Development and application of a three dimensional numerical model for predicting pollutant and sediment transport using an Eulerian-Lagrangian marker particle technique

A computer coded Lagrangian marker particle in Eulerian finite difference cell solution to the three dimensional incompressible mass transport equation, Water Advective Particle in Cell Technique, WAPIC, was developed, verified against analytic solutions, and subsequently applied in the prediction of long term transport of a suspended sediment cloud resulting from an instantaneous dredge spoil release. Numerical results from WAPIC were verified against analytic solutions to the three dimensional incompressible mass transport equation for turbulent diffusion and advection of Gaussian dye releases in unbounded uniform and uniformly sheared uni-directional flow, and for steady-uniform plug channel flow. WAPIC was utilized to simulate an analytic solution for non-equilibrium sediment dropout from an initially vertically uniform particle distribution in one dimensional turbulent channel flow

The screwworm eradication data system archives

The archives accumulated during 1 year of operation of the Satellite Temperature-Monitoring System during development of the Screwworm Eradication Data System are reported. Brief descriptions of all the kinds of tapes, as well as their potential uses, are presented. Reference is made to other documents that explain the generation of these data

Affect and Inference in Bayesian Knowledge Tracing with a Robot Tutor

In this paper, we present work to construct a robotic tutoring system that can assess student knowledge in real time during an educational interaction. Like a good human teacher, the robot draws on multimodal data sources to infer whether students have mastered language skills. Specifically, the model extends the standard Bayesian Knowledge Tracing algorithm to incorporate an estimate of the student's affective state (whether he/she is confused, bored, engaged, smiling, etc.) in order to predict future educational performance. We propose research to answer two questions: First, does augmenting the model with affective information improve the computational quality of inference? Second, do humans display more prominent affective signals in an interaction with a robot, compared to a screen-based agent? By answering these questions, this work has the potential to provide both algorithmic and human-centered motivations for further development of robotic systems that tightly integrate affect understanding and complex models of inference with interactive, educational robots.National Science Foundation (U.S.) (Grant CCF-1138986)National Science Foundation (U.S.). Graduate Research Fellowship Program (Grant No. 1122374

Does warfarin prevent deep venous thrombosis in high-risk patients?

Warfarin (Coumadin) is effective in preventing deep venous thrombosis (DVT) among patients with a history of DVT. Conventional dosing and longer durations are the most effective, but the ideal length of therapy is unknown (strength of recommendation [SOR]: A, based on large randomized controlled trials and meta-analysis). Warfarin is useful in preventing DVT in patients with cancer, specifically those treated with chemotherapy (SOR: B, based on small randomized controlled trials). Warfarin may be effective in preventing DVT in immobilized patients such as those with trauma, spinal cord injury, or stroke (SOR: B, based on an underpowered randomized controlled trial and uncontrolled studies)

Factors that Influence Teachers’ Views on Standardized Tests

The central aim of this study was to explore K-12 teachers’ (N = 183) attitudes about standardized tests as a function of experience, instructional level, student population, and type of school. The Teachers’ Views on Standardized Tests Questionnaire was developed to assess teachers’ perceptions of the impact of standardized tests on practice. All survey items were intended to measure a facet of teachers’ attitudes regarding the necessity of standardized tests and their influence on best practices. Findings from this study indicated that special education and inclusion teachers viewed standardized tests as more negatively influencing instruction than general education teachers. There were also significant differences by instructional level and type of school (i.e., public vs. independent). Compared to elementary teachers, middle and high school teachers’ views were more negative, and public school educators perceived standardized assessments as having a more negative influence on instruction than teachers in independent schools. Finally, elementary school teachers reported that the standards of learning were more appropriate in contrast to middle and high school teachers

The Star Of The Night : Reverie

https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/mmb-ps/1207/thumbnail.jp

London Bridge Is Falling Down : March

https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/mmb-ps/3046/thumbnail.jp

Field Flowers : Waltz

https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/mmb-ps/3013/thumbnail.jp

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Workplace Violence Prevention Programs in Primary Care

Workplace violence (WPV) in healthcare is a growing concern globally, with healthcare workers at the highest risk of verbal and physical aggression. Primary care settings play a critical role in healthcare but remain underrepresented in WPV research. This study evaluates the effectiveness of WPV programs in primary care with a focus on de-escalation training as an intervention. A comprehensive literature review was conducted, incorporating studies from PubMed, CINAHL, ScienceDirect, Medline, Cochrane, and PsycINFO. The study findings show WPV in primary care is principally verbal aggression, but has profound psychological and professional consequences, including burnout, absenteeism, and decreased job satisfaction. Although de-escalation training has shown promise in improving staff confidence and situational awareness short term, evidence is inconclusive regarding its effectiveness in reducing the incidence of WPV events. A multicomponent approach that integrates training, environmental modifications, and robust institutional policies was found to be the most effective strategy. Leadership commitment is essential in fostering a culture of safety and ensuring the effective implementation of WPV mitigation strategies. The findings emphasize the need for further research to determine the extent of WPV in primary care. Additional research should assess the long-term effects of de-escalation training, standardizing WPV definitions, improving reporting mechanisms, and assessing the sustainability of intervention strategies. It is essential to address WPV through evidence-based interventions to safeguard healthcare workers and maintain high-quality patient care