Non-technical Information Research Articles

The Effect of Novel Decision Support Tools on Technical and Non-Technical Performance of Teams in Managing Emergencies.

Cognitive aids have been shown to facilitate adherence to evidence-based guidelines and improve technical performance of teams when managing simulated critical events. Few studies have explored the effect of cognitive aids on non-technical skills, such as teamwork and communication. The current study sought to explore the effects of different decision support tools (DST), a type of cognitive aid, on the technical and non-technical performance of teams. The current study represents a randomized, blinded, control trial of the effects of three versions of an electronic DST on team performance during multiple simulations of perioperative emergencies. The DSTs included a version with only technical information, a version with only non-technical information and a version with both technical and non-technical information. The technical performance of teams was improved when they used the technical DST and the combined technical and non-technical DST when compared to memory alone. The technical performance of teams was significantly worse when using the non-technical DST. All three versions of the DST had a negligible effect on the non-technical performance of teams. The technical performance of teams in the current study was affected by different versions of a DST, yet there was no effect on the teams' non-technical performance. The use of a DST, including those that focused on non-technical information, did not impact the non-technical performance of the teams.

The Impact of Unsystematic Factors on Bitcoin Value

The results of empirical analyses confirm that analysed unsystematic factors, the Stock-to-Flow index (S2F), and information on the Bitcoin (BTC) are directly correlated with BTC values. These results are expected and in line with the economic theory; however, this research paper aimed to investigate the impact of unsystematic factors on the value of decentralised virtual cryptocurrency BTC. Its aim was also to analyse the reasons for significant oscillations of market values in relation to the S2F and S2FX model and thus confirm the reliability of these models in the estimation of BTC value. The research further confirms the strong influence of non-technical information directly linked with the BTC. The limitations of this paper are the lack of possibilities for examining the impact of non-technical information affecting the Bitcoin price deviation regarding the S2F model. In addition to all mentioned limitations, the research results indicate the relevance of the S2F and S2FX models and show a strong impact of (half) the information on the value of cryptocurrencies.

Performance analysis and design of loitering munitions: A comprehensive technical survey of recent developments

Loitering munitions are increasingly used in armed conflicts. An extensive database of loitering munitions is developed based on information available in the public domain. This database includes dimensions, weights, and performance parameters such as flight endurance and communication range. Based upon this dataset, 6 categories of loitering munitions are identified and statistical trends in the form of equations are provided for each category. The statistical trends are supported by aircraft performance theory tailored to loitering munitions applications. Altogether, the combination of the database, statistical trends and aircraft performance theory can be used to analyse the flight performance and design considerations of new loitering munitions of which only limited non-technical information is available in the public domain such as pictures and news articles. Based on the statistical trends and aircraft performance theory it is concluded that for long range applications, the preferred design solution is the conventional configuration. The cruciform configuration is beneficial in case precision flight path control is of prime importance. The tandem wing configuration combines the benefits of a canister launch and relatively high aspect ratio wings suitable for long range flight. Finally, the delta wing design provides a large internal volume and a high terminal attack airspeed. Two example case studies are included to illustrate the flight performance capabilities of two types of loitering munitions used in the current conflict in Yemen (a long range conventional design and a delta wing configuration).

Palestine Energy Policy for Photovoltaic Generation: Current Status and What Should Be Next?

Most of the consumed energy in Palestine comes from Israel. Meanwhile, the Israeli government controls the amount of electricity for Palestinians due to political reasons. This has led to many electricity shortages, prompting the Palestinians to invest in grid connected photovoltaic systems to mitigate electricity shortages. However, the lack of experience and loose energy policies have negatively affected the electricity distribution network in Palestine. Thus, this paper aims to discuss the current energy policy model for photovoltaic generation in Palestine and the challenges facing it. Moreover, 15 photovoltaic systems are selected in this research for technical and economical evaluation, to first show the typical performance of photovoltaic systems in Palestine, and second, to prove that there are failure cases in many systems due to a number of behavioral and structural barriers. Finally, the paper proposes a suggestion of unbundling transmission lines in the region to address the current critical status of photovoltaic investment in Palestine. As a result, the typical average yield factor of photovoltaic systems in Palestine is in the range of 1368–1816 kWh/kWp per year with a payback period of 5.5–7.4 years. However, the percentage of failure for the installed systems is found to be 47%. Meanwhile, the low awareness and lack of non-technical information are the main behavioral barriers, while grid infrastructure, lack of technical standards and staff training as well as loose and discouraging policies are the most dominant structural barriers.

Systematic reviews and meta-analysis in nutrition research.

