A mobile interactive robot for gathering structured social video

Documentaries are typically captured in a very structured way, using teams to film and interview people. We developed an autonomous method for capturing structured cinéma vérité style documentaries through an interactive robotic camera, which was used as a mobile physical agent to facilitate interaction and story gathering within a ubiquitous media framework. We sent this robot out to autonomously gather human narrative about its environment. The robot had a specific story capture goal and leveraged humans to attain that goal. The robot collected a 1st person view of stories unfolding in real life, and as it engaged with its subjects via a preset dialog, these media clips were intrinsically structured. We evaluated this agent by way of determining "complete" vs. "incomplete" interactions. "Complete" interactions were those that generated viable and interesting videos, which could be edited together into a larger narrative. It was found that 30% of the interactions captured were "complete" interactions. Our results suggested that changes in the system would only produce incrementally more "complete" interactions, as external factors like natural bias or busyness of the user come into play. The types of users who encountered the robot were fairly polar; either they wanted to interact or did not - very few partial interactions went on for more than 1 minute. Users who partially interacted with the robot were found to treat it rougher than those who completed the full interaction. It was also determined that this type of limited-interaction system is best suited for short-term encounters. At the end of the study, a short cinéma vérité documentary showcasing the people and activity in our building was easily produced from the structured videos that were captured, indicating the utility of this approach.Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Media Laborator

