International Collaborative Research Project Research Articles

Brain controlled robots

In January 2008, Duke University and the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) publicized their successful control of a brain-machine interface for a humanoid robot by a monkey brain across the Pacific Ocean. The activities of a few hundred neurons were recorded from a monkey's motor cortex in Miguel Nicolelis's lab at Duke University, and the kinematic features of monkey locomotion on a treadmill were decoded from neural firing rates in real time. The decoded information was sent to a humanoid robot, CB-i, in ATR Computational Neuroscience Laboratories located in Kyoto, Japan. This robot was developed by the JST International Collaborative Research Project (ICORP) as the "Computational Brain Project." CB-i's locomotion-like movement was video-recorded and projected on a screen in front of the monkey. Although the bidirectional communication used a conventional Internet connection, its delay was suppressed below one over several seconds, partly due to a video-streaming technique, and this encouraged the monkey's voluntary locomotion and influenced its brain activity. This commentary introduces the background and future directions of the brain-controlled robot.

A Commentary on the Triadic Theory of Influence as a Guide for Adapting HIV Prevention Programs for New Contexts and Populations

Summary The purpose of this paper is to illustrate how the Collaborative HIV Prevention and Adolescent Mental Health Project-South Africa (CHAMPSA) began and to present some of the results from this South African version of CHAMP. This paper informs readers of a number of lessons about international program translation. The first important lesson is that there are universal principles of health behavior change that seem to be useful across cultures. The implementation of these principles, however, needs to be informed by an in-depth understanding of local cultural contexts. The second important lesson is that it is possible to undertake large-scale, scientifically sophisticated community-based prevention research in developing countries through international collaborative research projects. It is the authors' hope that this mixture of science, service, and business will inspire other public health, community mental health, research, and business professionals to develop international prevention interventions that can be shown to be effective, and disseminated on a wide scale.

Culturally specific adaptation of a prevention intervention: An international collaborative research project

This study adapted a U.S. drug use prevention program for use with Russian at-risk adolescents, and explored directions for further development of programs addressing prevention of substance abuse and other health risk behaviors including risk of HIV infection. The adaptation process was conducted in phases, initially carried out in Seattle with 23 bilingual (English–Russian) youth and then further adapted in two Moscow schools with 44 “typical” youth. In the final phase, program adaptation for the Russian at-risk adolescents was achieved by conducting a pilot test of the adapted program lessons with Moscow at-risk adolescents ( n = 10), who met criteria of poor school performance and/or truancy. Observations and experience were used throughout to adapt and refine the program for at-risk youth. Modifications were made to represent more accurately colloquial Russian and to capture teen experiences common to Russian culture. Both U.S. and Russian youth characterized the lessons as engaging and valuable. They also expressed a need to learn about sexuality, drug use, and health; peer and romantic relationships; and problem-solving strategies.

Activity Report: International Collaborative Research Project on Innovation Policy and Policy Analysis

Activity Report: International Collaborative Research Project on Innovation Policy and Policy Analysis

Neural Correlates of Internal-Model Loading

Skilled object manipulation requires knowledge, or internal models, of object dynamics relating applied force to motion , and our ability to handle myriad objects indicates that the brain maintains multiple models . Recent behavioral studies have shown that once learned, an internal model of an object with novel dynamics can be rapidly recruited and derecruited as the object is grasped and released . We used event-related fMRI to investigate neural activity linked to grasping an object with recently learned dynamics in preparation for moving it after a delay. Subjects also performed two control tasks in which they either moved without the object in hand or applied isometric forces to the object. In all trials, subjects received a cue indicating which task to perform in response to a go signal delivered 5-10 s later. We examined BOLD responses during the interval between the cue and go and assessed the conjunction of the two contrasts formed by comparing the primary task to each control. The analysis revealed significant activity in the ipsilateral cerebellum and the contralateral and supplementary motor areas. We propose that these regions are involved in internal-model recruitment in preparation for movement execution.

