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An Assessment of the Material Measurement Laboratory at the National Institute of Standards and Technology: Fiscal Year 2020
by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences Laboratory Assessments Board Panel on Review of the Material Measurement Laboratory at the National Institute of Standards and TechnologyThe Material Measurement Laboratory (MML) of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) comprises six technical divisions and two offices. The two offices manage programs related to NIST standard reference materials and NIST data products or standard reference data. The technical divisions engage in research and development of the measurement science, standards, technology, and data required to support the nation’s need to design, develop, manufacture, and use materials. These divisions interact extensively with both industry and public institutions to advance the economy and provide tools for the creation of knowledge. This report assesses the scientific and technical work performed by the NIST Material Measurement Laboratory and makes actionable recommendations to support MML in the achievement of its objectives.
Crisis Standards of Care: Ten Years Of Successes And Challenges: Proceedings Of A Workshop
by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Health and Medicine Division Board on Health Sciences Policy Forum on Medical and Public Health Preparedness for Disasters and EmergenciesIn 2009 the Institute of Medicine (IOM) began to assess the need for better-defined medical and public health crisis standards of care (CSC) for catastrophic disasters and public health emergencies. Over the next 10 years, the IOM defined templates for those stakeholders responsible for integrated CSC planning and implementation; created a tool kit with guidance on indicators and triggers; provided a discussion kit for stakeholders to use with their own communities to establish appropriate indicators and triggers to guide their planning; disseminated the messages and key concepts of CSC; and built on the initial efforts to refine certain elements and address remaining gaps. This current Proceedings of a Workshop captures the discussions from a 2019 workshop reviewing the successes and gaps over the last 10 years of CSC work, in order to inform the next phases of planning and implementation.
Necessity, Use, and Care of Laboratory Dogs at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Health and Medicine Division Board on Health Sciences Policy Division on Earth and Life Studies Institute for Laboratory Animal Research Committee on Assessment of the Use and Care of Dogs in Biomedical Research Funded by or Conducted at the U.S. Department of Veterans AffairsFor many years, laboratory dogs have served as important animal models for biomedical research that has advanced human health. Conducted at the request of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), this report assesses whether laboratory dogs are or will continue to be necessary for biomedical research related to the VA's mission. The report concludes that using laboratory dogs in research at the VA is scientifically necessary for only a few areas of current biomedical research. The report recommends that the VA adopt an expanded set of criteria for determining when it is scientifically necessary to use laboratory dogs in VA biomedical research; that the VA promote the development and use of alternatives to laboratory dogs; and highlights opportunities for the VA to enhance the welfare of laboratory dogs that are being used in biomedical research areas for which they have been deemed necessary.
Assessment of the Report of NASA’s Planetary Protection Independent Review Board
by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences Space Studies Board Committee to Review the Report of the NASA Planetary Protection Independent Review BoardThe goal of planetary protection is to control, to the degree possible, the biological cross-contamination of planetary bodies. Guidelines developed by the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) are used by all spacefaring nations to guide their preparations for encounters with solar system bodies. NASA’s Science Mission Directorate has convened the Planetary Protection Independent Review Board (PPIRB) to consider updating the COSPAR guidelines given the growing interest from commercial and private groups in exploration and utilization of Mars and other bodies in space. At the request of NASA, this publication reviews the findings of the PPIRB and comments on their consistency with the recommendations of the recent National Academies report Review and Assessment of the Planetary Protection Policy Development Processes.
An Examination of Emerging Bioethical Issues in Biomedical Research: Proceedings Of A Workshop
by Board on Health Sciences Policy National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Health and Medicine DivisionOn February 26, 2020, the Board on Health Sciences Policy of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine hosted a 1-day public workshop in Washington, DC, to examine current and emerging bioethical issues that might arise in the context of biomedical research and to consider research topics in bioethics that could benefit from further attention. The scope of bioethical issues in research is broad, but this workshop focused on issues related to the development and use of digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and machine learning in research and clinical practice; issues emerging as nontraditional approaches to health research become more widespread; the role of bioethics in addressing racial and structural inequalities in health; and enhancing the capacity and diversity of the bioethics workforce. This publication summarizes the presentations and discussions from the workshop.
