methods

Collecting behavioural data using the world wide web: considerations for researchers

PubMed Central

Rhodes, S; Bowie, D; Hergenrather, K

2003-01-01

Objective: To identify and describe advantages, challenges, and ethical considerations of web based behavioural data collection. Methods: This discussion is based on the authors' experiences in survey development and study design, respondent recruitment, and internet research, and on the experiences of others as found in the literature. Results: The advantages of using the world wide web to collect behavioural data include rapid access to numerous potential respondents and previously hidden populations, respondent openness and full participation, opportunities for student research, and reduced research costs. Challenges identified include issues related to sampling and sample representativeness, competition for the attention of respondents, and potential limitations resulting from the much cited "digital divide", literacy, and disability. Ethical considerations include anonymity and privacy, providing and substantiating informed consent, and potential risks of malfeasance. Conclusions: Computer mediated communications, including electronic mail, the world wide web, and interactive programs will play an ever increasing part in the future of behavioural science research. Justifiable concerns regarding the use of the world wide web in research exist, but as access to, and use of, the internet becomes more widely and representatively distributed globally, the world wide web will become more applicable. In fact, the world wide web may be the only research tool able to reach some previously hidden population subgroups. Furthermore, many of the criticisms of online data collection are common to other survey research methodologies. PMID:12490652

Collecting behavioural data using the world wide web: considerations for researchers.

PubMed

Rhodes, S D; Bowie, D A; Hergenrather, K C

2003-01-01

To identify and describe advantages, challenges, and ethical considerations of web based behavioural data collection. This discussion is based on the authors' experiences in survey development and study design, respondent recruitment, and internet research, and on the experiences of others as found in the literature. The advantages of using the world wide web to collect behavioural data include rapid access to numerous potential respondents and previously hidden populations, respondent openness and full participation, opportunities for student research, and reduced research costs. Challenges identified include issues related to sampling and sample representativeness, competition for the attention of respondents, and potential limitations resulting from the much cited "digital divide", literacy, and disability. Ethical considerations include anonymity and privacy, providing and substantiating informed consent, and potential risks of malfeasance. Computer mediated communications, including electronic mail, the world wide web, and interactive programs will play an ever increasing part in the future of behavioural science research. Justifiable concerns regarding the use of the world wide web in research exist, but as access to, and use of, the internet becomes more widely and representatively distributed globally, the world wide web will become more applicable. In fact, the world wide web may be the only research tool able to reach some previously hidden population subgroups. Furthermore, many of the criticisms of online data collection are common to other survey research methodologies.

E-therapy for mental health problems: a systematic review.

PubMed

Postel, Marloes G; de Haan, Hein A; De Jong, Cor A J

2008-09-01

The widespread availability of the Internet offers opportunities for improving access to therapy for people with mental health problems. There is a seemingly infinite supply of Internet-based interventions available on the World Wide Web. The aim of the present study is to systematically assess the methodological quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) concerning e-therapy for mental health problems. Two reviewers independently assessed the methodological quality of the RCTs, based on a list of criteria for the methodological quality assessment as recommended by the Cochrane Back Review Group. The search yielded 14 papers that reported RCTs concerning e-therapy for mental-health problems. The methodological quality of studies included in this review was generally low. It is concluded that e-therapy may turn out to be an appropriate therapeutic entity, but the evidence needs to be more convincing. Recommendations are made concerning the method of reporting RCTs and the need to add some content items to an e-therapy study.

The World Wide Web--a new tool for biomedical engineering education.

PubMed

Blanchard, S M

1997-01-01

An ever-increasing variety of materials (text, images, videos, and sound) are available through the World Wide Web (WWW). While textbooks, which are often outdated by the time they are published, are usually limited to black and white text and images, many supplemental materials can be found on the WWW. The WWW also provides many resources for student projects. In BAE 465: Biomedical Engineering Applications, student teams developed WWW-based term projects on biomedical topics, e.g. biomaterials, MRI, and medical ultrasound. After the projects were completed and edited by the instructor, they were placed on-line for world-wide access if permission for this had been granted by the student authors. Projects from three classes have been used to form the basis for an electronic textbook which is available at http:@www.eos.ncsu.edu/bae/research/blanchard /www/465/textbook/. This electronic textbook also includes instructional objectives and sample tests for specific topic areas. Student projects have been linked to the appropriate topic areas within the electronic textbook. Links to relevant sites have been included within the electronic textbook as well as within the individual projects. Students were required to link to images and other materials they wanted to include in their project in order to avoid copyright issues. The drawback to this approach to copyright protection is that addresses can change making links unavailable. In BAE 465 and in BAE 235: Engineering Biology, the WWW has also been used to distribute instructional objectives, the syllabi and class policies, homework problems, and abbreviated lecture notes. This has made maintaining course-related material easier and has reduced the amount of paper used by both the students and the instructor. Goals for the electronic textbook include the addition of instructional simulation programs that can be run from remote sites. In the future, biomedical engineering may be taught in a virtual classroom with participation by an instructor and students from many different parts of the world.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and hepatic cirrhosis: Comparison with viral hepatitis-associated steatosis.

PubMed

Haga, Yuki; Kanda, Tatsuo; Sasaki, Reina; Nakamura, Masato; Nakamoto, Shingo; Yokosuka, Osamu

2015-12-14

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) including nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is globally increasing and has become a world-wide health problem. Chronic infection with hepatitis B virus or hepatitis C virus (HCV) is associated with hepatic steatosis. Viral hepatitis-associated hepatic steatosis is often caused by metabolic syndrome including obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus and/or dyslipidemia. It has been reported that HCV genotype 3 exerts direct metabolic effects that lead to hepatic steatosis. In this review, the differences between NAFLD/NASH and viral hepatitis-associated steatosis are discussed.

[The medical world of Juan Gil de Zamora's Historia Naturalis (ca. 1275-1296)].

PubMed

García Ballester, L; Domínguez, A

1994-01-01

The article describes the authors and works which were quoted by the Franciscan Juan Gil de Zamora in his Historia naturalis, a scientific encyclopaedia written between c. 1275 and before 1296, probably in the Franciscan monastery of Zamora (Kingdom of Castille). Juan Gil made wide use of the Avicenna's Canon, Gilbertus de Aquila (Anglicus)'s Compendium medicine, and Salernitan medical literature. His work contributed to the diffusion of these medical authors and works throughout the Christian intellectual milieu of late medieval Castille. This diffusion was not without problems.

U.S. Geological Survey World Wide Web Information

USGS Publications Warehouse

,

2000-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) invites you to explore an earth science virtual library of digital information, publications, and data. The USGS World Wide Web sites offer an array of information that reflects scientific research and monitoring programs conducted in the areas of natural hazards, environmental resources, and cartog-raphy. This list provides gateways to access a cross section of the digital information on the USGS World Wide Web sites.

U.S. Geological Survey World Wide Web Information

USGS Publications Warehouse

,

2003-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) invites you to explore an earth science virtual library of digital information, publications, and data. The USGS World Wide Web sites offer an array of information that reflects scientific research and monitoring programs conducted in the areas of natural hazards, environmental resources, and cartography. This list provides gateways to access a cross section of the digital information on the USGS World Wide Web sites.

U.S. Geological Survey World Wide Web Information

USGS Publications Warehouse

,

1999-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) invites you to explore an earth science virtual library of digital information, publications, and data. The USGS Internet World Wide Web sites offer an array of information that reflects scientific research and monitoring programs conducted in the areas of natural hazards, environmental resources, and cartography. This list provides gateways to access a cross section of the digital information on the USGS World Wide Web sites.

U.S. Geological Survey World Wide Web information

USGS Publications Warehouse

,

1997-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) invites you to explore an earth science virtual library of digital information, publications, and data. The USGS Internet World Wide Web sites offer an array of information that reflects scientific research and monitoring programs conducted in the areas of natural hazards, environmental resources, and cartography. This list provides gateways to access a cross section of the digital information on the USGS World Wide Web sites.

Judging nursing information on the WWW: a theoretical understanding.

PubMed

Cader, Raffik; Campbell, Steve; Watson, Don

2009-09-01

This paper is a report of a study of the judgement processes nurses use when evaluating World Wide Web information related to nursing practice. The World Wide Web has increased the global accessibility of online health information. However, the variable nature of the quality of World Wide Web information and its perceived level of reliability may lead to misinformation. This makes demands on healthcare professionals, and on nurses in particular, to ensure that health information of reliable quality is selected for use in practice. A grounded theory approach was adopted. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were used to collect data, between 2004 and 2005, from 20 nurses undertaking a postqualification graduate course at a university and 13 nurses from a local hospital in the United Kingdom. A theoretical framework emerged that gave insight into the judgement process nurses use when evaluating World Wide Web information. Participants broke the judgement process down into specific tasks. In addition, they used tacit, process and propositional knowledge and intuition, quasi-rational cognition and analysis to undertake these tasks. World Wide Web information cues, time available and nurses' critical skills were influencing factors in their judgement process. Addressing the issue of quality and reliability associated with World Wide Web information is a global challenge. This theoretical framework could contribute towards meeting this challenge.

A Cost Assessment of the Dayton Public Schools Vehicle Routing Problem

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-03-01

known problems: the Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP) and the Bin Packing Problem ( BPP ) (Ralphs, 2003). The VRP has a plethora of real world...well known problems: the Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP) and the Bin Packing Problem ( BPP ) (Ralphs, 2003). The VRP has a plethora of real world

Problems of substance abuse: exploitation and control.

PubMed

Ray, L

1985-01-01

The notion of substance abuse is highly problematic. There is considerable disagreement amongst 'experts' as to the relative hazards and addictive properties of both legally and illegally available substances. There are also widely divergent sub-cultural attitudes to the harmfulness or benefit of drug use. One can assume no social consensus as to the nature of the contemporary 'drug problem', nor about the most appropriate means of dealing with it. There is, however, considerable evidence that criminalization of drug use, and harsh penalties against users and suppliers, are ineffective and counter-productive. Other models of control need to be considered, and in particular the merits and de-merits of the medicalization of drug abuse require examination. However, this is only one aspect of the problem. On the other side are the national and international corporations and syndicates, both legitimate and criminal, that earn vast profits from trade in toxic substances. Tobacco is legally available in every country in the world, and the industry is rarely subject to strict control. Thus the issue of substance abuse and control should be seen in a global context, in which account is taken of both legitimate and underworld operations. In attempts to control international trade in toxic substances, the limited success and the problems of already existing legal controls should be acknowledged. Local awareness and regulation of trade in substances is essential, but not sufficient. Amongst other avenues to be explored is the possibility of diverting presently illicitly grown narcotics into indigenous pharmaceutical industries in the Third World. Some problems with this strategy are noted.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Steam generator degradation: Current mitigation strategies for controlling corrosion

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

Millett, P.

1997-02-01

Steam Generator degradation has caused substantial losses of power generation, resulted in large repair and maintenance costs, and contributed to significant personnel radiation exposures in Pressurized Water Reactors (PWRs) operating throughout the world. EPRI has just published the revised Steam Generator Reference Book, which reviews all of the major forms of SG degradation. This paper discusses the types of SG degradation that have been experienced with emphasis on the mitigation strategies that have been developed and implemented in the field. SG degradation is presented from a world wide perspective as all countries operating PWRs have been effected to one degreemore » or another. The paper is written from a US. perspective where the utility industry is currently undergoing tremendous change as a result of deregulation of the electricity marketplace. Competitive pressures are causing utilities to strive to reduce Operations and Maintenance (O&M) and capital costs. SG corrosion is a major contributor to the O&M costs of PWR plants, and therefore US utilities are evaluating and implementing the most cost effective solutions to their corrosion problems. Mitigation strategies developed over the past few years reflect a trend towards plant specific solutions to SG corrosion problems. Since SG degradation is in most cases an economic problem and not a safety problem, utilities can focus their mitigation strategies on their unique financial situation. Accordingly, the focus of R&D has shifted from the development of more expensive, prescriptive solutions (e.g. reduced impurity limits) to corrosion problems to providing the utilities with a number of cost effective mitigation options (e.g. molar ratio control, boric acid treatment).« less

DFX via the Internet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wagner, Rick; Castanotto, Giuseppe; Goldberg, Kenneth A.

1995-11-01

The Internet offers tremendous potential for rapid development of mechanical products to meet global competition. In the past several years, a number of geometric algorithms have been developed to evaluate manufacturing properties such as feedability, fixturability, assemblability, etc. This class of algorithms is sometimes termed `DFX: Design for X'. One problem is that most of these algorithms are tailored to a particular CAD system and format and so have not been widely tested by industry. the World Wide Web may offer a solution: its simple interface language may become a de facto standard for the exchange of geometric data. In this preliminary paper we describe one model for remote analysis of CAD models that we believe holds promise for use in industry (e.g. during the design cycle) and in research (e.g. to encourage verification of results).

On Parallel Push-Relabel based Algorithms for Bipartite Maximum Matching

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

Langguth, Johannes; Azad, Md Ariful; Halappanavar, Mahantesh

2014-07-01

We study multithreaded push-relabel based algorithms for computing maximum cardinality matching in bipartite graphs. Matching is a fundamental combinatorial (graph) problem with applications in a wide variety of problems in science and engineering. We are motivated by its use in the context of sparse linear solvers for computing maximum transversal of a matrix. We implement and test our algorithms on several multi-socket multicore systems and compare their performance to state-of-the-art augmenting path-based serial and parallel algorithms using a testset comprised of a wide range of real-world instances. Building on several heuristics for enhancing performance, we demonstrate good scaling for themore » parallel push-relabel algorithm. We show that it is comparable to the best augmenting path-based algorithms for bipartite matching. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first extensive study of multithreaded push-relabel based algorithms. In addition to a direct impact on the applications using matching, the proposed algorithmic techniques can be extended to preflow-push based algorithms for computing maximum flow in graphs.« less

Physical activity and sleep problems in 38 low- and middle-income countries.

PubMed

Vancampfort, Davy; Stubbs, Brendon; Smith, Lee; Hallgren, Mats; Firth, Joseph; Herring, Matthew P; Probst, Michel; Koyanagi, Ai

2018-05-24

Although physical activity (PA) is associated with a reduction of a wide range of sleep problems, it remains uncertain whether complying with the international guidelines of 150 min of moderate to vigorous PA per week can reduce sleep problems in adults. This research investigated the relationship between compliance with the PA recommendations of the World Health Organization and sleep problems in 38 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Cross-sectional, community-based data from the World Health Survey were analyzed. Adjusted logistic regression analyses were undertaken to explore the relationship between PA levels using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and self-reported sleep problems (such as difficulties falling asleep, waking up frequently during the night or waking up too early in the morning) in the last 30 days. Across 204,315 individuals (38.6 ± 16.1 years; 49.3% males), the overall prevalence (95% CI) of low PA and sleep problems were 29.9% (29.1-30.8%) and 7.5% (7.2-7.9%), respectively. After adjusting for socio-demographics, obesity, chronic physical conditions, depression, and anxiety; not complying with PA recommendations was associated with higher odds for sleep problems overall [odds ratio (OR) = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.10-1.38] as well as across the entire age range: 18-34 years (OR = 1.26; 95% CI = 1.02-1.57); 35-64 years (OR = 1.17; 95% CI = 1.01-1.35); and age ≥65 years (OR = 1.40; 95% CI = 1.11-1.76). Not complying with international PA recommendations is associated with higher odds of sleep problems, independently of depression and anxiety in LMICs. Future longitudinal and interventional studies are warranted to assess whether increasing PA levels may improve sleep problems in this setting. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Co-Labeling for Multi-View Weakly Labeled Learning.

PubMed

Xu, Xinxing; Li, Wen; Xu, Dong; Tsang, Ivor W

2016-06-01

It is often expensive and time consuming to collect labeled training samples in many real-world applications. To reduce human effort on annotating training samples, many machine learning techniques (e.g., semi-supervised learning (SSL), multi-instance learning (MIL), etc.) have been studied to exploit weakly labeled training samples. Meanwhile, when the training data is represented with multiple types of features, many multi-view learning methods have shown that classifiers trained on different views can help each other to better utilize the unlabeled training samples for the SSL task. In this paper, we study a new learning problem called multi-view weakly labeled learning, in which we aim to develop a unified approach to learn robust classifiers by effectively utilizing different types of weakly labeled multi-view data from a broad range of tasks including SSL, MIL and relative outlier detection (ROD). We propose an effective approach called co-labeling to solve the multi-view weakly labeled learning problem. Specifically, we model the learning problem on each view as a weakly labeled learning problem, which aims to learn an optimal classifier from a set of pseudo-label vectors generated by using the classifiers trained from other views. Unlike traditional co-training approaches using a single pseudo-label vector for training each classifier, our co-labeling approach explores different strategies to utilize the predictions from different views, biases and iterations for generating the pseudo-label vectors, making our approach more robust for real-world applications. Moreover, to further improve the weakly labeled learning on each view, we also exploit the inherent group structure in the pseudo-label vectors generated from different strategies, which leads to a new multi-layer multiple kernel learning problem. Promising results for text-based image retrieval on the NUS-WIDE dataset as well as news classification and text categorization on several real-world multi-view datasets clearly demonstrate that our proposed co-labeling approach achieves state-of-the-art performance for various multi-view weakly labeled learning problems including multi-view SSL, multi-view MIL and multi-view ROD.

Scale-free characteristics of random networks: the topology of the world-wide web

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barabási, Albert-László; Albert, Réka; Jeong, Hawoong

2000-06-01

The world-wide web forms a large directed graph, whose vertices are documents and edges are links pointing from one document to another. Here we demonstrate that despite its apparent random character, the topology of this graph has a number of universal scale-free characteristics. We introduce a model that leads to a scale-free network, capturing in a minimal fashion the self-organization processes governing the world-wide web.

Learning from Dealing with Real World Problems

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Akcay, Hakan

2017-01-01

The purpose of this article is to provide an example of using real world issues as tools for science teaching and learning. Using real world issues provides students with experiences in learning in problem-based environments and encourages them to apply their content knowledge to solving current and local problems.

A design rationale for NASA TileWorld

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Philips, Andrew B.; Swanson, Keith J.; Drummond, Mark E.; Bresina, John L.

1991-01-01

Automated systems that can operate in unrestricted real-world domains are still well beyond current computational capabilities. This paper argues that isolating essential problem characteristics found in real-world domains allows for a careful study of how particular control systems operate. By isolating essential problem characteristics and studying their impact on autonomous system performance, we should be able to more quickly deliver systems for practical real-world problems. For our research on planning, scheduling, and control, we have selected three particular domain attributes to study: exogenous events, uncertain action outcome, and metric time. We are not suggesting that studies of these attributes in isolation are sufficient to guarantee the obvious goals of good methodology, brilliant architectures, or first-class results; however, we are suggesting that such isolation facilitates the achievement of these goals. To study these attributes, we have developed the NASA TileWorld. We describe the NASA TileWorld simulator in general terms, present an example NASA TileWorld problem, and discuss some of our motivations and concerns for NASA TileWorld.

Learning through Real-World Problem Solving: The Power of Integrative Teaching.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nagel, Nancy G.

This book is based on the idea that curriculum development projects focused on integrated or interdisciplinary teaching within the context of real-world problem solving creates dynamics and meaningful learning experiences for students. The real-world, problem-solving units presented in this book were created by four intern teachers, their mentor…

The World Health Organization World Mental Health Survey Initiative.

PubMed

Kessler, Ronald C; Haro, Josep Maria; Heeringa, Steven G; Pennell, Beth-Ellen; Ustün, T Bedirhan

2006-01-01

To present an overview of the World Health Organization World Mental Health (WMH) Survey Initiative. The discussion draws on knowledge gleaned from the authors' participation as principals in WMH. WMH has carried out community epidemiological surveys in more than two dozen countries with more than 200,000 completed interviews. Additional surveys are in progress. Clinical reappraisal studies embedded in WMH surveys have been used to develop imputation rules to adjust prevalence estimates for within- and between-country variation in accuracy. WMH interviews include detailed information about sub-threshold manifestations to address the problem of rigid categorical diagnoses not applying equally to all countries. Investigations are now underway of targeted substantive issues. Despite inevitable limitations imposed by existing diagnostic systems and variable expertise in participating countries, WMH has produced an unprecedented amount of high-quality data on the general population cross-national epidemiology of mental disorders. WMH collaborators are in thoughtful and subtle investigations of cross-national variation in validity of diagnostic assessments and a wide range of important substantive topics. Recognizing that WMH is not definitive, finally, insights from this round of surveys are being used to carry out methodological studies aimed at improving the quality of future investigations.

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

Witherspoon, P.A.

The problem of isolating radioactive wastes from the biosphere presents specialists in the fields of earth sciences with some of the most complicated problems they have ever encountered. This is especially true for high level waste (HLW) which must be isolated in the underground and away from the biosphere for thousands of years. Essentially every country that is generating electricity in nuclear power plants is faced with the problem of isolating the radioactive wastes that are produced. The general consensus is that this can be accomplished by selecting an appropriate geologic setting and carefully designing the rock repository. Much newmore » technology is being developed to solve the problems that have been raised and there is a continuing need to publish the results of new developments for the benefit of all concerned. The 28th International Geologic Congress that was held July 9--19, 1989 in Washington, DC provided an opportunity for earth scientists to gather for detailed discussions on these problems. Workshop W3B on the subject, Geological Problems in Radioactive Waste Isolation -- A World Wide Review'' was organized by Paul A Witherspoon and Ghislain de Marsily and convened July 15--16, 1989 Reports from 19 countries have been gathered for this publication. Individual papers have been cataloged separately.« less

[Social scenarios in Latin America and the Caribbean].

PubMed

Kliksberg, B

2000-01-01

A wide range of sources have pointed out the magnitude and depth of the social problems that trouble Latin America and the Caribbean and the risks that these problems pose for democracy. Although there are other issues that merit consideration, this article briefly outlines nine key social problems: 1) the increase in poverty, 2) the impact of poverty, 3) unemployment and informal employment, 4) deficiencies in public health, 5) problems in education, 6) the newly poor, 7) the erosion of the family, 8) increasing crime, and 9) the perverse cycle of socioeconomic exclusion. Solving these problems must not be delayed. It is urgent to move to a comprehensive view of development that achieves a different balance between economic and social policies, and that recognizes the indispensable role of these policies in achieving truly sustainable development. At stake are problems that not only concern resources, but also priorities, levels of equity, and the organization of society. Facing up to this poverty and inequity requires an in-depth assessment of these economic policies' social consequences, of the crucial subject of Latin American inequity--the greatest in the world--and of the role of social and public policies.

We need more empirical investigations and model validation for a better understanding of crime. Comment on "Statistical physics of crime: A review" by M.R. D'Orsogna and M. Perc

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ribeiro, Haroldo V.

2015-03-01

Since the seminal works of Wilson and Kelling [1] in 1982, the "broken windows theory" seems to have been widely accepted among the criminologists and, in fact, empirical findings actually point out that criminals tend to return to previously visited locations. Crime has always been part of the urban society's agenda and has also attracted the attention of scholars from social sciences ever since. Furthermore, over the past six decades the world has experienced a quick and notorious urbanization process: by the eighties the urban population was about 40% of total population, and today more than half (54%) of the world population is urban [2]. The urbanization has brought us many benefits such as better working opportunities and health care, but has also created several problems such as pollution and a considerable rise in the criminal activities. In this context of urban problems, crime deserves a special attention because there is a huge necessity of empirical and mathematical (modeling) investigations which, apart from the natural academic interest, may find direct implications for the organization of our society by improving political decisions and resource allocation.

What is a picture worth? A history of remote sensing

USGS Publications Warehouse

Moore, Gerald K.

1979-01-01

Remote sensing is the use of electromagnetic energy to measure the physical properties of distant objects. It includes photography and geophysical surveying as well as newer techniques that use other parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. The history of remote sensing begins with photography. The origin of other types of remote sensing can be traced to World War II, with the development of radar, sonar, and thermal infrared detection systems. Since the 1960s, sensors have been designed to operate in virtually all of the electromagnetic spectrum. Today a wide variety of remote sensing instruments are available for use in hydrological studies; satellite data, such as Skylab photographs and Landsat images are particularly suitable for regional problems and studies. Planned future satellites will provide a ground resolution of 10–80 m. Remote sensing is currently used for hydrological applications in most countries of the world. The range of applications includes groundwater exploration determination of physical water quality, snowfield mapping, flood-inundation delineation, and making inventories of irrigated land. The use of remote sensing commonly results in considerable hydrological information at minimal cost. This information can be used to speed-up the development of water resources, to improve management practices, and to monitor environmental problems.

Incidence of health problems associated with tattooed skin: a nation-wide survey in German-speaking countries.

PubMed

Klügl, Ines; Hiller, Karl-Anton; Landthaler, Michael; Bäumler, Wolfgang

2010-08-01

Millions of people are tattooed. However, the frequency of health problems is unknown. We performed an Internet survey in German-speaking countries. The provenance of tattooed participants (n = 3,411) was evenly distributed in Germany. The participants had many (28%; >4) and large tattoos (36%; >or=900 cm(2)). After tattooing, the people described skin problems (67.5%) or systemic reactions (6.6%). Four weeks after tattooing, 9% still had health problems. Six percent reported persistent health problems due to the tattoo, of which females (7.3%) were more frequently concerned than males (4.2%). Colored tattoos provoked more short-term skin (p = 0.003) or systemic (p = 0.0001) reactions than black tattoos. Also the size of tattoos and the age at the time of tattooing play a significant role in many health problems. Our results show that millions of people in the Western world supposedly have transient or persisting health problems after tattooing. Owing to the large number and size of the tattoos, tattooists inject several grams of tattoo colorants into the skin, which partly spread in the human body and stay for a lifetime. The latter might cause additional health problems in the long term. Copyright 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Googling endometriosis: a systematic review of information available on the Internet.

PubMed

Hirsch, Martin; Aggarwal, Shivani; Barker, Claire; Davis, Colin J; Duffy, James M N

2017-05-01

The demand for health information online is increasing rapidly without clear governance. We aim to evaluate the credibility, quality, readability, and accuracy of online patient information concerning endometriosis. We searched 5 popular Internet search engines: aol.com, ask.com, bing.com, google.com, and yahoo.com. We developed a search strategy in consultation with patients with endometriosis, to identify relevant World Wide Web pages. Pages containing information related to endometriosis for women with endometriosis or the public were eligible. Two independent authors screened the search results. World Wide Web pages were evaluated using validated instruments across 3 of the 4 following domains: (1) credibility (White Paper instrument; range 0-10); (2) quality (DISCERN instrument; range 0-85); and (3) readability (Flesch-Kincaid instrument; range 0-100); and (4) accuracy (assessed by a prioritized criteria developed in consultation with health care professionals, researchers, and women with endometriosis based on the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology guidelines [range 0-30]). We summarized these data in diagrams, tables, and narratively. We identified 750 World Wide Web pages, of which 54 were included. Over a third of Web pages did not attribute authorship and almost half the included pages did not report the sources of information or academic references. No World Wide Web page provided information assessed as being written in plain English. A minority of web pages were assessed as high quality. A single World Wide Web page provided accurate information: evidentlycochrane.net. Available information was, in general, skewed toward the diagnosis of endometriosis. There were 16 credible World Wide Web pages, however the content limitations were infrequently discussed. No World Wide Web page scored highly across all 4 domains. In the unlikely event that a World Wide Web page reports high-quality, accurate, and credible health information it is typically challenging for a lay audience to comprehend. Health care professionals, and the wider community, should inform women with endometriosis of the risk of outdated, inaccurate, or even dangerous information online. The implementation of an information standard will incentivize providers of online information to establish and adhere to codes of conduct. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Low-Emission combustion of fuel in aeroderivative gas turbines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bulysova, L. A.; Vasil'ev, V. D.; Berne, A. L.

2017-12-01

The paper is the first of a planned set of papers devoted to the world experience in development of Low Emission combustors (LEC) for industrial Gas Turbines (GT). The purpose of the article is to summarize and analyze the most successful experience of introducing the principles of low-emission combustion of the so-called "poor" (low fuel concentration in air when the excess air ratio is about 1.9-2.1) well mixed fuelair mixtures in the LEC for GTs and ways to reduce the instability of combustion. The consideration examples are the most successful and widely used aero-derivative GT. The GT development meets problems related to the difference in requirements and operation conditions between the aero, industrial, and power production GT. One of the main problems to be solved is the LEC development to mitigate emissions of the harmful products first of all the Nitrogen oxides NOx. The ways to modify or convert the initial combustors to the LEC are shown. This development may follow location of multiburner mixers within the initial axial envelope dimensions or conversion of circular combustor to the can type one. The most interesting are Natural Gas firing GT without water injection into the operating process or Dry Low emission (DLE) combustors. The current GT efficiency requirement may be satisfied at compressor exit pressure above 3 MPa and Turbine Entry temperature (TET) above 1500°C. The paper describes LEC examples based on the concept of preliminary prepared air-fuel mixtures' combustion. Each combustor employs its own fuel supply control concept based on the fuel flow-power output relation. In the case of multiburner combustors, the burners are started subsequently under a specific scheme. The can type combustors have combustion zones gradually ignited following the GT power change. The combustion noise problem experienced in lean mixtures' combustion is also considered, and the problem solutions are described. The GT test results show wide ranges of stable operation at needed levels of NOx and CO emissions. The world experience analysis and generalization and investigation of the further development directions for the high performance GT will assist development of domestic LEC for prospective GTs.

