This paper looks at factors affecting the success of asynchronous online learning through an inve... more This paper looks at factors affecting the success of asynchronous online learning through an investigation of relationships between student perceptions and course design factors in one of the largest asynchronous learning networks in the country. It finds that three such factors--consistency in course design, interaction with course instructors, and active discussion–have been consistently shown to significantly influence the success of online courses. It is posited that the reason for these findings relates to the importance of building ...
Today's battlefield environment contains a large number of sensors, and sensor types, onboard mul... more Today's battlefield environment contains a large number of sensors, and sensor types, onboard multiple platforms. The set of sensor types includes SAR, EO/IR, GMTI, AMTI, HSI, MSI, and video, and for each sensor type there may be multiple sensing modalities to select from. In an attempt to maximize sensor performance, today's sensors employ either static tasking approaches or require an operator to manually change sensor tasking operations. In a highly dynamic environment this leads to a situation whereby the sensors become less effective as the sensing environments deviates from the assumed conditions. Through a Phase I SBIR effort we developed a system architecture and a common tasking approach for solving the sensor tasking problem for a multiple sensor mix. As part of our sensor tasking effort we developed a genetic algorithm based task scheduling approach and demonstrated the ability to automatically task and schedule sensors in an end-to-end closed loop simulation. Our approach allows for multiple sensors as well as system and sensor constraints. This provides a solid foundation for our future efforts including incorporation of other sensor types. This paper will describe our approach for scheduling using genetic algorithms to solve the sensor tasking problem in the presence of resource constraints and required task linkage. We will conclude with a discussion of results for a sample problem and of the path forward.
The Deployable Autonomous Distributed System is an ocean surveillance system that contains a fiel... more The Deployable Autonomous Distributed System is an ocean surveillance system that contains a field of sensor nodes. Each sensor node provides target detections to a master node in the field for fusion by a Multiple Hypothesis Tracker Correlator (MHTC). The overall performance of a fusion engine depends upon the set of parameters that are used by the Multiple Hypothesis Tracker. Although a static set of parameters may work well over a wide range of scenarios, they may not lead to optimal performance in all cases. This paper addresses Level 4 fusion to improve performance of the data fusion system at the master node by using a fuzzy logic controller to adaptively tune the parameters. By using a set of linguistic rule based fuzzy logic algorithms, the tuning parameters of the MHTC are modified. A set of metrics are used to determine the added worth of the fuzzy logic controller.
Abstract: This study explored the level of life skills self-efficacy among students with dyslexia... more Abstract: This study explored the level of life skills self-efficacy among students with dyslexia, which is termed as specific learning difficulties in reading and writing (SpLD) in Hong Kong and to investigate associations between self-efficacy and the factors in their micro-and ...
The interface or, as some authors suggest, the chasm between psychiatry and the law has always be... more The interface or, as some authors suggest, the chasm between psychiatry and the law has always been problematic. This book is an attempt to bridge the gap by providing both lawyers and psychiatrists with the knowledge base they would need to at least begin to ...
The reciprocal of serum creatinine concentration (1/Cr) is often used to predict glomerular filtr... more The reciprocal of serum creatinine concentration (1/Cr) is often used to predict glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Serum creatinine also varies with age, size, and muscle mass, and so it may inaccurately estimate GFR. The reciprocal of serum beta 2-microglobulin (1/beta 2mu) has been proposed as an alternative estimator of GFR. This study compares 1/Cr and 1/beta 2mu as predictors of GFR as measured by 125I-iothalamate clearance (CIOT) and creatinine clearance (CCr) in 29 subjects with a wide range of age, size and kidney function, and including 12 chronic hemodialysis patients. 1/beta 2mu was a better predictor of CIOT (r=0.90) and CCr (r=0.87) than 1/Cr (r=0.50 and 0.78) was. In fact, in the nondialysis population, 1/beta 2mu predicted CIOT (r=0.86) about as well as CCr predicted CIOT (r=0.87). Beta 2mu was less dependent on body size than Cr and unlike Cr, was not influenced by dialysis and did increase as GFR decreased with age. Beta 2mu can be useful as an alternative clinical estimate of GFR, particularly when Cr is considerably influenced by factors other than renal function.