Cooperation strategies for inter-cell interference mitigation in OFDMA systems

Recently the use of modern cellular networks has drastically changed with the emerging Long Term Evolution Advanced (LTE-A) technology. Homogeneous networks which were initially designed for voice-centric and low data rates face unprecedented challenges for meeting the increasing traffic demands of high data-driven applications and their important quality of service requirements. Therefore, these networks are moving towards the so called Heterogeneous Networks (HetNets). HetNets represent a new paradigm for cellular networks as their nodes have different characteristics such as transmission power and radio frequency coverage area. Consequently, a HetNet shows completely different interference characteristics compared to homogeneous deployment and attention must be paid to these disparities when different tiers are collocated together. This is mostly due to the potential spectrum frequency reuse by the involved tiers in the HetNets. Hence, efficient inter-cell interference mitigation solutions in co-channel deployments of HetNets remain a challenge for both industry and academic researchers. This thesis focuses on LTE-A HetNet systems which are based on Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing Access (OFDMA) modulation. Our aim is to investigate the aggressive interference issue that appears when different types of base stations are jointly deployed together and especially in two cases, namely Macro-Femtocells and Macro-Picocells co-existence. We propose new practical power adjustment solutions for managing inter-cell interference dynamically for both cases. In the first part dedicated to Femtocells and Macrocell coexistence, we design a MBS-assisted femtocell power adjustment strategy which takes into account femtocells users performance while mitigating the inter-cell interference on victim macrocell users. Further, we propose a new cooperative and context-aware interference mitigation method which is derived for realistic scenarios involving mobility of users and their varying locations. We proved numerically that the Femtocells are able to maintain their interference under a desirable threshold by adjusting their transmission power. Our strategies provide an efficient means for achieving the desired level of macrocell/femtocell throughput trade-off. In the second part of the studies where Picocells are deployed under the umbrella of the Macrocell, we paid a special attention and efforts to the interference management in the situation where Picocells are configured to set up a cell range expansion. We suggest a MBS-assisted collaborative scheme powered by an analytical model to predict the mobility of Macrocell users passing through the cell range expansion area of the picocell. Our goal is to adapt the muting ratio ruling the frequency resource partitioning between both tiers according to the mobility behavior of the range-expanded users, thereby providing an efficient trade-off between Macrocell and Picocell achievable throughputs.Récemment, l'utilisation des réseaux cellulaires a radicalement changé avec l’émergence de la quatrième génération (4G) de systèmes de télécommunications mobiles LTE/LTE-A (Long Term Evolution-Advanced). Les réseaux de générations précédentes (3G), initialement conçus pour le transport de la voix et les données à faible et moyen débits, ont du mal à faire face à l’augmentation accrue du trafic de données multimédia tout en répondant à leurs fortes exigences et contraintes en termes de qualité de service (QdS). Pour mieux répondre à ces besoins, les réseaux 4G ont introduit le paradigme des Réseaux Hétérogènes (HetNet).Les réseaux HetNet introduisent une nouvelle notion d’hétérogénéité pour les réseaux cellulaires en introduisant le concept des smalls cells (petites cellules) qui met en place des antennes à faible puissance d’émission. Ainsi, le réseau est composé de plusieurs couches (tiers) qui se chevauchent incluant la couverture traditionnelle macro-cellulaire, les pico-cellules, les femto-cellules, et les relais. Outre les améliorations des couvertures radio en environnements intérieurs, les smalls cells permettent d’augmenter la capacité du système par une meilleure utilisation du spectre et en rapprochant l’utilisateur de son point d’accès au réseau. Une des conséquences directes de cette densification cellulaire est l’interférence générée entre les différentes cellules des diverses couches quand ces dernières réutilisent les mêmes fréquences. Aussi, la définition de solutions efficaces de gestion des interférences dans ce type de systèmes constitue un de leurs défis majeurs. Cette thèse s’intéresse au problème de gestion des interférences dans les systèmes hétérogènes LTE-A. Notre objectif est d’apporter des solutions efficaces et originales au problème d’interférence dans ce contexte via des mécanismes d’ajustement de puissance des petites cellules. Nous avons pour cela distingués deux cas d’étude à savoir un déploiement à deux couches macro-femtocellules et macro-picocellules. Dans la première partie dédiée à un déploiement femtocellule et macrocellule, nous concevons une stratégie d'ajustement de puissance des femtocellules assisté par la macrocellule et qui prend en compte les performances des utilisateurs des femtocells tout en atténuant l'interférence causée aux utilisateurs des macrocellules sur leurs liens montants. Cette solution offre l’avantage de la prise en compte de paramètres contextuels locaux aux femtocellules (tels que le nombre d’utilisateurs en situation de outage) tout en considérant des scénarios de mobilité réalistes. Nous avons montré par simulation que les interférences sur les utilisateurs des macrocellules sont sensiblement réduites et que les femtocellules sont en mesure de dynamiquement ajuster leur puissance d'émission pour atteindre les objectifs fixés en termes d’équilibre entre performance des utilisateurs des macrocellules et celle de leurs propres utilisateurs. Dans la seconde partie de la thèse, nous considérons le déploiement de picocellules sous l'égide de la macrocellule. Nous nous sommes intéressés ici aux solutions d’extension de l’aire picocellulaire qui permettent une meilleure association utilisateur/cellule permettant de réduire l’interférence mais aussi offrir une meilleure efficacité spectrale. Nous proposons donc une approche basée sur un modèle de prédiction de la mobilité des utilisateurs qui permet de mieux ajuster la proportion de bande passante à partager entre la macrocellule et la picocellule en fonction de la durée de séjour estimée de ces utilisateurs ainsi que de leur demandes en bande passante. Notre solution a permis d’offrir un bon compromis entre les débits réalisables de la Macro et des picocellules

Comparison of Short Term Functional Outcomes of Single Radius Vs Multi Radius Total Knee Replacement

OBJECTIVES: The main objective of this study was to compare functional outcome in patients who have undergone a single-radius (SR) or multi-radius (MR) total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The secondary objective was to observe changes in knee range of movement (ROM) and standardized knee scores (KSCs) in these patients. The hypothesis was that there would be a statistically significant difference between the two patient groups in functional outcome. METHODS: Thirty unilateral Total knee replacements were performed by a single surgeon from July 2017 till April 2018 secondary to Osteoarthritis of the knee joint. It was a prospective cohort based study that included patients from the age of 18-90 years. Preoperative and postoperative functional outcomes at 10 days and 90 days were calculated by the Knee society scoring and then analyzed. There were 13 unilateral total knee replacements done with a single radius design and 17 unilateral total knee replacements done with a multi radius design. The single radius designs used in the study were DJO 3DKneeTM system, Zimmer Biomet Vanguard® system and multi radius designs were Smith & Nephew Genesis II system and DePuy P.F.C.®SIGMA® Knee system. Analysis was done via t-test for analysis of continuous data with Normal distribution and Mann-Whitney U test for data with non- Normal distribution with group (SR & MR). Differences were considered significant at p < 0.05. RESULTS: At 10 days postoperatively, there was a statistically significant difference between the SR and MR patient populations in terms of functional knee scoring by the knee society scoring (p < 0.05). No significant difference was noted in the knee society scoring, Knee range of motion, and Visual analog scale for pain at 10 days and 90 days post op. There was a statistically significant difference between the body mass index of women who underwent total knee replacements and men who underwent total knee replacements (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: While an SR femoral implant design has several theoretical biomechanical advantages, postoperative standardized Knee Society scores in this single-surgeon series do not show a clear advantage of one design over the other

