The cerebellum could solve the motor error problem through error increase prediction

We present a cerebellar architecture with two main characteristics. The first one is that complex spikes respond to increases in sensory errors. The second one is that cerebellar modules associate particular contexts where errors have increased in the past with corrective commands that stop the increase in error. We analyze our architecture formally and computationally for the case of reaching in a 3D environment. In the case of motor control, we show that there are synergies of this architecture with the Equilibrium-Point hypothesis, leading to novel ways to solve the motor error problem. In particular, the presence of desired equilibrium lengths for muscles provides a way to know when the error is increasing, and which corrections to apply. In the context of Threshold Control Theory and Perceptual Control Theory we show how to extend our model so it implements anticipative corrections in cascade control systems that span from muscle contractions to cognitive operations.Comment: 34 pages (without bibliography), 13 figure

A Case Study on Contracted Seasonal Workers and Farm Labor Contractors in the Stockton Area

This study was conducted to define the current situation between contracted seasonal workers and farm labor contractors in the Stockton area. Specifically, this study focuses on the perception workers have of farm labor contracted employment. It also addresses the perception farm labor contractors have on the contracting business. To gather the information needed to compare perceptions, interviews with twelve contracted seasonal workers and two farm labor contractors were conducted in Stockton. The analysis process consists of a detailed account of the problems workers and farm labor contractors encounter in the farm labor contracting business. The results of these interviews concluded that overall contracted seasonal workers believe they are being mistreated by farm labor contractors. It was determined that the most affected area is wages. This case study is designed to give insight into the current working conditions farm laborers have to endure. The literature review provides some of the history behind this topic and the analysis provides a snapshot of the current situation. It is recommended that anyone with interest in this topic, take the time to personally experience this field by visiting labor camps, talking to workers, talking to farm labor contractors, etc

Diary Covid Experience

Student generated description: “Diary of my experience with a pandemic

Healthy Lives: Childhood Obesity in Monterey County

The rate of overweight children in Monterey county has continued to rise. At the rate we are going, by the year 2050, one in three people will have diabetes (American Diabetes Association, 2018). There are several contributing factors for obese children, for instance, socioeconomic status, environmental influences, and lack of physical activity. Children who are overweight or obese are at higher risk of facing serious health concerns, like heart disease and diabetes, which is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States (YMCA, 2019, Diabetes Statistics). They are also at a higher risk of suffering from emotional and psychological issues. Families with obese children also have the burden of dealing with expensive medical bills. The YMCA offers a variety of programs and services that focus on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Youth Fit 4 Life (YF4L) is an evidence-based program within the YMCA, who shares a passion for improving the health of children by promoting healthy habits. The purpose of the program is to address childhood obesity and the psychological issues linked to it. After realizing the obstacles that staff were facing, it was important to create a website that provided additional support to deliver the program efficiently. The website provides videos and descriptions of the activities that must be conducted, in order to achieve the objectives of the program. After analyzing the survey results, staff who utilized the website, found it to be a valuable resource

Responsive liquid crystal elastomers for enhanced cell sheet alignment

Responsive, biocompatible substrates are of interest for directing the maturation and function of cells in vitro during cell culture. This can potentially provide cells and tissues with desirable properties for regenerative therapies. The present disclosure provides a scalable approach to attach, align and dynamically load cells on responsive liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) substrates. Monodomain LCEs exhibit reversible shape changes in response to cyclic stimulus, and when immersed in an aqueous medium on top of, for example, resistive heaters, shape changes are fast, reversible and produce minimal temperature changes in the surroundings

Assessing Effectiveness of the Monterey County Agricultural Commissioner Safety Procedures Education

Safe Ag Safe Schools (SASS) is a local pesticide reform organization with members at the state and local levels aiming towards sustainable agricultural practices. SASS focuses on serving agriculturally working families and community members who reside near agricultural areas. The problem addressed by the capstone is that too many marginalized, low-income communities are facing environmental injustices produced by large corporation’s methods of generating revenue. These injustices include high risk of pesticide exposure due to inadequate training and access to equipment. The project focused on assessing farm workers’ knowledge regarding pesticide safety and decontamination procedures. The Office of the Monterey Agricultural Commissioner has the obligation to provide regular training and safety procedures. The project was implemented directly with SASS lead staff member(s). The findings suggest that the Office of the Monterey County Agricultural commissioner must provide effective training and safety procedures to agricultural laborers. Data collected from the assessment will benefit SASS by addressing the cause and hopefully campaign for effective training from Agricultural Commissioners statewide