International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning
This paper presents an extension of an ongoing study of online learning framed within the Communi... more This paper presents an extension of an ongoing study of online learning framed within the Community of Inquiry model in which we further examine a new construct labeled as 'learning presence.' We use learning presence to refer to the iterative processes of forethought and planning, monitoring and adapting strategies for learning, and reflecting on results that successful students use to regulate their learning in online, interactive environments. To gain insight into these processes, we present results of a study using quantitative content analysis and social network analysis in a complementary fashion. First, we used quantitative content analysis to identify the forms of learning presence reflected in students' contributions to online discussions in a graduate level course. Next, we used social network analysis to assess how those forms of learning presence correlated with the social positions students held within those interactional spaces. By showing the positions of students (indicating who shared knowledge with who), the social network analysis allowed us to assess the value of the forms of contributions the students made to the online dialogue in which they constructed and shared knowledge. We found that the students who demonstrated better self-and co-regulation took up more advantageous positions in the social network analysis, hence promoted better opportunities for learning. Our results extend and confirm both the CoI framework and previous research using social network analysis in investigation of online learning.
Signal Processing, Sensor Fusion, and Target Recognition XX, 2011
Efficient exchange of information in a distributed tracking environment. [Proceedings of SPIE 805... more Efficient exchange of information in a distributed tracking environment. [Proceedings of SPIE 8050, 80500E (2011)]. Peter J. Shea, Eric Blake. Abstract. Modern tracking and fusion settings involve multiple platforms in different ...
Modeling, Simulation, and Calibration of Space-based Systems, 2004
Space and orbiting systems impact multiple battlefield operating systems (BOS). Space support to ... more Space and orbiting systems impact multiple battlefield operating systems (BOS). Space support to current operations is a perfect example of how the United States fights. Satellite-aided munitions, communications, navigation and weather systems combine to achieve military objectives in a relatively short amount of time. Through representation of space capabilities within models and simulations, the military will have the ability to train and educate officers and soldiers to fight from the high ground of space or to conduct analysis and determine the requirements or utility of transformed forces empowered with advanced space-based capabilities. The Army Vice Chief of Staff acknowledged deficiencies in space modeling and simulation during the September 2001 Space Force Management Analsyis Review (FORMAL) and directed that a multi-disciplinary team be established to recommend a service-wide roadmap to address shortcomings. A Focus Area Collaborative Team (FACT), led by the U.S. Army Space & Missile Defense Command with participation across the Army, confirmed the weaknesses in scope, consistency, correctness, completeness, availability, and usability of space model and simulation (M&S) for Army applications. The FACT addressed the need to develop a roadmap to remedy Space M&S deficiencies using a highly parallelized process and schedule designed to support a recommendation during the Sep 02 meeting of the Army Model and Simulation Executive Council (AMSEC).
Signal and Data Processing of Small Targets 2003, 2003
Force aggregation using genetic algortihms. [Proceedings of SPIE 5204, 74 (2003)]. Peter J. Shea,... more Force aggregation using genetic algortihms. [Proceedings of SPIE 5204, 74 (2003)]. Peter J. Shea, John Peterson, Kathleen Alexander, Alcino Azevedo. Abstract. A surveillance system needs to accurately locate and identify not ...