Responsive Music Interfaces for Performance

In this project we have developed reactive instruments for performance. Reactive instruments provide feedback for the performer thereby providing a more dynamic experience. This is achieved through the use of haptics and robotics. Haptics provide a feedback system to the control surface. Robotics provides a way to actuate the instruments and their control surfaces. This allows a highly coordinated “dance” between performer and the instrument. An application for this idea is presented as a linear slide interface. Reactive interfaces represent a dynamic way for music to be portrayed in performance

Interactive physical agents for story gathering

Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, School of Architecture and Planning, Program in Media Arts and Sciences, 2010.Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.Includes bibliographical references (p. 117-118).Robots are typically thought of as autonomous devices which require little to no human interaction to complete their goals. In this study we investigated what would happen if the success of a robot was contingent upon its interaction with a human. How do we leverage humans to make robots more intelligent, efficient and successful? Is it worth it to involve human heavily in the goals of a system? This thesis we presents a method for the creation of a physical agent to facilitate interaction and documentary gathering within a ubiquitous media framework as a method for studying human dependent systems. We built a robot and sent it out to autonomously capture stories about its environment. The robot had a specific story capture goal and leveraged humans to attain that goal. The robot gathered a 1st person view of stories unfolding in real life. We evaluated this agent by way of determining "complete" vs. "incomplete" interactions. "Complete" interactions were those that generated viable and interesting videos, which could be edited together into a larger narrative. It was found that 30% of the interactions captured were "complete" interactions. Results suggested that changes in the system would only produce incrementally more "complete" interactions, as external factors like natural bias or busyness of the user come into play. The types of users who encountered the robot were fairly polar; either they wanted to interact or did not - very few partial interactions went on for more than 1 minute. Users who partially interacted with the robot were found to treat it rougher than those who completed the full interaction. It was also determined that this type of limited-interaction system is best suited for short-term interactions. At the end of the study, a movie was produced from the videos captured, proving that they were viable for story-making.by Alexander James Reben.S.M

The Relationship Between Self-Regulation, Self-Efficacy, and Psychological Well-Being Among the Salahaddin University Undergraduate Students in Kurdistan

Self-regulation, self-efficacy, and psychological well-being are essential requirements in the academic environment. Psychological well-being is indispensable for students’ emotional balance and healthy growth and development. The recent study investigated the relationship between self-regulation, self-efficacy, and psychological well-being among Kurdish students at Salahaddin University. The objectives of the research are as follows: (1) to examine the prevalence level of self-regulation, self-efficacy, and psychological well-being among the Salahaddin University undergraduate students; (2) to examine the relationship of self-regulation and self-efficacy with psychological well-being among the Salahaddin University undergraduate students; and (3) to examine the effect of self-regulation and self-efficacy on psychological well-being among the Salahaddin University undergraduate students. The study employed quota sampling, and there were 407 respondents selected for it. Analysis techniques were presented in descriptive, Pearson Correlation, and Multiple Regression Analysis (MRA). The research shows a low level of self-regulation and self-efficacy among the Salahaddin University undergraduate students. However, psychological well-being is high. The study further demonstrates a positive and statistically significant relationship between self-regulation, self-efficacy, and psychological well-being among the Salahaddin University undergraduate students. Finally, the study showed that only self-regulation significantly affected psychological well-being among the Salahaddin University undergraduate students

Rectal Microbiome Composition Correlates with Humoral Immunity to HIV-1 in Vaccinated Rhesus Macaques.

