The database system used in the Finnish Sign Language Dictionary Project

A lexicographic research team started working at the Finnish Association of the Deaf in 1988. Since 1989, one of the researchers from the Research Institute for the Languages of Finland has been working in the team as well. The team’s first project (1988–1998) was to produce a new Finnish Sign Language-Finnish dictionary. In this paper I will briefly explain the procedure followed within this project, and then describe the Word Perfect database we used to gather together the material we produced. I will describe the overall structure of the database system, the types of information registered, transcription methods used and the compatibility with other databases. As an illustration of the contents of the database I will provide a sample record of a sign entry as it appears in the book. When the dictionary was finished, the research team started working on new lexicographic projects and moved on to use a new database program, FileMaker Pro. To conclude this paper I will briefly introduce the new projects, discuss the reasons for choosing the FileMaker program, and describe how our research work has benefited from the new databases.

The database system used in the Finnish Sign Language Dictionary Project

A lexicographic research team started working at the Finnish Association of the Deaf in 1988. Since 1989, one of the researchers from the Research Institute for the Languages of Finland has been working in the team as well. The team’s first project (1988–1998) was to produce a new Finnish Sign Language-Finnish dictionary. In this paper I will briefly explain the procedure followed within this project, and then describe the Word Perfect database we used to gather together the material we produced. I will describe the overall structure of the database system, the types of information registered, transcription methods used and the compatibility with other databases. As an illustration of the contents of the database I will provide a sample record of a sign entry as it appears in the book. When the dictionary was finished, the research team started working on new lexicographic projects and moved on to use a new database program, FileMaker Pro. To conclude this paper I will briefly introduce the new projects, discuss the reasons for choosing the FileMaker program, and describe how our research work has benefited from the new databases.

Medical Record Documentation of Seizures

This sample record is meant to demonstrate comprehensive recording of pertinent data. Actual records will vary in format; many will be written in a more abbreviated style. Name: Sharon DiStefano1 Date of birth: December 8, 19832 Drug allergies: None; cramps from erythromycin3 Immunizations: Fully immunized4 Thursday, February 6, 1992 Telephone Teacher called parents — Sharon "suddenly gets a blank look" for brief periods. Has done this several times. Parents will get further information from teacher, watch carefully over weekend, bring in for visit next week. Tuesday, February 11, 1992 CHIEF COMPLAINT: "We think she's having spells." PRESENT ILLNESS: (See letter from teacher). He has noted over the last week, on 5 or 6 occasions, that Sharon will develop "blank stare" suddenly. When talked to, will not respond at first but will after several repetitions. Once did this in the middle of talking; paused noticeably for a number of seconds, then resumed talking. Eyes always stay open; blinking noted; no total loss of consciousness. No jerking, twitching, slumping, drooling, incontinence. Seems normal afterwards; not aware of any lapse. Over the weekend parents saw similar spells: three times at meals, twice when watching television, once after she had been running around backyard and had just sat down. "Like a shade was drawn behind her eyes."

Medical Record Review

Accompanying this issue of Pediatrics in Review is the American Board of Pediatrics' Guide for Record Review dealing with seizures. All general pediatricians eventually treat this chronic condition, and there are important lessons to be learned in the process. In the sample record that follows, the initial observations of the patient's brief spells were made by the schoolteacher. Because a child spends so much time in school and is under the direct scrutiny of teachers, it is not surprising that subtle signs of illness first may be picked up in that setting. Interestingly, absence seizures are more likely to occur when the child is engaged in activities that are not particularly interesting to him or her, or do not demand his or her full attention. Certainly, a first generalized seizure, as well as any other kind of seizure, also may occur outside the home. Because seizure activity often occurs away from home, parents and physicians may be dependent upon the observations of other people, including other children, teachers, coaches, or strangers who happen by. Consequently, the all-important description of the seizure activity may be severely distorted by the time the story gets to the pediatrician. It is critical that eyewitness accounts be gathered to get the full picture of the patient's illness; the extra effort needed to get a true account is well spent.

Embedding sequences of successive maxima in extremal processes, with applications

Consequences of embedding sequences {Mn} in an extremal-F process are discussed where Mn represents the maximum of n independent (but not necessarily identically distributed) random variables. Various limit theorems are proved for the sample record rate, record times, inter-record times, and record values. These results are illustrated with applications to three particular record models: the Yang (1975) record model where population size increases geometrically, a record model where linear improvement is present, and a record model incorporating features of the previous two.

Embedding sequences of successive maxima in extremal processes, with applications

Consequences of embedding sequences {Mn } in an extremal-F process are discussed where Mn represents the maximum of n independent (but not necessarily identically distributed) random variables. Various limit theorems are proved for the sample record rate, record times, inter-record times, and record values. These results are illustrated with applications to three particular record models: the Yang (1975) record model where population size increases geometrically, a record model where linear improvement is present, and a record model incorporating features of the previous two.

Standardizing Procedures for Collecting, Submitting, Recording, and Reporting Radiocarbon Samples

A new radiocarbon sample record form has been compiled for consensus among radiocarbon daters and users. The form is designed to obtain comprehensive standardized documentation of radiocarbon dates for reporting and disseminating valuable data. This method of reporting 14C dates will help resolve problems which include: 1) publication of all dated samples, 2) selection of significant samples, 3) interpretation of data, 4) recognition of problematic dates, 5) maintenance of an active archive of 14C dates, and 6) implementation of an international retrieval system for dates.

Standardizing Procedures for Collecting, Submitting, Recording, and Reporting Radiocarbon Samples

A new radiocarbon sample record form has been compiled for consensus among radiocarbon daters and users. The form is designed to obtain comprehensive standardized documentation of radiocarbon dates for reporting and disseminating valuable data. This method of reporting 14C dates will help resolve problems which include: 1) publication of all dated samples, 2) selection of significant samples, 3) interpretation of data, 4) recognition of problematic dates, 5) maintenance of an active archive of 14C dates, and 6) implementation of an international retrieval system for dates.

ANU Radiocarbon Date List I

The Radiocarbon Dating Laboratory is installed in the Department of Geophysics and Geochemistry, Institute of Advanced Studies of the Australian National University. The Australian Institute of Aboriginal Studies has materially aided the establishment of the laboratory and is allocated a major proportion of the dating time over the next three years for samples in Australian Aboriginal archaeology. Beyond this the laboratory is to serve research needs within the University. To facilitate communication between collectors and laboratory a handbook on collection of specimens and interpretation of results has been prepared (Polach and Golson, 1966) and a radiocarbon sample record and an age determination sheet are in use.