Teaching old docs new e-health tricks proves difficult
Younger physicians are more likely to gravitate to automated systems
By Lucas Mearian ... February 09, 2009 ... Computerworld

Before the rollout an all-electronic health records (EHR) system about a year ago, only about half of the doctors and nurses in West Virginia's state hospitals were familiar with medical computer systems. So when technology rolled in, staffers pushed back.

"We actually had some nurses who were completely computer-illiterate. They didn't use a computer at work, and they had no use for it at home," said Jerry Luck, director of facilities systems administration at the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources.

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U.S. Now World's Top Wind Power Producer, Closes in on Solar Lead
By Jason Mick (Blog) ... February 05, 2009 ... Daily Tech

In 2007, Germany was the leader of the world for total wind production. However, in 2008, the U.S. was perched in the top spot thanks to strong growth. The data also indicated that sometime this year, the U.S. will seize the lead in installed solar power. The newly released figures represent the U.S.'s growing thirst for alternative power.

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Educators Extol Benefits of PASCO's SPARK Science Learning System
Schools in Texas and West Virginia Among the First to Integrate New Discovery Learning Environment into Science Programs
February 04, 2009 ... PRNewswire

AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Thousands of students worldwide are getting their hands on The SPARK Science Learning System(TM) this semester, including large numbers in Texas and West Virginia, PASCO scientific announced today at the Texas Computer Educator Association conference.

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NETL develops improved coating process for solid oxide fuel cell
February 04, 2009 ... FuelCellsWorks.com

Researchers at DOE's National Energy Technology Laboratory and West Virginia University have collaborated on the development of manganese-cobalt coatings for solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) interconnects using an environmentally-friendly electroplating process.

Recent results during on-cell testing showed considerable improvement of SOFC degradation with this coating method relative to uncoated interconnects.

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U.S. Government approves Active Control's wireless mesh communication & tracking system for mining
MSHA grants approval for ActiveMine(TM) Wi-Fi mesh network for installation in all U.S. underground mines
February 04, 2009 ... PRNewswire-FirstCall

Active Control Technology Inc. (TSX-V:ACT) announced today that the U.S. Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has approved its ActiveMine(TM) wireless Wi-Fi mesh network system. ActiveMine, the premier wireless voice communications and locating system for mines, is now cleared for installation in all U.S. underground mines.

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Green Collar Jobs Panel Highlight of MU's Global Warming Event Thursday
February 04, 2009 ... HuntingtonNews.net

Huntington, WV (HNN) – The public, along with Marshall University students, will have the opportunity to learn about climate change in a nationwide discussion on global warming.

This Thursday, Feb. 5, thousands of groups on campuses across the nation will link up and participate in the National Teach-In on Global Warming (www.nationalteachin.org). On Marshall University’s Huntington campus, everyone is invited to attend a daylong Global Warming Solutions Gallery, located in the Memorial Student Center, Room BE5, from 10 a.m. through 7 p.m.

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Continue Refining Elections Process
February 01, 2009 ... News-Register

Natalie Tennant, West Virginia's new secretary of state, has said that she intends to make "e-government and technology" a priority during her four years in office. Good. By using technology to make it easier for businesses to interact with government, Tennant will contribute to economic development.

Tennant is right to recognize that her office, which handles tens of thousands of business charters and reports each year, is an important aspect of state government putting its best foot forward in regard to economic development.

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Rural advancements topic for Keyser police chief at national meeting
By Sarah Moses ... February 01, 2009 ... Cumberland Times-News

KEYSER, W.Va. — The Keyser Police Department will come to national attention when Chief Karen Shoemaker gives a presentation on her department in May to the National Institute for Rural Law Enforcement.

"We've tried to make positive advancements in the last few years," Shoemaker said. "Rural development has been moving at such a rapid pace over the last few years, especially in law enforcement. West Virginia is really coming of age in terms of technology with computers, computers in vehicles and internal reporting systems that are so much more up to date."

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W.Va. to Get First Statewide Smart Grid Plan
A West Virginia Smart Grid Implementation planning process launched in July 2008 will be the first statewide Smart Grid plan in the U.S., according to Joe Miller.
By Pam Kasey ... January 29, 2009 ... State Journal

MORGANTOWN -- West Virginia is leading the charge for Smart Grid planning.

A West Virginia Smart Grid Implementation planning process launched in July 2008 will be the first statewide Smart Grid plan in the U.S., according to Joe Miller.

Miller is senior vice president at Maryville, Tenn.-based energy consultants Horizon Energy Group and a Smart Grid consultant to the U.S. Department of Energy's National Energy Technology Laboratory.

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Rockefeller adds broadband incentives to stimulus
By Jenni Vincent ... January 29, 2009 ... The Journal-News

MARTINSBURG - Sen. Jay Rockefeller, a long-standing advocate for improved broadband access in the nation and especially West Virginia, is already finding continued success with the new Obama administration.

That's because Rockefeller, D-W.Va., offered an amendment to the stimulus bill and it was accepted Wednesday by the Senate Finance Committee.

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