scholarly journals Use of a Knowledge-Based Governance Approach to Plan a Post-COVID-19 Predoctoral Dental

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 142
Author(s):  
Natasha M. Flake ◽  
Daniel C. N. Chan ◽  
Arthur C. DiMarco ◽  
Bruce D. Silverstein
Keyword(s):  
School Environment ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Task Force ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Knowledge Based ◽  
Dental Curriculum ◽  
Grading Scale ◽  
School Of Dentistry ◽  
Group Interviews

COVID-19 abruptly changed dental education, forcing educators out of their comfort zones and into using new technologies and teaching approaches. At the University of Washington School of Dentistry, a task force evaluated the curricular changes that resulted from COVID and made recommendations for the future predoctoral dental curriculum. This manuscript reports the process employed, the findings of the task force, and how these findings will impact the curriculum. A knowledge-based governance (KBG) approach was employed. KBG focuses on gathering all relevant information and identifying all choices. It separates dialogue from deliberation. Information was gathered via literature review, focus group interviews, electronic surveys, and other metrics. The task force evaluated: (1) delivering didactic content remotely; (2) administering assessments remotely; (3) duplicating preclinical simulation lab courses due to social distancing; and (4) the conversion from a numerical to a credit/no credit grading scale. Key recommendations resulted from focus groups and electronic surveys that allowed any student or faculty member an opportunity to provide input. Some topics were relatively non-controversial and strong recommendations were evident. The most controversial issue was which grading scale should be utilized. A KBG approach is an effective means to address mega issues in the dental school environment.

scholarly journals mRNA-Based Vaccines

Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 390
Author(s):  
Frank Kowalzik ◽  
Daniel Schreiner ◽  
Christian Jensen ◽  
Daniel Teschner ◽  
Stephan Gehring ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Vaccine Development ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Clinical Applications ◽  
Cell Mediated Immunity ◽  
Healthy Individuals ◽  
Emerging Pathogens ◽  
Cell Genome

Increases in the world’s population and population density promote the spread of emerging pathogens. Vaccines are the most cost-effective means of preventing this spread. Traditional methods used to identify and produce new vaccines are not adequate, in most instances, to ensure global protection. New technologies are urgently needed to expedite large scale vaccine development. mRNA-based vaccines promise to meet this need. mRNA-based vaccines exhibit a number of potential advantages relative to conventional vaccines, namely they (1) involve neither infectious elements nor a risk of stable integration into the host cell genome; (2) generate humoral and cell-mediated immunity; (3) are well-tolerated by healthy individuals; and (4) are less expensive and produced more rapidly by processes that are readily standardized and scaled-up, improving responsiveness to large emerging outbreaks. Multiple mRNA vaccine platforms have demonstrated efficacy in preventing infectious diseases and treating several types of cancers in humans as well as animal models. This review describes the factors that contribute to maximizing the production of effective mRNA vaccine transcripts and delivery systems, and the clinical applications are discussed in detail.

scholarly journals Proposing an Ontology Model for Planning Photovoltaic Systems

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 582-600
Author(s):  
Farhad Khosrojerdi ◽  
Stéphane Gagnon ◽  
Raul Valverde
Keyword(s):  
Solar Energy ◽  
Semantic Web ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Pv System ◽  
Semantic Web Technologies ◽  
Pv Systems ◽  
Knowledge Based ◽  
Point Tracking ◽  
Power Point ◽  
Energy Community

The performance of a photovoltaic (PV) system is negatively affected when operating under shading conditions. Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) systems are used to overcome this hurdle. Designing an efficient MPPT-based controller requires knowledge about power conversion in PV systems. However, it is difficult for nontechnical solar energy consumers to define different parameters of the controller and deal with distinct sources of data related to the planning. Semantic Web technologies enable us to improve knowledge representation, sharing, and reusing of relevant information generated by various sources. In this work, we propose a knowledge-based model representing key concepts associated with an MPPT-based controller. The model is featured with Semantic Web Rule Language (SWRL), allowing the system planner to extract information about power reductions caused by snow and several airborne particles. The proposed ontology, named MPPT-On, is validated through a case study designed by the System Advisor Model (SAM). It acts as a decision support system and facilitate the process of planning PV projects for non-technical practitioners. Moreover, the presented rule-based system can be reused and shared among the solar energy community to adjust the power estimations reported by PV planning tools especially for snowy months and polluted environments.

