Similarity networks as a knowledge representation for space applications

Similarity networks are a powerful form of knowledge representation that are useful for many artificial intelligence applications. Similarity networks are used in applications ranging from information analysis and case based reasoning to machine learning and linking symbolic to neural processing. Strengths of similarity networks include simple construction, intuitive object storage, and flexible retrieval techniques that facilitate inferencing. Therefore, similarity networks provide great potential for space applications

The Importance of Instructor-Student and Student-Student Interactions of the satisfaction of Graduate Students Taking Distance Learning Courses

The research goals of this study were to answer the following questions: 1. What level of interaction with the instructor do students need in order to be satisfied with their experience in the course? 2. What level of interaction with other students do students need in order to be satisfied with their experience in the course? 3. Can a student successfully complete a TELETECHNET course without being satisfied with their personal interactions in the course

Over The Edge: What Should We Do When Alcohol and Drug Use Become a Problem to Society?

The purpose of this issue guide is to help people talk together about what we should do when alcohol and drug use becomes a problem to society. It begins with an overview of substance use and abuse in the United States and the impact this has on individuals, families, and communities. It then offers three options for addressing the issue, along with potential actions that could be taken. These are starting points for the conversation, which may lead to other insights and possibilities.People from seven organizations across the country participated in developing the guide, conducting interviews, surveys, and conversations with diverse people in their communities to capture different views on the issue. The organizations included the Community College of Baltimore County, San Diego Deliberation Network, Tennessee State University, University of Alaska Anchorage, Walden University, SUNY Broome Community College, and the West Virginia Center for Civic Life.The guide may be used to support a single conversation or a series of conversations. The following suggestions can help you get started:Invite participants to share how substance use and abuse has affected them, their families, and others they know. Many will have direct experiences and are likely to mention concerns identified in the guide.Consider each option one at a time, using the actions and drawbacks as examples to illustrate what each option entails.Review the conversation as a group, and identify areas of common ground as well as disagreement. Talk about possible next steps, individually and as a group

HIV/STI Risk Factors Among African-American Students Attending Predominantly White Universities

Introduction: The majority of African American college students in the U.S. attend predominantly white institutions (PWIs). However, there is minimal research examining this population’s HIV/STI risk behaviors. The purpose of this investigation was to assess HIV/STI behavioral risk factors among African American college students (aged 18 – 24years) attending PWIs. (n = 2,568) Methods: Backwards step-wise logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine factors associated with a positive HIV/STI diagnosis (past year) among sexually active African American college students who participated in the Spring, 2006 National College Health Assessment. Findings: Nine factors were significantly associated with an HIV/STI diagnosis among African American college students attending PWIs. Different risk factors were associated with having a HIV/STI diagnosis among African American male and female college students. These results may be useful to HIV/STIs prevention programs targeting African American college students attending PWIs

Prison(er) auto/biography, 'true crime', and teaching, learning, and research in criminology

The main aim of this essay is to explore prisoner life writing within the specific, richly and multiply dependent context of teaching and learning undergraduate criminology at an English university, from the authorial viewpoint of a teacher and her students as budding criminologists and co-authors. This article seeks to redress a continuing resistance to life history approaches in the teaching of criminology, despite the discipline being formally devoted to the understanding of the meaning and experience of imprisonment in all its forms and consequences. What follows is a trucated narrative of what students had to say on the fascinating subjects of prisoner auto/biography and its place in popular and expert discourses on crime, criminality, and punishment, contextualised within the academic discipline of criminology

Lake St. Martin First Nation Community Members’ Experiences of Induced Displacement: “We’re like refugees”

In 2011, a massive flood occurred in the Canadian province of Manitoba, and provincial government officials decided to divert water to Lake St. Martin and First Nation land to protect urban, cottage, and agricultural properties. As a result of this artificial flood, all community members were evacuated, with infrastructures and housing at Lake St. Martin First Nation permanently destroyed. Three years later, 1,064 Lake St. Martin First Nation members reside in urban hotels and other temporary residences. Data from participatory videography and community workshops were analyzed using the sustainable livelihoods framework. Environmentally and developmentally induced displacement transformed an entire First Nation community into refugees in their homeland. Jurisdictional issues and racism prevented provisioning of services to meet their basic needs, help rebuild their lives, and relocate their community. Inclusive evacuation, relocation, and water-management policies and procedures are recommended.En 2011 a eu lieu une importante inondation dans la province canadienne du Manitoba. Les fonctionnaires du gouvernement provincial ont décidé de détourner les eaux vers le lac St-Martin et les terres des premières nations afin de protéger les propriétés urbaines, rurales et agricoles. En conséquence de cette inondation artificielle, tous les membres de la communauté ont été évacués, et les infrastructures et les habitations de la communauté autochtone du lac St-Martin ont été détruites de façon permanente. Trois ans plus tard, 1064 membres de la communauté autochtone du lac St-Martin habitent dans des hôtels urbains et d’autres habitations temporaires. Nous avons analysé les données de vidéographies participatives et des ateliers communautaires à l’aide d’une grille de moyen de subsistance durable. Les déplacements environnementaux et développementaux ont transformé toute une communauté autochtone en refugiés dans leur propre région. Des questions de juridictions et de racisme empêchent de fournir les services de base, d’aider à la reconstruction de leur vie, et de réinstaller leur communauté. Des évacuations inclusives, des déménagements, et des politiques et des procédures de gestion de l’eau sont recommandées