A review of GIS-based information sharing systems

GIS-based information sharing systems have been implemented in many of England and Wales' Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships (CDRPs). The information sharing role of these systems is seen as being vital to help in the review of crime, disorder and misuse of drugs; to sustain strategic objectives, to monitor interventions and initiatives; and support action plans for service delivery. This evaluation into these systems aimed to identify the lessons learned from existing systems, identify how these systems can be best used to support the business functions of CDRPs, identify common weaknesses across the systems, and produce guidelines on how these systems should be further developed. At present there are in excess of 20 major systems distributed across England and Wales. This evaluation considered a representative sample of ten systems. To date, little documented evidence has been collected by the systems that demonstrate the direct impact they are having in reducing crime and disorder, and the misuse of drugs. All point to how they are contributing to more effective partnership working, but all systems must be encouraged to record how they are contributing to improving community safety. Demonstrating this impact will help them to assure their future role in their CDRPs. By reviewing the systems wholly, several key ingredients were identified that were evident in contributing to the effectiveness of these systems. These included the need for an effective partnership business model within which the system operates, and the generation of good quality multi-agency intelligence products from the system. In helping to determine the future development of GIS-based information sharing systems, four key community safety partnership business service functions have been identified that these systems can most effectively support. These functions support the performance review requirements of CDRPs, operate a problem solving scanning and analysis role, and offer an interface with the public. By following these business service functions as a template will provide for a more effective application of these systems nationally

Measures to eradicate multidrug-resistant organism outbreaks: How much does it cost?

This study aimed to assess the economic burden of infection control measures that succeeded in eradicating multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) in emerging epidemic contexts in hospital settings. The MEDLINE, EMBASE and Ovid databases were systematically interrogated for original English-language articles detailing costs associated with strict measures to eradicate MDROs published between 1 January 1974 and 2 November 2014. This study was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. Overall, 13 original articles were retrieved reporting data on several MDROs, including glycopeptide-resistant enterococci (n = 5), carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriacae (n = 1), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (n = 5), and carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (n = 2). Overall, the cost of strict measures to eradicate MDROs ranged from €285 to €57 532 per positive patient. The major component of these overall costs was related to interruption of new admissions, representing €2466 to €47 093 per positive patient (69% of the overall mean cost; range, 13-100%), followed by mean laboratory costs of €628 to €5849 (24%; range, 3.3-56.7%), staff reinforcement costs of €6204 to €148 381 (22%; range, 3.3-52%), and contact precautions costs of €166 to €10 438 per positive patient (18%; range, 0.7-43.3%). Published data on the economic burden of strict measures to eradicate MDROs are limited, heterogeneous, and weakened by several methodological flaws. Novel economic studies should be performed to assess the financial impact of current policies, and to identify the most cost-effective strategies to eradicate emerging MDROs in healthcare facilities

The Classic, Summer 2014

Zwemer View: Learning for Life: On Campus and Online; Around the Green: Top Prof; Racking up a Prize; In Box; Green Again; Diplomas in Hand; Degrees of Esteem; Award-Winning Design; Campus Life: Gennis; Year in Pictures; Carlson Internships; Under New Direction; Power Lunch; Demolition and Construction; Inspiring Community; Researching Aging; Stand for Freedom; Face Value: Laird Edman; Leaving a Legacy: Buffalo Doug, Clocking Out, A Tidy Career, Vehicle Wrangler, Information Sage; Red Zone; The Bultman Years; 1000 Words: Shutterbug; A Fresh View; Ministry in the National Parks; Inside the Ropes; Flexible Learning; Staying in the Game; Grand Slam; Road Work; On Display; Red Ties; Class Notes; New Arrivals; Marriages; In Memoriam; Classic Thoughts: Pushing Back Against Bullying; Cutting the Cordshttps://nwcommons.nwciowa.edu/classic2010/1014/thumbnail.jp

Digital Literacy: The Impact of a Blended Learning Model on Student Motivation and Achievement

Educators continue to search for a balance between preparing students for a marketable future and integrating face-to-face instruction. Many factors influence various educational models related to best instructional methodologies. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between student perceptions regarding student motivation to read and the corresponding effect on student achievement within a blended learning environment. This mixed methods study determined whether the use of digital collaborative learning, as it applies to literacy, within a blended learning environment would have any corresponding effects on student motivation and achievement. Participants included fifth-grade students at the elementary level and students enrolled in a teacher cadet course at the secondary level. Quantitative data were analyzed using paired t tests, while qualitative data were coded for themes. The results of the study led to a revised conceptual framework that included a personalized learning component. A key finding emerged at the conclusion of the study: Data indicated increased levels of engagement and overall enthusiasm for reading in a blended learning environment. Two secondary findings included: The teacher cadets believed the use of digital collaborative literacy in a blended learning environment served to provide students with an individualized, targeted focus on reading instruction and a significant difference existed in participant pre and posttest scores, with student levels of achievement having increased at the conclusion of the study. The results of the study indicate the use of digital collaborative literacy within a blended learning environment has a direct impact on student motivation, engagement, and achievement

