Affective Facial Expression Processing via Simulation: A Probabilistic Model

Understanding the mental state of other people is an important skill for intelligent agents and robots to operate within social environments. However, the mental processes involved in `mind-reading' are complex. One explanation of such processes is Simulation Theory - it is supported by a large body of neuropsychological research. Yet, determining the best computational model or theory to use in simulation-style emotion detection, is far from being understood. In this work, we use Simulation Theory and neuroscience findings on Mirror-Neuron Systems as the basis for a novel computational model, as a way to handle affective facial expressions. The model is based on a probabilistic mapping of observations from multiple identities onto a single fixed identity (`internal transcoding of external stimuli'), and then onto a latent space (`phenomenological response'). Together with the proposed architecture we present some promising preliminary resultsComment: Annual International Conference on Biologically Inspired Cognitive Architectures - BICA 201

Information Makes A Difference For Privacy Design

In the current information age, information can make a difference to all aspects of one’s life, emotionally, eth ically, financially or societally . Information privacy plays a key role in enabling a difference in many dimensions such as trust, respect, reputation, security, resource, ability, employment, etc. The capability of information to make a difference to one’s life is a fundamental factor; and privacy status of information is a key factor driving this difference. Understanding the impact of these two factors to one’s life within an IS context is an import ant research gap in the discipline. This paper studies “information + privacy”, ontologically and integrally, in making a difference to one’s life, within the IS context. In recognition of the importance of the Privacy- by -Design approach to IS development, a methodology is proposed to understand the grounds of information and model fundamental constructs for using Privacy- by - Design approach to develop robust privacy - friendly information systems

STRATEGIES FOR BUSINESS IN VIRTUAL WORLDS: CASE STUDIES IN SECOND LIFE

Second Life (SL) is an immersive, virtual 3D social interaction environment developed by Linden Lab where business including monetary transactions can take place. SL is a virtual world that also provides support for virtual organisations; a group of individuals whose members and resources may be dispersed geographically, but who function as a coherent unit through the use of cyber infrastructure. In this paper, we use qualitative and quantitative methodologies to analyse and understand a range of business strategies and activities in SL. We discuss key economic elements in SL and classify firms from the Forbes Global Top 500 companies which have a presence and who operate in B-B, B-C, C-C, and G-C spaces within SL. We develop business cases for three well known firms active in SL, namely IBM, Coca Cola, and Nissan, as a means to explore correlative relationships and potential business strategies future development

World-Class IS-Enabled Business Innovation: A Case Study of IS Leadership, Strategy & Governance

While many global corporations acknowledge they lack corporate capabilities for successful technology-enabled business innovation, an Australian financial services provider has been ranked by an international ratings agency in its highest categories due to the capabilities of its Information Systems. Its Loan Processing system has been commended by the ratings agency as the principal reason for its high ranking and for the organization’s inclusion on a global list of selected service providers. This paper presents a longitudinal case study of how an organization with 750 employees located in rural Australia came to develop world-class strategic Information Systems. From its first system nearly 30 years ago, this paper shows how the organization has grown in-house capabilities to devise, develop, implement and manage applications of technology from operational systems that automate specific functions to systems that inform and enable enterprise strategy. The implications for theory and practice are discussed

Effects of Stock Type and Fall Fertilization on Survival of Longleaf Pine Seedlings Planted in Lignite Minespoil

One-year-old longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) seedlings were hand-planted in January 1996 on an east Texas minespoil site. Effects of two seedling stock types and four levels of preplanting fall fertilization on seedling survival were evaluated. Fertilizer treatments consisting of a single application of ammonium nitrate (73 kilograms per hectare N), phosphorus (81 kilograms per hectare P), diammonium phosphate (73 kilograms per hectare N, 81 kilograms per hectare P), or control (no fertilizer) were applied to bare-root and container seedlings in November 1995. Root growth potential, the ability of a seedling to initiate and elongate new roots when placed into a favorable environment, was measured at time of planting. Field survival was surveyed monthly beginning in April 1996. Data were examined using analysis of variance. Container seedlings had significantly higher root growth potential and survival than bare-root. Fertilizer treatment effects, while not significant, tended to decrease both root growth potential and early survival for bare-root seedlings, and to increase root growth potential and decrease survival for container seedlings. Drought conditions during the 1996 growing season probably had a negative effect on survival of both bare-root and container seedlings. Only 2 percent of bare-root and 56 percent of container seedlings survived through the growing season, suggesting that only container stock should be used for reforestation of longleaf on minespoil sites. However, in years with normal precipitation, stock type effects on survival may not be significant and planting bare-root seedlings may be a viable option