Methods and decision making on a Mars rover for identification of fossils

A system for automated fusion and interpretation of image data from multiple sensors, including multispectral data from an imaging spectrometer is being developed. Classical artificial intelligence techniques and artificial neural networks are employed to make real time decision based on current input and known scientific goals. Emphasis is placed on identifying minerals which could indicate past life activity or an environment supportive of life. Multispectral data can be used for geological analysis because different minerals have characteristic spectral reflectance in the visible and near infrared range. Classification of each spectrum into a broad class, based on overall spectral shape and locations of absorption bands is possible in real time using artificial neural networks. The goal of the system is twofold: multisensor and multispectral data must be interpreted in real time so that potentially interesting sites can be flagged and investigated in more detail while the rover is near those sites; and the sensed data must be reduced to the most compact form possible without loss of crucial information. Autonomous decision making will allow a rover to achieve maximum scientific benefit from a mission. Both a classical rule based approach and a decision neural network for making real time choices are being considered. Neural nets may work well for adaptive decision making. A neural net can be trained to work in two steps. First, the actual input state is mapped to the closest of a number of memorized states. After weighing the importance of various input parameters, the net produces an output decision based on the matched memory state. Real time, autonomous image data analysis and decision making capabilities are required for achieving maximum scientific benefit from a rover mission. The system under development will enhance the chances of identifying fossils or environments capable of supporting life on Mar

Autonomous exploration system: Techniques for interpretation of multispectral data

An on-board autonomous exploration system that fuses data from multiple sensors, and makes decisions based on scientific goals is being developed using a series of artificial neural networks. Emphasis is placed on classifying minerals into broad geological categories by analyzing multispectral data from an imaging spectrometer. Artificial neural network architectures are being investigated for pattern matching and feature detection, information extraction, and decision making. As a first step, a stereogrammetry net extracts distance data from two gray scale stereo images. For each distance plane, the output is the probable mineral composition of the region, and a list of spectral features such as peaks, valleys, or plateaus, showing the characteristics of energy absorption and reflection. The classifier net is constructed using a grandmother cell architecture: an input layer of spectral data, an intermediate processor, and an output value. The feature detector is a three-layer feed-forward network that was developed to map input spectra to four geological classes, and will later be expanded to encompass more classes. Results from the classifier and feature detector nets will help to determine the relative importance of the region being examined with regard to current scientific goals of the system. This information is fed into a decision making neural net along with data from other sensors to decide on a plan of activity. A plan may be to examine the region at higher resolution, move closer, employ other sensors, or record an image and transmit it back to Earth

An Evaluation of the Cognitive Functioning of Individuals on Methadone Maintenance Treatment and its Relation to Treatment Adherence

This research assessed the cognitive functioning of several different drug and alcohol samples, with a specific focus on individuals in methadone maintenance treatment. Additionally, this research assessed the relation between cognitive functioning and adherence to treatment in these populations. This is a link that has been suggested by research in this area previously. The present research consisted of five experiments. Experiment 1 assessed the application, within New Zealand, of the normative data for a number of psychometric tests with a non- substance using sample of New Zealand university students. The results from this study showed that the scores for the university sample were generally similar to the normative means, suggesting that the existing normative data could be used in New Zealand. Experiment 2 assessed the cognitive functioning of university students who reported regular use of alcohol and/or cannabis. The results from this study showed that the frequency of alcohol use was positively correlated with problem solving ability, while frequency of cannabis use was positively correlated with memory functioning. Cannabis use was also associated with poorer problem solving ability. These findings showed that casual use of alcohol and/or cannabis was associated with poorer functioning on some psychometric tests, and that these tests were sensitive to the effects of substance use. Experiment 3 assessed the cognitive functioning of a sample of individuals in methadone maintenance treatment in relation to their adherence to treatment. The results from this study showed deficits in memory, divided attention and cognitive flexibility, and poor mathematical ability when compared to the normative data. Treatment adherence was found to be associated with lower levels of treatment satisfaction, and findings also suggested a possible relation between poor treatment adherence and better scores on the psychometric test scores. Due to difficulties in recruiting participants, Experiment 4 assessed the cognitive functioning of a second sample of individuals in methadone maintenance in relation to treatment adherence. This sample completed a reduced battery of psychometric tests, and results showed deficits in memory, attention, and problem solving abilities compared to the normative data. Treatment adherence was not found to be associated with lower levels of treatment satisfaction in this sample. A possible relation between poor treatment adherence and better psychometric test scores was identified for this sample also, although the relation was between different test scores than those in Experiment 3. To assess whether the obtained results for Experiment 3 and Experiment 4 were specific to methadone, Experiment 5 assessed the cognitive functioning of several different drug and alcohol samples in relation to treatment adherence. The study examined the cognitive functioning of alcohol, drug and alcohol, and other opiate users, and showed that all samples had difficulty recalling information in a visual format, that a large percentage showed impairments in divided attention and cognitive flexibility, and that the drug and alcohol, and other opiate samples had deficits in problem solving ability. Treatment adherence in this study was assessed for the alcohol sample, with results showing a relation between poor treatment adherence and verbal memory ability, and divided attention and cognitive flexibility. Overall, the cognitive deficits found in the samples for each experiment were not related to treatment adherence as measured in this research. However, results for the alcohol sample suggested that there may be a link between poor adherence and impairments in verbal memory and divided attention. The findings from this research suggest that cognitive deficits and treatment adherence are not related, but this finding may be the result of limitations in this research (i.e., recruitment difficulties, adherence measures used). The clinical and research implications of the results of the research are discussed. In particular, recommendations for treatment services dealing with the drug and alcohol population are provided

