12,723 research outputs found

    Identifying and responding to people with mild learning disabilities in the probation service

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    It has long been recognised that, like many other individuals, people with learningdisabilities find their way into the criminal justice system. This fact is not disputed. Whathas been disputed, however, is the extent to which those with learning disabilities arerepresented within the various agencies of the criminal justice system and the ways inwhich the criminal justice system (and society) should address this. Recently, social andlegislative confusion over the best way to deal with offenders with learning disabilities andmental health problems has meant that the waters have become even more muddied.Despite current government uncertainty concerning the best way to support offenders withlearning disabilities, the probation service is likely to continue to play a key role in thesupervision of such offenders. The three studies contained herein aim to clarify the extentto which those with learning disabilities are represented in the probation service, toexamine the effectiveness of probation for them and to explore some of the ways in whichprobation could be adapted to fit their needs.Study 1 and study 2 showed that around 10% of offenders on probation in Kent appearedto have an IQ below 75, putting them in the bottom 5% of the general population. Study 3was designed to assess some of the support needs of those with learning disabilities in theprobation service, finding that many of the materials used by the probation service arelikely to be too complex for those with learning disabilities to use effectively. To addressthis, a model for service provision is tentatively suggested. This is based on the findings ofthe three studies and a pragmatic assessment of what the probation service is likely to becapable of achieving in the near future

    Image classification over unknown and anomalous domains

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    A longstanding goal in computer vision research is to develop methods that are simultaneously applicable to a broad range of prediction problems. In contrast to this, models often perform best when they are specialized to some task or data type. This thesis investigates the challenges of learning models that generalize well over multiple unknown or anomalous modes and domains in data, and presents new solutions for learning robustly in this setting. Initial investigations focus on normalization for distributions that contain multiple sources (e.g. images in different styles like cartoons or photos). Experiments demonstrate the extent to which existing modules, batch normalization in particular, struggle with such heterogeneous data, and a new solution is proposed that can better handle data from multiple visual modes, using differing sample statistics for each. While ideas to counter the overspecialization of models have been formulated in sub-disciplines of transfer learning, e.g. multi-domain and multi-task learning, these usually rely on the existence of meta information, such as task or domain labels. Relaxing this assumption gives rise to a new transfer learning setting, called latent domain learning in this thesis, in which training and inference are carried out over data from multiple visual domains, without domain-level annotations. Customized solutions are required for this, as the performance of standard models degrades: a new data augmentation technique that interpolates between latent domains in an unsupervised way is presented, alongside a dedicated module that sparsely accounts for hidden domains in data, without requiring domain labels to do so. In addition, the thesis studies the problem of classifying previously unseen or anomalous modes in data, a fundamental problem in one-class learning, and anomaly detection in particular. While recent ideas have been focused on developing self-supervised solutions for the one-class setting, in this thesis new methods based on transfer learning are formulated. Extensive experimental evidence demonstrates that a transfer-based perspective benefits new problems that have recently been proposed in anomaly detection literature, in particular challenging semantic detection tasks

    NOMA Transmission Systems: Overview of SIC Design and New Findings

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    Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access (NOMA) has been recently proposed as a good alternative to meet 5G and beyond requirements in terms of high spectral efficiency, massive connectivity, and low latency. It has been demonstrated that the use of NOMA in downlink has superior performance in terms of throughput, whereas the use in uplink outperforms OMA techniques in terms of fairness. A distinctive feature of NOMA is the presence of excessive multiple-access interference due to the case of usage of power domain to multiplex signals, thus the functional implementation of NOMA implies Successive Interference Cancelation (SIC) to combat this interference. Therefore, SIC design becomes the main point in the effectiveness of NOMA systems. On the other hand, hybrid schemes, NOMA/OMA, have been recently proposed to reduce the drawbacks of pure NOMA systems. However, in these schemes, it becomes necessary to distinguish NOMA and OMA users. Cognitive Radio techniques turn to be a good option to effectively separate NOMA/OMA users as well as to distinguish NOMA users. In this chapter, a brief overview of NOMA techniques related to Cognitive Radio technology (CR-NOMA) and SIC design reported in the literature is presented. Also, new findings about NOMA/OMA users’ recognition are described

    The applied psychology of addictive orientations : studies in a 12-step treatment context.

