Inverse Online Learning: Understanding Non-Stationary and Reactionary Policies

Human decision making is well known to be imperfect and the ability to analyse such processes individually is crucial when attempting to aid or improve a decision-maker's ability to perform a task, e.g. to alert them to potential biases or oversights on their part. To do so, it is necessary to develop interpretable representations of how agents make decisions and how this process changes over time as the agent learns online in reaction to the accrued experience. To then understand the decision-making processes underlying a set of observed trajectories, we cast the policy inference problem as the inverse to this online learning problem. By interpreting actions within a potential outcomes framework, we introduce a meaningful mapping based on agents choosing an action they believe to have the greatest treatment effect. We introduce a practical algorithm for retrospectively estimating such perceived effects, alongside the process through which agents update them, using a novel architecture built upon an expressive family of deep state-space models. Through application to the analysis of UNOS organ donation acceptance decisions, we demonstrate that our approach can bring valuable insights into the factors that govern decision processes and how they change over time

INVESTIGATING THE SEATED DOUBLE POLING CYCLE: IDENTIFYING BASELINE MEASURES FOR THE PREPARATION PHASE

The purpose of this study was to identify baseline measures (BM) for the preparation phase (PREP) within the linear stroking cycle for the sport of sledge hockey. The addition of this phase to seated double poling is unclear biomechanically; full arm extension to pick-plant. A validated solid-static prototype mimicking the average single-armed adult male with dynamic shoulder joint was used to determine BM in 3 dimensions and initial pick-impact forces (GRF). Results indicated that average peak GRF occurred prior to 5.0x10-3s post initial contact; Fy=179N, Fz=515N and Fx=573N. Evidence indicated PREP should initiate slightly below the horizon in order to produce the greatest non-contracting force for sledge propulsion. Isolated data provides insight to the biomechanics of the dynamic limb within PREP assisting with its importance to the complete cycle

Comparing the Efficiency of Nursery and Direct Transplanting Methods for Restoring Endangered Corals

Restoration of plants, corals, and other sessile species often involves transplanting individuals to sites chosen for rehabilitation. Transplanted individuals are sometimes harvested directly from wild populations (direct transplanting), and sometimes propagated or cultured in a “nursery” before being transplanted (nursery outplanting). The ecological effectiveness and cost-efficiency of these methods have rarely been compared, so we performed an experiment to address this. Coral fragments, Acropora cervicornis (n = 780), were collected and assigned to one of three treatments: 1) directly transplanted to a restoration site and placed loose on the reef; 2) directly transplanted and manually attached to the reef; 3) moved to a nursery site near the restoration site for three months before being transplanted and manually attached to the reef. Treatment 1 was inefficient simply because these corals survived poorly. After 15 months, the survival and growth of corals assigned to treatments 2 and 3 was similar. The nursery method (3) was more expensive and time-consuming than direct transplanting (2), so treatment 2 yielded twice as many surviving corals per hour of work invested and three times as many survivors per dollar of set-up costs as treatment 3. The net production of live coral tissue per hour or per dollar invested was also greatest for direct-attached transplants. Cost- and time-efficiency are important considerations for practitioners seeking to maximize the area of reef rehabilitated and, in this case study, were maximized by bypassing a nursery stage

A Case of Dilated Cardiomyopathy Associated with 3-Hydroxy-3-Methylglutaryl-Coenzyme A (HMG CoA) Lyase Deficiency

3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG CoA) lyase deficiency is an inborn error of metabolism characterized by impairment of ketogenesis and leucine catabolism resulting in an organic acidopathy. In 1994, a case of dilated cardiomyopathy and fatal arrhythmia was reported in a 7-month-old infant. We report a case of dilated cardiomyopathy in association with HMG CoA lyase deficiency in a 23-year-old man with the acute presentation of heart failure. To our knowledge, this is the first case reported in an adult

Electrochemical Beacon Method to Quantify 10 Attomolar Nucleic Acids with a Semilog Dynamic Range of 7 Orders of Magnitude

Change in the dynamics of single-stranded DNA or RNA probes tethered to an Au electrode on immunospecific binding to the analyte is a versatile approach to quantify a variety of molecules, such as heavy metal ions, pesticides, proteins, and nucleic acids (NAs). A widely studied approach is the electrochemical beacon method where the redox of a dye attached to the probe decreases as its proximity to the underlying electrode changes on binding. The limit of quantification (LOQ) defined by the semilog dependence of the signal on target concentration is in the picomolar range. Here, a method was studied where, by differential reflectivity, multiple reactions were measured on a monolith electrode. An alternative contrast mechanism was discovered, which led to an approach to enhance the LOQ to 10 aM and increase the dynamic range to 7 orders of magnitud

La sustentabilidad en el proceso de enseñanza aprendizaje del diseño integral: una perspectiva del caso de la Facultad de Arquitectura y Diseño de la Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Mexicali B.C.

