Due to the rapid proliferation of the World Wide Web (WWW) in recent years, many educators are now seeking to improve the effectiveness of their instruction by providing interactive, web-based course material to their students. The purpose of this thesis is to document a set of eight online learning modules created to improve the effectiveness of learning the fundamentals of Computer Science. The modules are as follows: • <A HREF="http://courses.cs.vt.edu/csonline/Algorithms/Lessons/index.html">Algorithms</A> - Definition and specification of algorithms, with a comparison and analysis of several sorting algorithms as examples. • <A HREF="http://courses.cs.vt.edu/csonline/AI/Lessons/index.html">Artificial Intelligence</A> - Overview of current applications in this discipline. • <A HREF="http://courses.cs.vt.edu/csonline/DataStructures/Lessons/index.html">Data Structures</A> - Explanation of basic data structures, including an introduction to computer memory and pointers, and a comparison of logical and physical representations of commonly used data structures. • <A HREF="http://courses.cs.vt.edu/csonline/MachineArchitecture/Lessons/index.html">Machine Architecture</A> - Explanation of data storage, gates and circuits, and the central processing unit. • <A HREF="http://courses.cs.vt.edu/csonline/NumberSystems/Lessons/index.html">Number Systems</A> - Discussion of number representation and arithmetic in number systems other than the decimal number system, with a focus on binary numbers and binary arithmetic. • <A HREF="http://courses.cs.vt.edu/csonline/OS/Lessons/index.html">Operating Systems</A> - Explanation of the purpose of operating systems and the major components that make up an operating system. • <A HREF="http://courses.cs.vt.edu/csonline/ProgrammingLanguages/Lessons/index.html">Programming Languages</A> - Explanation of the fundamental concepts in procedural programming languages. • <A HREF="http://courses.cs.vt.edu/csonline/SE/Lessons/index.html">Software Engineering</A> - Introduction to software life cycle models and an overview of the procedural and object-oriented paradigms. Each module consists of a set of lessons and review questions written in HyperText Markup Language (HTML). Embedded in these pages are various interactive components implemented as Flash animations or Java applets. The modules currently reside on the Computer Science courseware server of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) and can be viewed at the following WWW site: <A HREF="http://courses.cs.vt.edu/csonline/index.html">http://courses.cs.vt.edu/csonline/</A> / Master of Science

[EN] Interaction is defined as the realization of a reciprocal action between two or more people or things. Particularly in computer science, the term interaction refers to the discipline that studies the exchange of information between people and computers, and is generally known by the term Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). Good design decisions and an adequate development of the software is required for efficient HCI to facilitate the acceptability of computer-based applications by the users. In clinical settings it is essential to eliminate any barrier and facilitate the interaction between patients and the system. A smooth communication between the user and the computer-based application is fundamental to maximise the advantages and functionalities offered by the system. The design of these applications must consider the personal and current needs of the user by applying a User-Centered Design methodology. The main purpose of this research work is to contribute in the improvement of HCI-based applications addressed to the clinical context, particularly to enhance computer-based interactive sessions to support people suffering from a mental disorder such as Major Depression (MD). Thanks to the advances in Artificial Intelligence techniques, it is now possible to partially automate complex tasks such as the continuous provision of Cognitive-Behavioural Therapies (CBTs) to patients. These CBTs require good levels of adaptability and variability during the interaction with the patient that facilitates the acceptability in the user, an optimal usability and good level of engagement for a successful mid/long term use of the application and treatment adherence. The modelling of complex deliberative and affective processes in artificial systems can be applied to support the prevention and treatment of mental health related issues, enhancing the continuous and remote assistance of patients, saving some economical and clinical resources and reducing the waiting lists in the health services. In this regard, the efforts of this Thesis have been concentrated on the research of two main lines: (1) the generation and planning of adequate contents in an interactive system to support the prevention and treatment