Situation awareness-based agent transparency and human-autonomy teaming effectiveness

ABSTRACT

Effective collaboration between humans and agents depends on humans maintaining an appropriate understanding of and calibrated trust in the judgment of their agent counterparts. The Situation Awareness-based Agent Transparency (SAT) model was proposed to support human awareness in human–agent teams. As agents transition from tools to artificial teammates, an expansion of the model is necessary to support teamwork paradigms, which require bidirectional transparency. We propose that an updated model can better inform human–agent interaction in paradigms involving more advanced agent teammates. This paper describes the model's use in three programmes of research, which exemplify the utility of the model in different contexts – an autonomous squad member, a mediator between a human and multiple subordinate robots, and a plan recommendation agent. Through this review, we show that the SAT model continues to be an effective tool for facilitating shared understanding and proper calibration of trust in human–agent teams.     

An Algorithm for the Construction of “D-Optimal” Experimental Designs

This paper presenm the algorithm “DETMAX” whose purpose is to construct experimental designs that are “D-optimal.” These are designs for which the determinant of X'X is maximum, where X is the “matrix of independent variables” in the usual linear model y = Xβ + ε. Although the algorithm does not guarantee D-optimality, it has performed well in many cases where D-optimal designs are known. Five examples are given, illustrating the use of DETMAX to construct designs “from scratch” and to augment existing data. A FORTRAN listing is available on request.     

Reconstruction of Scattering Potentials from Incomplete Data

Abstract

In many situations encountered in physics and in other fields, one can frequently experimentally determine some but not all the Fourier components of a scattering potential. In this paper we present an integral equation which makes it possible to reconstruct any square-integrable function f(r) of finite support from the knowledge of its Fourier transform j (K) over any finite three-dimensional domain of K space. We illustrate the use of this integral equation by application to potential scattering at fixed energy and we show how it can be used to reconstruct details of the scattering potential beyond the usual resolution limit from measurements of the scattered field in the far zone of the scatterer.     

A comparative study on the raft chemical properties of various alginate antacid raft-forming products

Objective: Research to measure the chemical characterization of alginate rafts for good raft performance and ascertain how formulation can affect chemical parameters.

Significance: A selection of alginate formulations was investigated all claiming to be proficient raft formers with significance between products established and ranked.

Methods: Procedures were selected which demonstrated the chemical characterization allowing rafts to effectively impede the reflux into the esophagus or in severe cases to be refluxed preferentially into the esophagus and exert a demulcent effect, with focus of current research on methods which complement previous studies centered on physical properties. The alginate content was analyzed by a newly developed HPLC method. Methods were used to determine the neutralization profile and the acid neutralization within the raft determined along with how raft structure affects neutralization.

Results: Alginate content of Gaviscon Double Action (GDA) within the raft was significantly superior (p?Conclusion: Alginate formulations require three chemical reactions to take place simultaneously: transformation to alginic acid, sodium carbonate reacting to form carbon dioxide, calcium releasing free calcium ions to bind with alginic acid providing strength to raft formation. GDA was significantly superior (p?<.0001) to all other comparators.     

Synthesis and pharmaceutical properties of N-acyloxymethyl prodrugs of Allop with potential anti-trypanosomal activity

Abstract

We report herein the synthesis, and the physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties of N-acyloxymethyl prodrugs of allopurinol (Allop) (2a–f). Allop is a compound with activity against Trypanosoma cruzi, a causative agent of Chagas disease. Its pathology leads to a huge number of infections and deaths per year, because in addition to many sufferers only having limited access to health services only an inefficient chemotherapy is available. Relevant pharmaceutical properties (pK_a, stability, solubility, lipophilicity, in vitro permeability, binding protein, xanthine oxidase binding) were also determined. The results obtained showed that derivatives behave as prodrugs of Allop, since they exhibit improved physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties relative to their precursor. This behavior turns these compounds into active reservoirs of Allop, and reduces its unfavorable characteristics, so 2a–f compounds are excellent candidates for the treatment of Chagas disease. This work is therefore an important contribution leading to the suppression of Chagas disease.     

Beyond the joint-venture: knowledge sourcing in Chinese automotive events

Abstract

This article analyses how firms use events and trade fairs for external knowledge sourcing, which barriers emerge and how event organisers strategically mediate and influence those processes. The research setting focuses on two major automotive events in Shanghai, highlighting that knowledge sourcing in these events do complement other types of knowledge accessed in permanent ‘sites’ and organisational configurations, such as in clusters and through joint-ventures. Firms use automotive events to access buzz, to monitor other firms and to explore options for new collaborations. Yet, it is also argued that a focus on existing relations, the defensive strategies deployed by lead firms and the intrinsic complexity of exhibited technologies hinder the process of knowledge sourcing that is influenced by event organisers’ content, matchmaking and access policies.     

