Mechanisms of Categorization in Infancy

This article presents a connectionist model of correlation‐based categorization by 10‐month‐old infants (Younger, 1985). Simple autoencoder networks were exposed to the same stimuli used to test 10‐month‐olds. The familiarization regime was kept as close as possible to that used with the infants. The performance of the model matched that of the infants. Both infants and networks used covariation information (when available) to segregate items into separate categories. The model provides a mechanistic account of category learning within a test session. It demonstrates how categorization arises as the product of an inextricable interaction between the subject (the infant) and the environment (the stimuli). The computational characteristics of both subject and environment must be considered in conjunction to understand the observed behaviors.     

The utilization of infrared imaging for occupational disease study in industrial work

Infrared imaging has been used to visualize superficial temperatures in industrial employers standing and working in an indoor environment at 22°C. Temperature distributions and changes have been recorded digitally and analyzed. Mean skin temperatures determined by this method have been compared with superficial temperatures obtained with a probe thermocouple. During working hours, surface temperatures were higher over extensor muscles than over other structures and their spatial distributions differed dramatically from those observed before working hours. The authors also analyzed the cold water immersion of the hands during work. This paper showed that working generates different thermal effects on human skin that reflect physiological and pathological occupational conditions and can be monitored by infrared imaging.     

Rehabilitation programs for elderly women inpatients with schizophrenia

This study aims to describe rehabilitation and resocialization methods we believe to be appropriate for application to female patients with schizophrenia, in a psychiatric unit with a predominantly older population. We briefly describe the unit and the interventions used as an example of the proposed rehabilitation and resocialization methods applied. The article provides an overview to guide accurate intervention, particularly in inpatient women, in different types of cognitive impairment under the broad category of schizophrenia. Our clinical approach includes a token economy approach, cognitive remediation therapy, and social skills training. The token economy intervention is particularly directed to patients that present with a high mental deterioration and/or debility. Cognitive remediation training is applicable to subjects with both cognitive and social dysfunction, but that do not possess signs of an organic cerebral illness or of substance abuse. Social skills training can be the third step to resocialization, training verbal and nonverbal communication competencies.     

Does municipal ownership affect audit fees?

This study analyses whether municipal ownership affects and determines audit fees. Our model of the determinants of audit fees was tested on data from 249 Swedish municipal and 240 private corporations within the real estate industry, thus extending the study of audit fees to hybrid organizations. The statistical analysis was followed up with interviews of five partners from five different audit firms. The result of the study shows that municipal corporations are paying significantly lower audit fees than equivalent private corporations. This finding is primarily explained by lower perceived business risk and by the fact that municipalities are able to push prices by coordinating procurements of audit services.

     

Asymptotic variances for the multiplicative interaction model

When modelling two-way analysis of variance interactions by a multiplicative term-[Formula] asymptotic variances and covariances are derived for the parameters p, yi and Sj using maximum likelihood theory. The asymptotic framework is defined by a2/K where K is the number of observations per combination of the two factors and a2 the common variance of the eijk values. The results can be applied when K = 1. Two Monte Carlo studies were carried out to check the validity of the formulae for small values of 02/K and to assess their usefulness when replacing the unknown parameters by their estimations. The formulae fit well but the confidence regions produced are too narrow if the interaction term is small. The procedure is illustrated with two examples.     

Statistical inference through AFT model for biotechnical systems

The objective of this paper is to model the phenomenon of degradation-to-failure for assemblies used for lumbar arthrodesis, starting from the analysis of their structure/geometry, the load applied and the kind of failure when several occur. An AFT model is proposed to model the joint effects of the applied load and the structural dimensions of the brand (namely length and diameter of the screw, presence of a connector or not) on the failure time due to a screw failure. The estimations of S–N curves and maximum permissible load (named critical load) values are provided as functions of the structural dimensions of the product. This allows comparisons of devices in terms of key factors determining product behavior and ageing under loading stress.     

Mobile Air Monitoring: Measuring Change in Air Quality in the City of Hamilton, 2005–2010

This paper examines the change in air pollutant concentrations between 2005 and 2010 occurring in the City of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. After analysis of stationary air pollutant concentration data, we analyze mobile air pollutant concentration data. Air pollutants included in the analysis are CO, PM_2.5, SO₂, NO, NO₂, and NO_X. Stationary monitoring indicates a continuous reduction in air pollutant concentrations. Stationary monitors only cover a small spatial extent of Hamilton. Mobile monitoring of air pollutant concentrations, averaged over census tract boundaries, indicates both improvement and decline in air quality. These improvements and declines in air quality are spatially clustered throughout Hamilton. Mobile data indicated significant decline in median pollutant concentration for CO, SO₂, PM_2.5, and NO₂; but significant increase for NO and NO_X. Air quality change in Hamilton is spatially heterogeneous, and is not captured based on the current stationary monitoring network. Coupling of mobile and stationary air pollutant concentration monitoring provides a more accurate spatial assessment of local air quality.     

Attention to Multiple Cues During Spontaneous Object Labeling

It is well established that 2‐year‐olds attribute a novel label to an object’s global shape rather than local features (i.e., parts). Although recent studies have found that younger infants also attend to global rather than local features when given a label, the test stimuli in these experiments confounded parts and shape by varying both or neither. With infants (16‐ and 24‐month‐olds) and adults, this experiment disentangled shape and parts with appropriate test objects. Results showed a clear development of a strategy incorporating multiple cues. Across three age groups, there was an increase in generalizing labels to objects matching the exemplar’s local and global features (parts, base, and shape), and a decrease to objects matching in only one local feature. We discuss these results in terms of a learned flexibility in using multiple cues to predict lexical categories.     

Prisoner Citizen: Carl Upchurch,Labeling Theory,and Symbolic Interactionism

The life of Carl Upchurch offers a personal example of labeling theory and symbolic interactionism in action. According to labeling theory, behaviors are explained by the reactions received from audiences. Three of the audiences that respond to the behavior of an individual are society at large, agents of social control, and significant others. Upchurch demonstrated how deviant behavior became normal and how being labeled deviant made normal behavior difficult. Symbolic interactionism stresses the importance of learning and social interaction and sees people as being proactive rather than reactive, active and not passive. Through his love of books, Upchurch took charge of his life and moved from being a prisoner citizen to an educator.     

Prevention of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in office work: a case study

Twelve recently built office work stations, where jobs imply continued use of information and communication technologies, were analyzed for ergonomic risk factors. Based on a literature review of ergonomic recommendations for computer and general office work, a checklist was devised for assistance in identifying inadequate ergonomic situations, a process that was informed by pain complaints information. RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment) was selected to estimate the risk of MSDs, considering the criteria of applicability and appropriateness to the case studied. This method was applied by an occupational health and safety technician to the most critical job observed in the workplace. Criticality was estimated through observations aided by the systematic use of a checklist tailored to the specific office scenario. Recommendations for change were provided for implementation in all workplaces in the office, in order to improve work conditions, and guide the setup of a MSD prevention training program.