of MD based on characteristics of the user; and (2) the modelling of relevant affective processes able to communicate the contents in an emotional effective way taking into account the importance of the affective conditions associated with the MD in the users. Rule Based Systems and the appraisal theory of emotions have been the roots used to develop the main two modules of the computational Framework presented: the Contents Management and the Emotional Modules. Finally, the obtained Framework was integrated into two interactive systems to evaluate the achievement of the research objectives. The first system has been developed in the context of the Help4Mood European research project and its main aim was to support the remote treatment of patients with MD. The second scenario was a system developed to prevent MD and suicidal thoughts in the University community, which was developed in the context of the local PrevenDep research project. These evaluations have indicated that the proposed Framework has reached good levels of usability and acceptability in the target users thanks to the personalizations and adaptation capabilities of the contents and in the way how these contents are communicated to the user. The research work and the obtained results in this Thesis has contributed to the state of the art in HCI-based systems used as support in therapeutic interventions for the prevention and treatment of MD. This was obtained by the combination of a personalized content management to the patient, and the management of the affective processes associated to these pathologies. The developed work also identifies some research lines that need to be addressed in future works to get better HCI systems used for therapeutic purposes. / [ES] Interactuar se define como la realización de una acción recíproca entre dos o más personas o cosas. Particularmente en informática, el término interacción se refiere a la disciplina que estudia el intercambio de información entre las personas y computadoras, y suele conocerse por el término anglosajón Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). Un buen diseño y un adecuado desarrollo del software es necesario para lograr una HCI eficiente que facilite la aceptabilidad del sistema por el usuario. En entornos clínicos es fundamental eliminar cualquier tipo de barrera y facilitar la interacción entre los pacientes y el computador. Es de vital importancia que haya una buena comunicación entre usuario y computador, por este motivo el sistema debe de estar diseñado pensando en las necesidades actuales, cambiantes y personales del usuario, basándose en la metodología de diseño centrado en el usuario. El propósito principal de esta investigación es la identificación de mejoras en HCI aplicada en entornos clínicos, en concreto para dar soporte a personas con trastornos mentales como la Depresión Mayor (DM) y que precisan de terapias psicológicas adecuadas y continuas. Gracias a técnicas de Inteligencia Artificial, es posible automatizar eficientemente ciertas acciones asociadas a los procesos de las terapias cognitivo-conductuales (CBTs, del inglés Cognitive-Behavioural Therapies). Los sistemas de ayuda a la CBT, requieren de una adaptabilidad y variabilidad en la interacción para favorecer la usabilidad del sistema y asegurar la continuidad de la motivación del paciente. Una buena gestión de esta automatización influiría en la aceptabilidad de los pacientes y podría mejorar su adherencia a los tratamientos y por consiguiente mejorar su estado de salud. Adicionalmente, la unión de procesos deliberativos dinámicos pueden liberar recursos clínicos, mejorando el control de los pacientes, y reduciendo los tiempos de espera y los costes económicos. En este sentido, los esfuerzos de esta Tesis se han centrado en la investigación de dos líneas diferentes: (1) la selección y planificación adecuada de los contenidos presentados durante la interacción a través de una planificación dinámica y personalizada, y (2) la adecuación de la comunicación de los contenidos hacia el paciente tomando en cuenta la importancia de los procesos afectivos asociados a estas patologías. Los Sistemas Basados en Reglas (SBR) han sido la herramienta utilizada para dar soporte a los dos módulos principales que componen el Framework presentado en esta Tesis: el módulo de gestión de los contenidos y el módulo emocional. Concluida la fase de diseño, desarrollo y testeo, el Framework fue adaptado e integrado en sistemas reales, para validar la viabilidad y la adecuación del marco de trabajo de esta Tesis. En primer lugar, el sistema se aplicó durante tres años en el tratamiento de la DM en varios centros clínicos europeos en el contexto del Proyecto Europeo de investigación Help4Mood. Finalmente, el sistema fue evaluado en la tarea de prevención de la DM y del suicidio en el Proyecto Local de investigación