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    The clinical data for the studies was collected at The PROMIS Recovery Centre, a Minnesota Model treatmentc entre for addictions,w hich encouragesth e membership and use of the 12 step Anonymous Fellowships, and is abstinence based. The area of addiction is contextualised in a review chapter which focuses on research relating to the phenomenon of cross addiction. A study examining the concept of "addictive orientations" in male and female addicts is described, which develops a study conductedb y StephensonM, aggi, Lefever, & Morojele (1995). This presents study found a four factor solution which appeared to be subdivisions of the previously found Hedonism and Nurturance factors. Self orientated nurturance (both food dimensions, shopping and caffeine), Other orientated nurturance (both compulsive helping dimensions and work), Sensation seeking hedonism (Drugs, prescription drugs, nicotine and marginally alcohol), and Power related hedonism (Both relationship dimensions, sex and gambling. This concept of "addictive orientations" is further explored in a non-clinical population, where again a four factor solution was found, very similar to that in the clinical population. This was thought to indicate that in terms of addictive orientation a pattern already exists in this non-clinical population and that consideration should be given to why this is the case. These orientations are examined in terms of gender differences. It is suggested that the differences between genders reflect power-related role relationships between the sexes. In order to further elaborate the significance and meaning behind these orientations, the next two chapters look at the contribution of personality variables and how addictive orientations relate to psychiatric symptomatology. Personality variables were differentially, and to a considerable extent predictably involved with the four factors for both males and females.Conscientiousness as positively associated with "Other orientated Nurturance" and negatively associated with "Sensation seeking hedonism" (particularly for men). Neuroticism had a particularly strong association with the "Self orientated Nurturance" factor in the female population. More than twice the symptomatology variance was explained by the factor scores for females than it was for males. The most important factorial predictors for psychiatric symptomatology were the "Power related hedonism" factor for males, and "Self oriented nurturance" for females. The results are discussed from theoretical and treatment perspectives

    Strung pieces: on the aesthetics of television fiction series

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    As layered and long works, television fiction series have aesthetic properties that are built over time, bit by bit. This thesis develops a group of concepts that enable the study of these properties, It argues that a series is made of strung pieces, a system of related elements. The text begins by considering this sequential form within the fields of film and television. This opening chapter defines the object and methodology of research, arguing for a non-essentialist distinction between cinema and television and against the adequacy of textual and contextual analyses as approaches to the aesthetics of these shows. It proposes instead that these programmes should be described as televisual works that can be scrutinised through aesthetic analysis. The next chapters propose a sequence of interrelated concepts. The second chapter contends that series are composed of building blocks that can be either units into which series are divided or motifs that unify series and are dispersed across their pans. These blocks are patterned according to four kinds of relations or principles of composition. Repetition and variation are treated in tandem in the third chapter because of their close connection, given that variation emerges from established repetition. Exception and progression are also discussed together in the fourth chapter since they both require a long view of these serial works. The former, in order to be recognised as a deviation from the patterns of repetition and variation. The latter, In order to be understood in Its many dimensions as the series advances. Each of these concepts is further detailed with additional distinctions between types of units, motifs, repetitions, variations, and exceptions, using illustrative examples from numerous shows. In contrast, the section on progression uses a single series as case study, Carnivàle (2003-05), because this is the overarching principle that encompasses all the others. The conclusion considers the findings of the research and suggests avenues for their application

    Studies on the insecticidal mechanism of Bacillus thuringiensis Vip3A and Cry proteins

