Prospects of a mathematical theory of human behavior in complex man-machine systems tasks

A hierarchy of human activities is derived by analyzing automobile driving in general terms. A structural description leads to a block diagram and a time-sharing computer analogy. The range of applicability of existing mathematical models is considered with respect to the hierarchy of human activities in actual complex tasks. Other mathematical tools so far not often applied to man machine systems are also discussed. The mathematical descriptions at least briefly considered here include utility, estimation, control, queueing, and fuzzy set theory as well as artificial intelligence techniques. Some thoughts are given as to how these methods might be integrated and how further work might be pursued

Studies of planning behavior of aircraft pilots in normal, abnormal and emergency situations

A methodology for the study of planning is presented and the results of applying the methodology within two experimental investigations of planning behavior of aircraft pilots in normal, abnormal, and emergency situations are discussed. Beyond showing that the methodology yields consistent results, these experiments also lead to concepts in terms of a dichotomy between event driven and time driven planning, subtle effects of automation on planning, and the relationship of planning to workload and flight performance

Large Angle Scattering and Energy Loss of Potassium Ions Scattered by Argon, Krypton, Xenon, and Mercury Vapor

Potassium ions with energies of 90 to 360 volts were scattered by single collisions in the mentioned gases. The energy of the potassium ion after collision has been found to agree with the expected energy assuming conservation of energy and momentum. The angular distribution of the scattered ions is found to vary with the initial energy of the ion and with the target atom, becoming particularly interesting above the ionization potential

Surface temperatures and temperature gradient features of the US Gulf Coast waters

Satellite thermal infrared data on the Gulf of Mexico show that a seasonal cycle exists in the horizontal surface temperature structure. In the fall, the surface temperatures of both coastal and deep waters are nearly uniform. With the onset of winter, atmospheric cold fronts, which are accompanied by dry, low temperature air and strong winds, draw heat from the sea. A band of cooler water forming on the inner shelf expands, until a thermal front develops seaward along the shelf break between the cold shelf waters and the warmer deep waters of the Gulf. Digital analysis of the satellite data was carried out in an interactive mode using a minicomputer and software. A time series of temperature profiles illustrates the temporal and spatial changes in the sea-surface temperature field

Iridotomy to slow progression of visual field loss in angle-closure glaucoma

BACKGROUND: Primary angle-closure glaucoma is a type of glaucoma associated with a physically obstructed anterior chamber angle. Obstruction of the anterior chamber angle blocks drainage of fluids (aqueous humor) within the eye and may raise intraocular pressure (IOP). Elevated IOP is associated with glaucomatous optic nerve damage and visual field loss. Laser peripheral iridotomy (often just called 'iridotomy') is a procedure to eliminate pupillary block by allowing aqueous humor to pass directly from the posterior to anterior chamber through use of a laser to create a hole in the iris. It is commonly used to treat patients with primary angle-closure glaucoma, patients with primary angle closure (narrow angles and no signs of glaucomatous optic neuropathy), and patients who are primary angle-closure suspects (patients with reversible obstruction). The effectiveness of iridotomy on slowing progression of visual field loss, however, is uncertain. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of iridotomy compared with no iridotomy for primary angle-closure glaucoma, primary angle closure, and primary angle-closure suspects. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2017, Issue 9) which contains the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Trials Register; MEDLINE Ovid; Embase Ovid; PubMed; LILACS; ClinicalTrials.gov; and the ICTRP. The date of the search was 18 October 2017. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials that compared iridotomy to no iridotomy in primary angle-closure suspects, patients with primary angle closure, or patients with primary angle-closure glaucoma in one or both eyes were eligible. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors worked independently to extract data on study characteristics, outcomes for the review, and risk of bias in the included studies. We resolved differences through discussion. MAIN RESULTS: We identified two trials (2502 eyes of 1251 participants) that compared iridotomy to no iridotomy. Both trials recruited primary angle suspects from Asia and randomized one eye of each participant to iridotomy and the other to no iridotomy. Because the full trial reports are not yet available for both trials, no data are available to assess the effectiveness of iridotomy on slowing progression of visual field loss, change in IOP, need for additional surgeries, number of medications needed to control IOP, mean change in best-corrected visual acuity, and quality of life. Based on currently reported data, one trial showed evidence that iridotomy increases angle width at 18 months (by 12.70°, 95% confidence interval (CI) 12.06° to 13.34°, involving 1550 eyes, moderate-certainty evidence) and may be associated with IOP spikes at one hour after treatment (risk ratio 24.00 (95% CI 7.60 to 75.83), involving 1468 eyes, low-certainty evidence). The risk of bias of the two studies was overall unclear due to lack of availability of a full trial report. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The available studies that directly compared iridotomy to no iridotomy have not yet published full trial reports. At present, we cannot draw reliable conclusions based on randomized controlled trials as to whether iridotomy slows progression of visual field loss at one year compared to no iridotomy. Full publication of the results from the studies may clarify the benefits of iridotomy