PrevenDep, de un año de duración. El feedback de estas evaluaciones demostraron que el HCI del Framework tiene unos niveles altos de usabilidad y aceptación, gracias a la personalización, variabilidad y adaptación de los contenidos y de la comunicación de los mismos. Los experimentos computacionales llevados a cabo en esta Tesis han permitido avanzar el estado del arte de sistemas computacionales emocionales aplicados en entornos terapéuticos para la prevención y tratamiento de la DM. Principalmente, gracias a la combinación de una gestión personalizada de los contenidos hacia el paciente tomando en cuenta la importancia de los procesos afectivos asociados a estas patologías. Este trabajo abre nuevas líneas de investigación, como la aplicación de este sistema en otras patologías de salud mental en las qu / [CA] Interactuar es defineix com la realització d'una acció recíproca entre dos o més persones o coses. Particularment en informàtica, el terme interacció es refereix a la disciplina que estudia l'intercanvi d'informació entre les persones i computadores, i es sol conèixer pel terme anglosaxó Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). Un bon disseny i un adequat desenvolupament del software és necessari per aconseguir una HCI eficient que faciliti l'acceptabilitat del sistema per l'usuari. En entorns clínics és fonamental eliminar qualsevol tipus de barrera i facilitar la interacció entre els pacients i el computador. És de vital importància que hi hagi una bona comunicació entre l'usuari (o pacient) i el computador, per aquest motiu el sistema ha d'estar dissenyat pensant en les necessitats actuals, cambiants i personals de l'usuari, basant-se en la metodologia de disseny centrat en l'usuari. El propòsit principal d'aquesta investigació és la identificació de millores en HCI aplicada en entorns clínics, en concret per donar suport a persones amb trastorns mentals com la Depressió Major (DM) i que precisen de teràpies psicològiques adequades i contínues. Gràcies a tècniques d'Intel·ligència Artificial, és possible automatitzar eficientment certes accions asociades al processos de les teràpies cognitiu-conductuals. Els sistemes computacionals de ajuda a la CBT, requereixen d'una adaptabilitat i variabilitat en la interacció per afavorir la usabilitat del sistema i assegurar la continuïtat de la motiviació del pacient. Una bona gestió d'aquesta automatització influiria en l'acceptabilitat dels pacients i podria millorar la seva adherència als tractaments i per tant millorar el seu estat de salut. Addicionalment, la unió de processos deliberatius dinàmics poden alliberar recursos clínics, millorant el control dels pacients, i reduint els temps d'espera i els costos econòmics. En aquest sentit, els esforços d'aquesta Tesi s'han centrat en la investigació de dues línies diferents: (1) la selecció i planificació adequada dels continguts presentats durant la interacció a través d'una planificació dinàmica i personalitzada, i (2) l'adequació de la comunicació dels continguts cap al pacient tenint en compte la importància dels processos afectius associats a aquestes patologies. Els Sistemes Basats en Regles (SBR) han estat la eina utilitzada per donar suport als dos mòduls principals que componen el Framework presentat en aquesta Tesi: el mòdul de gestió dels continguts oferits a l'usuari; i el mòdul emocional. Conclosa la fase de disseny, desenvolupament i testeig, el Framework va ser adaptat als dominis corresponents i integrat en sistemes madurs per ser avaluat en dos escenaris reals, per validar la viabilitat i l'adequació del Framework d'aquesta tesi. Primerament, el sistema es va aplicar durant tres anys en el tractament de la DM major en diversos centres clínics europeus en el context del Projecte Europeu d'investigació Help4Mood. Finalment, el sistema va ser avaluat en la tasca de prevenció de la DM i del suïcidi al Projecte Local d'investigació PrevenDep, d'un any de durada. El feedback de les avaluacions han demostrat que el HCI del Framework obté uns nivells alts d'usabilitat i acceptació, gràcies a la personalització, variabilitat i adaptació dels continguts i de la comunicació. Els experiments computacionals duts a terme en aquesta Tesi han permès avançar l'estat de l'art de sistemes computacionals emocionals aplicats en entorns terapèutics per a la prevenció i tractament de la DM. Principalment, gracies a la combinació d'una gestió personalitzada dels continguts cap al pacient tenint en compte la importància dels processos afectius associats a aquestes patologies. Aquest treball obre noves línies d'investigació, com l'aplicació d'aquest sistema en altres patologies de salut mental en què sigui recomanable l'aplicació de sessions terapèutiques. / Bresó Guardado, A. (2016). A Computational Framework for Planning Therapeutical Sessions aimed to Support the Prevention and Treatment of Mental Health Disorders using Emotional Virtual Agents [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/64082

