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Kinds of Packages Selected AbstractsSVG Linearization and AccessibilityCOMPUTER GRAPHICS FORUM, Issue 4 2002Ivan Herman Abstract The usage of SVG (Scaleable Vector Graphics) creates new possibilities as well as new challenges for theaccessibility of Web sites. This paper presents a metadata vocabulary to describe the information content ofan SVG file geared towards accessibility. When used with a suitable tool, this metadata description can helpin generating a textual ("linear") version of the content, which can be used for users with disabilities or withnon-visual devices. Although this paper concentrates on SVG, i.e. on graphics on the Web, the metadata approach and vocabularypresented below can be applied in relation to other technologies, too. Indeed, accessibility issues have a muchwider significance, and have an effect on areas like CAD, cartography, or information visualization. Hence, theexperiences of the work presented below may also be useful for practitioners in other areas. ACM CSS: I.3.4 Graphics Utilities,Graphics Packages, I.3.6 Methodology and Techniques,Graphics datastructures and data types, Standards, K.4.2 Social Issues,Assistive technologies for persons with disabilities [source] Nanosensor Design Packages: A Smart and Compact Development for Metal Ions Sensing Responses,ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 18 2007A. El-Safty Abstract With recent advances in mesostructured materials and nanotechnologies, new methods are emerging to design optical sensors and biosensors, and to develop highly sensitive solid sensors. Here, highly sensitive, low cost, simple nanosensor designs for naked-eye detection of toxic metal ions are successfully developed by the immobilization of commercially available ,,,,,,,-tetrakis(1-methylpyridinium-4-yl)porphine p -toluenesulfonate (TMPyP) and diphenylcarbazide (DPC), and chemically synthesized 4- n -dodecyl-6-(2-thiazolylazo) resorcinol (DTAR) and 4- n -dodecyl-6-(2-pyridylazo) phenol (DPAP) chromophore molecules into spherical nanosized cavities and surfaces. A rational strategy was crucial to develop optical nanosensors that can be used to control accurate recognition and signaling abilities of analyte species for ion-sensing purposes. This is the first reported evidence of the significant key factors of the development of receptors as ,indicator dyes' and surface-confinement materials as ,carriers' to broadening the applicability of optical chemical sensors for selective discrimination of trace levels of toxic analytes. In all the nanosensor design techniques presented here, a dense pattern of immobilized hydrophobic ,neutral' and hydrophilic ,charged' chromophores with intrinsic mobility, as a result of extremely robust constructed sequences on nanoscale structures, is a key to enhancing the sensing functionality of optical nanosensors. These nanosensor designs can be used as cage probe sinks with reliable control, for the first time, over the colorimetric recognition of cadmium ions to low levels of concentration in the range of 10,9 to 10,10M. Optimization of control sensing conditions is established to achieve enhanced signal response and color intensities. These chemical nanosensors are reversible and have the potential to serve effectively in on-site field analysis of environmental samples, which eliminates the necessity for instrument-dependent analysis. Moreover, these new classes of optical cage sensors exhibit long-term stability of signaling and recognition functionalities that in general provide extraordinary sensitivity, selectivity, reusability, and fast kinetic detection and quantification of various deleterious metal ions in our environment. [source] Researching Internet-Based Populations: Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Survey Research, Online Questionnaire Authoring Software Packages, and Web Survey ServicesJOURNAL OF COMPUTER-MEDIATED COMMUNICATION, Issue 3 2005Kevin B. Wright This article examines some advantages and disadvantages of conducting online survey research. It explores current features, issues, pricing, and limitations associated with products and services, such as online questionnaire features and services to facilitate the online survey process, such as those offered by web survey businesses. The review shows that current online survey products and services can vary considerably in terms of available features, consumer costs, and limitations. It is concluded that online survey researchers should conduct a careful assessment of their research goals, research timeline, and financial situation before choosing a specific product or service. [source] COMPARISON OF ANOLYTE AND CHLORINATED WATER AS A DISINFECTING DIPPING TREATMENT FOR STORED CARROTSJOURNAL OF FOOD QUALITY, Issue 6 2003TILAHUN SEYOUM WORKNEH Packages of carrots were stored at 1 ± 0.5C and ambient temperature (17.5,31.4C). The anolyte water dipping treatment was found to be as effective as chlorinated solutions in controlling growth of aerobic bacteria, molds, yeasts and coliform bacteria during storage. There were no significant differences (P < 0.05) in microbiological changes on carrots dipped in anolyte water for 5, 10, and 20 min. Exposure of carrots to anolyte water for as short as 5 min can be used effectively to reduce and limit growth of aerobic bacteria, molds, yeasts and coliform bacteria. Losses in firmness and physiological weight were higher in carrots dipped in chlorinated water. Anolyte water treatments had no effect on