Assessing the impact of modeling limits on intelligent systems

The knowledge bases underlying intelligent systems are validated. A general conceptual framework is provided for considering the roles in intelligent systems of models of physical, behavioral, and operational phenomena. A methodology is described for identifying limits in particular intelligent systems, and the use of the methodology is illustrated via an experimental evaluation of the pilot-vehicle interface within the Pilot's Associate. The requirements and functionality are outlined for a computer based knowledge engineering environment which would embody the approach advocated and illustrated in earlier discussions. Issues considered include the specific benefits of this functionality, the potential breadth of applicability, and technical feasibility

Grit Associated with New Graduate Registered Nurse Initial Competency

The delivery of highly reliable health care is in jeopardy as many new graduate registered nurses (NGRNs) enter clinical roles under-prepared for demands of professional practice. Identifying and addressing challenges to safe practice early in the onboarding process were paramount for patient safety at a large Midwestern healthcare system (HCS). Post-hire and pre-practice Performance Based Development System (PBDS) assessments were administered to more than 7,600 NGRNs between January 2011 and December 2018. Only 19% of NGRNs demonstrated entry-level competencies and practice readiness; 26% were unsafe for novice independent practice. Data analysis revealed no differences in competence ratings by nursing degree or program type. Factors that drive or support NGRN competency (other than intelligence), such as Grit, defined as passion and perseverance for long-term goals, were unknown. Self-determination theory was used as the theoretical framework to underpin the study. This quantitative, non-experimental, correlational study sought to explore if there is a relationship between Grit, as measured by the original 12 item Grit scale (Grit-O), and initial competency of NGRNs based on PBDS assessment groupings of low, medium, and high competency to practice. The study used de-identified retrospective data collected as part of the onboarding process for NGRNs hired between July and December of 2018. The independent predictor variable was level of Grit as measured by the self-reported Grit-O scale. The dependent variable was initial competency/practice readiness as measured by PBDS. In data analysis, Grit was not a predictor of NGRN initial competence or practice readiness as measured by PBDS (p-value 0.77)

Business relationships in the automotive and component industries in Portugal

Partnering has been the most commonly used term to describe collaboration between a buyer and its direct supplier. The automotive industry has been the basis for the development of most studies on the subject. Despite the many studies on partnering, some people share the view that largely missing from the literature is a clear definition of this concept and of how it operates within dyadic (i.e. between a buyer and its direct suppliers), network and firm contexts. This is found to be particularly important if automotive companies geographically spread in the globe are to be properly managed. The purpose of the research presented in this thesis was to explore inter-firm collaboration and partnering between a subsidiary of a motor vehicle manufacturer and its direct suppliers, taking into account the ownership ties of firms, such as those of multinational corporations (MNCs). The objective was to generate new knowledge on how inter-firm collaboration and partnering operate and on the factors that influence the business relationships that are established between the referred companies. The researcher followed a single case study research strategy in order to develop a new and empirically grounded understanding, while favouring contextualisation and complexity. The researcher adopted a triangulated research design in which quantitative and qualitative data were gathered in two stages, through a self-administered mailed questionnaire and in-depth interviews, respectively. The findings suggest that: (a) relationships can be characterised by several dimensions, (i.e. commitment, trust, win-win, long-term orientation, co-ordination, joint problem solving, flexibility, mutual dependence) each of which is a mix of collaborative and non-collaborative elements; (b) a diversified scenario of relationships can be explained by the different combinations of several contextual factors (i.e. organisational, relational, spatial and network); the importance of each needs to be weighted and hierarchised; (c) the network affects both to enable and constrain the freedom of action at the level of the customer supplier dyad; and (d) partnering is contingent on the position, role and influence at different points in the network. The research argues that relationship management can be enhanced through the application of analytical tools to the assessment of business relationships. New frameworks for analysis are presented as significant contributions to knowledge, among a series of theoretical, methodological and empirical contributions. The researcher suggests directions for research which will further enhance the understanding of inter-firm collaboration and partnering and business relationships within a multinational network context

Comparison of Simulation-Based Performance with Metrics of Critical Thinking Skills in Nursing Students: A Pilot Study