scholarly journals Active Citizens: Evaluation of a Community-Based Education Program

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 663 ◽  
Author(s):  
Petra Simonova ◽  
Jan Cincera ◽  
Roman Kroufek ◽  
Sarka Krepelkova ◽  
Andreas Hadjichambis
Keyword(s):  
School Environment ◽  
Design Research ◽  
Research Study ◽  
Mixed Design ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Community Based Education ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Group Interviews ◽  
The Impact

This study analyses the Active Citizens program conducted in seven Czech elementary schools in 2017/2018. The data were obtained in a mixed-design research study containing pre/post experimental/control groups (N = 114), eight focus groups with selected students (N = 56), and group interviews with teachers (N = 14). The mean age of the students was 13.8 years. The study focuses on the students’ and the teachers’ perception of the process, the program’s barriers and benefits, and on the impact of the program on the students’ self-efficacy and on perceived democratic school culture. The analysis revealed that while the participants felt empowered because of their experience, they started to perceive their school environment as less democratic than before the program. The program also likely influenced girls more than boys as the latter seem to have been unaffected. Finally, the implications of the findings for the practice are discussed.

TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION AND ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE — A CASE-BASED APPROACH

2012 ◽  
Vol 03 (02) ◽  
pp. 1250007 ◽  
Author(s):  
JÜRGEN EICHBERGER ◽  
ANI GUERDJIKOVA
Keyword(s):  
New Technologies ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Adaptation To Climate Change ◽  
Climate Conditions ◽  
Technology Learning ◽  
The Public ◽  
Additional Information ◽  
Technological Adaptation ◽  
Long Run

We present a model of technological adaptation in response to a change in climate conditions. The main feature of the model is that new technologies are not just risky, but also ambiguous. Pessimistic agents are thus averse to adopting a new technology. Learning is induced by optimists, who are willing to try out technologies about which there is little evidence available. We show that both optimists and pessimists are crucial for a successful adaptation. While optimists provide the public good of information which gives pessimists an incentive to innovate, pessimists choose the new technology persistently in the long-run which increases the average returns for the society. Hence, the optimal share of optimists in the society is strictly positive. When the share of optimists in the society is too low, innovation is slow and the obtained steady-state is inefficient. We discuss two policies which can potentially alleviate this inefficiency: Subsidies and provision of additional information. We show that if precise and relevant information is available, pessimists would be willing to pay for it and consequently adopt the new technology. Hence, providing information might be a more efficient policy, which is both self-financing and results in better social outcomes.

scholarly journals Socially-oriented economy as part of the macroeconomic development system

2021 ◽  
Vol 94 ◽  
pp. 01021
Author(s):  
Fatima Dakhaeva ◽  
Azalea Amirova
Keyword(s):  
New Technologies ◽  
Human Life ◽  
Highly Qualified ◽  
Knowledge Based ◽  
Knowledge Based Economy ◽  
Qualified Personnel ◽  
Economic Climate ◽  
Stable Economy ◽  
Economic Tools ◽  
Favorable Conditions

This article analyzes the current situation in the world economy, which includes socio-economic tools, innovative and technical mechanisms. The stable economy of the region is based on social sustainability and a favorable economic climate to attract investment and highly qualified personnel. Develop human resources, investment in the educational sphere, and the development of a "knowledge-based economy" is a priority for the Chechen Republic. Social and economic policy is a set of measures to create favorable conditions for the development of society, taking into account the provision of an appropriate level of economic efficiency and social justice in all spheres of human life. In conditions of geopolitical rivalry, it is necessary to increase the competitiveness of the economy also through new technologies.

scholarly journals Application Problems and Solutions of Intelligent Airport Service Robots

2020 ◽  
Vol 198 ◽  
pp. 04030
Author(s):  
Dai Yanyan ◽  
Chen Meng
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
Cloud Computing ◽  
Big Data ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Service Robots ◽  
Service Robot ◽  
Operation Conditions

