Virtual environment trajectory analysis:a basis for navigational assistance and scene adaptivity

This paper describes the analysis and clustering of motion trajectories obtained while users navigate within a virtual environment (VE). It presents a neural network simulation that produces a set of five clusters which help to differentiate users on the basis of efficient and inefficient navigational strategies. The accuracy of classification carried out with a self-organising map algorithm was tested and improved to in excess of 85% by using learning vector quantisation. This paper considers how such user classifications could be utilised in the delivery of intelligent navigational support and the dynamic reconfiguration of scenes within such VEs. We explore how such intelligent assistance and system adaptivity could be delivered within a Multi-Agent Systems (MAS) context

Youth Engagement in Electoral Activities: A Collaborative Evaluation of a Civic Education Project

Youth civic engagement is recognized as an essential component necessary for the preservation of democratic practices; however, inadequate levels of civic participation persist among young people. Past research has shown that young people are more likely to participate in politics when they are informed. We present survey data collected from middle and high school students during a collaborative evaluation of a civic education project. A total of 4492 students participated in the pre-survey, and 3180 students participated in the post-survey. The aim of this part of the evaluation was to explore students’ civic engagement before and after the infusion of civic education into the curriculum. We discuss reasons hindering students’ intent to vote, their satisfaction level with the 2008 presidential election, and how students planned to become involved in the 2012 presidential election. The results of the post-survey show an increase in students registered to vote and students’ intent to register to vote after the infusion of civic education into the curriculum. The findings suggest that civic education seems to positively influence students’ political behavior

Meta-Analysis of Single-Case Data: A Monte Carlo Investigation of a Three Level Model

Numerous ways to meta-analyze single-case data have been proposed in the literature, however, consensus on the most appropriate method has not been reached. One method that has been proposed involves multilevel modeling. This study used Monte Carlo methods to examine the appropriateness of Van den Noortgate and Onghena\u27s (2008) raw data multilevel modeling approach to the meta-analysis of single-case data. Specifically, the study examined the fixed effects (i.e., the overall average baseline level and the overall average treatment effect) and the variance components (e.g., the between person within study variance in the average baseline level, the between study variance in the overall average baseline level, the between person within study variance in the average treatment effect) in a three level multilevel model (repeated observations nested within individuals nested within studies). More specifically, bias of point estimates, confidence interval coverage rates, and interval widths were examined as a function of specific design and data factors. Factors investigated included (a) number of primary studies per meta-analysis, (b) modal number of participants per primary study, (c) modal series length per primary study, (d) level of autocorrelation, and (3) variances of the error terms. The results of this study suggest that the degree to which the findings of this study are supportive of using Van den Noortgate and Onghena\u27s (2008) raw data multilevel modeling approach to meta-analyzing single-case data depends on the particular effect of interest. Estimates of the fixed effects tended to be unbiased and produced confidence intervals that tended to overcover but came close to the nominal level as level-3 sample size increased. Conversely, estimates of the variance components tended to be biased and the confidence intervals for those estimates were inaccurate

Meta-Analysis of Single-Case Data: A Monte Carlo Investigation of a Three Level Model

Numerous ways to meta-analyze single-case data have been proposed in the literature, however, consensus on the most appropriate method has not been reached. One method that has been proposed involves multilevel modeling. This study used Monte Carlo methods to examine the appropriateness of Van den Noortgate and Onghena\u27s (2008) raw data multilevel modeling approach to the meta-analysis of single-case data. Specifically, the study examined the fixed effects (i.e., the overall average baseline level and the overall average treatment effect) and the variance components (e.g., the between person within study variance in the average baseline level, the between study variance in the overall average baseline level, the between person within study variance in the average treatment effect) in a three level multilevel model (repeated observations nested within individuals nested within studies). More specifically, bias of point estimates, confidence interval coverage rates, and interval widths were examined as a function of specific design and data factors. Factors investigated included (a) number of primary studies per meta-analysis, (b) modal number of participants per primary study, (c) modal series length per primary study, (d) level of autocorrelation, and (3) variances of the error terms. The results of this study suggest that the degree to which the findings of this study are supportive of using Van den Noortgate and Onghena\u27s (2008) raw data multilevel modeling approach to meta-analyzing single-case data depends on the particular effect of interest. Estimates of the fixed effects tended to be unbiased and produced confidence intervals that tended to overcover but came close to the nominal level as level-3 sample size increased. Conversely, estimates of the variance components tended to be biased and the confidence intervals for those estimates were inaccurate