Master of Science / Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering / Dwight D. Day / Micro-hydro turbines generate power for small villages and industries in Afghanistan. They usually produce less than 100 kW of power. Currently the flow into the turbine is controlled manually and the voltage is controlled automatically with an electronic load controller. Excess power not used by the village is dumped into a community water heater. For larger sites that have a reservoir and/or large variable load throughout the day and night, the turbine needs to be fitted with an automatic flow control system to conserve water in the reservoir or deal with the variable loads. Large turbines usually use hydraulic governors that automatically adjust the flow of water into the turbine. For micro-hydro sized plants this method would be too expensive and be difficult to build and maintain locally. For this reason, a 3 phase AC induction motor will be used to move the internal flow control valve of the turbine. Because a sudden change in load is possible (30 – 40%) for micro-hydro plants, the electronic load controller will also be needed to respond to quick changes in load so that the village voltage does not exceed 220V. This report documents the process of building a test system comprising of a dynamic resistive load, microcontroller controlled resistive load, a three phase AC generator and a DC Motor. Where the dynamic resistive load represents the load of the village, the computer controlled resistive load would represent the community water heater, the three phase AC generator represents the Generator on site and the DC Motor together with its DC input voltage would emulate the turbine and its water flow respectively. The DC input voltage would be also controlled with a PWM signal through a delay loop to represent the water gate delay effects on the turbine as close as possible. With this, it would be possible to completely build and test a control system that emulates the dynamics of a water turbine generator.

People work together to solve a wide variety of problems using different forms of cooperation for each class of problem. Modern technology is complex, and therefore it is unusual for an individual to attempt the development of a major project single-handedly. In an attempt to provide computer-based support for the problems that arise when two or more people attempt to cooperate to perform a task or solve a problem, the area of Computer Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW) becomes relevant. The software development process almost invariably involves cooperation that crosses group, professional, and subcultural boundaries. The complexity of software development demands that highly integrated groups of analysts, designers, and users are involved in the process. Many development activities may occur concurrently. The area of CSCW and advanced information technology, with its enormous capabilities for transmitting and storing information, holds considerable promise for the software development process. / Computing / M. Sc. (Information Systems)

The current trend in industry to encourage engineering designers to take an active part in the analysis of their own design solutions is apparent in many companies today, domestically as well as abroad. From a research project with the objective to develop a computer-based design system for the design of lightweight grippers, one of the major difficulties was to overcome the system users’ lack of knowledge and experience in the design of lightweight structures and Computer-Based Design Analysis (CBDA). CBDA here refers to the use of analysis tools such as Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and computer-based structural optimization. In order to handle these difficulties, the author introduced the use of templates. In the given context, a template refers to an especially preformatted code, which contains the implemented information/knowledge necessary to perform a specific task on an operational level. It should be noted that the use of templates as a means of support in performing a specific design or analysis task is not a new phenomenon in industrial practice. Inspired by the opportunities provided by the template approach, the main objective set out for the thesis project was to facilitate the active participation of the engineering designers in performing CBDA singlehandedly, or in any other organizational setting, by utilizing a Template-Based Design Analysis (TBDA) approach, as an integrated part of their activities within the engineering design process. The evolutionary research approach for the development of the TBDA approach is based on surveys in Swedish as well as international