A Discussion of Thin Client Technology for Computer Labs

Computer literacy is not negotiable for any professional in an increasingly computerised environment. Educational institutions should be equipped to provide this new basic training for modern life. Accordingly, computer labs are an essential medium for education in almost any field. Computer labs are one of the most popular IT infrastructures for technical training in primary and secondary schools, universities and other educational institutions all over the world. Unfortunately, a computer lab is expensive, in terms of both initial purchase and annual maintenance costs, and especially when we want to run the latest software. Hence, research efforts addressing computer lab efficiency, performance or cost reduction would have a worldwide repercussion. In response to this concern, this paper presents a survey on thin client technology for computer labs in educational environments. Besides setting out the advantages and drawbacks of this technology, we aim to refute false prejudices against thin clients, identifying a set of educational scenarios where thin clients are a better choice and others requiring traditional solutions

First-principles study of lithium-doped carbon clathrates under pressure

We present a theoretical study on the behavior under pressure of the two hypothetical C$_{46}$ and Li$_8$C$_{46}$ type-I carbon clathrates in order to bring new informations concerning their synthesis. Using \textit{ab initio} calculations, we have explored the energetic and structural properties under pressure of these two carbon based cage-like materials. These low-density meta-stable phases show large negative pressure transitions compared to diamond which represent a serious obstacle for their synthesis. However, we evidence that a minimum energy barrier can be reached close to 40 GPa, suggesting that the synthesis of the Li-clathrate under extreme conditions of pressure and temperature may be possible. Electronic band structure with related density of states behavior under pressure as well as the dependence of the active Raman modes with pressure are also examined

The Discovery of New Export Products in Ecuador

This paper examines export diversification in Ecuador in the cases of fresh cut flowers, canned tuna, palm heart, broccoli and mangoes, using the theoretical framework on “pioneers” and “discoveries” developed by Hausmann and Rodrik(2003), as well as work by Sánchez and Butler (2006) on export costs and related uncertainties. It is found that the discoveries were mainly of traditional competitive advantage, with various degrees of technology adoption. The following policy implications are derived: i) innovative mechanisms to share the costs of new discoveries must be found and intellectual property rights strengthened; ii) cooperation among industry experts needs to improve; iii) deeper collective action to promote public-private partnerships should be undertaken; iv) relevant information and knowledge should be made available to all interested parties; and v) a national-level agenda should be undertaken to increase private investment in promising sectors while promoting the creation of public goods and minimizing rent-seeking behavior.Export diversification, Ecuador

Doula Support for Hispanic Women

Purpose This quantitative study will seek to provide valuable insight into the needs and preferences of Hispanic women during labor with the potential benefit of doula support in minimizing their pain. Methods A quasi-experimental design study will be conducted, randomizing a convenient sample into two groups consisting of one experimental and one control group, with the objective of evaluating the efficacy of doula presence as a source for pain management in Hispanic women. One hundred Hispanic women will be recruited under the following criteria: 18 years or older, a single fetus pregnancy, gestational age 37 weeks and above, and no complications during pregnancy. At the completion of labor, the women will be asked their pain level using the Childbirth Pain Scale. Results The data has not yet been collected, however, the t-test is expected to result in a low p-value, determining that doula support reduces pain during labor in Hispanic women Conclusion Cultural proficiency plays a crucial role in providing effective care, particularly in the context of nursing, because nurses often have the initial interaction to identify cultural distinctions among patients. Hence, the importance of addressing the gap in research concerning the impact of doula support on labor pain among Hispanic women, as their preferences may be influenced by their cultural customs

Designing an Innovation Engine Model and a Software Tool to Meet Large Organizations Challenges with SMEs Capabilities, a Pilot Study

Innovation models and innovation software tools are mechanisms designed to support innovation and collaboration activities. However, innovation models tend to be limited to close innovation or their implementation is not cost-effective for SMEs, while innovation software tools lack features for the collaboration of multiple organizations. Improved models and appropriate, well designed, software tools could address large organizations' challenges with SMEs capabilities, better foster innovation activities and encourage economic growth and jobs creation. This study piloted two 1.5-hour-workshops with 12 Enterprise Systems MSc students to design an innovation model and a software tool with PICTIVE participatory design technique. In the first workshop participants received a talk about innovation and were separated into three groups of four people. Each group was provided with one of three scenarios: the design of a robot exploring Mars, the design of an adrenaline auto-injector for severe allergies or the design of a new ambulance. Groups brainstormed ideas and created a diagram of the components that an innovation model should include to provide an effective collaboration between organizations. In the second workshop, groups implemented their model in an innovation software tool using participatory design. Two researchers observed the workshops and took notes of the group presentations. Three main components comprised their innovation models: Large organizations, SMEs and other institutions, and components for the management of the collaboration. Groups suggested to implement their model in a web site portal with features that support the definition of the challenge, the involvement of different stakeholders, sections to capture large organizations' needs and SMEs' capabilities, features to support the identification of the best partners, the best collaboration agreement and the management of intellectual property. Results were very insightf