Credit assignment in multiple goal embodied visuomotor behavior

The intrinsic complexity of the brain can lead one to set aside issues related to its relationships with the body, but the field of embodied cognition emphasizes that understanding brain function at the system level requires one to address the role of the brain-body interface. It has only recently been appreciated that this interface performs huge amounts of computation that does not have to be repeated by the brain, and thus affords the brain great simplifications in its representations. In effect the brain’s abstract states can refer to coded representations of the world created by the body. But even if the brain can communicate with the world through abstractions, the severe speed limitations in its neural circuitry mean that vast amounts of indexing must be performed during development so that appropriate behavioral responses can be rapidly accessed. One way this could happen would be if the brain used a decomposition whereby behavioral primitives could be quickly accessed and combined. This realization motivates our study of independent sensorimotor task solvers, which we call modules, in directing behavior. The issue we focus on herein is how an embodied agent can learn to calibrate such individual visuomotor modules while pursuing multiple goals. The biologically plausible standard for module programming is that of reinforcement given during exploration of the environment. However this formulation contains a substantial issue when sensorimotor modules are used in combination: The credit for their overall performance must be divided amongst them. We show that this problem can be solved and that diverse task combinations are beneficial in learning and not a complication, as usually assumed. Our simulations show that fast algorithms are available that allot credit correctly and are insensitive to measurement noise

Behavioral, computational, and neuroimaging studies of acquired apraxia of speech

A critical examination of speech motor control depends on an in-depth understanding of network connectivity associated with Brodmann areas 44 and 45 and surrounding cortices. Damage to these areas has been associated with two conditions-the speech motor programming disorder apraxia of speech (AOS) and the linguistic/grammatical disorder of Broca's aphasia. Here we focus on AOS, which is most commonly associated with damage to posterior Broca's area (BA) and adjacent cortex. We provide an overview of our own studies into the nature of AOS, including behavioral and neuroimaging methods, to explore components of the speech motor network that are associated with normal and disordered speech motor programming in AOS. Behavioral, neuroimaging, and computational modeling studies are indicating that AOS is associated with impairment in learning feedforward models and/or implementing feedback mechanisms and with the functional contribution of BA6. While functional connectivity methods are not yet routinely applied to the study of AOS, we highlight the need for focusing on the functional impact of localized lesions throughout the speech network, as well as larger scale comparative studies to distinguish the unique behavioral and neurological signature of AOS. By coupling these methods with neural network models, we have a powerful set of tools to improve our understanding of the neural mechanisms that underlie AOS, and speech production generally

A general purpose wideband optical spatial frequency spectrum analyzer

The light scattered at various angles by a transparent media is studied. An example of these applications is the optical Fourier spectrum measurement resulting from various spatial frequencies which were recorded on a photographic emulsion. A method for obtaining these measurements consists of illuminating the test object with parallel monochromatic light. A stationary lens, placed in the resulting wavefield at a distance of one focal length from the object, will focus parallel waves emanating from the test object at a point lying in the focal plane of the lens. A light detector with a small filtering aperture is then used to measure the intensity variation of the light in the focal or transform plane of the lens. Such measurements require the use of a lens which is highly corrected for all of the common aberrations except chromatic aberration

Inhaled nitric oxide in premature infants: effect on tracheal aspirate and plasma nitric oxide metabolites.

ObjectiveInhaled nitric oxide (iNO) is a potential new therapy for prevention of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and brain injury in premature infants. This study examined dose-related effects of iNO on NO metabolites as evidence of NO delivery.Study designA subset of 102 premature infants in the NO CLD trial, receiving 24 days of iNO (20 p.p.m. decreasing to 2 p.p.m.) or placebo, were analyzed. Tracheal aspirate (TA) and plasma samples collected at enrollment and at intervals during study gas were analyzed for NO metabolites.ResultiNO treatment increased NO metabolites in TA at 20 and 10 p.p.m. (1.7- to 2.3-fold vs control) and in plasma at 20, 10, and 5 p.p.m. (1.6- to 2.3-fold). In post hoc analysis, treated infants with lower metabolite levels at entry had an improved clinical outcome.ConclusioniNO causes dose-related increases in NO metabolites in the circulation as well as lung fluid, as evidenced by TA analysis, showing NO delivery to these compartments

A Radar-Based Climatology of Thunderstorms in Hawai‘i.

