Utilizing theory of mind for action selection applied in the domain of fighter pilot training

When developing intelligent agents, approaches that allow the anticipation of other agents is of utmost importance. For humans, this has also been shown to be crucial to establish good interactions. In this paper, a design for an agent that is equipped with theory of mind based reasoning capabilities is presented. The approach moves beyond the state of the art from several angles: first, it allows for the expression of certainties with respect to the predicted states of the other agents. Second, it allows the prediction during a substantial number of time steps in the future, thereby utilizing the theory of mind model multiple times. The approach has been applied to the domain of fighter pilots whereby intelligent opponents are developed to facilitate dedicated training for F16 fighter pilots.     

Modelling collective decision making in groups and crowds: Integrating social contagion and interacting emotions, beliefs and intentions

Collective decision making involves on the one hand individual mental states such as beliefs, emotions and intentions, and on the other hand interaction with others with possibly different mental states. Achieving a satisfactory common group decision on which all agree requires that such mental states are adapted to each other by social interaction. Recent developments in social neuroscience have revealed neural mechanisms by which such mutual adaptation can be realised. These mechanisms not only enable intentions to converge to an emerging common decision, but at the same time enable to achieve shared underlying individual beliefs and emotions. This paper presents a computational model for such processes. As an application of the model, an agent-based analysis was made of patterns in crowd behaviour, in particular to simulate a real-life incident that took place on May 4, 2010 in Amsterdam. From available video material and witness reports, useful empirical data were extracted. Similar patterns were achieved in simulations, whereby some of the parameters of the model were tuned to the case addressed, and most parameters were assigned default values. The results show the inclusion of contagion of belief, emotion, and intention states of agents results in better reproduction of the incident than non-inclusion.     

Factors facilitating or impeding older adults’ creative contributions in the collaborative design of a novel DTV-based application

This article describes some of the challenges of supporting older adults’ creative input to the design of an (as yet) undefined digital television application. Focusing on commonly used brainstorming and paper prototyping techniques, constructive insights are gathered from users with limited experience of interactive technology. Encouraging older participants to move beyond what they are familiar with, the research reports on how fragmented conceptual knowledge of familiar technologies can either facilitate or impede the creative development of new ideas. This includes bias or contradictory ideas that can emerge in the elicitation process. As reported, other factors, such as the self-perception of inadequate drawing skills, demonstrate further barriers for some older adults to articulate their visions and aspirations for suitably designed technology.     

Böhler Edelstahl

Böhler Edelstahl produces high performance tool and high speed steels via an optimised powder metallurgy/hot isostatic pressing route, as part of a high value special alloys portfolio.     

Convergent and divergent responses to emotional displays of ingroup and outgroup.

In the present research, we test the assumption that emotional mimicry and contagion are moderated by group membership. We report two studies using facial electromyography (EMG; Study 1), Facial Action Coding System (FACS; Study 2), and self-reported emotions (Study 2) as dependent measures. As predicted, both studies show that ingroup anger and fear displays were mimicked to a greater extent than outgroup displays of these emotions. The self-report data in Study 2 further showed specific divergent reactions to outgroup anger and fear displays. Outgroup anger evoked fear, and outgroup fear evoked aversion. Interestingly, mimicry increased liking for ingroup models but not for outgroup models. The findings are discussed in terms of the social functions of emotions in group contexts. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

The combined effects of boron and oil heat treatment on beech and Scots pine wood properties. Part 1: Boron leaching,thermogravimetric analysis,and chemical composition

The aim of the study was to screen any possible synergistic effect available with combination of plant oils and boron compounds to decrease boron leaching and improve thermal degradation of wood by means of dual treatment. In order to reduce the leachability of boron compounds, sapwood of beech and Scots pine samples were treated with oils to create a hydrophobic layer on the wood cells that may prevent water uptake. Increase (%) of boron retained in double-treated samples after leaching was approximately 20% compared to boron-treated samples without oil. The most promising results on boron leaching obtained in the case of using waste and sunflower oil. Thermogravimetric residues were increased by the higher loading of boron compounds in double-treated samples. Spectra of FTIR-Photoacoustic spectrometer showed some deformation of lignin and cellulose followed by degradation of hemicelluloses of treated wood samples due to heat effect at 160 °C.     

Surface modification of Scots pine: the effect of process parameters on the through thickness density profile

This study evaluated the significance of different process parameters (press temperature, closing time, holding time, moisture content and compression ratio) on solid wood surface densification and its effect on the density profile generated in Scots pine sapwood. Changes in the microstructure of the wood were also evaluated microscopically. The results showed that with a shorter closing time, densification occurred closer to the sample surface than with an extended closing time. At a compression temperature of 150 °C, the vertical density profile exhibited a sharp peak in density that was close to the wood surface. A higher temperature of 200 °C resulted in a slightly broader density peak that was less intense and further from the surface. A holding time of 10 min resulted in the wood compressing to a slightly greater extent than when using a holding time of 1 min. Higher moisture content led to more extensive deformation. The results indicate that surface modification by densification is a viable method of enhancing wood properties.     

An Isolated Mode I Three-Dimensional Planar Crack: The Stress Intensity Factor is Independent of The Elastic Constants

It is demonstrated that for an isolated Mode I planar crack embedded in an infinite body, the stress intensity factor along the crack front is a function independent of the elastic constants.