An analytical model to determine the ultimate load on masonry arch bridges.

This paper proposes an analytical elasto–plastic model to describe the behavior of arches. The modeling is carried out using the equations of (i) horizontal equilibrium, (ii) vertical equilibrium and (iii) equilibrium of moments. The latter equations of equilibrium are ordinary differential equations which can easily be solved by adding boundary conditions, imposing restrictions on the horizontal and vertical movement and on the rotation in the abutments of the arch. For masonry arches, including material properties allowing the occurrence of cracks and the subsequent formation of hinges is required. The latter theory has been implemented in a computer program (Matlab), offering numerical simulations. The software was used to illustrate two case-studies, i.e., the assessment of an arch loaded with a vertical point load and one with a horizontal point load.     

Virtual agent multimodal mimicry of humans

This work is about multimodal and expressive synthesis on virtual agents, based on the analysis of actions performed by human users. As input we consider the image sequence of the recorded human behavior. Computer vision and image processing techniques are incorporated in order to detect cues needed for expressivity features extraction. The multimodality of the approach lies in the fact that both facial and gestural aspects of the user’s behavior are analyzed and processed. The mimicry consists of perception, interpretation, planning and animation of the expressions shown by the human, resulting not in an exact duplicate rather than an expressive model of the user’s original behavior.     

An economic evaluation of photovoltaic grid connected systems (PVGCS) in Flanders for companies: A generic model

In this paper an economic evaluation of photovoltaic grid connected systems (PVGCS) for companies situated in Flanders (Belgium) is conducted by using a generic Excel model. The model is unique in that it includes the dimension of taxation. This inclusion is required, otherwise the fiscal benefit of using solar panels is not accounted for. The model uses the cash flow projection method. This technique allows the calculation of the following classical evaluation criteria: net present value, internal rate of return, payback period, discounted payback period, profitability index, yield unit cost, yield unit revenue and break-even turnkey cost. Their outcome makes it possible to answer the question whether installing a PVGCS in Flanders is a responsible financial investment for companies. Furthermore, the paper estimates whether the corporate environment is ready for a subsidy legislation change. This change has recently been announced and as such it is possible to gauge whether the current market situation is profitable given future legislation.     

Improving study habits of junior high school students through self-management versus group discussion.

Both a self-management approach, teaching the principles of behavior modification and self-control (n = 36), and a group discussion technique, involving discussion of study habits and problems (n = 41), led to improvements in GPAs compared with a no-treatment control group (n = 36) for low-achieving junior high school students. Ss in both treatment groups reported improvement in their academic abilities relative to those of other junior high school students after the program. More than those in the group discussion condition, those in the self-management group also reported that they were more likely to have a specific time and place to study and that the program had increased their efficiency and time spent studying. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Towards modeling embodied conversational agent character profiles using appraisal theory predictions in expression synthesis

Appraisal theories in psychology study facial expressions in order to deduct information regarding the underlying emotion elicitation processes. Scherer’s component process model provides predictions regarding particular face muscle deformations that are attributed as reactions to the cognitive appraisal stimuli in the study of emotion episodes. In the current work, MPEG-4 facial animation parameters are used in order to evaluate these theoretical predictions for intermediate and final expressions of a given emotion episode. We manipulate parameters such as intensity and temporal evolution of synthesized facial expressions. In emotion episodes originating from identical stimuli, by varying the cognitive appraisals of the stimuli and mapping them to different expression intensities and timings, various behavioral patterns can be generated and thus different agent character profiles can be defined. The results of the synthesis process are consequently applied to Embodied Conversational Agents (ECAs), aiming to render their interaction with humans, or other ECAs, more affective.     

MPEG-4 facial expression synthesis

The current work will describe an approach to synthesize expressions, including intermediate ones, via the tools provided in the MPEG-4 standard based on real measurements and on universally accepted assumptions of their meaning, taking into account results of Whissel’s study. Additionally, MPEG-4 facial animation parameters are used in order to evaluate theoretical predictions for intermediate expressions of a given emotion episode, based on Scherer’s appraisal theory. MPEG-4 FAPs and action units are combined in modeling the effects of appraisal checks on facial expressions and temporal evolution issues of facial expressions are investigated. The results of the synthesizing process can then be applied to Embodied Conversational Agents (ECAs), rendering their interaction with humans, or other ECAs, more affective.