An Architecture to Support Large Numbers of Computer-Generated Actors for Distributed Virtual Environments

1998 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. 588-616 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin R. Stytz ◽  
Sheila B. Banks ◽  
Larry J. Hutson ◽  
Eugene Santos
Keyword(s):  
System Architecture ◽  
Design Decision ◽  
Training Experience ◽  
Distributed Virtual Environments ◽  
Decision Mechanism ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
System Requirements ◽  
Architecture And Design ◽  
Architecture Component

A variety of challenges exist in the design of systems that can be used to host a wide variety of computer-generated actors (CGAs) that possess believable behaviors. The challenges arise in the areas of system architecture and design, knowledge-base design, decision-making mechanisms, and the distributed virtual environment (DVE) network interface. These challenges are especially significant if the DVE is to be used for training, because accurate training is essential to the ready application of training experience to real-world situations. The project described in this paper was undertaken to improve the quality of threat CGAs in DVEs utilized for aircrew training. In this paper, we describe the system and the reasons for its genesis. We present the system requirements, system architecture, component-wise decomposition of the system design, and structure of the major components of the decision mechanism. We conclude with a summary of our results to date and recommendations for further research.

Scoundrels or Stars? Theory and Evidence on the Quality of Workers in Online Labor Markets

2016 ◽  
Vol 92 (1) ◽  
pp. 93-114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne M. Farrell ◽  
Jonathan H. Grenier ◽  
Justin Leiby
Keyword(s):  
Labor Markets ◽  
Data Availability ◽  
Accounting Research ◽  
Research Participants ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Research Designs ◽  
Online Labor Markets ◽  
Online Labor ◽  
Low Pay

ABSTRACT Online labor markets allow rapid recruitment of large numbers of workers for very low pay. Although online workers are often used as research participants, there is little evidence that they are motivated to make costly choices to forgo wealth or leisure that are often central to addressing accounting research questions. Thus, we investigate the validity of using online workers as a proxy for non-experts when accounting research designs use more demanding tasks than these workers typically complete. Three experiments examine the costly choices of online workers relative to student research participants. We find that online workers are at least as willing as students to make costly choices, even at significantly lower wages. We also find that online workers are sensitive to performance-based wages, which are just as effective in inducing high effort as high fixed wages. We discuss implications of our results for conducting accounting research with online workers. Data Availability: Contact the authors.

Animal Models and Alternatives in the Quality Control of Vaccines: Are In Vitro Methods or In Vivo Methods the Scientific Equivalent of the Emperor's New Clothes?

1995 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-73
Author(s):  
Coenraad Hendriksen ◽  
Johan van der Gun
Keyword(s):  
Quality Control ◽  
Test Methods ◽  
In Vitro Test ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Alternative Approach ◽  
Inactivated Vaccines ◽  
Vitro Test

In the quality control of vaccine batches, the potency testing of inactivated vaccines is one of the areas requiring very large numbers of animals, which usually suffer significant distress as a result of the experimental procedures employed. This article deals with the potency testing of diphtheria and tetanus toxoids, two vaccines which are used extensively throughout the world. The relevance of the potency test prescribed by the European Pharmacopoeia monographs is questioned. The validity of the potency test as a model for the human response, the ability of the test to be standardised, and the relevance of the test in relation to the quality of the product are discussed. It is concluded that the potency test has only limited predictive value for the antitoxin responses to be expected in recipients of these toxoids. An alternative approach for estimating the potency of toxoid batches is discussed, in which a distinction is made between estimation of the immunogenic potency of the first few batches obtained from a seed lot and monitoring the consistency of the quality of subsequent batches. The use of animals is limited to the first few batches. Monitoring the consistency of the quality of subsequent batches is based on in vitro test methods. Factors which hamper the introduction and acceptance of the alternative approach are considered. Finally, proposals are made for replacement, reduction and/or refinement (the Three Rs) in the use of animals in the routine potency testing of toxoids.