Examining the State of the Science of Mammalian Embryo Model Systems: Proceedings Of A Workshop
by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Health and Medicine Division Board on Health Sciences PolicyBecause of the recent advances in embryo modeling techniques, and at the request of the Office of Science Policy in the Office of the Director at the National Institutes of Health, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, hosted a 1-day public workshop that would explore the state of the science of mammalian embryo model systems. The workshop, which took place on January 17, 2020, featured a combination of presentations, panels, and general discussions, during which panelists and participants offered a broad range of perspectives. Participants considered whether embryo model systems - especially those that use nonhuman primate cells - can be used to predict the function of systems made with human cells. Presentations provided an overview of the current state of the science of in vitro development of human trophoblast. This publication summarizes the presentation and discussion of the workshop.
Next Steps for Functional Genomics: Proceedings Of A Workshop
by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Division on Earth and Life Studies Board on Life SciencesOne of the holy grails in biology is the ability to predict functional characteristics from an organism's genetic sequence. Despite decades of research since the first sequencing of an organism in 1995, scientists still do not understand exactly how the information in genes is converted into an organism's phenotype, its physical characteristics. Functional genomics attempts to make use of the vast wealth of data from "-omics" screens and projects to describe gene and protein functions and interactions. A February 2020 workshop was held to determine research needs to advance the field of functional genomics over the next 10-20 years. Speakers and participants discussed goals, strategies, and technical needs to allow functional genomics to contribute to the advancement of basic knowledge and its applications that would benefit society. This publication summarizes the presentations and discussions from the workshop.
Communications, Cyber Resilience, and the Future of the U.S. Electric Power System: Proceedings of a Workshop
by National Academies of Sciences Engineering MedicineElectric power is a critical infrastructure that is vital to the U.S. economy and national security. Today, the nation’s electric power infrastructure is threatened by malicious attacks, accidents, and failures, as well as disruptive natural events. As the electric grid evolves and becomes increasingly interdependent with other critical infrastructures, the nation is challenged to defend against these threats and to advance grid capabilities with reliable defenses. On November 1, 2019, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine convened a workshop to gather diverse perspectives on current and future threats to the electric power system, activities that the subsector is pursuing to defend itself, and how this work may evolve over the coming decades. This publications summarizes the presentations and discussions from the workshop.
Rapid Expert Consultations on the COVID-19 Pandemic: March 14, 2020-april 8 2020
by Engineering Medicine National Academies of SciencesIn response to a request from the Office of Science and Technology Policy and the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine convened a standing committee of experts to help inform the federal government on critical science and policy issues related to emerging infectious diseases and other 21st century health threats. This set of Rapid Expert Consultations are the first of their kind and represent the best evidence available to the Committee at the time each publication was released. The science on these issues is continually evolving, and the scientific consensus the Committee reaches on these topics will likely evolve with it. The standing committee includes members with expertise in emerging infectious diseases, public health, public health preparedness and response, biological sciences, clinical care and crisis standards of care, risk communication, and regulatory issues.
Building the Workforce We Need to Care for People with Serious Illness: Proceedings of a Workshop
by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Health and Medicine Division Board on Health Sciences Policy Board on Health Care Services Roundtable on Quality Care for People with Serious IllnessThe United States faces a significantly aging population as well as a growing share of the population that is living longer with multiple chronic conditions. To provide high-quality care to people of all ages living with serious illness, it is critical that the nation develop an adequately trained and prepared workforce consisting of a range of professionals, including physicians, nurses, social workers, direct care workers, and chaplains. To explore some of the key workforce-related challenges to meeting the needs of people with serious illness, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine hosted a workshop on November 7, 2019. This publication summarizes the presentations and discussions from the workshop.