There exists an ever-increasing number of systematic reviews, with or without meta-analysis, in the field of nutrition. Concomitant with this increase is the increased use of such to guide future research as well as both practice and policy-based decisions. Given this increased production and consumption, a need exists to educate both producers and consumers of systematic reviews, with or without meta-analysis, on how to conduct and evaluate high-quality reviews of this nature in nutrition. The purpose of this paper is to try and address this gap. In the present manuscript, the different types of systematic reviews, with or without meta-analyses, are described as well as the description of the major elements, including methodology and interpretation, with a focus on nutrition. It is hoped that this non-technical information will be helpful to producers, reviewers and consumers of systematic reviews, with or without meta-analysis, in the field of nutrition.

Development of a Biobank from a Legacy Collection in Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia: Proposed Approach for Centralized Biobank Development in Low-Resource Institutions.

Introduction: The establishment of a biobank requires specific expertise along with relatively expensive infrastructure and appropriate technology. This causes certain challenges in biobank implementation for research in low-middle-income countries. Biobank development with established specimens and data collection (legacy collection) was an approach used in the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada. This approach aimed to identify the resources available at present, while providing nontechnical information for further development of a centralized biobank. Materials and Methods: Retrospective modeling was done in 2015 by recruiting existing specimen collections and their associated data. The steps were as follows: (1) informing research stakeholders through discussion with experts and stakeholders; (2) identifying specimen collections to be used; (3) determining the system, infrastructure, and consumables needed; (4) determining inclusion criteria; (5) building an in-house database system; (6) organizing data and physical specimen collections; and (7) validating data and physical sample arrangement. All technical procedures were built into standard operating procedures. Results: The model included specimens from one -80°C freezer. The associated data included demographic, clinical diagnosis, and physical sample information. Samples came from six studies, collected between 2001 and 2014. A web-based database was built based on the MySQL programming system. Information on biospecimens from a total of 4196 subjects collected in 11,358 vials was entered into the database, following physical rearrangement of vials in the -80°C freezer with one-dimensional barcodes taped to vials, boxes, and racks. A validation test was done for data concordance between the database and physical arrangement in the -80°C freezer, showing no discrepancies. Conclusion: This report demonstrated current technical and nontechnical insights to further develop a centralized biobank for health research at an academic institution in Indonesia.

Information Security Governance Framework of Malaysia Public Sector

Information is one of the key assets in the organization other than employees and physical assets. Information should be protected so as not to be exposed to unauthorized individuals, especially competitors and spies. Previous studies have found that Information Security Governance (ISG) is divided into two that is technical security because of the use of information and communication technology (ICT) and non-technical information security. Implementation of ISG in the public sector in Malaysia is aimed at protecting information from technical aspects only without giving priority to information security issues that are not technical in nature, particularly in terms of content. Data analysis found that the public sector did not have guidelines on ISG in a single and integrated document form, making it difficult to implement the initiative. This study analyzes the ISG policy of Malaysian public sector agencies with the objective of developing a comprehensive ISG framework. The study employed a qualitative approach which comprises of document content analysis techniques and interviews with senior Malaysian public sector officials. The analysis of the study found that the Malaysian public sector already has a framework for governance of information security. However, the ISG framework is found in several separate documents by using different governance approaches between each one.

Non-technical communication factors at the Vessel Traffic Services

This study done at the Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) explored how the VTS operators (VTSOs) communicated with ships and other actors in the maritime sociotechnical system and how decisions were made with regard to assisting traffic in maintaining safe passage in port areas, where most vessel movements are seen and accidents occur. The fieldwork was done during four independent visits to a VTS centre under the Swedish Maritime Authority, with a total sample of six VTSOs and one VTS instructor. The qualitative data were sorted and coded using a grounded theory approach. The data pointed at non-technical information processing and communication factors that play a role in decision-making and ultimately in safety. During protocol operations at the VTS, these factors influenced how VTSOs judged the skills of the vessels’ bridge teams, and how they approached them. This is a time where much effort is being put into upgrading technological systems, and these will have the power to change the ways in which the maritime network obtains and processes information, as well as how they can communicate with each other. The further development of technological systems, work protocols and training programmes can benefit from taking the soft aspects of communication and the needs of the operators and their tasks into account for the enhancement of safety.

A Survey of App Store Analysis for Software Engineering

App Store Analysis studies information about applications obtained from app stores. App stores provide a wealth of information derived from users that would not exist had the applications been distributed via previous software deployment methods. App Store Analysis combines this non-technical information with technical information to learn trends and behaviours within these forms of software repositories. Findings from App Store Analysis have a direct and actionable impact on the software teams that develop software for app stores, and have led to techniques for requirements engineering, release planning, software design, security and testing. This survey describes and compares the areas of research that have been explored thus far, drawing out common aspects, trends and directions future research should take to address open problems and challenges.