Perceptual Control: Management Insight for Problem Solving

ABSTRACT

This article suggests that managers focus on the wants and perceptions of their associates instead of their behavior in a questioning approach to problem solving. This recommendation is based on the first successful, demonstrably valid concept of the basic operation and structure of the human nervous system. A discussion of the nature of the concept, a do-it-yourself demonstration, and detailed instructions on how to solve problems are included.     

Pulse-mode study of the quantum correlation of photons in an N-photon Dicke model

Abstract

We find the N-photon state emitted by an N-step Dicke model and provide a method to construct the field coherence functions based on it. Our effort is concentrated on the second order coherence, or the one-photon density matrix. When expressed in its canonical representation, this matrix gives the photon number occupying each ‘pulse eigenmode’. This number serves as an indicator of the correlation between photons. By studying the evolution of the one-photon density matrix we can trace the creation of such correlation during the emission. From the asymptotic solution we are able to find approximate scaling law relations between the photon degeneracy in the eigenmodes and the total number of photons involved.     

Optimization and Evaluation of Time-Dependent Tablets Comprising an Immediate and Sustained Release Profile Using Artificial Neural Network

The aim of this work was to optimize time-dependent tablets using artificial neural network (ANN). The time-dependent tablet consisted of a tablet core, which contained sustained release pellets (70% isosorbide-5-mononitrate [5-ISMN]), immediate release granules (30% 5-ISMN), superdisintegrating agent (sodium carboxymethylstarch, CMS-Na), and other excipients, surrounded by a coating layer composed of a water-insoluble ethylcellulose and a water-soluble channeling agent. The chosen independent variables, i.e., X₁ coating level of tablets, X₂ coating level of pellets, and X₃ CMS-Na level, were optimized with a three-factor, three-level Box-Behnken design. Data were analyzed for modeling and optimizing the release profile using ANN. Response surface plots were used to relate the dependent and the independent variables. The optimized values for the factors X₁–X₃ were 4.1, 14.1, and 29.8%, respectively. Optimized formulations were prepared according to the factor combinations dictated by ANN. In each case, the observed drug release data of the optimized formulations were close to the predicted release pattern. An in vitro model for predicting the effect of food on release behavior of optimized products was used in this study. It was concluded that neural network technique could be particularly suitable in the pharmaceutical technology of time-dependent dosage forms where systems were complex and nonlinear relationships often existed between the independent and the dependent variables.     

Acceptance of drinking and driving and alcohol-involved driving crashes in California

BackgroundAlcohol-impaired driving accounts for substantial proportion of traffic-related fatalities in the U.S. Risk perceptions for drinking and driving have been associated with various measures of drinking and driving behavior. In an effort to understand how to intervene and to better understand how risk perceptions may be shaped, this study explored whether an objective environmental-level measure (proportion of alcohol-involved driving crashes in one’s residential city) were related to individual-level perceptions and behavior.MethodsUsing data from a 2012 cross-sectional roadside survey of 1147 weekend nighttime drivers in California, individual-level self-reported acceptance of drinking and driving and past-year drinking and driving were merged with traffic crash data using respondent ZIP codes. Population average logistic regression modeling was conducted for the odds of acceptance of drinking and driving and self-reported, past-year drinking and driving.ResultsA non-linear relationship between city-level alcohol-involved traffic crashes and individual-level acceptance of drinking and driving was found. Acceptance of drinking and driving did not mediate the relationship between the proportion of alcohol-involved traffic crashes and self-reported drinking and driving behavior. However, it was directly related to behavior among those most likely to drink outside the home.DiscussionThe present study surveys a particularly relevant population and is one of few drinking and driving studies to evaluate the relationship between an objective environmental-level crash risk measure and individual-level risk perceptions. In communities with both low and high proportions of alcohol-involved traffic crashes there was low acceptance of drinking and driving. This may mean that in communities with low proportions of crashes, citizens have less permissive norms around drinking and driving, whereas in communities with a high proportion of crashes, the incidence of these crashes may serve as an environmental cue which informs drinking and driving perceptions. Perceptual information on traffic safety can be used to identify places where people may be at greater risk for drinking and driving. Community-level traffic fatalities may be a salient cue for tailoring risk communication.     

The Impact of Psychic Distance on Chinese Outward Foreign Direct Investments

• The aim of this paper is to investigate the value of the well-known construct of psychic distance, developed to explain the internationalization path of firms from developed countries, for the internationalization of Chinese firms.
• Our research question is: Does psychic distance and its individual stimuli (differences in language, religion, culture, economic development, political systems, education, and geographic distance) explain Chinese investments abroad?
• We test hypotheses on the relation between psychic distance and its stimuli and Chinese outward direct investments with OLS regression analyses.
• We find that Chinese OFDI indeed is influenced by an aggregate construct of psychic distance and by certain psychic distance stimuli, but not by all; in particular, similarities or differences with regard to language and culture, the level of industrialization and the level of democracy relate to Chinese firms’ internationalization.
• Our findings suggest that psychic distance and its stimuli cannot be ignored as explanatory factors for Chinese outward FDI but that the explanatory value of these constructs depends on the context of the phenomenon under study.
• We conclude that it is important to understand how the home country context influences managerial perceptions and thereby patterns of international expansion from different regions.

