Towards validation of a new computerised test of goal neglect: preliminary evidence from clinical and neuroimaging pilot studies

Objective: Goal neglect is a significant problem following brain injury, and is a target for rehabilitation. It is not yet known how neural activation might change to reflect rehabilitation gains. We developed a computerised multiple elements test (CMET), suitable for use in neuroimaging paradigms. Design: Pilot correlational study and event-related fMRI study. Methods: In Study 1, 18 adults with acquired brain injury were assessed using the CMET, other tests of goal neglect (Hotel Test; Modified Six Elements Test) and tests of reasoning. In Study 2, 12 healthy adults underwent fMRI, during which the CMET was administered under two conditions: self-generated switching and experimenter-prompted switching. Results: Among the clinical sample, CMET performance was positively correlated with both the Hotel Test (r = 0.675, p = 0.003) and the Modified Six Elements Test (r = 0.568, p = 0.014), but not with other clinical or demographic measures. In the healthy sample, fMRI demonstrated significant activation in rostro-lateral prefrontal cortex in the self-generated condition compared with the prompted condition (peak 40, 44, 4; ZE = 4.25, p(FWEcorr) = 0.026). Conclusions: These pilot studies provide preliminary evidence towards the validation of the CMET as a measure of goal neglect. Future studies will aim to further establish its psychometric properties, and determine optimum pre- and post-rehabilitation fMRI paradigms

Demonstration of a multi-technique approach to assess glacial microbial populations in the field

The ability to perform microbial detection and characterization in-field at extreme environments, rather than on returned samples, has the potential to improve the efficiency, relevance and quantity of data from field campaigns. To date, few examples of this approach have been reported. Therefore, we demonstrate that the approach is feasible in subglacial environments by deploying four techniques for microbial detection: real-time polymerase chain reaction; microscopic fluorescence cell counts, adenosine triphosphate bioluminescence assay and recombinant Factor C assay (to detect lipopolysaccharide). Each technique was applied to 12 subglacial ice samples, 12 meltwater samples and two snow samples from Engabreen, Northern Norway. Using this multi-technique approach, the detected biomarker levels were as expected, being highest in debris-rich subglacial ice, moderate in glacial meltwater and low in clean ice (debris-poor) and snow. Principal component analysis was applied to the resulting dataset and could be performed in-field to rapidly aid the allocation of resources for further sample analysis. We anticipate that in-field data collection will allow for multiple rounds of sampling, analysis, interpretation and refinement within a single field campaign, resulting in the collection of larger and more appropriate datasets, ultimately with more efficient science return

CubeSat 3U-payload for in-situ resource utilisation demonstration at C-type near Earth asteroids

payloads capable of performing cost effective early stage in situ demonstrations of key steps for various types of ISRU. Such demonstrations would be proof-of-concept and de-risking exercises that would enable future pilot scale and eventually full-scaled implementations.This presentation will focus on a systems design for a 3U payload to demonstration at a C-type NEA the low temperature extraction of water and the subsequent electrolysis of this to dioxygen and dihydrogen. The system has the following features: sample acquisition via counter rotating brushes, extraction of volatile components via ovens with electrical resistive heating, trapping of condensable volatiles – primarily water, electrolysis of the trapped water into dioxygen and dihydrogen gas, and analysis of volatiles at various stages of the process with a miniaturised ion-trap mass-spectrometer. The baseline design allows for the collection and processing of 4 discrete samples using a carousel with 4 single use ovens. Each oven has a nominal internal volume of 7m3. Additionally the input assumptions concerning regolith properties, modelling studies and the development and implementation of a number of laboratory breadboards of various sub-systems will be presented.The design is intend to be compatible with use as part of a free-flying interplanetary 6U CubeSat, a 6U CubeSat hosted by and released by a larger parent spacecraft local to a NEA, or permanently hosted on a larger NEA surface rendezvous spacecraft

Improving performance in project - based management: synthesizing strategic theories

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore benefits and issues of integrating the theory of constraints (TOC), resource-based view (RBV) and resource-dependence theory (RDT) with conventional project-based management frameworks. Design/methodology/approach Extant literature is used to develop a conceptual framework of an integrated model that will be tested for applied robustness. The model has been applied to published projects to identify its strengths and weaknesses. Findings The work shows important implications for improved success of projects from the use of TOC, RBV and RDT. Research limitations/implications While TOC, RBV and RDT are well established in the context of organization theory, there is limited application in project management. Moreover, the model has yet to be applied in the field. The hypotheses identified in this research are currently being tested using empirical investigation. Practical implications The research falls short in addressing some resources, e.g. innovation, tacit knowledge and decision-making methods in traditional project management context. Therefore, identifying these critical resources in future work and exploiting them as the means of improving project performance would enhance the success of project-based management. Social implications Project management is an emergent discipline and a project is temporary in nature. Therefore, new ideas and development of theories for project management practices are required. This innovative research, for example, may change the way projects are executed in future. Originality/value This paper examines the components of a successful project according to the iron triangle, i.e. scope, quality, time and cost. However, through the application of TOC, RBV and RDT into an integrated project-based management framework gives new insights to resources management

La integració de les tecnologies de la llengua en el flux de treball del Servei Lingüístic de la UOC

L’article aborda les tecnologies de la llengua que es fan servir al Servei Lingüístic de la UOC i de quina manera s’integren en cadascun dels diferents processos productius del Servei. En particular, veurem com la traducció automàtica, les memòries de traducció, l’extracció de lèxic i la creació de glossaris tenen un paper important en el desenvolupament de la tasca del Servei

Effect of Self-efficacy and Emotional Engagement on Introductory Programming Students

Today organisations both in the private and public sectors rely on Information Technology (IT) solutions and continue to make significant investments enabling business via IT. The increase in investment in IT is due to the demand for more efficient and cost-effective delivery of products and services. The dependency on IT and the increased level of investment in IT have both motivated a wider accountability focus on strategic technology initiatives, and a complex mix of political, organisational, technical and cultural shifts requiring far-sighted management and governance of IT. Throughout the last decade, systems, processes, standards and best practice frameworks have been developed to facilitate effective IT governance. However, a large number of IT initiatives fail to deliver. Getting value from technology deployment via effective IT governance remains a key concern of management. This paper presents the outcome of the analysis of four IT deployment cases studies. The analysis of the four case studies demonstrated a strong connection between project failures and inadequate governance practices