Search results for "ASSESSMENT"

A portable system for multiple parameters monitoring: towards assessment of health conditions and stress level in the automotive field

2019

In this work, an electronic portable combo system able to synchronously acquire multiple signals, e.g. electrocardiographic (ECG), photoplethysmographic (PPG) and breathing waveforms, is presented. The realized system is also capable of showing in real time some physiological parameters which can be used for assessing health/stress status of the volunteer, such as heart rate and breathing frequency and their trends over time. Thanks to the use of non-invasive PPG probes, of batteries as power supply, and to the possibility to add in the future additional sensors to acquire other signals, the system could also be employed inside vehicles for assessing the status of the driver. Finally, the r…

Digital Trace Data in the Study of Public Opinion

2016

In this article, we examine the relationship between metrics documenting politics-related Twitter activity with election results and trends in opinion polls. Various studies have proposed the possibility of inferring public opinion based on digital trace data collected on Twitter and even the possibility to predict election results based on aggregates of mentions of political actors. Yet, a systematic attempt at a validation of Twitter as an indicator for political support is lacking. In this article, building on social science methodology, we test the validity of the relationship between various Twitter-based metrics of public attention toward politics with election results and opinion pol…

Flexural Test on a Full-Scale 60-kW Wind Turbine-Tower Telescopic Steel Pipe

2019

A full-scale static test to failure was conducted on 6-m (236.22 in.)-long steel pipes constituting a segment of a telescopic wind tower with a 60-kW wind turbine. The diameter of the circular cross section of the steel pipes was 900 mm (35.43 in.), and the nominal thickness was 10 mm (0.39 in.). The steel grade was 355 MPa (51,488 psi). The tests were conducted in a force-controlled mode in a four-point bending test with a shear-to-span ratio of 2.05. The flexural limit states developed in the form of ovalization of the cross section and of local buckling. The buckling occurred in the plastic range because of the diameter-to-thickness ratio of the section. Although local buckling caused sl…

Chlorinated Ethanes: Sources, Distribution, Environmental Impact, and Health Effects

1984

Powered by public relations? Mutual perceptions of PR practitioners’ bases of power over journalism

2017

Public relations practitioners depend on journalists to report information, and journalists count on public relations practitioners to provide information. This mutual dependence gives the two parties a degree of power over each other that can be wielded if certain resources are available. However, there are many unanswered questions about how public relations exerts power over journalists and how these influence attempts may affect news coverage. We differentiate six bases of power that public relations practitioners may use to influence journalists. To test the use of these bases of power, we conducted a quantitative survey among German journalists and public relations practitioners. Our…

The Application of Optimal Topic Sequence in Adaptive e-Learning Systems

2016

In an adaptive e-learning system an opportunity to choose a course topic sequence is given to ensure personalization. The topic sequence can be obtained from three sources: teacher-offered topic sequence that is based on teacher’s pedagogical experience; learner’s free choice that is based on indicated links between topics, and, finally, the optimal topic sequence acquisition method described in this article. The optimal topic sequence is based on previous learners’ experience. With the help of the optimal topic sequence method, data about previous learners’ course topic sequence and course results are obtained. After the data analysis the optimal topic sequence for the specific course is o…

Hemoglobin point-of-care testing: the HemoCue system.

2013

Besides the use of traditional laboratory resources, the diagnosis of anemia can also be accomplished by assessing hemoglobin (Hb) concentration with point-of-care testing (POCT) devices such as the HemoCue test systems. In several situations, these devices might suitably replace traditional laboratory testing, including several areas of health care where a very rapid Hb measurement might be required to make immediate therapeutic decisions. The use of these devices, however, should fulfill some basic criteria, including economic, clinical, and regulatory issues; appropriate training of the users and knowledge of test requirements, performance, limitations, and potential interferences; the u…

Methods for Modeling Ecosystem Services: A Review

2015

Abstract Modeling ecosystem services (ES) is an essential tool for the development of strategies that will ensure their future supply, provision and quantification. Given the rapid development in this area of research, a review of the different approaches used to model ES was performed, using an analytical framework based on five criteria for comparing the existing methodological approaches: the types of ES, availability of data sources, spatial scale, types of models used and the possible outcomes of the models. Regulating services were the most commonly modeled, followed by provisioning, cultural, and supporting services. The most frequently used data for modeling were secondary data (alr…

Exploiting 3D Modelling and Life Cycle Assessment to Improve the Sustainability of Pavement Management

2020

Today road agencies worldwide face difficult decisions for construction, maintenance and rehabilitation of their road infrastructure as they try to balance limited budgets. This is further complicated rising environmental concerns over equipment and techniques used for these practices. This has led agencies to consider alternative approaches for smarter and sustainable pavement asset management systems. This paper considers the use of a low-cost 3D image modelling distress identification and classification proposal for data acquisition and analysis. To establish its environmental friendliness, a case study in Palermo, Italy, is considered wherein a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) exercise is do…

Tasks and Digital Tools

2016

International audience; This chapter considers scholastic tasks with digital tools. The first two sections consider tasks in ‘ordinary’ classrooms (tasks for learning) and issues relating to tasks using mathematical software. The first section presents examples of tasks with digital tools to highlight potential problems and opportunities for learning. The second section considers issues arising from the literature on tasks design with and without digital tools. The final section looks at task-tool issues in larger-than-the-individual classroom research and in assessment; it also comments of avenues for further development