Sensitivity analysis in conjunction with evidence theory representations of epistemic uncertainty

Three applications of sampling-based sensitivity analysis in conjunction with evidence theory representations for epistemic uncertainty in model inputs are described: (i) an initial exploratory analysis to assess model behavior and provide insights for additional analysis; (ii) a stepwise analysis showing the incremental effects of uncertain variables on complementary cumulative belief functions and complementary cumulative plausibility functions; and (iii) a summary analysis showing a spectrum of variance-based sensitivity analysis results that derive from probability spaces that are consistent with the evidence space under consideration.     

Construction Robot Path-Planning for Earthwork Operations

In developing an intelligent mobile construction robot, a navigation system that can provide an effective and efficient path-planning algorithm is a very important element. The purpose of a path-planning method for a mobile construction robot is to find a continuous collision-free path from the initial position of the construction robot to its target position. This paper presents an improved Bug-based algorithm, called SensBug, which can produce an effective path in an unknown environment with both stationary and movable obstacles. The contributions, which make it possible to generate an effective and short path, are an improved method to select local directions, a reverse mode, and a simple leaving condition. Some emerging technologies that can be used for implementing an intelligent construction robot are introduced in this paper.     

From the Editors.

We could not imagine a more appropriate inauguration of the Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts (PACA) going to four issues per year than with a special issue honoring the life and work of the great aesthetician and psychologist, Rudolf Arnheim. PACA is off to a great start. With this move to four issues per year, we are restarting our numbering system, so this special issue is Volume 1, Issue 1. As you read the articles in this issue, we hope that you enjoy reflecting on how much Rudolf Arnheim has contributed to the field of psychology of aesthetics. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Youth gambling behaviors: An examination of the role of resilience.

The study of resilient children has overturned many deficit-focused models concerning the ontogenesis of children raised in adversity. This study explored the relationship between risk and protective factors, resilience, and youth gambling behavior. More specifically, this study examined the relative contribution of various risk and protective domains in relation to problem gambling behavior and examined whether youth identified as resilient (high risk exposure- high internalized protection) were as likely as those identified as vulnerable (high risk exposure-low internalized protection) to engage in excessive gambling behavior. The sample consisted of 1,273 students ages 12 to 19. The findings demonstrated that risk and protective factors each provide a unique contribution to the prediction model of gambling problems. Resilient and vulnerable youth differed significantly in their self-reported gambling severity. As well, resilient youth were not statistically distinguishable from low-risk exposure groups in terms of their gambling severity. Findings are interpreted with respect to resilience and prevention research. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The Moral Dimensions of Globalization.

Responds to the comments by L. T. Hoshmand (see record 2003-08988-012) and J. Aros (see record 2003-08988-013) on the article by J. Arnett (see record 2002-18352-003) regarding the psychology of globalization. In this response, Arnett discusses the moral implications of globalization. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The effects of attrition on baseline comparability in randomized experiments in education: A meta-analysis.

Using meta-analysis, randomized experiments in education that either clearly did or clearly did not experience student attrition were examined for the baseline comparability of groups. Results from 35 studies suggested that after attrition, the observed measures of baseline comparability of groups did not differ more than would be expected given sampling error. The degree of either overall or differential attrition did not relate to baseline comparability, a finding that held under sensitivity analyses. Also, both overall and differential attrition rates were unrelated to posttest effect sizes. All of these analyses, however, lacked sufficient statistical power to detect small but potentially meaningful effects. Results suggest caution is warranted when applying quality scales and other blanket rules pertaining to attrition that are meant to either serve as inclusion-exclusion criteria or in scoring study quality. Much greater attention is needed to both the reporting of attrition in primary studies and to the development of conceptual and empirical models of the attrition process. These developments would aid further investigation of the relation between attrition and study outcomes. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Electrostatic Droplet Growth in a Neutrally Buoyant Emulsion

Droplet growth is examined in a water-in-oil type emulsion where the droplets are subjected exclusively to viscous and dielectrophoretic forces. The latter are produced by the interaction of the droplets with an otherwise uniformly imposed electric field. Theoretical considerations are presented as a basis for understanding and interpreting the experiments. An emulsion consisting of deionized water droplets in a silicone oil of specific gravity I is subjected to a uniform 60 Hz, ac electrostatic field. Initially, the droplets are fairly monodisperse with mean diameters of approximately 25 , sm. The changes in droplet size distributions with time are examined with a laser diffraction system for water volume fractions ranging from 0.001 to 0.1 and applied fields ranging from 52 to 520 kVm-1. The average droplet size increases exponentially with time; we examine the exponent's dependence on average field strength and droplet volume fraction.     

Towards real CAD

Present-day computer-aided design (CAD) packages play only a small part in the area of mechanical engineering design, which involves the synthesis and embodiment of physical components to perform a pre-determined function without unwanted side effects. The computer cannot properly help the designer in this task until it is able to capture and process the function requirements of the design. This paper describes the computer system being developed for this purpose at the Engineering Design Centre at Cambridge University Engineering Department. The paper also explores some of the geometrical and programming implications raised.     

Genetic algorithms in engineering electromagnetics

This paper presents a tutorial and overview of genetic algorithms for electromagnetic optimization. Genetic-algorithm (GA) optimizers are robust, stochastic search methods modeled on the concepts of natural selection and evolution. The relationship between traditional optimization techniques and the GA is discussed. Step-by-step implementation aspects of the GA are detailed, through an example with the objective of providing useful guidelines for the potential user. Extensive use is made of sidebars and graphical presentation to facilitate understanding. The tutorial is followed by a discussion of several electromagnetic applications in which the GA has proven useful. The applications discussed include the design of lightweight, broadband microwave absorbers, the reduction of array sidelobes in thinned arrays, the design of shaped-beam antenna arrays, the extraction of natural resonance modes of radar targets from backscattered response data, and the design of broadband patch antennas. Genetic-algorithm optimization is shown to be suitable for optimizing a broad class of problems of interest to the electromagnetic community. A comprehensive list of key references, organized by application category, is also provided