Deontic Interpreted Systems

We investigate an extension of the formalism of interpreted systems by Halpern and colleagues to model the correct behaviour of agents. The semantical model allows for the representation and reasoning about states of correct and incorrect functioning behaviour of the agents, and of the system as a whole. We axiomatise this semantic class by mapping it into a suitable class of Kripke models. The resulting logic, KD45_n ^i-j, is a stronger version of KD, the system often referred to as Standard Deontic Logic. We extend this formal framework to include the standard epistemic notions defined on interpreted systems, and introduce a new doubly-indexed operator representing the knowledge that an agent would have if it operates under the assumption that a group of agents is functioning correctly. We discuss these issues both theoretically and in terms of applications, and present further directions of work.     

Improving Young Male Couples’ Sexual and Relationship Health in the 2GETHER Program: Intervention Techniques,Environments of Care,and Societal Considerations

Young male couples are at high risk for acquiring human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). However, few HIV prevention programs meet the needs of young male couples that express an interest in how to maintain healthy relationships. As such, we developed 2GETHER, a couple-based program that integrates HIV risk reduction and sexual health information into a relationship education program specific to young male couples. 2GETHER was guided by cognitive-behavioral theories of HIV risk reduction and relationship functioning and was informed by a social–ecological perspective to address factors within and outside the couple that can impact sexual and relationship health. As a micro-level intervention, 2GETHER intervenes directly with couples via psychoeducation and cognitive-behavioral strategies to change couples’ communication patterns, sexual health behaviors, and relationship satisfaction. Successful implementation of 2GETHER requires mezzo-level interventions that create an affirming environment of care for sexual minority individuals and facilitators who are culturally competent in working with young male couples. Although macro-level interventions to change societal acceptance of and policies germane to sexual minority couples are beyond the scope of 2GETHER, we discuss how clinicians can advocate for systemic changes to improve sexual minority couples’ health, and how 2GETHER addresses the impact of such macro-level factors on the couple’s relationship. Our experience developing and testing 2GETHER indicates that HIV prevention programs for young male couples should reflect the unique contexts shaping sexual minority individuals’ relationships and lives, and that programs should intervene within and across multiple levels when possible to improve health for sexual minority men.     

Special issue on problem-solving,creativity and spatial reasoning

Problem-solving, creativity and spatial reasoning are high level abilities of cognitive systems with high potential for synergies. However, they have been treated separately by different fields. This special issue presents research work on these topics, aiming to observe their interrelations in order to create theoretical approaches, methodologies and computational tools to advance work on creativity and spatial problem-solving in cognitive systems.     

Research on intelligent cognitive function enhancement of intelligent robot based on ant colony algorithm

In this paper, ant colony algorithm is studied to improve the visual cognitive function of intelligent robots. Based on the detailed understanding of the research status in this field at home and abroad, and learning from cognitive science and neurobiology research results, a solution is proposed from the perspective of ant colony algorithm based on human brain structure and function. By simulating the process of autonomous learning controlled by human long-term memory and its working memory, a visual strangeness-driven growth long-term memory autonomous learning algorithm is proposed. This method takes incremental self-organizing network as long-term memory structure, and combines with visual strangeness internal motivation Q learning method in working memory. The visual knowledge acquired by self-learning is accumulated into long-term memory continuously, thus realizing the ability of self-learning, memory and intelligence development similar to human beings. The experimental results show that the robot can learn visual knowledge independently, store and update knowledge incrementally, and improve its intelligence development, classification and recognition ability compared with the method without long-term memory. At the same time, the generalization ability and knowledge expansion ability are also improved.     

Applying Research Domain Criteria to the study of emotion dysregulation in infancy and early childhood

Emotion regulation is a principal task of early development. The failure to develop effective emotion regulation skills is associated with behavioural, academic, psychological and socioemotional difficulties. Although researchers have studied emotion regulation for decades, work on emotion dysregulation—defined as the inability to maintain emotional control, engage with the environment or recover from distress in a developmentally appropriate manner—is rare and there are discrepancies in its conceptualisation among very young samples. While some scientists refer to emotion dysregulation as if it were a discrete concept, it may be more accurately depicted as a multidimensional system of developmental processes. The National Institute of Mental Health's Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) is a framework that allows researchers to track dysfunction across multiple areas of analysis and may be an ideal system for exploring the multidimensional nature of infant emotion dysregulation. In this paper, we draw on empirical studies to describe how the RDoC framework can be used to support studies of emotion dysregulation in infancy. This proposed model can also serve as a roadmap for future researchers to follow to generate the evidence base for a multidimensional conceptualisation of infant emotion dysregulation and its underlying mechanisms.     