total soluble solid content, pH value, firmness and the overall visual appearance of carrots. [source] Application of,Gelidium corneum,Edible Films Containing Carvacrol for Ham PackagesJOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 1 2010G.O. Lim ABSTRACT:, We prepared an edible film of,Gelidium corneum,(GC) containing carvacrol as an antimicrobial and antioxidative agent. The GC film containing carvacrol significantly decreased the WVP, while TS and %E values were increased, compared to the film without carvacrol. Increasing amounts of an antimicrobial agent increased antimicrobial activity against,Escherichia coli,O157:H7 and,Listeria monocytogenes. Application of the film to ham packaging successfully inhibited the microbial growth and lipid oxidation of ham during storage. Our results indicate that GC film can be a useful edible packaging material for food products, and the incorporation of carvacrol in the GC film may extend the shelf life. [source] Measurement and analysis of ,small' packages in next-day air shipmentsPACKAGING TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCE, Issue 1 2010S. P. Singh Abstract Packaged goods are shipped globally using various means of transportation. Over the past two decades, there has been a continuous increase in studies that measure and analyse dynamic events that occur to packages during transportation and handling. These data offer useful information to design and test packages, and provide protection from potential hazards like drops and impacts. However, none of the past studies are directed towards single packages regarded as ,smalls'. ,Smalls' or small-package product systems are defined as those with volume of less than 0.013,m3, a longest dimension of 0.356,m and a weight of 4.54,kg or less. Packages that qualify for these specifications are often mixed together in a large carrying bag and handled with other single parcel shipments. This study measured and analysed the effect of moving this category of single packages through expedited shipments in the USA. The results showed that these packages experienced as many as 27 events comprising of drops or tosses in a one-way shipment, and a maximum of 5.01,m of near-zero G travel distance representing long ,tosses'. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Packages of care must reflect the link between diabetes and renal diseasePRACTICAL DIABETES INTERNATIONAL (INCORPORATING CARDIABETES), Issue 1 2006Karen Marchant Lead Renal Diabetes Clinical Nurse SpecialistArticle first published online: 10 MAR 200 No abstract is available for this article. [source] Politically-Connected Boards and the Structure of Chief Executive Officer Compensation Packages in Taiwanese Firms,ASIA-PACIFIC JOURNAL OF FINANCIAL STUDIES, Issue 5 2010Hsin-Yi Yu G32; G34; J33 Abstract This paper examines the relationship between the level of political connection of the board and chief executive officer (CEO) equity-based compensation. Using a sample of Taiwanese firms, the paper provides evidence that politically connected boards grant a lower proportion of equity-based compensation to CEOs. Political intervention can reduce the proportion of equity-based compensation and, thereby, can have negative consequences for the alignment between the interests of CEOs and shareholders in firms. The findings obtained in this paper could be useful to policy-makers in emerging economies, where there is wide scope for political intervention. [source] A comparative study of 3D scanning in engineering, product and transport design and fashion design educationCOMPUTER APPLICATIONS IN ENGINEERING EDUCATION, Issue 3 2009A. Kus Abstract The aim of this paper is to evaluate the use of three-dimensional (3D) scanning technologies for design and engineering courses. This paper will provide a comparative discussion of the current 3D scanning technologies; and then describes three experimental studies in engineering, transport design and fashion design. Using 3D scanner technology the experiments tested the transferral of a variety of different data from scanned organic 3D shapes to 3D CAD packages for learning and teaching in undergraduate education. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 17: 263,271, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com); DOI 10.1002/cae.20213 [source] Animated instructional software for mechanics of materials: Implementation and assessmentCOMPUTER APPLICATIONS IN ENGINEERING EDUCATION, Issue 1 2006Timothy A. Philpot Abstract During the past 3 years, the Basic Engineering Department at the University of Missouri, Rolla has been developing a second-generation suite of instructional software called MecMovies for the Mechanics of Materials course. The MecMovies suite consists of over 110 animated example problems, drill-and-practice games, and interactive exercises. Students generally respond favorably to software of this type; however, much of the data that has been gathered to assess the effectiveness of similar software has been anecdotal. The method by which instructional software is incorporated into the engineering class is partly responsible for this lack of systematic evaluation. Often, software packages have been implemented in the classroom as supplemental material,recommended but not required. In the Fall 2003 semester, MecMovies was integrated thoroughly into the course assignments for one of the six UMR Mechanics of Materials sections. Four professors were involved in the study, and student performance in the experimental MecMovies section was compared to performance in the five control sections through a common final exam. At the end of the semester, students who used the MecMovies software also completed a survey questionnaire consisting of a number of subjective rating items. This paper presents a comparison of student performance in the experimental and control sections along with discussion of student qualitative ratings and comments. