scholarly journals Computational neural mechanisms of goal-directed planning and problem solving

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noah Zarr ◽  
Joshua W. Brown
Keyword(s):  
Performance Monitoring ◽  
Neural Mechanisms ◽  
Dijkstra Algorithm ◽  
Goal State ◽  
Model Free ◽  
Reward Value ◽  
The World ◽  
The Difference ◽  
And Performance

AbstractThe question of how animals and humans can solve arbitrary problems and achieve arbitrary goals remains open. Model-based and model-free reinforcement learning methods have addressed these problems, but they generally lack the ability to flexibly reassign reward value to various states as the reward structure of the environment changes. Research on cognitive control has generally focused on inhibition, rule-guided behavior, and performance monitoring, with relatively less focus on goal representations. From the engineering literature, control theory suggests a solution in that an animal can be seen as trying to minimize the difference between the actual and desired states of the world, and the Dijkstra algorithm further suggests a conceptual framework for moving a system toward a goal state. He we present a purely localist neural network model that can autonomously learn the structure of an environment and then achieve any arbitrary goal state in a changing environment without re-learning reward values. The model clarifies a number of issues inherent in biological constraints on such a system, including the essential role of oscillations in learning and performance. We demonstrate that the model can efficiently learn to solve arbitrary problems, including for example the Tower of Hanoi problem.

Speculative Realism and Science Fiction

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Willems
Keyword(s):  
Science Fiction ◽  
Identity Formation ◽  
Cormac Mccarthy ◽  
Doris Lessing ◽  
Speculative Realism ◽  
Neil Gaiman ◽  
The World ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Quentin Meillassoux

A human-centred approach to the environment is leading to ecological collapse. One of the ways that speculative realism challenges anthropomorphism is by taking non-human things to be as valid objects of investivation as humans, allowing a more responsible and truthful view of the world to take place. Brian Willems uses a range of science fiction literature that questions anthropomorphism both to develop and challenge this philosophical position. He looks at how nonsense and sense exist together in science fiction, the way in which language is not a guarantee of personhood, the role of vision in relation to identity formation, the difference between metamorphosis and modulation, representations of non-human deaths and the function of plasticity within the Anthropocene. Willems considers the works of Cormac McCarthy, Paolo Bacigalupi, Neil Gaiman, China Miéville, Doris Lessing and Kim Stanley Robinson are considered alongside some of the main figures of speculative materialism including Graham Harman, Quentin Meillassoux and Jane Bennett.

scholarly journals What Difference Does Posthumanism Make?

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Rachel J. Crellin ◽  
Oliver J.T. Harris
Keyword(s):  
Productive Force ◽  
The World ◽  
The Status ◽  
The Difference ◽  
The Relationship

In this paper we argue that to understand the difference Posthumanism makes to the relationship between archaeology, agency and ontology, several misconceptions need to be corrected. First, we emphasize that Posthumanism is multiple, with different elements, meaning any critique needs to be carefully targeted. The approach we advocate is a specifically Deleuzian and explicitly feminist approach to Posthumanism. Second, we examine the status of agency within Posthumanism and suggest that we may be better off thinking about affect. Third, we explore how the approach we advocate treats difference in new ways, not as a question of lack, or as difference ‘from’, but rather as a productive force in the world. Finally, we explore how Posthumanism allows us to re-position the role of the human in archaeology,

scholarly journals Assessing the impact of libraries – the role of ISO 16439

2018 ◽  
Vol 119 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 87-93 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire Creaser
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
International Standards ◽  
Content Type ◽  
International Standard ◽  
The World ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Library Impact ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Library impact and how to evaluate it has been debated for a number of years. While the activity – the busy-ness – of the library is now routinely measured and described, the difference the library makes is less tangible and harder to measure. Libraries in all sectors and worldwide are grappling with this issue, and the purpose of this paper is to summarise international standards available to support them. Design/methodology/approach The first international standard concerning library impact, ISO 16439 Information and documentation – methods and procedures for assessing the impact of libraries, was published in 2014 after several years in development. Findings The standard describes a range of methods for assessing library impact which have been used across the world in a variety of libraries in all sectors. Originality/value This paper summarises the key methods described in the standard, and gives references for further reading.

scholarly journals The Relationship between Dramatic Text and Performance with the Centrality of the Body with a Look at Anne Bogart’s Rendition of The Persians

