Zero Error Coordination

In this paper, we consider a zero error coordination problem wherein the nodes of a network exchange messages to be able to perfectly coordinate their actions with the individual observations of each other. While previous works on coordination commonly assume an asymptotically vanishing error, we assume exact, zero error coordination. Furthermore, unlike previous works that employ the empirical or strong notions of coordination, we define and use a notion of set coordination. This notion of coordination bears similarities with the empirical notion of coordination. We observe that set coordination, in its special case of two nodes with a one-way communication link is equivalent with the "Hide and Seek" source coding problem of McEliece and Posner. The Hide and Seek problem has known intimate connections with graph entropy, rate distortion theory, Renyi mutual information and even error exponents. Other special cases of the set coordination problem relate to Witsenhausen's zero error rate and the distributed computation problem. These connections motivate a better understanding of set coordination, its connections with empirical coordination, and its study in more general setups. This paper takes a first step in this direction by proving new results for two node networks

Alternative Modes for Teaching Mathematical Problem Solving: An Overview

Various modes are proffered as alternatives for teaching mathematical problem solving. Each mode is described briefly, along with general purposes, advantages and disadvantages. Combinations of modes are suggested; general issues identified; recommendations offered; and feedback from teachers summarized

Escaping information poverty through internet newsgroups

This paper presents an ongoing investigation into how people use the Internet in an attempt to escape situations of information poverty. We consider posts from a variety of newsgroups which indicate that individuals feel they have nowhere else to go to find information or support for concerns crucial to their everyday lives. A qualitative content analysis is performed to examine three main issues: what information needs people posting to these groups have, who they hide these needs from in the ‘real world’, and why they feel they can only express their needs online. Preliminary findings show that information on health and relationships is most commonly sought. Needs are most often hidden from parents and family, and the main reasons for seeking information online are a lack of understanding and the fact that people simply don’t know where else to go. Our work confirms that newsgroups provide a means of expression for those who feel they have no local support available to them

"Talk" about male suicide? Learning from community programmes

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the contribution of public awareness campaigning in developing community capacity toward preventing male suicide and explores emerging considerations for suicide prevention programme development. Design/methodology/approach – The paper draws on campaign evaluation data, specifically qualitative discussion groups with the general public, to report results concerning campaign processes, and “interim” effectiveness in changing public awareness and attitudes, and then discusses how progress is to be lasting and transformational. Findings – The campaign raised the awareness of a substantial proportion of those targeted, and affected attitudes and behaviour of those who were highly aware. The community settings approach was effective in reaching younger men, but there were challenges targeting the public more selectively, and engaging communities in a sustained way. Practical implications – The paper discusses emerging considerations for suicide prevention, focusing on gender and approaches and materials for engaging with the public as “influencers”. There are challenges to target audiences more specifically, provide a clear call to action, and engage the public in a sustained way. Social implications – The paper discusses emerging considerations for suicide prevention, focusing on gender and approaches and materials for engaging with the public as “influencers”. There are challenges to target audiences more specifically, provide a clear call to action, and engage the public in a sustained way. Originality/value – The paper adds fresh evidence of gendered communication processes, including their effects on public awareness, attitudes and engagement. Application of a theory of change model leads to systems level findings for sustaining programme gains

VIF: Virtual Interactive Fiction (with a twist)

Nowadays computer science can create digital worlds that deeply immerse users; it can also process in real time brain activity to infer their inner states. What marvels can we achieve with such technologies? Go back to displaying text. And unfold a story that follows and molds users as never before.Comment: Pervasive Play - CHI '16 Workshop, May 2016, San Jose, United State

Physical Learning through Technology: Cyberhoodies

The goal of this project is to create alternative educational activities in the form of outdoor games, teaching early mathematics skills in a healthier and potentially more efficient method. Utilizing technologies such as the Arduino Lilypad on clothing such as sweatshirts supplemented by OLED displays, this MQP intends to create a valid alternative to indoor education in the form of a “CyberHoodie”. In the process, two studies are carried out to analyze the benefit of such learning technologies and of the games themselves on student motivation towards mathematics and on actual student learning of mathematics