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 14: 31,43, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com); DOI 10.1002/cae.20065 [source] A reference model for grid architectures and its validationCONCURRENCY AND COMPUTATION: PRACTICE & EXPERIENCE, Issue 11 2010Wil van der Aalst Abstract Computing and data-intensive applications in physics, medicine, biology, graphics, and business intelligence require large and distributed infrastructures to address the challenges of the present and the future. For example, process mining applications are faced with terrabytes of event data and computationally expensive algorithms. Computer grids are increasingly being used to deal with such challenges. However, grid computing is often approached in an ad hoc and engineering-like manner. Despite the availability of many software packages for grid applications, a good conceptual model of the grid is missing. This paper provides a formal description of the grid in terms of a colored Petri net (CPN). This CPN can be seen as a reference model for grids as it clarifies the basic concepts at the conceptual level. Moreover, the CPN allows for various kinds of analyses ranging from verification to performance analysis. We validate our model based on real-life experiments using a testbed grid architecture available in our group and we show how the model can be used for the estimation of throughput times for scientific workflows. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Usability levels for sparse linear algebra components,CONCURRENCY AND COMPUTATION: PRACTICE & EXPERIENCE, Issue 12 2008M. Sosonkina Abstract Sparse matrix computations are ubiquitous in high-performance computing applications and often are their most computationally intensive part. In particular, efficient solution of large-scale linear systems may drastically improve the overall application performance. Thus, the choice and implementation of the linear system solver are of paramount importance. It is difficult, however, to navigate through a multitude of available solver packages and to tune their performance to the problem at hand, mainly because of the plethora of interfaces, each requiring application adaptations to match the specifics of solver packages. For example, different ways of setting parameters and a variety of sparse matrix formats hinder smooth interactions of sparse matrix computations with user applications. In this paper, interfaces designed for components that encapsulate sparse matrix computations are discussed in the light of their matching with application usability requirements. Consequently, we distinguish three levels of interfaces, high, medium, and low, corresponding to the degree of user involvement in the linear system solution process and in sparse matrix manipulations. We demonstrate when each interface design choice is applicable and how it may be used to further users' scientific goals. Component computational overheads caused by various design choices are also examined, ranging from low level, for matrix manipulation components, to high level, in which a single component contains the entire linear system solver. Published in 2007 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] A study into the feasibility of using two parallel sparse direct solvers for the Helmholtz equation on Linux clustersCONCURRENCY AND COMPUTATION: PRACTICE & EXPERIENCE, Issue 7 2006G. Z. M. Berglund Abstract Two state-of-the-art parallel software packages for the direct solution of sparse linear systems based on LU-decomposition, MUMPS and SuperLU_DIST have been tested as black-box solvers on problems derived from finite difference discretizations of the Helmholtz equation. The target architecture has been Linux clusters, for which no consistent set of tests of the algorithms implemented in these packages has been published. The investigation consists of series of memory and time scalability checks and has focused on examining the applicability of the algorithms when processing very large sparse matrices on Linux cluster platforms. Special emphasis has been put on monitoring the behaviour of the packages when the equation systems need to be solved for multiple right-hand sides, which is the case, for instance, when modelling a seismic survey. The outcome of the tests points at poor efficiency of the tested algorithms during application of the LU-factors in the solution phase on this type of architecture, where the communication acts as an impasse. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Analysing the Java package/access concepts in Isabelle/HOLCONCURRENCY AND COMPUTATION: PRACTICE & EXPERIENCE, Issue 7 2004Norbert Schirmer Abstract Java access modifiers and packages provide a mechanism to restrict access to members and types, as an additional means of information hiding beyond the purely object-oriented concept of classes. In this paper we clarify the semantics of access modifiers and packages by adding them to our formal model of Java in the theorem prover Isabelle/HOL. We analyse which properties we can rely on at runtime, provided that the program has passed the static accessibility tests. