Suggested criteria for evaluating systems engineering methodologies

Systems engineering is the application of mathematical and scientific principles to practical ends in the life-cycle of a system. A methodology for systems engineering is a carefully developed, relatively complex procedure or process for applying these mathematical and scientific principles. There are many systems engineering methodologies (or possibly many versions of a few methodologies) currently in use in government and industry. These methodologies are usually designed to meet the needs of a particular organization. It has been observed, however, that many technical and non-technical problems arise when inadequate systems engineering methodologies are applied by organizations to their systems development projects. Various criteria for evaluating systems engineering methodologies are discussed. Such criteria are developed to assist methodology-users in identifying and selecting methodologies that best fit the needs of the organization

Making the Press Talk After Miami Herald Publishing Co. v. Morejon: How Much of a Threat to the First Amendment?

Florida media lawyers and journalists are raising First Amendment alarms about what they see as a softening of issues that had been regarded in the state as settled law

Survey of Australians using cannabis for medical purposes

BACKGROUND: The New South Wales State Government recently proposed a trial of the medical use of cannabis. Australians who currently use cannabis medicinally do so illegally and without assurances of quality control. Given the dearth of local information on this issue, this study explored the experiences of medical cannabis users. METHODS: Australian adults who had used cannabis for medical purposes were recruited using media stories. A total of 147 respondents were screened by phone and anonymous questionnaires were mailed, to be returned by postage paid envelope. RESULTS: Data were available for 128 participants. Long term and regular medical cannabis use was frequently reported for multiple medical conditions including chronic pain (57%), depression (56%), arthritis (35%), persistent nausea (27%) and weight loss (26%). Cannabis was perceived to provide "great relief" overall (86%), and substantial relief of specific symptoms such as pain, nausea and insomnia. It was also typically perceived as superior to other medications in terms of undesirable effects, and the extent of relief provided. However, nearly one half (41%) experienced conditions or symptoms that were not helped by its use. The most prevalent concerns related to its illegality. Participants reported strong support for their use from clinicians and family. There was almost universal interest (89%) in participating in a clinical trial of medical cannabis, and strong support (79%) for investigating alternative delivery methods. CONCLUSION: Australian medical cannabis users are risking legal ramifications, but consistent with users elsewhere, claim moderate to substantial benefits from its use in the management of their medical condition. In addition to strong public support, medical cannabis users show strong interest in clinical cannabis research, including the investigation of alternative delivery methods

Characterisation of Flavonoid Aglycones by Negative Ion Chip-Based Nanospray Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Flavonoids are one of the most important classes of natural products having a wide variety of biological activities. There is wide interest in a range of medical and dietary applications, and having a rapid, reliable method for structural elucidation is essential. In this study a range of flavonoid standards are investigated by chip-based negative ion nanospray mass spectrometry. It was found that the different classes of flavonoid studied have a combination of distinct neutral losses from the precursor ion [M-H]− along with characteristic low-mass ions. By looking only for this distinct pattern of product ions, it is possible to determine the class of flavonoid directly. This methodology is tested here by the analysis of a green tea extract, where the expected flavonoids were readily identified, along with quercetin, which is shown to be present at only about 2% of the most intense ion in the spectrum

Abortion on the Air: Broadcasters and Indecent Political Advertising

Section 315(a) of the Communications Act--the anti-censorship provision--allows for the presentation of candidates\u27 unvarnished positions on issues important to the voting public. In the 1990s, ads centered around abortion caused a collision between the interests of political candidates and broadcasters. The Article reviews broadcasters\u27 attempts to use the indecency provisions of the Communications Act to channel controversial political advertisements. The Authors conclude that airing potentially indecent political ads is unlikely to result in sanctions for broadcasters

Abortion on the Air: Broadcasters and Indecent Political Advertising

Section 315(a) of the Communications Act--the anti-censorship provision--allows for the presentation of candidates\u27 unvarnished positions on issues important to the voting public. In the 1990s, ads centered around abortion caused a collision between the interests of political candidates and broadcasters. The Article reviews broadcasters\u27 attempts to use the indecency provisions of the Communications Act to channel controversial political advertisements. The Authors conclude that airing potentially indecent political ads is unlikely to result in sanctions for broadcasters