scholarly journals SAFARI optical system architecture and design concept

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carmen Pastor ◽  
Willem Jellema ◽  
Pablo Zuluaga-Ramírez ◽  
David Arrazola ◽  
M. Fernández-Rodriguez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Optical System ◽  
System Architecture ◽  
Design Concept ◽  
Architecture And Design

The Role of Nonmonotonic Representations in Requirements Engineering

1998 ◽  
Vol 08 (03) ◽  
pp. 385-399 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grigoris Antoniou
Keyword(s):  
Software Engineering ◽  
Knowledge Representation ◽  
Requirements Engineering ◽  
Nonmonotonic Reasoning ◽  
Default Reasoning ◽  
Requirements Prioritization ◽  
Evolving System ◽  
System Requirements

This paper discusses the significance of nonmonotonic reasoning, a method from the knowledge representation area, to mainstream software engineering. In particular, we discuss why the use of defaults in specifications is an adequate way of addressing some of the most important problems in requirements engineering, such as: The problem of identifying and dealing with inconsistencies; evolving system requirements; requirements prioritization; and the quality of specifications with respect to naturalness and compactness. We argue that these problems need to be addressed in a principled, formal way, and that default reasoning provides adequate mechanisms to deal with them.

scholarly journals Facial Composite System Using Genetic Algorithm

2014 ◽  
Vol 22 (341) ◽  
pp. 47-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbora Zahradníková ◽  
Soňa Duchovičová ◽  
Peter Schreiber
Keyword(s):  
Processing Time ◽  
Composite System ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Face Identification ◽  
Time System ◽  
Research Orientation ◽  
System Requirements ◽  
Composites Processing ◽  
Facial Composite

Abstract The article deals with genetic algorithms and their application in face identification. The purpose of the research is to develop a free and open-source facial composite system using evolutionary algorithms, primarily processes of selection and breeding. The initial testing proved higher quality of the final composites and massive reduction in the composites processing time. System requirements were specified and future research orientation was proposed in order to improve the results.

scholarly journals Can Doctors Still Have a Voice in Healthcare?

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 14
Author(s):  
Howard Stuart ◽  
Nilay Ozen ◽  
Vivian Petropoulos
Keyword(s):  
Sense Of Community ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Community Hospital ◽  
Healthcare Delivery ◽  
Management Decision ◽  
Healthcare Network ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Management Decision Making ◽  
Independent Organization

In the fall of 2014 the Quebec Health Ministry announced plans for a broad restructuring of the entire Healthcare network, implemented shortly thereafter in 2015. The effect on institutions was dramatic and immediate. Local  management was eradicated, concentrating and centralizing control of the entire system ultimately into the office of the Minister. With the abrupt reorganization of services came relocation of large numbers of personnel. Management at a distance became the norm. In many institutions, the commonly held view among physicians with regard to relations with management can be summarized as, “Suddenly there was no one to talk to.”Confusion and tension were prevalent and palpable. In this context, in attempt to have a voice, a group of physicians at one community hospital formed an independent organization. It developed into an influential body which continues to remain active. This workshop will use the experiences and reflections of physicians from that organization as a basis to explore questions such as: -Is there a difference between Health Services and Health Care? Do we care? -Does worker engagement matter in Healthcare delivery? Or are good systems and modern equipment all we really need? -Does sense of community matter within a healthcare institution? If so why?If it matters, is it just for the benefit of those working for the organization? Or is there a benefit for the users too? -What is the basis for sense of community? Where does it come from? Can it be destroyed? Can it be developed? -Is there an importance to the quality of relationships between people working within Healthcare? Do these relationships have impact on quality of care? -Should the perspective of those working in the system be incorporated input Management decision making? If so how? -What can physicians, nurses and other allied Healthcare professionals do in order to have a voice? 

scholarly journals Longevity and reliability of chronic unit recordings using the Utah, intracortical multi-electrode arrays

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caleb Scheffer Sponheim ◽  
Vasileios Papadourakis ◽  
Jennifer Collinger ◽  
John Downey ◽  
Jeffrey M Weiss ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Signal To Noise Ratio ◽  
Rhesus Macaques ◽  
Human Subjects ◽  
Electrode Arrays ◽  
Computer Interfaces ◽  
Somatosensory Cortices ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Electrode Length ◽  
Human Participants