industry, literature surveys, the development of a Generic Design Analysis (GDA) process model (facilitating integration of the activities between CBDA and engineering design) and a number of demonstrator projects to deepen the insights into TBDA. Note that as the TBDA approach is intended for use in industrial practice, the approach is independent of specific engineering design and product development processes utilized in industry. The conclusion of the thesis work clearly supports the claim that TBDA is not only a competitive approach to current alternatives in supporting the engineering designers performing CBDA, but also of a complementary nature providing functionality not included in the alternative approaches currently used in industrial practice. / Vid framtagning av nya produkter måste man utgå ifrån de behov som den blivande kunden ställer i form av krav och önskemål på produkten för att den ska vara intressant att inhandla och använda. För att säkerställa att den blivande produkten har de egenskaper som efterfrågas, används idag omfattande simuleringar av den blivande produktens egenskaper. Simuleringar består i avancerade beräkningar med hjälp av dator. Genom att utföra dessa tidigt i utvecklingsarbetet, så kan man väsentligen korta ned tiden för utveckling och konstruktion av produkten. Detta uppnås framför allt genom att minska behovet av att bygga och prova prototyper. Beräkningar i utvecklings- och konstruktionsarbetet spelar därför idag en väsentlig roll för att ta fram konkurrenskraftiga produkter på ett snabbt och effektivt sätt. I denna avhandling har ett nytt tillvägagångssätt tagits fram för att låta konstruktörer själva beräkna sina konstruktionsförslag. Hittills har merparten av alla beräkningar av detta slag genomförts av beräkningsingenjörer. Nu kan man genom att tillämpa den i avhandlingen framtagna tillvägagångssättet att med hjälp av digitala mallar (program för att lösa speciella uppgifter i konstruktionsarbetet) och det föreslagna tillvägagångssättet MallBaserad KonstruktionsAnalys (MBKA) tillåta att konstruktörer, som vanligtvis inte är specialister på beräkningar, självständigt kan utföra sådana analyser. Mallarnas roll är alltså att överbrygga brister i kompetens och erfarenheter av konstruktionsberäkningar. Redan idag finns konkurrerande sätt att tillåta konstruktörer att delta i beräkningsarbetet, men då oftast med direkt stöd av en beräkningsingenjör och med tillgång till riktlinjer. Dessa kräver att konstruktören har en viss grundkompetens för att kunna följa och tillämpa dessa. MBKA ställer inte dessa krav på kompetens och insikter, vilket gör att den kan betraktas inte bara som en konkurrent till existerande tillvägagångssätt utan också erbjuda ett helt unikt och nytt stöd genom att inte kräva kunskaper och insikter om konstruktionsberäkningar. Av de reaktioner som erhållits i intervjuer i svensk industri, så ter sig framtiden för MBKA som mycket lovande. Många företag funderar redan idag på att införa tillvägagångssättet. Innan så kan ske, måste dock MBKA utvecklas ytterligare, vilket är målet för den fortsatta forskningen. / <p>ISRN LUTMDN/TMKT-15/1032-SE</p>

This study demonstrates that hybrid methods can be used for measuring the risk severity of technology-induced errors (TIE) that result from use of health information technology (HIT). The objectives of this research study include: 1. Developing an integrated conceptual risk assessment model to measure the risk severity of technology-induced errors. 2. Analyzing the criticality and risk thresholds associated with TIE’s contributing factors. 3. Developing a computer-based simulation model that could be used to undertake various simulations of TIE’s problems and validate the results. Using data from published papers describing three sample problems related to usability and technology-induced errors, hybrid methods were developed for assessing the risk severity and thresholds under various simulated conditions. A risk assessment model (RAM) and its corresponding steps were developed. A computer-based simulation of risk assessment using the model was also developed, and several runs of the simulation were carried out. The model was tested and found to be valid. Based on assumptions and published statistics obtained by publically available databases, we measured the risk severity and analyzed its criticality to classify risks of contributing factors into four different classes. The simulation results validated the efficiency and efficacy of the proposed methods with the sample problems. / Graduate / 0723 / 0680 / 0769 / tschio2011@gmail.com

This study investigated the use of interdisciplinary computer-based simulations compared to traditional teaching methods. The academic intrinsic motivation of gifted and non-gifted students was analyzed using a quasi-experimental design, similar to a pretest/posttest design.