Sensors and Systems for Space Applications IV, 2011
The problem of automated scheduling a constellation of satellites to achieve maximum information ... more The problem of automated scheduling a constellation of satellites to achieve maximum information content is a challenging problem. This optimization problem is further complicated when one attempts to meet collection requirements on various sites all while operating within a power budget. The goal of this research is to find the schedules for a set of satellite sensors that observe a
The reciprocal of serum creatinine concentration (1/Cr) is often used to predict glomerular filtr... more The reciprocal of serum creatinine concentration (1/Cr) is often used to predict glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Serum creatinine also varies with age, size, and muscle mass, and so it may inaccurately estimate GFR. The reciprocal of serum beta 2-microglobulin (1/beta 2mu) has been proposed as an alternative estimator of GFR. This study compares 1/Cr and 1/beta 2mu as predictors of GFR as measured by 125I-iothalamate clearance (CIOT) and creatinine clearance (CCr) in 29 subjects with a wide range of age, size and kidney function, and including 12 chronic hemodialysis patients. 1/beta 2mu was a better predictor of CIOT (r=0.90) and CCr (r=0.87) than 1/Cr (r=0.50 and 0.78) was. In fact, in the nondialysis population, 1/beta 2mu predicted CIOT (r=0.86) about as well as CCr predicted CIOT (r=0.87). Beta 2mu was less dependent on body size than Cr and unlike Cr, was not influenced by dialysis and did increase as GFR decreased with age. Beta 2mu can be useful as an alternative clinical estimate of GFR, particularly when Cr is considerably influenced by factors other than renal function.
Abstract In two experiments a group (N= 15) of poor beginning readers and of good readers (N= 15)... more Abstract In two experiments a group (N= 15) of poor beginning readers and of good readers (N= 15) were auditorily presented with continuous item lists. The children were asked to indicate whether each item had occurred previously in the list. In Experiment 1, using real ...
Fuzzy control in the deployable autonomous distributed system. [Proceedings of SPIE 3720, 239 (19... more Fuzzy control in the deployable autonomous distributed system. [Proceedings of SPIE 3720, 239 (1999)]. Peter J. Shea, Mark W. Owen, George Chadderdon. Abstract. The Deployable Autonomous Distributed System is an ocean ...
Objective: To identify some of the factors that limit the usefulness of the scientific method in ... more Objective: To identify some of the factors that limit the usefulness of the scientific method in psychiatric research. Conclusions: Scientific method has only a limited application in psychiatry and it should not become the touchstone by which all psychiatric practice is ...
This paper looks at factors affecting the success of asynchronous online learning through an inve... more This paper looks at factors affecting the success of asynchronous online learning through an investigation of relationships between student perceptions and course design factors in one of the largest asynchronous learning networks in the country. It finds that three such factors--consistency in course design, interaction with course instructors, and active discussion–have been consistently shown to significantly influence the success of online courses. It is posited that the reason for these findings relates to the importance of building ...
Today's battlefield environment contains a large number of sensors, and sensor types, onboard mul... more Today's battlefield environment contains a large number of sensors, and sensor types, onboard multiple platforms. The set of sensor types includes SAR, EO/IR, GMTI, AMTI, HSI, MSI, and video, and for each sensor type there may be multiple sensing modalities to select from. In an attempt to maximize sensor performance, today's sensors employ either static tasking approaches or require an operator to manually change sensor tasking operations. In a highly dynamic environment this leads to a situation whereby the sensors become less effective as the sensing environments deviates from the assumed conditions. Through a Phase I SBIR effort we developed a system architecture and a common tasking approach for solving the sensor tasking problem for a multiple sensor mix. As part of our sensor tasking effort we developed a genetic algorithm based task scheduling approach and demonstrated the ability to automatically task and schedule sensors in an end-to-end closed loop simulation. Our approach allows for multiple sensors as well as system and sensor constraints. This provides a solid foundation for our future efforts including incorporation of other sensor types. This paper will describe our approach for scheduling using genetic algorithms to solve the sensor tasking problem in the presence of resource constraints and required task linkage. We will conclude with a discussion of results for a sample problem and of the path forward.
The Deployable Autonomous Distributed System is an ocean surveillance system that contains a fiel... more The Deployable Autonomous Distributed System is an ocean surveillance system that contains a field of sensor nodes. Each sensor node provides target detections to a master node in the field for fusion by a Multiple Hypothesis Tracker Correlator (MHTC). The overall performance of a fusion engine depends upon the set of parameters that are used by the Multiple Hypothesis Tracker. Although a static set of parameters may work well over a wide range of scenarios, they may not lead to optimal performance in all cases. This paper addresses Level 4 fusion to improve performance of the data fusion system at the master node by using a fuzzy logic controller to adaptively tune the parameters. By using a set of linguistic rule based fuzzy logic algorithms, the tuning parameters of the MHTC are modified. A set of metrics are used to determine the added worth of the fuzzy logic controller.