Abstract Objective. Microelectrode arrays are standard tools for conducting chronic electrophysiological experiments, allowing researchers to simultaneously record from large numbers of neurons. Specifically, Utah electrode arrays (UEAs) have been utilized by scientists in many species, including rodents, rhesus macaques, marmosets, and human participants. The field of clinical human brain-computer interfaces currently relies on the UEA as a number of research groups have FDA clearance for this device through the investigational device exemption pathway. Despite its widespread usage in systems neuroscience, few studies have comprehensively evaluated the reliability and signal quality of the Utah array over long periods of time in a large dataset. Approach. We collected and analyzed over 6000 recorded datasets from various cortical areas spanning almost 9 years of experiments, totaling 17 rhesus macaques (Macaca Mulatta) and 2 human subjects, and 55 separate microelectrode Utah arrays. The scale of this dataset allowed us to evaluate the average life of these arrays, based primarily on the signal-to-noise ratio of each electrode over time. Main Results. Using implants in primary motor, premotor, prefrontal, and somatosensory cortices, we found that the average lifespan of available recordings from UEAs was 622 days, although we provide several examples of these UEAs lasting over 1000 days and one up to 9 years; human implants were also shown to last longer than non-human primate implants. We also found that electrode length did not affect longevity and quality, but iridium oxide metallization on the electrode tip exhibited superior yield as compared to platinum metallization.

Research on OpenGL Based Virtual Simulation Environment for Non-Lethal Weapon System

2014 ◽  
Vol 543-547 ◽  
pp. 3402-3405
Author(s):  
Ling Lu
Keyword(s):  
System Architecture ◽  
Dynamic Geometry ◽  
Simulation System ◽  
Virtual Simulation ◽  
Weapon System ◽  
Simulation Environment ◽  
Geometry Modeling ◽  
Architecture And Design

The design and realization of virtual simulation environment for non-lethal weapon system is presented. Besides the system architecture and design conception, several key problems and our solutions when developing a virtual simulation system, such as OpenGL based on dynamic geometry modeling, scene organization, and interaction are discussed.

Evaluation of Nutritional Assessment Quality and Rate of Referral to A Dietitian in Shariati Hospital, Tehran, Iran: A Clinical Audit

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammadreza Emami ◽  
Meysam Zarezadeh ◽  
Mohammad Sharifzadeh ◽  
Zahra Fazelifarsani ◽  
Masoud Khorshidid
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Assessment ◽  
The Body ◽  
Health Plans ◽  
Appetite Loss ◽  
Nutritional Screening ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Second Phases ◽  
System Requirements ◽  
Two Phases

Background: Malnutrition is an acute or a chronic condition resulting from an imbalance in the intake, both in the form of undernutrition and over nutrition, leading to changes in the composition or reduced function of the body. Bio-social conditions and acute or chronic diseases are the most important factors affecting nutrition. It has been suggested that awareness of the prevalence and severity of malnutrition in hospitalized patients can be used by managers to understand the causes, health care system requirements, and health plans. Methods: Medical records of 483 patients from 11 different wards of Shariati general hospital were assessed to evaluate the quality of nutritional assessment and the rate of referral to nutrition experts by physicians. This study consisted of two phases: evaluation of initial nutritional assessment and assessing the accuracy of malnutrition screening forms completion. Results: Our study showed no initial nutritional assessment for 34% of the patients. Assessment of the accuracy of malnutrition screening showed that there was a considerable error in the reporting of BMI (66%), weight loss (51%), appetite loss (50%), and severity of the patient’s situation (39%). Also, the rate of referral to a nutritionist was 0% and 1% in the first and second phases of the study, respectively. Conclusion: The present study showed that the quality of nutritional screening and subsequent referral to nutrition experts for professional nutritional assessment is negligible in Shariati hospital, Tehran, Iran.

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