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Extensions of the 3-Dimensional Plasma Transport Code E3DCONTRIBUTIONS TO PLASMA PHYSICS, Issue 1-3 2004A. Runov Abstract One important aspect of modern fusion research is plasma edge physics. Fluid transport codes extending beyond the standard 2-D code packages like B2-Eirene or UEDGE are under development. A 3-dimensional plasma fluid code, E3D, based upon the Multiple Coordinate System Approach and a Monte Carlo integration procedure has been developed for general magnetic configurations including ergodic regions. These local magnetic coordinates lead to a full metric tensor which accurately accounts for all transport terms in the equations. Here, we discuss new computational aspects of the realization of the algorithm. The main limitation to the Monte Carlo code efficiency comes from the restriction on the parallel jump of advancing test particles which must be small compared to the gradient length of the diffusion coefficient. In our problems, the parallel diffusion coefficient depends on both plasma and magnetic field parameters. Usually, the second dependence is much more critical. In order to allow long parallel jumps, this dependence can be eliminated in two steps: first, the longitudinal coordinate x3 of local magnetic coordinates is modified in such a way that in the new coordinate system the metric determinant and contra-variant components of the magnetic field scale along the magnetic field with powers of the magnetic field module (like in Boozer flux coordinates). Second, specific weights of the test particles are introduced. As a result of increased parallel jump length, the efficiency of the code is about two orders of magnitude better. (© 2004 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Will Executive Pay Globalise Along American Lines?CORPORATE GOVERNANCE, Issue 1 2003Brian R. Cheffins In the United States, the remuneration packages of top executives are characterised by a strong emphasis on pay,for,performance and by a highly lucrative "upside". There is much discussion of the possibility that executive pay practices will globalise in accordance with this pattern. This paper assesses whether such convergence is likely to occur. It does so by considering market,oriented dynamics that could constitute a "global compensation imperative". It also takes into account possible obstacles to the Americanisation of executive pay, such as legal regulation, "soft law" and "culture". The paper concludes with a brief series of normative observations. [source] Technology and innovation in the psychosocial treatment of methamphetamine use, risk and dependenceDRUG AND ALCOHOL REVIEW, Issue 3 2008FRANCES J. KAY-LAMBKIN Abstract Issues. The dramatic increase in methamphetamine use has led to the urgent need for high-quality, effective treatments and management strategies for methamphetamine use problems to be developed and disseminated. Although some evidence exists for the use of psychological, pharmacological and other approaches to treatment for problematic methamphetamine use, other evidence suggests that many methamphetamine users do not access these treatment options due to a range of individual and service-level barriers. Approach. A review of available research literature was undertaken to identify treatment strategies for methamphetamine users, which overcome the problems associated with treatment access for this important target group and involve technological and other innovative approaches. Key Findings. Several approaches to addressing problematic methamphetamine use have been suggested, including assertive engagement strategies, flexibility in the provision of treatment and retention strategies and use of a multi-focused intervention package, such as stepped care, perhaps including new technologies as alternatives or supplements to face-to-face-delivered treatments. No research currently exists to examine the possible benefit of these strategies for people with methamphetamine use problems. Implications. The use of stepped-care intervention packages has the potential to address many of the current challenges faced by both clinicians and clients in treating methamphetamine use problems. Conclusions. Although promising, these approaches require further attention and research effort, particularly among the specific group of methamphetamine users. [source] Six-month outcomes associated with a brief alcohol intervention for adult in-patients with psychiatric disordersDRUG AND ALCOHOL REVIEW, Issue 2 2002GARY K. HULSE Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the 6-month outcomes of a brief intervention to reduce alcohol consumption by psychiatric in-patients in the general hospital setting and following resolution of psychiatric morbidity. Patients from the psychiatric wards of three general hospitals were screened using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test. Of 144 people approached who matched the study criteria, 120 (83%) people aged 18,64 years (mean 31.7) were recruited. Participants were randomized to either a brief motivational interview or an information package to reduce alcohol consumption. Alcohol consumption was assessed as total weekly consumption and categorized on Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NH&MRC) criteria. We delivered 62 motivational interviews and 58 information packages. At the 6-month follow-up 83 (69%), participants were reassessed. Both groups had significantly reduced alcohol consumption. However, the