3,713 research outputs found
Enhancing laboratory activity with computerābased tutorials
Students should be encouraged to take full advantage of expensive laboratory resources by being adequately prepared Computerābased laboratory tutorials have proved very successful in generating competence and confidence in the laboratory as well as reinforcing lecture material. This paper presents an outline of the tutorial process with its onāline referencing of the recommended textbook, the favourable reaction of students, and discussion of logistical and authoring problems
Probability of noise- and rate-induced tipping
We propose an approximation for the probability of tipping when the speed of
parameter change and additive white noise interact to cause tipping. Our
approximation is valid for small to moderate drift speeds and helps to estimate
the probability of false positives and false negatives in early-warning
indicators in the case of rate- and noise-induced tipping. We illustrate our
approximation on a prototypical model for rate-induced tipping with additive
noise using Monte-Carlo simulations. The formula can be extended to close
encounters of rate-induced tipping and is otherwise applicable to other forms
of tipping.
We also provide an asymptotic formula for the critical ramp speed of the
parameter in the absence of noise for a general class of systems undergoing
rate-induced tipping.Comment: 14 pages, 9 figures
https://link.aps.org/doi/10.1103/PhysRevE.95.05220
Inverse-square law between time and amplitude for crossing tipping thresholds
A classical scenario for tipping is that a dynamical system experiences a
slow parameter drift across a fold tipping point, caused by a run-away positive
feedback loop. We study what happens if one turns around after one has crossed
the threshold. We derive a simple criterion that relates how far the parameter
exceeds the tipping threshold maximally and how long the parameter stays above
the threshold to avoid tipping in an inverse-square law to observable
properties of the dynamical system near the fold.
For the case when the dynamical system is subject to stochastic forcing we
give an approximation to the probability of tipping if a parameter changing in
time reverses} near the tipping point.
The derived approximations are valid if the parameter change in time is
sufficiently slow. We demonstrate for a higher dimensional system, a model for
the Indian Summer Monsoon, how numerically observed escape from the equilibrium
converge to our asymptotic expressions. The inverse-square law between peak of
the parameter forcing and the time the parameter spends above a given threshold
is also visible in the level curves of equal probability when the system is
subject to random disturbances.Comment: 20 pages, 6 figures, 1 table, Supplementary Material found at
https://figshare.com/articles/Monsoon_supplementary_material_final_pdf/760582
Exploring attitudes towards a randomised controlled trial of venous access devices ā a nested pre-trial qualitative study
Purpose:
This pre-trial qualitative research study was carried out to explore patient and clinical staff attitudes to central venous access devices (CVADs). In addition, views about participation in a randomised controlled trial (RCT) were explored with the aim of maximising recruitment to an imminent RCT of three CVADs.
Methods:
Three patient focus groups (each comprising three patients) and 23 interviews with clinical staff were conducted. Interviews and focus group discussions were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim, anonymised, uploaded to the QSR NVivo10 qualitative software programme and thematically analysed.
Results:
Analysis of focus group interviews revealed the added challenges that a CVAD poses to patients with cancer. Four key themes emerged: continuity of daily life, pain and discomfort, stigma (a mark of disgrace associated with certain conditions) and self-preservation. The findings show the impact of a CVAD on patientsā ability to manage their condition. Clinical staff interviews highlighted several potential barriers to recruitment; a lack of equipoise (genuine clinical uncertainty as to which intervention is the most beneficial), concerns about the logistics of device insertion and a perceived requirement for education and training.
Conclusions:
This qualitative study raises awareness of key areas of concern to patients who need a CVAD for chemotherapy delivery. It was identified that there is a need for clearer patient information around CVADs. Additionally it allows investigators to identify barriers to recruitment in a timely manner in order to minimise the potential for conflict between the roles of carer and researcher and consequently, maximise recruitment to the RCT
Group Mentoring and Professionalism: A Programme Evaluation
This evaluative research represents the first report in the literature to date in which a group mentoring programme has been evaluated using a quasi-experimental research design. Results indicated that the programme was effective in one domain of professionalism, the main outcome variable; and that career-development outcomes were significantly higher in programme participants. In addition to the previously established functions of mentoring (career and psychosocial development), the research suggests that the conceptual basis of mentoring should be expanded to include the function of professionalism. This has implications for both the practical aspects of mentoring programme development and for future evaluative research. Data were collected by means of pre- and post-test questionnaires and analysed by multiple regression analysis
Belanger tells story behind FirstClass threats
The penalties levied by the University of Maine against a student accused of issuing a violent threat on FirstClass [the University\u27s email system] have been set, but an investigation by UMaine\u27s Public Safety continues. Casey Belanger, 19, of Caribou, has been ordered by UMaine to serve 30 hours of community service over two semesters. The university has also suspended his FirstClass account and placed him on probated suspension. The punishment sought by the state, however, is potentially more severe
Chapter Functional Annotation of Rare Genetic Variants
Genome-wide association studies have successfully identified a growing number of
common variants that robustly associate with a wide range of complex diseases and
phenotypes. In the majority of cases though, the variants are predicted to have small to
modest effect sizes, and, due to the technologies used, many of the signals discovered
so far may not be the causal loci. As rare variation studies begin to explore the lower
ranges of the allele frequency spectrum, using whole genome or whole exome
sequencing to capture a larger proportion of variants, we expect to find variants with a
more direct causal role in the phenotype(s) of interest. Interpreting possible functional
mechanisms linking variants with phenotypes will become increasingly important
Slurs bring civil suit against UM student
The Maine Attorney General\u27s Office filed a civil suit yesterday against a University of Maine student who allegedly used the FirstClass [email] computer system to make threatening statements directed at gays, lesbians and bisexuals. The suit claims Casey Belanger, 19, of Orono, violated the Maine Civil Rights Act... Bias motivated threats of violence have absolutely no place anywhere in society, including our universities and colleges, Attorney General Andrew Ketterer said
Reviews
Francis Botto, Dictionary of Multimedia and Internet Applications ā A Guide for Developers and Users, Chichester, UK: John Wiley & Sons, 1999. ISBN: 0ā471ā986240. Hardback, x+362 pages, Ā£34.95
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