Complex quantum groups and a deformation of the Baum-Connes assembly map

We define and study an analogue of the Baum-Connes assembly map for complex semisimple quantum groups, that is, Drinfeld doubles of $q$-deformations of compact semisimple Lie groups. Our starting point is the deformation picture of the Baum-Connes assembly map for a complex semisimple Lie group $G$, which allows one to express the $K$-theory of the reduced group $C^*$-algebra of $G$ in terms of the $K$-theory of its associated Cartan motion group. The latter can be identified with the semidirect product of the maximal compact subgroup $K$ acting on $\mathfrak{k}^*$ via the coadjoint action. In the quantum case the role of the Cartan motion group is played by the Drinfeld double of the classical group $K$, whose associated group $C^*$-algebra is the crossed product of $C(K)$ with respect to the adjoint action of $K$. Our quantum assembly map is obtained by varying the deformation parameter in the Drinfeld double construction applied to the standard deformation $K_q$ of $K$. We prove that the quantum assembly map is an isomorphism, thus providing a description of the $K$-theory of complex quantum groups in terms of classical topology. Moreover, we show that there is a continuous field of $C^*$-algebras which encodes both the quantum and classical assembly maps as well as a natural deformation between them. It follows in particular that the quantum assembly map contains the classical Baum-Connes assembly map as a direct summand.Comment: 26 page

Relational Approach to Knowledge Engineering for POMDP-based Assistance Systems as a Translation of a Psychological Model

Assistive systems for persons with cognitive disabilities (e.g. dementia) are difficult to build due to the wide range of different approaches people can take to accomplishing the same task, and the significant uncertainties that arise from both the unpredictability of client's behaviours and from noise in sensor readings. Partially observable Markov decision process (POMDP) models have been used successfully as the reasoning engine behind such assistive systems for small multi-step tasks such as hand washing. POMDP models are a powerful, yet flexible framework for modelling assistance that can deal with uncertainty and utility. Unfortunately, POMDPs usually require a very labour intensive, manual procedure for their definition and construction. Our previous work has described a knowledge driven method for automatically generating POMDP activity recognition and context sensitive prompting systems for complex tasks. We call the resulting POMDP a SNAP (SyNdetic Assistance Process). The spreadsheet-like result of the analysis does not correspond to the POMDP model directly and the translation to a formal POMDP representation is required. To date, this translation had to be performed manually by a trained POMDP expert. In this paper, we formalise and automate this translation process using a probabilistic relational model (PRM) encoded in a relational database. We demonstrate the method by eliciting three assistance tasks from non-experts. We validate the resulting POMDP models using case-based simulations to show that they are reasonable for the domains. We also show a complete case study of a designer specifying one database, including an evaluation in a real-life experiment with a human actor

An Event based Prediction Suffix Tree

This article introduces the Event based Prediction Suffix Tree (EPST), a biologically inspired, event-based prediction algorithm. The EPST learns a model online based on the statistics of an event based input and can make predictions over multiple overlapping patterns. The EPST uses a representation specific to event based data, defined as a portion of the power set of event subsequences within a short context window. It is explainable, and possesses many promising properties such as fault tolerance, resistance to event noise, as well as the capability for one-shot learning. The computational features of the EPST are examined in a synthetic data prediction task with additive event noise, event jitter, and dropout. The resulting algorithm outputs predicted projections for the near term future of the signal, which may be applied to tasks such as event based anomaly detection or pattern recognition

Towards a practical framework for managing the risks of selecting technology to support independent living

Information and communication technology applications can help increase the independence and quality of life of older people, or people with disabilities who live in their own homes. A risk management framework is proposed to assist in selecting applications that match the needs and wishes of particular individuals. Risk comprises two components: the likelihood of the occurrence of harm and the consequences of that harm. In the home, the social and psychological harms are as important as the physical ones. The importance of the harm (e.g., injury) is conditioned by its consequences (e.g., distress, costly medical treatment). We identify six generic types of harm (including dependency, loneliness, fear and debt) and four generic consequences (including distress and loss of confidence in ability to live independently). The resultant client-centred framework offers a systematic basis for selecting and evaluating technology for independent living

Assessment of the learning curve in health technologies: a systematic review

Objective: We reviewed and appraised the methods by which the issue of the learning curve has been addressed during health technology assessment in the past. Method: We performed a systematic review of papers in clinical databases (BIOSIS, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, HealthSTAR, MEDLINE, Science Citation Index, and Social Science Citation Index) using the search term "learning curve:" Results: The clinical search retrieved 4,571 abstracts for assessment, of which 559 (12%) published articles were eligible for review. Of these, 272 were judged to have formally assessed a learning curve. The procedures assessed were minimal access (51%), other surgical (41%), and diagnostic (8%). The majority of the studies were case series (95%). Some 47% of studies addressed only individual operator performance and 52% addressed institutional performance. The data were collected prospectively in 40%, retrospectively in 26%, and the method was unclear for 31%. The statistical methods used were simple graphs (44%), splitting the data chronologically and performing a t test or chi-squared test (60%), curve fitting (12%), and other model fitting (5%). Conclusions: Learning curves are rarely considered formally in health technology assessment. Where they are, the reporting of the studies and the statistical methods used are weak. As a minimum, reporting of learning should include the number and experience of the operators and a detailed description of data collection. Improved statistical methods would enhance the assessment of health technologies that require learning

Assessing the learning curve effect in health technologies: Lessons from the non-clinical literature

