Learning from Instruction: A Compretiension-Based Approach

A comprehension-based approach to learning assumes that incoming information and background knowledge are integrated to form a mental representation which is subsequently used to incorporate new knowledge. We demonstrate that this approach can indicate when people will learn from instructions. Specifically, we show that a computational model based on the construction-integration theory of comprehension (Kintsch, 1988) can explain and predict how individual users will comprehend help prompts that guide their generation of successful complex commands within an operating system

Ecological interactions driving population dynamics of two tick-borne pathogens, Borrelia burgdorferi and Babesia microti

DATA ACCESSIBILITY : Code is available in the supplemental materials document and on GitHub (see https://github.com/cowparsley/borrelia-babesia-eco-epi). Data files are available from Dryad [89].Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb) and Babesia microti (Bm) are vector-borne zoonotic pathogens commonly found co-circulating in Ixodes scapularis and Peromyscus leucopus populations. The restricted distribution and lower prevalence of Bm has been historically attributed to lower host-to-tick transmission efficiency and limited host ranges. We hypothesized that prevalence patterns are driven by coinfection dynamics and vertical transmission. We use a multi-year, multiple location, longitudinal dataset with mathematical modelling to elucidate coinfection dynamics between Bb and Bm in natural populations of P. leucopus, the most competent reservoir host for both pathogens in the eastern USA. Our analyses indicate that, in the absence of vertical transmission, Bb is viable at lower tick numbers than Bm. However, with vertical transmission, Bm is viable at lower tick numbers than Bb. Vertical transmission has a particularly strong effect on Bm prevalence early in the active season while coinfection has an increasing role during the nymphal peak. Our analyses indicate that coinfection processes, such as facilitation of Bm infection by Bb, have relatively little influence on the persistence of either parasite. We suggest future work examines the sensitivity of Bm vertical transmission and other key processes to local environmental conditions to inform surveillance and control of tick-borne pathogens.The National Institute of Health, the Ecology and Evolution of Infectious Diseases Program and the National Science Foundation.https://royalsocietypublishing.org/journal/rspbhj2024Veterinary Tropical DiseasesSDG-03:Good heatlh and well-beingSDG-15:Life on lan

Healing Can Be a Very Jagged Line : Reflections on Life as a COVID-19 Long Hauler

Long COVID - a term referring to COVID-19-associated symptoms and conditions (ie, sequelae) that remain or emerge after resolution of a SARS-CoV-2 infection - is a multifaceted condition about which little is known. As part of formalized patient-engaged research at a large Midwestern health system, patient stakeholders with long COVID (N=5) wrote stories based on their lived experience, as this was their preferred format for detailing their experience with the condition. These patient stakeholders reviewed one another\u27s stories, identified relevant quotes, and provided opportunities for elaboration. Independently, a trained researcher extracted quotes from the stories, identified themes, and wove the quotes together to share the independent, yet similar, stories. Emergent themes were that of uncertainty about the symptomatology of long COVID and its effects on patients\u27 mental health, physical functioning, family unit, self-identity, and future outlook. Further patient-engaged research on understanding the lived experience of long COVID may serve to advance knowledge and treatment. Health care providers caring for those with long COVID can benefit from listening and validating the stories of individuals suffering from this condition

SPHERES Tethered Formation Flight Testbed: Advancements in Enabling NASA’s SPECS Mission

This paper reports on efforts to control a tethered formation flight spacecraft array for NASA's SPECS mission using the SPHERES test-bed developed by the MIT Space Systems Laboratory. Specifically, advances in methodology and experimental results realized since the 2005 SPIE paper are emphasized. These include a new test-bed setup with a reaction wheel assembly, a novel relative attitude measurement system using force torque sensors, and modeling of non-ideal tethers to account for tether vibration modes. The nonlinear equations of motion of multi-vehicle tethered spacecraft with elastic flexible tethers are derived from Lagrange's equations. The controllability analysis indicates that both array resizing and spin-up are fully controllable by the reaction wheels and the tether motor, thereby saving thruster fuel consumption. Based upon this analysis, linear and nonlinear controllers have been successfully implemented on the tethered SPHERES testbed, and tested at the NASA MSFC's flat floor facility using two and three SPHERES configurations

Emergency Department Discharge Instructions: Lessons Learned through Developing New Patient Education Materials

Our multidisciplinary team developed a new set of discharge instructions for five common emergency department diagnoses using recommended tools for creating literacy-appropriate and patient-centered education materials. We found that the recommended tools for document creation were essential in constructing the new instructions. However, while the tools were necessary, they were not sufficient. This paper describes the insights gained and lessons learned in this document creation process