Community energies under-evaluated: Drug initiatives on the margins

This article draws together an effectiveness review of community responses to drug concerns and supplementary interviews with key informants. Despite accessing nearly 300 publications relating to initiatives, there is a paucity of published evaluative evidence. The literature does provide a greater amount of information about initiatives that are delivered into the community as opposed to initiated by the community. Community-led responses have taken a number of approaches. To assess the current evidence on ‘what works?’, we have defined community responses to drug problems under five banners - self-help groups, parents’ groups, residents’ groups, community development groups and diversionary activity groups - for ease of discussion. There are a number of commonly identified elements that exist in successful and sustainable initiatives which are discussed

Spectral analysis for automated exploration and sample acquisition

Future space exploration missions will rely heavily on the use of complex instrument data for determining the geologic, chemical, and elemental character of planetary surfaces. One important instrument is the imaging spectrometer, which collects complete images in multiple discrete wavelengths in the visible and infrared regions of the spectrum. Extensive computational effort is required to extract information from such high-dimensional data. A hierarchical classification scheme allows multispectral data to be analyzed for purposes of mineral classification while limiting the overall computational requirements. The hierarchical classifier exploits the tunability of a new type of imaging spectrometer which is based on an acousto-optic tunable filter. This spectrometer collects a complete image in each wavelength passband without spatial scanning. It may be programmed to scan through a range of wavelengths or to collect only specific bands for data analysis. Spectral classification activities employ artificial neural networks, trained to recognize a number of mineral classes. Analysis of the trained networks has proven useful in determining which subsets of spectral bands should be employed at each step of the hierarchical classifier. The network classifiers are capable of recognizing all mineral types which were included in the training set. In addition, the major components of many mineral mixtures can also be recognized. This capability may prove useful for a system designed to evaluate data in a strange environment where details of the mineral composition are not known in advance

A Critical Realist, Retroductive Multiple Cross Case Analysis: Exploring Psychosocial Factors Underlying Industrial Wind Turbine Exposure

