Monitoring and evaluation in global HIV/AIDS control - weighing incentives and disincentives for coordination among global and local actors

This paper discusses coordination efforts of both donors and recipient countries in the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of health outcomes in the field of HIV/AIDS. The coordination of M&E is a much underdeveloped area in HIV/AIDS programming in which, however, important first steps towards better synchronisation have already been taken. In this paper, we review the concepts and meanings commonly applied to M&E, and approaches and strategies for better coordination of M&E in the field of HIV/AIDS. Most importantly, drawing on this analysis, we examine why the present structure of global health governance in this area is not creating strong enough incentives for effective coordination among global and local actors. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd

Assessing the Rental Value of Residential Properties: An Abductive Learning Networks Approach

This paper attempts to estimate rental value of residential properties using Abductive Learning Networks (ALN), and artificial intelligence technique. The results indicate that the ALN model provides an accurate estimation of rents with only seven input variables, while other multivariate statistical techniques do not. The ALN model automatically selects the best network structure, node types and coefficients, and therefore it simplifies the maintenance of the model. Once the final model is synthesized, the ALN model becomes very compact, rapidly executable and cost-effective.

Exam Time Limits and Student Preparation: Look at the Variance

Is there a practical and statistical difference in the amount of time a well-prepared student takes to complete an exam and the time it takes a poorly prepared student to complete an exam? Computer-based exams permit the measurement of the time students take to complete exams. This paper uses data from college-level online real estate courses to examine the relationship between test results and test duration

Tort Law: A Private Contractor in Government Clothing

Boyle v. United Technologies Corp., 108 S. Ct. 2510 (interim ed. 1988)

Development of an advanced pitch active control system for a wide body jet aircraft

An advanced PACS control law was developed for a commercial wide-body transport (Lockheed L-1011) by using modern control theory. Validity of the control law was demonstrated by piloted flight simulation tests on the NASA Langley visual motion simulator. The PACS design objective was to develop a PACS that would provide good flying qualities to negative 10 percent static stability margins that were equivalent to those of the baseline aircraft at a 15 percent static stability margin which is normal for the L-1011. Also, the PACS was to compensate for high-Mach/high-g instabilities that degrade flying qualities during upset recoveries and maneuvers. The piloted flight simulation tests showed that the PACS met the design objectives. The simulation demonstrated good flying qualities to negative 20 percent static stability margins for hold, cruise and high-speed flight conditions. Analysis and wind tunnel tests performed on other Lockheed programs indicate that the PACS could be used on an advanced transport configuration to provide a 4 percent fuel savings which results from reduced trim drag by flying at negative static stability margins

Statistical Modeling of Epistasis and Linkage Decay using Logic Regression

Logic regression has been recognized as a tool that can identify and model non-additive genetic interactions using Boolean logic groups. Logic regression, TASSEL-GLM and SAS-GLM were compared for analytical precision using a previously characterized model system to identify the best genetic model explaining epistatic interaction of vernalization-sensitivity in barley. A genetic model containing two molecular markers identified in vernalization response in barley was selected using logic regression while both TASSEL-GLM and SAS-GLM included spurious associations in their models. The results also suggest the logic regression can be used to identify dominant/recessive relationships between epistatic alleles through its use of conjugate
operators

Investigating Advances in the Acquisition of Secure Systems Based on Open Architecture, Open Source Software, and Software Product Lines

Naval Postgraduate School Acquisition Research Progra