Home About us Contact
|
Home About us Contact | ||
|
|
||
Potential Users (potential + user)
Selected AbstractsImplementation and evaluation of MPI-based parallel MD programINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF QUANTUM CHEMISTRY, Issue 1 2001R. Trobec Abstract The message-passing interface (MPI)-based object-oriented particle,particle interactions (PPI) library is implemented and evaluated. The library can be used in the n -particle simulation algorithm designed for a ring of p interconnected processors. The parallel simulation is scalable with the number of processors, and has the time requirement proportional to n2/p if n/p is large enough, which guarantees optimal speedup. In a certain range of problem sizes, the speedup becomes superlinear because enough cache memory is available in the system. The library is used in a simple way by any potential user, even with no deep programming knowledge. Different simulations using particles can be implemented on a wide spectrum of different computer platforms. The main purpose of this article is to test the PPI library on well-known methods, e.g., the parallel molecular dynamics (MD) simulation of the monoatomic system by the second-order leapfrog Verlet algorithm. The performances of the parallel simulation program implemented with the proposed library are competitive with a custom-designed simulation code. Also, the implementation of the split integration symplectic method, based on the analytical calculation of the harmonic part of the particle interactions, is shown, and its expected performances are predicted. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Quant Chem 84: 23,31, 2001 [source] Long-term study of a portable field robot in urban terrainJOURNAL OF FIELD ROBOTICS (FORMERLY JOURNAL OF ROBOTIC SYSTEMS), Issue 8-9 2007Carl Lundberg The armed forces have a considerable amount of experience in using robots for bomb removal and mine clearing. Emerging technology also enables the targeting of other applications. To evaluate if real deployment of new technology is justified, tactical advantages gained have to be compared to drawbacks imposed. Evaluation calls for realistic tests which in turn require methods dictating how to deploy the new features. The present study has had two objectives: first, to gain a comprehensive view of a potential user of man-portable robots; second, to embed a robot system with users for assessment of present technology in real deployment. In this project we investigated an army company specialized in urban operations performing their tasks with the support of the iRobot Packbot Scout. The robot was integrated and deployed as an ordinary piece of equipment which required modifying and retraining a number of standard behaviors. The reported results were acquired through a long-term test ranging over a period of six months. This paper focuses on the characteristics of the users and their current ways of operation; how the robot was implemented and deployed. Additionally, this paper describes benefits and drawbacks from the users' perspective. A number of limitations in current robot technology are also identified. The findings show that the military relies on precise and thoroughly trained actions that can be executed with a minimum of ambiguity. To make use of robots, new behavioral schemes, which call for tactical optimization over several years, are needed. The most common application during the trials was reconnaissance inside buildings with uncertain enemy presence when time was not critical. Deploying the robot took more time than completing the task by traditional means, but in return kept the soldiers out of harm's way and enabled them to decrease weapon deployment. The range of the radio link, limited video feedback, and the bulky operator control unit were the features constraining the system's overall performance the most. On the other hand, did properties of the system, such as ruggedness, size, weight, terrain ability, and endurance, prove to match the application. The users were of the opinion that robots such as the Packbot Scout would be a valuable standard feature in urban intervention. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] Refining and testing joint fact-finding for environmental dispute resolution: Ten years of successCONFLICT RESOLUTION QUARTERLY, Issue 4 2001Scott T McCreary For the past decade, we at CONCUR have been mediating complex environmental disputes and using the technique of joint fact-finding as a cornerstone of our model of practice. In this article, we present and reflect on this body of experience, with the goal of better informing both our colleagues in the field and other potential users of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) about the elements and preconditions for successful use of joint fact-finding. We also aim to contribute actively to current initiatives on best practices. [source] Development of the web-based type 2diabetes education programme: DIEPEUROPEAN DIABETES NURSING, Issue 2 2009E Heinrich MSc PhD student Abstract Background: Education is an essential part of diabetes care. However, in The Netherlands, no education programme was available for everyone at any time and adaptive to users' specific needs. Aim: To describe the structured development and final content of a type 2 diabetes web-based education programme. Methods: A web-based education programme,the Diabetes Interactive Education Programme (DIEP),was developed using intervention mapping and involved collaboration between programme planners, Dutch diabetes organisations and potential users (patients and healthcare providers). DIEP incorporates information, multimedia and tools to support self-reflection, goal setting, problem solving and active patient participation. Results:www.diep.info consists of seven chapters with basic and additional information, a