International organizations to enable world-wide mobile satellite services

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anglin, Richard L., Jr.

1993-01-01

Numbers of systems exist or have been proposed to provide world-wide mobile satellite services (MSS). Developers of these systems have formulated institutional structures they consider most appropriate for profitable delivery of these services. MSS systems provide niche services and complement traditional telecommunications networks; they are not integrated into world-wide networks. To be successful, MSS system operators must be able to provide an integrated suite of services to support the increasing globalization, interconnectivity, and mobility of business. The critical issue to enabling 'universal roaming' is securing authority to provide MSS in all of the nations of the world. Such authority must be secured in the context of evolving trends in international telecommunications, and must specifically address issues of standardization, regulation and organization. Today, only one existing organization has such world-wide authority. The question is how proponents of new MSS systems and services can gain similar authority. Securing the appropriate authorizations requires that these new organizations reflect the objectives of the nations in which services are to be delivered.

Research on key technology of prognostic and health management for autonomous underwater vehicle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Zhi

2017-12-01

Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) are non-cable and autonomous motional underwater robotics. With a wide range of activities, it can reach thousands of kilometers. Because it has the advantages of wide range, good maneuverability, safety and intellectualization, it becomes an important tool for various underwater tasks. How to improve diagnosis accuracy of the AUVs electrical system faults, and how to repair AUVs by the information are the focus of navy in the world. In turn, ensuring safe and reliable operation of the system has very important significance to improve AUVs sailing performance. To solve these problems, in the paper the prognostic and health management(PHM) technology is researched and used to AUV, and the overall framework and key technology are proposed, such as data acquisition, feature extraction, fault diagnosis, failure prediction and so on.

State-of-the-Art of (Bio)Chemical Sensor Developments in Analytical Spanish Groups

PubMed Central

Plata, María Reyes; Contento, Ana María; Ríos, Angel

2010-01-01

(Bio)chemical sensors are one of the most exciting fields in analytical chemistry today. The development of these analytical devices simplifies and miniaturizes the whole analytical process. Although the initial expectation of the massive incorporation of sensors in routine analytical work has been truncated to some extent, in many other cases analytical methods based on sensor technology have solved important analytical problems. Many research groups are working in this field world-wide, reporting interesting results so far. Modestly, Spanish researchers have contributed to these recent developments. In this review, we summarize the more representative achievements carried out for these groups. They cover a wide variety of sensors, including optical, electrochemical, piezoelectric or electro-mechanical devices, used for laboratory or field analyses. The capabilities to be used in different applied areas are also critically discussed. PMID:22319260

World-Wide Web: The Information Universe.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Berners-Lee, Tim; And Others

1992-01-01

Describes the World-Wide Web (W3) project, which is designed to create a global information universe using techniques of hypertext, information retrieval, and wide area networking. Discussion covers the W3 data model, W3 architecture, the document naming scheme, protocols, document formats, comparison with other systems, experience with the W3…

An Adaptive Cross-Architecture Combination Method for Graph Traversal

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

You, Yang; Song, Shuaiwen; Kerbyson, Darren J.

2014-06-18

Breadth-First Search (BFS) is widely used in many real-world applications including computational biology, social networks, and electronic design automation. The combination method, using both top-down and bottom-up techniques, is the most effective BFS approach. However, current combination methods rely on trial-and-error and exhaustive search to locate the optimal switching point, which may cause significant runtime overhead. To solve this problem, we design an adaptive method based on regression analysis to predict an optimal switching point for the combination method at runtime within less than 0.1% of the BFS execution time.

[Minocycline as a therapeutic drug for methamphetamine use disorders].

PubMed

Hashimoto, Kenji

2008-02-01

Use of methamphetamine and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is an extremely serious and growing problem throughout the world, including Japan. Antipsychotic drugs have been used for psychotic symptoms associated with these abused drugs. However, there are currently no particular pharmacological treatments for the wide range of symptoms associated with these abused drugs. Recently, we reported that the second generation antibiotic drug minocycline can attenuate behavioral abnormalities and neurotoxicity in the brain after administration of methamphetamine or MDMA. In this review, we discuss minocycline as a new potential therapeutic drug for schizophrenia as well as psychosis associated with these abused drugs.

Estimating the dilemma strength for game systems. Comment on "Universal scaling for the dilemma strength in evolutionary games", by Z. Wang et al.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Xiaojie

2015-09-01

The puzzle of cooperation exists widely in the realistic world, including biological, social, and engineering systems. How to solve the cooperation puzzle has received considerable attention in recent years [1]. Evolutionary game theory provides a common mathematical framework to study the problem of cooperation. In principle, these practical biological, social, or engineering systems can be described by complex game models composed of multiple autonomous individuals with mutual interactions. And generally there exists a dilemma for the evolution of cooperation in the game systems.

Birth of a megaproject: Political economy of flood control in bangladesh

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boyce, James K.

1990-07-01

A major flood control initiative has been launched in Bangladesh under the coordination of the World Bank. The bank's five-year Action Plan is intended to initiate a long-term investment program, the specifics of which remain to be determined. Long-term proposals under consideration include the construction of massive embankments along the great rivers of the Bangladesh delta. The wisdom of such a “structural solution” to Bangladesh's flood problems can be questioned on economic, environmental, and technical grounds. Regrettably, the decision-making process has not encouraged wide debate on these questions.

Trust evaluation in health information on the World Wide Web.

PubMed

Moturu, Sai T; Liu, Huan; Johnson, William G

2008-01-01

The impact of health information on the web is mounting and with the Health 2.0 revolution around the corner, online health promotion and management is becoming a reality. User-generated content is at the core of this revolution and brings to the fore the essential question of trust evaluation, a pertinent problem for health applications in particular. Evolving Web 2.0 health applications provide abundant opportunities for research. We identify these applications, discuss the challenges for trust assessment, characterize conceivable variables, list potential techniques for analysis, and provide a vision for future research.

The influence of retinal eye diseases on painting.

PubMed

Ivanišević, Petar; Ivanišević, Milan

2015-03-01

In this work the possible influences of some retinal eye problems on paintings of several famous artists are considered. The change of painting styles and artistic expression in different periods and ages in a group of world-wide well-known painters are described and correlated with known or suspected retinal diseases. Some of them largely became recognizable because of that. Contemplations are offered about the effects of retinal diseases in the works of Degas, Munch, Cézanne, O'Keeffe, Constable and Goya. Retinal eye diseases have a significant impact on the work of selected famous painters.

Thermochemical energy storage: Proceedings from the International Seminar on hermochemical Energy Storage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wettermark, G.

1980-10-01

Energy storage problems are explored. Tomorrow's energy sources will provide a continuous flow of energy. Matching supply and demand will necessitate a wide range of storage capabilities. For storing heat thermochemical and economic solutions may take advantage of the various options inherent in this kind of storage, namely heat pumping, transport of heat and direct conversion to other desired forms of energy such as electricity and mechanical work. There is a need to regularly summarize the knowledge and research in the field of thermochemical energy storage in different parts of the world.

The World Wide Web and Higher Education: The Promise of Virtual Universities and Online Libraries.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barnard, John

1997-01-01

While many universities and colleges are emphasizing distance education as a way to reach working adults and control costs associated with maintaining campus infrastructures, the World Wide Web is beginning to provide a medium for offering courses to students anywhere in the world. Discusses virtual universities which combine the Web with other…

Technical Problems Experienced in the Transformation of Virtual Worlds into an Education Environment and Coping Strategies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Coban, Murat; Karakus, Turkan; Karaman, Asiye; Gunay, Fatma; Goktas, Yuksel

2015-01-01

Research into virtual worlds demonstrates that to successfully use virtual world platforms in different disciplines, certain limitations and potential difficulties of these platforms must be overcome. The current study extends previous research by investigating problems in integrating virtual worlds in education with a longitudinal observation of…

Ecological validity of the five digit test and the oral trails test.

PubMed

Paiva, Gabrielle Chequer de Castro; Fialho, Mariana Braga; Costa, Danielle de Souza; Paula, Jonas Jardim de

2016-01-01

Tests evaluating the attentional-executive system are widely used in clinical practice. However, proximity of an objective cognitive test with real-world situations (ecological validity) is not frequently investigated. The present study evaluate the association between measures of the Five Digit Test (FDT) and the Oral Trails Test (OTT) with self-reported cognitive failures in everyday life as measured by the Cognitive Failures Questionnaire (CFQ). Brazilian adults from 18-to-65 years old voluntarily performed the FDT and OTT tests and reported the frequency of cognitive failures in their everyday life through the CFQ. After controlling for the age effect, the measures of controlled attentional processes were associated with cognitive failures, yet the cognitive flexibility of both FDT and OTT accounted for by the majority of variance in most aspects of the CFQ factors. The FDT and the OTT measures were predictive of real-world problems such as cognitive failures in everyday activities/situations.

The making of contemporary American psychiatry, part 1: patients, treatments, and therapeutic rationales before and after World War II.

PubMed

Starks, Sarah Linsley; Braslow, Joel T

2005-05-01

This article, the 1st in a 2-part series, uses patient records from California's Stockton State Hospital to unearth the midcentury roots of contemporary American psychiatry. These patient records allow the authors to examine 2 transformations: the post-World War II expansion of psychiatry to include the diagnosis and treatment not only of psychotic patients but also of nonpsychotic patients suffering from problems of everyday living, and the 1950s introduction of the first psychotropic drugs, which cemented the medical status of these new disorders, thus linking a new therapeutic rationale to biological understandings of disease. These transformations laid the groundwork for a contemporary psychiatry characterized by voluntary outpatient care, pharmacological treatment of a wide range of behaviors and distress, and a doctor-patient relationship and cultural acceptance of disease that allow psychiatric patients to identify themselves as consumers.

Oil turmoil

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

Not Available

1979-07-01

A review of US oil production, refining, and retailing reveals the severity of the energy problem and illustrates the confusion over what can be accomplished by decontrolling oil prices. Conflicting statements from members of Congress, the President, and the oil industry have further confused the public. The shortages can be traced to a decline in domestic production incentives and foreign production, a slowdown in refinery expansion because of environmental constraints, competition between home heating oil and gasoline for priority, the failure of states to enforce speed limits, and a national preoccupation with oil profits. Senator Kennedy, for example, advocates continuedmore » price controls with a world-wide drilling program funded by the World Bank, while decontrol advocates feel price controls will only artifically restrain US production. The economic effects of decontrol on inflation are unclear, but conservation efforts, the development of alternative energy sources, and oil development from shale and tar sands are predicted to increase as political rhetoric declines.« less

Exclusive: OPEC's story - denies it is a cartel (in English and Spanish)

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

Not Available

1983-03-23

Coverage of OPEC news in the Western press exploded in 1973 during the Arab Oil Embargo and blossomed during the 1979 oil price hike. Since then, however, coverage wanes when OPEC's problems are its own and not widely impacting consuming nations. OPECNA, the OPEC News Agency, was established in 1980 to improve the quantity and quality of world press coverage of OPEC activities. Since then, OPECNA has also been OPEC's historian. It is felt that OPECNA has achieved its principal goal, that of providing reliable and frequent information about OPEC and the activities of its member countries; however, it appearsmore » to have little success in restructuring world opinion. Included here is an exclusive interview by Energy Detente with Mr. Gonzalo Plaza, Director of OPECNA. The Energy Detente fuel price/tax series and industrial fuel prices for March 1983 are presented for countries of the Western Hemisphere.« less

Crystallization techniques in wastewater treatment: An overview of applications.

PubMed

Lu, Haijiao; Wang, Jingkang; Wang, Ting; Wang, Na; Bao, Ying; Hao, Hongxun

2017-04-01

As a by-product of industrial or domestic activities, wastewater of different compositions has caused serious environmental problems all over the world. Facing the challenge of wastewater treatment, researchers have begun to make use of crystallization techniques in wastewater treatment. Crystallization techniques have many advantages, such as high efficiency, energy saving, low costs, less space occupation and so on. In recent decades, crystallization is considered as one of promising techniques for wastewater treatment, especially for desalination, water and salt recovery. It has been widely used in engineering applications all over the world. In this paper, various crystallization techniques in wastewater treatment are summarized, mainly including evaporation crystallization, cooling crystallization, reaction crystallization, drowning-out crystallization and membrane distillation crystallization. Overall, they are mainly used for desalination, water and salt recovery. Their applications, advantages and disadvantages were compared and discussed in detail. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Sustainable engineered processes to mitigate the global arsenic crisis in drinking water: challenges and progress.

PubMed

Sarkar, Sudipta; Greenleaf, John E; Gupta, Anirban; Uy, Davin; Sengupta, Arup K

2012-01-01

Millions of people around the world are currently living under the threat of developing serious health problems owing to ingestion of dangerous concentrations of arsenic through their drinking water. In many places, treatment of arsenic-contaminated water is an urgent necessity owing to a lack of safe alternative sources. Sustainable production of arsenic-safe water from an arsenic-contaminated raw water source is currently a challenge. Despite the successful development in the laboratory of technologies for arsenic remediation, few have been successful in the field. A sustainable arsenic-remediation technology should be robust, composed of local resources, and user-friendly as well as must attach special consideration to the social, economic, cultural, traditional, and environmental aspects of the target community. One such technology is in operation on the Indian subcontinent. Wide-scale replication of this technology with adequate improvisation can solve the arsenic crisis prevalent in the developing world.

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

Erfle, Stephen; Pound, John; Kalt, Joseph

An analysis of the response of American markets to supply crises in world oil markets is presented. It addresses four main issues: the efficiency of the operation of American oil markets during oil supply crises; the problems of both economic efficiency and social equity which arise during the American adaptation process; the propriety of the Federal government's past policy responses to these problems; and the relationship between perceptions of the problems caused by world oil crises and the real economic natures of these problems. Specifically, Chapter 1 presents a theoretical discussion of the effects of a world supply disruption onmore » the price level and supply availability of the world market oil to any consuming country including the US Chapter 2 provides a theoretical and empirical analysis of the efficiency of the adaptations of US oil product markets to higher world oil prices. Chapter 3 examines the responses of various groups of US oil firms to the alterations observed in world markets, while Chapter 4 presents a theoretical explanation for the price-lagging behavior exhibited by firms in the US oil industry. Chapter 5 addresses the nature of both real and imagined oil market problems in the US during periods of world oil market transition. (MCW)« less

Health status assessment via the World Wide Web.

PubMed Central

Bell, D. S.; Kahn, C. E.

1996-01-01

We explored the use of the World Wide Web to collect health status information for medical outcomes research. The RAND 36-Item Health Survey 1.0 (RAND-36), which contains the 36 multiple-choice questions of the Medical Outcomes Study SF-36 "Short Form" and differs only in its simplified scoring scheme, was made available for anonymous use on the Internet. Participation in the survey was invited through health-related Internet news groups and mailing lists. Participants entered data and received, their scores using the World Wide Web protocol. Entries were recorded from 15 June 1995 to 14 June 1996 (1 year). The survey was completed anonymously by 4876 individuals with access to the World Wide Web. Two-thirds completed the survey within 5 minutes, and 97% did so within 10 minutes. The item-completion rate was 99.28%. Values of Cronbach's alpha of 0.76 to 0.90 for the scoring scales matched the high reliability found in the Medical Outcomes Study. The World Wide Web provides a method of rapidly measuring individual health status and may play an important role in advancing health services research and outcomes-based patient care. PMID:8947684

Integrating Mathematics, Science, and Language Arts Instruction Using the World Wide Web.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Clark, Kenneth; Hosticka, Alice; Kent, Judi; Browne, Ron

1998-01-01

Addresses issues of access to World Wide Web sites, mathematics and science content-resources available on the Web, and methods for integrating mathematics, science, and language arts instruction. (Author/ASK)

Innovation design of medical equipment based on TRIZ.

PubMed

Gao, Changqing; Guo, Leiming; Gao, Fenglan; Yang, Bo

2015-01-01

Medical equipment is closely related to personal health and safety, and this can be of concern to the equipment user. Furthermore, there is much competition among medical equipment manufacturers. Innovative design is the key to success for those enterprises. The design of medical equipment usually covers vastly different domains of knowledge. The application of modern design methodology in medical equipment and technology invention is an urgent requirement. TRIZ (Russian abbreviation of what can be translated as `theory of inventive problem solving') was born in Russia, which contain some problem-solving methods developed by patent analysis around the world, including Conflict Matrix, Substance Field Analysis, Standard Solution, Effects, etc. TRIZ is an inventive methodology for problems solving. As an Engineering example, infusion system is analyzed and re-designed by TRIZ. The innovative idea is generated to liberate the caretaker from the infusion bag watching out. The research in this paper shows the process of the application of TRIZ in medical device inventions. It is proved that TRIZ is an inventive methodology for problems solving and can be used widely in medical device development.

Sustainable water future with global implications: everyone's responsibility.

PubMed

Kuylenstierna, J L; Bjorklund, G; Najlis, P

1997-01-01

The current use and management of freshwater is not sustainable in many countries and regions of the world. If current trends are maintained, about two-thirds of the world's population will face moderate to severe water stress by 2025 compared to one-third at present. This water stress will hamper economic and social development unless action is taken to deal with the emerging problems. The Comprehensive Assessment of the Freshwater Resources of the World, prepared by the UN and the Stockholm Environment Institute, calls for immediate action to prevent further deterioration of freshwater resources. Although most problems related to water quantity and quality require national and regional solutions, only a global commitment can achieve the necessary agreement on principles, as well as financial means to attain sustainability. Due to the central and integrated role played by water in human activities, any measures taken need to incorporate a wide range of social, ecological and economic factors and needs. The Assessment thus addresses the many issues related to freshwater use, such as integrated land and water management at the watershed level, global food security, water supply and sanitation, ecosystem requirements, pollution, strengthening of major groups, and national water resource assessment capabilities and monitoring networks. Governments are urged to work towards a consensus regarding global principles and guidelines for integrated water management, and towards their implementation in local and regional water management situations. The alternative development options available to countries facing water stress, or the risk thereof, needs to be considered in all aspects of development planning.

An Automated Telescope for Education and Outreach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burks, G. S.; Guzik, T. G.; Tohline, J. E.; Landolt, A.

1997-12-01

In this time of limited resources, the problem of providing an up to date facility for education and outreach needs to be addressed. One solution to this problem is a joint venture between Louisiana State University, BREC (the Park and creation Commission of East Baton Rouge Parish), and BRAS (the Baton Rouge Astronomical Society). The result of this collaboration is a facility with outreach and educational space, a 20 inch Ritchey-Chretien telescope with CCD camera, and volunteers from the amateur community for help with the outreach mission. We present an overview of the project, and show how the telescope will be completely automated to allow use of the telescope by LSU students and our outreach partners on the Internet. We explore the possibility for use of this facility by a world wide audience over the web.

MathBrowser: Web-Enabled Mathematical Software with Application to the Chemistry Curriculum, v 1.0

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goldsmith, Jack G.

1997-10-01

MathSoft: Cambridge, MA, 1996; free via ftp from www.mathsoft.com. The movement to provide computer-based applications in chemistry has come to focus on three main areas: software aimed at specific applications (drawing, simulation, data analysis, etc.), multimedia applications designed to assist in the presentation of conceptual information, and packages to be used in conjunction with a particular textbook at a specific point in the chemistry curriculum. The result is a situation where no single software package devoted to problem solving can be used across a large segment of the curriculum. Adoption of World Wide Web (WWW) technology by a manufacturer of mathematical software, however, has produced software that provides an attractive means of providing a problem-solving resource to students in courses from freshman through senior level.

Click C@refully Before You Quote: Citing Internet-Based Sources

PubMed Central

1999-01-01

At the end of the 20th century, access to information provided by the World Wide Web (WWW) is changing as never before. The fast availability of current medical literature and the availability of tools for easy access to information, as well as for the easy production of information, have confronted research physicians, scholars, and students with new kinds of problems, many of which concern us personally. Quality control, difficulty establishing basic citation components, lack of standard guidelines for citing, as well as the short lifetime of Internet addresses concern us deeply. Some of these problems could be solved by the concept of an “Online-Library of Medicine” presented in the following paper. Since, however, at the present time there are no good answers to the problems regarding citing Internet-based sources, a Web surfer must keep in his or her mind the motto “caveat lector” (let the reader beware) - or, rather, in the spirit of our time: click c@refully before you cite. PMID:10527339

Deterrence and National Security in the Face of an Amorphous Threat

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

Werne, R

2001-01-05

The National Security threats that we face today and, in turn, the National Security . requirements, are more diverse and complex than they were during the Cold-War from 1945-1990. During that period, and bolstered by the experiences of World Wars I and II, US National Security policy was focused on the stabilization of post WW II country boundaries and containment of the Soviet block and China. The result was the bipolar world in which the nuclear and conventional forces of the United States, the Soviet Union, and their respective allies ensured a measure of political stability through a military stalematemore » of world wide proportions. The practical result was that large scale changes in national borders were unlikely, but internal conflict within countries, and local conflicts between neighboring countries could still occur, albeit with participation from one or both of the Superpower camps. US National Security Policy was designed primarily for stabilization of the bipolar world on the military front and for competition with the Soviet Union and China on economic and political fronts. The collapse of the Soviet Union changed the global picture. The bipolar world and its military stalemate appear to be gone for the moment and the threat which was the foundation for US National Security policy has changed significantly. Some will argue that China has intentions of replacing the Soviet Union as a military superpower and thus recreate the bipolar world. Furthermore, Russia still has significant nuclear forces and has recently talked of lowering the nuclear threshold in an apparent attempt to make up for its weakened conventional forces. Clearly the threat of large scale nuclear war is much reduced, but not gone entirely. Having acknowledged the Chinese and Russian threats, what does the global picture look like today? The boundaries of most countries are secure but there are significant frictions, that have, or could lead, to armed conflict. Most of these are today's manifestations of long standing problems with no easy solution in sight. It can be argued that most local conflicts will be of no direct threat to US interests. However there are situations where local conflict can have significant international impact if left unchecked, For example localized conflict in the Middle East could affect oil supplies world wide, open conflict between China and Taiwan could draw in Japan and the United States, India and Pakistan have armed conflict over Kashmir threatening a nuclear exchange, and North Korea continues to be a concern with its long range missile and nuclear and CBW, development programs. There is also the problem of state sponsored or sanctioned terrorism against the US and its allies. As with Korea, a number of countries have been identified as having had, or still having active chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons programs along with strategic missile programs that would enable them to deliver warheads to the US mainland or similarly threaten US allies. Furthermore the problem of the clandestine delivery of a weapon of mass destruction designed to target US civilian population centers is very real. Such threats designed to deter US policy initiatives abroad, have been termed ''asymmetric'' warfare and appear to be an emerging capability in a number of countries.« less

Cross-national differences in clinically significant cannabis problems: epidemiologic evidence from 'cannabis-only' smokers in the United States, Mexico, and Colombia.

PubMed

Fiestas, Fabian; Radovanovic, Mirjana; Martins, Silvia S; Medina-Mora, Maria E; Posada-Villa, Jose; Anthony, James C

2010-03-23

Epidemiological studies show wide variability in the occurrence of cannabis smoking and related disorders across countries. This study aims to estimate cross-national variation in cannabis users' experience of clinically significant cannabis-related problems in three countries of the Americas, with a focus on cannabis users who may have tried alcohol or tobacco, but who have not used cocaine, heroin, LSD, or other internationally regulated drugs. Data are from the World Mental Health Surveys Initiative and the National Latino and Asian American Study, with probability samples in Mexico (n = 4426), Colombia (n = 5,782) and the United States (USA; n = 8,228). The samples included 212 'cannabis only' users in Mexico, 260 in Colombia and 1,724 in the USA. Conditional GLM with GEE and 'exact' methods were used to estimate variation in the occurrence of clinically significant problems in cannabis only (CO) users across these surveyed populations. The experience of cannabis-related problems was quite infrequent among CO users in these countries, with weighted frequencies ranging from 1% to 5% across survey populations, and with no appreciable cross-national variation in general. CO users in Colombia proved to be an exception. As compared to CO users in the USA, the Colombia smokers were more likely to have experienced cannabis-associated 'social problems' (odds ratio, OR = 3.0; 95% CI = 1.4, 6.3; p = 0.004) and 'legal problems' (OR = 9.7; 95% CI = 2.7, 35.2; p = 0.001). This study's most remarkable finding may be the similarity in occurrence of cannabis-related problems in this cross-national comparison within the Americas. Wide cross-national variations in estimated population-level cumulative incidence of cannabis use disorders may be traced to large differences in cannabis smoking prevalence, rather than qualitative differences in cannabis experiences. More research is needed to identify conditions that might make cannabis-related social and legal problems more frequent in Colombia than in the USA.

World Food Day Curriculum, Grades K-3.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zander, Janet

Hunger and malnutrition lead to the deaths of 13-18 million people a year; 75 percent of these victims are children. World Food Day was created to focus attention on the world's food and farm problems and to encourage the world's people to become directly involved in the solution of these problems. It is sponsored jointly by the United Nations…

The Next 25 Years: Crises and Challenges.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Amara, Roy

Within the next 25 years each major world problem will continue to grow and challenge the finest minds for equitable solutions. Yet the core world issue, from which most other problems stem, is the maintenance of an equitable and dynamic equilibrium between world populations and world resources. We are faced with a set of challenges stemming from…

Contemporary Approaches to Critical Thinking and the World Wide Web

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Buffington, Melanie L.

2007-01-01

Teaching critical thinking skills is often endorsed as a means to help students develop their abilities to navigate the complex world in which people live and, in addition, as a way to help students succeed in school. Over the past few years, this author explored the idea of teaching critical thinking using the World Wide Web (WWW). She began…

Investigating lightning-to-ionosphere energy coupling based on VLF lightning propagation characterization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lay, Erin Hoffmann

In this dissertation, the capabilities of the World-Wide Lightning Location Network (WWLLN) are analyzed in order to study the interactions of lightning energy with the lower ionosphere. WWLLN is the first global ground-based lightning location network and the first lightning detection network that continuously monitors lightning around the world in real time. For this reason, a better characterization of the WWLLN could allow many global atmospheric science problems to be addressed, including further investigation into the global electric circuit and global mapping of regions of the lower ionosphere likely to be impacted by strong lightning and transient luminous events. This dissertation characterizes the World-Wide Location Network (WWLLN) in terms of detection efficiency, location and timing accuracy, and lightning type. This investigation finds excellent timing and location accuracy for WWLLN. It provides the first experimentally-determined estimate of relative global detection efficiency that is used to normalize lightning counts based on location. These normalized global lightning data from the WWLLN are used to map intense storm regions around the world with high time and spatial resolution as well as to provide information on energetic emissions known as elves and terrestrial gamma-ray flashes (TGFs). This dissertation also improves WWLLN by developing a procedure to provide the first estimate of relative lightning stroke radiated energy in the 1-24 kHz frequency range by a global lightning detection network. These characterizations and improvements to WWLLN are motivated by the desire to use WWLLN data to address the problem of lightning-to-ionosphere energy coupling. Therefore, WWLLN stroke rates are used as input to a model, developed by Professor Mengu Cho at the Kyushu Institute of Technology in Japan, that describes the non-linear effect of lightning electromagnetic pulses (EMP) on the ionosphere by accumulating electron density changes resulting from the interaction of the EMP of ten successive lightning strokes with the lower ionosphere. Further studies must be completed to narrow uncertainties in the model, but the qualitative ionospheric response to successive EMPs is presented. Results from this study show that the non-linear effect of lightning EMP due to successive lightning strokes must be taken into account, and varies with altitude, such that the most significant electron density enhancement occurs at 88 km altitude.

Scientists in an alternative vision of a globalized world

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Erzan, Ayse

2008-03-01

Why should ``increasing the visibility of scientists in emergent countries'' be of interest? Can increasing the relevance and connectedness of scientific output, both to technological applications at home and cutting edge basic research abroad contribute to the general welfare in such countries? For this to happen, governments, inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations must provide incentives for the local industry to help fund and actively engage in the creation of new technologies, rather than settling for the solution of well understood engineering problems under the rubric of collaboration between scientists and industry. However, the trajectory of the highly industrialized countries cannot be retraced. Globalization facilitates closer interaction and collaboration between scientists but also deepens the contrasts between the center and the periphery, both world wide and within national borders; as it is understood today, it can lead to the redundancy of local technology oriented research, as the idea of a ``local industry'' is rapidly made obsolete. Scientists from all over the world are sucked into the vortex as both the economic and the cultural world increasingly revolve around a single axis. The challenge is to redefine our terms of reference under these rapidly changing boundary conditions and help bring human needs, human security and human happiness to the fore in elaborating and forging alternative visions of a globalized world. Both natural scientists and social scientists will be indispensable in such an endeavor.

Using the World Wide Web: Applications for Marketing Educators.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stull, William A.; And Others

1996-01-01

This article introduces potential uses of the World Wide Web for marketing education, presents tips for navigating the web, and provides a sample of useful applications. Also provides suggestions for monitoring student use of the web. (JOW)

Personal travel assistants and the world wide web

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1997-01-01

To be successful, handheld computers known as Personal Travel Assistants (PTAs) must be connected to external information sources. The viability of using the Internet and the world wide web (www) as such sources is explored. Considerations include wh...

WorldWideScience.org: the global science gateway.

PubMed

Fitzpatrick, Roberta Bronson

2009-10-01

WorldWideScience.org is a Web-based global gateway connecting users to both national and international scientific databases and portals. This column will provide background information on the resource as well as introduce basic searching practices for users.