Observation on Variance and Covariance Estimates for Carcass Traits in Bull and Steer Progeny

Carcass measures from 970 cattle were collected at the Iowa State University Rhodes and McNay research farms over a 6-year period. Data were from bull and steer progeny of composite, Angus, and Simmental sires mated to three composite lines of dams. The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of sex differences on genetic parameter estimates for carcass traits. Estimation of genetic parameters using a threetrait mixed model showed differences between bulls and steers in h2 and genetic correlations. Heritability for carcass weight, percentage retail product, retail product weight, fat thickness, and longissimus muscle area from bull data were .43, .04, .46, .05, and .21, respectively. The corresponding values for steer data were in order of .32, .24, .40, .42, and .07, respectively. Furthermore, genetic correlations between some of the traits were different both in magnitude and direction when evaluated by sex. The results suggested possible differences in genetic parameter estimates between bulls and steer data. Hence, further study on effects of sex differences on genetic parameter estimation and a designing possible strategy to overcome the problem were emphasized

Morphological Correlates of Mechanotransduction in Acousticolateral Hair Cells

The development of ideas on mechanotransduction in acousticolateral hair cells is described, leading to the current idea that transduction depends on deflection of the bundle of stereocilia by a force parallel to the plane of the sensory epithelium. Electrophysiological experiments are summarised, suggesting that transduction depends on a shear between the different rows of stereocilia, and that the transducer channels are situated towards the tips of the stereocilia. Analysis of the ways that shear between the rows of stereocilia could be detected suggests that tip links are the structures which are most likely to transmit the stimulus-induced forces to the transducer channels on the membrane. The directional selectivity of mechanotransduction is associated with the position of the kinocilium and gradation in heights of the stereocilia; evidence is presented suggesting that in the lateral line these are partly determined by the mitosis giving rise to the hair cell. Tip links differentiate out of links which initially join the stereocilia in all directions, with their final spatial organisation, which sets the directional selectivity of mechanotransduction, probably being determined by the gradient in growth of the stereocilia

A Project to Develop Genetic Specification for the Beef Industry

A new beef breeding project will be conducted at the Rhodes and McNay farms of ISU. The project will use the field data of the American Angus Association along with the research resources (cattle) of the farms to study questions that will enhance the genetic investigations using the field data. It will build on the expertise developed at ISU with ultrasound to measure body composition in the live animal and in the carcass. Two selection lines, using registered Angus obtained as heifers and through ET, of 200 females each will be selected for increased intramuscular fat (Q line) and for increased retail product (R line). The estimation of the genetic correlation between quality and amount of product can best be accomplished through the study of one generation of selection using measures of body composition derived from ultrasound. A progeny test herd will be maintained to evaluate all sires used through progeny carcass testing and to further research with ultrasound. The project will study efficiency of body maintenance. Results will be shared through the Beef Improvement Federation to benefit all producers in the development of sound programs to profitably produce specified beef products

Combinatorial Proofs of Fermat\u27s, Lucas\u27s, and Wilson\u27s Theorems

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