Technical skill training improves the ability to learn

In the initial phases of surgical training, attentional resources are monopolized by the execution of novel tasks. This consideration can result in overwhelming attentional resources, leaving few for other tasks. Practicing a technical task decreases the attentional resources required for its execution. These resources are then free for redistribution to other, clinically important tasks. This pilot study investigated how laboratory-based surgical training on a technical procedure affects concurrent acquisition of other, nontechnical information. After watching an instructional video, 16 first-year surgical residents performed a pyloroplasty procedure and were divided randomly so half received 6 trials of hands-on practice of the procedure (practice group) whereas the other did not (no practice). After 1 week, participants returned to perform the procedure on 2 tests: isolated procedural performance (transfer) and concurrent procedural and listening performance (dual). Procedural and listening performances were compared between groups using expert measures of performance (Global Rating Scale [GRS], task-specific checklist, and number of errors) and written test scores. GRS and error scores reflected greater practice group performance on both tests: transfer test (P < .05 for all measures) and dual test (GRS, P < .05; error, P < .001). Most important, the practice group also retained more clinical information, indicated by higher written test scores (P < .001). Findings in this study suggest that practice outside of the operating room may result in a decrease in attentional resources dedicated to technical task execution, thus facilitating trainees' ability to distribute attentional resources between concurrent, clinically important task performances.

Written notification of test results: Meanings, comprehension and implication on patients’ health behavior

Objective Mailing test results are frequently used to provide patients with information about their medical condition and enhancing their participation in subsequent management. This study explores patients’ experiences of the written notification process and its implications. Methods Telephone interviews were conducted with 128 patients who had undergone endoscopic examinations in two gastroenterology clinics after the received of their mailed biopsies results. The interviews (open and closed questions) focused on patients’ perceptions and emotions while waiting, and after reading the reports. Results The findings are divided to emotions experienced, comprehension and behavioral implications. The reports arrived 6–33 days later than promised. Many patients were dissatisfied but most did nothing to hasten the process. Over half of them were unable to understand the information in the letters and the future steps needed to be taken. Explanatory covering letters, sent by the hospital clinic, enhanced comprehension and diminished confusion. Conclusions Mailed biopsy reports frequently failed to enhance patient understanding and participation in decisions. Incomprehensibility of written information, and unmet expectations, evoked negative emotional responses. Practice implications Improving readability with simple, non-technical information; and verification of understanding and fulfillment of recommendations using a follow-up call are critical for accomplishing the goals of mailed biopsy reports.

Information security management: An information security retrieval and awareness model for industry

The purpose of this paper is to present a conceptual view of an Information Security Retrieval and Awareness (ISRA) model that can be used by industry to enhance information security awareness among employees. A common body of knowledge for information security that is suited to industry and that forms the basis of this model is accordingly proposed. This common body of knowledge will ensure that the technical information security issues do not overshadow the non-technical human-related information security issues. The proposed common body of knowledge also focuses on both professionals and low-level users of information. The ISRA model proposed in this paper consists of three parts, namely the ISRA dimensions (non-technical information security issues, IT authority levels and information security documents), information security retrieval and awareness, and measuring and monitoring. The model specifically focuses on the non-technical information security that forms part of the proposed common body of knowledge because these issues have, in comparison with the technical information security issues, always been neglected.

Exposed: The Toxic Chemistry of Everyday Products and What’s at Stake for American Power by Mark Schapiro . White River Junction, VT:Chelsea Green, 2007. 224 pp. ISBN: 978-1-933392-15-8, $22.95

Exposed: The Toxic Chemistry of Everyday Products and What’s at Stake for American Power <i>by Mark Schapiro</i> . White River Junction, VT:Chelsea Green, 2007. 224 pp. ISBN: 978-1-933392-15-8, $22.95

Making connections - ABCs of what engineering schools don't teach

This paper describes the information what engineering schools don't teach. Students who graduate with degrees in engineering will leave school with a great deal of technical knowledge, it's all the nontechnical information, which wasn't taught in class, that will ultimately determine each student's level of success. The paper includes Carl Selinger's guidance to engineering students in a professional world. His goals for the book are simple: to introduce engineers to what Selinger calls real-world issues, to guide engineers in assessing their strengths and weaknesses, and to improving them selves in the needed areas. The reactions to Selinger's ideas from working engineers and students who have attended one of the author's seminars are peppered throughout the book, offering a kind of reality check for the reader in terms of the value of his message