Breast health in developing countries.

PubMed

Yip, C H; Taib, N A

2014-12-01

Breast cancer is one of the leading cancers world-wide. While the incidence in developing countries is lower than in developed countries, the mortality is much higher. Of the estimated 1 600 000 new cases of breast cancer globally in 2012, 794 000 were in the more developed world compared to 883 000 in the less developed world; however, there were 198 000 deaths in the more developed world compared to 324 000 in the less developed world (data from Globocan 2012, IARC). Survival from breast cancer depends on two main factors--early detection and optimal treatment. In developing countries, women present with late stages of disease. The barriers to early detection are physical, such as geographical isolation, financial as well as psychosocial, including lack of education, belief in traditional medicine and lack of autonomous decision-making in the male-dominated societies that prevail in the developing world. There are virtually no population-based breast cancer screening programs in developing countries. However, before any screening program can be implemented, there must be facilities to treat the cancers that are detected. Inadequate access to optimal treatment of breast cancer remains a problem. Lack of specialist manpower, facilities and anticancer drugs contribute to the suboptimal care that a woman with breast cancer in a low-income country receives. International groups such as the Breast Health Global Initiative were set up to develop economically feasible, clinical practice guidelines for breast cancer management to improve breast health outcomes in countries with limited resources.

Human genetics in troubled times and places.

PubMed

Harper, Peter S

2018-01-01

The development of human genetics world-wide during the twentieth century, especially across Europe, has occurred against a background of repeated catastrophes, including two world wars and the ideological problems and repression posed by Nazism and Communism. The published scientific literature gives few hints of these problems and there is a danger that they will be forgotten. The First World War was largely indiscriminate in its carnage, but World War 2 and the preceding years of fascism were associated with widespread migration, especially of Jewish workers expelled from Germany, and of their children, a number of whom would become major contributors to the post-war generation of human and medical geneticists in Britain and America. In Germany itself, eminent geneticists were also involved in the abuses carried out in the name of 'eugenics' and 'race biology'. However, geneticists in America, Britain and the rest of Europe were largely responsible for the ideological foundations of these abuses. In the Soviet Union, geneticists and genetics itself became the object of persecution from the 1930s till as late as the mid 1960s, with an almost complete destruction of the field during this time; this extended also to Eastern Europe and China as part of the influence of Russian communism. Most recently, at the end of the twentieth century, China saw a renewal of government sponsored eugenics programmes, now mostly discarded. During the post-world war 2 decades, human genetics research benefited greatly from recognition of the genetic dangers posed by exposure to radiation, following the atomic bomb explosions in Japan, atmospheric testing and successive accidental nuclear disasters in Russia. Documenting and remembering these traumatic events, now largely forgotten among younger workers, is essential if we are to fully understand the history of human genetics and avoid the repetition of similar disasters in the future. The power of modern human genetic and genomic techniques now gives a greater potential for abuse as well as for beneficial use than has ever been seen in the past.

Korea as a World Order Issue. Occasional Paper Number Three.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sakamoto, Yoshikazu

This paper discusses the Korean problem, not as an aspect of the East-West conflict, but as a world order problem. The paper is one of a series commissioned by the World Order Models Project in its effort to stimulate research, education, dialogue, and political action which will contribute to a movement for a just world order. The first part of…

University Satellite Consortium and Space Education in Japan Centered on Micro-Nano Satellites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakasuka, S.; Kawashima, R.

2002-01-01

in Japan especially centered on micro or nano class satellites. Hands-on training using micro-nano satellites provide unique opportunity of space education to university level students, by giving them a chance to experience the whole space project cycle from mission creation, satellite design, fabrication, test, launch, operation through analysis of the results. Project management and team working are other important skills that can be trained in these projects. include 1) low cost, which allows one laboratory in university to carry out a project, 2) short development period such as one or two year, which enables students to obtain the results of their projects before they graduate, and 3) small size and weight, which enables fabrication and test within usually very narrow university laboratory areas. In Japan, several projects such as CanSat, CubeSat or Whale Observation Satellite have been carried out, proving that micro-nano satellites provide very unique and valuable educational opportunity. with the objective to make a university student and staff community of these micro-nano satellite related activities in Japan. This consortium aims for many activities including facilitating information and skills exchange and collaborations between member universities, helping students to use ground test facilities of national laboratories, consulting them on political or law related matters, coordinating joint development of equipments or projects, and bridging between these university activities and the needs or interests of the people in general. This kind of outreach activity is essential because how to create missions of micro-nano satellites should be pursued in order for this field to grow larger than a merely educational enterprise. The final objectives of the consortium is to make a huge community of the users, mission creators, investors and manufactures(i.e., university students) of micro-nano satellites, and provide a unique contribution to the activation of the space development. activities, including how to acquire frequency permission, how to obtain launch opportunity and financial support, how to operate the launched satellites using cheap ground stations, etc. Especially, the frequency problem should be solved as soon as possible because so many universities in the world are planning similar projects and the frequency in the amateur band are already very congested. One idea is that universities should make a world wide "university satellite community" and collaboratively ask for a kind of "Educational frequency" to ITU, and share the obtained frequency within the community under the community's own management. This kind of community will also be useful for collaborative satellite operation, because the universities which have a ground station spread over the world. I hope the IAC meeting will provide a good opportunity for discussing these problems and facilitating the construction of world wide university community to tackle with these problems.

Introducing the MCHF/OVRP/SDMP: Multicapacitated/Heterogeneous Fleet/Open Vehicle Routing Problems with Split Deliveries and Multiproducts

PubMed Central

Yilmaz Eroglu, Duygu; Caglar Gencosman, Burcu; Cavdur, Fatih; Ozmutlu, H. Cenk

2014-01-01

In this paper, we analyze a real-world OVRP problem for a production company. Considering real-world constrains, we classify our problem as multicapacitated/heterogeneous fleet/open vehicle routing problem with split deliveries and multiproduct (MCHF/OVRP/SDMP) which is a novel classification of an OVRP. We have developed a mixed integer programming (MIP) model for the problem and generated test problems in different size (10–90 customers) considering real-world parameters. Although MIP is able to find optimal solutions of small size (10 customers) problems, when the number of customers increases, the problem gets harder to solve, and thus MIP could not find optimal solutions for problems that contain more than 10 customers. Moreover, MIP fails to find any feasible solution of large-scale problems (50–90 customers) within time limits (7200 seconds). Therefore, we have developed a genetic algorithm (GA) based solution approach for large-scale problems. The experimental results show that the GA based approach reaches successful solutions with 9.66% gap in 392.8 s on average instead of 7200 s for the problems that contain 10–50 customers. For large-scale problems (50–90 customers), GA reaches feasible solutions of problems within time limits. In conclusion, for the real-world applications, GA is preferable rather than MIP to reach feasible solutions in short time periods. PMID:25045735

Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy: a review of the pathology and compounding opportunities.

PubMed

Zur, Eyal

2013-01-01

Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy can have serious adverse effects on the quality of a woman's life, affecting her occupational, social, and domestic functioning, and her general well-being; therefore, it is very important to treat this condition appropriately and effectively. Evidence-based algorithms support the use of oral pyridoxine alone or combined with doxylamine as first-line treatment. Promethazine or dimenhydrinate, known as a second-line treatment, should be added to the first-line treatment or should be added only to pyridoxine according to different algorithms. In most of the world, there is a lack of approved medicines using this combination approach known as the first-line treatment. Therefore, compounding pharmacists should supply the demand by compounding 10-mg pyridoxine hydrochloride and 10-mg doxylamine succinate slow-release capsules. Since transdermal promethazine does not exist world wide, and, since this medicine has significant added values compared to the oral/rectal dosage forms, compounding pharmacists should offer physicians transdermal promethazine as a second-line therapy in nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. This review summarizes the nausea and vomiting in pregnancy problems and discusses the compounding opportunities that exist in this common and wide-spread pathology in order to improve a woman's quality of life.

Modern approaches to the treatment of human infertility through assisted reproduction.

PubMed

Fernández Pelegrina, R; Kessler, A G; Rawlins, R G

1991-08-01

Medical statistics from the United States show approximately 15 percent of all couples of reproductive age are unable to conceive naturally. In recent years, the numbers of couples with reproductive problems has increased, principally due to changes in life style and delayed childbearing. Only 13 years after the birth of the first "test tube baby", advances in the field of human reproduction have created a wide range of alternatives to help infertile couples conceive a healthy infant. Together, these techniques are called Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and include: in vitro fertilization (IVF), intratubal transfer of gametes (GIFT), intratubal transfer of zygotes (ZIFT), tubal transfer of preimplantation embryos (TET), gamete or embryo donation, cryopreservtion, and micromanipulation. The application of these techniques is presented here. While much remains to be learned, the ability to fertilize ova in vitro and sustain early embryonic life outside the body is now a reality. Contrary to the idea that these techniques create life in vitro, they simply remove barriers caused by different forms of infertility which impede the creation of life. More than 30,000 infants have now been produced world-wide through ART. In the future, new developments in the field of assisted reproduction promise to bring new hope to the growing numbers of infertile couples around the world.

Introduction to the World Wide Web and Mosaic

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Youngblood, Jim

1994-01-01

This tutorial provides an introduction to some of the terminology related to the use of the World Wide Web and Mosaic. It is assumed that the user has some prior computer experience. References are included to other sources of additional information.

Breaking down information barriers: a guide to international research of medical resources on the World Wide Web.

PubMed

Risin, J A

1998-01-01

The purpose of this paper is to facilitate international research of medical resources on the World Wide Web. International research consists of overcoming a unique set of obstacles and challenges that are not involved when undertaking research tasks using only U.S.-based information. Utilizing the World Wide Web can help us to overcome most of the restraints we would have to face when we perform research outside of our local geography. Currently, there are a number of Internet Web sites that may assist us in breaking down the barriers to undertaking international research.

The poor quality of information about laparoscopy on the World Wide Web as indexed by popular search engines.

PubMed

Allen, J W; Finch, R J; Coleman, M G; Nathanson, L K; O'Rourke, N A; Fielding, G A

2002-01-01

This study was undertaken to determine the quality of information on the Internet regarding laparoscopy. Four popular World Wide Web search engines were used with the key word "laparoscopy." Advertisements, patient- or physician-directed information, and controversial material were noted. A total of 14,030 Web pages were found, but only 104 were unique Web sites. The majority of the sites were duplicate pages, subpages within a main Web page, or dead links. Twenty-eight of the 104 pages had a medical product for sale, 26 were patient-directed, 23 were written by a physician or group of physicians, and six represented corporations. The remaining 21 were "miscellaneous." The 46 pages containing educational material were critically reviewed. At least one of the senior authors found that 32 of the pages contained controversial or misleading statements. All of the three senior authors (LKN, NAO, GAF) independently agreed that 17 of the 46 pages contained controversial information. The World Wide Web is not a reliable source for patient or physician information about laparoscopy. Authenticating medical information on the World Wide Web is a difficult task, and no government or surgical society has taken the lead in regulating what is presented as fact on the World Wide Web.

Developing an interactive website for adolescents with a mentally ill family member.

PubMed

Drost, Louisa M; Cuijpers, Pim; Schippers, Gerard M

2011-07-01

Adolescents with a mentally ill parent are at high risk for developing a disorder themselves. It is widely recommended that these adolescents be provided with preventive interventions designed especially for them, but their avoidance of professional help is a common problem. Because most teenagers in Western societies use the World Wide Web as a means of social interaction, use of the Internet for reaching these young people would appear to be a promising option. In this article, the authors describe the development of Survivalkid.nl, an interactive, Internet-delivered, preventive intervention for supporting adolescents with a mentally ill family member. Usage statistics with regard to frequency and duration of visits and amount of activity during visits suggest that: (a) the target group has been better served than before the site was launched; and (b) we have accomplished our goal of expanding the range of support.

Effects of the presence of sulfonamides in the environment and their influence on human health.

PubMed

Baran, Wojciech; Adamek, Ewa; Ziemiańska, Justyna; Sobczak, Andrzej

2011-11-30

World production and consumption of pharmaceuticals has been steadily increasing. Anti-infectives have been particularly important in modern therapy of microbial infection. Sulfonamides have been widely used for a long time as anti-infectives and are still widely prescribed today. This review presents the most common types of sulfonamides used in healthcare and veterinary medicine and discusses the problems connected with their presence in the biosphere. Based on the analysis of over 160 papers, it was found that small amounts of sulfonamides present in the environment were mainly derived from agricultural activities. These drugs have caused changes in the population of microbes that could be potentially hazardous to human health. This human health hazard could have a global range, and administrative activities have been ineffective in risk reduction. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Demographic Analysis from Biometric Data: Achievements, Challenges, and New Frontiers.

PubMed

Sun, Yunlian; Zhang, Man; Sun, Zhenan; Tan, Tieniu

2018-02-01

Biometrics is the technique of automatically recognizing individuals based on their biological or behavioral characteristics. Various biometric traits have been introduced and widely investigated, including fingerprint, iris, face, voice, palmprint, gait and so forth. Apart from identity, biometric data may convey various other personal information, covering affect, age, gender, race, accent, handedness, height, weight, etc. Among these, analysis of demographics (age, gender, and race) has received tremendous attention owing to its wide real-world applications, with significant efforts devoted and great progress achieved. This survey first presents biometric demographic analysis from the standpoint of human perception, then provides a comprehensive overview of state-of-the-art advances in automated estimation from both academia and industry. Despite these advances, a number of challenging issues continue to inhibit its full potential. We second discuss these open problems, and finally provide an outlook into the future of this very active field of research by sharing some promising opportunities.

Distributing Congestion Management System Information Using the World Wide Web

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1997-01-01

The Internet is a unique medium for the distribution of information, and it provides a tremendous opportunity to take advantage of peoples innate interest in transportation issues as they relate to their own lives. In particular, the World Wide Web (...

Histology on the World Wide Web: A Digest of Resources for Students and Teachers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cotter, John R.

1997-01-01

Provides a list of 37 World Wide Web sites that are devoted to instruction in histology and include electronic manuals, syllabi, atlases, image galleries, and quizzes. Reviews the topics, content, and highlights of these Web sites. (DDR)

The World Wide Web Virtual Library of Museums.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bowen, Jonathan P.

1995-01-01

Provides an introduction to and overview of the World Wide Web Virtual Library of Museums, an interactive directory of online museums, including organization of the hyperlinks visitor statistics, possible future direction, and information on some of the sites linked to the library. (JKP)

The way adults with orientation to mathematics teaching cope with the solution of everyday real-world problems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gazit, Avikam; Patkin, Dorit

2012-03-01

The article aims to check the way adults, some who are practicing mathematics teachers at elementary school, some who are academicians making a career change to mathematics teachers at junior high school and the rest who are pre-service mathematics teachers at elementary school, cope with the solution of everyday real-world problems of buying and selling. The findings show that even adults with mathematical background tend to make mistakes in solving everyday real-world problems. Only about 70% of the adults who have an orientation to mathematics solved the sample problem correctly. The lowest percentage of success was demonstrated by the academicians making a career change to junior high school mathematics teachers whereas the highest percentage of success was manifested by pre-service elementary school mathematics teachers. Moreover, the findings illustrate that life experience of the practicing mathematics teachers and, mainly, of the academicians making a career change, who were older than the pre-service teachers, did not facilitate the solution of such a real-world problem. Perhaps the reason resides in the process of mathematics teaching at school, which does not put an emphasis on the solution of everyday real-world problems.

U.S. Navy Marine Climatic Atlas of the World. Volume IX. World-Wide Means and Standard Deviations

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-10-01

TITLE (..d SobtII,) S. TYPE OF REPORT & PERIOD COVERED U. S. Navy Marine Climatic Atlas of the World Volume IX World-wide Means and Standard Reference...Ives the best estimate of the population standard deviations. The means, , are com~nuted from: EX IIN I 90 80 70 60" 50’ 40, 30 20 10 0 1070 T- VErr ...or 10%, whichever is greater Since the mean ice limit approximates the minus two de l temperature isopleth, this analyzed lower limit was Wave Heights

Inquiry and Problem Solving.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thorson, Annette, Ed.

1999-01-01

This issue of ENC Focus focuses on the topic of inquiry and problem solving. Featured articles include: (1) "Inquiry in the Everyday World of Schools" (Ronald D. Anderson); (2) "In the Cascade Reservoir Restoration Project Students Tackle Real-World Problems" (Clint Kennedy with Advanced Biology Students from Cascade High…

Information Poverty: A Third World Perspective.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dubey, Yogendra P.

This paper discusses problems with information systems and services, particularly those relating to information on science and technology, in third world countries: (1) problems in collection development; (2) financial problems, including legal and political constraints; (3) a low degree of scientific literacy; (4) communication barriers; (5) lack…

Integrating WorldWide Telescope with Wordpress

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sands, Mark; Luebbert, J.; Fay, J.; Gay, P. L.

2010-01-01

In this project we unite three major components of astronomy and new media: World Wide Telescope, Wordpress, and user supplied audio. Through an easy to use Wordpress plug-in users can create WorldWide Telescope sky tours that allow: a) astronomers and educators to spread the facts and awareness of astronomy, potentially bringing new and interested individuals into the astronomy community; b) bloggers/podcasters to create dynamic, virtual tours of the universe that are nearly boundless; and, c) readers to benefit from the alluring WorldWide Telescope tours by gaining a new and dramatic outlook on our universe. This software has the potential to augment, and in some cases replace, traditional methods of astronomy centered online lectures. With this plugin, it is possible to combine Wordpress-based website content with audio, and a sky tour that can be paused at any object. This ability to pause a sky tour allows the user to further explore the wealth of data provided within WWT. This fully customizable solution includes all of the necessary features required to reproduce a lecture in a more creative and appealing format then some of the standard, typically non-interactive, movies and podcasts currently found online. Through the creation of effective WorldWide Telescope tours, astronomers and educators can better extend astronomy content to astronomy-interested, but not yet engaged, members of the new media community. These tours will provide a better understanding and appreciation for what our universe has to offer. Through this new media approach of integrating WorldWide Telescope with blogs and podcasts, users can now extend their interest in astronomy by exploring the universe themselves, moving beyond provided content to gain a better understanding all on their own.

An analysis of United States K-12 stem education versus STEM workforce at the dawn of the digital revolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cataldo, Franca

The world is at the dawn of a third industrial revolution, the digital revolution, that brings great changes the world over. Today, computing devices, the Internet, and the World Wide Web are vital technology tools that affect every aspect of everyday life and success. While computing technologies offer enormous benefits, there are equally enormous safety and security risks that have been growing exponentially since they became widely available to the public in 1994. Cybercriminals are increasingly implementing sophisticated and serious hack attacks and breaches upon our nation's government, financial institutions, organizations, communities, and private citizens. There is a great need for computer scientists to carry America's innovation and economic growth forward and for cybersecurity professionals to keep our nation safe from criminal hacking. In this digital age, computer science and cybersecurity are essential foundational ingredients of technological innovation, economic growth, and cybersecurity that span all industries. Yet, America's K-12 education institutions are not teaching the computer science and cybersecurity skills required to produce a technologically-savvy 21st century workforce. Education is the key to preparing students to enter the workforce and, therefore, American K-12 STEM education must be reformed to accommodate the teachings required in the digital age. Keywords: Cybersecurity Education, Cybersecurity Education Initiatives, Computer Science Education, Computer Science Education Initiatives, 21 st Century K-12 STEM Education Reform, 21st Century Digital Literacies, High-Tech Innovative Problem-Solving Skills, 21st Century Digital Workforce, Standardized Testing, Foreign Language and Culture Studies, Utica College, Professor Chris Riddell.

Notation for human immunogobulin subclasses.

PubMed

Kunkel, H G; Fahey, J L; Franklin, E C; Osserman, E F; Terry, W D

1966-01-01

After consultation between immunologists from a number of countries a nomenclature for human immunoglobulins was proposed in 1964 and was published in the Bulletin of the World Health Organization.(1) However, that proposed scheme of notation, which has already gained wide acceptance, left several specialized areas of nomenclature still to be resolved; one of these was the subclasses of immunoglobulins. Some of the research workers most closely concerned with the problem have now agreed upon a unified scheme for the notation of the human immunoglobulin subclasses, and, in particular, of the immunoglobulin G subclass, for which two different nomenclatorial schemes have been followed in recent years. Their proposals are given below.

Third NASA Langley Formal Methods Workshop

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Holloway, C. Michael (Compiler)

1995-01-01

This publication constitutes the proceedings of NASA Langley Research Center's third workshop on the application of formal methods to the design and verification of life-critical systems. This workshop brought together formal methods researchers, industry engineers, and academicians to discuss the potential of NASA-sponsored formal methods and to investigate new opportunities for applying these methods to industry problems. contained herein are copies of the material presented at the workshop, summaries of many of the presentations, a complete list of attendees, and a detailed summary of the Langley formal methods program. Much of this material is available electronically through the World-Wide Web via the following URL.

Man of destiny: the life and work of Fritz Haber.

PubMed

Manchester, Keith L

2002-06-01

'The German physical chemist Fritz Haber was distinguished not only for his researches, but also for his services to industry and to his country. Haber and the research institutes he directed contributed to a wide range of advances in physical chemistry. His most outstanding scientific achievement was his synthesis of ammonia, which solved the urgent problem of meeting the world demand for nitrogen fertiliser'. So begins the entry to Haber in the 1972 Encyclopaedia Britannica. Haber was indeed a great and versatile scientist, but his was also a vigorous and complex personality that interacted in unexpected ways with the social and political circumstances of his time.

Introduction to focus issue: intrinsic and designed computation: information processing in dynamical systems--beyond the digital hegemony.

PubMed

Crutchfield, James P; Ditto, William L; Sinha, Sudeshna

2010-09-01

How dynamical systems store and process information is a fundamental question that touches a remarkably wide set of contemporary issues: from the breakdown of Moore's scaling laws--that predicted the inexorable improvement in digital circuitry--to basic philosophical problems of pattern in the natural world. It is a question that also returns one to the earliest days of the foundations of dynamical systems theory, probability theory, mathematical logic, communication theory, and theoretical computer science. We introduce the broad and rather eclectic set of articles in this Focus Issue that highlights a range of current challenges in computing and dynamical systems.

Computational Physics in a Nutshell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schillaci, Michael

2001-11-01

Too often students of science are expected to ``pick-up'' what they need to know about the Art of Science. A description of the two-semester Computational Physics course being taught by the author offers a remedy to this situation. The course teaches students the three pillars of modern scientific research: Problem Solving, Programming, and Presentation. Using FORTRAN, LaTeXe, MAPLE V, HTML, and JAVA, students learn the fundamentals of algorithm development, how to implement classes and packages written by others, how to produce publication quality graphics and documents and how to publish them on the world-wide-web. The course content is outlined and project examples are offered.

The impact of South Africa's new constitution on the organization of health services in the post-apartheid era.

PubMed

Pillay, Y

2001-08-01

This essay evaluates the transformation of the health care system in South Africa in the five years following the end of apartheid. This period has witnessed dramatic and wide-ranging changes in the roles of the central and provincial governments as well as many of the same problems related to decentralization as have been seen elsewhere in the world. The importance of effective intergovernmental relations to the creation of a national health system is highlighted. Negotiation. contracting, and coordination skills and mechanisms need to be strengthened to ensure a more effective national health system within a decentralized political system.

Motor control is decision-making.

PubMed

Wolpert, Daniel M; Landy, Michael S

2012-12-01

Motor behavior may be viewed as a problem of maximizing the utility of movement outcome in the face of sensory, motor and task uncertainty. Viewed in this way, and allowing for the availability of prior knowledge in the form of a probability distribution over possible states of the world, the choice of a movement plan and strategy for motor control becomes an application of statistical decision theory. This point of view has proven successful in recent years in accounting for movement under risk, inferring the loss function used in motor tasks, and explaining motor behavior in a wide variety of circumstances. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

MatLab Programming for Engineers Having No Formal Programming Knowledge

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shaykhian, Linda H.; Shaykhian, Gholam Ali

2007-01-01

MatLab is one of the most widely used very high level programming languages for Scientific and engineering computations. It is very user-friendly and needs practically no formal programming knowledge. Presented here are MatLab programming aspects and not just the MatLab commands for scientists and engineers who do not have formal programming training and also have no significant time to spare for learning programming to solve their real world problems. Specifically provided are programs for visualization. Also, stated are the current limitations of the MatLab, which possibly can be taken care of by Mathworks Inc. in a future version to make MatLab more versatile.

FIAP Forum on Entrepreneurship in Physics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

2015-03-01

With the changes in science as globalization has taken root, the future role of physicists becoming a part of the industrial physics community is more imperative. When 80% of graduating physicists will not be employed in academic positions, and 50% of all jobs for these physicists will be industrial sector, the importance of bringing our next generation of scientists up to speed on industrial applications is becoming much more important with the rapid, world-wide development of technology. FIAP is initiating a forum on entrepreneurship as a major role for the next generation of scientists. As physicists are problem solvers and the entrepreneurial experience is all about problem solving: whether involving technology, building a team, or financing a business. This forum seeks to link successful entrepreneurial physicists with the upcoming generation, through the dissemination of their global expertise and experience. The forum will consist of a panel discussion and then be open to question and answers from the audience.

Load Balancing in Distributed Web Caching: A Novel Clustering Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tiwari, R.; Kumar, K.; Khan, G.

2010-11-01

The World Wide Web suffers from scaling and reliability problems due to overloaded and congested proxy servers. Caching at local proxy servers helps, but cannot satisfy more than a third to half of requests; more requests are still sent to original remote origin servers. In this paper we have developed an algorithm for Distributed Web Cache, which incorporates cooperation among proxy servers of one cluster. This algorithm uses Distributed Web Cache concepts along with static hierarchies with geographical based clusters of level one proxy server with dynamic mechanism of proxy server during the congestion of one cluster. Congestion and scalability problems are being dealt by clustering concept used in our approach. This results in higher hit ratio of caches, with lesser latency delay for requested pages. This algorithm also guarantees data consistency between the original server objects and the proxy cache objects.

Ten Years in the Making: AUSM-Family

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liou, Meng-Sing

2001-01-01

We begin by describing the motivations that gave birth to the original AUSM scheme and then focus on the ingredients that has spurred its growth and acceptance by the world of computational fluid dynamics. As it has played out more in the field, weaknesses have also surfaced. Hence, nutrients and supplements are prescribed to help it grow and stay strong and robust. In this paper, we will describe the saga of efforts owing to researchers who have contributed to building up the AUSM-family for the CFD community. It is hoped that a healthy scheme will contribute to the accurate and robust solution of problems encountered in a wide range of disciplines. We analyze numerical mass fluxes with an emphasis on their capability for accurately capturing shock and contact discontinuities. We will present a new scheme for the pressure flux, along with results for a host of test problems.

Health on the Net Foundation: assessing the quality of health web pages all over the world.

PubMed

Boyer, Célia; Gaudinat, Arnaud; Baujard, Vincent; Geissbühler, Antoine

2007-01-01

The Internet provides a great amount of information and has become one of the communication media which is most widely used [1]. However, the problem is no longer finding information but assessing the credibility of the publishers as well as the relevance and accuracy of the documents retrieved from the web. This problem is particularly relevant in the medical area which has a direct impact on the well-being of citizens. In this paper, we assume that the quality of web pages can be controlled, even when a huge amount of documents has to be reviewed. But this must be supported by both specific automatic tools and human expertise. In this context, we present various initiatives of the Health on the Net Foundation informing the citizens about the reliability of the medical content on the web.

Sanitary engineering and water economy in Europe

PubMed Central

Krul, W. F. J. M.

1957-01-01

The author deals with a wide variety of aspects of water economy and the development of water resources, relating them to the sanitary engineering problems they give rise to. Among those aspects are the balance between available resources and water needs for various purposes; accumulation and storage of surface and ground water, and methods of replenishing ground water supplies; pollution and purification; and organizational measures to deal with the urgent problems raised by the heavy demands on the world's water supply as a result of both increased population and the increased need for agricultural and industrial development. The author considers that at the national level over-all plans for developing the water economy of countries might well be drawn up by national water boards and that the economy of inter-State river basins should receive international study. In such work the United Nations and its specialized agencies might be of assistance. PMID:13472427

MODFLOW-NWT – Robust handling of dry cells using a Newton Formulation of MODFLOW-2005

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hunt, Randal J.; Feinstein, Daniel T.

2012-01-01

The first versions of the widely used groundwater flow model MODFLOW (McDonald and Harbaugh 1988) had a sure but inflexible way of handling unconfined finite-difference aquifer cells where the water table dropped below the bottom of the cell—these "dry cells" were turned inactive for the remainder of the simulation. Problems with this formulation were easily seen, including the potential for inadvertent loss of simulated recharge in the model (Doherty 2001; Painter et al. 2008), and rippling of dry cells through the solution that unacceptably changed the groundwater flow system (Juckem et al. 2006). Moreover, solving problems of the natural world often required the ability to reactivate dry cells when the water table rose above the cell bottom. This seemingly simple desire resulted in a two-decade attempt to include the simulation flexibility while avoiding numerical instability.