Assessing Online Resources for an Engineering Course in Numerical Methods

To determine, improve, and refine the quality of the online resources for an engineering course in numerical methods, three assessment instruments were used to gather feedback from (1) the independent instructors of the numerical methods course, (2) the students who use the majority of the resources, and (3) the general students worldwide who use resources on an as-per-need basis. The findings of this study provide strong evidence that the use of the website modules is a valued aide to most students. The availability of information in multiple modes and formats, at any time, for the students provides them with accessible and convenient learning material that enhances traditional methods. In addition, the analyses of the open-ended items by both faculty reviewers and students provided insights into how a website used in a technical course such as Numerical Methods can be effectively organized and implemented to enhance further student learning. Results from the instructor surveys found highest ratings for the perceptions of the degree of helpfulness the modules provided in supplementing student readings and with class presentations, while the results from student surveys found highest ratings in the technological domain

A Holistic View on History, Development, Assessment, and Future of an Open Courseware in Numerical Methods

Funded since 2001 by National Science Foundation, an innovative open courseware (http://nm.mathforcollege.com) has been developed for a comprehensive undergraduate course in Numerical Methods. The open courseware resources enhance instructor preparation and development as well as the student educational experience by facilitating a hybrid educational approach to the teaching of Numerical Methods, a pivotal STEM course, via customized textbooks, adapted course websites, social networking, digital audiovisual lectures, concept tests, self-assessment of the level of learning via online multiple-choice question tests and algorithm-based unlimited attempt quizzes, worksheets in a computational system of choice, and real-life applications based on the choice of one\u27s STEM major. The resources have been implemented successfully at the University of South Florida, Arizona State University, Old Dominion University, Milwaukee School of Engineering, and Mississippi Valley State University. With philosophies of open dissemination and pedagogical neutrality, more than 30 institutions and thousands of individual users have adopted the resources in an a la carte fashion. In this paper, we discuss the history, philosophy, development, refinement, assessment process, and future of the open courseware. The summarized assessment results include those of comparing several instructional modalities, measuring student learning, effect of collecting homework for a grade, using online quizzes as a substitute for grading homework, interpreting summative ratings of the courseware, student satisfaction, and Google Analytics

Iraq War Clinician Guide 50 Traumatized Amputee VI. Treating the Traumatized Amputee

Although injuries resulting from war produce many turbulent and confused emotions, the needs of those who suffer amputations are unique. Amputation or blindness results in a loss of body function and is an insult to the patient's psychological sense of body integrity and competence. In addition to the loss of body parts, service members often must endure other injuries, as well as psychological traumas. Fear of persistent threats, anxiety related to military career curtailment, and reactions to other past overwhelming experiences may all contribute to the complex turmoil with which they struggle. Any of the above by itself is enough to overwhelm one’s psychological equilibrium. Combined with the loss of a limb, eye, or other body part, additional trauma can be exceptionally devastating. Caring for the amputee patient requires a biopsychosocial approach. The initial clinical focus is rightly on medical stabilization. Follow-on rehabilitation focuses on restoring the individual to the greatest physical, psychological, social and economic functioning possible (Haslam et al., 1960; Mendelson, Burech, Phillips, & Kappel, 1986). A successful team approach to rehabilitation includes the patient, physicians, nurses, therapists, and family members working together to create short and long term goals for the patient’s rehabilitation. As the medical injury stabilizes, attention must shift to ensure the psychological well being of the patient and the support of his/her confident reintegration into society. This chapter focuses on the unique psychological needs of the amputee patient. A brief review of the literature on treatment of amputee patients is provided. As members of the Walter Reed Army Medical Center Psychiatry Consultation Liaison Service (WRAMC PCLS) at the military medical center receiving the majority of amputees from Operation Iraqi Freedom, we provide a description of the amputee population treated and the therapeutic practices that have appeared to be most successfully implemented