motivation group had a significantly greater reduction in weekly consumption than the information group (F = 6.8, (1,65) p < 0.025) after controlling for age, sex, SCL-90-R GSI and alcohol dependence (and baseline alcohol consumption). A greater proportion of the motivation group compared to the information group also ,improved' in their classification on NH&MRC criteria (,2 = 7.3, df 1, p < 0.01). Brief interventions, especially motivational interviews, are effective in reducing alcohol use in persons with psychiatric disorders. They are effective across the mid-range of GSI severity scores for in-patients. Screening and brief interventions can and should be incorporated into the routine assessment and management in psychiatric units. [source] Do Proper Accommodation Assignments Make a Difference?EDUCATIONAL MEASUREMENT: ISSUES AND PRACTICE, Issue 3 2007Examining the Impact of Improved Decision Making on Scores for English Language Learners Does it matter if students are appropriately assigned to test accommodations? Using a randomized method, this study found that individual students assigned accommodations keyed to their particular needs were significantly more efficacious for English language learners (ELLs) and that little difference was reported between students receiving incomplete or not recommended accommodations and no accommodations whatsoever. A sample of third and fourth grade ELLs in South Carolina (N = 272) were randomly assigned to various types of test accommodations on a mathematics assessment. Results indicated that those students who received the appropriate test accommodations, as recommended by a version of a computerized accommodation taxonomy for ELLs (the selection taxonomy for English language learners accommodations; STELLA), had significantly higher test scores than ELLs who received no accommodations or those who received incomplete or not recommended accommodation packages. Additionally, students who were given no test accommodations scored no differently than those students that received accommodation packages that were incomplete or not recommended, given the students' particular needs and challenges. These findings are important in light of research and anecdotal reports that suggest a general lack of systematicity in the current system of assigning accommodations and a tendency to give all available accommodations regardless of individual child characteristics. The results also have important implications for how future accommodation research should be structured to determine the benefits of particular accommodations and accommodation packages. This study would suggest that control and treatment groups should be assembled based on specific student needs in order for direct comparisons to be made. [source] Paediatric emergency guidelines: Could one size fit all?EMERGENCY MEDICINE AUSTRALASIA, Issue 1 2009Sarah Dalton Abstract Objectives: The development of clinical practice guidelines (CPG) is a core task in EDs and CPGs are widely used. The process of CPGs development in Australian and New Zealand ED is unknown. We aim to describe this process in paediatric EDs and examine the feasibility of developing collaborative guidelines. Methods: A piloted questionnaire regarding CPG development, dissemination, implementation and evaluation was circulated to all 13 Paediatric Research in Emergency Departments International Collaborative (PREDICT) sites. Specific questions regarding feasibility of combined guidelines were included. Results: All PREDICT EDs participated in the survey. All used CPGs in EDs and 12/13 had ED-specific guidelines. EDs had an average of 77 guidelines with approximately 5 new guidelines generated annually. Staff at most sites (10/13) also accessed guidelines from external sources. Most hospitals (10/13) had a guideline committee, generally comprising of senior ED and general paediatric staff. Guidelines were usually written by committee members and 10/13 hospitals adopted modified external guidelines. An average committee met six times a year for 90 min and involved seven clinicians. Most sites did not have a project manager or dedicated secretarial support. Few hospitals included literature references (3/13) or levels of evidence (1/13) in their guidelines. Most did not consider implementation, evaluation or teaching packages. Most sites (10/13) supported the development of collaborative guidelines. Conclusions: Paediatric EDs expend significant resources to develop CPGs. Collaborative guidelines would likely decrease duplication of effort and increase the number of available, current and evidence-based CPGs. [source] Mortgage affinity programs can add value to employer benefit packagesEMPLOYMENT RELATIONS TODAY, Issue 4 2007John Stabb First page of article [source] Soil-solution speciation of CD as affected by soil characteristics in unpolluted and polluted soilsENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 3 2005Erik Meers Abstract Total metal content by itself is insufficient as a measure to indicate actual environmental risk. Understanding the mobility of heavy metals in the soil and their speciation in the soil solution is of great importance for accurately assessing environmental risks posed by these metals. In a first explorative study, the effects of general soil characteristics on Cd mobility were evaluated and expressed in the form of empirical formulations. The most important factors influencing mobility of Cd proved to be pH and total soil content. This may indicate that current legislation expressing