The Logic of Joint Ability in Two-Player Tacit Games

Logics of joint strategic ability have recently received attention, with arguably the most influential being those in a family that includes Coalition Logic (CL) and Alternating-time Temporal Logic (ATL). Notably, both CL and ATL bypass the epistemic issues that underpin Schelling-type coordination problems, by apparently relying on the meta-level assumption of (perfectly reliable) communication between cooperating rational agents. Yet such epistemic issues arise naturally in settings relevant to ATL and CL: these logics are standardly interpreted on structures where agents move simultaneously, opening the possibility that an agent cannot foresee the concurrent choices of other agents. In this paper we introduce a variant of CL we call Two-Player Strategic Coordination Logic (SCL2). The key novelty of this framework is an operator for capturing coalitional ability when the cooperating agents cannot share strategic information. We identify significant differences in the expressive power and validities of SCL2 and CL2, and present a sound and complete axiomatization for SCL2. We briefly address conceptual challenges when shifting attention to games with more than two players and stronger notions of rationality

Implementing a newborn hearing screening programme : a feasibility study : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts at Massey University

Aim. To determine the feasibility of implementing a universal newborn hearing screening programme at National Women's Hospital (NWH), Auckland, New Zealand. Method. This feasibility study evaluates the potential for success of a Universal Newborn Hearing Screening (UNHS) Programme in a tertiary hospital setting. A review of the present provision of care for infants with congenital hearing loss and a clear description of the current environment and resources at National Women's Hospital was undertaken. By utilising the four key determinants of a feasibility study as described by Whitten, Bently & Dittman (2001) I was able to provide a clear description of the current position and explore the alternative solutions, ensuring an accurate and comprehensive study approach was undertaken. Results. A detailed analysis of the environmental setting and population at NWH identified the support required for implementing a UNHS programme. Findings also identified the acceptance by both staff and consumers in providing improved congenital hearing loss detection and intervention early in the newborn period. The evidence supported recommendations for two possible hearing screening protocols that are both practical and feasible in the National Women's Hospital setting for the detection of congenital hearing loss in the newborn population. Conclusion. Overall findings indicated that the implementation of UNHS at National Women's Hospital is feasible. The current method of detecting hearing loss in the newborn population is inadequate with unacceptable delays for diagnosis and appropriate intervention to improve outcomes for those identified with a congenital hearing loss. The protocols supported by this study are based on the research findings and are unique to the NWH environment and target population. They will ensure the infants with congenital hearing loss are detected and referred early (soon after birth) so formal audiological diagnosis and strategies for intervention can occur with treatment implemented by six months of age. This will improve the child's communication and learning skills, improving their level of education and long term learning ability. Further and regular audit of the programme, screeners and outcomes will be required to ensure its efficiency as a screening service for congenital hearing loss

Faecal steroid measurements for the assessment of reproductive function in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) and kakapo (Strigops habroptilus) : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Physiology at Massey University

The kakapo (Strigops habroptilus) is an endangered parrot endemic to New Zealand and little is known of its reproductive physiology. Reproductive function is conventionally determined by the measurement of reproductive steroids in plasma samples. This is impractical and invasive in endangered, free-living species. However, the measurement of reproductive steroids in avian faecal samples is practiced. Few studies have documented strong relationships between faecal and plasma steroid concentrations. The objectives of this study were to develop and validate a faecal extraction method for the measurement of oestradiol, progesterone and testosterone in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica); determine the relationships between steroid concentrations and gonadal development in quail; and define annual faecal hormone cycles of kakapo in relation to their breeding status. Groups of male and female quail were held on different photoperiodic and temperature regimes to produce birds with a range of gonad sizes and steroid concentrations. Steroid concentrations were measured in faeces and plasma by radioimmunoassay. Positive relationships were demonstrated between plasma and faecal steroid concentrations. Faecal steroid concentrations had strong positive relationships with ovary and testis size in female and male quail respectively. The extraction method developed was then applied to faecal samples, which were collected from kakapo in their free-living environment on Whenua Hou (Codfish Island). The samples were collected from identified birds over three potential breeding seasons. There were annual cycles of hormone concentrations that corresponded with cycles of breeding activity in females and males. No significant differences were found between breeding and non-breeding years for faecal concentrations of all three hormones, suggesting that kakapo undergo a degree of gonadal development each year. Annual hormone profiles for individual birds supported this finding. This study quantifies the value of collecting multiple faecal samples in both captive and wild situations and demonstrates the power and value of faecal steroid analysis

