195 research outputs found
A search for OH 6 GHz maser emission towards southern supernova remnants
OH masers at 1720 MHz have proven to be excellent indicators of interactions
between supernova remnants and molecular clouds. Recent calculations suggest
that the 6049 MHz OH maser line is excited for higher column densities than for
the 1720 MHz line. It is therefore a potentially valuable indicator of
remnant-cloud interaction.
We present preliminary results of a survey using the Parkes Methanol
Multibeam receiver for 6049 MHz and 6035/6030 MHz OH masers towards 36
supernova remnants and 4 fields in the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds. While
no 6049 MHz masers have been found, three new sites of 6035 and 6030 MHz OH
maser emission have been discovered in star-forming regions.Comment: 2 pages, 1 fig, iaus.cls. To appear in IAU 242, Astrophysical Masers
and Their Environments, eds. J. Chapman & W. Baa
Pricing Software Development Services
This paper studies the pricing of software development outsourcing. Two pricing techniques â time and material and fixed price â are described and the economic conditions for selecting between them are discussed. Using agency theory and transaction cost economics, it is predicted that risky and specific systems will be priced on time and material basis while other projects will be fixed price. An additional prediction is that confidence in the vendorâs auditing of resources is essential for time and material contracts. The predictions are tested on fourteen external software development projects in two large corporations. Quantitative measures of risk, specificity and confidence are utilised, but the data-set does not support the theoretical predictions. In order to explain this result, interviews with senior managers at the two corporations have been conducted. Both disagree with the theoretical prescriptions: one contracts risky projects on fixed price basis, preferring to pay a risk-premium rather than to rebudget. The second expert allows fixed price only with trusted vendors, preferring time and material with all other vendors
Integrating AR Technology Into CBM Laboratory Experiments
This paper examines the pilot phase integration of Augmented Reality (AR) technology into a Condition Based Monitoring (CBM) engineering taught module. Students participate in a laboratory cycle within the CBM module, engaging in multiple experiments on a weekly basis, including Shaft Alignment, which provides meaningful, industry-relevant experience in an engineering environment. During the laboratory sessions, multiple pairs of students complete the experiment simultaneously on multiple custom engineering rigs. The Shaft Alignment procedure, although very relevant to industry needs, is also complex and time consuming, with students often struggling to complete the task within the designated laboratory time. AR technology has been introduced into this module to improve the experimental instructional design, improve the learning experiences for the students and reduce unavoidable practical delays during the experimental cycle. Existing experimental procedures have been implemented as AR content including re-crafted instructional content, multimedia content (videos and images), and custom CAD data overlaid on the engineering rigs as AR reference geometry. The newly-introduced AR-based experiments were completed by multiple students over the course of a number of weeks in April and May 2023. Students provided participant feedback via survey before and after engagement with the AR technology. Test groups were aligned within the class as comparators in terms of using existing non-AR procedures and new AR-enhanced procedures. The outcomes from this pilot phase are presented in this paper, with particular focus on student and lecturer experience, knowledge gained in the context of content creation pathways for future AR integration and increased productivity within the laboratory
A search for OH 6 GHz maser emission towards supernova remnants
OH masers at 1720 MHz have proven to be excellent indicators of interactions
between supernova remnants and molecular clouds. OH excitation calculations
suggest that the 6049 MHz OH maser line is excited for higher column densities
than for the 1720 MHz line. Previous observations and modelling of 1612, 1665
and 1667 MHz OH absorption and 1720 MHz OH masers indicated that the column
densities in some supernova remnants, ~1e17 cm^-2, may be high enough for 6049
MHz OH masers to exist. It is therefore a potentially valuable indicator of
remnant-cloud interaction.
We present excitation calculations predicting the formation of 6049 MHz OH
masers and results of a survey using the Parkes Methanol Multibeam receiver for
6049, 6035 and 6030 MHz OH masers towards 35 supernova remnants, a star-forming
region and 4 fields in the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds.
Two new sites of 6035 and 6030 MHz OH maser emission associated with
star-forming regions have been discovered, but no 6049 MHz masers were detected
to a brightness temperature limit of ~0.3-0.6 K, even though modelling of the
OH excitation suggests that maser emission should have been detected. Our
upper-limits indicate that the OH column density for a typical remnant is less
than 1e16.4 cm^-2, which conflicts with observed and modelled column densities.