The microbiome is an integral and dynamic component of the host and is emerging as a critical determinant of immune responses; however, its influence on vaccine immunogenicity is largely not well understood. Here, we examined the pivotal relationship between the mucosal microbiome and vaccine-induced immune responses by assessing longitudinal changes in vaginal and rectal microbiome profiles after intradermal immunization with a human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) DNA vaccine in adult rhesus macaques that received two prior DNA primes. We report that both vaginal and rectal microbiomes were dominated by Firmicutes but were composed of distinct genera, denoting microbiome specialization across mucosal tissues. Following immunization, the vaginal microbiome was resilient, except for a transient decrease in Streptococcus In contrast, the rectal microbiome was far more responsive to vaccination, exhibiting an increase in the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes Within Bacteroidetes, multiple genera were significantly decreased, including Prevotella, Alloprevotella, Bacteroides, Acetobacteroides, Falsiporphyromonas, and Anaerocella. Decreased abundance of Prevotella correlated with induction of gut-homing α4β7 + effector CD4 T cells. Prevotella abundance also negatively correlated with rectal HIV-1 specific IgG levels. While rectal Lactobacillus was unaltered following DNA vaccination, baseline Lactobacillus abundance showed strong associations with higher rectal HIV-1 gp140 IgA induced following a protein boost. Similarly, the abundance of Clostridium in cluster IV was associated with higher rectal HIV-1 gp140 IgG responses. Collectively, these data reveal that the temporal stability of bacterial communities following DNA immunization is site dependent and highlight the importance of host-microbiome interactions in shaping HIV-1 vaccine responses. Our findings have significant implications for microbial manipulation as a strategy to enhance HIV vaccine-induced mucosal immunity.IMPORTANCE There is considerable effort directed toward evaluating HIV-1 vaccine platforms to select the most promising candidates for enhancing mucosal HIV-1 antibody. The most successful thus far, the RV144 trial provided partial protection due to waning HIV-1 antibody titers. In order to develop an effective HIV vaccine, it may therefore be important to understand how biological factors, such as the microbiome, modulate host immune responses. Furthermore, as intestinal microbiota antigens may generate antibodies cross-reactive to the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein, understanding the relationship between gut microbiota composition and HIV-1 envelope antibody responses after vaccination is important. Here, we demonstrate for the first time in rhesus macaques that the rectal microbiome composition can influence HIV-1 vaccine immunogenicity, and we report temporal changes in the mucosal microbiome profile following HIV-1 vaccination. Our results could inform findings from the HIV Vaccine Trials Network (HVTN) vaccine studies and contribute to an understanding of how the microbiome influences HIV-1 antibody responses

Pre-bcc: a novel integrated machine learning framework for predicting mechanical and durability properties of blended cement concrete

Partially replacing ordinary Portland cement (OPC) with low-carbon supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) in blended cement concrete (BCC) is perceived as the most promising route for sustainable concrete production. Despite having a lower environmental impact, BCC could exhibit performance inferior to OPC in design-governing functional properties. Hence, concrete manufacturers and scientists have been seeking methods to predict the performance of BCC mixes in order to reduce the cost and time of experimentally testing all alternatives. Machine learning algorithms have been proven in other fields for treating large amounts of data drawing meaningful relationships between data accurately. However, the existing prediction models in the literature come short in covering a wide range of SCMs and/or functional properties. Considering this, in this study, a non-linear multi-layered machine learning regression model was created to predict the performance of a BCC mix for slump, strength, and resistance to carbonation and chloride ingress based on any of five prominent SCMs: fly ash, ground granulated blast furnace slag, silica fume, lime powder and calcined clay. A database from>150 peer-reviewed sources containing>1650 data points was created to train and test the model. The statistical performance was found to be comparable to that of existing models (R = 0.94–0.97). For the first time, the model, Pre-bcc, was also made available online for users to conduct their own prediction studies.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version