Introduction: Many health technologies exhibit some form of learning effect, and this represents a barrier to rigorous assessment. It has been shown that the statistical methods used are relatively crude. Methods to describe learning curves in fields outside medicine, for example, psychology and engineering, may be better. Methods: To systematically search non–health technology assessment literature (for example, PsycLit and Econlit databases) to identify novel statistical techniques applied to learning curves. Results: The search retrieved 9,431 abstracts for assessment, of which 18 used a statistical technique for analyzing learning effects that had not previously been identified in the clinical literature. The newly identified methods were combined with those previously used in health technology assessment, and categorized into four groups of increasing complexity: a) exploratory data analysis; b) simple data analysis; c) complex data analysis; and d) generic methods. All the complex structured data techniques for analyzing learning effects were identified in the nonclinical literature, and these emphasized the importance of estimating intra- and interindividual learning effects. Conclusion: A good dividend of more sophisticated methods was obtained by searching in nonclinical fields. These methods now require formal testing on health technology data sets

An analogue of the Baum-Connes conjecture for quantum SL(2, C)

The Baum-Connes conjecture gives a description of the K-theory of the reduced group C*-algebra of a locally compact second countable group. In the case of a connected Lie group G, Connes reformulated the conjecture in terms of a deformation of G provided by a certain continuous field of C*-algebras. The conjecture is known to be true for complex semisimple Lie groups, and in 2008 Higson provided a new proof of this result, using Connes reformulation and an observation due to Mackey about the representation theories of a complex semisimple Lie group and an associated group called the Cartan motion group. In this thesis, we present and prove an analogue of the conjecture for the quantum group quantum SL(2, C) in the spirit of Connes reformulation and Higson's proof. In particular, we define a quantum version of Connes' field, which provides a deformation from quantum SL(2, C) to a quantum analogue of the Cartan motion group. We show that Mackey's observation carries over to the quantum setting, and we then prove an analogue of the conjecture using Higson's method. We also show there is compatibility between the Baum-Connes conjecture for SL(2, C) and our quantum result, in that we can construct a continuous field which encodes Connes' field and our quantum field, as well as a deformation of SL(2, C) to quantum SL(2, C) and a deformation of the Cartan motion group to the quantum Cartan motion group

Invisible design: exploring insights and ideas through ambiguous film scenarios

Invisible Design is a technique for generating insights and ideas with workshop participants in the early stages of concept development. It involves the creation of ambiguous films in which characters discuss a technology that is not directly shown. The technique builds on previous work in HCI on scenarios, persona, theatre, film and ambiguity. The Invisible Design approach is illustrated with three examples from unrelated projects; Biometric Daemon, Panini and Smart Money. The paper presents a qualitative analysis of data from a series of workshops where these Invisible Designs were discussed. The analysis outlines responses to the films in terms of; existing problems, concerns with imagined technologies and design speculation. It is argued that Invisible Design can help to create a space for critical and creative dialogue during participatory concept development

Monitoring and management of a landslide on the main motorway between Sydney and Wollongong, NSW Australia

The Mount Ousley Road section of the M1 Princes Motorway is one of the main transportation links between the cities of Sydney and Wollongong, New South Wales (NSW), on the east coast of Australia. The road was originally constructed during World War II as an alternative defense route and now supports approximately 50,000 vehicle movements per day. The road negotiates 4.4km of the Illawarra escarpment at grades up to 1:8. A section of the road traverses the largest landslide in the Wollongong Landslide Inventory, Site 141. The surface area of the landslide is 67,000m2, which includes a 350m section of Mount Ousley Road affecting all six lanes. The landslide is a deep seated, episodically active translational debris slide with a maximum depth of sliding of 20.5m. The landslide is managed by a continuous real-time monitoring system and is dewatered by nine 30m deep pumping wells to maintain lower ground water levels. The dewatering system was installed in 1988, but has been upgraded three times to enhance serviceability and most recently to provide a further 10 years of landslide management. This paper presents some analysis of data collected from the continuous real-time monitoring system established by the University of Wollongong Landslide Research Team, in partnership with NSW Government organizations including Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) and NSW Public Works and highlights the troubleshooting work associated. Periodic and continuous monitoring has been successful in identifying needs for the dewatering system upgrades, assessing thresholds for slope movement and evaluating the overall effectiveness of the remedial measures installed

Schizotypy and Risk-Taking Behaviour: the Contribution of Urgency

The Oxford-Liverpool Inventory of Feelings and Experiences (O-LIFE) defines schizotypy as a multidimensional psychopathology construct comprising Unusual Experiences, Cognitive Disorganisation, Impulsive Nonconformity, and Introvertive Anhedonia. Previous research indicates that schizotypy is associated with various risky behaviours. Urgency (emotional impulsivity) has a unique and clinically important effect on risk-taking. However, the interplay between schizotypy and urgency in relation to risk-taking has not received adequate consideration. A sample of 204 participants completed self-report scales measuring Schizotypy, Urgency and Risk-taking behaviour. Using structural equation modelling, a mediational model tested the degree to which O-LIFE subfactors directly and indirectly (via urgency) predicted self-reported likelihood to engage in Risk-taking behaviour. Results indicated that Cognitive Disorganisation and Introvertive Anhedonia negatively predicted engagement in Risk-taking behaviour, whereas Impulsive Nonconformity positively predicted engagement in Risk-taking behaviour. Unusual Experiences, Cognitive Disorganisation and Impulsive Nonconformity had indirect effects on Risk-taking through Urgency. Inclusion of Urgency added explanatory power to the schizotypy-risk relationship