Health-Focused Public–Private Partnerships in the Urban Context: Proceedings of a Workshop
by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Health and Medicine Division Board on Global Health Forum on Public–Private Partnerships for Global Health and SafetyTo draw attention to health determinants and health inequities among populations that live in urban environments and to explore challenges faced in establishing urban population health, the Forum on Public-Private Partnerships for Global Health and Safety hosted a 1.5-day workshop on the role of health-focused public-private partnerships (PPPs) in the urban context. The workshop, held June 13-14, 2019, in Washington, DC, aimed to illuminate some of the intervention strategies that have been designed to attenuate these urban health issues and highlighted the importance of PPPs and urban-level governance in remediation efforts. By facilitating discussion among participants in both the public and private sectors, as well as among policy makers, the workshop served as a platform to share best practices on how to address health challenges through interventions that target healthier urban populations. This publication highlights the presentations and discussion of the workshop.
The Clinical Utility of Compounded Bioidentical Hormone Therapy: A Review Of Safety, Effectiveness, And Use
by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Health and Medicine Division Board on Health Sciences Policy Committee on the Clinical Utility of Treating Patients with Compounded Bioidentical Hormone Replacement TherapyThe U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved dozens of hormone therapy products for men and women, including estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and related compounds. These products have been reviewed for safety and efficacy and are indicated for treatment of symptoms resulting from hormonal changes associated with menopause or other endocrine-based disorders. In recent decades, an increasing number of health care providers and patients have turned to custom-formulated, or compounded, drug preparations as an alternative to FDA-approved drug products for hormone-related health concerns. These compounded hormone preparations are often marketed as “bioidentical” or “natural” and are commonly referred to as compounded bioidentical hormone therapy (cBHT). In light of the fast-growing popularity of cBHT preparations, the clinical utility of these compounded preparations is a substantial public health concern for various stakeholders, including medical practitioners, patients, health advocacy organizations, and federal and state public health agencies. This report examines the clinical utility and uses of cBHT drug preparations and reviews the available evidence that would support marketing claims of the safety and effectiveness of cBHT preparations. It also assesses whether the available evidence suggests that these preparations have clinical utility and safety profiles warranting their clinical use and identifies patient populations that might benefit from cBHT preparations in lieu of FDA-approved BHT.
Advancing Urban Sustainability in China and the United States: Proceedings of a Workshop
by National Academies of Sciences Engineering MedicineIn November 2018, National Academy of Sciences (NAS) President Marcia McNutt visited China for the first time in her official role. As part of this visit, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s Science and Technology for Sustainability (STS) program and the Chinese Academy of Sciences organized a one-day workshop relating to urban sustainability in Beijing. The goal of the visit was to begin to explore some areas where the U.S. National Academies and the Chinese Academy might develop collaboration. At the same time, the trip provided an opportunity to develop links to other parts of the science and technology community in China. To further elucidate some of these issues and build upon current partnerships, an expert committee under the STS program, in collaboration with the Chinese Academy of Sciences, organized a one-day public workshop on urban sustainability in China and the United States, held on December 16, 2019. The workshop focused on the intersection of urban climate change mitigation and adaptation, urban health, and sustainable transportation, including green infrastructure and urban flooding in both countries. This publication summarizes the presentations and discussions from the workshop.
Are Generational Categories Meaningful Distinctions for Workforce Management?
by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education Board on Behavioral, Cognitive, and Sensory Sciences Committee on the Consideration of Generational Issues in Workforce Management and Employment PracticesHeadlines frequently appear that purport to highlight the differences among workers of different generations and explain how employers can manage the wants and needs of each generation. But is each new generation really that different from previous ones? Are there fundamental differences among generations that impact how they act and interact in the workplace? Or are the perceived differences among generations simply an indicator of age-related differences between older and younger workers or a reflection of all people adapting to a changing workplace? Are Generational Categories Meaningful Distinctions for Workforce Management? reviews the state and rigor of the empirical work related to generations and assesses whether generational categories are meaningful in tackling workforce management problems. This report makes recommendations for directions for future research and improvements to employment practices.
The Role of Advanced Technologies in Structural Engineering for More Resilient Communities: Proceedings of a Workshop
by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Policy and Global Affairs Roundtable on Risk, Resilience, and Extreme EventsIn an effort to develop relationships and promote dialogue and community exchange, the National Academies’ Resilient America Roundtable—in partnership with the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Structural Engineering Institute (SEI), and the Advances in Information Technology Committee—co-hosted a one-day workshop on September 26, 2017. The event brought together experts, practitioners, and researchers from the public, private, and academic sectors to: 1) enhance resilience and promote faster recovery by exploring the role of advanced technologies and structural performance data in existing infrastructure and built systems; 2) discuss the future role of advanced technologies and design practice in promoting community resilience; and 3) identify research gaps or opportunities in development and use of advanced technologies and design for building resilient infrastructure. This publication summarizes the presentations and discussions from the workshop.