Improving the Scientific Integrity of Nontechnical Publications

T he June 2006 edition of Rangelands provides an opportunity for us to highlight a couple of points about the role of peer review in nontechnical publications produced by the SRM. This wildlife-themed issue was thought-provoking, informative, and for the most part accurate in its portrayal of some wildlife conservation issues facing resource managers. However, the articles by Schroeder et al' and Brunner2 regarding sagegrouse help illuminate 2 points about SRM's nontechnical publications: 1) the need for a rigorous peer-review process in publishing issue papers, and 2) the need to clearly separate peer-reviewed literature from editorial pieces in Rangelands. In the Viewpoint article by Schroeder et all, the authors provide a detailed critique of the SRM Issue Paper titled Ecology and Management of and SageGrouse Habitat.3 Their assessment revealed many legitimate problems with the information presented in the issue paper, such as the lack of references for stated facts and unsupported interpretations of existing data. These problems stemmed largely from the issue paper review and publication process. To our knowledge, the issue paper did not undergo formal and rigorous peer review by experts in the field of sage-grouse and sage-grouse habitat. SRM's Wildlife Habitat Committee (WHC) was informally given the opportunity to provide information on sage-grouse, but surprisingly was not intimately involved in developing or approving the issue paper. At the 2006 SRM annual meeting in Vancouver, the WHC discussed the fundamental problems with the issue paper publication process. As a committee, we made a request to the SRM Board of Directors to develop a formal process for the publication of issue papers that includes peer review. We commend the Board for quickly adopting guidelines for the development of issue papers that should improve the rigor of these nontechnical publications. The issue paper guidelines are now posted on the SRM website at: ww. rangelands.org/publications_issuepapers.shtml. Disseminating nontechnical information on species of c ncern, such as sage-grouse, is highly important and valuable if done in a scientifically sound manner. However, as Schroeder et al' point out, we have a responsibility as scientists to present material based upon the best-available and most current research, which includes peer-reviewed literature from inside and outside SRM. The SRM Sage-grouse Issue Paper3 serves as a good example of why we need to use a rigorous peer-review process for widely distributed nontechnical publications that represent SRM as a scientific society. Our second point regarding peer review in nontechnical publications can be made by critiquing the article by Brunner2 titled Sage-Grouse at the Crossroads that appeared in Rangelands. This article was not identified as having been peer reviewed, but it did appear in the Feature Articles section alongside peer-reviewed papers. Unfortunately, much of the information presented by Brunner2 on sage-grouse biology, habitat requirements, and relationships to domestic lives ock grazing is not supported by scientific research. It is impossible, though, for individuals unfamiliar with sage-grouse biology and management to know whether the assertions are based on science, anecdote, or opinion because statements of fact are made with no literature citations. Brunner2 also provides inaccurate information on the potential effect of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) on private landowners. The article states that A landowner simply cannot afford to have an endangered or threatened species on his He faces $75,000 fines plus jail time if a bird is 'harassed', ie, flushed as the person drives over his own land. This statement is false; criminal penalties under Section 11 of the ESA4 can only be imposed for those who knowingly violate its prohibitions, which can include harassment. These statements are concerning given that many of us in SRM work with farmers and ranchers every day to improve habitat for species of concern while keeping the goal of agricultural production at the forefront. Endangered species conservation