With the development of new technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, and cloud computing, the “intelligent airport” is considered to be an effective means to solve or alleviate the current industry problems such as large-scale airport business, the large number of operating entities, and the complicated operation conditions. This paper is about the collaboration between universities and enterprises based on the concept of service design. Relying on big data and cloud computing technology, this paper addresses the problems of airport service robots in inquiries, blind spots of security inspection, and full monomer smart navigation diffluence, combined with the basic technology of service robot artificial intelligence and the third-party interface to design solutions to effectively solve the problems of process.

scholarly journals The Effects of Covid-19 on the Digital Literacy of the Elderly: Norms for Digital Inclusion

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia I. Martínez-Alcalá ◽  
Alejandra Rosales-Lagarde ◽  
Yonal M. Pérez-Pérez ◽  
Jose S. Lopez-Noguerola ◽  
María L. Bautista-Díaz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Digital Literacy ◽  
Educational Level ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Digital Inclusion ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Group 2

The current sanitary crisis due to COVID-19 has further evidenced the enormous digital exclusion of older adults. Furthermore, the crisis has urged older adults to adopt new technologies to facilitate their tasks, as well as to provide them with an effective means against loneliness and social isolation caused by the confinement. In light of this, Digital Literacy is necessary for all those excluded from the digital era, who are characterized mainly by little or no ability to effectively use technologies. Nevertheless, detailed studies showing the leap from mixed (Blended Learning, BL) to digital literacy in the elderly have not been published. The objective of the present research was to analyze the level of Digital Literacy with the Digital Literacy Evaluation (DILE) of two groups of elderly adults with different levels of literacy (Group 1: G1, and Group 2: G2) during three stages: BL (Aug–Dec 2019); Transition (Feb–Jun 2020); and Digital (Aug–Dec 2020). Comparisons were made before each educational level (pre-pre-pre) and after each educational level (post-post-post) and during consecutive periods before and after each semester (pre vs post) and throughout different educational levels (G1: Basic 1, B1; Basic 2, B2; and intermediate 1, I1; and G2: Intermediate 1 to 3, I1, I2, and I3). Subsequently, considering all the elderly who had passed at least one of the literacy levels, we worked with a total sample of 176 older adults. The comparisons showed that, before the pandemic, G1’s pre digital literacy levels increased between B1 and B2 and that the differences continued with that increasing trend between the B1 level and the I1 completely digital treatment, and the same was observed for post measurements. On the other hand, for the G2, the differences in the DILE were statistically significant between the pre-condition of I2 (before the pandemic) and the I3 (completely digital treatment); and between the pre-conditions of I1 and I3; the same results were obtained for post treatments. Also, pre vs post scores on the DILE were statistically significant and older adults increased progressively their digital literacy despite the COVID-19 pandemic and jumped to the digital age.

A pilot study to determine mercury exposure through vapor and bound to PM10 in a dental school environment

2007 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 103-113 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adriana Gioda ◽  
Gilberto Hanke ◽  
Augusto Elias-Boneta ◽  
Braulio Jiménez-Velez
Keyword(s):  
Puerto Rico ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
School Environment ◽  
Mercury Vapor ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Dental School ◽  
University Of Puerto Rico ◽  
Exposure Limit ◽  
Dental Practitioners ◽  
School Of Dentistry

Mercury (Hg) is widely used in the dental working environment, exposing dental practitioners and assistants to potentially toxic Hg vapors. Concentrations of Hg in vapor and in particulate matter (PM10) were measured in the Dental Simulation Laboratory (DSL) and in the Dental Clinic (DC) at the School of Dentistry, University of Puerto Rico. PM10 samples were collected over a 36-h period and Hg vapor was collected for eight-hour periods. PM10 mass was determined gravimetically and Hg (bound to PM10 and vapor) was extracted and analyzed by atomic absorption. Indoor levels of PM10 in the DSL ranged from 9.2 to 41.6 μg/m3 and 35.0 to 68.2 μg/m3 in the DC. Levels of particle-bound Hg ranged from 0.1 to 1.2 μg/m3 and in vapor 1.1 to 3.3mg/m 3 at the DSL; the DC levels ranged from <0.01 to 0.2 μg/m 3 for particle bound Hg and 13.6 to 102.7 μg/m3 in vapor. PM10 concentrations were below Indoor Air Quality suggested limits for total dust (100 μg/m3). Levels of mercury bound to PM 10 were low; however, mercury vapor was several times higher than the suggested OSHA (permissible exposure limit — 100 μg/m3) in the DSL.