Factors involved in international scientific collaborations in Ethiopia, using a research project on schistosomiasis as an example

Ethiopia is host to a large number of international collaborative research projects in the areas of science, medicine and health. This paper attempts to (1) Give a brief introduction to Ethiopia and its health care system, including its primary and referral health care institutions and its medical education; (2) Briefly discuss four examples of international collaborations in Ethiopia, on very different scales: National HIV/AIDS Programme, Gondar Chronic Illness Project, Dabat and Butajira Health Surveillance Projects, a local schistosomiasis project and related laboratory studies; (3) Summarize some of the lessons learned from these projects and to suggest some common characteristics of successful international projects.

Perceptions of Japanese students on terrorism and other security problems: Initial results from a pilot study

This paper is part of an international collaborative research project involving researchers from India, England, Japan and the United States. International terrorism has emerged as a major human concern after September 11, 2001 and an understanding of this against the backdrop of related security problems has emerged as a priority research area. This paper presents preliminary findings of an exploratory pilot study. In the spring semester of 2002, undergraduate students in q Japanese college were surveyed about their views following the two major terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 (New York and Washington) and December 13, 2001 (Indian Parliament). A total of 75 undergraduate students completed a self‐administered questionnaire.

Hepatitis C virus: overview of clinical and technical perspectives.

The increasing incidence/prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in dialysis patients is a cause for concern. In particular, the problem of possible transmission of HCV within a dialysis unit needs to be investigated from both a clinical and technical perspective and substantial evidence generated to support future management. Nosocomial transmission has been repeatedly recognised as a major factor in the spread of HCV. Professional negligence and patient naivety can result in the rapid development of nosocomial infection and research has identified that the incidence of transmission, in environments where parental routes are accessible, is higher. There have been a limited number of investigations into transmission through dialysis equipment and to date this evidence seems to indicate that HCV RNA (cells) do not pass through the dialysis membranes. With so little evidence, there is a need for further clarity. Currently it appears that there is no general agreement about preventative measures. Despite a limited amount of evidence, there appears to be a wide variation in policies concerning the isolation of patients. This article will provide an overview of current clinical and technical research that addresses the management of this virus within the haemodialysis environment. It is also the intention of the author that the article acts as a catalyst to promote interest in an international collaborative research project (CRP), which will be launched by the EDTNA/ERCA Research Board.

Multiple Scripts and Contested Discourse in Disseminating Research Findings

Disseminating research findings locally, nationally and internationally is complicated and sensitive. International teams of researchers have to navigate and wind their way through multiple agendas, scripts and discourses. This leads to contested discourses concerning the meaning and relevance of findings, often expressed through disputes over the use of language. There is a need to consider local, national and international sensitivities, structures, policies and ideologies and to negotiate a shared awareness and understanding of these differences. The case study presented here is drawn from an international collaborative research project in the area of maternal, reproductive and child health in the Middle East. Issues of difference arose in relation to the nature of the research, the significance of the findings, the terminology to be used when referring to the groups of people being studied or when presenting data. The importance of the political and social context of the research and research teams was as relevant as the research design, data collection and findings.

Integrated Fabrication Processes for Solid-Oxide Fuel Cells Using Thermal Plasma Spray Technology

In the manufacture of solid-oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), thermal-plasma technology, especially plasma spraying, offers several advantages, the most important of which is the ability to achieve considerably higher deposition rates than those that can be obtained with such approaches as physical or chemical vapor deposition (PVD or CVD). This article describes an international collaborative research project partially funded by NEDO (New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization, Japan) and carried out at five research laboratories around the world: at the University of Tokyo and National Institute for Research in Inorganic Materials (NIRIM) in Japan, the University of Minnesota in the United States, the University of Sherbrooke in Canada, and DLR—Stuttgart in Germany. The objective of the project was to conduct a comparative study on the possible use of four thermal-plasma spraying techniques for the integrated fabrication of SOFCs.