Multi-Objective Ant Colony Optimization Based on the Physarum-Inspired Mathematical Model for Bi-Objective Traveling Salesman Problems

PubMed Central

Zhang, Zili; Gao, Chao; Lu, Yuxiao; Liu, Yuxin; Liang, Mingxin

2016-01-01

Bi-objective Traveling Salesman Problem (bTSP) is an important field in the operations research, its solutions can be widely applied in the real world. Many researches of Multi-objective Ant Colony Optimization (MOACOs) have been proposed to solve bTSPs. However, most of MOACOs suffer premature convergence. This paper proposes an optimization strategy for MOACOs by optimizing the initialization of pheromone matrix with the prior knowledge of Physarum-inspired Mathematical Model (PMM). PMM can find the shortest route between two nodes based on the positive feedback mechanism. The optimized algorithms, named as iPM-MOACOs, can enhance the pheromone in the short paths and promote the search ability of ants. A series of experiments are conducted and experimental results show that the proposed strategy can achieve a better compromise solution than the original MOACOs for solving bTSPs. PMID:26751562

Multi-Objective Ant Colony Optimization Based on the Physarum-Inspired Mathematical Model for Bi-Objective Traveling Salesman Problems.

PubMed

Zhang, Zili; Gao, Chao; Lu, Yuxiao; Liu, Yuxin; Liang, Mingxin

2016-01-01

Bi-objective Traveling Salesman Problem (bTSP) is an important field in the operations research, its solutions can be widely applied in the real world. Many researches of Multi-objective Ant Colony Optimization (MOACOs) have been proposed to solve bTSPs. However, most of MOACOs suffer premature convergence. This paper proposes an optimization strategy for MOACOs by optimizing the initialization of pheromone matrix with the prior knowledge of Physarum-inspired Mathematical Model (PMM). PMM can find the shortest route between two nodes based on the positive feedback mechanism. The optimized algorithms, named as iPM-MOACOs, can enhance the pheromone in the short paths and promote the search ability of ants. A series of experiments are conducted and experimental results show that the proposed strategy can achieve a better compromise solution than the original MOACOs for solving bTSPs.

News Resources on the World Wide Web.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Notess, Greg R.

1996-01-01

Describes up-to-date news sources that are presently available on the Internet and World Wide Web. Highlights include electronic newspapers; AP (Associated Press) sources and Reuters; sports news; stock market information; New York Times; multimedia capabilities, including CNN Interactive; and local and regional news. (LRW)

Using the World Wide Web To Teach Francophone Culture.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Beyer, Deborah Berg; Van Ells, Paula Hartwig

2002-01-01

Examined use of the World Wide Web to teach Francophone culture. Suggests that bolstering reading comprehension in the foreign language and increased proficiency in navigating the Web are potential secondary benefits gained from the cultural Web-based activities proposed in the study.(Author/VWL)

Computer and Voice Network Management Through Low Earth Orbiting Satellites

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-03-01

Correction Chart” [web page] (29 July 2005 [cited 01 DEC 05]); available from World Wide Web @ http://www.amsat.orgamsat/ ariss /news...Available from World Wide Web @ http://www.amsat.orgamsat/ ariss /news/ISS_frequencies_and_Doppler_correction. rtf “Technical Specifications” [web

Internet, World Wide Web, and Creativity.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Siau, Keng

1999-01-01

This article presents the services available on the Internet for creativity and discusses their applicability to electronic brainstorming. Services include bulletin boards, electronic mail and listservs, chat groups, file transfers, and remote login. Opportunities provided by the World Wide Web are discussed, along with tools available to…

Library Services through the World Wide Web.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Xiao, Daniel; Mosley, Pixey Anne; Cornish, Alan

1997-01-01

Provides an overview of the services offered by Texas A&M University's Sterling C. Evans Library via the World Wide Web. Included are public relations, instruction, searching capabilities, enhanced communications, and exhibit options. Future applications of the Web in academic libraries are also addressed. (AEF)

Using WorldWide Telescope in Observing, Research and Presentation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roberts, Douglas A.; Fay, J.

2014-01-01

WorldWide Telescope (WWT) is free software that enables researchers to interactively explore observational data using a user-friendly interface. Reference, all-sky datasets and pointed observations are available as layers along with the ability to easily overlay additional FITS images and catalog data. Connections to the Astrophysics Data System (ADS) are included which enable visual investigation using WWT to drive document searches in ADS. WWT can be used to capture and share visual exploration with colleagues during observational planning and analysis. Finally, researchers can use WorldWide Telescope to create videos for professional, education and outreach presentations. I will conclude with an example of how I have used WWT in a research project. Specifically, I will discuss how WorldWide Telescope helped our group to prepare for radio observations and following them, in the analysis of multi-wavelength data taken in the inner parsec of the Galaxy. A concluding video will show how WWT brought together disparate datasets in a unified interactive visualization environment.

Publishing biomedical journals on the World-Wide Web using an open architecture model.

PubMed Central

Shareck, E. P.; Greenes, R. A.

1996-01-01

BACKGROUND: In many respects, biomedical publications are ideally suited for distribution via the World-Wide Web, but economic concerns have prevented the rapid adoption of an on-line publishing model. PURPOSE: We report on our experiences with assisting biomedical journals in developing an online presence, issues that were encountered, and methods used to address these issues. Our approach is based on an open architecture that fosters adaptation and interconnection of biomedical resources. METHODS: We have worked with the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), as well as five other publishers. A set of tools and protocols was employed to develop a scalable and customizable solution for publishing journals on-line. RESULTS: In March, 1996, the New England Journal of Medicine published its first World-Wide Web issue. Explorations with other publishers have helped to generalize the model. CONCLUSIONS: Economic and technical issues play a major role in developing World-Wide Web publishing solutions. PMID:8947685

Embedded Web Technology: Applying World Wide Web Standards to Embedded Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ponyik, Joseph G.; York, David W.

2002-01-01

Embedded Systems have traditionally been developed in a highly customized manner. The user interface hardware and software along with the interface to the embedded system are typically unique to the system for which they are built, resulting in extra cost to the system in terms of development time and maintenance effort. World Wide Web standards have been developed in the passed ten years with the goal of allowing servers and clients to intemperate seamlessly. The client and server systems can consist of differing hardware and software platforms but the World Wide Web standards allow them to interface without knowing about the details of system at the other end of the interface. Embedded Web Technology is the merging of Embedded Systems with the World Wide Web. Embedded Web Technology decreases the cost of developing and maintaining the user interface by allowing the user to interface to the embedded system through a web browser running on a standard personal computer. Embedded Web Technology can also be used to simplify an Embedded System's internal network.

Editorially Speaking - Energy: World Needs and Reserves

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Journal of Chemical Education, 1974

1974-01-01

Discusses the world's energy requirements in contrast with the world's known and unknown energy reserves to illustrate the need for a stable and more equitable world-wide energy distribution system, especially for oil-importing countries. (CC)

Diverging strategies to planning an ecologically coherent network of MPAs in the North Sea: the roles of advocacy, evidence and pragmatism in the face of uncertainty.

PubMed

Caveen, Alex J; Fitzsimmons, Clare; Pieraccini, Margherita; Dunn, Euan; Sweeting, Christopher J; Johnson, Magnus L; Bloomfield, Helen; Jones, Estelle V; Lightfoot, Paula; Gray, Tim S; Stead, Selina M; Polunin, Nicholas V C

2014-01-01

The North Sea is one of the most economically important seas in the world due to productive fisheries, extensive oil and gas fields, busy shipping routes, marine renewable energy development and recreational activity. Unsurprisingly, therefore, the use of marine protected areas (here defined widely to include fisheries closed areas and no-take marine reserves) in its management has generated considerable controversy-particularly with regards to the design of a regional ecologically coherent MPA network to meet international obligations. Drawing on three MPA processes currently occurring in the UK North Sea, we examine the real-world problems that make the designation of MPA networks challenging. The political problems include: disagreement among (and within) sectors over policy objectives and priorities, common access to fisheries resources at the EU level increasing the scale at which decisions have to be made and lack of an integrated strategy for implementing protected areas in the North Sea. The scientific problems include the patchy knowledge of benthic assemblages, limited knowledge of fishing gear-habitat interactions, and the increased risk of unforeseen externalities if human activity (predominantly fishing) is displaced from newly protected sites. Diverging stakeholder attitudes to these problems means that there is no consensus on what ecological coherence actually means. Ultimately, we caution against 'quick-fix' solutions that are based on advocacy and targets, as they create confusion and undermine trust in the planning process. We argue for a more pragmatic approach to marine protection that embraces the complexity of the social and political arena in which decisions are made.

Meeting the challenge of finding resources for ophthalmic nurses on the World Wide Web.

PubMed

Duffel, P G

1998-12-01

The World Wide Web ("the Web") is a macrocosm of resources that can be overwhelming. Often the sheer volume of material available causes one to give up in despair before finding information of any use. The Web is such a popular resource that it cannot be ignored. Two of the biggest challenges to finding good information on the Web are knowing where to start and judging whether the information gathered is pertinent and credible. This article addresses these two challenges and introduces the reader to a variety of ophthalmology and vision science resources on the World Wide Web.

Regulation and policy: International trends and issues

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

Griffin, W S

As offshore oil and gas resources become exhausted, the associated production platforms and facilities will be decommissioned. The world-wide oil and gas industry is strictly regulated by global, regional and national guidelines which have been developed by governments to find the most responsible framework to perform the decommissioning. In the summer of 1995, the Brent Spar incident brought uncertainty to decommissioning world-wide. In June of 1995, a moratorium prohibiting sea disposal within the North East Atlantic was imposed by the Oslo Commission, and an unsuccessful attempt was made in December of 1995 to impose a world-wide moratorium on sea disposalmore » at the London Convention.« less

Social Studies in the Elementary School.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ediger, Marlow

Since the world is "shrinking" in size due to better transportation and communication, it is important for students to study world issues in the social studies. Problems on the world scene make it imperative that pupils have the requisite understandings, skills, and attitudes to engage in problem-solving activities in the classroom. Teachers,…

World Percussion Approaches in Collegiate Percussion Programs: A Mixed-Methods Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hernly, Patrick

2012-01-01

As world percussion has grown in popularity in American colleges and universities, two main problems have emerged. The first problem is that no known source exists detailing how percussion instructors have incorporated world percussion into their collegiate teaching. A review of the literature has highlighted four main approaches to incorporating…

Solving the robot-world, hand-eye(s) calibration problem with iterative methods

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Robot-world, hand-eye calibration is the problem of determining the transformation between the robot end effector and a camera, as well as the transformation between the robot base and the world coordinate system. This relationship has been modeled as AX = ZB, where X and Z are unknown homogeneous ...

How To Save the World: Through Critical Thinking.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hanford, George H.

Education is the best hope for peace and progress in the world, and because education is best given and received when infused with critical thinking, critical thinking can save the world. Some of the most serious problems facing humankind are overpopulation and famine. The problems of ethnicity, colonialism, and religion further complicate matters…

Re-Framing the World Wide Web

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Black, August

2011-01-01

The research presented in this dissertation studies and describes how technical standards, protocols, and application programming interfaces (APIs) shape the aesthetic, functional, and affective nature of our most dominant mode of online communication, the World Wide Web (WWW). I examine the politically charged and contentious battle over browser…

22 CFR 61.2 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 22 Foreign Relations 1 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Definitions. 61.2 Section 61.2 Foreign Relations DEPARTMENT OF STATE PUBLIC DIPLOMACY AND EXCHANGES WORLD-WIDE FREE FLOW OF AUDIO-VISUAL MATERIALS... IA-862). Basic rights—means the world-wide non-restrictive ownership rights in audio-visual materials...

Teaching Child Health Problems of Developing Countries to European Medical Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Farquhar, J. W.; And Others

1976-01-01

A summary of a symposium presented at the Association of Pediatric Education in Europe. Included are a comparison of child health problems in the developed and undeveloped world, discussion of why Third World child health problems should concern European doctors, and suggested aims, objectives, and curriculum. (JT)

The Role of Problem-Based Learning in Developing Creative Expertise

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gallagher, Shelagh A.

2015-01-01

Contemporary real-world problems require creative solutions, necessitating the preparation of a new generation of creative experts capable of finding original solutions to ill-structured problems. Although much school-based training in creativity focuses on discrete skills, real-world creativity results from a multidimensional interaction between…

Population: The U.S. Problem--The World Crisis.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kegan, Lawrence R., Ed.

1972-01-01

Population problems in both the United States and throughout the world are summarized and analyzed, pictorially and narratively, in this special newspaper supplement to "The New York Times", April 30, 1972. Part I presents the U. S. problem, with the following contributions: excerpts from President Richard Nixon's message to Congress on…

The Westminster Eighth Grade World Problems Course (Pilot Project).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barth, James P.; And Others

The rationale, objectives, and social studies units are provided in this curriculum guide for grade 8. Focus is upon students' assessing, hypothesizing, and synthesizing the world's critical problems. Teaching techniques are process education oriented emphasizing inquiry training, problem solving, and inductive learning in an attempt to prepare…

An alternative approach for neural network evolution with a genetic algorithm: crossover by combinatorial optimization.

PubMed

García-Pedrajas, Nicolás; Ortiz-Boyer, Domingo; Hervás-Martínez, César

2006-05-01

In this work we present a new approach to crossover operator in the genetic evolution of neural networks. The most widely used evolutionary computation paradigm for neural network evolution is evolutionary programming. This paradigm is usually preferred due to the problems caused by the application of crossover to neural network evolution. However, crossover is the most innovative operator within the field of evolutionary computation. One of the most notorious problems with the application of crossover to neural networks is known as the permutation problem. This problem occurs due to the fact that the same network can be represented in a genetic coding by many different codifications. Our approach modifies the standard crossover operator taking into account the special features of the individuals to be mated. We present a new model for mating individuals that considers the structure of the hidden layer and redefines the crossover operator. As each hidden node represents a non-linear projection of the input variables, we approach the crossover as a problem on combinatorial optimization. We can formulate the problem as the extraction of a subset of near-optimal projections to create the hidden layer of the new network. This new approach is compared to a classical crossover in 25 real-world problems with an excellent performance. Moreover, the networks obtained are much smaller than those obtained with classical crossover operator.

A study of the performance of patients with frontal lobe lesions in a financial planning task.

PubMed

Goel, V; Grafman, J; Tajik, J; Gana, S; Danto, D

1997-10-01

It has long been argued that patients with lesions in the prefrontal cortex have difficulties in decision making and problem solving in real-world, ill-structured situations, particularly problem types involving planning and look-ahead components. Recently, several researchers have questioned our ability to capture and characterize these deficits adequately using just the standard neuropsychological test batteries, and have called for tests that reflect real-world task requirements more accurately. We present data from 10 patients with focal lesions to the prefrontal cortex and 10 normal control subjects engaged in a real-world financial planning task. We also introduce a theoretical framework and methodology developed in the cognitive science literature for quantifying and analysing the complex data generated by problem-solving tasks. Our findings indicate that patient performance is impoverished at a global level but not at the local level. Patients have difficulty in organizing and structuring their problem space. Once they begin problem solving, they have difficulty in allocating adequate effort to each problem-solving phase. Patients also have difficulty dealing with the fact that there are no right or wrong answers nor official termination points in real-world planning problems. They also find it problematic to generate their own feedback. They invariably terminate the session before the details are fleshed out and all the goals satisfied. Finally, patients do not take full advantage of the fact that constraints on real-world problems are negotiable. However, it is not necessary to postulate a 'planning' deficit. It is possible to understand the patients' difficulties in real world planning tasks in terms of the following four accepted deficits: inadequate access to 'structured event complexes', difficulty in generalizing from particulars, failure to shift between 'mental sets', and poor judgment regarding adequacy and completeness of a plan.

Proposals for Paraphilic Disorders in the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Eleventh Revision (ICD-11).

PubMed

Krueger, Richard B; Reed, Geoffrey M; First, Michael B; Marais, Adele; Kismodi, Eszter; Briken, Peer

2017-07-01

The World Health Organization is currently developing the 11th revision of the International Classifications of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-11), with approval of the ICD-11 by the World Health Assembly anticipated in 2018. The Working Group on the Classification of Sexual Disorders and Sexual Health (WGSDSH) was created and charged with reviewing and making recommendations for categories related to sexuality that are contained in the chapter of Mental and Behavioural Disorders in ICD-10 (World Health Organization 1992a). Among these categories was the ICD-10 grouping F65, Disorders of sexual preference, which describes conditions now widely referred to as Paraphilic Disorders. This article reviews the evidence base, rationale, and recommendations for the proposed revisions in this area for ICD-11 and compares them with DSM-5. The WGSDSH recommended that the grouping, Disorders of sexual preference, be renamed to Paraphilic Disorders and be limited to disorders that involve sexual arousal patterns that focus on non-consenting others or are associated with substantial distress or direct risk of injury or death. Consistent with this framework, the WGSDSH also recommended that the ICD-10 categories of Fetishism, Fetishistic Transvestism, and Sadomasochism be removed from the classification and new categories of Coercive Sexual Sadism Disorder, Frotteuristic Disorder, Other Paraphilic Disorder Involving Non-Consenting Individuals, and Other Paraphilic Disorder Involving Solitary Behaviour or Consenting Individuals be added. The WGSDSH's proposals for Paraphilic Disorders in ICD-11 are based on the WHO's role as a global public health agency and the ICD's function as a public health reporting tool.

Recommendations for benefit-risk assessment methodologies and visual representations.

PubMed

Hughes, Diana; Waddingham, Ed; Mt-Isa, Shahrul; Goginsky, Alesia; Chan, Edmond; Downey, Gerald F; Hallgreen, Christine E; Hockley, Kimberley S; Juhaeri, Juhaeri; Lieftucht, Alfons; Metcalf, Marilyn A; Noel, Rebecca A; Phillips, Lawrence D; Ashby, Deborah; Micaleff, Alain

2016-03-01

The purpose of this study is to draw on the practical experience from the PROTECT BR case studies and make recommendations regarding the application of a number of methodologies and visual representations for benefit-risk assessment. Eight case studies based on the benefit-risk balance of real medicines were used to test various methodologies that had been identified from the literature as having potential applications in benefit-risk assessment. Recommendations were drawn up based on the results of the case studies. A general pathway through the case studies was evident, with various classes of methodologies having roles to play at different stages. Descriptive and quantitative frameworks were widely used throughout to structure problems, with other methods such as metrics, estimation techniques and elicitation techniques providing ways to incorporate technical or numerical data from various sources. Similarly, tree diagrams and effects tables were universally adopted, with other visualisations available to suit specific methodologies or tasks as required. Every assessment was found to follow five broad stages: (i) Planning, (ii) Evidence gathering and data preparation, (iii) Analysis, (iv) Exploration and (v) Conclusion and dissemination. Adopting formal, structured approaches to benefit-risk assessment was feasible in real-world problems and facilitated clear, transparent decision-making. Prior to this work, no extensive practical application and appraisal of methodologies had been conducted using real-world case examples, leaving users with limited knowledge of their usefulness in the real world. The practical guidance provided here takes us one step closer to a harmonised approach to benefit-risk assessment from multiple perspectives. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Promises and Pitfalls of Anchoring Vignettes in Health Survey Research

PubMed Central

Verdes-Tennant, Emese; McEniry, Mary; Ispány, Márton

2016-01-01

Data harmonization is a topic of growing importance to demographers, who increasingly conduct domestic or international comparative research. Many self-reported survey items cannot be directly compared across demographic groups or countries because these groups differ in how they use subjective response categories. Anchoring vignettes, already appearing in numerous surveys worldwide, promise to overcome this problem. However, many anchoring vignettes have not been formally evaluated for adherence to the key measurement assumptions of vignette equivalence and response consistency. This article tests these assumptions in some of the most widely fielded anchoring vignettes in the world: the health vignettes in the World Health Organization (WHO) Study on Global AGEing and Adult Health (SAGE) and World Health Survey (WHS) (representing 10 countries; n = 52,388), as well as similar vignettes in the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) (n = 4,528). Findings are encouraging regarding adherence to response consistency, but reveal substantial violations of vignette equivalence both cross-nationally and across socioeconomic groups. That is, members of different sociocultural groups appear to interpret vignettes as depicting fundamentally different levels of health. The evaluated anchoring vignettes do not fulfill their promise of providing interpersonally comparable measures of health. Recommendations for improving future implementations of vignettes are discussed. PMID:26335547

Search Engines on the World Wide Web.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Walster, Dian

1997-01-01

Discusses search engines and provides methods for determining what resources are searched, the quality of the information, and the algorithms used that will improve the use of search engines on the World Wide Web, online public access catalogs, and electronic encyclopedias. Lists strategies for conducting searches and for learning about the latest…

Market Research: The World Wide Web Meets the Online Services.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bing, Michelle

1996-01-01

The World Wide Web can provide direct market research data inexpensively or can target the appropriate professional online database and narrow the search. This article discusses the Web presence of research and investment firms, financial pages, trade associations, and electronic publications containing market research data. It lists Uniform…

White Supremacists, Oppositional Culture and the World Wide Web

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Adams, Josh; Roscigno, Vincent J.

2005-01-01

Over the previous decade, white supremacist organizations have tapped into the ever emerging possibilities offered by the World Wide Web. Drawing from prior sociological work that has examined this medium and its uses by white supremacist organizations, this article advances the understanding of recruitment, identity and action by providing a…

Marketing and Selling CD-ROM Products on the World-Wide Web.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Walker, Becki

1995-01-01

Describes three companies' approaches to marketing and selling CD-ROM products on the World Wide Web. Benefits include low overhead for Internet-based sales, allowance for creativity, and ability to let customers preview products online. Discusses advertising, information delivery, content, information services, and security. (AEF)

Teaching Critical Evaluation Skills for World Wide Web Resources.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tate, Marsha; Alexander, Jan

1996-01-01

Outlines a lesson plan used by an academic library to evaluate the quality of World Wide Web information. Discusses the traditional evaluation criteria of accuracy, authority, objectivity, currency, and coverage as it applies to the unique characteristics of Web pages: their marketing orientation, variety of information, and instability. The…

Exploring Geology on the World-Wide Web--Volcanoes and Volcanism.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schimmrich, Steven Henry; Gore, Pamela J. W.

1996-01-01

Focuses on sites on the World Wide Web that offer information about volcanoes. Web sites are classified into areas of Global Volcano Information, Volcanoes in Hawaii, Volcanoes in Alaska, Volcanoes in the Cascades, European and Icelandic Volcanoes, Extraterrestrial Volcanism, Volcanic Ash and Weather, and Volcano Resource Directories. Suggestions…

The World-Wide Web and Mosaic: An Overview for Librarians.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Morgan, Eric Lease

1994-01-01

Provides an overview of the Internet's World-Wide Web (Web), a hypertext system. Highlights include the client/server model; Uniform Resource Locator; examples of software; Web servers versus Gopher servers; HyperText Markup Language (HTML); converting files; Common Gateway Interface; organizing Web information; and the role of librarians in…

Collaborative Design of World Wide Web Pages: A Case Study.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Andrew, Paige G; Musser, Linda R.

1997-01-01

This case study of the collaborative design of an earth science World Wide Web page at Pennsylvania State University highlights the role of librarians. Discusses the original Web site and links, planning, the intended audience, and redesign and recommended changes; and considers the potential contributions of librarians. (LRW)

World Wide Web Page Design: A Structured Approach.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gregory, Gwen; Brown, M. Marlo

1997-01-01

Describes how to develop a World Wide Web site based on structured programming concepts. Highlights include flowcharting, first page design, evaluation, page titles, documenting source code, text, graphics, and browsers. Includes a template for HTML writers, tips for using graphics, a sample homepage, guidelines for authoring structured HTML, and…

World Wide Web Homepage Design.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tillman, Michael L.

This paper examines hypermedia design and draws conclusions about how educational research and theory applies to various aspects of World Wide Web (WWW) homepage design. "Hypermedia" is defined as any collection of information which may be textual, graphical, visual, or auditory in nature and which may be accessed via a nonlinear route.…

WorldWide Web: Hypertext from CERN.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nickerson, Gord

1992-01-01

Discussion of software tools for accessing information on the Internet focuses on the WorldWideWeb (WWW) system, which was developed at the European Particle Physics Laboratory (CERN) in Switzerland to build a worldwide network of hypertext links using available networking technology. Its potential for use with multimedia documents is also…

Creating a Classroom Kaleidoscope with the World Wide Web.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Quinlan, Laurie A.

1997-01-01

Discusses the elements of classroom Web presentations: planning; construction, including design tips; classroom use; and assessment. Lists 14 World Wide Web resources for K-12 teachers; Internet search tools (directories, search engines and meta-search engines); a Web glossary; and an example of HTML for a simple Web page. (PEN)

Sky online: linking amateur and professional astronomers on the world wide web

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fienberg, Richard Tresch

SKY Online is the World Wide Web site of Sky Publishing Corporation, publisher of Sky & Telescope magazine. Conceived mainly as an electronic extension of the company's marketing and promotion efforts, SKY Online has also proven to be a useful tool for communication between amateur and professional astronomers.

Generalized Higher Order Orthogonal Iteration for Tensor Learning and Decomposition.

PubMed

Liu, Yuanyuan; Shang, Fanhua; Fan, Wei; Cheng, James; Cheng, Hong

2016-12-01

Low-rank tensor completion (LRTC) has successfully been applied to a wide range of real-world problems. Despite the broad, successful applications, existing LRTC methods may become very slow or even not applicable for large-scale problems. To address this issue, a novel core tensor trace-norm minimization (CTNM) method is proposed for simultaneous tensor learning and decomposition, and has a much lower computational complexity. In our solution, first, the equivalence relation of trace norm of a low-rank tensor and its core tensor is induced. Second, the trace norm of the core tensor is used to replace that of the whole tensor, which leads to two much smaller scale matrix TNM problems. Finally, an efficient alternating direction augmented Lagrangian method is developed to solve our problems. Our CTNM formulation needs only O((R N +NRI)log(√{I N })) observations to reliably recover an N th-order I×I×…×I tensor of n -rank (r,r,…,r) , compared with O(rI N-1 ) observations required by those tensor TNM methods ( I > R ≥ r ). Extensive experimental results show that CTNM is usually more accurate than them, and is orders of magnitude faster.

Ten key questions about the management of water in the Yellow River basin.

PubMed

Barnett, Jon; Webber, Michael; Wang, Mark; Finlayson, Brian; Dickinson, Debbie

2006-08-01

Water is scarce in many regions of the world, clean water is difficult to find in most developing countries, there are conflicts between irrigation needs and urban demands, and there is wide debate over appropriate means of resolving these problems. Similarly, in China, there is limited understanding of the ways in which people, groups, and institutions contribute to, are affected by, and respond to changes in water quantity and quality. We use the example of the Yellow River basin to argue that these social, managerial, and policy dimensions of the present water problems are significant and overshadow the physical ones. Despite this, they receive relatively little attention in the research agenda, particularly of the lead agencies in the management of the Yellow River basin. To this end, we ask ten research questions needed to address the policy needs of water management in the basin, split into two groups of five. The first five relate to the importance of water in this basin and the changes that have affected water problems and will continue to do so. The second five questions represent an attempt to explore possible solutions to these problems.

Critical materialism: science, technology, and environmental sustainability.

PubMed

York, Richard; Clark, Brett

2010-01-01

There are widely divergent views on how science and technology are connected to environmental problems. A view commonly held among natural scientists and policy makers is that environmental problems are primarily technical problems that can be solved via the development and implementation of technological innovations. This technologically optimistic view tends to ignore power relationships in society and the political-economic order that drives environmental degradation. An opposed view, common among postmodernist and poststructuralist scholars, is that the emergence of the scientific worldview is one of the fundamental causes of human oppression. This postmodernist view rejects scientific epistemology and often is associated with an anti-realist stance, which ultimately serves to deny the reality of environmental problems, thus (unintentionally) abetting right-wing efforts to scuttle environmental protection. We argue that both the technologically optimistic and the postmodernist views are misguided, and both undermine our ability to address environmental crises. We advocate the adoption of a critical materialist stance, which recognizes the importance of natural science for helping us to understand the world while also recognizing the social embeddedness of the scientific establishment and the need to challenge the manipulation of science by the elite.

Educational Applications on the World Wide Web: An Example Using Amphion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Friedman, Jane

1998-01-01

There is a great deal of excitement about using the internet and the World Wide Web in education. There are such exciting possibilities and there is a wealth and variety of material up on the web. There are however many problems, problems of access and resources, problems of quality -- for every excellent resource there are many poor ones, and there are insufficiently explored problems of teacher training and motivation. For example, Wiesenmayer and Meadows report on a study of 347 West Virginia science teachers. These teachers were enrolled in a week-long summer workshop to introduce them to the internet and its educational potential. The teachers were asked to review science sites as to overall quality and then about their usefulness in their own classrooms. The teachers were enthusiastic about the web, and gave two-thirds of the sites high ratings, and essentially all the rest average ratings. But alarmingly, over 80% of these sites were viewed as having no direct applicability in the teacher's own classroom. This summer I was assigned to work on the Amphion project in the Automated Software Engineering Group under the leadership of Michael Lowry. I wished to find educational applications of the Amphion system, which in its current implementation can be used to create fortran programs and animations using the SPICE libraries created by the NAIF group at JPL. I wished to find an application which provided real added educational value, which was in line with educational curriculum standards and which would serve a documented need of the educational community. The application selected was teaching about the causes of the seasons -- at the approximately the fourth, fifth, sixth grade level. This topic was chosen because it is in line with national curriculum standards. The fourth, fifth, sixth grade level was selected to coincide with the grade level served by the Ames Aerospace Encounter, which services 10,000 children a year on field trips. The hope is that eventually the Ames Aerospace Encounter could be used as a test bed for the lessons developed. The topic is one which is difficult to teach and the necessity for new methods is documented in the educational literature. Current educational standards indicate that seasons should be part of the elementary school curriculum.