M.S. Thesis. University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa 2018

Factors Influencing Acceptance of a Worksite Wellness Program in a Major Urban Healthcare System - A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Abstract Adults spend a significant portion of their lives at their workplace. Thus the workplace provides an important venue for public health interventions aimed at prevention and wellness. Best practices for workplace wellness programs are continually being refined. Ironically, health care workers are often less healthy than other professionals and face significant barriers to participating in workplace wellness programs. This paper analyzes the experience of a large urban health care system as it instituted a workplace wellness program and offers recommendations to increase participation in healthcare workplace wellness program and create an overall healthier work environment for healthcare workers. Factors negatively influencing participation in a workplace wellness program in a large urban healthcare system included: 1) working a shift other than first, 2) being male and 3) being older than 65 years. Significant cultural, personal, and environmental barriers were also described in focus group sessions: 1) lack of time to participate due to stressful work patterns, 2) failure to read communications about the program, 3) lack of trust and concerns of lack of confidentiality with perceived threats to job security, 4) lack of on-site exercise facilities and healthy food choices, and 5) low perceived self-efficacy to engage in wellness activities

Effect of tip planform on blade loading characteristics for a two-bladed rotor in hover

A laser velocimeter was used to study the flow surrounding a 2.13 m diam. two-bladed, teetering model-scale helicopter rotor operating in the hover condition. The rotor system employed interchangeable blade tips over the outer 25% radius. A conventional rectangular planform and an experimental ogee tip shape were studied. The radial distribution of the blade circulation was obtained by measuring the velocity tangent to a closed rectangular contour around the airfoil section at a number of radial locations. A relationship between local circulation and bound vorticity was invoked to obtain the radial variations in the sectional lifting properties of the blade. The tip vortex-induced velocity was also measured immediately behind the generating blade and immediately before the encounter with the following blade. The mutual influence between blade loading, shed vorticity, and the structure of the encountered vortex are quantified by the results presented and are discussed comparatively for the rectangular and ogee planforms. The experimental loading for the rectangular tip is also compared with predictions of existing rotor analysis

Application of Revolving Door Technology in Reducing Energy Loss in Anchorage, Alaska

Project Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE in Arctic EngineeringArctic entryways (vestibules) are an important building feature in Alaska for energy savings. Vestibules and revolving doors are often designed to reduce air infiltration rates and ultimately reduce building energy costs. In Anchorage, most buildings utilize vestibule technology for building entrances but revolving door technology is also a viable option to consider. In Anchorage, Alaska, reduction of energy consumption is necessary for long-term sustainability of most buildings and businesses. The project included a review of relevant literature publications to select methods to predict air infiltration rate due to vestibules versus revolving doors; calculations for energy usage of various Anchorage public buildings with existing doorways versus with revolving doors; and an analysis of the energy savings. The case study selected six Anchorage public buildings for evaluation based on differences in building size, utility, and availability of energy data. The study found that while revolving door technology can technically save some energy costs, the additional cost was not justifiable in most of the buildings selected for study due to lack the occupancy throughput, building height, and quantity of wind. One exception was East High School (East entrance) where a vestibule or revolving door should be added. It was observed that sufficient space exists for most Anchorage public buildings to install vestibules, and that in existing revolving door locations the adjacent sliding doors are often preferred by users. A case study for restaurants and strip malls in Alaska would be beneficial as these building types may be more energy efficient with revolving doors due to higher user throughput.Title Page / Abstract / Table of Contents / List of Figures / List of Tables / Acknowledgments / Introduction / Literature Review / Methodology / Buildings Considered / Discussion of Results / Recommendations / Reference

Usability testing: using “think aloud” method in testing cartographic product

In this paper, review and research is made on usability testing in the Geo-information environment, as used in modern digital cartographic visualization. Modern Cartography is more than the presentations of geographical information in a map form. Nowadays, it is seen as Geo-visualization, involving the visual exploration of data by an individual scientist as well as the final presentation to a more general public. The increasing use of the Internet and multi-media to disseminate geographical information place their own specific demands on visualization techniques. As a result of these, there is the need to test the efficiency, effectiveness and satisfaction of a visualization tool for the final consumer. The test method in which the paper seeks to address is the ‘think aloud' method. The paper addresses how usability testing was conducted using the ‘think aloud' method in testing a prototype application developed for real estate agents in visualizing buildings in 3D environment (using Virtual Reality). Journal of Science and Technology (Ghana) Vol. 27 (2) 2007: pp. 139-14