1970 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 25-31
Author(s):  
Samin Gheitasy ◽  
Leila Montazeri ◽  
Simin Dolatkhah
Keyword(s):  
The Body ◽  
Physical Approach ◽  
The World ◽  
Dramatic Text ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Anne Bogart ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Sociological View

The dramatic text defines, to some extent, the structure of the work but the type of performance and the physical approach to the text can represent different meanings. The body of the actor, as a means of conveying concepts from the text to the audience, can be effective in creating different interpretations and meanings of the text. Since eons ago, directors have used the body of the actor with different approaches, and the application of body on the stage has always been underdoing changes. Anne Bogart is one of the few directors who is less known in the Iranian theater despite possessing the most updated and well-known methods of practice and performance in the world. Using her viewpoint method, she brings live and dynamic bodies to the stage; bodies that are able to convey the hidden meanings of the text to the audience in the most suitable way. The overall purpose of this research is to find the relationship between the dramatic text and the performance with the centrality of the body with a sociological view toward the body. To this end, by presenting Foucault's theories, the researchers defines the role of the body in the society and its extent of effectivity and impressibility. Finally, this study explores the implications of this role in each element of Aeschylus’s The Persians, and it shall show how Bogart beautifully represents them using the bodies of her actors during performance.

scholarly journals Specialization and Performance: Evidence from NCAA 4 × 400 m Relay Times

Economies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 96
Author(s):  
Candon Johnson ◽  
Robert Schultz ◽  
Joshua C. Hall
Keyword(s):  
Performance Measure ◽  
Division I ◽  
Division Iii ◽  
Overall Performance ◽  
The Difference ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Using Data ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Better Than

This paper investigates the impact of having open 400 meter (400 m) runners on NCAA relay teams. Using data from 2012–2016 containing the top 100 4 × 400 m in each NCAA Division relay times for each year, it is found that more 400 m specialists lead to an increase in the overall performance of the team, measured by a decrease in relay times. The effect is examined across Division I–III NCAA track teams. The results are consistent across each division. We view this as a test of the role of specialization on performance. Using runners who specialize in 400 m races should increase overall team performance as long as specialization does not lead to an inefficient allocation of team human capital. An additional performance measure is used examining the difference between projected and actual relay times. Divisions I and II are found to perform better than projected with an increase in 400 m runners, but there is no effect found in Division III.

Gender makes the difference: the moderating role of gender on the relationship between management structure and performance in banking

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nikola Stefanovic ◽  
Lidija Barjaktarovic
Keyword(s):  
Gender Diversity ◽  
Threshold Level ◽  
Bank Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Executive Authority ◽  
The Difference ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Executive Boards

Purpose This study aims to explore the factors moderating possibly indirect relationships between gender diversity and its effect on bank performance. The causality of this relationship remains unclear. Design/methodology/approach The sample consists of all banks (n = 27) operating in Serbia. Findings The gender diversity-performance relationship is indirect. The gender diversity of executive boards positively impacts bank performance, over a threshold level. This is observed only in banks where gender diversity is extended to more than one level of executive authority. Research limitations/implications Gender diversity should be fostered, particularly in small and competitive markets. The gender diversity-performance link is based on gender-related social interactions, which are interdependent and should not be taken into account as isolated factors. Originality/value To the knowledge, this is the first study to provide insight into indirect, gender related, moderatory interactions effecting gender diversity – performance link, in banking.

scholarly journals The Free Improvisation Game: Performing John Zorn’s Cobra

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dylan Van der Schyff
Keyword(s):  
Music Education ◽  
Wide Spread ◽  
Relevant Research ◽  
Music Psychology ◽  
Free Improvisation ◽  
Person Perspective ◽  
The World ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Musical Communication

The use of improvisation is wide spread in musical practice around the world. Nevertheless, Western academic circles tend to ignore this ubiquitous activity and have maintained a focus on composition and interpretation. This is beginning to change, however, and the role of improvisation in performance and music education is receiving an increasing amount of attention. This paper contributes to this project by examining the practice of ‘free improvisation’ in a large ensemble context. A rehearsal and performance of John Zorn’s Cobra––a ‘game’ piece for improvisers––is analyzed from a first-person perspective; relevant research in music psychology is considered; and suggestions are made with regard to how we may better understand the nature of musical communication in improvised contexts. Pedagogical applications are also considered.