End-to-end Cyberinfrastructure and Data Services for Earth System Science Education and Research: A vision for the future

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramamurthy, M. K.

2006-05-01

We live in an era of an unprecedented data volumes, multidisciplinary analysis and synthesis, and active, learner-centered education emphasis. For instance, a new generation of satellite instruments is being designed for GOES-R and NPOESS programs to deliver terabytes of data each day. Similarly, high-resolution, coupled models run over a wide range of temporal scales are generating data at unprecedented rates. Complex environmental problems such as El Nino/Southern Oscillation, climate change, and water cycle transcend not only disciplinary but also geographic boundaries, with their impacts and implications touching every region and community of the world. The understanding and solution to these inherently global scientific and social problems requires integrated observations that cover all areas of the globe, international sharing and flow of data, and earth system science approaches. Contemporary education strategies recommend adopting an Earth system science approach for teaching the geosciences, employing new pedagogical techniques such as enquiry-based learning and hands-on activities. Needless to add, today's education and research enterprise depends heavily on easy to use, robust, flexible and scalable cyberinfrastructure, especially on the ready availability of quality data and appropriate tools to manipulate and integrate those data. Fortunately, rapid advances in computing, communication and information technologies have provided solutions that can are being applied to advance teaching, research, and service. The exponential growth in the use of the Internet in education and research, largely due to the advent of the World Wide Web, is well documented. On the other hand, how other technological and community trends have shaped the development and application of cyberinfrastructure, especially in the data services area, is less well understood. For example, the computing industry is converging on an approach called Web services that enables a standard and yet revolutionary way of building applications and methods to connect and exchange information over the Web. This new approach, based on XML - a widely accepted format for exchanging data and corresponding semantics over the Internet - enables applications, computer systems, and information processes to work together in fundamentally different ways. Likewise, the advent of digital libraries, grid computing platforms, interoperable frameworks, standards and protocols, open-source software, and community atmospheric models have been important drivers in shaping the use of a new generation of end-to-end cyberinfrastructure for solving some of the most challenging scientific and educational problems. In this talk, I will present an overview of the scientific, technological, and educational landscape, discuss recent developments in cyberinfrastructure, and Unidata's role in and vision for providing easy-to use, robust, end-to-end data services for solving geoscientific problems and advancing student learning.

Western Civilization, Modernity, and World History: Some Perspectives from East Asia.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Farmer, Edward L.

This paper wrestles with some of the problems of Eurocentrism that must be confronted in teaching world history. Alert to the problem of perspective, the paper focuses on teaching strategies and not on theoretical justifications for personal opinions. The paper addresses the concepts of Western civilization and a modern world. It discusses five…

Tuning Out the World with Noise-Canceling Headphones

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McCulloch, Allison W.; Whitehead, Ashley; Lovett, Jennifer N.; Whitley, Blake

2017-01-01

Context is what makes mathematical modeling tasks different from more traditional textbook word problems. Math problems are sometimes stripped of context as they are worked on. For modeling problems, however, context is important for making sense of the mathematics. The task should be brought back to its real-world context as often as possible. In…

Twenty-Two Dimensions of the Population Problem. Worldwatch Paper 5.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brown, Lester R.; And Others

Twenty-two facets of the world population problem are explored. The topics are economic, social, ecological, and political in nature and generally portray the stresses and strains associated with continued population growth in a world inhabited by four billion people. These aspects of the population problem are discussed: literacy, oceanic…

The Japanese artificial organs scene: current status.

PubMed

Mitamura, Yoshinori; Murabayashi, Shun

2005-08-01

Artificial organs and regenerative medicine are the subjects of very active research and development (R&D) in Japan and various artificial organs are widely used in patients. Results of the R&D are presented at the annual conference of the Japanese Society for Artificial Organs (JSAO). Progress in the fields of artificial organs and regenerative medicine are reviewed annually in the Japanese Journal of Artificial Organs. The official English-language journal of JSAO, Journal of Artificial Organs, also publishes many original articles by Japanese researchers. Although the annual conference and the publications of JSAO provide the world with update information on artificial organs and regenerative medicine in Japan, the information is not always understood appropriately in the rest of the world, mainly due to language problems. This article therefore introduces the current status of artificial organs and regenerative medicine in Japan. Artificial hearts and metabolic support systems are reviewed here and other interesting areas such as regenerative medicine can be found elsewhere.

A Monte Carlo simulation to the performance of the R/S and V/S methods—Statistical revisit and real world application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Ling-Yun; Qian, Wen-Bin

2012-07-01

A correct or precise estimation of the Hurst exponent is one of the fundamentally important problems in the financial economics literature. There are three widely used tools to estimate the Hurst exponent, the canonical rescaled range (R/S), the variance rescaled statistic (V/S) and the Modified rescaled range (Modified R/S). To clarify their performance, we compare them by Monte Carlo simulations; we generate many time-series of a fractal Brownian motion, of a Weierstrass-Mandelbrot cosine fractal function and of a fractionally integrated process, whose theoretical Hurst exponents are known, to compare the Hurst exponents estimated by the three methods. To better understand their pragmatic performance, we further apply all of these methods empirically in real-world applications. Our results imply it is not appropriate to conclude simply which method is better as V/S performs better when the analyzed market is anti-persistent while R/S seems to be a reliable tool used in persistent market.

Air pollution: a smoking gun for cancer.

PubMed

Zhang, Wei; Qian, Chao-Nan; Zeng, Yi-Xin

2014-04-01

Once considered a taboo topic or stigma, cancer is the number one public health enemy in the world. Once a product of an almost untouchable industry, tobacco is indisputably recognized as a major cause of cancer and a target for anticancer efforts. With the emergence of new economic powers in the world, especially in highly populated countries such as China, air pollution has rapidly emerged as a smoking gun for cancer and has become a hot topic for public health debate because of the complex political, economic, scientific, and technologic issues surrounding the air pollution problem. This editorial and the referred articles published in this special issue of the Chinese Journal of Cancer discuss these fundamental questions. Does air pollution cause a wide spectrum of cancers? Should air pollution be considered a necessary evil accompanying economic transformation in developing countries? Is an explosion of cancer incidence coming to China and how soon will it arrive? What must be done to prevent this possible human catastrophe? Finally, the approaches for air pollution control are also discussed.

Estimation of age in the living: in matters civil and criminal.

PubMed

Aggrawal, Anil

2009-05-11

Estimation of age is one of the main tasks of a forensic practitioner, especially in third world countries, where many births take place in rural settings without the benefit of the expert supervision of a trained obstetrician. Such births are poorly recorded or more often not recorded at all in terms of exact dates. In many other cases, records are fraudulently falsified for some gain, e.g. to get government jobs or pensions. Developed countries, where ordinarily the birth records are meticulously maintained, are not immune to this problem either. Estimation of the age of living individuals may be needed here for refugees or other persons who arrive without acceptable identification papers. A wide variety of methods are used by the forensic clinician to assess the age of the individual in such cases. This paper discusses and evaluates the most common methods used in India, although the methods can be effectively utilized by medico-legal professionals anywhere in the world.

Parallel Computation of the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS)

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

Wang, P; Song, Y T; Chao, Y

2005-04-05

The Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS) is a regional ocean general circulation modeling system solving the free surface, hydrostatic, primitive equations over varying topography. It is free software distributed world-wide for studying both complex coastal ocean problems and the basin-to-global scale ocean circulation. The original ROMS code could only be run on shared-memory systems. With the increasing need to simulate larger model domains with finer resolutions and on a variety of computer platforms, there is a need in the ocean-modeling community to have a ROMS code that can be run on any parallel computer ranging from 10 to hundreds ofmore » processors. Recently, we have explored parallelization for ROMS using the MPI programming model. In this paper, an efficient parallelization strategy for such a large-scale scientific software package, based on an existing shared-memory computing model, is presented. In addition, scientific applications and data-performance issues on a couple of SGI systems, including Columbia, the world's third-fastest supercomputer, are discussed.« less

CellProfiler and KNIME: open source tools for high content screening.

PubMed

Stöter, Martin; Niederlein, Antje; Barsacchi, Rico; Meyenhofer, Felix; Brandl, Holger; Bickle, Marc

2013-01-01

High content screening (HCS) has established itself in the world of the pharmaceutical industry as an essential tool for drug discovery and drug development. HCS is currently starting to enter the academic world and might become a widely used technology. Given the diversity of problems tackled in academic research, HCS could experience some profound changes in the future, mainly with more imaging modalities and smart microscopes being developed. One of the limitations in the establishment of HCS in academia is flexibility and cost. Flexibility is important to be able to adapt the HCS setup to accommodate the multiple different assays typical of academia. Many cost factors cannot be avoided, but the costs of the software packages necessary to analyze large datasets can be reduced by using Open Source software. We present and discuss the Open Source software CellProfiler for image analysis and KNIME for data analysis and data mining that provide software solutions which increase flexibility and keep costs low.

Forbidden territories in the string landscape

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Alok; Mukhopadhyay, Subir; Ray, Koushik

2007-12-01

Problems of stabilizing moduli of the type-IIB string theory on toroidal orientifolds T6/Z2, in presence of worldvolume fluxes on various D-branes, are considered. For Z2 actions, introducing either O9 or O3 planes, we rule out the possibility of moduli stabilization in a wide class of models with Script N = 1 supersymmetry, characterized by the type of fluxes turned on along D-brane worldvolume. Our results, in particular, imply that Abelian worldvolume fluxes can not by themselves stabilize closed string moduli, in a consistent supersymmtric model, for above orientifold compactifications. We also discuss other Z2 orientifolds of T6 and show that certain other brane wrappings are also ruled out by similar consistency requirements. In specific setups we consider examples with D9-branes wrapping on a complex three-torus with its world-volume fluxes taken to be semi-homogeneous bundles and D7-branes wrapping holomorphic four-cycles of the complex three-torus carrying world-volume fluxes.

Parameter Optimization for Turbulent Reacting Flows Using Adjoints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lapointe, Caelan; Hamlington, Peter E.

2017-11-01

The formulation of a new adjoint solver for topology optimization of turbulent reacting flows is presented. This solver provides novel configurations (e.g., geometries and operating conditions) based on desired system outcomes (i.e., objective functions) for complex reacting flow problems of practical interest. For many such problems, it would be desirable to know optimal values of design parameters (e.g., physical dimensions, fuel-oxidizer ratios, and inflow-outflow conditions) prior to real-world manufacture and testing, which can be expensive, time-consuming, and dangerous. However, computational optimization of these problems is made difficult by the complexity of most reacting flows, necessitating the use of gradient-based optimization techniques in order to explore a wide design space at manageable computational cost. The adjoint method is an attractive way to obtain the required gradients, because the cost of the method is determined by the dimension of the objective function rather than the size of the design space. Here, the formulation of a novel solver is outlined that enables gradient-based parameter optimization of turbulent reacting flows using the discrete adjoint method. Initial results and an outlook for future research directions are provided.

Cooperative high-performance storage in the accelerated strategic computing initiative

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gary, Mark; Howard, Barry; Louis, Steve; Minuzzo, Kim; Seager, Mark

1996-01-01

The use and acceptance of new high-performance, parallel computing platforms will be impeded by the absence of an infrastructure capable of supporting orders-of-magnitude improvement in hierarchical storage and high-speed I/O (Input/Output). The distribution of these high-performance platforms and supporting infrastructures across a wide-area network further compounds this problem. We describe an architectural design and phased implementation plan for a distributed, Cooperative Storage Environment (CSE) to achieve the necessary performance, user transparency, site autonomy, communication, and security features needed to support the Accelerated Strategic Computing Initiative (ASCI). ASCI is a Department of Energy (DOE) program attempting to apply terascale platforms and Problem-Solving Environments (PSEs) toward real-world computational modeling and simulation problems. The ASCI mission must be carried out through a unified, multilaboratory effort, and will require highly secure, efficient access to vast amounts of data. The CSE provides a logically simple, geographically distributed, storage infrastructure of semi-autonomous cooperating sites to meet the strategic ASCI PSE goal of highperformance data storage and access at the user desktop.

The Space Apps Challenge: Using Open Innovation Competitions to Engage The Public in the Scientific Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gupta, S. S.

2016-12-01

NASA's Space Apps Challenge encourages innovation, creativity and collaborative problem solving by gathering coders, builders, artists, designers, and storytellers in a 48-hour hackathon. Open Innovation competitions such as the Space Apps Challenge bring the scientific world to members of the public, regardless of age, experience, credentials, or expertise. In the past five years, this model of public engagement has been widely employed by government, nonprofit and academic institutions, allowing the building of partnerships between the scientific community and the individuals and communities they serve. Furthermore, advances in technology and challenge models have lowered the barriers and costs to scientific collaboration with and for the public. NASA's Space Apps Challenge, structured as a competition seeking solutions from the public to posed problems, brings together teams and forges collaborations between individuals and groups who would otherwise have never worked together for a short but high intensity problem solving session, Space Apps has has created a pathway to public engagement and innovation that is often faster, cheaper, and more impactful than traditional approaches.

Quantum Machine Learning

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Biswas, Rupak

2018-01-01

Quantum computing promises an unprecedented ability to solve intractable problems by harnessing quantum mechanical effects such as tunneling, superposition, and entanglement. The Quantum Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (QuAIL) at NASA Ames Research Center is the space agency's primary facility for conducting research and development in quantum information sciences. QuAIL conducts fundamental research in quantum physics but also explores how best to exploit and apply this disruptive technology to enable NASA missions in aeronautics, Earth and space sciences, and space exploration. At the same time, machine learning has become a major focus in computer science and captured the imagination of the public as a panacea to myriad big data problems. In this talk, we will discuss how classical machine learning can take advantage of quantum computing to significantly improve its effectiveness. Although we illustrate this concept on a quantum annealer, other quantum platforms could be used as well. If explored fully and implemented efficiently, quantum machine learning could greatly accelerate a wide range of tasks leading to new technologies and discoveries that will significantly change the way we solve real-world problems.

[Problem-based learning, description of a pedagogical method leading to evidence-based medicine].

PubMed

Chalon, P; Delvenne, C; Pasleau, F

2000-04-01

Problem-Based Learning is an educational method which uses health care scenarios to provide a context for learning and to elaborate knowledge through discussion. Additional expectations are to stimulate critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and to develop clinical reasoning taking into account the patient's psychosocial environment and preferences, the economic requirements as well as the best evidence from biomedical research. Appearing at the end of the 60's, it has been adopted by 10% of medical schools world-wide. PBL follows the same rules as Evidence-Based Medicine but is student-centered and provides the information-seeking skills necessary for self-directed life long learning. In this short article, we review the theoretical basis and process of PBL, emphasizing the teacher-student relationship and discussing the suggested advantages and disadvantages of this curriculum. Students in PBL programs make greater use of self-selected references and online searching. From this point of view, PBL strengthens the role of health libraries in medical education, and prepares the future physician for Evidence-Based Medicine.

Introduction to cognitive processes of expert pilots.

PubMed

Adams, R J; Ericsson, A E

2000-10-01

This report addresses the historical problem that a very high percentage of accidents have been classified as involving "pilot error." Through extensive research since 1977, the Federal Aviation Administration determined that the predominant underlying cause of these types of accidents involved decisional problems or cognitive information processing. To attack these problems, Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM) training materials were developed and tested for ten years. Since the publication of the ADM training manuals in 1987, significant reductions in human performance error (HPE) accidents have been documented both in the U.S. and world wide. However, shortcomings have been observed in the use of these materials for recurrency training and in their relevance to more experienced pilots. The following discussion defines the differences between expert and novice decision makers from a cognitive information processing perspective, correlates the development of expert pilot cognitive processes with training and experience, and reviews accident scenarios which exemplify those processes. This introductory material is a necessary prerequisite to an understanding of how to formulate expert pilot decision making training innovations; and, to continue the record of improved safety through ADM training.

Status and problems of fusion reactor development.

PubMed

Schumacher, U

2001-03-01

Thermonuclear fusion of deuterium and tritium constitutes an enormous potential for a safe, environmentally compatible and sustainable energy supply. The fuel source is practically inexhaustible. Further, the safety prospects of a fusion reactor are quite favourable due to the inherently self-limiting fusion process, the limited radiologic toxicity and the passive cooling property. Among a small number of approaches, the concept of toroidal magnetic confinement of fusion plasmas has achieved most impressive scientific and technical progress towards energy release by thermonuclear burn of deuterium-tritium fuels. The status of thermonuclear fusion research activity world-wide is reviewed and present solutions to the complicated physical and technological problems are presented. These problems comprise plasma heating, confinement and exhaust of energy and particles, plasma stability, alpha particle heating, fusion reactor materials, reactor safety and environmental compatibility. The results and the high scientific level of this international research activity provide a sound basis for the realisation of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), whose goal is to demonstrate the scientific and technological feasibility of a fusion energy source for peaceful purposes.

Educational Technology's Problems and Challenges in the Arab World.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ayesh, Husni

1984-01-01

Discusses problems of centralization versus decentralization, tradition versus modernization, teacher status, administrative burdens, and educational objectives in relation to the use of educational technology in the Arab world, and suggests some possible remedies. (MBR)

Ranking in evolving complex networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liao, Hao; Mariani, Manuel Sebastian; Medo, Matúš; Zhang, Yi-Cheng; Zhou, Ming-Yang

2017-05-01

Complex networks have emerged as a simple yet powerful framework to represent and analyze a wide range of complex systems. The problem of ranking the nodes and the edges in complex networks is critical for a broad range of real-world problems because it affects how we access online information and products, how success and talent are evaluated in human activities, and how scarce resources are allocated by companies and policymakers, among others. This calls for a deep understanding of how existing ranking algorithms perform, and which are their possible biases that may impair their effectiveness. Many popular ranking algorithms (such as Google's PageRank) are static in nature and, as a consequence, they exhibit important shortcomings when applied to real networks that rapidly evolve in time. At the same time, recent advances in the understanding and modeling of evolving networks have enabled the development of a wide and diverse range of ranking algorithms that take the temporal dimension into account. The aim of this review is to survey the existing ranking algorithms, both static and time-aware, and their applications to evolving networks. We emphasize both the impact of network evolution on well-established static algorithms and the benefits from including the temporal dimension for tasks such as prediction of network traffic, prediction of future links, and identification of significant nodes.

Global environmental ratings as an instrument of environmental policies: what factors determine the rank of Russia?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alekseeva, Nina; Arshinova, Marina; Milanova, Elena

2017-04-01

Systems of global environmental rankings have emerged as a result of the escalating need for revealing the trends of ecological development for the world and for certain countries and regions. Both the environmental indicators and indexes and the ratings made on their basis are important for the assessment and forecast of the ecological situation in order to tackle the global and regional problems of sustainable development and help to translate the research findings into policy developments. Data sources for the global environmental ratings are most often the statistical information accumulated in databases of the international organizations (World Bank, World Resources Institute, FAO, WHO, etc.) These data are highly reliable and well-comparable that makes the ratings very objective. There are also good examples of using data of sociological polls, information from social networks, etc. The global environmental ratings are produced by the international organizations (World Bank, World Resources Institute, the UN Environment Program), non-governmental associations (WWF, Climate Action Network Europe (CAN-E), Germanwatch Nord-Süd-Initiative, Friends of the Earth, World Development Movement), research structures (scientific centers of the Yale and Colombian universities, the Oak-Ridge National Laboratory, the New Economic Foundation), and also individual experts, news agencies, etc. Thematic (sectoral) ratings cover various spheres from availability of resources and anthropogenic impact on environment components to nature protection policies and perception of environmental problems. The environmental indicators cover all parameters important for understanding the current ecological situation and the trajectories of its development (the DPSIR model, i.e. drivers, pressures, state, impact and response). Complex (integral) ratings are based on environmental indexes which are combined measurement tools using a complex of aggregated indicators based on a wide range of primary data allowing to record and measure various environmental phenomena and characteristics. The main difficulty of information aggregation into environmental indexes is the weighting of initial data. The principal requirement to such measuring system is its informational completeness and adequacy of parameters for the representation of economic, environmental and social components of sustainable development. The analysis of indexes and systems of ecological ratings showed their efficiency, so the application of indicators and integral indexes can become a basis for scheduling the strategic changes in natural and socio-economic systems. Indicators provide an objective picture of the state of various spheres of economic activities and allow understanding the key environmental, economic and social problems and planning for their solution, thus paving the way to introduce scientific developments and public perception into policy-making. The comparative analysis of the ranks of Russia in global ecological ratings showed that in terms of the per capita potential of biocapacity and availability of resources Russia advances many countries of the world. Among the environmental problems the most actual are the development of low-carbon power production and the use of renewable energy full in line with the SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy). It will not only reduce the environment pollution, but also contribute to slowing the rates of climate change (the SDG 13 Climate Action).

World Wide Webs: Crossing the Digital Divide through Promotion of Public Access

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coetzee, Liezl

“As Bill Gates and Steve Case proclaim the global omnipresence of the Internet, the majority of non-Western nations and 97 per cent of the world's population remain unconnected to the net for lack of money, access, or knowledge. This exclusion of so vast a share of the global population from the Internet sharply contradicts the claims of those who posit the World Wide Web as a ‘universal' medium of egalitarian communication.” (Trend 2001:2)

6 CFR 5.21 - Requests for access to records.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... accessed electronically at the Government Printing Office's World Wide Web site (which can be found at http... Printing Office's World Wide Web site (which can be found at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs). (c... requested records, you may also, at your option, include your social security number. (e) Verification of...

28 CFR 16.41 - Requests for access to records.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... the Government Printing Office's World Wide Web site (which can be found at http://www.access.gpo.gov... accessed electronically at the Government Printing Office's World Wide Web site (which can be found at http... requested records, you may also, at your option, include your social security number. (e) Verification of...

6 CFR 5.21 - Requests for access to records.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... accessed electronically at the Government Printing Office's World Wide Web site (which can be found at http... Printing Office's World Wide Web site (which can be found at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs). (c... requested records, you may also, at your option, include your social security number. (e) Verification of...

28 CFR 16.41 - Requests for access to records.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... the Government Printing Office's World Wide Web site (which can be found at http://www.access.gpo.gov... accessed electronically at the Government Printing Office's World Wide Web site (which can be found at http... requested records, you may also, at your option, include your social security number. (e) Verification of...

Documenting historical data and accessing it on the World Wide Web

Treesearch

Malchus B. Baker; Daniel P. Huebner; Peter F. Ffolliott

2000-01-01

New computer technologies facilitate the storage, retrieval, and summarization of watershed-based data sets on the World Wide Web. These data sets are used by researchers when testing and validating predictive models, managers when planning and implementing watershed management practices, educators when learning about hydrologic processes, and decisionmakers when...

The Virtual City: Putting Charleston on the World Wide Web.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Beagle, Donald

1996-01-01

Describes the Charleston Multimedia Project, a World Wide Web guide to the history, architecture, and culture of Charleston, South Carolina, which includes a timeline and virtual tours. Incorporates materials issued by many agencies that were previously held in vertical files. The Charleston County Library's role and future plans are also…

Internet: Teaching about the 1996 Elections with the World Wide Web.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Risinger, C. Frederick

1996-01-01

Briefly explores a number of World Wide Web sites devoted to providing information about the 1996 elections. Evaluates web sites maintained by the Atlantic Monthly, Congressional Quarterly, CNN, and MTV. While most sites cover the national election, at least one, ElectNet, focuses on state and local elections. (MJP)

World Wide Web Pages--Tools for Teaching and Learning.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Beasley, Sarah; Kent, Jean

Created to help educators incorporate World Wide Web pages into teaching and learning, this collection of Web pages presents resources, materials, and techniques for using the Web. The first page focuses on tools for teaching and learning via the Web, providing pointers to sites containing the following: (1) course materials for both distance and…

World Wide Web Server Standards and Guidelines.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stubbs, Keith M.

This document defines the specific standards and general guidelines which the U.S. Department of Education (ED) will use to make information available on the World Wide Web (WWW). The purpose of providing such guidance is to ensure high quality and consistent content, organization, and presentation of information on ED WWW servers, in order to…

Perspectives for Electronic Books in the World Wide Web Age.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bry, Francois; Kraus, Michael

2002-01-01

Discusses the rapid growth of the World Wide Web and the lack of use of electronic books and suggests that specialized contents and device independence can make Web-based books compete with print. Topics include enhancing the hypertext model of XML; client-side adaptation, including browsers and navigation; and semantic modeling. (Author/LRW)

Service Learning and Building Community with the World Wide Web

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Longan, Michael W.

2007-01-01

The geography education literature touts the World Wide Web (Web) as a revolutionary educational tool, yet most accounts ignore its uses for public communication and creative expression. This article argues that students can be producers of content that is of service to local audiences. Drawing inspiration from the community networking movement,…

Teaching with the World Wide Web: Internet Resources for Educators in Illinois Schools.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barker, Bruce O.; Hall, Robert F.

1998-01-01

This report focuses on teaching with the World Wide Web. An introduction describes the Illinois State Board of Education's (ISBE's) efforts in urging local schools to integrate information technology into all aspects of their curriculum and in emphasizing the need for technology-focused staff development for Illinois teachers. ISBE supports…

Touring the Campus Library from the World Wide Web.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mosley, Pixey Anne; Xiao, Daniel

1996-01-01

The philosophy, design, implementation and evaluation of a World Wide Web-accessible Virtual Library Tour of Texas A & M University's Evans Library is presented. Its design combined technical computer issues and library instruction expertise. The tour can be used to simulate a typical walking tour through the library or heading directly to a…

Spanning the Globe: Inter-Governmental Organization (IGO) Information on the Internet.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harley, Bruce

1995-01-01

Describes gateway systems that can be used to access intergovernmental organization (IGO) information via the Internet, especially IGOs belonging to or affiliated with the United Nations. Highlights include United Nations World Wide Web Site, United Nations Gopher, the World Wide Web Virtual Library, and the Library of Congress's MARVEL Gopher.…

Advocating Global Forest Issues on the Internet.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kempf, Alois

Sustainable development, biological diversity and conservation of tropical forests are only a few of the hot environmental and political topics where the actors involved have started to make use of the world-wide computer networks. The Internet (as a transport medium of information exchange) and the World Wide Web (as the favorite service to…

No Longer Conveyor but Creator: Developing an Epistemology of the World Wide Web.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Trombley, Laura E. Skandera; Flanagan, William G.

2001-01-01

Discusses the impact of the World Wide Web in terms of epistemology. Topics include technological innovations, including new dimensions of virtuality; the accessibility of information; tracking Web use via cookies; how the Web transforms the process of learning and knowing; linking information sources; and the Web as an information delivery…

Delivering an Alternative Medicine Resource to the User's Desktop via World Wide Web.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Li, Jie; Wu, Gang; Marks, Ellen; Fan, Weiyu

1998-01-01

Discusses the design and implementation of a World Wide Web-based alternative medicine virtual resource. This homepage integrates regional, national, and international resources and delivers library services to the user's desktop. Goals, structure, and organizational schemes of the system are detailed, and design issues for building such a…

World Wide Web Resources for Teaching and Learning Economics. ERIC Digest.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

VanFossen, Phillip J.

Technological resources abound for teachers of all subject areas, but for many reasons, such instructional technology seems to lend itself well to the social studies including economics. To help teachers efficiently use the latest economics resources available on the World Wide Web, this Digest identifies four sites that offer knowledge of…

47 CFR 64.1002 - International settlements policy.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... foreign carrier that does not qualify for the presumption that it lacks market power on the foreign end of... the requirements of this paragraph. This list is available on the International Bureau's World Wide.... This list is available on the International Bureau's World Wide Web site at http://www.fcc.gov/ib. (c...

Virtual-Recitation: A World Wide Web Based Approach to Active Learning in Clinical Pharmacokinetics.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Woodward, Donald K.

1998-01-01

Describes implementation, evaluation of World Wide Web-based component in a Rutgers University (New Jersey) advanced clinical pharmacokinetics course. Scheduling accommodated nontraditional students; each week Web pages providing review and supplementary material and an online quiz were posted after class. Comparison with the previous year's…

Baby Steps: Starting Out on the World Wide Web.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Simpson, Carol; McElmeel, Sharron L.

1997-01-01

While the Internet is the physical medium used to transport data, the World Wide Web is the collection of protocols and standards used to access the information. This article provides a basic explanation of what the Web is and describes common browser commands. Discusses graphic Web browsers; universal resource locators (URLs); file, message,…

Interactivity, Information Processing, and Learning on the World Wide Web.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tremayne, Mark; Dunwoody, Sharon

2001-01-01

Examines the role of interactivity in the presentation of science news on the World Wide Web. Proposes and tests a model of interactive information processing that suggests that characteristics of users and Web sites influence interactivity, which influences knowledge acquisition. Describes use of a think-aloud method to study participants' mental…

Outreach to International Students and Scholars Using the World Wide Web.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wei, Wei

1998-01-01

Describes the creation of a World Wide Web site for the Science Library International Outreach Program at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Discusses design elements, content, and promotion of the site. Copies of the home page and the page containing the outreach program's statement of purpose are included. (AEF)

World Wide Web home page for the South Platte NAWQA

USGS Publications Warehouse

Qi, Sharon L.; Dennehy, Kevin F.