dictionary, self-management checklists and a workbook for goal setting and preparation for consultations. The information included is mostly spoken text supported by headlines, images, video and patient experiences. Adoption, implementation and evaluation plans have been made. Outcomes of the process and effect evaluation will be reported in the future. Conclusions: DIEP is a unique education programme, based on theory and planned development, which is supported by diabetes organisations. By using multimedia and incorporating different functionalities, DIEP attempts to meet the current practice requirements. DIEP aims to meet the needs of multiple, specific patient groups in the future, and has already been adapted for use in different countries (eg Belgium). Copyright © 2009 FEND [source] ,Balance' is in the eye of the beholder: providing information to support informed choices in antenatal screening via Antenatal Screening Web ResourceHEALTH EXPECTATIONS, Issue 4 2007Shenaz Ahmed BSc (Hons) PhD Abstract Objectives, The Antenatal Screening Web Resource (AnSWeR) was designed to support informed prenatal testing choices by providing balanced information about disability, based on the testimonies of disabled people and their families. We were commissioned by the developers to independently evaluate the website. This paper focused on how participants evaluated AnSWeR in terms of providing balanced information. Setting, West Yorkshire. Participants, A total of 69 people were drawn from three groups: health professionals, people with personal experience of tested-for conditions (Down's syndrome, cystic fibrosis and spina bifida) and people representing potential users of the resource. Method, Data were collected via focus groups and electronic questionnaires. Results, Participants believed that information about the experience of living with the tested-for conditions and terminating a pregnancy for the conditions were important to support informed antenatal testing and termination decisions. However, there were differences in opinion about whether the information about the tested-for conditions was balanced or not. Some people felt that the inclusion of photographs of people with the tested-for conditions introduced biases (both positive and negative). Many participants were also of the opinion that AnSWeR presented insufficient information on termination of an affected pregnancy to support informed choice. Conclusion, This study highlighted the difficulty of designing ,balanced' information about tested-for conditions and a lack of methodology for doing so. It is suggested that AnSWeR currently provides a counterbalance to other websites that focus on the medical aspects of disability. Its aim to provide ,balanced' information would be aided by increasing the number and range of case studies available on the website. [source] Hyperlinking Audited Financial Statements to Unaudited Information in the Presence of the WebTrust Logo: Hodge's Model RevisedINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF AUDITING, Issue 2 2003Ruth V. Pike This paper identifies a possible relationship between WebTrust, initiated by the AICPA/CICA as an attestation service for web sites, and the potentially misleading effect of hyperlinking audited financial statements to unaudited information. We argue that firms hyperlinking such information increase the perceived credibility of the unaudited information, which may be exacerbated by the presence of a recognisable, symbolically trustworthy logo. We formulate testable hypotheses by modifying an existing theoretical framework which relates to hyperlinked materials and their effect on investor judgements. The amended model extends to all potential users of financial information and incorporates the web-based assurance logo of WebTrust. We anticipate that this model will become instrumental in determining the extent of any expectation gap regarding user perceptions, thus facilitating the process of recommending policies to eliminate the potentially misleading effects of web-based financial information and therefore limiting the risk of corporate fraud and the legal liability of auditors. [source] Observations on online educational materials for powder diffraction crystallography softwareJOURNAL OF APPLIED CRYSTALLOGRAPHY, Issue 5-2 2010Brian H. Toby This article presents a series of approaches used to educate potential users of crystallographic software for powder diffraction. The approach that has been most successful in the author's opinion is the web lecture, where an audio presentation is coupled to a video-like record of the contents of the presenter's computer screen. [source] Skills Diagnosis Using IRT-Based Latent Class ModelsJOURNAL OF EDUCATIONAL MEASUREMENT, Issue 4 2007Louis A. Roussos This article describes a latent trait approach to skills diagnosis based on a particular variety of latent class models that employ item response functions (IRFs) as in typical item response theory (IRT) models. To enable and encourage comparisons with other approaches, this description is provided in terms of the main components of any psychometric approach: the ability model and the IRF structure; review of research on estimation, model checking, reliability, validity, equating, and scoring; and a brief review of real data applications. In this manner the article demonstrates that this approach to skills diagnosis has built a strong initial foundation of research and resources available to potential users. The outlook for future research and applications is discussed with special emphasis on a call for pilot studies and concomitant increased validity research. [source] Insights into creation and use of prescribing documentation in the hospital medical recordJOURNAL OF EVALUATION IN CLINICAL PRACTICE, Issue 5 2005Mary P. Tully PhD MRPharmS Abstract Rationale, aims and