Word Up! Directed motor action improves word learning [Abstract]

Can simple motor actions help people expand their vocabulary? Here we show that word learning depends on where students place their flash cards after studying them. In Experiment 1, participants learned the definitions of ”alien words” with positive or negative emotional valence. After studying each card, they placed it in one of two boxes (top or bottom), according to its valence. Participants who were instructed to place positive cards in the top box, consistent with Good is Up metaphors, scored about 10

Finding a Feasible Solution for a Simple LP Problem using Agents

In this paper we will describe a Multi-Agent System which is capable of finding a feasible solution of a specially structured linear programming problem. Emphasis is given to correctness issues and termination detection.multi-agent systems;linear programming

Retractions in comparing PROLOG semantics

We present an operational model O and a continuation based denotational model D for a uniform variant of PROLOG, including the cut operator. The two semantical definitions make use of higher order transformations Phi and Psi, respectively. We prove O and D equivalent in a novel way by comparing yet another pair of higher order transformations Phi~ and Psi~, that yield Phi and Psi, respectively, by application of a suitable abstraction operator

Continuation semantics for PROLOG with cut

We present a denotational continuation semantics for PROLOG with cut. First a uniform language B is studied, which captures the control flow aspects of PROLOG. The denotational semantics for B is proven equivalent to a transition system based operational semantics. The congruence proof relies on the representation of the operational semantics as a chain of approximations and on a convenient induction principle. Finally, we interpret the abstract language B such that we obtain equivalent denotational and operational models for PROLOG itself

GAOS: Spatial optimisation of crop and nature within agricultural fields

This paper proposes and demonstrates a spatial optimiser that allocates areas of inefficient machine manoeuvring to field margins thus improving the use of available space and supporting map-based Controlled Traffic Farming. A prototype web service (GAOS) allows farmers to optimise tracks within their fields and explore planning alternatives prior to downloading the plans to their RTK GPS-guided steering system. GAOS retrieves accurate data on field geometry from a geo-database. Via a web interface, the farmer sets options regarding operation properties, potential locations for field margins and headlands, etc. Next, an optimisation script that employs an open source geospatial library (osgeo.ogr) is called. The objective function considers costs involved with un-cropped areas, turning at headlands and subsidies received for field margins. Optimisation results are stored in a database and are available for (1) viewing via the web interface, (2) downloading to the GPS-guided steering system and (3) communication to third parties

Denotational semantics for unguarded recursion: the demonic case

We show that the technique to prove equivalence of operational and denotational cpo based semantics using retractions, as introduced in de Bruin & Vink [1989] for a sequential backtracking language, can be applied to parallel languages as well. We prove equivalence for a uniform language in which procedure calls need not be guarded. The unguardedness is taken care of by giving a semantics in which the nondeterminism is demonic

Towards a taxonomy of parallel branch and bound algorithms

In this paper we present a classification of parallel branch and bound algorithms, and elaborate on the consequences of particular parameter settings. The taxonomy is based upon how the algorithms handle the knowledge about the problem instance to be solved, generated during execution. The starting point of the taxonomy is the generally accepted description of the sequential branch and bound algorithm, as presented in, for example, [Mitten 1970] and [Ibaraki 1976a, 1976b, 1977a, 1977b]

Endoscopic Camera Control by Head Movements for Thoracic Surgery

In current video-assisted thoracic surgery, the endoscopic camera is operated by an assistant of the surgeon, which has several disadvantages. This paper describes a system which enables the surgeon to control the endoscopic camera without the help of an assistant. The system is controlled using head movements, so the surgeon can use his/her hands to oper- ate the instruments. The system is based on a flexible endoscope, which leaves more space for the surgeon to operate his/her instruments compared to a rigid endoscope. The endoscopic image is shown either on a monitor or by means of a head- mounted display. Several trial sessions were performed with an anatomical model. Results indicate that the developed concept may provide a solution to some of the problems currently encountered in video-assisted thoracic surgery. The use of a head-mounted display turned out to be a valuable addition since it ensures the image is always in front of the surgeon’s eyes