Abstract: This study explored the level of life skills self-efficacy among students with dyslexia... more Abstract: This study explored the level of life skills self-efficacy among students with dyslexia, which is termed as specific learning difficulties in reading and writing (SpLD) in Hong Kong and to investigate associations between self-efficacy and the factors in their micro-and ...
The interface or, as some authors suggest, the chasm between psychiatry and the law has always be... more The interface or, as some authors suggest, the chasm between psychiatry and the law has always been problematic. This book is an attempt to bridge the gap by providing both lawyers and psychiatrists with the knowledge base they would need to at least begin to ...
The reciprocal of serum creatinine concentration (1/Cr) is often used to predict glomerular filtr... more The reciprocal of serum creatinine concentration (1/Cr) is often used to predict glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Serum creatinine also varies with age, size, and muscle mass, and so it may inaccurately estimate GFR. The reciprocal of serum beta 2-microglobulin (1/beta 2mu) has been proposed as an alternative estimator of GFR. This study compares 1/Cr and 1/beta 2mu as predictors of GFR as measured by 125I-iothalamate clearance (CIOT) and creatinine clearance (CCr) in 29 subjects with a wide range of age, size and kidney function, and including 12 chronic hemodialysis patients. 1/beta 2mu was a better predictor of CIOT (r=0.90) and CCr (r=0.87) than 1/Cr (r=0.50 and 0.78) was. In fact, in the nondialysis population, 1/beta 2mu predicted CIOT (r=0.86) about as well as CCr predicted CIOT (r=0.87). Beta 2mu was less dependent on body size than Cr and unlike Cr, was not influenced by dialysis and did increase as GFR decreased with age. Beta 2mu can be useful as an alternative clinical estimate of GFR, particularly when Cr is considerably influenced by factors other than renal function.
International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning
This paper presents an extension of an ongoing study of online learning framed within the Communi... more This paper presents an extension of an ongoing study of online learning framed within the Community of Inquiry model in which we further examine a new construct labeled as 'learning presence.' We use learning presence to refer to the iterative processes of forethought and planning, monitoring and adapting strategies for learning, and reflecting on results that successful students use to regulate their learning in online, interactive environments. To gain insight into these processes, we present results of a study using quantitative content analysis and social network analysis in a complementary fashion. First, we used quantitative content analysis to identify the forms of learning presence reflected in students' contributions to online discussions in a graduate level course. Next, we used social network analysis to assess how those forms of learning presence correlated with the social positions students held within those interactional spaces. By showing the positions of students (indicating who shared knowledge with who), the social network analysis allowed us to assess the value of the forms of contributions the students made to the online dialogue in which they constructed and shared knowledge. We found that the students who demonstrated better self-and co-regulation took up more advantageous positions in the social network analysis, hence promoted better opportunities for learning. Our results extend and confirm both the CoI framework and previous research using social network analysis in investigation of online learning.
Signal Processing, Sensor Fusion, and Target Recognition XX, 2011
Efficient exchange of information in a distributed tracking environment. [Proceedings of SPIE 805... more Efficient exchange of information in a distributed tracking environment. [Proceedings of SPIE 8050, 80500E (2011)]. Peter J. Shea, Eric Blake. Abstract. Modern tracking and fusion settings involve multiple platforms in different ...