Golems among us: how a Jewish legend can help us navigate the biotech century

The Golems Among Us: How Jewish Legend Can Help Us to Navigate Biotech Century Byron L. Sherman Ivan R. Dee, Chicago, 2004 Adopting an idealistic, one might truly say 'Byronesque,' standpoint, Byron L. Sherman, distinguished professor of Jewish Philosophy and Mysticism at Sperton Institute of Jewish Studies in Chicago, has written book which strains, but fails, to justify its title, but is nevertheless both thoughtful and readable, and contains much non-technical information of interest. Even if he chose this title simply as an eye-catcher, or possibly to validate his academic specialty, we may happily say that it does add dash of color to what is in most part useful contribution to debate over morality of eugenic intervention based on latest developments in genetics and reproductive science. The 225-page volume makes interesting reading. Chapter One provides an account of legend of golem. In biblical times root glm implied an unformed mass, and Psalms (139:16) uses terms golmi in sense of an unformed or unshaped, undeveloped human being. In rabbinic Hebrew, golem takes number of meanings denoting incompleteness. The reason behind Sherman's decision to link legend of golem to modern biological and genetic research into possibility of developing stem cells into new organs, and attempts to clone new individual beings, becomes clear at this point. In post-biblical Talmudic writings, there are several accounts of an incomplete human, golem, being created by rabbi from clay, with aid of mystical symbols and sundry magical procedures. Golems are powerful but lumbering, clumsy and unintelligent creatures, that resemble men, but are not men because they are not made by God. As such, golem can be used to defend its creator against his enemies, but manmade golem is potentially dangerous, and can become threat to its creator. Sherman believes that just as story of Frankenstein was based on idea of man-made golem, so also, human clones and experimentation with stem cells might similarly lead to creation of dangerous golems. The best-known version of golem legend is story of creation of golem by sixteenth century rabbi Judah Loew of Prague, well-documented historical figure, who lived at time of frequent anti-Jewish agitations. The story of Rabbi Judah Loew's golem is documented in Chapter Two, entitled 'The Golem of Prague.' Sherwin explains that sixteenth century Prague had large population of Jews, as has been historically documented, and was a city saturated with mystery and marvel, city that in Loew's time served as European capital of world of occult. Faced with repeated edicts against Jewish community which were almost as often rescinded, legends as to rabbi Loew's magical powers in time gained widespread circulation amongst both Jewish and Bohemian communities. Rabbi Loew was supposed to have won support for Jewish community from Emperor Rudolph II, to whom he gave magical amulets and secret and obscure mysteries, but more than that, rabbi Loew is reputed to have created golem specifically for purpose of uncovering plots against Jews and punishing perpetrators of blood libel charge. Unfortunately, golem made unwanted advances against Loew's own daughter, and had to be destroyed. Regarding golem as the most pervasive of all post-biblical Jewish tales, Sherwin sees it as having modern relevance to the mystery of life, pointing to dangers of human tinkering with nature, relationships we have with artifacts we create to help and defend us but that also threaten to harm us. His next chapter is of mythical and sociocultural interest only, and hardly relevant to ethics of genetic engineering. In it he describes various accounts as to how golem was made. Similarly, Chapter Four, entitled 'Golems Amongst Us' pursues golem theme in recent Jewish literature and shows how according to Sherwin all corporate bodies resemble golems (we have to wait until later chapters for his discussion of genetic engineering. …

Phosphate inhibitor use at US utilities

Surveys of US drinking water utilities were conducted in 1994 and 2001 to investigate trends in phosphate inhibitor use. More than half of those water providers surveyed reported adding phosphate inhibitors to their water. Zinc orthophosphate and polyphosphate were commonly used inhibitors, and a shift from poly/orthophosphate blends to orthophosphate was observed from 1994 to 2001. Inhibitor doses ranged from &lt; 0.2 to &gt; 3 mg/L as PO4 (although many utilities could only report dosages “as product” because of the proprietary nature of the inhibitor chemicals). Surprisingly, most utilities based their inhibitor selection on limited information, with smaller utilities relying more on nontechnical information (e.g., vendor information, success of the chemical at another utility) than on direct confirmation of the inhibitor's effectiveness. Many utilities are aware of potential drawbacks of inhibitors, especially increased biological activity and more treatment costs and residuals.

An introduction to digital cameras

Background and Objectives: People in all walks of life are using digital cameras instead of the traditional film cameras. Reasons include simplicity of use, ease of development, ability to incorporate the pictures into documents, potential to edit the pictures easily, and capability to send them by e-mail. This article will briefly discuss digital cameras, how they work, what they can do, and what you should look for in one. Editor's Note: This is the fourth in a series of articles demonstrating and describing information technology. The articles include nontechnical information and are geared toward the computer novice with interest in regional anesthesia and pain medicine. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2001;26:164-168.

Encyclopedia of food science and technology

Now in a thoroughly-updated and expanded second edition, Wiley Encyclopedia of Food Science and Technology covers fundamental concepts and practical requirements in food science, as well as cutting-edge technological and industry information. The encyclopedia features A-to-Z coverage of all aspects of food science, including: the properties, analysis, and processing of foods; genetic engineering of new food products; and nutrition. In addition, nontechnical information is included, such as descriptions of selected scientific institutions, and research and development in government agencies. Like the first edition, this Second Edition will become the standard reference for food scientists, bioengineers, and biotechnologists. From reviews of the first edition: ...fills a definite need in the food science and technology literature...I have little doubt that this encyclopedia will become one of the classic works in this ever-growing subject.-Food and Chemistry

ABSTRACT: A case study in the integration of technical and non-technical petroleum information

ABSTRACT: A case study in the integration of technical and non-technical petroleum information