Multimedia - Wort des Jahres 1995 - taucht als populärer Begriff in allen Bereichen unserer Gesellschaft auf. Auch an Universitäten erhofft man sich durch die Einführung von computerunterstützten Lernformen eine höhere Qualität der Lehre sowie Kosteneinsparungen. Nach ersten Versuchen in den 60er Jahren war das Neue in den 90ern die realitätsnahe, multimediale Simulation von Entscheidungssituationen. Auf dem Gebiet der Rheumatologie ist derzeit jedoch noch ein Mangel an deutschsprachigen Softwaretiteln zu erkennen. Ziel war die Erstellung eines multimedialen Kompendiums über die rheumatoide Arthritis für den Einsatz in der universitären und postgraduierten Lehre. Das System soll als elektronisches Nachschlagewerk und als Basis für interaktive Diashows geeignet sein. Mit Hilfe eines Apple Macintosh und der Autorensoftware Macromedia Director wurde eine CD-ROM entwickelt, die sowohl für Macintosh- als auch für Windows-Computer geeignet ist. Die Beschreibung der Symptome der rheumatoiden Arthritis und der erforderlichen Untersuchungstechniken nimmt mit 31% der Bildschirmseiten den größten Teil des vorliegenden Multimedia-Kompendiums ein. Weitere Schwerpunkte wurden auf Pathogenese (19%), bildgebende Verfahren (14%), Differentialdiagnosen (11%), Therapie (10%) und Laboruntersuchungen (7%) gelegt. Videos und Animationen dienen der Illustration zellulärer Vorgänge und der Zusammenfassung klinischer Untersuchungstechniken. Etablierte Kriterienkataloge für elektronische Medien dienten der Qualitätssicherung im Entwicklungsprozeß. Eine parallel durchgeführte formative Evaluation lieferte erste Erkenntnisse über Praxistauglichkeit und Stabilität des Programmes, ohne jedoch eine fundierte summative Evaluation ersetzen zu können. Multimedia-Lehrbücher wie das vorliegende Kompendium stellen für den konventionellen Unterricht eine ideale Ergänzung zum klassischen Lehrbuch dar und dienen für die problemorientierte Ausbildung als schnell zur Verfügung stehende Wissensbasis. Jedoch blieben bei der fakultativen Nutzung von computerbasierten Lernmöglichkeiten in Lernzentren die Ergebnisse bisher hinter den Erwartungen zurück. Es ist zu diskutieren, inwieweit die Vorteile der Multimedia-Technologie durch gezielte Integration in das Curriculum an deutschen Hochschulen zu Kosten- und Zeitersparnissen führen können. / Multimedia - word of the year 1995 in Germany - is a popular term cropping up in all areas of society. Universities, too, hope to improve the quality of teaching and to cut costs by introducing computer-based forms of learning. Following initial attempts in the sixties, a new aspect introduced in the nineties was the life-like multimedia simulation of decision-making situations. In medicine, there still is a lack of German-language software packages in rheumatology. The aim of the present project was to develop a multimedia compendium on rheumatoid arthritis for teaching at the university and postgraduate level. The system was intended to serve both as an electronic work of reference and as a basis for interactive slide presentations. Using the authoring tool Macromedia Director on an Apple Macintosh computer, a CD-ROM was developed that can be run on Macintosh and Windows computers alike. The largest part of the multimedia compendium now available (31% of the screen pages) is dedicated to the description of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and examination techniques. Other main areas are pathogenesis (19%), imaging modalities (14%), differential diagnoses (11%), therapy (10%), and laboratory tests (7%). Videos and animations serve to illustrate cellular processes and to summarize the clinical examination techniques. Catalogues of established criteria for electronic media were adhered to during development to assure quality. A simultaneously performed formative evaluation yielded initial results about the practicability and stability of the program but cannot replace a thorough summative evaluation. Multimedia textbooks such as the compendium presented here are ideal supplements to classical textbooks in conventional teaching, providing a rapidly accessible knowledge base for problem-oriented training. However, the results achieved with computer-based learning tools available for optional use at teaching centers have so far lagged behind expectations. It remains to be discussed to what extent the advantages of multimedia technology can save both cost and time by being selectively integrated into the curriculum at German universities.