Cross-generational acceptance of and interest in advanced vehicle technologies: A nationwide survey

The number of older drivers on the roadways is increasing; at the same time, technology in the automotive environment is rapidly evolving. To investigate the potential impact of these converging changes, this study used a cross-generational approach to compare driver attitudes toward advanced automotive technologies. Approximately 1000 drivers between the ages of 18 and 85 located across the United States responded to a survey about their opinions regarding general technology, advanced in-vehicle technology, and near-horizon connected vehicle systems. Participant responses were categorized using a generational construct, sorting responses not only by age but by shared life experiences (e.g. economic circumstances, involvement in wartime activities, cultural movements, etc.). The oldest generation (the “Silent” generation) exhibited the least interest in and comfort with advanced technology, although they owned and used advanced in-vehicle technology at approximately the same rates as the two middle generations. The youngest generation (the “Millennial” generation) was most likely to be interested in and comfortable with technology, but was least likely to own vehicles with advanced technology. All participants expressed interest in safety-related connected vehicle systems, but less so in infotainment applications. Reservations regarding data security and system cost were shared across generations. These findings are framed in the context of an aging population with unique driving and vehicle needs, and provide information that may assist both with vehicle technology design aspects and the proposed large-scale implementation of connected vehicle systems, including considerations for seniors and emphasis on safety systems and data security.     

The older,the wider: On-field tactical behavior of elite-standard youth soccer players in small-sided games

PurposeYoung soccer players need excellent tactical skills to reach the top. Tactical behavior emerges through interactions between opposing teams. However, few studies have focused on on-field tactical behavior of teams with talented soccer players. Therefore, this study aimed to determine teams’ tactical behavior during small-sided games in two age categories, Under-17 and Under-19.MethodsPositional data of thirty-nine elite-standard soccer players were collected during twenty-four small-sided games to calculate longitudinal and lateral inter-team distances, stretch indices and length per width ratios. Corresponding interaction patterns and game-to-game variability were also determined.ResultsUnder-19 showed a significantly larger lateral stretch index and a significantly lower length per width ratio compared with Under-17. Furthermore, teams of both age groups showed similar large proportions of in-phase behavior. Variability of tactical performance measures within and between games was similar for Under-17 and Under-19.ConclusionsVariability within games seems to be functional for attacking teams for creating goal-scoring opportunities. In conclusion, the main difference was that Under-19 adopted a wider pitch dispersion than Under-17, represented by a larger lateral stretch index and smaller length per width ratio. Coach instructions and training exercises should be directed at exploiting pitch width to increase the pursuit of goal-scoring.     

The paradox between the numerically competent baby and the slow learning of two- to four-year-old children / La paradoja entre el bebé numéricamente competente y el lento aprendizaje de los niños de dos a cuatro años de edad

Abstract

Since the 1980s, numerous laboratory investigations have been arguing that infants are numerically competent. This work presents a critical review of this line of research. We propose that despite the repertoire of numerical abilities attributed to infants and the seemingly natural character of the very first numbers in the numerical series, the semiotic complexity of their use and comprehension poses a cognitive challenge that children undertake, motivated, supported and often guided by others. This challenge involves a high degree of semiotic organization of the material world as well as an ability to manage early sign systems, systems which children learn how to use during their first years of life and which form the platform on which numbers are based.     

Dislocation formation in the partially coherent interfaces of an embedded layer in a semi-infinite matrix

The formation of two misfit edge dislocations is theoretically investigated in the interfaces of a layer embedded in a semi-infinite matrix. Assuming the matrix–layer interfaces are partially coherent, the energy variation resulting from the formation of the dislocations from the lateral free surface of the structure has been determined in the shearing stress field due to the partial misfit. The mechanical stability of the structure is analysed with respect to the dislocation formation as a function of the size of the coherent region of the interface and the misfit strain.