The death-watch beetle - accommodated in all the best places

Preservation of historical buildings is a hot topic, and g e t t i n g hotter if predictions about global warming and climate change impact upon the built environment in the way we think they will. Invasions of exotic insect species and extre m e population fluctuations of indigenous species are widely re p o rted around the world. Timber pests are no exception, and we have already seen termites establish themselves in Southwest England and observed an increase in the p revalence of the house longhorn beetle, H y l o t rupes bajulus. This may be partly due to climate change, but it is also p robably related to changes in lifestyle. Central heating systems are now present in most historical buildings. And coupled with reduced ventilation, it can lead to condensation and warm e r, more humid environments inside buildings, c reating a more conducive environment for timber pests. It is also feared that another European timber pest, the death-watch beetle (Xestobium rufovillosum), is on the increase, which is a particular worry for architectural conservationists as the beetle has a preference for ancient oak timber found in cathedrals, palaces and stately homes (Belmain et al., 1998). Historically, beginning with attempts to treat the roof timbers of Westminster Hall at the beginning of the 20th century, surface treatment with chemicals has been employed as the treatment method of choice. Surf a c e t reatment has proved, however, of very limited effect in controlling the death-watch beetle in such historic buildings. As a result, between 1993 and 1997 the European Commission funded the international collaborative research project Woodcare, led by English Heritage, to understand the interaction between beetle behaviour, timber and fungus with a view to understand why surface treatments so often fail, and to evolve alternative environmentally acceptable treatment methods (Ridout, 1999). This short article outlines the problems involved in the effective control of death-watch beetle and some of the research which has been carried out to discover why it is so problematical and to develop better methods of control.

The international collaborative programme on organosilane coupling agents: an introduction

Silane coupling agents have great potential in many areas of adhesive bonding and coating. However, there is a need to gain a better understanding of their mode of action and the effects of variations in application conditions. This paper gives a brief overview of an international collaborative research project designed to investigate the fundamental nature of the interactions between epoxy functional silanes and aluminium adherends, how these interactions are affected by the silane application conditions and the resulting effects on bond strength and durability.

Guidelines for international collaborative research.

As the global village becomes a reality, there is an increasing need to conduct international collaborative studies in family practice. A workshop at the WONCA meeting in Hong Kong used international attendees to produce a set of guidelines for international research. At the workshop four completed international projects, each using a different strategy, were presented so that common themes might become apparent. The themes were then discussed and guidelines emerged from the process. Seven guidelines emerged for consideration before embarking on an international collaborative research project in family medicine. The guidelines deal with the characteristics of the research question and the importance of communication. The need for simple, brief methods of data collection, funding and pilot testing were identified. The question must be relevant to all participants to maintain interest and measurement tools must be validated to understand the impact of cultural differences in understanding.

SMALL TOWN DEVELOPMENT IN THE PERIPHERY OF BIG CITIES IN CHINA

Abstract Since adopting the policy of reformation and opening to the outside world in 1978, remarkable changes have taken place in the social economic structure of China, and its urbanization has been speeded up. During the period of the Eighth Five-Year Plan, there were nearly 50,000 small towns in the whole country which absorbed about 50 million rural surplus labour. A number of small towns within the areas of jurisdiction of coastal metropolises have emerged and probably become new growth nodes of these regions. These latter small towns have developed in different steps, as the “reform and opening policy” of the nation has been carried out firstly in South China, and was then extended to the North. Difference in location, resource and original development level have also given them different characteristics. We used the cases of Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou Metropolitan Regions to focus on several problems on the development of small towns in China's coastal metropolitan surroundings, using data from reports of the CIDA funded Asian Urban Research Network (AURN) international collaborative research project on Small Towns Development and Planning.

Parental Descriptions of Children’s Personality: A Five-Factor Model Classification

The paper reports the Flemish contribution to the first phase of an international collaborative research project operating as the International Consortium for the Study of Developmental Antecedents of the Five-Factor-Model (ICDA-FFM). Free parental oral descriptions of their own children’s personality are recorded, transcribed, segmented in units and classified with a category system comprising fourteen major categories, further subdivided in facets and clusters. Three quarters of the parental descriptors for children aged 3, 6, 9 and 12 could be classified as instances of various facets of the Five-Factor Model (FFM). Comparison of frequencies of classified descriptors across age levels shows a significant increase of descriptors indicating Conscientiousness and a decrease of references to Extraversion. Analysis at the facet level points towards an age related shift within Extraversion from activity to sociability descriptors. The relationship of categorised free child descriptions to the FFM is illustrated by their consistent pattern of correlations with factor scores derived from parental ratings of the same children on 25 scales (Mervielde, 1992) marking the FFM. Moreover, most of the free descriptors classified in categories regarded to be beyond the scope of the FFM, show significant and plausible correlations with the factor scores derived from parental ratings of the same children.