The undergraduate dissertation as a reflection of education for sustainability and professional identity: the faculty of education of Bilbao

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nahia Idoiaga Mondragon ◽  
Inge Axpe Saez ◽  
Ainhoa Berciano
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Professional Identity ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Education For Sustainability ◽  
Educational Transformation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Current State ◽  
Faculty Of Education ◽  
Sustainable Developmental Goals

Purpose The undergraduate dissertation (UD) can be considered to be a reflection of the influence of the sustainable developmental goals (SDG) and the professional identity of the students. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the extent to which the topics of the UD reflect the SDG, considering, moreover, that they may be related to the professional identity developed by the students throughout the degree. Design/methodology/approach This work researches the topic of 308 UDs graded as “Excellent” in the Faculty of Education of Bilbao (FEB), using a lexical analysis method. Findings The results show two main branches: one associated with Childhood and Social Education Degrees (related to gender equality and socio-educational transformation); and another linked to the Primary Education Degree (language learning, innovation and new technologies). These analyses show the influence of the 5th (40.8%) and 4th (38.4%) SDGs in the topics chosen for the UDs. Research limitations/implications The findings provide valuable insights into the current state of Education for Sustainable Development in the Faculty, but should be complemented with an analysis of the topics of all the UDs, to have a more real vision of the situation. Originality/value This study analyses, for the first time, the topics of the UDs from the perspective of sustainability, taking into account the dissertations that reach a standard of excellence in the FEB. These results provide relevant information that can be very helpful to detect the specific needs for the design and implementation of an awareness-raising action that will lead to working on sustainability in a transversal way in the education degrees of the FEB.

Optimizing International Joint Venture (IJV) Ownership Structures

2013 ◽  
pp. 142-164 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Wollenberg
Keyword(s):  
Latin America ◽  
Transaction Costs ◽  
Productivity Growth ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Financial Measures ◽  
Local Partner ◽  
Ownership Structures ◽  
Technology Knowledge ◽  
Knowledge Based ◽  
Complementary Assets

This chapter portrays a quantitative framework regarding entry mode choice and ownership structures by measuring performance under given ownership structures as the degree of efficiency in technology transfer, and knowledge exchange in the form of a residual productivity growth variable. This method has been shown to be a proxy for or an indirect measure of transaction costs, in that ownership structures are validated by the growth in technology/knowledge-based productivity that they caused. In the process, the chapter discusses hierarchical entry modes and adjustment of ownership structures with respect to minimizing transaction costs incurred in the transfer and internalization of complementary assets, both tangible and intangible. Previous research has dealt with subsidiary performance mainly in terms of financial measures (e.g., profitability, ROA, ROE, ROI), instability, and lifespan. By contrast, this chapter extends existing research by providing a specific quantitative framework for optimizing technology/knowledge-based productivity growth. The second important contribution of the chapter is the linkage of the quantitative results to their applicability and potential for implementation in Japanese equity-based subsidiaries in Latin America over the lifetime of the subsidiaries. Other factors important in the implementation and internalization of new technologies and knowledge have also been analyzed quantitatively and linked to case studies qualitatively. The chapter further analyzes adaptations to regional contexts and parent companies of nationalities other than Japanese. Therefore, the model presented in the chapter addresses IJV ownership structures which are optimal to productivity growth linked to new technologies and knowledge and by adaptation of variables, and discusses results for emerging markets in Latin America, such as Peru, Colombia, and the newly industrialized Brazil. The chapter also highlights advantages and disadvantages of forming IJVs with a local partner of different levels of technological sophistication, and the degree of managerial and equity involvement to allow the local partner.

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