1997-01-01

A World Wide Web home page for the U.S. Geological Survey's (USGS) National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program, South Platte River Basin study is now online. The home page includes information about the basinwide investigation and provides viewing and downloading access to physical, chemical, and biological data collected by the study team.

Search Engines: A Primer on Finding Information on the World Wide Web.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Maddux, Cleborne

1996-01-01

Presents an annotated list of several World Wide Web search engines, including Yahoo, Infoseek, Alta Vista, Magellan, Lycos, Webcrawler, Excite, Deja News, and the LISZT Directory of discussion groups. Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) are included. Discussion assesses performance and describes rules and syntax for refining or limiting a search.…

Surfing the World Wide Web to Education Hot-Spots.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dyrli, Odvard Egil

1995-01-01

Provides a brief explanation of Web browsers and their use, as well as technical information for those considering access to the WWW (World Wide Web). Curriculum resources and addresses to useful Web sites are included. Sidebars show sample searches using Yahoo and Lycos search engines, and a list of recommended Web resources. (JKP)

Distance Learning, the Internet, and the World Wide Web. ERIC Digest.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kerka, Sandra

Some of the newest methods of distance learning (DL) use the Internet and the World Wide Web. DL on the Internet usually takes one of the following forms: electronic mail; bulletin boards/newsgroups; downloading of course materials or tutorials; interactive tutorials on the Web; real-time, interactive conferencing; "intranets" (internal,…

Teaching Intrapersonal Communication with the World-Wide Web: Cognitive Technology.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shedletsky, Leonard J.; Aitken, Joan E.

This paper offers a brief description of a course on intrapersonal communication with a home page approach using the World Wide Web. The paper notes that students use the home page for completing assignments, readings, posting responses, self-evaluation testing, research, and displaying some of their papers for the course. The paper contains…

77 FR 32571 - Marine Mammals; File No. 14856

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-06-01

... Bruce R. Mate, Ph.D., Hatfield Marine Science Center, Oregon State University, Newport, OR 97365, has applied in due form for a permit to take marine mammals world-wide for the purposes of scientific research... identified species of marine mammals species world-wide. The purposes of the proposed research are to: (1...

World-Wide Web: Adding Multimedia to Cyberspace.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Descy, Don E.

1994-01-01

Describes the World-Wide Web (WWW), a network information resource based on hypertext. How to access WWW browsers through remote login (telnet) or though free browser software, such as Mosaic, is provided. Eight information sources that can be accessed through the WWW are listed. The address of a listserv reporting on Internet developments is…

Overview of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) (SIGs IA, USE).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Daly, Janet

2000-01-01

Provides an overview of a planned session to describe the work of the World Wide Web Consortium, including technical specifications for HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), XML (Extensible Markup Language), CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), and over 20 other Web standards that address graphics, multimedia, privacy, metadata, and other technologies. (LRW)

WebNet 96 Conference Proceedings (San Francisco, California, October 15-19, 1996).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Maurer, Hermann, Ed.

This proceedings contains 80 full papers, 12 posters/demonstrations, 108 short papers, one panel, and one tutorial, all focusing on World Wide Web applications. Topics include: designing hypertext navigation tools; Web site design; distance education via the Web; instructional design; the world-wide market and censorship on the Web; customer…

Uses and Gratifications of the World Wide Web: From Couch Potato to Web Potato.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kaye, Barbara K.

1998-01-01

Investigates uses and gratifications of the World Wide Web and its impact on traditional mass media, especially television. Identifies six Web use motivations: entertainment, social interaction, passing of time, escape, information, and Web site preference. Examines relationships between each use motivation and Web affinity, perceived realism, and…

How Commercial Banks Use the World Wide Web: A Content Analysis.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Leovic, Lydia K.

New telecommunications vehicles expand the possible ways that business is conducted. The hypermedia portion of the Internet, the World Wide Web, is such a telecommunications device. The Web is presently one of the most flexible and dynamic methods for electronic information dissemination. The level of technological sophistication necessary to…

Finding Information on the World Wide Web: The Retrieval Effectiveness of Search Engines.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pathak, Praveen; Gordon, Michael

1999-01-01

Describes a study that examined the effectiveness of eight search engines for the World Wide Web. Calculated traditional information-retrieval measures of recall and precision at varying numbers of retrieved documents to use as the bases for statistical comparisons of retrieval effectiveness. Also examined the overlap between search engines.…

Student participation in World Wide Web-based curriculum development of general chemistry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hunter, William John Forbes

1998-12-01

This thesis describes an action research investigation of improvements to instruction in General Chemistry at Purdue University. Specifically, the study was conducted to guide continuous reform of curriculum materials delivered via the World Wide Web by involving students, instructors, and curriculum designers. The theoretical framework for this study was based upon constructivist learning theory and knowledge claims were developed using an inductive analysis procedure. This results of this study are assertions made in three domains: learning chemistry content via the World Wide Web, learning about learning via the World Wide Web, and learning about participation in an action research project. In the chemistry content domain, students were able to learn chemical concepts that utilized 3-dimensional visualizations, but not textual and graphical information delivered via the Web. In the learning via the Web domain, the use of feedback, the placement of supplementary aids, navigation, and the perception of conceptual novelty were all important to students' use of the Web. In the participation in action research domain, students learned about the complexity of curriculum. development, and valued their empowerment as part of the process.

Singapore National Medical Image Resource Centre (SN.MIRC): a world wide web resource for radiology education.

PubMed

Yang, Guo-Liang; Lim, C C Tchoyoson

2006-08-01

Radiology education is heavily dependent on visual images, and case-based teaching files comprising medical images can be an important tool for teaching diagnostic radiology. Currently, hardcopy film is being rapidly replaced by digital radiological images in teaching hospitals, and an electronic teaching file (ETF) library would be desirable. Furthermore, a repository of ETFs deployed on the World Wide Web has the potential for e-learning applications to benefit a larger community of learners. In this paper, we describe a Singapore National Medical Image Resource Centre (SN.MIRC) that can serve as a World Wide Web resource for teaching diagnostic radiology. On SN.MIRC, ETFs can be created using a variety of mechanisms including file upload and online form-filling, and users can search for cases using the Medical Image Resource Center (MIRC) query schema developed by the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). The system can be improved with future enhancements, including multimedia interactive teaching files and distance learning for continuing professional development. However, significant challenges exist when exploring the potential of using the World Wide Web for radiology education.

Problems of Indicator Weights and Multicolinearity in World University Rankings: Comparisons of Three Systems

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Soh, Kaycheng

2014-01-01

World university rankings (WUR) use the weight-and-sum approach to arrive at an overall measure which is then used to rank the participating universities of the world. Although the weight-and-sum procedure seems straightforward and accords with common sense, it has hidden methodological or statistical problems which render the meaning of the…

Medical device problem reporting for the betterment of healthcare.

PubMed

1998-08-01

Given that there are nearly 5,000 individual classes of medical devices, tens of thousands of medical device suppliers, and millions of healthcare providers around the world, device-related problems are bound to happen. But effective problem reporting can help reduce or eliminate many of these problems--not only within an institution, but also potentially around the world. In this article, we trace the problem reporting process from its beginnings in the hospital to its global impact in making critical information available throughout the healthcare community.

An Ontology of Quality Initiatives and a Model for Decentralized, Collaborative Quality Management on the (Semantic) World Wide Web

PubMed Central

2001-01-01

This editorial provides a model of how quality initiatives concerned with health information on the World Wide Web may in the future interact with each other. This vision fits into the evolving "Semantic Web" architecture - ie, the prospective that the World Wide Web may evolve from a mess of unstructured, human-readable information sources into a global knowledge base with an additional layer providing richer and more meaningful relationships between resources. One first prerequisite for forming such a "Semantic Web" or "web of trust" among the players active in quality management of health information is that these initiatives make statements about themselves and about each other in a machine-processable language. I present a concrete model on how this collaboration could look, and provide some recommendations on what the role of the World Health Organization (WHO) and other policy makers in this framework could be. PMID:11772549

An ontology of quality initiatives and a model for decentralized, collaborative quality management on the (semantic) World-Wide-Web.

PubMed

Eysenbach, G

2001-01-01

This editorial provides a model of how quality initiatives concerned with health information on the World Wide Web may in the future interact with each other. This vision fits into the evolving "Semantic Web" architecture - ie, the prospective that the World Wide Web may evolve from a mess of unstructured, human-readable information sources into a global knowledge base with an additional layer providing richer and more meaningful relationships between resources. One first prerequisite for forming such a "Semantic Web" or "web of trust" among the players active in quality management of health information is that these initiatives make statements about themselves and about each other in a machine-processable language. I present a concrete model on how this collaboration could look, and provide some recommendations on what the role of the World Health Organization (WHO) and other policy makers in this framework could be.

Fructans of the saline world.

PubMed

Kırtel, Onur; Versluys, Maxime; Van den Ende, Wim; Öner, Ebru Toksoy

2018-06-20

Saline and hypersaline environments make up the largest ecosystem on earth and the organisms living in such water-restricted environments have developed unique ways to cope with high salinity. As such these organisms not only carry significant industrial potential in a world where freshwater supplies are rapidly diminishing, but they also shed light upon the origins and extremes of life. One largely overlooked and potentially important feature of many salt-loving organisms is their ability to produce fructans, fructose polymers widely found in various mesophilic Eubacteria and plants, with potential functions as storage carbohydrates, aiding stress tolerance, and acting as virulence factors or signaling molecules. Intriguingly, within the whole archaeal domain of life, Archaea possessing putative fructan biosynthetic enzymes were found to belong to the extremely halophilic class of Halobacteria only, indicating a strong, yet unexplored link between the fructan syndrome and salinity. In fact, this link may indeed lead to novel strategies in fighting the global salinization problem. Hence this review explores the unknown world of fructanogenic salt-loving organisms, where water scarcity is the main stress factor for life. Within this scope, prokaryotes and plants of the saline world are discussed in detail, with special emphasis on their salt adaptation mechanisms, the potential roles of fructans and fructosyltransferase enzymes in adaptation and survival as well as future aspects for all fructanogenic salt-loving domains of life. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Model or Myopia? Exploiting Water Markets to Address Population and Drought Risks in a Changing World

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reed, P. M.

2012-12-01

Climate change, population demands, and evolving land-use represent strong risks to the sustainable development and stability of world-wide urban water supplies. There is a growing consensus that non-structural supply management instruments such as water markets have significant potential to reduce the risks and vulnerabilities in complex urban water systems. This paper asks a common question, what are the tradeoffs for a city using water market supply instruments?. This question emerges quickly in policy and management, but its answer is deceptively difficult to attain using traditional planning tools and management frameworks. This research demonstrates new frameworks that facilitate rapid evaluation of hypotheses on the reliability, resiliency, adaptability, and cost-effectiveness of urban water supply systems. This study considers a broader exploration of the issues of "nonstationarity" and "uncertainty" in urban water planning. As we invest in new information and prediction frameworks for the coupled human-natural systems that define our water, our problem definitions (i.e., objectives, constraints, preferences, and hypotheses) themselves evolve. From a formal mathematical perspective, this means that our management problems are structurally uncertain and nonstationary (i.e., the definition of optimality changes across regions, times, and stakeholders). This uncertainty and nonstationarity in our problem definitions needs to be more explicitly acknowledged in adaptive management and integrated water resources management. This study demonstrates the potential benefits of exploring these issues in the context of a city in the Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV) of Texas, USA determining how to use its regional water market to manage population and drought risks.

An analysis of global problem issues in sixth-and seventh-grade textbooks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamm, Mary; Adams, Dennis

The study examines the extent to which the global issues of population growth, world hunger, air quality and atmosphere, and water resources were treated in sixth- and seventh-grade science textbooks. Ten textbooks were examined by five raters to determine the amount of content presented by different textbooks on global issues, the number of pages of content devoted to each issue, and the degree of depth in which issues were treated. Differences between grade levels were also explored. Of the 4,393 pages of content analyzed, less than 2 percent was devoted to these issues identified as the most serious human problems. No significant differences were found between textbook series. Significant differences were found in the number of pages of content presented on each issue. Most of the content fell into the categories of water resources, population growth, air quality, and atmosphere. The issue of war technology had the least amount of content. Distribution of content did not vary by grade level. Both levels addressed the issues of population growth, air quality, and water resources with a greater degree of depth than the issue of world hunger or war technology. The study concludes that the most widely used textbooks at the sixth- and seventh-grade levels avoid serious discussion of major global problems. And like the career indecision of a recent Miss America contestant, purchasers don't seem to be able to decide whether they want science textbooks to be a brain surgeon or a movie actress. Implications stemming from this dichotomy and its relationship to future science education curricular are also explored.

[Emergent diseases: old and new diseases. Etiological and climatic aspects. Socioeconomic and cultural influences].

PubMed

Cabello, F; Springer, A D

1997-01-01

During recent years the world has experienced the reemergence of old communicable diseases and the emergence of new ones caused by novel pathogens such as the HIV virus and Borrelia burgdorferi. The problem consists mostly in the reemergence of old diseases but specially in industrialized countries new pathogens have also been described. Although the emergence of these infections in rare instances is due to genetic changes of pathogens to more virulent forms, most commonly they are due to changes in the environment and the host. Rapidly deteriorating living standards, disintegration of sanitation and public health infrastructure, cultural changes, migration and variations in behavior are some of the factors involved in the worldwide increase of infectious diseases. The degradation of natural habitats including forests and marine niches accompanied by climatic changes, are also playing an increasing role in the detrimental evolution of these diseases. The global emergence of these diseases calls into question the doctrine of epidemiological transition and directs us to scrutinize the paradigm that bases the prevention of these diseases solely on vaccination. The current situation also highlights the limitations of classical epidemiology in dealing with unexpected problems, and strongly suggests that this discipline should incorporate into its analysis findings from other fields, including ecological, climatological, and economical information. As most of the negative social and economical developments that impinge on the detrimental evolution of these diseases are increasing world-wide, it can be predicted that the problems posed by these infections will continue and perhaps worsen in the near future.

Singapore Math: Problem-Solving Secrets from the World's Math Leader

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hogan, Bob

2005-01-01

Using this four CD-ROM disc set, teachers can have their very own math problem solving mentor as a leading expert in Singapore Math guides them through a lively presentation, working through math problems and explaining how Singapore has become the world's leading method in math. The expert's explanation of how to use Singapore's model-drawing…

Interactive computerized learning program exposes veterinary students to challenging international animal-health problems.

PubMed

Conrad, Patricia A; Hird, Dave; Arzt, Jonathan; Hayes, Rick H; Magliano, Dave; Kasper, Janine; Morfin, Saul; Pinney, Stephen

2007-01-01

This article describes a computerized case-based CD-ROM (CD) on international animal health that was developed to give veterinary students an opportunity to "virtually" work alongside veterinarians and other veterinary students as they try to solve challenging disease problems relating to tuberculosis in South African wildlife, bovine abortion in Mexico, and neurologic disease in horses in Rapa Nui, Chile. Each of the three case modules presents, in a highly interactive format, a problem or mystery that must be solved by the learner. As well as acquiring information via video clips and text about the specific health problem, learners obtain information about the different countries, animal-management practices, diagnostic methods, related disease-control issues, economic factors, and the opinions of local experts. After assimilating this information, the learner must define the problem and formulate an action plan or make a recommendation or diagnosis. The computerized program invokes three principles of adult education: active learning, learner-centered education, and experiential learning. A medium that invokes these principles is a potentially efficient learning tool and template for developing other case-based problem-solving computerized programs. The program is accessible on the World Wide Web at . A broadband Internet connection is recommended, since the modules make extensive use of embedded video and audio clips. Information on how to obtain the CD is also provided.

State of the art review: Intravaginal probes for recording electromyography from the pelvic floor muscles.

PubMed

Keshwani, Nadia; McLean, Linda

2015-02-01

To survey commercially available intravaginal probes designed to record electromyography (EMG) from the pelvic floor muscles (PFMs), and to discuss the strengths and limitations of current technology. The MEDLINE EMBASE, CINAHL, PEDRO, and Cochrane databases were searched for articles in which intravaginal probes were described as having been used to record EMG from the PFMs. The World Wide Web was also searched using the Google search engine to find devices used to record EMG from the PFMs. Finally, a Canadian distributer of intravaginal probes was contacted to identify intravaginal EMG probes not identified through other methods. The specifications of each probe were determined through the manufacturer or their website, and each device was acquired by the investigators to verify the specifications and electrode configuration. The devices were evaluated against international standards for recording EMG data. Sixteen different models of commercially available intravaginal probes were identified: seven from published research papers, seven using the World Wide Web, and two through communication with a distributer. The probes vary in shape, dimensions, electrode positioning, and electrode configuration, with many designs prone to recording motion artifact, crosstalk, and/or inappropriate EMG signals. All commercially available intravaginal probes had deficiencies in their design such as problems with probe geometry, electrode size, location, and/or configuration. Improved intravaginal EMG probes should be developed for use in research and clinical practice. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Looking Beyond the Terrestrial: The Potential of Seaweed Derived Bioactives to Treat Non-Communicable Diseases

PubMed Central

Collins, Kenneth G.; Fitzgerald, Gerald F.; Stanton, Catherine; Ross, R. Paul

2016-01-01

Seaweeds are a large and diverse group of marine organisms that are commonly found in the maritime regions of the world. They are an excellent source of biologically active secondary metabolites and have been shown to exhibit a wide range of therapeutic properties, including anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic activities. Several Asian cultures have a strong tradition of using different varieties of seaweed extensively in cooking as well as in herbal medicines preparations. As such, seaweeds have been used to treat a wide variety of health conditions such as cancer, digestive problems, and renal disorders. Today, increasing numbers of people are adopting a “westernised lifestyle” characterised by low levels of physical exercise and excessive calorific and saturated fat intake. This has led to an increase in numbers of chronic Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes mellitus, being reported. Recently, NCDs have replaced communicable infectious diseases as the number one cause of human mortality. Current medical treatments for NCDs rely mainly on drugs that have been obtained from the terrestrial regions of the world, with the oceans and seas remaining largely an untapped reservoir for exploration. This review focuses on the potential of using seaweed derived bioactives including polysaccharides, antioxidants and fatty acids, amongst others, to treat chronic NCDs such as cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus. PMID:26999166

Looking Beyond the Terrestrial: The Potential of Seaweed Derived Bioactives to Treat Non-Communicable Diseases.

PubMed

Collins, Kenneth G; Fitzgerald, Gerald F; Stanton, Catherine; Ross, R Paul

2016-03-18

Seaweeds are a large and diverse group of marine organisms that are commonly found in the maritime regions of the world. They are an excellent source of biologically active secondary metabolites and have been shown to exhibit a wide range of therapeutic properties, including anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic activities. Several Asian cultures have a strong tradition of using different varieties of seaweed extensively in cooking as well as in herbal medicines preparations. As such, seaweeds have been used to treat a wide variety of health conditions such as cancer, digestive problems, and renal disorders. Today, increasing numbers of people are adopting a "westernised lifestyle" characterised by low levels of physical exercise and excessive calorific and saturated fat intake. This has led to an increase in numbers of chronic Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes mellitus, being reported. Recently, NCDs have replaced communicable infectious diseases as the number one cause of human mortality. Current medical treatments for NCDs rely mainly on drugs that have been obtained from the terrestrial regions of the world, with the oceans and seas remaining largely an untapped reservoir for exploration. This review focuses on the potential of using seaweed derived bioactives including polysaccharides, antioxidants and fatty acids, amongst others, to treat chronic NCDs such as cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus.

Risks and Uncertainties in Virtual Worlds: An Educators' Perspective

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Farahmand, Fariborz; Yadav, Aman; Spafford, Eugene H.

2013-01-01

Virtual worlds present tremendous advantages to cyberlearning. For example, in virtual worlds users can socialize with others, build objects and share them, customize parts of the world and hold lectures, do experiments, or share data. However, virtual worlds pose a wide range of security, privacy, and safety concerns. This may lead educators to…

Coping in the World of Work. Practice in Problem Solving. Presentation Scripts. Filmstrip No. 1: Problems on the Job; and Filmstrip No. 2: Work Entry and Job Adjustment Problems.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ohio State Univ., Columbus. Center for Vocational Education.

Presentation scripts for two sound filmstrips are contained in this document, which accompanies a career development unit on coping in the world of work designed to assist students in developing coping strategies to deal with work entry and job adjustment problems. (Other components of the unit--instructor's handbook, student guide, and…

Diagnostic criteria, severity classification and guidelines of localized scleroderma.

PubMed

Asano, Yoshihide; Fujimoto, Manabu; Ishikawa, Osamu; Sato, Shinichi; Jinnin, Masatoshi; Takehara, Kazuhiko; Hasegawa, Minoru; Yamamoto, Toshiyuki; Ihn, Hironobu

2018-04-23

We established diagnostic criteria and severity classification of localized scleroderma because there is no established diagnostic criteria or widely accepted severity classification of the disease. Also, there has been no clinical guideline for localized scleroderma, so we established its clinical guideline ahead of all over the world. In particular, the clinical guideline was established by clinical questions based on evidence-based medicine according to the New Minds Clinical Practice Guideline Creation Manual (version 1.0). We aimed to make the guideline easy to use and reliable based on the newest evidence, and to present guidance as specific as possible for various clinical problems in treatment of localized scleroderma. © 2018 Japanese Dermatological Association.

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.

Increasing the technical level of mining haul trucks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Voronov, Yuri; Voronov, Artyom; Grishin, Sergey; Bujankin, Alexey

2017-11-01

Theoretical and methodological fundamentals of mining haul trucks optimal design are articulated. Methods based on the systems approach to integrated assessment of truck technical level and methods for optimization of truck parameters depending on performance standards are provided. The results of using these methods are given. The developed method allows not only assessing the truck technical levels but also choosing the most promising models and providing quantitative evaluations of the decisions to be made at the design stage. These areas are closely connected with the problem of improvement in the industrial output quality, which, being a part of the widely spread in Western world "total quality control" ideology, is one of the major issues for the Russian economy.

Changes in the frequencies of abdominal wall hernias and the preferences for their repair: a multicenter national study from Turkey.

PubMed

Seker, Gaye; Kulacoglu, Hakan; Öztuna, Derya; Topgül, Koray; Akyol, Cihangir; Çakmak, Atıl; Karateke, Faruk; Özdoğan, Mehmet; Ersoy, Eren; Gürer, Ahmet; Zerbaliyev, Elbrus; Seker, Duray; Yorgancı, Kaya; Pergel, Ahmet; Aydın, Ibrahim; Ensari, Cemal; Bilecik, Tuna; Kahraman, İzzettin; Reis, Erhan; Kalaycı, Murat; Canda, Aras Emre; Demirağ, Alp; Kesicioğlu, Tuğrul; Malazgirt, Zafer; Gündoğdu, Haldun; Terzi, Cem

2014-01-01

Abdominal wall hernias are a common problem in the general population. A Western estimate reveals that the lifetime risk of developing a hernia is about 2%. As a result, hernia repairs likely comprise the most frequent general surgery operations. More than 20 million hernias are estimated to be repaired every year around the world. Numerous repair techniques have been described to date however tension-free mesh repairs are widely used today because of their low hernia recurrence rates. Nevertheless, there are some ongoing debates regarding the ideal approach (open or laparoscopic), the ideal anesthesia (general, local, or regional), and the ideal mesh (standard polypropylene or newer meshes).

Obesity in Older Adults: Epidemiology and Implications for Disability and Disease

PubMed Central

Samper-Ternent, Rafael; Al Snih, Soham

2012-01-01

Summary Obesity is a worldwide problem with increasing prevalence and incidence in both developed and developing countries. In older adults, excess weight is associated with a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease, metabolic disease, several important cancers, and numerous other medical conditions. Obesity has been also associated with increased functional limitations, disability, and poorer quality of life. Additionally, obesity has been independently associated with all-cause mortality. The obesity epidemic has important social and economic implications, representing an important source of increased public health care costs. The aim of this review is to report the epidemiology of obesity world-wide and the implications of obesity on disability and chronic diseases. PMID:22345902

Building a robust vehicle detection and classification module

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grigoryev, Anton; Khanipov, Timur; Koptelov, Ivan; Bocharov, Dmitry; Postnikov, Vassily; Nikolaev, Dmitry

2015-12-01

The growing adoption of intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and autonomous driving requires robust real-time solutions for various event and object detection problems. Most of real-world systems still cannot rely on computer vision algorithms and employ a wide range of costly additional hardware like LIDARs. In this paper we explore engineering challenges encountered in building a highly robust visual vehicle detection and classification module that works under broad range of environmental and road conditions. The resulting technology is competitive to traditional non-visual means of traffic monitoring. The main focus of the paper is on software and hardware architecture, algorithm selection and domain-specific heuristics that help the computer vision system avoid implausible answers.

Original and Mirror Face Images and Minimum Squared Error Classification for Visible Light Face Recognition.

PubMed

Wang, Rong

2015-01-01

In real-world applications, the image of faces varies with illumination, facial expression, and poses. It seems that more training samples are able to reveal possible images of the faces. Though minimum squared error classification (MSEC) is a widely used method, its applications on face recognition usually suffer from the problem of a limited number of training samples. In this paper, we improve MSEC by using the mirror faces as virtual training samples. We obtained the mirror faces generated from original training samples and put these two kinds of samples into a new set. The face recognition experiments show that our method does obtain high accuracy performance in classification.

Wildlife-vehicle collisions in Croatia--a hazard for humans and animals.

PubMed

Sprem, Nikica; Duduković, Dejan; Keros, Tomislav; Konjević, Dean

2013-06-01

Wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVC) have increased and now there is a world-wide problem related to significant mortality of wildlife, habitat fragmentation, change in behavior and even disappearance of local endangered populations. Along with these deleterious effects on wildlife, WVC can also result in injuries and deaths of humans. During the three-year monitoring, a total of 7,495 wildlife-vehicle collisions were recorded, including mainly roe deer (73%), while other species were less frequently affected (wild boar--9%; brown hare--5%; and red deer and pheasant each with 4%). Incidence of wildlife-vehicle collisions were observed according to territorial distribution, seasonal and daily occurrence and type of road (total and per 1 km).

Multi-instance multi-label distance metric learning for genome-wide protein function prediction.

PubMed

Xu, Yonghui; Min, Huaqing; Song, Hengjie; Wu, Qingyao

2016-08-01

Multi-instance multi-label (MIML) learning has been proven to be effective for the genome-wide protein function prediction problems where each training example is associated with not only multiple instances but also multiple class labels. To find an appropriate MIML learning method for genome-wide protein function prediction, many studies in the literature attempted to optimize objective functions in which dissimilarity between instances is measured using the Euclidean distance. But in many real applications, Euclidean distance may be unable to capture the intrinsic similarity/dissimilarity in feature space and label space. Unlike other previous approaches, in this paper, we propose to learn a multi-instance multi-label distance metric learning framework (MIMLDML) for genome-wide protein function prediction. Specifically, we learn a Mahalanobis distance to preserve and utilize the intrinsic geometric information of both feature space and label space for MIML learning. In addition, we try to deal with the sparsely labeled data by giving weight to the labeled data. Extensive experiments on seven real-world organisms covering the biological three-domain system (i.e., archaea, bacteria, and eukaryote; Woese et al., 1990) show that the MIMLDML algorithm is superior to most state-of-the-art MIML learning algorithms. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Nature of Problem Solving: Using Research to Inspire 21st Century Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Csapó, Beno, Ed.; Funke, Joachim, Ed.

2017-01-01

Solving non-routine problems is a key competence in a world full of changes, uncertainty and surprise where we strive to achieve so many ambitious goals. But the world is also full of solutions because of the extraordinary competences of humans who search for and find them. We must explore the world around us in a thoughtful way, acquire knowledge…

Technical Services and the World Wide Web.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Scheschy, Virginia M.

The World Wide Web and browsers such as Netscape and Mosaic have simplified access to electronic resources. Today, technical services librarians can share in the wealth of information available on the Web. One of the premier Web sites for acquisitions librarians is AcqWeb, a cousin of the AcqNet listserv. In addition to interesting news items,…

Administrative Perspectives on Technology Integration: The Globaloria--MyGLife Program in West Virginia

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chapman, William E., Jr.

2009-01-01

The reputed benefits of using technology in schools have been the topic of many research studies. When the World Wide Workshop Foundation implemented their Globaloria program The reputed benefits of using technology in schools have been the topic of many research studies. When the World Wide Workshop Foundation implemented their Globaloria program…

The Impact on Education of the World Wide Web.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hobbs, D. J.; Taylor, R. J.

This paper describes a project which created a set of World Wide Web (WWW) pages documenting the state of the art in educational multimedia design; a prototype WWW-based multimedia teaching tool--a podiatry test using HTML forms, 24-bit color images and MPEG video--was also designed, developed, and evaluated. The project was conducted between…

Journals Online News: Dispersing Collection Management Information on the World Wide Web.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Langley, Anne; And Others

Journals Online News (JON) is a World Wide Web site created and maintained by the Collection Development Team at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) Libraries in order to speak with the UTK community about journals-related issues. Its primary function at present is to provide UTK faculty and other interested parties with the latest…

Guiding Students in Using the World Wide Web for Research.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kubly, Kristin

This paper addresses the need for educators and librarians to guide students in using the World Wide Web appropriately by teaching them to evaluate Internet resources using criteria designed to identify the authoritative sources. The pros and cons of information commonly found on the Web are discussed, as well as academic Internet subject or…

Social Desirability Responding on World Wide Web and Paper-Administered Surveys.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hancock, Dawson R.; Flowers, Claudia P.