Actualmente ante la inminente y creciente problemática ambiental global, la tendencia hacia la aplicación de criterios y premisas de desarrollo sustentable es un compromiso implícito en el ejercicio de la arquitectura, a fin de contribuir a la reducción del daño ambiental y al logro de la conservación del medio ambiente. En esto, el diseño sustentable es la herramienta para crear espacios habitables que por sus características, disminuyen el impacto ambiental que por efecto de su construcción y urbanización se implica. Contribuyendo con ello al ahorro y conservación de recursos naturales, al mejoramiento del confort y la calidad de vida, en suma, al desarrollo sustentable. Por su parte, en el ámbito del diseño sustentable, el concepto de proceso de diseño integral es especialmente relevante, ya que como procedimiento se encamina a optimizar los espacios habitables como un sistema integral, por toda su vida útil, y factible solo si el trabajo de diseño es interdisciplinario Además, en el contexto de las políticas y estrategias ambientales y de la globalización que promueve al desarrollo sustentable, se presenta a la educación como un aspecto fundamental para sus procesos de transformación socioambiental y de su nueva configuración. En este sentido, cabe destacar la contribución que la Facultad de Arquitectura y Diseño de la Universidad Autónoma de Baja California ha dado a través de sus programas académicos formales de posgrado, donde se han conformado áreas académicas que integran conceptos, estrategias, herramientas y la dimensión ambiental, enfocados todos hacia un proceso de enseñanza aprendizaje de una arquitectura sustentable. Por lo que el objetivo de este trabajo es presentar el proceso de la conformación del área académica ambiental de posgrado y los proyectos que se han desarrollado, así como destacar la necesidad de sistematizar el proceso de enseñanza aprendizaje en el nivel de licenciatura, tomando como eje rector la inserción de la dimensión ambiental, y del desarrollo sustentable en la enseñanza particularmente del diseño integral.Peer Reviewe

Looking for evidence that place of residence influenced visitor attitudes to feeding wild dolphins

Purpose – To ascertain if place attachment or experiential norms influence visitor attitudes to the feeding of wild dolphins. Design/Methodology/Approach – A cross section of beach based visitors at a popular Australian marine tourism destination were opportunistically sampled using pen and paper questionnaires. Findings – Visitors expressed strong support for the strictly controlled minimalist reward feeding that accompanies beach based wild dolphin interactions at the Bunbury Dolphin Discovery Centre and visitors believe there are tourism benefits to be gained from the regulated feeding of wild dolphins. Results also suggest that neither place attachment nor experiential norms influence visitor attitudes to feeding of the Koombana Bay dolphin population. Originality of the research – This location specific, snapshot, case study suggests that contrary to published theory, place attachment and experiential norms do not influence tourist attitudes to wildlife feeding, especially for charismatic iconic wildlife such as dolphins

Making technological innovation work for sustainable development.

This paper presents insights and action proposals to better harness technological innovation for sustainable development. We begin with three key insights from scholarship and practice. First, technological innovation processes do not follow a set sequence but rather emerge from complex adaptive systems involving many actors and institutions operating simultaneously from local to global scales. Barriers arise at all stages of innovation, from the invention of a technology through its selection, production, adaptation, adoption, and retirement. Second, learning from past efforts to mobilize innovation for sustainable development can be greatly improved through structured cross-sectoral comparisons that recognize the socio-technical nature of innovation systems. Third, current institutions (rules, norms, and incentives) shaping technological innovation are often not aligned toward the goals of sustainable development because impoverished, marginalized, and unborn populations too often lack the economic and political power to shape innovation systems to meet their needs. However, these institutions can be reformed, and many actors have the power to do so through research, advocacy, training, convening, policymaking, and financing. We conclude with three practice-oriented recommendations to further realize the potential of innovation for sustainable development: (i) channels for regularized learning across domains of practice should be established; (ii) measures that systematically take into account the interests of underserved populations throughout the innovation process should be developed; and (iii) institutions should be reformed to reorient innovation systems toward sustainable development and ensure that all innovation stages and scales are considered at the outset

Frequency of Toxoplasma gondii and Risk Factors Associated with the Infection in Stray Dogs and Cats of Panama

Stray animals such as dogs and cats have an important role in maintaining the transmission cycles and dissemination of Toxoplasma gondii. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the frequency of T. gondii in stray dogs and cats in six different regions of Panama and determine risk factors associated with the dynamics of infection in each of the studied regions. Data were obtained using serological tests for the detection of anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies. The results of this study revealed an overall infection frequency of 23.73%. The infection frequencies found in dog and cat populations were 25.70% and 21.93% respectively, showing no statistically significant difference. Risk factor correlations suggested different infection dynamics depending on the region analyzed. The San Miguelito, North and West regions were more associated with positive cases in dogs with an age range greater than 13 months. Conversely, the Metro, Central and East regions were more associated with negative cases in cats with age ranging between 0 and 5 months. Infection of the parasite in stray animals can be influenced by intrinsic characteristics of each region, which can potentiate different risk factors associated with the different routes of transmission.Stray animals such as dogs and cats have an important role in maintaining the transmission cycles and dissemination of Toxoplasma gondii. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the frequency of T. gondii in stray dogs and cats in six different regions of Panama and determine risk factors associated with the dynamics of infection in each of the studied regions. Data were obtained using serological tests for the detection of anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies. The results of this study revealed an overall infection frequency of 23.73%. The infection frequencies found in dog and cat populations were 25.70% and 21.93% respectively, showing no statistically significant difference. Risk factor correlations suggested different infection dynamics depending on the region analyzed. The San Miguelito, North and West regions were more associated with positive cases in dogs with an age range greater than 13 months. Conversely, the Metro, Central and East regions were more associated with negative cases in cats with age ranging between 0 and 5 months. Infection of the parasite in stray animals can be influenced by intrinsic characteristics of each region, which can potentiate different risk factors associated with the different routes of transmission