objectives, Extraction of prescribing data from medical records is a common, albeit flawed, research method. Yet little is known about the processes that result in those data. This study explores the creation and use of prescribing documentation in the medical record, from the perspective of the hospital doctors who both create and use it. Methods, Thirty-six hospital doctors were purposively selected for qualitative interviews, giving a maximum variability sample of grades of doctors across the range of major medical specialty areas and medical teams at a large teaching hospital in England. Results, The findings suggest a number of reasons why hospital doctors fail to record prescribing decisions in the medical record. There was no set standard, record keeping was not formally taught and the hurried environment of the ward gave little time for documentation. The doctors also acknowledged that there was no need for completeness, as colleagues would be able to ,fill in the gaps' via an inferential process. ,Assumptions ,were ,made ,and ,although ,this ,was ,not ,seen ,as ,ideal, it was recognized as necessary if work was to be done efficiently. Conclusion, These results reinforce the suggestion that, despite the large number of potential users, the medical record is created for those with the right privileged knowledge. This has profound implications for those without that insider knowledge who are using medical records for research purposes. Funding, This work was funded by a North West Regional National Health Service Postdoctoral Fellowship. [source] Comparison study of multi-attribute decision analytic software,JOURNAL OF MULTI CRITERIA DECISION ANALYSIS, Issue 2-3 2005Simon French Abstract In this paper, we discuss the functionality and interfaces of five MCDM software packages. We recognize that no single package is appropriate for all decision contexts and processes. Thus our emphasis is not so much to compare the functionality of the packages per se, but to consider their fit with different decision making processes. In doing so, we hope to provide potential users with guidance on selecting a package that is more compatible with their needs. Moreover, we reflect on the further functionality which we would believe should be developed and included in MCDM packages. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] An Evaluation of How Well Research Reports Facilitate the Use of Findings in PracticeJOURNAL OF NURSING SCHOLARSHIP, Issue 2 2006Jennifer Leeman Purpose: To analyze how research is reported in journal publications as a potential barrier to use of research findings in practice. Design: Content analysis of 46 reports of diabetes self-management interventions published between 1993 and 2004. Methods: Data were extracted from the publications using a coding scheme based on concepts from Rogers' theory of the diffusion of innovations. Findings: Authors provided only some of the information potential users need to progress through Roger's stages of adopting an intervention and implementing it in practice. Authors provided only limited information on the target population; frequency, number, and duration of patient contacts; expertise and training required to deliver the intervention; intervention protocol; and the process of adapting and implementing interventions in practice settings. Conclusions: To close the gap between research and practice, authors should offer more information to help readers decide whether and how to adopt and implement interventions. [source] Preparing for the Future Through Genetics Nursing EducationJOURNAL OF NURSING SCHOLARSHIP, Issue 2 2001Jean F. Jenkins Purpose: To determine recommendations for curriculum change that are indicated by innovations in genetics. Methods: Both quantitative and qualitative. The sample (n = 356) consisted of nurses identified as experts in genetics (n = 228) and nurses identified as potential users of genetics education (n = 128). Nurses' opinions of core components of a genetics curriculum were elicited via a mailed survey questionnaire. Participants also provided demographic information and completed the Jones Innovativeness Scale (1997). Findings: Recommended content in genetics education for practicing nurses was identified by both groups of nurses. Innovativeness characterized 3% of the respondents. Ninety-eight percent of respondents said that adopting genetics education is important. In total, 398 items were identified as potential consequences of education that incorporates genetic information. Conclusions: Identified content provides a template for genetics education programs for nurses. Genetics nursing education was perceived to have positive outcomes for both nurses and clients. [source] How potential users of music search and retrieval systems describe the semantic quality of musicJOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR INFORMATION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, Issue 5 2008Micheline Lesaffre A large-scale study was set up aiming at the clarification of the influence of demographic and musical background on the semantic description of music. Our model for rating high-level music qualities distinguishes between affective/emotive, structural and kinaesthetic descriptors. The focus was on the understanding of the most important attributes of music in view of the development of efficient search and retrieval systems. We emphasized who the users of such systems are and how they describe their favorite music. Particular interest went to inter-subjective similarities among listeners. The results from our study suggest that gender, age, musical expertise, active musicianship, broadness of taste and familiarity with the music have an influence on the semantic description of music. [source] Voluntary After-Care and the Probation Service: A Case of Diminishing ResponsibilityTHE HOWARD