Modeling, Simulation, and Calibration of Space-based Systems, 2004
Space and orbiting systems impact multiple battlefield operating systems (BOS). Space support to ... more Space and orbiting systems impact multiple battlefield operating systems (BOS). Space support to current operations is a perfect example of how the United States fights. Satellite-aided munitions, communications, navigation and weather systems combine to achieve military objectives in a relatively short amount of time. Through representation of space capabilities within models and simulations, the military will have the ability to train and educate officers and soldiers to fight from the high ground of space or to conduct analysis and determine the requirements or utility of transformed forces empowered with advanced space-based capabilities. The Army Vice Chief of Staff acknowledged deficiencies in space modeling and simulation during the September 2001 Space Force Management Analsyis Review (FORMAL) and directed that a multi-disciplinary team be established to recommend a service-wide roadmap to address shortcomings. A Focus Area Collaborative Team (FACT), led by the U.S. Army Space & Missile Defense Command with participation across the Army, confirmed the weaknesses in scope, consistency, correctness, completeness, availability, and usability of space model and simulation (M&S) for Army applications. The FACT addressed the need to develop a roadmap to remedy Space M&S deficiencies using a highly parallelized process and schedule designed to support a recommendation during the Sep 02 meeting of the Army Model and Simulation Executive Council (AMSEC).
Signal and Data Processing of Small Targets 2003, 2003
Force aggregation using genetic algortihms. [Proceedings of SPIE 5204, 74 (2003)]. Peter J. Shea,... more Force aggregation using genetic algortihms. [Proceedings of SPIE 5204, 74 (2003)]. Peter J. Shea, John Peterson, Kathleen Alexander, Alcino Azevedo. Abstract. A surveillance system needs to accurately locate and identify not ...
Sensors and Systems for Space Applications IV, 2011
The problem of automated scheduling a constellation of satellites to achieve maximum information ... more The problem of automated scheduling a constellation of satellites to achieve maximum information content is a challenging problem. This optimization problem is further complicated when one attempts to meet collection requirements on various sites all while operating within a power budget. The goal of this research is to find the schedules for a set of satellite sensors that observe a
The reciprocal of serum creatinine concentration (1/Cr) is often used to predict glomerular filtr... more The reciprocal of serum creatinine concentration (1/Cr) is often used to predict glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Serum creatinine also varies with age, size, and muscle mass, and so it may inaccurately estimate GFR. The reciprocal of serum beta 2-microglobulin (1/beta 2mu) has been proposed as an alternative estimator of GFR. This study compares 1/Cr and 1/beta 2mu as predictors of GFR as measured by 125I-iothalamate clearance (CIOT) and creatinine clearance (CCr) in 29 subjects with a wide range of age, size and kidney function, and including 12 chronic hemodialysis patients. 1/beta 2mu was a better predictor of CIOT (r=0.90) and CCr (r=0.87) than 1/Cr (r=0.50 and 0.78) was. In fact, in the nondialysis population, 1/beta 2mu predicted CIOT (r=0.86) about as well as CCr predicted CIOT (r=0.87). Beta 2mu was less dependent on body size than Cr and unlike Cr, was not influenced by dialysis and did increase as GFR decreased with age. Beta 2mu can be useful as an alternative clinical estimate of GFR, particularly when Cr is considerably influenced by factors other than renal function.
Abstract In two experiments a group (N= 15) of poor beginning readers and of good readers (N= 15)... more Abstract In two experiments a group (N= 15) of poor beginning readers and of good readers (N= 15) were auditorily presented with continuous item lists. The children were asked to indicate whether each item had occurred previously in the list. In Experiment 1, using real ...
Fuzzy control in the deployable autonomous distributed system. [Proceedings of SPIE 3720, 239 (19... more Fuzzy control in the deployable autonomous distributed system. [Proceedings of SPIE 3720, 239 (1999)]. Peter J. Shea, Mark W. Owen, George Chadderdon. Abstract. The Deployable Autonomous Distributed System is an ocean ...
Objective: To identify some of the factors that limit the usefulness of the scientific method in ... more Objective: To identify some of the factors that limit the usefulness of the scientific method in psychiatric research. Conclusions: Scientific method has only a limited application in psychiatry and it should not become the touchstone by which all psychiatric practice is ...
Uploads
Papers by Peter Shea