Plasma Science: Enabling Technology, Sustainability, Security, and Exploration
by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences Board on Physics and Astronomy Committee on a Decadal Assessment of Plasma SciencePlasma Science and Engineering transforms fundamental scientific research into powerful societal applications, from materials processing and healthcare to forecasting space weather. Plasma Science: Enabling Technology, Sustainability, Security and Exploration discusses the importance of plasma research, identifies important grand challenges for the next decade, and makes recommendations on funding and workforce. This publication will help federal agencies, policymakers, and academic leadership understand the importance of plasma research and make informed decisions about plasma science funding, workforce, and research directions.
Roundtable on Data Science Postsecondary Education: A Compilation of Meeting Highlights
by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences Board on Science Education Computer Science and Telecommunications Board Committee on Applied and Theoretical Statistics Board on Mathematical Sciences and AnalyticsEstablished in December 2016, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine's Roundtable on Data Science Postsecondary Education was charged with identifying the challenges of and highlighting best practices in postsecondary data science education. Convening quarterly for 3 years, representatives from academia, industry, and government gathered with other experts from across the nation to discuss various topics under this charge. The meetings centered on four central themes: foundations of data science; data science across the postsecondary curriculum; data science across society; and ethics and data science. This publication highlights the presentations and discussions of each meeting.
Nutrient Requirements of Dairy Cattle: Eighth Revised Edition
by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Division on Earth and Life Studies Board on Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee on Nutrient Requirements of Dairy CattleSince 1944, the National Research Council (NRC) has published seven editions of the Nutrient Requirements of Dairy Cattle. This reference has guided nutritionists and other professionals in academia and the dairy and feed industries in developing and implementing nutritional and feeding programs for dairy cattle. The eighth revised edition of the Nutrient Requirements of Dairy Cattle builds on the previous editions. A great deal of new research has been published and there is a large amount of new information for many nutrients. This book represents a comprehensive review of the most recent information available on efficient, profitable, and environmentally conscious dairy cattle nutrition and ingredient composition.
A Population Health Perspective on Middle School Success: Activities, Programs, And Policies: Proceedings Of A Workshop
by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Health and Medicine Division Board on Population Health and Public Health Practice Roundtable on Population Health ImprovementOn December 5, 2019, the Roundtable on Population Health Improvement of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine convened a workshop to explore the factors that affect the health and well-being of middle-school-aged adolescents. The workshop included presentations on the risk factors of poor physical, social, and emotional outcomes and their prevalence; the identification of resilience factors; current policies and programs designed to support middle school success and address issues of equity and financing as they apply to these; and how the health and human services sectors can support and align with the education sector to promote health and well-being in middle school. This publication summarizes the presentations and discussions that took place during the workshop.
Safety of Dietary Supplements for Horses, Dogs, and Cats
by National Research Council Division on Earth and Life Studies Board on Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee on Examining the Safety of Dietary Supplements for Horses, Dogs, and CatsGrowing numbers of pet owners are giving their pets dietary supplements in hopes of supporting their health. Many people presume that supplements are safer than drugs, but the reality is that there are very limited safety data on dietary supplements for pets. Many challenges stand in the way of determining whether animal dietary supplements are safe and at what dosage. Supplements considered safe in humans and other species are not always safe in horses, dogs, and cats. An improved adverse event reporting system is badly needed. Also, the absence of laws and regulations that specifically address animal dietary supplements causes considerable confusion to the industry and to the public. Clear and precise regulations are needed to allow only safe dietary supplements on the market. This book examines issues in determining safety of animal dietary supplements in general, and the safety of three animal dietary supplements; lutein, evening primrose oil, and garlic, in particular.