"Understanding fire behavior is critical to effective tactical decision making on the fireground, particularly since fireground operations significantly impact the growth and spread of the fire. Computer-based simulation is a flexible, low-cost training methodology with proven success in fields such as pilot training, space, and military applications. Computer-based simulation may enhance fire behavior training and promote effective fireground decision making. This study evaluates the potential of the NIST Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) and Smokeview to be utilized as a part of a computer-based fire fighter trainer. Laboratory compartment fire experiments and full-scale fire experiments in a live-fire training facility were both conducted as part of the NIST Multiphase Study on Fire Fighter Safety and the Deployment of Resources. The laboratory experiments characterized the burning behavior of wood pallets to design a repeatable fire for use in the field experiments. The field experiments observed the effects of varying fire fighter deployment configurations on the performance times of fire fighter actions at a live fire training facility. These actions included opening the front door and fire suppression. Because the field experiments simulated numerous fire department responses to a repeatable fire, data were available to evaluate FDS simulation of heat and smoke spread, and changes in the thermal environment after the front door is opened and fire suppressed. In simulating the field experiments, the laboratory-measured heat release rate was used as an input. Given this assumption, this study has two objectives: 1) to determine if simulations accurately spread heat and smoke through a multi-level, multi-compartment live fire training facility 2) to determine if the simulations properly reproduce changes in the thermal environment that result from two typical fire fighter actions: opening the front door and fire suppression. In simulation, heat and smoke spread to measurement locations throughout the test structure at times closely matching experimentally measured times. Predictions of peak temperatures near the ceiling were within approximately 20% for all measurement locations. Hot gas layer temperature and depth were both predicted within 10% of the floor to ceiling height. After the front door was opened, temperature changes near the door at the highest and lowest measurement locations matched with temperature changes in the experiments. After fire suppression, FDS simulated temperature decay at a rate within the range measured in the field experiments and approximated the total rise of the hot gas layer interface in the burn compartment 250 seconds after suppression."

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) continues to be a global concern among health care practitioners. Without collaboration and interventions, this chronic disease, which poses a significant financial burden for health care institutions, will continue to be problematic. Promoting the use of glycemic control measures among diabetic patients is an intervention, which has the potential to reduce diabetic complications and improve outcomes. The purpose of this doctoral project was to explore available evidence through a systematic review of the best practices for glucose management. The chronic care model served as the theoretical framework. The evidence based practice question was, What is the current evidence supporting the utilization of a computer-based glucose management system (CBGMS) for inpatient diabetic adults in acute and critical care settings? A systematic review was conducted, yielding 532 studies in which 3 of the studies related to CBGMSs published from 2008 to 2017 were critically appraised. The John Hopkins Nursing Evidence Appraisal Tool with specific inclusion and exclusion criteria was utilized. Participants were adult patients (aged 18 and over) with DM in inpatient care settings who were English speaking. Interventions included the traditional paper-based sliding scale regimen versus the utilization of a CBGMS. Outcome measures included decreased length of stay, reduced cost, and glucose optimization. A conclusion was the implementation of a CBGMS has the potential to improve patient outcomes with additional research that exhibits overall benefits and implement into practice. Thus, implementation of a CBGMS can lead to positive social change by aiding in a change in practice that will ultimately ameliorate patient health outcomes.