Human support issues and systems for the space exploration initiative: Results from Project Outreach

The analyses and evaluations of the Human Support panel are discussed. The Human Support panel is one of eight panels created by RAND to screen and analyze submissions to the Space Exploration Initiative (SEI) Outreach Program. Submissions to the Human Support panel were in the following areas: radiation protection; microgravity; life support systems; medical care; and human factors (behavior and performance)

Cloud cover estimation: Use of GOES imagery in development of cloud cover data base for insolation assessment

The potential of using digital satellite data to establish a cloud cover data base for the United States, one that would provide detailed information on the temporal and spatial variability of cloud development are studied. Key elements include: (1) interfacing GOES data from the University of Wisconsin Meteorological Data Facility with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory's VICAR image processing system and IBIS geographic information system; (2) creation of a registered multitemporal GOES data base; (3) development of a simple normalization model to compensate for sun angle; (4) creation of a variable size georeference grid that provides detailed cloud information in selected areas and summarized information in other areas; and (5) development of a cloud/shadow model which details the percentage of each grid cell that is cloud and shadow covered, and the percentage of cloud or shadow opacity. In addition, comparison of model calculations of insolation with measured values at selected test sites was accomplished, as well as development of preliminary requirements for a large scale data base of cloud cover statistics

Unusual Talent: a Study of Successful Leadership and Delegation in Entrepreneurs who have Dyslexia

oai:openresearch.lsbu.ac.uk:96453This study seeks to understand how successful entrepreneurs with dyslexia lead and manage their ventures and deal with workplace communications. Informed understanding of dyslexia potentially benefits organisations and helps employees to reach their potential. This research breaks new ground by providing evidence that positive aspects of dyslexia, when harnessed can benefit individuals and organisations. Two questions are examined, firstly, what explains the high proportion of people with dyslexia among successful entrepreneurs, and secondly, what skills or attributes have given these individuals a head start? Literature about dyslexia in adults in the context of the work place is examined alongside relevant entrepreneurship literature on leadership, team building and delegation. A simple methodology has been utilised, a convenience sample of successful entrepreneurs with dyslexia were interviewed about their skills and how they run their ventures. These interviews were taped, videoed and transcribed. They were coded and analyses for common themes. The study found that successful entrepreneurs who are also dyslexic have good oral communication skills they can communicate ideas clearly; they have good people skills; enthusiasm When they are in the process of starting the business they are able to network with others, explain their business vision and generate enthusiasm for their new venture. They are also often good salespeople because they have an interest in others. In short, the dyslexic potential entrepreneur may have skills that are very advantages for getting started in business. The ability to delegate is an essential task if the business is to grow and we see this skill in many dyslexic entrepreneurs. This is because dyslexics often learn early in life to trust those around them to do the things they are not so good at. Many of the respondents in this study found working in the corporate environment frustrating so running their own venture was a viable alternative career move. Practitioners working in further and higher education are uniquely placed to offer advice about career choices and will therefore find this study useful, as will students who have dyslexia

Multidimensional perfectionism and narcissism: Grandiose or vulnerable?

Multidimensional perfectionism is related to grandiose narcissism, with other-oriented perfectionism showing the strongest, most consistent relationships. The relationships with vulnerable narcissism, however, are unclear. Our study investigated how three forms of perfectionism--self-oriented, other-oriented, and socially prescribed perfectionism (Hewitt & Flett, 1991)--are related to narcissistic grandiosity and vulnerability. A sample of 375 university students completed the Narcissistic Personality Inventory (Raskin & Terry, 1988), Hypersensitive Narcissism Scale (Hendin & Cheek, 1997), and Pathological Narcissism Inventory (Pincus et al., 2009) capturing various facets of narcissistic grandiosity and vulnerability. Multiple regressions were conducted controlling for the overlap between the three forms of perfectionism and gender. Other-oriented perfectionism showed unique positive relationships with key facets of grandiose narcissism. In contrast, socially prescribed perfectionism showed positive relationships with all facets of vulnerable narcissism. Self- and other-oriented perfectionism showed positive relationships with individual facets only. Other-oriented perfectionism appears to represent a form of perfectionism predominantly related to narcissistic grandiosity, whereas socially prescribed perfectionism is predominantly related to narcissistic vulnerability. As the first study to examine perfectionism in relation to narcissistic grandiosity and vulnerability, our research both extends and clarifies the nomological network of the perfectionism construct in important ways