Are females more helpless than males: an observational and attributional analysis in Maths and English : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University

The present study investigated the under-achievement and participation of females in mathematical areas within the context of the attribution theory. Gender differences for causal attributions and achievement-related beliefs were investigated in Maths and English, employing a methodology which allowed for the subjective construction of the situation by the student. Subjects were 97 form five Maths and English students (50 males and 47 females). Overall, there were no consistent gender differences in attributions for success and failure in Maths and English. Although males perceived themselves as more competent in Maths, there were no gender differences in achievement-related beliefs. However, females displayed more mastery-oriented cognitions in English . Additionally, the relationship of gender and teacher-student interactions in Maths and English classrooms were investigated, in an attempt to conceptualise the role they have in sustaining gender related behaviours. It was hypothesized that males and females were being treated differently in Maths and English, which in some way affects their attributions for achievement outcomes, and subsequent achievement­ related beliefs. Four classrooms (two Maths and two English) were observed for five hours each. Contrary to predictions, there were few significant differences in the contingencies of evaluative feedback given to students, with respect to its frequency, its typical referents, and the specificity of its use. The results were discussed in terms of their relationship to other studies, and the implications for past and future methods of studying students' causal attributions in mathematical and verbal achievement situations. Alternative mechanisms by which females self-derogating beliefs might inhibit their participation and achievement in maths-related areas were also considered

Knowability Relative to Information

We present a formal semantics for epistemic logic, capturing the notion of knowability relative to information (KRI). Like Dretske, we move from the platitude that what an agent can know depends on her (empirical) information. We treat operators of the form K_AB (‘B is knowable on the basis of information A’) as variably strict quantifiers over worlds with a topic- or aboutness- preservation constraint. Variable strictness models the non-monotonicity of knowledge acquisition while allowing knowledge to be intrinsically stable. Aboutness-preservation models the topic-sensitivity of information, allowing us to invalidate controversial forms of epistemic closure while validating less controversial ones. Thus, unlike the standard modal framework for epistemic logic, KRI accommodates plausible approaches to the Kripke-Harman dogmatism paradox, which bear on non-monotonicity, or on topic-sensitivity. KRI also strikes a better balance between agent idealization and a non-trivial logic of knowledge ascriptions

Remote sensing and geologic studies of the planetary crusts

Dark haloed craters and regions of the Moon which were sites of ancient volcanism were remotely sensed as well as KREEP deposits in the Inbrium region. The relationship between geology and geochemistry in the Undarum/Spumans region was also examined. Results are summarized for observations of the Reiner Gamma formation, studies of impact cratering mechanics and processes, spectral variations of asteroidal surfaces, albedo and color variations on Ganymede, and studies of lunar impact structures

Industrial relations reform in Australia: implications for the agricultural and mining sectors

A major transformation in the processes that underpin industrial relations arrangements in Australia appears to have occurred during the last decade. The tribunal‐based systems of conciliation and arbitration that have shaped labour‐management relationships now play a far less pivotal role, and the system of awards is far less central to the determination of wages and conditions. Greater scope now exists for employees and employers to tailor their industrial relationship to the needs of the enterprise. This article provides an overview of the development of both collective and non‐collective bargaining within the formal framework, and the likely impacts of such developments.International Development,