Few people today would deny the negative impact of non-renewable energy sources on the health of our planet. Around the globe, efforts are underway to reduce the world’s reliance on fossil fuel and nuclear energy. The rapid implementation of new renewable energy technologies, like Industrial Wind Turbines (IWTs) in rural environments has raised concerns regarding the potential effects of these technologies on human health. The mechanisms by which IWTs may affect local residents’ physical, emotional, and social health and well-being have yet to be determined. The purpose of this thesis is to intentionally explore psychosocial health factors underlying the IWT phenomenon, critically examine individual and group IWT experiences and perceptions, and triangulate multiple sources of data from which to further the understanding of the IWT health phenomenon. This study utilizes a qualitative multiple cross case study design and retroductive approach to explore, through social ecological and critical realism lenses, the lived experiences of adults from three wind farm communities in south western Ontario, living within five kilometres of one or more IWTs. A systematic scoping review of IWT health literature as well as environmental health literature was completed. IWT and health literature has increased, especially since 2013. A full text analysis of 217 articles was conducted and findings suggest that psychological and sociological (psychosocial) dimensions, including fear-perceptions, personality traits, attitudes, and community conflict, may be associated with reported adverse health effects. However, there continues to be several gaps in IWT research including; longitudinal studies, baseline studies pre-IWT installation, research regarding community response to IWT development (including noise, planning, landscape change), qualitative and field-based research. This thesis will serve to address and contribute to the latter identified gap. Thirty-one interviews were conducted with participants representing three Ontario wind development communities. Interview transcripts underwent a narrative thematic analysis. Interview findings revealed that both IWT supporters and non-supporters have some degree of worry or distress regarding financial implications of IWT installations and believe there is a global need to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels. Majority of IWT non-supporters described IWTs as visually annoying and reported associated health effects, including poorer mental health. A minority of non-supporters indicated that IWT noise was annoying. Very few participants attributed noise annoyance to sleep disturbance. Irrespective of participants’ support or non-support of IWTs, several interesting manifest (public) and latent (private) factors emerged from the interviews. Almost all participants reported being more concerned about the financial aspects of IWT development, government-decision making, and the perceived fairness in IWT siting than feeling concerned about potential health effects of IWT exposure. Additionally, a previous significant life event and a person’s level of attachment to their home, land and community appeared to influence perception, the ability to adapt to environmental change, and extent to which one experienced psychological distress. Triangulated results of thematic analysis from multiple data sources including literature, interviews and health assessment data revealed that changes to rural community and home environment (landscape) may affect person-place bonding and restorative properties of nature and home, while fear-inducing media and opposition messaging may amplify visual and noise annoyance and financial worry that may be associated with poorer self-rated health. Results from multisource data identified psychosocial factors associated with exposure potentially contribute to or be a consequence of actual or perceived environmental change. Further analysis suggests health effects may be explained by a combination of psychological (internal), socially influenced (external), and either amplifying or mediating factors. These factors informed a revision and a design of two conceptual models. The main components of these models consist of; external variables; mediating variables; and outcome variables. Individual characteristics like values and beliefs along with community-related variables suggest the explanatory power of personality traits, life stress and coping skills, and person-place bonding as well as site-related characteristics like social networks and approach to communication and site planning. Based on these themes a revised IWT health model and what is believed to be the first IWT social ecological concept model are presented. This work confirms previous studies that identified a need to expand policy decisions and environmental health assessments to include a holistic and ecological assessment of health impacts. In the context of wind energy and wind farm development, this multiple case study contributes to IWT literature by deepening the understanding of the dynamic interconnection between psychosocial factors and IWT development. The identification of differences between manifest and latent perspectives provides important insights into factors that may be associated with or contributed to reported health concerns. The resulting analysis elucidated that psychological processes and socially influencing factors and complex mechanisms may be indirectly associated to individual perception of wind turbines and self-rated health. Caution must be taken in interpreting the findings of this study. Given the complex mechanisms and diversity of variables of the findings, and models conclusions regarding a cause and effect relationship to IWTs must not be made. This work highlights the need for environmental health assessments to include specific requirements that could address, alleviate, or prevent psychosocial effects from IWTs or industrialization of rural communities

The Operation and Effectiveness of the Scottish Drug Court Pilots: Research Findings

A pilot Drug Court was introduced at Glasgow Sheriff Court in November 2001 with a second pilot becoming operational in Fife in August 2002. The Drug Courts aim to reduce drug use and drug-related offending through access to treatment and other services, ongoing supervision and judicial oversight of Orders. The pilots also aimed to examine the viability of Drug Courts in Scotland especially, in the case of Fife, in a non-urban centre

The Fife Drug Court in Action: The First Six Months - Research Findings

First paragraph: Drug Courts were initially established in the USA in the late 1980s by sentencers who were frustrated at the limited range and effectiveness of existing measures for dealing with those whose offending was related to the misuse of drugs. They aim to reduce drug misuse and associated offending by offering treatment based options outwith the traditional court setting and are operational in a range of jurisdictions, including Australia, Canada and Ireland

Glasgow’s Pilot Drug Court in Action: The First Six Months

First paragraph: Drug Courts aim to reduce drug misuse and associated offending by offering treatment based options outwith the traditional court setting and have been established in a number of different jurisdictions with different populations of offenders. In October 2001 Scotland's first Drug Court was established in Glasgow Sheriff Court, operating under summary proceedings. The introduction of the new Drug Court followed the report of a Working Group for Piloting a Drug Court in Glasgow (thereafter referred to as the Working Group) which concluded in May 2001 that the establishment and operation of a Drug Court in Glasgow was feasible within existing legislation. The objectives of the new Drug Court are to: - reduce the level of drug-related offending behaviour; - reduce or eliminate offenders' dependence on or propensity to use drugs; - and examine the viability and usefulness of a Drug Court in Scotland using existing legislation, and to demonstrate where legislative and practical improvements might be important. The proposed target group for the Drug Court is offenders aged 21 years or older of both sexes, in respect of whom there is an established relationship between a pattern of serious drug misuse and offending and whose drug misuse is susceptible to treatment. Offenders referred to the Drug Court must otherwise have been facing prosecution in the Sheriff Summary Court and should normally first appear before the summary court from custody