An Autonomous Human Following Caddie Robot with High-Level Driving Functions

Nowadays, mobile robot platforms are utilized in various fields not only for transportation but also for other diverse services such as industrial, medical and, sports, etc. Mobile robots are also an emerging application as sports field robots, where they can help serve players or even play the games. In this paper, a novel caddie robot which can autonomously follow the golfer as well as provide useful information such as golf course navigation system and weather updates, is introduced. The locomotion of the caddie robot is designed with two modes: autonomous human following mode and manual driving mode. The transition between each mode can be achieved manually or by an algorithm based on the velocity, heading angle, and inclination of the ground surface. Moreover, the transition to manual mode is activated after a caddie robot has recognized the human intention input by hand. In addition, the advanced control algorithm along with a trajectory generator for the caddie robot are developed taking into consideration the locomotion modes. Experimental results show that the proposed strategies to drive various operating modes are efficient and the robot is verified to be utilized in the golf course. © 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.1

ACIS 2013: Information systems: Transforming the Future: Proceedings of the 24th Australasian Conference on Information Systems

Edited volume of the ACIS 2013 conference proceedings. Reproduced with kind permission from the copyright owner

Artificial intelligence and automation in endoscopy and surgery

Modern endoscopy relies on digital technology, from high-resolution imaging sensors and displays to electronics connecting configurable illumination and actuation systems for robotic articulation. In addition to enabling more effective diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, the digitization of the procedural toolset enables video data capture of the internal human anatomy at unprecedented levels. Interventional video data encapsulate functional and structural information about a patient’s anatomy as well as events, activity and action logs about the surgical process. This detailed but difficult-to-interpret record from endoscopic procedures can be linked to preoperative and postoperative records or patient imaging information. Rapid advances in artificial intelligence, especially in supervised deep learning, can utilize data from endoscopic procedures to develop systems for assisting procedures leading to computer-assisted interventions that can enable better navigation during procedures, automation of image interpretation and robotically assisted tool manipulation. In this Perspective, we summarize state-of-the-art artificial intelligence for computer-assisted interventions in gastroenterology and surgery

E-learning and development of key competencies : a bibliometric study

El aprendizaje electrónico (e-learning) es una modalidad educativa que vertebra, a través de diferentes herramientas y metodologías, el aprendizaje mediado por las tecnologías. Este estudio pretende, a partir de esta idea, revisar el impacto del aprendizaje electrónico en el desarrollo de las competencias clave desde un punto de vista bibliométrico y de contenido. Para ello, se analiza la producción científica relativa a estudios donde esta modalidad está al servicio del desarrollo de estas competencias, reflexionando así sobre los beneficios de los entornos flexibles y abiertos. Concretamente, se han analizado 255 artículos disponibles en la base de datos Scopus, bajo el criterio temporal de publicación en la última década. Los resultados muestran que ha habido un incremento de la producción científica sobre la modalidad e-learning en los últimos años (especialmente en España y Estados Unidos), habitualmente en coautoría y con un limitado impacto en cuanto al número de citas. Asimismo, los estudios suelen vincularse a la etapa de Educación Superior, donde este tipo de acciones formativas suelen ser más habituales. Por último, el análisis de contenido ha permitido identificar diferentes conceptos vinculados, así como el potencial del e-learning para el desarrollo de competencias como el pensamiento crítico y las habilidades comunicativas, mientras que se critica su capacidad para el desarrollo de competencias de índole social. The electronic-learning education model (e-learning) articulates technology-mediated learning using different tools and methodologies. Based on this idea, the present study aims at reviewing the impact of e-learning on the development of key competencies from a bibliometric and content point of view. To this end, we analyze the scientific production related to studies where this model is used to develop competencies, and reflect on the benefits of flexible and open environments. More specifically, we have analysed 255 papers available in the Scopus index, restricting the sample to texts published within the last decade. The results show that the scientific production about e-learning has increased in recent years (especially in Spain and the United States), usually in co-authorship and with a limited impact on the number of citations. Most studies are connected to higher education, where this sort of educational actions are much more common. Finally, the content analysis has allowed to identify different linked concepts, as well as the potential of e-learning for the development of competencies such as critical thinking and communicative skills. Conversely, its adequacy for the development of social competencies is often criticized

Origami in Design : How can origami inform the design of the kinetic façade system?

The present goal as a designer is to create a very thoughtful building that presents itself as a visual identity for our built environment. One of the intentions of the design is to not impact more into the co2 emissions. With 40 percent of the 75 percent annual global Greenhouse emissions coming from building operations, (Architecture 2030), we as designers must shift from a formal to a performance-based architecture. An architecture that instinctively addresses reduced energy consumption and therefore lower CO2 emissions through the integration of passive design strategies. In order to compete in a future with CO2 reduction, we must address building performance. This thesis will examine origami’s folding techniques and its kinetic potential within the integration of an architectural façade system. The goal is to create a climate responsive façade system that negates the use of energy while providing a better building performance. Some questions will arise such as can origami provide the necessary performance of architecture both visually and technically? Or can an origami inspired screening device be designed to kinetically shade a building and therefore decrease its energy consumption and inherently not affect CO2 emissions? My thesis will examine the multiple typologies and uses of origami with a degree of complexity. Initial experiments will address solar gain and daylighting, other experiments will address issues such as human comfort and visual appearance. These performances will then help guide us to innovative architectural solutions that question the typical design process. The result of the thesis will be a scaled origami system that will then be employed in a design project and ultimately be applied to real world applications