Toward a more realistic holographic QCD model

By matching the $Dp-Dq$ system in type II superstring theory with the Regge trajectories of vector and axial-vector meson spectra, a possible 5-dimension metric of a $Dp-Dq$ soft-wall model has been determined. The dependence of the metric parameters on Regge trajectory parameters has been demonstrated. It is shown that the models defined in $Dp$ brane background for $p=3$ or 4 can be consistent with experimental data.Comment: 8 pages, proceedings for the YITP International Symposium "Fundamental Problems in Hot and/or Dense QCD", March 3-6, 2008, Kyoto, Japa

The influence of personal knowledge management on individual health care decision-making : an action learning approach : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Management at Massey University, Albany, Auckland, New Zealand

Appendix B and Appendix K were removed at the author's request.Background: Making effective health care decisions is important. Despite the large volumes of information available, individuals often face personal limitations evaluating this information and making optimal decisions. Personal knowledge management has been suggested as a method of addressing information barriers and improving decision-making. Personal knowledge management has, however, been mostly applied within an education context, in order to improve individuals’ learning performance. From the available literature in this area, very limited research or significant conceptual development has been undertaken on personal knowledge management and its influence on decision-making, particularly in the health care context. Aims and Significance: This study examines an effective personal knowledge management strategy for older adults (aged between 46 and 75) with limited computer/technological skills by answering the following questions: How do older adults access and evaluate information and knowledge for health care decision-making? How can personal knowledge management help older adults with limited computer/technological abilities manage their information and knowledge for health care decision-making? How effective is an action learning training program in supporting older adults with limited computer/technological abilities for health care decision-making? The aim of this study is to provide an understanding of the use of action learning and personal knowledge management pertaining to older adults’ health care decision-making. Examples of relevant health care concerns include, diabetes and obesity or other issues of this nature, but are exclusive of severe health issues, such as cancer. The findings will offer educators and researchers an understanding of ways to help these individuals to navigate the world of information regarding critical personal decision-making, with specific reference to health care. Method: To investigate this issue, a qualitative study was conducted using action learning with thematic and grounded theory coding techniques. New Zealand patient health care support groups and churches provided a source of older adults with health-related issues as volunteers. Participants were asked to practice personal knowledge management strategies, focusing on their personal health-related issues after each learning session. In the following session, the issues or experiences that the participants encountered whilst conducting their self-practice exercises, within their groups were discussed. Findings: This study found that the older adult participants in this study used Google, Facebook closed groups, YouTube, online videos, health care support groups, family and medical professionals as information sources before embarking upon this training program. To evaluate alternative treatment options, these participants rely predominantly on family, friends, medical professionals and their personal life experience for decisions. This study found that major factors that negatively impacted older adults’ effective information interpretation and decision-making include: barriers to accessing accurate and relevant health care information and knowledge, barriers to computer-based technology use, and humanistic barriers. The findings suggest that a four-stage personal knowledge management strategy could help older adults (with limited computer/technological skills) to overcome the barriers to effective information interpretation, and making informed health care decisions. Finally, this study suggests some practical training/learning techniques for older adults. For instance, major individual health-related issues of the older adults within the pre-training program need to be confirmed, followed by a warm welcome prior to the commencement of the training program. I learned that it is important to pre-diagnose participants’ abilities in learning and computer-based technology before designing the training program. This can help to develop an appropriate training program for a specific cohort. Conclusions: The findings of this study contribute to the development of an academic understanding of personal knowledge management conceptualisation in the consumer decision-making field, with the aim of improving older adults’ information and knowledge management processes. This study serves as a vantage point for further empirical research in personal knowledge management and older adult education and training

2-Diethyl­amino-6-methyl­pyrimidin-4(3H)-one

The title compound, C9H15N3O, contains four mol­ecules (A, B, C and D) in the asymmetric unit. In the crystal, the A+A and D+D pairs form inversion dimers linked by pairs of N—H⋯O hydrogen bonds. The B+C pairing is linked by the same bonds. The dimers are further linked by weak C—H⋯O inter­actions

The influence of personal knowledge management on individual decision making in health care medical treatment

In the age of technology, individuals are often confronted with considerable volumes of information when reading through literature relating to healthcare medical treatment. This may create confusion and hinder their decision-making process and they may not know what to do about their situation. With this in mind, this study will investigate how personal knowledge management (PKM) can help individuals better manage complex healthcare issues through well-informed decisions when facing healthcare medical treatment. Grounded action learning, an integration of grounded theory and action learning is adopted for this study. A framework for a PKM-based decision making training program format has been proposed based on action learning methods. Data collection and analysis is based on grounded theory approaches. This study is expected to provide new insights for PKM implementation to help individuals manage information overload and improve their information literacy skills as well as knowledge management (KM) capabilities when confronting health-related decisions