One possible explanation is that 6049 MHz OH masers may be more sensitive to
velocity coherence than 1720 MHz OH masers under some conditions.Comment: 11 pages, 5 figures, mn2e.cls. Submitted to MNRAS Apr 2008. Accepted
for publication in MNRAS 2008 July 15. Minor changes in the accepted version.
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Alternative Methods to Traditional Written Exam-Based Assessment
Donnelly and Fitzmaurice (2005, p.14) suggest that âassessment methods should be in accord with the learning outcomes of the module and should foster a deep approach to learningâ. While unseen written exams do develop skills such as âexamination techniques, writing under pressure, recallâ (Smyth, 2004), there are a number of alternative assessment methods that determine what students actually understand and what they can do, in contrast to what they can recall. As one student noted âI hate to say it, but what you have got to do is to have a list of âfactsâ âŠyou write down the important points and memorise those, then you\u27ll do all right in the testâŠif you can give a bit of factual information⊠âso and so did that, and concluded thatâ for two sides of writing, then you\u27ll get a good markâ (Comment from student in Ramsden, 1984, p.144). Many modules are reliant on the written exams for the majority of their assessment methods. Brown (1999, p.8) states âthe range of ways that students are assessed is extremely limited with around 80% of assessment being in the form of exam, essay and reports of some kindâ. Race (2001) agrees when he says that 90% of assessments are unseen examinations and essay/reports and such assessments promote surface learning.
Having a depository of alternative methods of assessment facilitates learners with more opportunity to demonstrate their understanding, knowledge and skills (Ramsden, 2003). Additionally, having diverse methods of assessment can provide more inclusive approaches to assessment design. They provide a means of collecting valuable information and skills that cannot be solely assessed with the traditional written exam. Brown and Race (2013) convey that using a range of diverse methods means that students are assessed across a range of abilities and skills and that everyone has some opportunity to play to strengths.
Although this project outlines challenges to implementing alternative assessment methods such as preparation, cost, and time among other factors, they provide more authentic learning approaches that focus on the quality of studentsâ performance as an individual and within a team. These alternative methods of assessment can deepen understanding, enhance the learning environment and provide students with real-life transferable skills for future employability
The impact of across-slope forest strips on hillslope subsurface hydrological dynamics
Forest cover has a significant effect on hillslope hydrological processes through its influence on the water balance and flow paths. However, knowledge of how spatial patterns of forest plots control hillslope hydrological dynamics is still poor. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of an across-slope forest strip on sub-surface soil moisture and groundwater dynamics, to give insights into how the structure and orientation of forest cover influences hillslope hydrology. Soil moisture and groundwater dynamics were compared on two transects spanning the same elevation on a 9° hillslope in a temperate UK upland catchment. One transect was located on improved grassland; the other was also on improved grassland but included a 14 m wide strip of 27-year-old mixed forest. Sub-surface moisture dynamics were investigated upslope, underneath and downslope of the forest over 2 years at seasonal and rainfall event timescales. Continuous data from point-based soil moisture sensors and piezometers installed at 0.15, 0.6 and 2.5 m depth were combined with seasonal (~bi-monthly) time-lapse electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) surveys. Significant differences were identified in sub-surface moisture dynamics underneath the forest strip over seasonal timescales: drying of the forest soils was greater, and extended deeper and for longer into the autumn compared to the adjacent grassland soils. Water table levels were also persistently lower in the forest and the forest soils responded less frequently to rainfall events. Downslope of the forest, soil moisture dynamics were similar to those in other grassland areas and no significant differences were observed beyond 15 m downslope, suggesting minimal impact of the forest at shallow depths downslope. Groundwater levels were lower downslope of the forest compared to other grassland areas, but during the wettest conditions there was evidence of upslope-downslope water table connectivity beneath the forest. The results indicate that forest strips in this environment provide only limited additional sub-surface storage of rainfall inputs in flood events after dry conditions in this temperate catchment setting
Reducing Wireless Harmonics using Dynamic Spread Spectrum Clocking and Dynamic Adaptation of MIPI Frequency
Harmonics of digital signals generated by components of a mobile device can get coupled to useful signals via the device antenna and appear as noise and desensitize the receiver. This disclosure describes techniques of dynamic spread spectrum clocking (SSC) and dynamic MIPI (mobile industry processor interface) frequency adjustment to arrest the degradation of receiver/antenna performance caused by harmonics generated by device components. Examples of device components include the camera, the MIPI serial interface of the display, the DDIC (display driver integrated circuit) oscillator, etc. Problematic frequency ranges, e.g., frequency ranges of communication channels rich in harmonics generated by components, are identified. SSC is selectively enabled or disabled to reduce or eliminate interference. The MIPI frequency is adjusted such that MIPI harmonics do not fall in presently used communication channels