scholarly journals The Role of Anxiety in Learning and Performing English in the Cadet College Classes: Bangladesh Perspective

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 111
Author(s):  
Zakeya Sultana
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
College Students ◽  
English Language Learners ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
English Language ◽  
The World ◽  
And Performance ◽  
College Classes ◽  
The Impact

Feeling of anxiety is exceedingly experienced by the English language learners throughout the world. Though the impact of anxiety on learning and performing in English has been widely studied in United States, Canada, Japan, Taiwan and many other countries; this present study, in contrast, tries to find out the reasons of anxiety in learning and performing English in the classes among the Bangladeshi cadet college students. Data has been collected through questionnaire from 30 participants from different cadet colleges in Bangladesh. Finally 10 students (one third of the total participants) were interviewed to get supportive data on their responses. An analysis of their responses indicate that preoccupied fear, peers’ parents’ and teachers’ reactions (sometimes)hold the participants back to flourish and express themselves properly. The responses of the participants quite clearly show that peers’, parents’ as well as preceptors’ amiable attitude towards the learners can pave the way for anxiety free learning and performance. So the findings can clearly facilitate both the students and the teachers in this respect.

scholarly journals Experiencing Life, Exploring Content, Broadening Forms: An Empirical Research on the Art Education of Life in Rural Kindergartens

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (S1) ◽  
pp. 14
Author(s):  
Tao Dan
Keyword(s):  
Perceptual Experience ◽  
Teaching Method ◽  
Teaching Skills ◽  
Existing Problems ◽  
Teaching Content ◽  
Art Teaching ◽  
The World ◽  
Art Activities ◽  
And Performance

According to Xingzhi Tao, education should focus on life, life determines education, and then education remakes life, the role of education can only be played through life. Art comes from life, it is the way that children experience the world perceptually and also the other language to express their understanding of the world. However, with the development of Arts education, existing problems are gradually revealed. Based on the analysis of current Arts activities, the research was carried out on the following issues that children don’t have the effective experience before Art activities; the content of Art activities doesn’t conform to the children’s experience and life in the teaching process; the teaching form and materials are single and children lack interest problems, etc. By observing and experiencing life, the children can accumulate perceptual experience. By following the children’s experiences and life, we can explore the teaching content. By broadening the forms and materials of art activities, the children are glad to perform, which will improve children’s life observation and aesthetic ability, stimulate children’s creative interest being willing to create and performance, improve the ability of teachers’ observation, curriculum producing and teaching skills and it also explores the use of art teaching method and life-oriented materials in rural kindergartens.

scholarly journals The Role of Evaluation in Spending Review

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marc Robinson
Keyword(s):  
Performance Indicators ◽  
Global Financial Crisis ◽  
Information Base ◽  
The World ◽  
Fiscal Space ◽  
Design Selection ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Global Financial Crisis

Abstract The role of spending review is to identify savings options which enable governments either to find fiscal space for priority new spending, or to cut aggregate spending. Following the surge in the use of spending review by governments around the world following the global financial crisis in 2008, many governments are now seeking to institutionalize spending review as a permanent part of the budget preparation process. The effectiveness of spending review is critically dependent upon the quality of its information base – that is the expenditure analysis and performance indicators which can assist in the search for savings options. Evaluation is an essential part of this information base. However, ensuring that the potential of evaluation to inform spending review is realized will require considerable reflection on the design, selection and conduct of evaluations. Résumé:L’objectif des exercices de révision budgétaire est d’identifier des moyens d’économiser afin que les gouvernements puissent trouver une disponibilité fiscale pour de nouvelles dépenses, ou pour couper les dépenses globales. Suite à l’intérêt pour les exercices de révision budgétaire, au niveau mondial, suivant à la crise financière de 2008, de nombreux gouvernements cherchent à institutionnaliser de façon permanente ces exercice dans le processus de préparation des budgets. L’efficacité des révisions budgétaire repose de façon critique sur la qualité de l’information à laquelle elle a accès – c’est-à-dire l’analyse des dépenses et les indicateurs de performance qui peuvent informer sur les sources potentielles d’économie. L’évaluation est une composante importante de cette information. Toutefois, s’assurer que l’évaluation puissent informer les exercices de révision budgétaire implique une réflexion importante sur la façon dont elles sont conçues, orientées et réalisées. 

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