Excluding blood donors at high risk of HIV infection in a west African city.

To examine the potential impact of deferral of blood donors at high risk of HIV infection in a west African city where blood is screened for HIV antibodies but no other special measures are taken to protect the blood supply. Cross sectional study. National Blood Transfusion Centre and Project RETRO-CI, an international collaborative AIDS research project, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. 1257 male first time blood donors. Blood donors were interviewed about demographic and behavioural characteristics and tested for HIV antibodies by enzyme immunoassay and, if positive, synthetic peptide based tests. HIV antibody status in relation to presence of behavioural risk factors; calculation of sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of specific criteria for excluding HIV infected donors. The overall prevalence of HIV infection was 11.4%. The most important risk factors for HIV positivity were prostitute contact and being aged 30-39 years. For identifying seropositive donors individual criteria had sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive values ranging from 15% to 98%, 38% to 91%, and 17% to 30% respectively. Prostitute contact in the past five years would have excluded 31% of all donors and 73% of HIV infected donors. 27% of those excluded would have been HIV positive. The widespread assumption that donor deferral is not feasible in sub-Saharan Africa needs reassessment. In Abidjan this approach was well accepted and potentially effective. Donor deferral requires evaluation as a strategy for improving blood safety in resource poor areas with high rates of HIV infection.

Computer communication for international collaboration in education in public health. The TEMPUS Consortium for a New Public Health in Hungary.

Computer conferencing using the Canadian system CoSy is presented, and three related projects are discussed. 1. An extramural university course in epidemiology and medical statistics was taught using CoSy. Computer conferencing can be a useful vehicle for distance education, enabling health professionals to attend "classes" independent of geographical and time constraints. The subjects taught are well suited to this medium. 2. Internet was used to establish a small network of public health researchers and teachers. Participants are from Canada, Hungary, Israel, Norway, and Australia. Networks of this type not only facilitate international collaboration within public health, they also enable international collaborative research and teaching projects that would have been too cumbersome and time consuming to initiate and conduct without this communication facility. 3. "Development of Medical Education for a New Public Health in Hungary," a project funded by the European Community's TEMPUS program, is established with a view to developing the undergraduate and graduate education of public health professionals. It is a joint program between the five Hungarian medical schools and ten universities in the G24 countries. The TEMPUS listserver functions as an important vehicle for communication within this project.

Establishing an international computer network for research and teaching in public health and epidemiology

Most universities and major research institutions in North America, Western Europe and around the Pacific are connected via computer communication networks. The authors have used these networks' accessible, low cost, electronic mail system to develop a network of public health researchers and teachers. Current and potential uses of this network are discussed. These networks can not only facilitate international cooperation within public health; they also make it possible to conduct international collaborative research projects that would be too cumbersome and time consuming to initialize and conduct without this communication facility. One participant from Hungary has been able to participate in the network by using telefax. This has some drawbacks compared to electronic mail. In this era of rapid change in Eastern Europe, we urge that electronic communication be made freely available to colleagues in Eastern Europe.

Nutritional consequences of intensive forest harvesting on site productivity

Predicting the effects of harvesting practices on long-term site productivity is crucial if we are to manage forests for sustained yield. Long-term field trials are required to accurately determined the consequences of various harvesting practices, and the information from such trials should be extended to other sites through computer models or site classification systems. However, the use of computer models by forest managers is currently limited by our lack of knowledge of several key processes that influence site productivity, and there is an urgent need for more research on these processes. Site classification systems have potential application for extending results from empirical field trials and process studies, and should be considered for use as management tools. International collaborative research projects provide excellent mechanisms to rapidly advance our understanding of forest ecosystem dynamics and to enhance our ability to predict the consequences of harvesting practices on long-term site productivity.

Role Parity in International Social Science Collaborative Research

The article reports the findmgs of a study on the subject of role parity in international collaborative research projects. Two dimensions of role relationships in research settings—the centrality of research roles and the locus of decision making-have been examined within a theoretical framework. The data are based on the research roles of 65 U.S. university professors and their counterparts. The data are separately examined for the counterparts from the industrialized and developing nations.