the requirement for soil sanitation in Flanders (Belgium) as a function of total soil content, organic matter, and clay does not successfully reflect actual risks. Current legal frameworks focusing on total content, therefore, should be amended with criteria that are indicative of metal mobility and availability and are based on physicochemical soil properties. In addition, soil-solution speciation was performed using two independent software packages (Visual Minteq 2.23 and Windermere Humic Aqueous model VI [WHAM VI]). Both programs largely were in agreement in concern to Cd speciation in all 29 soils under study. Depending on soil type, free ion and the organically complexed forms were the most abundant species. Additional inorganic soluble species were sulfates and chlorides. Minor species in solution were in the form of nitrates, hydroxides, and carbonates, the relative importance of which was deemed insignificant in comparison to the four major species. [source] Antiepileptic Therapies in the Mifi Province in CameroonEPILEPSIA, Issue 4 2000P.-M. Preux Summary: Purpose: To evaluate the availability and accessibility of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in two health districts in Cameroon. Methods: The study included 33 patients with epilepsy, 26 physicians, 13 private pharmacists, eight hospital pharmacists, three distributors, and eight traditional healers. Structured questionnaires were used to assess the knowledge of the disease, treatment accessibility, the methods of prescriptions, and the availability and the frequency of delivery of drugs. Results: Only one of 33 patients did not take modern treatment; 91% of the patients were followed up by a traditional healer, and 78%, by an hospital physician. Phenobarbitone (PB) was the most frequently prescribed drug by 69% of the doctors; 54% of the physicians considered the traditional therapies to be incompatible with modern drug treatment. By pharmacists, PB was delivered regularly. Other drugs went out of stock frequently. The number of packages in stock varied significantly directly with the frequency of delivery. The mean price per package and the mean number of packages in stock were higher in the public hospital pharmacies than in the private pharmacies. A majority of healers explained epilepsy as the presence of excess foam in the abdomen. The remedies proposed were to stop foam secretion. Conclusions: Availability of AEDs was quite high, but with no strict correspondence between the rate of prescriptions and the supply of the drugs. [source] Is CEO Pay Really Inefficient?EUROPEAN FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT, Issue 3 2009A Survey of New Optimal Contracting Theories D2; D3; G34; J3 Abstract Bebchuk and Fried (2004) argue that executive compensation is set by CEOs themselves rather than boards on behalf of shareholders, since many features of observed pay packages may appear inconsistent with standard optimal contracting theories. However, it may be that simple models do not capture several complexities of real-life settings. This article surveys recent theories that extend traditional frameworks to incorporate these dimensions, and show that the above features can be fully consistent with efficiency. For example, optimal contracting theories can explain the recent rapid increase in pay, the low level of incentives and their negative scaling with firm size, pay-for-luck, the widespread use of options (as opposed to stock), severance pay and debt compensation, and the insensitivity of incentives to risk. [source] Learner-control vs. program-control instructional multimedia: a comparison of two interactions when teaching principles of orthodontic appliancesEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF DENTAL EDUCATION, Issue 4 2005M. Aly Abstract Background:, Many studies have compared computer assisted learning (CAL) to more traditional learning formats and have shown CAL to be as effective as or superior to the alternative resources. However, there are only scarce attempts to show which style of CAL leads to the best learning outcomes in orthodontics. Aim:, To compare the effectiveness of a learner-control (group A) vs. program-control (group B) multimedia learning environment courseware packages regarding knowledge, understanding and transfer of content when applied to teaching principles of orthodontic appliances to undergraduate students. Methods:, Pre- and post-test assessments of undergraduate dental students (n = 30) who either studied a learner-control multimedia learning environment courseware package (n = 15) or a program-control version (n = 15) on equivalent material of the orthodontic appliances curriculum. Both groups were evaluated by means of multiple-choice questions covering knowledge, understanding and application. A one-way ANOVA was carried out in order to check for statistical difference between the two groups. The P -value was set at 0.05. Results:, There was no difference in prior knowledge between both groups at baseline. Although, both groups significantly improved their scores after having studied the course, no significant difference was found between both groups in relation to answers to questions about knowledge, understanding and application. Conclusions:, In this study, the learner-control instructional multimedia program was found to be as effective as the program-control version when teaching principles of the orthodontic appliances to undergraduate students. The focus needs to be on improving the value of CAL. Comparative