A hierarchical group model for programming sensor networks

A hierarchical group model that decouples computation from hardware can characterize and aid in the construction of sensor network software with minimal overhead. Future sensor network applications will move beyond static, homogeneous deployments to include dynamic, heterogeneous elements. These sensor networks will also gain new users, including casual users who will expect intuitive interfaces to interact with sensor networks. To address these challenges, a new computational model and a system implementing the model are presented. This model ensures that computations can be readily reassigned as sensor nodes are introduced or removed. The model includes methods for communication to accommodate these dynamic elements. This dissertation presents a detailed description and design of a computational model that resolves these challenges using a hierarchical group mechanism. In this model, computation is tasked to logical groups and split into collective and local components that communicate hierarchically. Local computation is primarily used for data production and publishes data to the collective computation. Similarly, collective computation is primarily used for data aggregation and pushes results back to the local computation. Finally, the model includes data-processing functions interposed between local and collective functions that are responsible for data conversion. This dissertation also presents implementations and applications of the model. Implementations include Kensho, a C-based implementation of the hierarchical group model, that can be used for a variety of user applications. Another implementation, Tables, presents a spreadsheet-inspired view of the sensor network that takes advantage of hierarchical groups for both computation and communication. Users are able to specify both local and collective functions that execute on the sensor network via the spreadsheet interface. Applications of the model are also explored. One application, FUSN, provides a set of methods for constructing filesystem-based interfaces for sensor networks. This demonstrates the general applicability of the model as applied to sensor network programming and management interfaces. Finally, the model is applied to a novel privacy algorithm to demonstrate that the model isn\u27t strictly limited to programming interfaces

Information for pregnant women about caesarean birth

BACKGROUND: Information is routinely given to pregnant women, but information about caesarean birth may be inadequate. OBJECTIVES: To examine the effectiveness of information about caesarean birth. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth register, CENTRAL (26 November 2002), MEDLINE [online via PubMed 1966-] and the Web of Science citation database [1995-] (20 September 2002), and reference lists of relevant articles. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials, non-randomised clinical trials and controlled before-and-after studies of information given to pregnant women about caesarean birth. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. Missing and further data were sought from trial authors unsuccessfully. Analyses were based on 'intention to treat'. Relative risk and confidence intervals were calculated and reported. Consumer reviewers commented on adequacy of information reported in each study. MAIN RESULTS: Two randomised controlled trials involving 1451 women met the inclusion criteria. Both studies aimed to reduce caesarean births by encouraging women to attempt vaginal delivery. One used a program of prenatal education and support, and the other cognitive therapy to reduce fear. Results were not combined because of differences in the study populations. Non-clinical outcomes were ascertained in both studies through questionnaires, but were subject to rates of loss to follow-up exceeding 10%. A number of important outcomes cannot be reported: knowledge or understanding; decisional conflict; and women's perceptions: of their ability to discuss care with clinicians or family/friends, of whether information needs were met, and of satisfaction with decision-making. Neither study assessed women's perception of participation in decision-making about caesarean birth, but Fraser 1997, who examined the effect of study participation on decision making, found that women in the intervention group were more likely to consider that attempting vaginal birth was easier (51% compared to 28% in control group), or more difficult (10% compared to 6%). These results could be affected by the attrition rate of 11%, and are possibly subject to bias. Neither intervention used in these trials made any difference to clinical outcomes. About 70% or more women attempted vaginal delivery in both trials, yet caesarean delivery rates exceeded 40%, at least 10% higher than was hoped. There was no significant difference between control and intervention groups for any of the outcomes measured: vaginal birth, elective/scheduled caesarean, and attempted vaginal delivery. Outcome data, although similar for both groups, were not sufficient to compare maternal and neonatal morbidity or neonatal mortality. There was no difference in the psychological outcomes for the intervention and control groups reported by either of the included trials. Consumer reviewers said information for women considering a vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) should include: risks of VBAC and elective caesarean; warning signs in labour; philosophy and policies of hospital and staff; strategies to improve chances of success; and information about probability of success with specific care givers. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Research has focussed on encouraging women to attempt vaginal delivery. Trials of interventions to encourage women to attempt vaginal birth showed no effect, but shortcomings in study design mean that the evidence is inconclusive. Further research on this topic is urgently needed

An assets-based approach to bereavement care

A survey of bereaved clients of four funeral providers in Australia confirms a public health model predicting that over half the group would demonstrate low risk of complicated grief, another third moderate risk, while a small minority would meet the criteria for prolonged grief disorder. The survey also shows differing patterns of need and sources of support for each of the three groups. While our findings support targeting the bereavement care provided by health services, our primary interest is in the care received by most bereaved people. Some is provided in the community through the everyday activities of healthcare professionals. Most comes from a range of people already involved in the everyday lives of those recently bereaved. We contend that the most effective way to provide bereavement care is to support these ‘everyday assets’, ensuring that their care is recognised, appreciated, and not disrupted by over-reach from professional services

Transcripts of unfulfillment : a study of sexual dysfunction and dissatisfaction among Malay-Muslim women in Malaysia

The prevalence of female sexual dysfunction (FSD), or in everyday notion, sexual dissatisfaction, among Malay women remains high, denoting that there are several influences shaping their experience of sex within marriage. This qualitative study identified the perceived effects of social factors in the development of sexual dysfunction among Malay women. Engaging a phenomenological framework, 26 in-depth face-to-face interviews were conducted among married women from Peninsular Malaysia, based on their self-reporting of FSD symptoms. All sessions were audio-recorded and the data were transcribed verbatim and managed in the ATLAS.ti software before being analysed. The three themes that emerged—‘sex is taboo and culturally unacceptable’, ‘self-ignorance about sex’, and ‘lack of husband’s role in mutual sexual enjoyment’—suggest some influence of Islamic teachings and cultural conduct, as in Adat, on sexuality in society. However, a lack of knowledge and nonadherence to positive values and teachings around sexual satisfaction between men and women, as espoused through the Islamic religion, have affected woman’s sexual functions and coupling relationship even more significantly. The results of this qualitative study show that a formal, culturally sensitive, and comprehensive sex education programme incorporating both medical and Islamic knowledge may work to effectively reduce FSD