Prediction And Allocation Of Live To Virtual Communication Bridging Resources

This document summarizes a research effort focused on improving live-to-virtual (L-V) communication systems. The purpose of this work is to address a significant challenge facing the tactical communications training community through the development of the Live-to-Virtual Relay Radio Prediction Algorithm and implementation of the algorithm into an Integrated Live-to-Virtual Communications Server prototype device. The motivation for the work and the challenges of integrating live and virtual communications are presented. Details surrounding the formulation of the prediction algorithm and a description of the prototype system, hardware, and software architectures are shared. Experimental results from discrete event simulation analysis and prototype functionality testing accompany recommendations for future investigation. If the methods and technologies summarized are implemented, an estimated equipment savings of 25%-53% and an estimated cost savings of $150,000.00 -$630,000.00 per site are anticipated. Thus, a solution to a critical tactical communications training problem is presented through the research discussed

Assessing COVID-19 testing strategies in K-12 schools in underserved populations: Study protocol for a cluster-randomized trial

BACKGROUND: Since March 2020, COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted communities of color within the United States. As schools have shifted from virtual to in-person learning, continual guidance is necessary to understand appropriate interventions to prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Weekly testing of students and staff for SARS-CoV-2 within K-12 school setting could provide an additional barrier to school-based transmission, especially within schools unable to implement additional mitigation strategies and/or are in areas of high transmission. This study seeks to understand the role that weekly SARS-CoV-2 testing could play in K-12 schools. In addition, through qualitative interviews and listening sessions, this research hopes to understand community concerns and barriers regarding COVID-19 testing, COVID-19 vaccine, and return to school during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS/DESIGN: Sixteen middle and high schools from five school districts have been randomized into one of the following categories: (1) Weekly screening + symptomatic testing or (2) Symptomatic testing only. The primary outcome for this study will be the average of the secondary attack rate of school-based transmission per case. School-based transmission will also be assessed through qualitative contact interviews with positive contacts identified by the school contact tracers. Lastly, new total numbers of weekly cases and contacts within a school-based quarantine will provide guidance on transmission rates. Qualitative focus groups and interviews have been conducted to provide additional understanding to the acceptance of the intervention and barriers faced by the community regarding SARS-CoV-2 testing and vaccination. DISCUSSION: This study will provide greater understanding of the benefit that weekly screening testing can provide in reducing SARS-CoV-2 transmission within K-12 schools. Close collaboration with community partners and school districts will be necessary for the success of this and similar studies. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT04875520 . Registered May 6, 2021

Devotions for Lent 2023 Hymns of Lent

This Lent, we will continue reflecting on hymns of faith, namely, some of our most beloved Lenten hymns. 10 such hymns have been chosen to fill the 40(+) days of Lent. Therefore, this devotional, different from previous editions, does not proceed on a weekly basis, but merely flows from one hymn to the next. Also different from previous editions, the devotional reflections are specifically based on the stanzas of the selected hymns. Therefore, each day’s reflection features the text of the hymn stanza, a devotion based on that stanza, a prayer, and then a Scripture passage or passages for further meditation. I pray these reflections may be of edification for you during this Lenten season.https://scholar.csl.edu/osp/1022/thumbnail.jp

Factors Associated with Revision Surgery after Internal Fixation of Hip Fractures

Background: Femoral neck fractures are associated with high rates of revision surgery after management with internal fixation. Using data from the Fixation using Alternative Implants for the Treatment of Hip fractures (FAITH) trial evaluating methods of internal fixation in patients with femoral neck fractures, we investigated associations between baseline and surgical factors and the need for revision surgery to promote healing, relieve pain, treat infection or improve function over 24 months postsurgery. Additionally, we investigated factors associated with (1) hardware removal and (2) implant exchange from cancellous screws (CS) or sliding hip screw (SHS) to total hip arthroplasty, hemiarthroplasty, or another internal fixation device. Methods: We identified 15 potential factors a priori that may be associated with revision surgery, 7 with hardware removal, and 14 with implant exchange. We used multivariable Cox proportional hazards analyses in our investigation. Results: Factors associated with increased risk of revision surgery included: female sex, [hazard ratio (HR) 1.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.25-2.50; P = 0.001], higher body mass index (fo

Recommended Roles For Uninhabited Team Members Within Mixed-Initiative Combat Teams

Trust in automation is a well-researched topic that is particularly important when planning mixed initiative interaction. When working with teams comprised of both human and non-human team members, the amount of trust the operator places in the automation often determines which parts of the interaction can be automated and the optimal level of automation. The mixed-initiative community has created numerous systems that leverage trust in automation, but results have been inconclusive. After examining the primary factors that impact trust in automated systems, we make several recommendations regarding the assignment of roles for human and non-human mixed-initiative team members. © 2010 IEEE

Assessing Instructional Strategies For Training Robot-Aided Isr Tasks In Simulated Environments

Simulation-based Training (SBT) bridges the gap between classroom instruction and live military training exercises. Simulation offers the opportunity to train events in the absence of a live training range, tasks too difficult or too dangerous to train in a live setting, and familiarization training for emerging technologies. As the role of Unmanned Ground Systems (UGSs) in the operational environment expands to include Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, SBT is primed to support emerging UGS operator training requirements. However, the use of simulation technology does not guarantee improved performance. In fact, in the absence of skilled instruction, SBT has been shown to impart negative training [1]. The research presented focuses on identifying specific instructional strategies most beneficial for training the perceptual skills involved in Robot-aided ISR tasks within a SBT paradigm. The specific objective of the experiment presented was to empirically assess the training effectiveness of two strategies, Highlighting and Massed Exposure, which have been identified as effective instructional strategies for perceptual skills training in related domains [2]. Perceptual skills, specifically behavior cue analysis, play a critical role in intelligence gathering activities and the identification of High Value Individuals (HVI). During the experiment presented in this paper, participants (n=90) performed a behavior cue analysis task, which involved detecting virtual human targets and classifying the behaviors exhibited within a virtual SBT testbed. Participants in the treatment groups received either the Highlighting or Massed Exposure instructional support during training scenarios, while participants in the Control group did not receive instructional support to guide their practice. Performance measures, including detection accuracy, classification accuracy, and response time, were compared between groups to assess the impact of the instructional strategies on performance outcomes. This timely investigation of instructional strategies provides recommendations for the SBT acquisition community driven by empirical findings