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    El control de plagas y patógenos ha tenido un efecto importante en la mejora del rendimiento de los sistemas agrícolas a nivel mundial. Diferentes tipos de insecticidas químicos se han usado extensivamente durante mucho tiempo para el control de plagas de insectos. Debido a la aparición de resistencias, problemas de contaminación de aguas y problemas de salud humana causados por dichos insecticidas de síntesis, la agricultura moderna necesita una estrategia de gestión integrada de plagas más saludable, respetuosa con el medio ambiente y sostenible. El uso de Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) y sus proteínas insecticidas para el control de plagas es una de las estrategias biotecnológicas más importantes hasta la fecha. Además, los genes que codifican sus proteínas insecticidas han sido transferidos a plantas, las cuales están siendo utilizadas comercialmente, desde 1996 en gran parte del mundo para el control eficiente de numerosas plagas de insectos. En los últimos años, una nueva subclase de proteínas insecticidas secretables (Vip3) producida durante el crecimiento vegetativo de Bt se ha considerado para la aplicación combinada con las convencionalmente empleadas proteínas Cry, cuya aplicación se ve amenazada por la aparición de poblaciones de insectos resistentes. Las proteínas Vip3 no tienen homología de secuencia con las proteínas Cry y son tóxicas para insectos lepidópteros, sin embargo, su modo de acción todavía no se conoce completamente. En este proyecto de tesis, con el objetivo de mejorar su aplicación en el control biotecnológico de plagas y la comprensión del modo de acción de las proteínas Vip3, se estudiaron diversos aspectos de su actividad insecticida (espectro de acción, resistencia cruzada e interacción con otras proteínas), y se realizó un estudio de los residuos clave para el mantenimiento de la estructura tridimensional y la toxicidad de la proteína Vip3Af mediante mutagénesis dirigida. También analizamos la posible implicación de la unión a receptores en la aparición de resistencia utilizando una cepa resistente que había sido seleccionada con Vip3Aa. En primer lugar, se investigó la toxicidad de 10 toxinas Bt (Cry1Ab, Cry1Ac, Cry1Ah, Cry1Fa, Cry2Aa, Cry2b, Cry1Ie, Vip3Aa19, Vip3Aa16 y Vip3Ca) frente a Mythimna separata (plaga agrícola muy destructiva en Asia y Australia), así como su aplicación combinada mediante bioensayos llevados a cabo en laboratorio. Los resultados mostraron que la concentración letal media LC50 (Cry1Ac/Vip3Aa19/Vip3Ca 3061 veces) se obtuvo rápidamente después de 8 o 9 generaciones de selección en laboratorio. Sin embargo, no se obtuvo resistencia notable seleccionando con Cry1Ab o Cry1F en la misma población y durante el mismo número de generaciones. En un estudio realizado por otros investigadores, también se encontró una respuesta rápida similar a la selección de Vip3Aa en H. virescens, alcanzando un nivel de resistencia > 2300 veces mayor en la décima generación. Es importante hacer notar que esta rápida evolución de la selección en condiciones de laboratorio contrasta con los resultados obtenidos con las proteínas Cry1, tanto en nuestro trabajo como por otros autores: una la población de O. furnacalis adquirió un nivel de resistencia a Cry1Ab de alrededor de 100 veces sólo después de 35 generaciones de selección; de manera similar, una población de O. nubilalis desarrolló una resistencia de más de 3000 veces a Cry1F después de 35 generaciones de selección. Esta diferencia en respuesta a la selección, además de reflejar una frecuencia mucho mayor de alelos de resistencia para Vip3Aa, puede sugerir diferencias en los mecanismos de resistencia a las proteínas Vip3Aa y Cry1, lo cual queda en evidencia cuando se estudia la unión de Vip3A a BBMV de insectos resistentes El análisis de la unión de 125I-Vip3Aa a BBMV de larvas de M. separata tanto de insectos susceptibles y resistentes no reveló ninguna diferencia de unión, ya sea cualitativa o cuantitativa. Los resultados sugieren que la unión alterada a los receptores de la membrana del intestino medio no es el principal mecanismo de resistencia a la proteína Vip3Aa. Numerosos estudios han demostrado que la alteración de los receptores de membrana es un mecanismo evolutivo común que confiere altos niveles de resistencia a las proteínas Cry, pero nunca se ha establecido su relación con la resistencia a Vip3A. Las diferencias de unión cualitativas o c

    Distributed representations of atoms and materials for machine learning

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    Abstract: The use of machine learning is becoming increasingly common in computational materials science. To build effective models of the chemistry of materials, useful machine-based representations of atoms and their compounds are required. We derive distributed representations of compounds from their chemical formulas only, via pooling operations of distributed representations of atoms. These compound representations are evaluated on ten different tasks, such as the prediction of formation energy and band gap, and are found to be competitive with existing benchmarks that make use of structure, and even superior in cases where only composition is available. Finally, we introduce an approach for learning distributed representations of atoms, named SkipAtom, which makes use of the growing information in materials structure databases

    Applying cognitive electrophysiology to neural modelling of the attentional blink

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    This thesis proposes a connection between computational modelling of cognition and cognitive electrophysiology. We extend a previously published neural network model of working memory and temporal attention (Simultaneous Type Serial Token (ST2 ) model ; Bowman & Wyble, 2007) that was designed to simulate human behaviour during the attentional blink, an experimental nding that seems to illustrate the temporal limits of conscious perception in humans. Due to its neural architecture, we can utilise the ST2 model's functionality to produce so-called virtual event-related potentials (virtual ERPs) by averaging over activation proles of nodes in the network. Unlike predictions from textual models, the virtual ERPs from the ST2 model allow us to construe formal predictions concerning the EEG signal and associated cognitive processes in the human brain. The virtual ERPs are used to make predictions and propose explanations for the results of two experimental studies during which we recorded the EEG signal from the scalp of human participants. Using various analysis techniques, we investigate how target items are processed by the brain depending on whether they are presented individually or during the attentional blink. Particular emphasis is on the P3 component, which is commonly regarded as an EEG correlate of encoding items into working memory and thus seems to re ect conscious perception. Our ndings are interpreted to validate the ST2 model and competing theories of the attentional blink. Virtual ERPs also allow us to make predictions for future experiments. Hence, we show how virtual ERPs from the ST2 model provide a powerful tool for both experimental design and the validation of cognitive models
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