     

Analyzing Behavioral Big Data: Methodological,practical, ethical,and moral issues

ABSTRACT

The term “big data” evokes emotions ranging from excitement to exasperation in the statistics community. Looking beyond these emotions reveals several important changes that affect us as statisticians and as humans. I focus on Behavioral Big Data (BBD), or very large and rich multidimensional datasets on human behaviors, actions, and interactions, which have become available to companies, governments, and researchers. This article describes the BBD landscape and examines opportunities and critical issues that arise when applying statistical and data mining approaches to Behavioral Big Data, including the move from macro- to micro-decisioning and its implications.     

A human factors perspective on automated driving

ABSTRACT

Automated driving can fundamentally change road transportation and improve quality of life. However, at present, the role of humans in automated vehicles (AVs) is not clearly established. Interviews were conducted in April and May 2015 with 12 expert researchers in the field of human factors (HFs) of automated driving to identify commonalities and distinctive perspectives regarding HF challenges in the development of AVs. The experts indicated that an AV up to SAE Level 4 should inform its driver about the AV's capabilities and operational status, and ensure safety while changing between automated and manual modes. HF research should particularly address interactions between AVs, human drivers and vulnerable road users. Additionally, driver-training programmes may have to be modified to ensure that humans are capable of using AVs. Finally, a reflection on the interviews is provided, showing discordance between the interviewees’ statements – which appear to be in line with a long history of HFs research – and the rapid development of automation technology. We expect our perspective to be instrumental for stakeholders involved in AV development and instructive to other parties.     

High pressure die casting of non-ferrous alloys

Abstract

High pressure die casting is a ‘traditional’ process which, over the last 15 years, has completely modernised its technology. In this paper, it is described how basic research has led to fundamental changes in die design techniques which, coupled with improved process control and alloy development, have extended the scope of the process and improved the quality of the castings produced.

MST/768     

The impacts of cultural event on networking: Liverpool’s cultural sector in the aftermath of 2008

The aim of this paper is to discuss how the construct of networking and social capital can be used to understand the effect events can have on the cultural sector. Based on case study, this research sought the views of those working in the cultural sector on Liverpool’s year as the European Capital of Culture (ECOC). Methodologically, this study involves literature review to prompt theoretical sensitivity, the collection of primary data via online survey (n = 42) and follow-up telephone interviews (n = 8) to explore the emerging findings in more detail. The findings point to a number of ways in which the ECOC constitutes a boost for networking and its effects on the city’s cultural sector, including organisational learning, aspiration and leadership. The contributions of this study are twofold: (1) evaluating the long-term effects on network formation in the cultural sector following a major event; (2) conceptualising the impact assessment of organisational social capital for future ECOC or similar events.     

Optical solitons in a new type of coupled nonlinear Schrödinger equations

Abstract

We consider a new type of integrable coupled nonlinear Schrödinger (CNLS) equations proposed by Park and Shin [1999, Phys. Rev. E, 59, 2372]. Using the Ablowitz-Kaup-Newell-Segur method, we construct the Lax pair for simultaneous propagation of four fields in the new type of CNLS equations. The explicit form of soliton solutions are derived using the Hirota bilinear method.     

Technology Management—Structuring the Strategic Dialogue

Abstract:

Successful innovation requires effective communication within and between technical and nontechnical communities, which can be challenging due to different educational backgrounds, experience, perceptions, and attitudes. Roadmapping has emerged as a method that can enable effective dialogue between these groups, and the way in which information is structured is a key feature that enables this communication. This is an area that has not received much attention in the literature, and this article seeks to address this gap by describing in detail the structures that have been successfully applied in roadmapping workshops and processes, from which key learning points and future research directions are identified.     

The invention and reinvention of Martín Chambi

Abstract

Distanced by over fifty years, Latorre and Thornton offer opposing perceptions of Martin Chambi as an artist.3 This is an abbreviated version of chapter four from my doctoral dissertation, Rethinking Martín Chambi, completed in 1997 at the University of New Mexico. Roberto Latorre, writer for and editor of the intellectual journal Kosko, was an integral part of the cultural milieu of 1 920s Cusco, Peru, where Chambi lived and worked. His statement was part of a review of Chambi's exhibitions from around 1925. Gene Thornton, photography critic at the New York Times during the 1970s, judged Chambi from pictures exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art in 1979. Both critics reflect the aesthetic sensibilities of their time and the context in which they were writing: what are we to make of such disparate interpretations of the same photographer, including the shift from Latorre's emphasis on Chambi's landscapes to Thornton's interest in his portraits? At issue is the difference between Chambi's sense of himself as an artist during his own life, and how that sense was reshaped when Chambi was rediscovered after his death in 1973.