Social desirability responding (SDR) on surveys administered on the World Wide Web and on paper was examined, with 178 graduate and undergraduate students as participants. To assess the extent to which participants would demonstrate SDR, this study used the Balanced Inventory of Desirable Responding (BIDR) (Paulhus, 1993). The BIDR consists of 40…

Spiders and Worms and Crawlers, Oh My: Searching on the World Wide Web.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Eagan, Ann; Bender, Laura

Searching on the world wide web can be confusing. A myriad of search engines exist, often with little or no documentation, and many of these search engines work differently from the standard search engines people are accustomed to using. Intended for librarians, this paper defines search engines, directories, spiders, and robots, and covers basics…

Teaching Physiology and the World Wide Web: Electrochemistry and Electrophysiology on the Internet.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dwyer, Terry M.; Fleming, John; Randall, James E.; Coleman, Thomas G.

1997-01-01

Presents two examples of laboratory exercises using the World Wide Web for first-year medical students. The first example introduces the physical laws that apply to osmotic, chemical, and electrical gradients and a simulation of the ability of the sodium-potassium pump to establish chemical gradients and maintain cell volume. The second module…

Pre-Service Teachers Critically Evaluate Scientific Information on the World-Wide Web: What Makes Information Believable?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Iding, Marie; Klemm, E. Barbara

2005-01-01

The present study addresses the need for teachers to critically evaluate the credibility, validity, and cognitive load associated with scientific information on Web sites, in order to effectively teach students to evaluate scientific information on the World Wide Web. A line of prior research investigating high school and university students'…

Increasing efficiency of information dissemination and collection through the World Wide Web

Treesearch

Daniel P. Huebner; Malchus B. Baker; Peter F. Ffolliott

2000-01-01

Researchers, managers, and educators have access to revolutionary technology for information transfer through the World Wide Web (Web). Using the Web to effectively gather and distribute information is addressed in this paper. Tools, tips, and strategies are discussed. Companion Web sites are provided to guide users in selecting the most appropriate tool for searching...

Tapping the Resources of the World Wide Web for Inquiry in Middle Schools.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Windschitl, Mark; Irby, Janet

1999-01-01

Argues for the cautiously expanded use of the World Wide Web for inquiry across the middle school curriculum, noting how the Internet can be used in schools. Describes the Internet and appraises its distractions and academic utility, identifying features that support student inquiry in science, mathematics, social studies, and language arts. (JPB)

The World Wide Web and the Television Generation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Maddux, Cleborne D.

1996-01-01

The hypermedia nature of the World Wide Web may represent a true paradigm shift in telecommunications, but barriers exist to the Web having similar impact on education. Some of today's college students compare the Web with "bad TV"--lengthy pauses, links that result in error messages, and animation and sound clips that are too brief.…

Image Maps in the World-Wide Web: The Uses and Limitations.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cochenour, John J.; And Others

A study of nine different image maps from World Wide Web home pages was conducted to evaluate their effectiveness in information display and access, relative to visual, navigational, and practical characteristics. Nine independent viewers completed 20-question surveys on the image maps, in which they evaluated the characteristics of the maps on a…

Searching and Researching on the Internet and the World Wide Web. Second Edition.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ackermann, Ernest; Hartman, Karen

This book presents information specialists--researchers, librarians, and students who work with information--with an accessible approach to finding information on the World Wide Web and the Internet. Each of the chapters contains one or more step-by-step activities to demonstrate fundamental skills and concepts. The book has an accompanying Web…

An Exploration of the World Wide Web: Art Images and Visual Literacy.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Robinson, Rhonda S.; Koos, Marybeth

The introduction of affordable multimedia computers with CD-ROM capacity, videocassette recorders, and connections to the Internet and the World Wide Web have expanded opportunities to help society develop visual literacy. Art images are a natural choice for the teaching of visual literacy. At Northern Illinois University, a course was added in…

Live Specimens More Effective than World Wide Web for Learning Plant Material

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Taraban, Roman; McKenney, Cynthia; Peffley, Ellen; Applegarth, Ashley

2004-01-01

The World Wide Web and other computer-based media are new teaching resources for plant identification. The purpose of the experiments reported here was to test whether learning plant identification for woody and herbaceous plant material over the web was as effective, more effective, or preferred by undergraduate students when compared with…

World Wide Web Indexes and Hierarchical Lists: Finding Tools for the Internet.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Munson, Kurt I.

1996-01-01

In World Wide Web indexing: (1) the creation process is automated; (2) the indexes are merely descriptive, not analytical of document content; (3) results may be sorted differently depending on the search engine; and (4) indexes link directly to the resources. This article compares the indexing methods and querying options of the search engines…

Visual Links in the World-Wide Web: The Uses and Limitations of Image Maps.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cochenour, John J.; And Others

As information delivery systems on the Internet increasingly evolve into World Wide Web browsers, understanding key graphical elements of the browser interface is critical to the design of effective information display and access tools. Image maps are one such element, and this document describes a pilot study that collected, reviewed, and…

Managing World Wide Web Information in a Frames Environment: A Guide to Constructing Web Pages Using Frames.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gilstrap, Donald L.

1998-01-01

Explains how to build World Wide Web home pages using frames-based HTML so that librarians can manage Web-based information and improve their home pages. Provides descriptions and 15 examples for writing frames-HTML code, including advanced concepts and additional techniques for home-page design. (Author/LRW)

XML: A Language To Manage the World Wide Web. ERIC Digest.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Davis-Tanous, Jennifer R.

This digest provides an overview of XML (Extensible Markup Language), a markup language used to construct World Wide Web pages. Topics addressed include: (1) definition of a markup language, including comparison of XML with SGML (Standard Generalized Markup Language) and HTML (HyperText Markup Language); (2) how XML works, including sample tags,…

Gender Equity in Advertising on the World-Wide Web: Can it be Found?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kramer, Kevin M.; Knupfer, Nancy Nelson

Recent attention to gender equity in computer environments, as well as in print-based and televised advertising for technological products, suggests that gender bias in the computer environment continues. This study examined gender messages within World Wide Web advertisements, specifically the type and number of visual images used in Web banner…

World Wide Web Homepages: An Examination of Content and Audience.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reynolds, Betty; And Others

This paper shows how the content of a World Wide Web page is selected and how an examination of the intended audience influences content. Examples from the New Mexico Tech (NMT) Library homepage show what sources are selected and what level of detail is appropriate for the intended audience. Six fundamental functions of libraries and information…

Publishing on the WWW. Part 5 - A brief history of the Internet and the World Wide Web

PubMed Central

Grech, V

2001-01-01

This article focuses on the history of the Internet and the World Wide Web, the media that in recent years have created the concept of objects existing ‘on-line’ in a virtual computer environment. These objects naturally include on-line journals such as Images in Paediatric Cardiology. PMID:22368602

World-wide increase in tropospheric methane, 1978-1983

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Blake, D. R.; Rowland, F. S.

1986-01-01

Techniques used to assess methane concentration in the troposphere are described, and data obtained during the period from 1978 to 1983 are presented in detail. Tropospheric methane concentrations in remote locations averaged a yearly world-wide increase of 0.018 + or - 0.002 parts per million by volume (ppmv). Average world-wide tropospheric concentration of methane in dry air was 1.625 ppmv at the end of 1983 measured against an NBS standard certified as 0.97 ppmv. Contributing to this steady increase in methane concentration are increases in the source strengths from cattle and rice fields, which in turn result from CO, CH4 and HO coupling. Among the physical and chemical effects is an increase in greenhouse warming of about 0.04 C per decade.

PREFACE: Inverse Problems in Applied Sciences—towards breakthrough

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Jin; Iso, Yuusuke; Nakamura, Gen; Yamamoto, Masahiro

2007-06-01

These are the proceedings of the international conference `Inverse Problems in Applied Sciences—towards breakthrough' which was held at Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan on 3-7 July 2006 (http://coe.math.sci.hokudai.ac.jp/sympo/inverse/). There were 88 presentations and more than 100 participants, and we are proud to say that the conference was very successful. Nowadays, many new activities on inverse problems are flourishing at many centers of research around the world, and the conference has successfully gathered a world-wide variety of researchers. We believe that this volume contains not only main papers, but also conveys the general status of current research into inverse problems. This conference was the third biennial international conference on inverse problems, the core of which is the Pan-Pacific Asian area. The purpose of this series of conferences is to establish and develop constant international collaboration, especially among the Pan-Pacific Asian countries, and to lead the organization of activities concerning inverse problems centered in East Asia. The first conference was held at City University of Hong Kong in January 2002 and the second was held at Fudan University in June 2004. Following the preceding two successes, the third conference was organized in order to extend the scope of activities and build useful bridges to the next conference in Seoul in 2008. Therefore this third biennial conference was intended not only to establish collaboration and links between researchers in Asia and leading researchers worldwide in inverse problems but also to nurture interdisciplinary collaboration in theoretical fields such as mathematics, applied fields and evolving aspects of inverse problems. For these purposes, we organized tutorial lectures, serial lectures and a panel discussion as well as conference research presentations. This volume contains three lecture notes from the tutorial and serial lectures, and 22 papers. Especially at this flourishing time, it is necessary to carefully analyse the current status of inverse problems for further development. Thus we have opened with the panel discussion entitled `Future of Inverse Problems' with panelists: Professors J Cheng, H W Engl, V Isakov, R Kress, J-K Seo, G Uhlmann and the commentator: Elaine Longden-Chapman from IOP Publishing. The aims of the panel discussion were to examine the current research status from various viewpoints, to discuss how we can overcome any difficulties and how we can promote young researchers and open new possibilities for inverse problems such as industrial linkages. As one output, the panel discussion has triggered the organization of the Inverse Problems International Association (IPIA) which has led to its first international congress in the summer of 2007. Another remarkable outcome of the conference is, of course, the present volume: this is the very high quality online proceedings volume of Journal of Physics: Conference Series. Readers can see in these proceedings very well written tutorial lecture notes, and very high quality original research and review papers all of which show what was achieved by the time the conference was held. The electronic publication of the proceedings is a new way of publicizing the achievement of the conference. It has the advantage of wide circulation and cost reduction. We believe this is a most efficient method for our needs and purposes. We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge all the people who helped to organize the conference. Guest Editors Jin Cheng, Fudan University, Shanghai, China Yuusuke Iso, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan Gen Nakamura, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan Masahiro Yamamoto, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

Automated content and quality assessment of full-motion-video for the generation of meta data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harguess, Josh

2015-05-01

Virtually all of the video data (and full-motion-video (FMV)) that is currently collected and stored in support of missions has been corrupted to various extents by image acquisition and compression artifacts. Additionally, video collected by wide-area motion imagery (WAMI) surveillance systems and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and similar sources is often of low quality or in other ways corrupted so that it is not worth storing or analyzing. In order to make progress in the problem of automatic video analysis, the first problem that should be solved is deciding whether the content of the video is even worth analyzing to begin with. We present a work in progress to address three types of scenes which are typically found in real-world data stored in support of Department of Defense (DoD) missions: no or very little motion in the scene, large occlusions in the scene, and fast camera motion. Each of these produce video that is generally not usable to an analyst or automated algorithm for mission support and therefore should be removed or flagged to the user as such. We utilize recent computer vision advances in motion detection and optical flow to automatically assess FMV for the identification and generation of meta-data (or tagging) of video segments which exhibit unwanted scenarios as described above. Results are shown on representative real-world video data.

Playing-Related Health Problems Among Instrumental Music Students at a University in Malaysia.

PubMed

Lonsdale, Karen; Boon, Ong Kuan

2016-09-01

Musicians from a wide range of backgrounds experience playing-related health problems including musculoskeletal disorders, hearing loss, and performance anxiety. Few studies have focused specifically on the health concerns of musicians in Malaysia. This study aimed to investigate playing-related health problems among student musicians at a university in Malaysia as well as their knowledge and awareness of playing-related health problems. Instrumental music students enrolled in undergraduate and post-graduate university music courses (n=98) participated in a self-report online survey which addressed aspects such as educational background, playing experience, knowledge and awareness of musicians' health issues, history of physical problems, lifestyle factors, and prevention and management strategies. Of the total participants, 28.9% reported that they were currently experiencing playing-related pain in a body part, and 46.4% had experienced playing-related pain at some time. More than half (56.7%) felt that they have not received enough information or advice on playing-related health during their current studies. Musicians who experienced playing-related pain, tension, and discomfort reported the main problem sites to be the fingers and hands, arms, neck, and shoulders. The study results demonstrate that Malaysian university music students are affected by similar types of playing-related physical problems as their counterparts around the world. A greater awareness and knowledge of injury prevention and management strategies is needed so that these music students can sustain healthy playing careers.

The incompatibility of the United Nations' goals and conventionalist ethical relativism.

PubMed

Kopelman, Loretta M

2005-09-01

The Universal Draft Declaration on Bioethics and Human Rights seeks to provide moral direction to nations and their citizens on a series of bioethical concerns. In articulating principles, it ranks respect for human rights, human dignity and fundamental freedoms ahead of respect for cultural diversity and pluralism. This ranking is controversial because it entails the rejection of the popular theory, conventionalist ethical relativism. If consistently defended, this theory also undercuts other United Nations activities that assume member states and people around the world can reach trans-cultural judgments having moral authority about health, pollution, aggression, rights, slavery, and so on. To illustrate problems with conventionalist ethical relativism and the importance of rejecting it for reasons of health, human rights, human dignity and fundamental freedoms, the widespread practice of female genital circumcision or cutting is discussed. These surgeries are virtually a test case for conventionalist ethical relativism since they are widely supported within these cultures as religious and health practices and widely condemned outside them, including by the United Nations.

The Unified Medical Language System

PubMed Central

Humphreys, Betsy L.; Lindberg, Donald A. B.; Schoolman, Harold M.; Barnett, G. Octo

1998-01-01

In 1986, the National Library of Medicine (NLM) assembled a large multidisciplinary, multisite team to work on the Unified Medical Language System (UMLS), a collaborative research project aimed at reducing fundamental barriers to the application of computers to medicine. Beyond its tangible products, the UMLS Knowledge Sources, and its influence on the field of informatics, the UMLS project is an interesting case study in collaborative research and development. It illustrates the strengths and challenges of substantive collaboration among widely distributed research groups. Over the past decade, advances in computing and communications have minimized the technical difficulties associated with UMLS collaboration and also facilitated the development, dissemination, and use of the UMLS Knowledge Sources. The spread of the World Wide Web has increased the visibility of the information access problems caused by multiple vocabularies and many information sources which are the focus of UMLS work. The time is propitious for building on UMLS accomplishments and making more progress on the informatics research issues first highlighted by the UMLS project more than 10 years ago. PMID:9452981

The Unified Medical Language System: an informatics research collaboration.

PubMed

Humphreys, B L; Lindberg, D A; Schoolman, H M; Barnett, G O

1998-01-01

In 1986, the National Library of Medicine (NLM) assembled a large multidisciplinary, multisite team to work on the Unified Medical Language System (UMLS), a collaborative research project aimed at reducing fundamental barriers to the application of computers to medicine. Beyond its tangible products, the UMLS Knowledge Sources, and its influence on the field of informatics, the UMLS project is an interesting case study in collaborative research and development. It illustrates the strengths and challenges of substantive collaboration among widely distributed research groups. Over the past decade, advances in computing and communications have minimized the technical difficulties associated with UMLS collaboration and also facilitated the development, dissemination, and use of the UMLS Knowledge Sources. The spread of the World Wide Web has increased the visibility of the information access problems caused by multiple vocabularies and many information sources which are the focus of UMLS work. The time is propitious for building on UMLS accomplishments and making more progress on the informatics research issues first highlighted by the UMLS project more than 10 years ago.

The Social Development Summit and the developing countries.

PubMed

Barnabas, A P; Kulkarni, P D; Nanavatty, M C; Singh, R R

1996-01-01

This article discusses some concerns of the 1996 UN Summit on Social Development. Conference organizers identified the three key conference issues as poverty alleviation, social integration of the marginalized and disadvantaged, and expansion of productive employment. The goal of a "society for all" means dealing with the increasing differences between rich and poor countries, the survival of weaker economies in a competitive market system, wide variations in consumption patterns between countries, attainment of political stability while respecting ethnic identity, the rise in social problems among countries with a high human development index, and increasing joblessness. The Human Development Report for 1994 emphasizes human security. Social development is not the equivalent of human resource development nor a side issue of economic growth. The integration of ethnic groups poses social and political problems. There remains a question about what political system and culture would be best for social integration. Developed countries define poverty as the inability of people and government to provide resources and necessary services for people's productive activity. Poverty in developing countries is blamed on colonialism. Globally, developed countries control 71% of world trade. Sharing resources to meet basic needs throughout the world is not an operational ideal. The highest 20% of income earners receive 83% of the world income. The culture of poverty is the strategy used by the poor to survive. Welfare is not an end in itself but does enable the poor to improve their conditions. Development that focuses on productive employment is uncertain. Developed and developing countries do not share similar perceptions of human rights. There is a question as to who should set the priorities for social development. Sustainable social development is related to preservation of natural resources, control of population growth, and promotion of social security.

World Literature in the Age of Globalization: Reflections on an Anthology.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hassan, Wail S.

2000-01-01

Addresses the evolution of the most authoritative and widely used textbook in world literature courses in the United States, "The Norton Anthology of World Masterpieces." Questions if the "Norton Anthology" has provided educators who are committed to the teaching of world literature from non-Eurocentric perspectives with a…

BOOK REVIEW: Inverse Problems. Activities for Undergraduates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamamoto, Masahiro

2003-06-01

This book is a valuable introduction to inverse problems. In particular, from the educational point of view, the author addresses the questions of what constitutes an inverse problem and how and why we should study them. Such an approach has been eagerly awaited for a long time. Professor Groetsch, of the University of Cincinnati, is a world-renowned specialist in inverse problems, in particular the theory of regularization. Moreover, he has made a remarkable contribution to educational activities in the field of inverse problems, which was the subject of his previous book (Groetsch C W 1993 Inverse Problems in the Mathematical Sciences (Braunschweig: Vieweg)). For this reason, he is one of the most qualified to write an introductory book on inverse problems. Without question, inverse problems are important, necessary and appear in various aspects. So it is crucial to introduce students to exercises in inverse problems. However, there are not many introductory books which are directly accessible by students in the first two undergraduate years. As a consequence, students often encounter diverse concrete inverse problems before becoming aware of their general principles. The main purpose of this book is to present activities to allow first-year undergraduates to learn inverse theory. To my knowledge, this book is a rare attempt to do this and, in my opinion, a great success. The author emphasizes that it is very important to teach inverse theory in the early years. He writes; `If students consider only the direct problem, they are not looking at the problem from all sides .... The habit of always looking at problems from the direct point of view is intellectually limiting ...' (page 21). The book is very carefully organized so that teachers will be able to use it as a textbook. After an introduction in chapter 1, sucessive chapters deal with inverse problems in precalculus, calculus, differential equations and linear algebra. In order to let one gain some insight into the nature of inverse problems and the appropriate mode of thought, chapter 1 offers historical vignettes, most of which have played an essential role in the development of natural science. These vignettes cover the first successful application of `non-destructive testing' by Archimedes (page 4) via Newton's laws of motion up to literary tomography, and readers will be able to enjoy a wide overview of inverse problems. Therefore, as the author asks, the reader should not skip this chapter. This may not be hard to do, since the headings of the sections are quite intriguing (`Archimedes' Bath', `Another World', `Got the Time?', `Head Games', etc). The author embarks on the technical approach to inverse problems in chapter 2. He has elegantly designed each section with a guide specifying course level, objective, mathematical and scientifical background and appropriate technology (e.g. types of calculators required). The guides are designed such that teachers may be able to construct effective and attractive courses by themselves. The book is not intended to offer one rigidly determined course, but should be used flexibly and independently according to the situation. Moreover, every section closes with activities which can be chosen according to the students' interests and levels of ability. Some of these exercises do not have ready solutions, but require long-term study, so readers are not required to solve all of them. After chapter 5, which contains discrete inverse problems such as the algebraic reconstruction technique and the Backus - Gilbert method, there are answers and commentaries to the activities. Finally, scripts in MATLAB are attached, although they can also be downloaded from the author's web page (http://math.uc.edu/~groetsch/). This book is aimed at students but it will be very valuable to researchers wishing to retain a wide overview of inverse problems in the midst of busy research activities. A Japanese version was published in 2002.

Looking beyond first-world problems: an emerging global workplace is encouraging more biomedical engineers to address the health issues of the developing world.

PubMed

Tucker, Lindsay

2014-01-01

Each year, the developed world is flooded with complex new medical technologies, from robotic prosthetics to remote-controlled aspirin implants. Meanwhile, only about 10% of health research funds are spent addressing the pressing problems of developing nations, although these countries make up 93% of the worldwide burden of disease. In short, while a small fraction of the world pops brand-name pharmaceuticals, the majority suffers from poor sanitation, contaminated drinking water, preventable disease, and child mortality.

The readability of pediatric patient education materials on the World Wide Web.

PubMed

D'Alessandro, D M; Kingsley, P; Johnson-West, J

2001-07-01

Literacy is a national and international problem. Studies have shown the readability of adult and pediatric patient education materials to be too high for average adults. Materials should be written at the 8th-grade level or lower. To determine the general readability of pediatric patient education materials designed for adults on the World Wide Web (WWW). GeneralPediatrics.com (http://www.generalpediatrics.com) is a digital library serving the medical information needs of pediatric health care providers, patients, and families. Documents from 100 different authoritative Web sites designed for laypersons were evaluated using a built-in computer software readability formula (Flesch Reading Ease and Flesch-Kincaid reading levels) and hand calculation methods (Fry Formula and SMOG methods). Analysis of variance and paired t tests determined significance. Eighty-nine documents constituted the final sample; they covered a wide spectrum of pediatric topics. The overall Flesch Reading Ease score was 57.0. The overall mean Fry Formula was 12.0 (12th grade, 0 months of schooling) and SMOG was 12.2. The overall Flesch-Kincaid grade level was significantly lower (P<.0001), at a mean of 7.1, when compared with the other 2 methods. All author and institution groups had an average reading level above 10.6 by the Fry Formula and SMOG methods. Pediatric patient education materials on the WWW are not written at an appropriate reading level for the average adult. We propose that a practical reading level and how it was determined be included on all patient education materials on the WWW for general guidance in material selection. We discuss suggestions for improved readability of patient education materials.

Commercial Optics for Space Surveillance and Astronomy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ackermann, M.; Kopit, E.; McGraw, J.; Zimmer, P.

Since the first days of the space program, there have been both amateur and government satellite watchers. Large, expensive government systems with custom optics are still the most capable, but with modern sensors and high speed computers, amateur trackers are easily pushing the limits of what government systems achieved only a decade ago. A very recent trend in the space world is the emergence of commercial space operations centers. Once the exclusive purview of governments, corporations are now providing orbital environment awareness services to the operators of commercial satellites. The requirement for synoptic satellite observations has led to corporations developing world-wide observing networks. A problem facing both amateur and corporate observers is the limited availability of suitable optical systems. Most observing efforts rely on long focus (f/8 or greater) optical systems with focal reducers, and a somewhat limited field of view. Often, the cameras in use are not ideally matched to the optical system. While there are a few exceptions, the choices are not many. Celestron recently introduced the C-11 RASA optical system, with an 11-inch aperture and an f/2.2 focal ratio. This optical system is designed for dedicated imaging and is ideally suited for both wide-field astronomy and the detection and tracking of satellites. The larger C-14 RASA, to be introduced later this year, was specifically designed for wide-field imaging with large commercial CCDs. It offers greater sensitivity and a wider field of view than the smaller C-11 RASA and should prove to be the instrument of choice for both amateur and corporate satellite observers. We present data from satellite observations with a production model C-11 RASA and estimated performance for the new C-14 RASA.

Chemical control of the Asian citrus psyllid and of huanglongbing disease in citrus.

PubMed

Boina, Dhana Raj; Bloomquist, Jeffrey R

2015-06-01

By 2014, huanglongbing (HLB), the most destructive disease of citrus, and its insect vector, the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri (Kuwayama), became established in all major citrus-growing regions of the world, including the United States, with the exception of California. At present, application of insecticides is the most widely followed option for reducing ACP populations, while application of antibiotics for suppressing HLB disease/symptoms is being practiced in some citrus-growing regions. Application of insecticides during the dormant winter season, along with cultivation of HLB-free seedlings and early detection and removal of symptomatic and asymptomatic trees, has been very effective in managing ACP. Area-wide management of ACP by application of insecticides at low volume in large areas of citrus cultivation has been shown to be effective in managing HLB and reducing management costs. As insecticide resistance is a major problem in sustainable management of ACP, rotation/alternation of insecticides with different chemistries and modes of action needs to be followed. Besides control of the insect vector, use of antibiotics has temporarily suppressed the symptoms of HLB in diseased trees. Recent efforts to discover and screen existing as well as new compounds for their antibiotic and antimicrobial activities have identified some promising molecules for HLB control. There is an urgent need to find a sustainable solution to the HLB menace through chemical control of ACP populations and within HLB-infected trees through the judicious use of labeled insecticides (existing and novel chemistries) and antibiotics in area-wide management programs with due consideration to the insecticide resistance problem. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry.

JPRS Report, China.

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-02-23

February 1989 facing complex problems in need of solution, and there is no excuse for us to congratulate ourselves." Firstly, because of continuous...problem of development to be placed on the top of the international agenda. History has proven that the world needs the existence of a United Nations...and the United Nations needs support from the world’s nations. A changing and multi-polar- ized world further needs a United Nations that can

Influenza and the work of the World Health Organization.

PubMed

Kitler, M E; Gavinio, P; Lavanchy, D

2002-05-15

Before World War I, influenza was not considered a particularly serious problem. The great pandemic of 1918-1919 changed all that, and the possibility that such a catastrophe could occur again has conditioned all subsequent developments. In epidemiological terms, the hallmark of an influenza is the excess mortality that it causes combined with an enormous burden of ill-health that saps the energy of individuals, families and communities throughout the whole world. In order to engage in influenza prevention and control, the global influenza surveillance network was set up by World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948 as a worldwide alert system for the identification of new influenza viruses, gathering information from 110 participating laboratories in 82 countries and four WHO Collaborating Centers for Influenza reference and research: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta (USA), National Institute for Medical Research, London (UK), WHO Collaborating Centre for Influenza Reference and Research, Melbourne (Australia) and the National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Tokyo (Japan). This network helps WHO to monitor influenza activity all over the world and provides the organization with the viral isolates and information it requires to decide which new virus strains will be used to produce influenza vaccines during the following season. Each year, information about the isolates over the previous 12 months is analyzed and used to determine the composition of the influenza vaccine to be administered during the coming influenza season both for the northern and southern hemisphere. If necessary, the recommendations for the southern hemisphere differ from the ones formulated for the northern hemisphere vaccine. The information supplied by this network enables the organization to regularly update its World Wide Web (WWW) site (FluNet), which reports on the situation of diseases. This network will also enable the WHO to detect a new influenza pandemic as early as possible.

Basic research needs to assure a secure energy future. A report from the Basic Energy Sciences Advisory Committee

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

None

This report has highlighted many of the possible fundamental research areas that will help our country avoid a future energy crisis. The report may not have adequately captured the atmosphere of concern that permeated the discussions at the workshop. The difficulties facing our nation and the world in meeting our energy needs over the next several decades are very challenging. It was generally felt that traditional solutions and approaches will not solve the total energy problem. Knowledge that does not exist must be obtained to address both the quantity of energy needed to increase the standard of living world-wide andmore » the quality of energy generation needed to preserve the environment. In terms of investments, it was clear that there is no single research area that will secure the future energy supply. A diverse range of economic energy sources will be required--and a broad range of fundamental research is needed to enable these. Many of the issues fall into the traditional materials and chemical sciences research areas, but with specific emphasis on understanding mechanisms, energy related phenomena, and pursuing novel directions in, for example, nanoscience and integrated modeling. An important result from the discussions, which is hopefully apparent from the brief presentations above, is that the problems that must be dealt with are truly multidisciplinary. This means that they require the participation of investigators with different skill sets. Basic science skills have to be complemented by awareness of the overall nature of the problem in a national and world context, and with knowledge of the engineering, design, and control issues in any eventual solution. It is necessary to find ways in which this can be done while still preserving the ability to do first-class basic science. The traditional structure of research, with specific disciplinary groupings, will not be sufficient. This presents great challenges and opportunities for the funders of the research that must be done. For example, the applied research programs in the DOE need a greater awareness of the user facilities and an understanding of how to use them to solve their unique problems. The discussions reinforced what all of the participants already knew: the issue of energy security is of major importance both for the U.S. and for the world. Furthermore, it is clear that major changes in the primary energy sources, in energy conversion, and in energy use, must be achieved within the next fifty years. This time scale is determined by two drivers: increasing world population and increasing expectations of that population. Much of the research and development currently being done are concerned with incremental improvements in what has been done in the immediate past; and it is necessary to take this path because improvements will be needed across the board. These advances extend the period before the radical changes have to be made; however, they will not solve the underlying, long-range problem. The Subpanel recommends that a major program be funded to conduct a multidisciplinary research program to address the issues to ensure a secure energy future for the U.S. It is necessary to recognize that this program must be ensured of a long-term stability. It is also necessary that a management and funding structure appropriate for such an approach be developed. The Department of Energy's Office of Basic Energy Sciences is well positioned to support this initiative by enhancement of their already world-class scientific research programs and user facilities.« less

Radar Images of the Earth and the World Wide Web

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chapman, B.; Freeman, A.

