Beyond multiregional and simple out-of-Africa models of human evolution

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Beyond multiregional and simple out-of-Africa models of human evolution

The past half century has seen a move from a multiregionalist view of human origins to widespread acceptance that modern humans emerged in Africa. Here the authors argue that a simple out-of-Africa model is also outdated, and that the current state of the evidence favours a structured African metapopulation model of human origins

Asynchronous displays for multi-UV search tasks

Synchronous video has long been the preferred mode for controlling remote robots with other modes such as asynchronous control only used when unavoidable as in the case of interplanetary robotics. We identify two basic problems for controlling multiple robots using synchronous displays: operator overload and information fusion. Synchronous displays from multiple robots can easily overwhelm an operator who must search video for targets. If targets are plentiful, the operator will likely miss targets that enter and leave unattended views while dealing with others that were noticed. The related fusion problem arises because robots' multiple fields of view may overlap forcing the operator to reconcile different views from different perspectives and form an awareness of the environment by "piecing them together". We have conducted a series of experiments investigating the suitability of asynchronous displays for multi-UV search. Our first experiments involved static panoramas in which operators selected locations at which robots halted and panned their camera to capture a record of what could be seen from that location. A subsequent experiment investigated the hypothesis that the relative performance of the panoramic display would improve as the number of robots was increased causing greater overload and fusion problems. In a subsequent Image Queue system we used automated path planning and also automated the selection of imagery for presentation by choosing a greedy selection of non-overlapping views. A fourth set of experiments used the SUAVE display, an asynchronous variant of the picture-in-picture technique for video from multiple UAVs. The panoramic displays which addressed only the overload problem led to performance similar to synchronous video while the Image Queue and SUAVE displays which addressed fusion as well led to improved performance on a number of measures. In this paper we will review our experiences in designing and testing asynchronous displays and discuss challenges to their use including tracking dynamic targets. © 2012 by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Inc

An architecture for modular distributed simulation with agent-based models

Agent-based simulations are an increasingly popular means of exploring and understanding complex social systems. In order to be useful, these simulations must capture a range of aspects of the modeled situation, each possibly requiring distinct expertise. Moreover, different paradigms may be useful in modelling, ranging from those that use many lightweight reactive agents, to those that use cognitive agents, to those that focus on agent teams and organisational structures. There is need for an architecture which supports the development of a large simulation, through the integration of separately developed modules. This paper describes a framework and architecture which facilitates the integration of multiple agent-based simulations into a single global simulation. This architecture naturally supports distributed simulation and incremental development, which are ways of addressing the computational and conceptual complexity of such systems. In this paper we focus particularly on how to ensure proper management of simulation data that is affected by agents in different modules, at the same logical time. We also provide some preliminary performance evaluation addressing scalability, as well as a comparison of how other available systems handle the issue of shared data

Constrained dynamic control of traffic junctions

Excessive traffic in our urban environments has detrimental effects on our health, economy and standard of living. To mitigate this problem, an adaptive traffic lights signalling scheme is developed and tested in this paper. This scheme is based on a state space representation of traffic dynamics, controlled via a dynamic programme. To minimise implementation costs, only one loop detector is assumed at each link. The comparative advantages of the proposed system over optimal fixed time control are highlighted through an example. Results will demonstrate the flexibility of the system when applied to different junctions. Monte Carlo runs of the developed scheme highlight the consistency and repeatability of these results.peer-reviewe

Using appreciative inquiry to implement person-centred dementia care in hospital wards

The quality of care of persons with dementia in hospitals is not optimal and can be challenging. Moreover, staff may find difficulty in translating what they have learned during training into practice. This paper report the development and evaluation of a set of workshops using an Appreciative Inquiry (AI) approach to implement person-centred dementia care in two hospital wards. Staff worked collaboratively to develop a ward vision and to implement a number of action plans. Using AI approach, staff attitudes towards persons with dementia improved, inter-professional collaboration was enhanced and small changes in staff practices were noted. Dementia care in hospitals can be enhanced by empowering staff to take small but concrete actions after they engage in AI workshops, during which they are listened to and appreciated for what they can contribute

Bushfire blocks: A modular agent-based simulation

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Prevelance of Tinea Pedis and Onychomycosis in Malta : the Achilles project

The Achilles project was set up because of the general poor awareness of foot disease, espe- cially of fungal foot infections. Foot diseases are often not viewed as a real problem, and the general public has limited knowledge of them. Most previous studies have involved small and specific population groups, such as school children, subjects visiting swimming baths, populations with specific occupations, or patients with underlying diseases like diabetes. Moreo- ver, patients often had to diagnose the condition themselves. The results of these self-assess- ments, was an underestimation of the prevalence of foot infections. (1, 2) The Achilles project was the largest epidemiological study ever to be carried out on foot health in Europe and other countries, related to the part of the body below the Achilles heel (e.g. foot, toes, toenails). Started in 1998, the aim of the project was to gain a better understanding of diseases affecting the feet and their prevalence among different patient groups with a view to improve the timely diagnosis and optimal treatment of this significant medical problem. The project also allowed an insight to be gained into the predisposing factors and quality of life in a large population, and to generate clinical data from a sample of the population. The data also served as the basis for epidemiological studies, allowing both medical professionals and pa- tients to benefit from this knowledge. The ultimate goal is therefore to increase the chance for timely diagnosis and treatment of foot disorders. Several European countries, including Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Poland, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom (UK), have thus far participated in this foot-screening project, which was endorsed by the European Academy of Dermatology and Venerology (EADV) and the European Nail Society. Following the example of these countries, in 1999 Malta, Jordan and Cyprus implemented the Achilles project.peer-reviewe

Two cases of occupational allergic contact dermatitis from a cycloaliphatic epoxy resin in a neat oil: Case Report

BACKGROUND: Metal-working fluids contain complex mixtures of chemicals and metal workers constitute a potential risk group for the development of allergic contact dermatitis. CASE PRESENTATION: Two metal workers developed allergic contact dermatitis on the hands and lower arms from exposure to a neat oil used in metal processing. Patch testing revealed that the relevant contact allergen was a cycloaliphatic epoxy resin, 1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, bis(oxiranylmethyl) ester, added to the oil as a stabilizer. None of the patients had positive reactions to the bisphenol A-based epoxy resin in the standard series. CONCLUSIONS: These cases emphasize that well-known contact allergens may show up from unexpected sources of exposure. Further, it can be a long-lasting, laborious process to detect an occupational contact allergen and cooperation from the patient and the manufacturer of the sensitizing product is essential