Comment on the Proposed Definition of âEligible Organizationâ for Purposes of Coverage of Certain Preventative Services Under the Affordable Care Act
In late August 2014, after suffering a defeat in the Supreme Court Hobby Lobby decision when the Court held that business corporations are âpersonsâ that can âexercise religion,â the Department of Health and Human Services (âHHSâ) proposed new rules defining âeligible organizations.â Purportedly designed to accommodate the Hobby Lobby ruling, the proposed rules do not comport with the reasoning of that important decision and they unjustifiably seek to permit only a small group of business corporations to be exempt from providing contraceptive coverage on religious grounds. This comment letter to the HHS about its proposed rules makes several theoretical and practical points about the Hobby Lobby holding and how the proposed rules fail to reflect the Courtâs reasoning. The letter also addresses other approaches to avoid in the rulemaking process and argues for rules that, unlike what the HHS has proposed, align with the Supreme Courtâs reasoning while being consonant with generally applicable precepts of state law and principles of federalism
Patient participation in ERS guidelines and research projects:the EMBARC experience
The European Multicentre Bronchiectasis Audit and Research Collaboration (EMBARC) is a European Respiratory Society (ERS) Clinical Research Collaboration dedicated to improving research and clinical care for people with bronchiectasis. EMBARC has created a European Bronchiectasis Registry, funded by the ERS and by the European Union (EU) Innovative Medicines Initiative Programme. From the outset, EMBARC had the ambition to be a patient-focussed project. In contrast to many respiratory diseases, however, there are no specific patient charities or European patient organisations for patients with bronchiectasis and no existing infrastructure for patient engagement. This article describes the experience of EMBARC and the European Lung Foundation in establishing a patient advisory group and then engaging this group in European guidelines, an international registry and a series of research studies. Patient involvement in research, clinical guidelines and educational activities is increasingly advocated and increasingly important. Genuine patient engagement can achieve a number of goals that are critical to the success of an EU project, including focussing activities on patient priorities, allowing patients to direct the clinical and research agenda, and dissemination of guidelines and research findings to patients and the general public. Here, we review lessons learned and provide guidance for future ERS task forces, EU-funded projects or clinical research collaborations that are considering patient involvement.
Educational aims
To understand the different ways in which patients can contribute to clinical guidelines, research projects and educational activities. To understand the barriers and potential solutions to these barriers from a physicianâs perspective, in order to ensure meaningful patient involvement in clinical projects. To understand the barriers and potential solutions from a patientâs perspective, in order to meaningfully involve patients in clinical projects
Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 antibody seroprevalence in Northern Ireland during 2020â2021
BackgroundWith the spread of SARS-CoV-2 impacting upon public health directly and socioeconomically, further information was required to inform policy decisions designed to limit virus spread during the pandemic. This study sought to contribute to serosurveillance work within Northern Ireland to track SARS-CoV-2 progression and guide health strategy.MethodsSera/plasma samples from clinical biochemistry laboratories were analysed for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Samples were assessed using an Elecsys anti-SARS-CoV-2 or anti-SARS-CoV-2 S ECLIA (Roche) on an automated cobas e 801 analyser. Samples were also assessed via an anti-SARS-CoV-2 ELISA (Euroimmun). A subset of samples assessed via the Elecsys anti-SARS-CoV-2 ECLIA were subsequently analysed in an ACE2 pseudoneutralisation assay using a V-PLEX SARS-CoV-2 Panel 7 for IgG and ACE2 (Meso Scale Diagnostics).ResultsAcross three testing rounds (JuneâJuly 2020, NovemberâDecember 2020 and JuneâJuly 2021 (rounds 1â3 respectively)), 4844 residual sera/plasma specimens were assayed for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Seropositivity rates increased across the study, peaking at 11.6 % (95 % CI 10.4%â13.0 %) during round 3. Varying trends in SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity were noted based on demographic factors. For instance, highest rates of seropositivity shifted from older to younger demographics across the study period. In round 3, Alpha (B.1.1.7) variant neutralising antibodies were most frequently detected across age groups, with median concentration of anti-spike protein antibodies elevated in 50â69 year olds and anti-S1 RBD antibodies elevated in 70+ year olds, relative to other age groups.ConclusionsWith seropositivity rates of <15âŻ% across the assessment period, it can be concluded that the significant proportion of the Northern Ireland population had not yet naturally contracted the virus by mid-2021
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