JOURNAL OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE, Issue 3 2000Mike Maguire In a Home Office funded study of the voluntary after-care of short-term prisoners, the authors found that this area of probation service activity had decreased markedly in volume and perceived priority. This article explores the history of voluntary after-care; the reasons for its decline; the haracteristics and needs of potential users of this kind of service, and the manner in which it is still provided by some probation areas. Many short-term prisoners are recidivist offenders facing major social and personal difficulties, and it is argued that there are good reasons for making some provision for this group. [source] A probability and decision-model analysis of PROVOST seasonal multi-model ensemble integrationsTHE QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL METEOROLOGICAL SOCIETY, Issue 567 2000T. N. Palmer Abstract A probabilistic analysis is made of seasonal ensemble integrations from the PROVOST project (PRediction Of climate Variations On Seasonal to interannual Time-scales), with emphasis on the Brier score and related Murphy decomposition, and the relative operating characteristic. To illustrate the significance of these results to potential users, results from the analysis of the relative operating characteristic are input to a simple decision model. The decision-model analysis is used to define a user-specific objective measure of the economic value of seasonal forecasts. The analysis is made for two simple meteorological forecast conditions or ,events', E, based on 850 hPa temperature. The ensemble integrations result from integrating four different models over the period 1979,93. For each model a set of 9-member ensembles is generated by running from consecutive analyses. Results from the Brier skill score analysis taken over all northern hemisphere grid points indicate that, whilst the skill of individual-model ensembles is only marginally higher than a probabilistic forecast of climatological frequencies, the multi-model ensemble is substantially more skilful than climatology. Both reliability and resolution are better for the multi-model ensemble than for the individual-model ensembles. This improvement arises both from the use of different models in the ensemble, and from the enhanced ensemble size obtained by combining individual-model ensembles; the latter reason was found to be the more important. Brier skill scores are higher for years in which there were moderate or strong El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events. Over Europe, only the multi-model ensembles showed skill over climatology. Similar conclusions are reached from an analysis of the relative operating characteristic. Results from the decision-model analysis show that the economic value of seasonal forecasts is strongly dependent on the cost, C, to the user of taking precautionary action against E, in relation to the potential loss, L, if precautionary action is not taken and E occurs. However, based on the multi-model ensemble data, the economic value can be as much as 50% of the value of a hypothetical perfect deterministic forecast. For the hemisphere as a whole, value is enhanced by restriction to ENSO years. It is shown that there is potential economic value in seasonal forecasts for European users. However, the impact of ENSO on economic value over Europe is mixed; value is enhanced by El Niño only for some potential users with specific C/L. The techniques developed are applicable to complex E for arbitrary regions. Hence these techniques are proposed as the basis of an objective probabilistic and decision-model evaluation of operational seasonal ensemble forecasts. [source] On vital aid: the why, what and how of validationACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION D, Issue 2 2009Gerard J. Kleywegt Limitations to the data and subjectivity in the structure-determination process may cause errors in macromolecular crystal structures. Appropriate validation techniques may be used to reveal problems in structures, ideally before they are analysed, published or deposited. Additionally, such techniques may be used a posteriori to assess the (relative) merits of a model by potential users. Weak validation methods and statistics assess how well a model reproduces the information that was used in its construction (i.e. experimental data and prior knowledge). Strong methods and statistics, on the other hand, test how well a model predicts data or information that were not used in the structure-determination process. These may be data that were excluded from the process on purpose, general knowledge about macromolecular structure, information about the biological role and biochemical activity of the molecule under study or its mutants or complexes and predictions that are based on the model and that can be tested experimentally. [source] Operational teledermatology in Broken Hill, rural AustraliaAUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 3 2005Adrian See SUMMARY From January 2001 to January 2002, Broken Hill, New South Wales, served as a trial site for teledermatology as one method of access to dermatologists. Fourteen participating general practitioners referred 46 patients making up 48 teledermatology cases. The mean diagnostic agreement between general practitioners and dermatologists was 35% and 50% for primary and differential diagnoses, respectively. Teledermatology patients formed 12% of the collectively referred dermatology patients (outpatients and teledermatology). In this project, high patient and general practitioner acceptability and positive medical outcomes confirm the value of rural teledermatology. However, this project also revealed unexpected barriers and pitfalls in the effective operation of rural teledermatology. Lack of education of participants, inertia