Air Force Software Sustainment and Maintenance of Weapons Systems
by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences Air Force Studies Board Committee on Software Sustainment and Maintenance of Weapons SystemsModern software engineering practices, pioneered by the commercial software community, have begun transforming Department of Defense (DoD) software development, integration processes, and deployment cycles. DoD must further adopt and adapt these practices across the full defense software life cycle - and this adoption has implications for software maintenance and software sustainment across the U.S. defense community. Air Force Software Sustainment and Maintenance of Weapons Systems evaluates the current state of software sustainment within the U.S. Air Force and recommends changes to the software sustainment enterprise. This report assesses how software that is embedded within weapon platforms is currently sustained within the U.S. Air Force; identifies the unique requirements of software sustainment; develops and recommends a software sustainment work breakdown structure; and identifies the necessary personnel skill sets and core competencies for software sustainment.
2019-2020 Assessment of the Army Research Laboratory: Interim Report
by National Academies of Sciences Engineering MedicineThe mission of Army Research Laboratory (ARL) is to discover, innovate, and transition science and technology to ensure dominant strategic land power. The ARL's core competencies include network and information sciences, computational sciences, human sciences, materials and manufacturing sciences, propulsion sciences, ballistic sciences, and protection sciences. As part of a biennial assessment of the scientific and technical quality of the ARL, this interim report summarizes the findings and recommendations for network and information sciences, computational sciences, and human sciences research.
Multilingual Summary for Evaluation of PEPFAR’s Contribution (2012-2017) to Rwanda’s Human Resources for Health Program
by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Health and Medicine Division Board on Global Health Committee on the Evaluation of Strengthening Human Resources for Health Capacity in the Republic of Rwanda Under the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS ReliefThis multilingual publication summarizes the recent Evaluation of PEPFAR's Contribution (2012-2017) to Rwanda's Human Resources for Health Program. This study describes PEPFAR investments in HRH in Rwanda over time, including its support for Ministry of Health efforts to address HRH needs and the broader context in which these investments were made; describes PEPFAR-supported HRH activities in Rwanda in relation to programmatic priorities, outputs, and outcomes; examines the impact of PEPFAR funding for the HRH Program on HRH outcomes and on patient- or population-level HIV-related outcomes; and provides recommendations to inform future HRH investments that would support people living with HIV and advance PEPFAR's mission. The summary distills the main messages of the consensus report.
The Inclusion of Women in STEM in Kuwait and the United States: Proceedings of a Workshop
by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine The Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences Policy and Global AffairsWomen in the United States and Kuwait have made advances as researchers and leaders in science, engineering, and medical disciplines, yet challenges and barriers remain to enter and advance in these fields in both countries. Building on recent collaborations, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences agreed on convening two workshops to identify evidence-based practices and resources for improving the inclusion of women as full participants in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This publication summarizes the presentations and discussion from the first workshop, held October 28-29, 2019, in Washington, D.C.
Strengthening Sustainability Programs and Curricula at the Undergraduate and Graduate Levels
by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Policy and Global Affairs Board on Higher Education and Workforce Science and Technology for Sustainability Program Committee on Strengthening Sustainability Programs and Curricula at the Undergraduate and Graduate LevelsOver the past decade there has been a growing interest in sustainability education in colleges and universities across the United States, with a marked increase in the number of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, research institutes, and centers focused on sustainability. Evidence-based core competencies for interdisciplinary sustainability programs can provide suitable guidance for curricular and program development, research, policy, communication, and pedagogical approaches at academic institutions. They can also serve as a guide for students to select academic programs and potential career options, a reference for employers to understand qualifications of graduates, and the foundation for a potential specialized accreditation for interdisciplinary sustainability programs. The growing demand for well-qualified sustainability professionals within the public, private, and nonprofit sectors also points to the value of developing core competencies. Strengthening Sustainability Programs and Curricula at the Undergraduate and Graduate Levels provides expert insights for strengthening the emerging discipline of sustainability in higher education in the United States. This report describes the local, national, and global landscape related to sustainability education; examines the history and current status of sustainability education programs in the United States and globally; discusses employment prospects for sustainability graduates in terms of the opportunities and the skills that employers seek; and addresses diversity, equity, and inclusion in sustainability-related education and employment.