Alternative approaches to evaluating critical thinking skills are needed, as pencil and paper assessments may not accurately predict simulated or actual clinical performance. To ensure patient safety, it is imperative to determine how to best promote and measure critical thinking skills. Few studies have examined how these skills are related to performance in a simulated or actual clinical setting. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between metrics of critical thinking skills and performance in simulated clinical scenarios and identify predictors of simulation-based performance of nursing students in their last term of academic preparation. A convenience sample of 36 student nurses prepared at the diploma (n=14), associate (n=12), and baccalaureate (n=10) level in their last term of academic preparation participated in a measurement of critical thinking skills and simulation-based performance using videotaped vignettes (VTV), high-fidelity human simulation (HFHS), and two standardized tests: the California Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory (CCTDI) and California Critical Thinking Skills Test (CCTST). Simulation-based performance on the VTV and HFHS assessment was rated as "meeting" or "not meeting" overall expectations and in six categories: problem recognition, reports essential data, initiates appropriate nursing interventions, anticipates medical orders, provides rationale, and prioritizes the situation. Student scores on the CCTDI and CCTST were categorized as strong, average, or weak critical thinking disposition or skills. A majority (75.0%) of students did not meet overall performance expectations when assessed using VTV and HFHS. Those not meeting expectations had difficulty recognizing the clinical problem and reporting the appropriate findings to the physician. There was no significant difference between overall performance based on the method of simulation (VTV or HFHS). However, more students met performance expectations for the category of initiating nursing interventions (p=0.0002) using HFHS. The relationships between VTV performance and CCTDI or CCTST scores were not significant except for the relationship between the category of problem recognition and overall CCTST scores (Cramer's V = 0.444, p = 0.029). There was a statistically significant relationship between HFHS performance and overall CCTDI scores (Cramer's V = .413, p = 0.047). Gender, educational preparation, internship/residency participation, prior nursing aide experience, and number of classes using HFHS as a teaching method were not related to overall VTV or HFHS performance or scores on the CCTDI or CCTST. However, there was a significant relationship between age and overall CCTST scores (Cramer's V = .388, p = 0.029). The CCTDI, CCTST, and level of educational preparation were not statistically significant predictors of VTV performance. Student nurses' performance reflected difficulty meeting expectations when tested in both simulated settings. HFHS appeared to best approximate scores on a standardized metric of critical thinking. Further research is needed to determine if results of simulated performance predicts application of critical thinking skills in a clinical setting

Synthesis and In-Vitro Cell Viability/Cytotoxicity Studies of Novel Pyrrolobenzodiazepine Derivatives

Pyrrolobenzodiazepines (PBDs) are a group of naturally occurring compounds that were discovered in the cultures of Streptomyces in the 1960s. Some natural PBDs discovered in these cultures, such as anthramycin and sibiromycin, were shown to possess a broad spectrum of anti-tumor activity. Since cancer is still a leading cause of death globally, the development of novel anti-proliferative derivatives of PBDs is essential for human welfare worldwide. Further synthesis and structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies of the parent natural products and their tetracyclic analogs will lead to the discovery of drug candidates. In this work, thirteen PBD analogues were synthesized using no more than three to four synthetic steps, beginning with commercially obtainable L-proline and isatoic anhydride. The MTT assay, which is a colorimetric assay that uses 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-Yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) to assess cell metabolic activity, was initially implimented to test the in vitro cytotoxicity of the compounds using multiple cell lines, namely: SKBR-3, MCF-7, SKMEL-2, CaCo 2, HCT 116, and Mia Paca. Nearly all of the compounds decreased the cell viability of MCF-7 by roughly 20%. Additionally, the anti-proliferative activity of the PBD products were further evaluated by the NCI-60 Human Tumor Cell Lines Screen, which is a part of the National Cancer Institute’s Development Therapeutics Program - Drug Synthesis and Chemistry Branch

Preliminary Development of The Dialysis-Membrane-based Passive Biocide Delivery System for Spacecraft Water Recovery Units

The purpose of this investigation is to explore the capabilities of a dialysis-membrane-based system for the in-line dosing of silver ions to treated water in spacecraft water recovery units. The spacecraft environmental control and life support system community (ECLSS) are interested in adopting silver ions as a biocide in future spacecraft water recovery processes since silver ions are effective biocide at concentrations that humans can safely consume. The system has been designed following the configuration of the Water Processor Assembly (WPA) aboard the International Space Station. In this configuration, silver ions have to be added at the last step in the WPA to inhibit the growth of microorganisms in the product water. The dialysis-membrane-based system has to supply silver ions into the potable water at concentrations ranging from 200 to 400 parts per billion during the entire water processing time. The silver ion delivery system has been prototyped by repurposing dialysis membranes used for the separation/purification of low molecular weight solutes. Consequently, the low molecular weight cutoff of the dialysis membrane controls the silver ion release from a concentrated silver ion reservoir and does not require any power. Both computational and experimental studies were conducted to examine the performance of the silver ion delivery and the feasibility of integrating this technology in future spacecraft water recovery units. The preliminary results from this investigation show that the dialysis-membrane-based passive biocide delivery system can supply sufficient silver ions to a stream of deionized water. Nevertheless, the outflow might require dilution, and the membrane may need to undergo preconditioning for optimal performance, especially for reuse