among potential users and patient inconvenience are issues that may adversely affect the effective implementation of rural teledermatology. [source] The learning credit card: A tool for managing personal development,BRITISH JOURNAL OF EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY, Issue 2 2008Nick Rushby This is the report of a five month study, undertaken by Sundridge Park Training Technologies in association with Guildford Educational Services to assess the potential of smart card technology to support learning and the management of learning. The study had two strands,the state of the art of the technology and its potential for supporting, delivering and managing learning. In addition to a study of the literature and extensive discussions with people using smart cards, potential users of smart card and visionaries, the project team developed two illustrative systems using cards to store personal data relating to education and training. The term ,smart card' is often used loosely to describe three different types of card, each of which is similar in general shape and size to a traditional credit card. These are: memory cards, laser cards,and true smart cards incorporating a processor and memory. This study has been concerned with memory cards and smart cards. The focus for smart card applications has been predominantly financial: there are relatively few applications in education or training. A notable exception is the large scale project at the University of Bologna which uses smart cards to manage the progress and achievements of a large number of students in the Department of Electronics. The two illustrative systems provided valuable experience of using memory cards and smart cards in quasi-real education and training applications. They highlighted the problems of limited memory capacities and confirmed the high level of user acceptance reported by other trials. We can expect considerable advances in the technology of both memory cards and smart cards over the next months and years. The memory capacities of both types of cards will increase many-fold and the unit costs will fall as large quantities of cards are produced for financial applications. Education and training applications will benefit from this expanding market. The major surprise from the study was the level of interest in the work and the enthusiasm expressed by almost all of those who came to hear of it. The general level of awareness of smart card technology was found to be low. However, the requirement for a system which will enable individuals to manage and own their learning on an extended timescale was generally recognised. Some of the possible applications for smart cards and memory cards in education and training had emerged before the official start of the study and it is clear that the technology is potentially pervasive. The project team and those consulted identified a wide range of possible applications both in education and in training. These focussed on assessment, personal course planning and management, identification of relevant learning opportunities, and the ownership of learning. It was felt that, over the next few years, smart cards are very likely to be in common use as credit cards for financial applications. Therefore, their use for education and training should be planned now. The recommendations from the study are that: More detailed studies are needed to find out how smart cards and memory cards could be used by different organisations in a fully operational system; Standards should be established for smart card applications in education and training, similar to those governing financial applications; Applications should be developed after the standards have been established. To be convincing, these should take a case study approach with small pilot studies in a variety of contexts and must follow real needs rather than attempt to drive them; The case studies would then form the basis for a campaign to increase awareness of smart cards and their potential for education and training, together with a programme for building an infrastructure to support the proposed systems. The public sector should fund the task of developing standards and providing interfaces with existing educational systems and projects to demonstrate the feasibility of various applications. Since educational standards have a European dimension, the European Community may be a source of support for work in the area of standards. At the same time, private sector funding should be sought for skill development and career development systems in industry and in education. The Training Agency itself should consider the application of smart card technology to the control and management of the Youth Training Scheme (YTS). [source] Quantitative Reflection Interference Contrast Microscopy (RICM) in Soft Matter and Cell AdhesionCHEMPHYSCHEM, Issue 16 2009Laurent Limozin Dr. Abstract Adhesion can be quantified by measuring the distance between the interacting surfaces. Reflection interference contrast microscopy (RICM), with its ability to measure inter-surface distances under water with nanometric precision and milliseconds time resolution, is ideally suited to studying the dynamics of adhesion in soft systems. Recent technical developments, which include innovative image analysis and the use of multi-coloured illumination, have led to renewed interest in this technique. Unambiguous quantitative measurements have been achieved for colloidal beads and model membranes, thus revealing new insights and applications. Quantification of data from cells shows exciting prospects. Herein, we review the basic principles and recent developments of RICM applied to studies of dynamical adhesion processes in soft matter and cell biology and provide practical hints to potential users. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||