1995-01-01

A perspective of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory as a center of planetary exploration, and its involvement in studying the earth from space is given. Remote sensing, radar maps, land topography, snow cover properties, vegetation type, biomass content, moisture levels, and ocean data are items discussed related to earth orbiting satellite imaging radar. World Wide Web viewing of this content is discussed.

HotJava: Sun's Animated Interactive World Wide Web Browser for the Internet.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Machovec, George S., Ed.

1995-01-01

Examines HotJava and Java, World Wide Web technology for use on the Internet. HotJava, an interactive, animated Web browser, based on the object-oriented Java programming language, is different from HTML-based browsers such as Netscape. Its client/server design does not understand Internet protocols but can dynamically find what it needs to know.…

Reading the Writing on the Graffiti Wall: The World Wide Web and Training.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jones, Charles M.

This paper examines the benefits to be derived from networked computer-based instruction (CBI) and discusses the potential of the World Wide Web (WWW) as an effective tool in employee training. Methods of utilizing the WWW as a training tool and communication tool are explored. The discussion is divided into the following sections: (1) "WWW and…

Automated MeSH indexing of the World-Wide Web.

PubMed Central

Fowler, J.; Kouramajian, V.; Maram, S.; Devadhar, V.

1995-01-01

To facilitate networked discovery and information retrieval in the biomedical domain, we have designed a system for automatic assignment of Medical Subject Headings to documents retrieved from the World-Wide Web. Our prototype implementations show significant promise. We describe our methods and discuss the further development of a completely automated indexing tool called the "Web-MeSH Medibot." PMID:8563421

Effects of Learning Style and Training Method on Computer Attitude and Performance in World Wide Web Page Design Training.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chou, Huey-Wen; Wang, Yu-Fang

1999-01-01

Compares the effects of two training methods on computer attitude and performance in a World Wide Web page design program in a field experiment with high school students in Taiwan. Discusses individual differences, Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory and Learning Style Inventory, Computer Attitude Scale, and results of statistical analyses.…

Time Series Data Visualization in World Wide Telescope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fay, J.

WorldWide Telescope provides a rich set of timer series visualization for both archival and real time data. WWT consists of both interactive desktop tools for interactive immersive visualization and HTML5 web based controls that can be utilized in customized web pages. WWT supports a range of display options including full dome, power walls, stereo and virtual reality headsets.

An Enhanced Z39.50 Gateway to the WorldWideWeb.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cunningham, David; Sloan, Stephen

1994-01-01

Describes how a university library uses the WorldWideWeb (WWW) to enable users to access resources mounted on a local Z39.50 server and to order prints from articles stored on a CD-ROM jukebox. The software used in the construction of the system, necessary modifications to the software, and software ordering information are covered. (KRN)

Finding and Evaluating Adult ESL Resources on the World Wide Web. ERIC Q & A.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Florez, MaryAnn Cunningham

One of the challenges often mentioned by users of the World Wide Web is creating and implementing successful searches on topics of interest. This article provides background information about adult English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) resources available on the Web. It describes various search tools, explains how to create search strategies and how…

Panning for Gold: Utility of the World Wide Web for Metadata and Authority Control in Special Collections.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ellero, Nadine P.

2002-01-01

Describes the use of the World Wide Web as a name authority resource and tool for special collections' analytic-level cataloging, based on experiences at The Claude Moore Health Sciences Library. Highlights include primary documents and metadata; authority control and the Web as authority source information; and future possibilities. (Author/LRW)

An Analysis of Implementation Issues for the Searchable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) in Navy Education and Training

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-09-01

content objects to be used and reused within civilian and military education and training Learning Management Systems (LMS) across the World Wide Web...to be used and reused within civilian and military education and training Learning Management Systems (LMS) across the World Wide Web. vi...1998, SUBJECT: ENHANCING LEARNING AND EDUCATION THROUGH TECHNOLOGY

WWW.Cell Biology Education: Using the World Wide Web to Develop a New Teaching Topic

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Blystone, Robert V.; MacAlpine, Barbara

2005-01-01

"Cell Biology Education" calls attention each quarter to several Web sites of educational interest to the biology community. The Internet provides access to an enormous array of potential teaching materials. In this article, the authors describe one approach for using the World Wide Web to develop a new college biology laboratory exercise. As a…

Use of World Wide Web Server and Browser Software To Support a First-Year Medical Physiology Course.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Davis, Michael J.; And Others

1997-01-01

Describes the use of a World Wide Web server to support a team-taught physiology course for first-year medical students. The students' evaluations indicate that computer use in class made lecture material more interesting, while the online documents helped reinforce lecture materials and textbooks. Lists factors which contribute to the…

An Investigation of Problem Solving Approaches, Strategies, and Models Used by the 7th and 8th Grade Students When Solving Real-World Problems

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bayazit, Ibrahim

2013-01-01

This study scrutinises approaches and thinking processes displayed by the elementary school students when solving real-world problems. It employed a qualitative inquiry to produce rich and realistic data about the case at hand. The research sample included 116 students. The data were obtained from written exam and semistructured interviews, and…

The JRC Nanomaterials Repository: A unique facility providing representative test materials for nanoEHS research.

PubMed

Totaro, Sara; Cotogno, Giulio; Rasmussen, Kirsten; Pianella, Francesca; Roncaglia, Marco; Olsson, Heidi; Riego Sintes, Juan M; Crutzen, Hugues P

2016-11-01

The European Commission has established a Nanomaterials Repository that hosts industrially manufactured nanomaterials that are distributed world-wide for safety testing of nanomaterials. In a first instance these materials were tested in the OECD Testing Programme. They have then also been tested in several EU funded research projects. The JRC Repository of Nanomaterials has thus developed into serving the global scientific community active in the nanoEHS (regulatory) research. The unique Repository facility is a state-of-the-art installation that allows customised sub-sampling under the safest possible conditions, with traceable final sample vials distributed world-wide for research purposes. This paper describes the design of the Repository to perform a semi-automated subsampling procedure, offering high degree of flexibility and precision in the preparation of NM vials for customers, while guaranteeing the safety of the operators, and environmental protection. The JRC nanomaterials are representative for part of the world NMs market. Their wide use world-wide facilitates the generation of comparable and reliable experimental results and datasets in (regulatory) research by the scientific community, ultimately supporting the further development of the OECD regulatory test guidelines. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Moral agency, moral worth and the question of double standards in medical research in developing countries.

PubMed

Tangwa, G B

2001-11-01

International regulations governing medical research, healthcare and medical practice, are, obviously, meant to be guidelines and not detailed procedural rules of thumb that can be applied unreflectively without any danger of doing moral wrong. Moreover, such regulations are meant to apply internationally, and no set of straight-jacketed rules of thumb can conceivably apply to all societies and communities of the world, extremely diverse and differently situated as they are. The mark of a good international guideline or regulation, in my view, is that it should provide a clear principle of action that applies equally to all global communities and societies without seeking to foist the particular or momentary moral dilemmas, quandaries, obsessions and preoccupations of some on all. In this paper, I propose to argue that, because moral obligations are obligations only from the point of view of a particular moral agent, we should avoid making the peculiar problems of any particular moral agent(s) the obsessive concern of all moral agents, and that we need, in particular, to make appropriate distinctions between the ethics of developed world research in the developing world, collaborative or cooperative research between the developed and developing worlds, developed world research in the developed world and developing world research in the developing world. A consequence of looking at things this way is that, while it should be clear that there are ethical concerns, imperatives and obligations at all levels, different standards may and, in fact, cannot but be applied in different contexts at different levels, without resorting to the use of double standards, which can never be morally justified. Finally, I venture to propose a formula for a solemn pledge of moral integrity and noble intent, from the perspective of the agent, that is to say, the investigator, sponsor and funder of any research, to complement and balance the widely accepted informed consent requirement, from the perspective of the patient, the subject of any biomedical research.

Bridging STEM in a Real World Problem

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

English, Lyn D.; Mousoulides, Nicholas G.

2015-01-01

Engineering-based modeling activities provide a rich source of meaningful situations that capitalize on and extend students' routine learning. By integrating such activities within existing curricula, students better appreciate how their school learning in mathematics and science applies to problems in the outside world. Furthermore, modeling…

Serials Acquisition Problems in Developing Countries: The Zambian Experience.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lungu, Charles B. M.

1985-01-01

Analysis of serial acquisition problems in developing nations cites specific references from University of Zambia Library. Discussion covers underdeveloped economic circumstances of Third World nations, overdependence on serials of foreign origin, geographical locations of Third World countries, ill-defined acquisition policies, staffing for…

Review of USGS Open-file Report 95-525 ("Cartographic and digital standard for geologic map information") and plans for development of Federal draft standards for geologic map information

USGS Publications Warehouse

Soller, David R.

1996-01-01

This report summarizes a technical review of USGS Open-File Report 95-525, 'Cartographic and Digital Standard for Geologic Map Information' and OFR 95-526 (diskettes containing digital representations of the standard symbols). If you are considering the purchase or use of those documents, you should read this report first. For some purposes, OFR 95-525 (the printed document) will prove to be an excellent resource. However, technical review identified significant problems with the two documents that will be addressed by various Federal and State committees composed of geologists and cartographers, as noted below. Therefore, the 2-year review period noted in OFR 95-525 is no longer applicable. Until those problems are resolved and formal standards are issued, you may consult the following World-Wide Web (WWW) site which contains information about development of geologic map standards: URL: http://ncgmp.usgs.gov/ngmdbproject/home.html

Leadership and leadership development in healthcare settings – a simplistic solution to complex problems?

PubMed Central

McDonald, Ruth

2014-01-01

There is a trend in health systems around the world to place great emphasis on and faith in improving ‘leadership’. Leadership has been defined in many ways and the elitist implications of traditional notions of leadership sit uncomfortably with modern healthcare organisations. The concept of distributed leadership incorporates inclusivity, collectiveness and collaboration, with the result that, to some extent, all staff, not just those in senior management roles, are viewed as leaders. Leadership development programmes are intended to equip individuals to improve leadership skills, but we know little about their effectiveness. Furthermore, the content of these programmes varies widely and the fact that many lack a sense of how they fit with individual or organisational goals raises questions about how they are intended to achieve their aims. It is important to avoid simplistic assumptions about the ability of improved leadership to solve complex problems. It is also important to evaluate leadership development programmes in ways that go beyond descriptive accounts. PMID:25337595

Inauguration of the first Psychological Support Center for disaster victims in Korea.

PubMed

Bae, Jeongyee; Kim, Key-Yong; Panuncio, Rosel L; Choi, Namhee; Im, Sook-Bin

2009-12-01

Disasters can strike uncontrollably whenever or wherever, leaving horrendous marks of physical and psychological damage on people upon their passing. Asia remains the most widely affected area of the world, with high death tolls, casualties, and economic losses recorded in past years. In fact, a developed country like South Korea incurs huge deficits from disaster-related adversities. Restoration efforts and assistance for disaster survivors are generously provided by the Korean government. However, it is only recently that cases of postdisaster mental problems have been given attention. This article argues that, although material relief helps disaster victims to regain their physical losses, it is equally important to aid their psychological needs to prevent long-term mental health problems. This article highlights Korea's first regional Psychological Support Center for disaster victims, which can be accessed online. With this Center, the country continues to strive in providing her people with holistic approaches to further enhance each citizen's quality of life.

Data-Driven Packet Loss Estimation for Node Healthy Sensing in Decentralized Cluster.

PubMed

Fan, Hangyu; Wang, Huandong; Li, Yong

2018-01-23

Decentralized clustering of modern information technology is widely adopted in various fields these years. One of the main reason is the features of high availability and the failure-tolerance which can prevent the entire system form broking down by a failure of a single point. Recently, toolkits such as Akka are used by the public commonly to easily build such kind of cluster. However, clusters of such kind that use Gossip as their membership managing protocol and use link failure detecting mechanism to detect link failures cannot deal with the scenario that a node stochastically drops packets and corrupts the member status of the cluster. In this paper, we formulate the problem to be evaluating the link quality and finding a max clique (NP-Complete) in the connectivity graph. We then proposed an algorithm that consists of two models driven by data from application layer to respectively solving these two problems. Through simulations with statistical data and a real-world product, we demonstrate that our algorithm has a good performance.

Bullying and Victimization Among Children

PubMed Central

Shetgiri, Rashmi

2013-01-01

Bullying among children is a significant public health problem world-wide. Bullying is most commonly defined as repeated, intentional aggression, perpetrated by a more powerful individual or group against a less powerful victim. Trends in victimization and moderate to frequent bullying may be decreasing slightly in the United States, but over 20% of children continue to be involved in bullying. Direct bullying consists of physical and verbal aggression, whereas indirect bullying involves relational aggression. Cyber bullying is an emerging problem which may be more difficult to identify and intervene with than traditional bullying. Bullies, victims, and bully-victims are at risk for negative short and long-term consequences such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and delinquency. Various individual, parental, and peer factors increase the risk for involvement in bullying. Anti-bullying interventions are predominantly school-based and demonstrate variable results. Healthcare providers can intervene in bullying by identifying potential bullies or victims, screening them for co-morbidities, providing counseling and resources, and advocating for bullying prevention. PMID:24007839

Using the World Wide Web for GIDEP Problem Data Processing at Marshall Space Flight Center

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McPherson, John W.; Haraway, Sandra W.; Whirley, J. Don

1999-01-01

Since April 1997, Marshall Space Flight Center has been using electronic transfer and the web to support our processing of the Government-Industry Data Exchange Program (GIDEP) and NASA ALERT information. Specific aspects include: (1) Extraction of ASCII text information from GIDEP for loading into Word documents for e-mail to ALERT actionees; (2) Downloading of GIDEP form image formats in Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) for internal storage display on the MSFC ALERT web page; (3) Linkage of stored GRDEP problem forms with summary information for access from the MSFC ALERT Distribution Summary Chart or from an html table of released MSFC ALERTs (4) Archival of historic ALERTs for reference by GIDEP ID, MSFC ID, or MSFC release date; (5) On-line tracking of ALERT response status using a Microsoft Access database and the web (6) On-line response to ALERTs from MSFC actionees through interactive web forms. The technique, benefits, effort, coordination, and lessons learned for each aspect are covered herein.

Leadership and leadership development in healthcare settings - a simplistic solution to complex problems?

PubMed

McDonald, Ruth

2014-10-01

There is a trend in health systems around the world to place great emphasis on and faith in improving 'leadership'. Leadership has been defined in many ways and the elitist implications of traditional notions of leadership sit uncomfortably with modern healthcare organisations. The concept of distributed leadership incorporates inclusivity, collectiveness and collaboration, with the result that, to some extent, all staff, not just those in senior management roles, are viewed as leaders. Leadership development programmes are intended to equip individuals to improve leadership skills, but we know little about their effectiveness. Furthermore, the content of these programmes varies widely and the fact that many lack a sense of how they fit with individual or organisational goals raises questions about how they are intended to achieve their aims. It is important to avoid simplistic assumptions about the ability of improved leadership to solve complex problems. It is also important to evaluate leadership development programmes in ways that go beyond descriptive accounts.

Using game technologies to improve the safety of construction plant operations.

PubMed

Guo, Hongling; Li, Heng; Chan, Greg; Skitmore, Martin

2012-09-01

Many accidents occur world-wide in the use of construction plant and equipment, and safety training is considered by many to be one of the best approaches to their prevention. However, current safety training methods/tools are unable to provide trainees with the hands-on practice needed. Game technology-based safety training platforms have the potential to overcome this problem in a virtual environment. One such platform is described in this paper - its characteristics are analysed and its possible contribution to safety training identified. This is developed and tested by means of a case study involving three major pieces of construction plant, which successfully demonstrates that the platform can improve the process and performance of the safety training involved in their operation. This research not only presents a new and useful solution to the safety training of construction operations, but illustrates the potential use of advanced technologies in solving construction industry problems in general. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

ICASE/LaRC Symposium on Visualizing Time-Varying Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Banks, D. C. (Editor); Crockett, T. W. (Editor); Stacy, K. (Editor)

1996-01-01

Time-varying datasets present difficult problems for both analysis and visualization. For example, the data may be terabytes in size, distributed across mass storage systems at several sites, with time scales ranging from femtoseconds to eons. In response to these challenges, ICASE and NASA Langley Research Center, in cooperation with ACM SIGGRAPH, organized the first symposium on visualizing time-varying data. The purpose was to bring the producers of time-varying data together with visualization specialists to assess open issues in the field, present new solutions, and encourage collaborative problem-solving. These proceedings contain the peer-reviewed papers which were presented at the symposium. They cover a broad range of topics, from methods for modeling and compressing data to systems for visualizing CFD simulations and World Wide Web traffic. Because the subject matter is inherently dynamic, a paper proceedings cannot adequately convey all aspects of the work. The accompanying video proceedings provide additional context for several of the papers.

Evolutionary game theory: cells as players.

PubMed

Hummert, Sabine; Bohl, Katrin; Basanta, David; Deutsch, Andreas; Werner, Sarah; Theissen, Günter; Schroeter, Anja; Schuster, Stefan

2014-12-01

In two papers we review game theory applications in biology below the level of cognitive living beings. It can be seen that evolution and natural selection replace the rationality of the actors appropriately. Even in these micro worlds, competing situations and cooperative relationships can be found and modeled by evolutionary game theory. Also those units of the lowest levels of life show different strategies for different environmental situations or different partners. We give a wide overview of evolutionary game theory applications to microscopic units. In this first review situations on the cellular level are tackled. In particular metabolic problems are discussed, such as ATP-producing pathways, secretion of public goods and cross-feeding. Further topics are cyclic competition among more than two partners, intra- and inter-cellular signalling, the struggle between pathogens and the immune system, and the interactions of cancer cells. Moreover, we introduce the theoretical basics to encourage scientists to investigate problems in cell biology and molecular biology by evolutionary game theory.

Elementary astronomy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fierro, J.

2006-08-01

In developing nations such as Mexico, basic science education has scarcely improved. There are multiple reasons for this problem; they include poor teacher training and curricula that are not challenging for students. I shall suggest ways in which astronomy can be used to improve basic education, it is so attractive that it can be employed to teach how to read and write, learn a second language, mathematics, physics, as well as geography. If third world nations do not teach science in an adequate way, they will be in serious problems when they will try to achieve a better standard of living for their population. I shall also address informal education, it is by this means that most adults learn and keep up to date with subjects that are not their specialty. If we provide good outreach programs in developing nations we can aid adult training; astronomy is ideal since it is particularly multidisciplinary. In particular radio and television programs are useful for popularization since they reach such wide audiences.

Multi-target detection and positioning in crowds using multiple camera surveillance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Jiahu; Zhu, Qiuyu; Xing, Yufeng

2018-04-01

In this study, we propose a pixel correspondence algorithm for positioning in crowds based on constraints on the distance between lines of sight, grayscale differences, and height in a world coordinates system. First, a Gaussian mixture model is used to obtain the background and foreground from multi-camera videos. Second, the hair and skin regions are extracted as regions of interest. Finally, the correspondences between each pixel in the region of interest are found under multiple constraints and the targets are positioned by pixel clustering. The algorithm can provide appropriate redundancy information for each target, which decreases the risk of losing targets due to a large viewing angle and wide baseline. To address the correspondence problem for multiple pixels, we construct a pixel-based correspondence model based on a similar permutation matrix, which converts the correspondence problem into a linear programming problem where a similar permutation matrix is found by minimizing an objective function. The correct pixel correspondences can be obtained by determining the optimal solution of this linear programming problem and the three-dimensional position of the targets can also be obtained by pixel clustering. Finally, we verified the algorithm with multiple cameras in experiments, which showed that the algorithm has high accuracy and robustness.

An application of traveling salesman problem using the improved genetic algorithm on android google maps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Narwadi, Teguh; Subiyanto

2017-03-01

The Travelling Salesman Problem (TSP) is one of the best known NP-hard problems, which means that no exact algorithm to solve it in polynomial time. This paper present a new variant application genetic algorithm approach with a local search technique has been developed to solve the TSP. For the local search technique, an iterative hill climbing method has been used. The system is implemented on the Android OS because android is now widely used around the world and it is mobile system. It is also integrated with Google API that can to get the geographical location and the distance of the cities, and displays the route. Therefore, we do some experimentation to test the behavior of the application. To test the effectiveness of the application of hybrid genetic algorithm (HGA) is compare with the application of simple GA in 5 sample from the cities in Central Java, Indonesia with different numbers of cities. According to the experiment results obtained that in the average solution HGA shows in 5 tests out of 5 (100%) is better than simple GA. The results have shown that the hybrid genetic algorithm outperforms the genetic algorithm especially in the case with the problem higher complexity.

Problem gambling worldwide: An update and systematic review of empirical research (2000–2015)

PubMed Central

Calado, Filipa; Griffiths, Mark D.

2016-01-01

Background and aims Problem gambling has been identified as an emergent public health issue, and there is a need to identify gambling trends and to regularly update worldwide gambling prevalence rates. This paper aims to review recent research on adult gambling and problem gambling (since 2000) and then, in the context of a growing liberalization of the gambling market in the European Union, intends to provide a more detailed analysis of adult gambling behavior across European countries. Methods A systematic literature search was carried out using academic databases, Internet, and governmental websites. Results Following this search and utilizing exclusion criteria, 69 studies on adult gambling prevalence were identified. These studies demonstrated that there are wide variations in past-year problem gambling rates across different countries in the world (0.12–5.8%) and in Europe (0.12–3.4%). However, it is difficult to directly compare studies due to different methodological procedures, instruments, cut-offs, and time frames. Despite the variability among instruments, some consistent results with regard to demographics were found. Discussion and conclusion The findings highlight the need for continuous monitoring of problem gambling prevalence rates in order to examine the influence of cultural context on gambling patterns, assess the effectiveness of policies on gambling-related harms, and establish priorities for future research. PMID:27784180

Algorithm design for automated transportation photo enforcement camera image and video quality diagnostic check modules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raghavan, Ajay; Saha, Bhaskar

2013-03-01

Photo enforcement devices for traffic rules such as red lights, toll, stops, and speed limits are increasingly being deployed in cities and counties around the world to ensure smooth traffic flow and public safety. These are typically unattended fielded systems, and so it is important to periodically check them for potential image/video quality problems that might interfere with their intended functionality. There is interest in automating such checks to reduce the operational overhead and human error involved in manually checking large camera device fleets. Examples of problems affecting such camera devices include exposure issues, focus drifts, obstructions, misalignment, download errors, and motion blur. Furthermore, in some cases, in addition to the sub-algorithms for individual problems, one also has to carefully design the overall algorithm and logic to check for and accurately classifying these individual problems. Some of these issues can occur in tandem or have the potential to be confused for each other by automated algorithms. Examples include camera misalignment that can cause some scene elements to go out of focus for wide-area scenes or download errors that can be misinterpreted as an obstruction. Therefore, the sequence in which the sub-algorithms are utilized is also important. This paper presents an overview of these problems along with no-reference and reduced reference image and video quality solutions to detect and classify such faults.

Consequences of bullying victimization in childhood and adolescence: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PubMed Central

Moore, Sophie E; Norman, Rosana E; Suetani, Shuichi; Thomas, Hannah J; Sly, Peter D; Scott, James G

2017-01-01

AIM To identify health and psychosocial problems associated with bullying victimization and conduct a meta-analysis summarizing the causal evidence. METHODS A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, ERIC and PsycINFO electronic databases up to 28 February 2015. The study included published longitudinal and cross-sectional articles that examined health and psychosocial consequences of bullying victimization. All meta-analyses were based on quality-effects models. Evidence for causality was assessed using Bradford Hill criteria and the grading system developed by the World Cancer Research Fund. RESULTS Out of 317 articles assessed for eligibility, 165 satisfied the predetermined inclusion criteria for meta-analysis. Statistically significant associations were observed between bullying victimization and a wide range of adverse health and psychosocial problems. The evidence was strongest for causal associations between bullying victimization and mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, poor general health and suicidal ideation and behaviours. Probable causal associations existed between bullying victimization and tobacco and illicit drug use. CONCLUSION Strong evidence exists for a causal relationship between bullying victimization, mental health problems and substance use. Evidence also exists for associations between bullying victimization and other adverse health and psychosocial problems, however, there is insufficient evidence to conclude causality. The strong evidence that bullying victimization is causative of mental illness highlights the need for schools to implement effective interventions to address bullying behaviours. PMID:28401049

Affordances of students' using the World Wide Web as a publishing medium in project-based learning environments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bos, Nathan Daniel

This dissertation investigates the emerging affordance of the World Wide Web as a place for high school students to become authors and publishers of information. Two empirical studies lay groundwork for student publishing by examining learning issues related to audience adaptation in writing, motivation and engagement with hypermedia, design, problem-solving, and critical evaluation. Two models of student publishing on the World Wide Web were investigated over the course of two 11spth grade project-based science curriculums. In the first curricular model, students worked in pairs to design informative hypermedia projects about infectious diseases that were published on the Web. Four case studies were written, drawing on both product- and process-related data sources. Four theoretically important findings are illustrated through these cases: (1) multimedia, especially graphics, seemed to catalyze some students' design processes by affecting the sequence of their design process and by providing a connection between the science content and their personal interest areas, (2) hypermedia design can demand high levels of analysis and synthesis of science content, (3) students can learn to think about science content representation through engagement with challenging design tasks, and (4) students' consideration of an outside audience can be facilitated by teacher-given design principles. The second Web-publishing model examines how students critically evaluate scientific resources on the Web, and how students can contribute to the Web's organization and usability by publishing critical reviews. Students critically evaluated Web resources using a four-part scheme: summarization of content, content, evaluation of credibility, evaluation of organizational structure, and evaluation of appearance. Content analyses comparing students' reviews and reviewed Web documents showed that students were proficient at summarizing content of Web documents, identifying their publishing source, and evaluating their organizational features; however, students struggled to identify scientific evidence, bias, or sophisticated use of media in Web pages. Shortcomings were shown to be partly due to deficiencies in the Web pages themselves and partly due to students' inexperience with the medium or lack of critical evaluation skills. Future directions of this idea are discussed, including discussion of how students' reviews have been integrated into a current digital library development project.

Learning automata-based solutions to the nonlinear fractional knapsack problem with applications to optimal resource allocation.

PubMed

Granmo, Ole-Christoffer; Oommen, B John; Myrer, Svein Arild; Olsen, Morten Goodwin

2007-02-01

This paper considers the nonlinear fractional knapsack problem and demonstrates how its solution can be effectively applied to two resource allocation problems dealing with the World Wide Web. The novel solution involves a "team" of deterministic learning automata (LA). The first real-life problem relates to resource allocation in web monitoring so as to "optimize" information discovery when the polling capacity is constrained. The disadvantages of the currently reported solutions are explained in this paper. The second problem concerns allocating limited sampling resources in a "real-time" manner with the purpose of estimating multiple binomial proportions. This is the scenario encountered when the user has to evaluate multiple web sites by accessing a limited number of web pages, and the proportions of interest are the fraction of each web site that is successfully validated by an HTML validator. Using the general LA paradigm to tackle both of the real-life problems, the proposed scheme improves a current solution in an online manner through a series of informed guesses that move toward the optimal solution. At the heart of the scheme, a team of deterministic LA performs a controlled random walk on a discretized solution space. Comprehensive experimental results demonstrate that the discretization resolution determines the precision of the scheme, and that for a given precision, the current solution (to both problems) is consistently improved until a nearly optimal solution is found--even for switching environments. Thus, the scheme, while being novel to the entire field of LA, also efficiently handles a class of resource allocation problems previously not addressed in the literature.

Using expectations to monitor robotic progress and recover from problems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kurup, Unmesh; Lebiere, Christian; Stentz, Anthony; Hebert, Martial

2013-05-01

How does a robot know when something goes wrong? Our research answers this question by leveraging expectations - predictions about the immediate future - and using the mismatch between the expectations and the external world to monitor the robot's progress. We use the cognitive architecture ACT-R (Adaptive Control of Thought - Rational) to learn the associations between the current state of the robot and the world, the action to be performed in the world, and the future state of the world. These associations are used to generate expectations that are then matched by the architecture with the next state of the world. A significant mismatch between these expectations and the actual state of the world indicate a problem possibly resulting from unexpected consequences of the robot's actions, unforeseen changes in the environment or unanticipated actions of other agents. When a problem is detected, the recovery model can suggest a number of recovery options. If the situation is unknown, that is, the mismatch between expectations and the world is novel, the robot can use a recovery solution from a set of heuristic options. When a recovery option is successfully applied, the robot learns to associate that recovery option with the mismatch. When the same problem is encountered later, the robot can apply the learned recovery solution rather than using the heuristics or randomly exploring the space of recovery solutions. We present results from execution monitoring and recovery performed during an assessment conducted at the Combined Arms Collective Training Facility (CACTF) at Fort Indiantown Gap.

Adolescent Assertiveness: Problems and Programs.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reece, Randi S.; Wilborn, Bobbie L.

1980-01-01

Assertiveness training programs in the school setting provide a method to work with students with behavior problems. When students can manage their environments more effectively, they view the educational experience more positively and find that their present world and their transition to the adult world proceeds more productively. (Author)