Cooperative Transport by Insects and Robots

1999 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric Bonabeau ◽  
Marco Dorigo ◽  
Guy Theraulaz
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Prey Item ◽  
Direct Contact ◽  
Food Item ◽  
Large Prey ◽  
Formal Description ◽  
Trail Laying ◽  
Cooperative Transport ◽  
Robotic Architecture ◽  
Insight Into

Collective robotics is a booming field, and cooperative transport—particularly cooperative box-pushing—has been an important benchmark in testing new types of robotic architecture. Although this task in itself is not especially exciting, it does provide insight into the design of collective problem-solving robotic systems. One of the swarm-based robotic implementations of cooperative transport that seems to work well is one that is closely inspired by cooperative prey retrieval in social insects. Ants of various species are capable of collectively retrieving large prey that are impossible for a single ant to retrieve. Usually, a single ant finds a prey item and tries to move it alone; when successful, the ant moves the item back to the nest. When unsuccessful, the ant recruits nestmates through direct contact or trail laying. If a group of ants is still unable to move the prey item for a certain time, specialized workers with large mandibles may be recruited in some species to cut the prey into smaller pieces. Although this scenario seems to be fairly well understood in the species where it has been studied, the mechanisms underlying cooperative transport—that is, when and how a group of ants move a large prey item to the nest—remain unclear. No formal description of the biological phenomenon has been developed, and, surprisingly, roboticists went further than biologists in trying to model cooperative transport: perhaps the only convincing model so far is one that has been introduced and studied by roboticists [207] and, although this model was not aimed at describing the behavior of real ants, few adjustments would be required to make it biologically plausible. This chapter first describes empirical research on cooperative transport in ants, and then describes the work of Kube and Zhang [205, 206,207, 209]. A small prey or food item is easily carried by a single ant.

Abstracts as orientation tools in a modular electronic environment

2001 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 76-88 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maarten van der Tol
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Electronic Publication ◽  
Source Text ◽  
Electronic Environment ◽  
Problem Solving Process ◽  
Insight Into

In an electronic publication environment, a scienti¼c article can be structured more e¬ectively and e~ciently if it is presented as a coherent collection of well-characterized and explicitly linked modules, rather than as a traditional linear essay. In a linear printed article, the abstract primarily ful¼lls a selection and substitution function. In a network of modular electronic articles, the abstract is primarily an orientation tool providing insight into the ½ow of the discourse. In order to ful¼ll this function, the abstract must provide a balanced representation that explicitly refers, in the informative mode, to the main stages in the problem-solving process. The orientation can be facilitated by hypertext links that connect phrases of the abstract to the related modules, enabling the reader to switch smoothly between the abstract and its source text. Each link has to carry a label that informs the reader about the speci¼c relationship between the phrase at hand and the module referred to.

scholarly journals The Value of Abstraction

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark K Ho ◽  
David Abel ◽  
Tom Griffiths ◽  
Michael L. Littman
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Scaling Up ◽  
Limited Resources ◽  
Abstract Representations ◽  
Learning Research ◽  
Crucial Ingredient ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Shed Light

Agents that can make better use of computation, experience, time, and memory can solve a greater range of problems more effectively. A crucial ingredient for managing such finite resources is intelligently chosen abstract representations. But, how do abstractions facilitate problem solving under limited resources? What makes an abstraction useful? To answer such questions, we review several trends in recent reinforcement-learning research that provide insight into how abstractions interact with learning and decision making. During learning, abstraction can guide exploration and generalization as well as facilitate efficient tradeoffs---e.g., time spent learning versus the quality of a solution. During computation, good abstractions provide simplified models for computation while also preserving relevant information about decision-theoretic quantities. These features of abstraction are not only key for scaling up artificial problem solving, but can also shed light on what pressures shape the use of abstract representations in humans and other organisms.

scholarly journals Tanggap Siaga Dalam Masa Pandemi Covid-19 Desa Tempursari Kabupaten Magelang

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 135-140
Author(s):  
Paramita Nuraini ◽  
Atri Pratiwi ◽  
Kevin Gusti ◽  
Novina Silvita ◽  
Arinda Fauziah
Keyword(s):  
Influenza Virus ◽  
Direct Contact ◽  
Hand Washing ◽  
Guidance And Counseling ◽  
Infected Person ◽  
Study Program ◽  
Service Activity ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Assistant Lecturer ◽  
Virus Influenza

