Data bases and data base systems related to NASA's Aerospace Program: A bibliography with indexes

This bibliography lists 641 reports, articles, and other documents introduced into the NASA scientific and technical information system during the period January 1, 1981 through June 30, 1982. The directory was compiled to assist in the location of numerical and factual data bases and data base handling and management systems

First CLIPS Conference Proceedings, volume 2

The topics of volume 2 of First CLIPS Conference are associated with following applications: quality control; intelligent data bases and networks; Space Station Freedom; Space Shuttle and satellite; user interface; artificial neural systems and fuzzy logic; parallel and distributed processing; enchancements to CLIPS; aerospace; simulation and defense; advisory systems and tutors; and intelligent control

CIRA annual report FY 2017/2018

Reporting period April 1, 2017-March 31, 2018

Teaching Visual Effects for Audiovisual Production using Digital Learning Objects

This Ph.D. research deals with the production of a digital learning object (DLO) to aid teaching activity, more specifically in the execution of practical exercises for the production of visual effects (VFX) in audiovisual in higher education courses. The study performs a literature review on the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in education, Learning Objects (LOs), Digital Learning Objects (DLOs), and Blended Learning (BL). In the research, it seeks to understand the methods and procedures of design, implementation, evaluation, and validation of such technologies to be able to apply to the prototype to be developed. It presents the stages of development of the prototype and all the challenges faced for its realization. With the fully functional tool already developed and tested, the methodological procedures used for its use and evaluation are demonstrated. The field research is reported and documented, presenting the results achieved. Forms were used with students participating in the research, in addition to blind analysis of the practical work they developed. Such data are analyzed and the reflections and contributions from this whole experimentation process are presented. It was possible to conclude that the tool (DLO) designed managed to achieve its objectives and answer the research questions that fostered it, having been considered by the participants as useful, motivating, and functional in helping the learning process. The blind analysis undertaken did not show significant differences between the control and test groups in the quality of the work performed, however, it evidenced the possibility of using other methodologies in conjunction with those used, to improve future research. It is believed that all the discussion and experimentation carried out and documented reaches its objectives positively and demonstrates its contribution in to assist in the scientific discussion about the pedagogical effectiveness of DLOs, create an unprecedented DLO, in addition to presenting the DLOs production methodologies used.Esta pesquisa de doutoramento trata sobre a produção de um objeto de aprendizagem digital para o auxílio à atividade docente, mais especificamente na execução de exercícios práticos para a produção de efeitos visuais em audiovisual em cursos de nível superior. O estudo realiza uma revisão da literatura sobre o uso de Tecnologias da Informação e Comunicação na educação, objetos de aprendizagem, objetos de aprendizagem digitais e aprendizagem combinada. Na investigação, busca compreender os métodos e procedimentos de design, implementação, avaliação e validação de tais tecnologias para aplicar ao protótipo a ser desenvolvido. Apresenta as etapas de desenvolvimento do protótipo e todos os desafios enfrentados para sua concretização. Com a ferramenta totalmente funcional já desenvolvida e testada, são demonstrados os procedimentos metodológicos utilizados para seu uso e avaliação. A pesquisa de campo encontra-se relatada e documentada, apresentando os resultados alcançados. Foram utilizados formulários com os alunos participantes da pesquisa, além de análise cega sobre os trabalhos práticos por eles desenvolvidos. Tais dados são analisados e apresentadas as reflexões e contribuições advindas de todo este processo de experimentação. Foi possível concluir que a ferramenta (objeto de aprendizagem digital) projetada conseguiu atingir seus objetivos e responder às perguntas de pesquisa que o fomentou, tendo sido considerada pelos participantes como útil, motivadora e funcional para o auxílio do processo de aprendizagem. A análise cega empreendida não demonstrou diferenças significativas entre os grupos controle e teste na qualidade dos trabalhos executados, contudo, evidenciou a possibilidade de utilização de outras metodologias em conjunto com as utilizadas, para aprimoramento de pesquisas futuras. Acredita-se que toda a discussão e experimentação realizada e documentada atinge positivamente seus objetivos e demonstra sua contribuição ao auxiliar na discussão científica sobre a efetividade pedagógica dos objetos de aprendizagem digitais, criar um destes objetos/software inédito, além de apresentar as metodologias de produção utilizadas

CIRA annual report FY 2015/2016

Reporting period April 1, 2015-March 31, 2016

Recent Developments in Smart Healthcare

Medicine is undergoing a sector-wide transformation thanks to the advances in computing and networking technologies. Healthcare is changing from reactive and hospital-centered to preventive and personalized, from disease focused to well-being centered. In essence, the healthcare systems, as well as fundamental medicine research, are becoming smarter. We anticipate significant improvements in areas ranging from molecular genomics and proteomics to decision support for healthcare professionals through big data analytics, to support behavior changes through technology-enabled self-management, and social and motivational support. Furthermore, with smart technologies, healthcare delivery could also be made more efficient, higher quality, and lower cost. In this special issue, we received a total 45 submissions and accepted 19 outstanding papers that roughly span across several interesting topics on smart healthcare, including public health, health information technology (Health IT), and smart medicine