evaluations of how different CAL approaches compare with or complement one another are certainly needed. [source] Methodology for Thermomechanical Simulation and Validation of Mechanical Weld-Seam Properties,ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 3 2010Wolfgans Bleck A simulation and validation of the mechanical properties in submerged-arc-weld seams is presented, which combines numerical simulation of the thermal cycle in the weld using the SimWeld software with an annealing and testing procedure. The weld-seam geometry and thermal profile near the weld seam can be computed based on the simulation of an equivalent heat source describing the energy input and distribution in the weld seam. Defined temperature,time cycles are imposed on tensile specimens allowing for annealing experiments with fast cooling rates. The direct evaluation of welded structures and the simple generation of input data for mechanical simulations in FE software packages are possible. [source] Computational Methods for the Development of Polymeric BiomaterialsADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 1-2 2010Aurora D. Costache This review focuses on polymeric biomaterials and provides a selective overview of the computational modeling approaches used to predict their properties and biological responses. Also, a short overview of existing databases and software packages for the biomaterials field is presented. The review summarizes the research in this area since the year 2000. [source] Measuring Investment Distortions when Risk-Averse Managers Decide Whether to Undertake Risky ProjectsFINANCIAL MANAGEMENT, Issue 1 2005Robert Parrino We create a dynamic model in which a self-interested, risk-averse manager makes corporate investment decisions at a levered firm with characteristics typical of public US firms. We examine the magnitude of distortions in those decisions when a new project changes firm risk and find expected changes in the values of future tax shields and bankruptcy costs to be important factors. We evaluate the extent to which these distortions vary with firm leverage, debt duration, project size, managerial risk aversion, managerial non-firm wealth, and the structure of management compensation packages [source] Sequential methods and group sequential designs for comparative clinical trialsFUNDAMENTAL & CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 5 2003Véronique Sébille Abstract Comparative clinical trials are performed to assess whether a new treatment has superior efficacy than a placebo or a standard treatment (one-sided formulation) or whether two active treatments have different efficacies (two-sided formulation) in a given population. The reference approach is the single-stage design and the statistical test is performed after inclusion and evaluation of a predetermined sample size. In practice, the single-stage design is sometimes difficult to implement because of ethical concerns and/or economic reasons. Thus, specific early termination procedures have been developed to allow repeated statistical analyses to be performed on accumulating data and stop the trial as soon as the information is sufficient to conclude. Two main different approaches can be used. The first one is derived from strictly sequential methods and includes the sequential probability ratio test and the triangular test. The second one is derived from group sequential designs and includes Peto, Pocock, and O'Brien and Fleming methods, , and , spending functions, and one-parameter boundaries. We review all these methods and describe the bases on which they rely as well as their statistical properties. We also compare these methods and comment on their advantages and drawbacks. We present software packages which are available for the planning, monitoring and analysis of comparative clinical trials with these methods and discuss the practical problems encountered when using them. The latest versions of all these methods can offer substantial sample size reductions when compared with the single-stage design not only in the case of clear efficacy but also in the case of complete lack of efficacy of the new treatment. The software packages make their use quite simple. However, it has to be stressed that using these methods requires efficient logistics with real-time data monitoring and, apart from survival studies or long-term clinical trials with censored endpoints, is most appropriate when the endpoint is obtained quickly when compared with the recruitment rate. [source] Implementing Spatial Data Analysis Software Tools in RGEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS, Issue 1 2006Roger Bivand This article reports on work in progress on the implementation of functions for spatial statistical analysis, in particular of lattice/area data in the R language environment. The underlying spatial weights matrix classes, as well as methods for deriving them from data from commonly used geographical information systems are presented, handled using other contributed R packages. Since the initial release of some functions in 2001, and the release of the spdep package in 2002, experience has been gained in the use of various functions. The topics covered are the ingestion of positional data, exploratory data analysis of positional, attribute, and neighborhood data, and hypothesis testing of autocorrelation for univariate data. It also provides information about community building in using R for analyzing spatial data. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||