Abstract:Corona virus is a type of influenza virus or a common virus that causes infection of the nose, sinuses or upper throat. The Covid-19 virus in humans is most commonly transmitted from an infected person to another in a number of ways. This virus can be transmitted easily through the air by coughing and sneezing. However, it can also be through direct contact such as shaking hands, touching objects and so on. Indonesia is one of the countries where the spread of the corona 19 virus is relatively fast. This virus also causes the death of victims, therefore education is needed related to preparedness during the Covid 19 Pandemic. This activity was held in Tempursari village, Magelang Regency for 1 month (June 2020) involving 1 assistant lecturer and 4 students of the Guidance and Counseling study program. Muhammadiyah University of Magelang as a companion for counseling and simulations related to proper hand washing and the use of proper masks. This service activity is expected for the community to have insight into the dangers of Covid 19 and have skills related to proper hand washing procedures and the use of proper masks so that they can reduce the spread of Covid 19, especially in Magelang district.Keywords: alert response; covid pandemic 19; wash hands  Abstrak:Virus Corona merupakan sejenis virus influenza atau virus umum yang menyebabkan infeksi pada hidung, sinus atau tenggorokan bagian atas.Virus Covid-19 pada manusia paling umum menular dari orang yang terinfeksi ke orang lain melalui berbagai cara. Virus ini dapat menular dengan mudah melalui udara dengan batuk dan bersin. Namun, bisa juga melalui kontak langsung seperti berjabat tangan, menyentuh benda dan lain sebagainya. Indonesia merupakan salah satu negara yang penyebaran Virus Covid-19 terhitung cepat. Virus ini juga  menyebabkan kematian terhadap korban, karena itu perlu adanya edukasi terkait tanggap siaga dalam masa Pandemi Covid 19. Kegiatan ini dilaksankan di desa Tempursari Kabupaten Magelang selama 1 bulan ( juni 2020) dengan melibatkan 1 dosen pendamping dan  4 mahasiswa program studi Bimbingan dan Konseling Universitas Muhammadiyah Magelang sebagai pendamping penyuluhan dan simulasi terkait cuci tangan yang benar dan penggunaan masker yang tepat. Kegiatan pengabdian ini diharapkan masyarakat memiliki wawasan terkait bahaya covid 19 dan memiliki ketrampilan terkait tata cara cuci tangan yang benar dan penggunaan masker yang tepat sehingga dapat menekan penyebaran Covid-19 khususnya di kabupaten Magelang.Kata kunci: cuci tangan; pandemi covid-19; tanggap siaga

Quantitative analysis of feeding kinematics in dusky salamanders (Desmognathus)

1988 ◽  
Vol 66 (6) ◽  
pp. 1309-1317 ◽  
Author(s):  
John H. Larsen Jr. ◽  
John T. Beneski Jr.
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Analysis ◽  
Prey Item ◽  
Prey Capture ◽  
Large Prey ◽  
Selective Force ◽  
Mandibular Symphysis ◽  
Lower Jaw ◽  
Feeding Kinematics

Gape formation by the dusky salamander (Desmognathus) involves both upper and lower jaws and occurs in a manner similar to that of other terrestrial salamanders. As Desmognathus opens its mouth, ventral rotation of the mandibles is restricted but not stopped by the atlas–mandibular ligaments; the lower jaw is not propelled anteriorly. Tongue protraction, well beyond the mandibular symphysis, is always a major component of prey capture by this genus. After the sticky tongue pad has made contact with the prey, the salamander's head surges forward and the pad is rapidly retracted with the prey item attached. Aided by a unique suite of characters the mouth then snaps shut with considerable force. Our study supports the premise that Desmognathus is no different from most, if not all, terrestrial salamanders in its employment of tongue projection as a major feature in prey capture. We argue that the primary selective force for the unique configuration of desmognathine cephalic structures was enhancement of the ability of these small salamanders to capture relatively large prey without an increase in the size of the head and body.

Eureka! Pythagorean Triples from the Multiplication Table

1983 ◽  
Vol 76 (1) ◽  
pp. 48-51
Author(s):  
Angelo S. Didomenico
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Creative Thinking ◽  
Multiplication Table ◽  
Pythagorean Triples ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Considerable Insight

It is important that teachers of mathematics encourage open, imaginative investigations that give students an opportunity to probe, find patterns and relations, and derive new patterns and relations from others. Activities of this kind foster analytic and creative thinking, and so they involve students in problem solving of the highest order. They also generate enthusiasm. stimulate interest, and can give considerable insight into the nature and the underlying unity and beauty of mathematics.

Promoting Problem Solving across Geometry and Algebra by Using Technology

2005 ◽  
Vol 98 (9) ◽  
pp. 599-603
Author(s):  
A. Kursat Erbas ◽  
Sarah D. Ledford ◽  
Chandra Hawley Orrill ◽  
Drew Polly
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
High School Students ◽  
Problem Solving ◽  
Teacher Support ◽  
Original Problem ◽  
Mathematical Thinking ◽  
School Students ◽  
And Algebra ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Mathematics Problem

Technology is a powerful tool in assisting students in problem solving by allowing for multiple representations. It is particularly effective when students are encouraged to explore a single mathematics problem with multiple technologies. Using technology allows students to be creative in their problem-solving techniques, look at data in a variety of ways, and see the viability of their answers, all of which may lead to a better understanding of mathematics. The vignette offered in this article provides insight into ways to solve open-ended problems by using multiple technologies. Although the series of events described is hypothetical, the original problem is familiar and the authors' collective experiences with such tasks and high school students indicates that the students are able to explore problems in ways that demonstrate and extend their mathematical thinking when they have appropriate teacher support.

scholarly journals Understanding adults’ strong problem-solving skills based on PIAAC

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 537-553 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raija Hämäläinen ◽  
Bram De Wever ◽  
Kari Nissinen ◽  
Sebastiano Cincinnato
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Everyday Life ◽  
Continuous Process ◽  
Vocational Education And Training ◽  
Problem Solving Skills ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Problem Solvers ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Good Problem

Purpose Research has shown that the problem-solving skills of adults with a vocational education and training (VET) background in technology-rich environments (TREs) are often inadequate. However, some adults with a VET background do have sound problem-solving skills. The present study aims to provide insight into the socio-demographic, work-related and everyday life factors that are associated with a strong problem-solving performance. Design/methodology/approach The study builds on large-scale data of the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) and gives insight into VET adults (N = 12,929) with strong problem-solving skills in 11 European countries. Findings This study introduces new knowledge with respect to the socio-demographic, work-related and everyday life background factors that contribute to successful VET adults’ problem-solving skills. The findings of the authors illustrate that a continuous process of development including non-formal and informal activity, as well as learning taking place at work, is associated with strong performance in problem-solving skills in TRE. Research limitations/implications An important implication of this study is that this paper introduces novel knowledge for VET adults’ competences and can be used to support the development of VET adults’ problem-solving skills in TREs. Originality/value The study was conducted to explore new understanding about good problem-solvers in TREs with a VET background. The originality of the study derives from its focus on good problem-solvers in TREs related to a VET background. The findings can be used to create novel ways to enhance the development of VET adults’ problem-solving skills in TREs.

scholarly journals Enhancing Challenge Framing in Defence Organisations: Towards Reflexive Methods

2020 ◽  
Vol 148 (Special Issue 2.) ◽  
pp. 33-49
Author(s):  
Philippe Beaulieu-Brossard ◽  
Philippe Dufort
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
North American ◽  
Design Theory ◽  
Problem Solution ◽  
The North ◽  
Solution Pair ◽  
Mind Set ◽  
Philosophy Of Knowledge ◽  
Insight Into

This article contributes to problem solving, design, and planning in defence organisations by arguing that a ‘problem’ or a ‘challenge’ is never objective, natural or ready-made. Challenges are contingent to the conditions under which individuals perceive and formulate them. As a result, this article understands ‘challenges’ and ‘approaches’ to address them as co-dependent on one another. This article recommends that officers should attempt to generate the most interesting and, we hope, innovative problem-solution pair or challenge-approach pair in order to integrate this insight into practice when problem solving, designing, or planning. Leaders and their teams can learn to inhabit this mind-set by finding inspiration in three modes observed through practice: initial challenge framing, challenge curation and co-evolution. For each of these modes, the article proposes reflexive methods and tools for enhancing introspection in challenge framing and formulation namely the Five Whys, question-storming, and loyal opposition. The article supports these recommendations and methods through insights gleaned from philosophy of knowledge, design theory, and on design experiences with the North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD) in 2019.

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