Digital Commons Network^™

Dialogue Policies For Confusion Mitigation In Situated Hri, Na Li, Robert J. Ross

Articles

Confusion is a mental state triggered by cognitive disequilibrium that can occur in many types of task-oriented interaction, including Human-Robot Interaction (HRI). People may become confused while interacting with robots due to communicative or even task-centred challenges. To build a smooth and engaging HRI, it is insufficient for an agent to simply detect confusion; instead, the system should aim to mitigate the situation. In light of this, in this paper, we present our approach to a linguistic design of dialogue policies to build a dialogue framework to alleviate interlocutor confusion. We also outline our sketch and discuss challenges with respect …

Book Review: Christophe Jaffrelot, 2021. Modi’S India: Hindu Nationalism And The Rise Of Ethnic Democracy. Translated By Cynthia Schoch, Aniket Nandan

Articles

Book review: Christophe Jaffrelot, 2021. Modi’s India: Hindu Nationalism and the Rise of Ethnic Democracy. Translated by Cynthia Schoch

Visual Factors Associated With Physical Activity In Schoolchildren, Síofra Harrington, John Kearney Prof, Veronica O'Dwyer Dr

Articles

Clinical relevance Physical activity is an essential part of childhood physical and mental development. Recent research identified visual problems associated with a sedentary lifestyle in children in Ireland.

Background This study explored the association between visual function in children and their engagement with physical activities outside school.

Methods Participants were 1,626 schoolchildren (728 aged 6–7 years, 898 old 12–13 years) in randomly selected schools in Ireland. Before data collection, parents/legal guardians of participants completed a standardised questionnaire reporting physical activity as no activity (mostly on screens), light activity (occasional walking/cycling), moderate activity (/week engaged in sports), or regular activity ( …

Prevalence And Incidence Of Nonmotor Symptoms In Individuals With And Without Parkinson’S Disease, Mariam Paracha, Konnor Herbst, Karl Kieburtz, Charles S. Venuto

Articles

Background

The prevalence ratio (PR) and incidence rate ratio (IRR) of nonmotor symptoms (NMS) were calculated for early Parkinson's disease (PD) versus non-PD from 2 observational studies.

Methods

NMS were assessed through the self-reported Non-Motor Symptom Questionnaire in the online Fox Insight study and through self- and clinician-rated scales in the Parkinson's Progression Marker Initiative (PPMI) study. Age- and sex-adjusted/matched PR and IRR were estimated for each NMS by PD status using Poisson regression.

Results

Most NMS occurred more frequently in PD. Among 15,194 Fox Insight participants, sexual dysfunction had the largest adjusted PR (12.4 [95% CI, 6.9–22.2]) and dysgeusia/hyposmia …

Validating And Testing An Agent-Based Model For The Spread Of Covid-19 In Ireland, Elizabeth Hunter, John D. Kelleher

Articles

Agent-based models can be used to better understand the impacts of lifting restrictions or implementing interventions during a pandemic. However, agent-based models are computationally expensive, and running a model of a large population can result in a simulation taking too long to run for the model to be a useful analysis tool during a public health crisis. To reduce computing time and power while running a detailed agent-based model for the spread of COVID-19 in the Republic of Ireland, we introduce a scaling factor that equates 1 agent to 100 people in the population. We present the results from model …

Understanding The Assumptions Of An Seir Compartmental Model Using Agentization And A Complexity Hierarchy, Elizabeth Hunter, John D. Kelleher

Articles

Equation-based and agent-based models are popular methods in understanding disease dynamics. Although there are many types of equation-based models, the most common is the SIR compartmental model that assumes homogeneous mixing and populations. One way to understand the effects of these assumptions is by agentization. Equation-based models can be agentized by creating a simple agent-based model that replicates the results of the equationbased model, then by adding complexity to these agentized models it is possible to break the assumptions of homogeneous mixing and populations and test how breaking these assumptions results in different outputs. We report a set of experiments …

The Psychology Of Taxing Capital Income: Evidence From A Survey Experiment On The Realization Rule, Zachary Liscow, Edward G. Fox

Articles

We conduct the first survey experiment to understand public attitudes about the capital gains realization rules. These rules requires that assets usually must be sold before gains on them are taxed and thus makes taxing capital income much harder. We have three main findings. First, respondents strongly prefer to wait to tax gains on stocks until sale: 75% to 25%. But the flip side is that there is surprisingly strong support for taxing gains on assets at sale or transfer, including at death, in areas where current law never taxes those gains. Second, these stated views change only modestly when …

Understanding The Interplay Between Immigrant Nascent Entrepreneurship And Cross-Cultural Adaptation, Lucia Walsh, Thomas M. Cooney

Articles

Purpose

All entrepreneurs face challenges during their venture start-up process, but immigrant entrepreneurs face additional and distinctive challenges due to their contextual newness. This paper focuses on understanding the intertwined journeys of nascent entrepreneurship and cross-cultural adaptation of immigrants in a small Western European country where immigrant entrepreneurship is still a relatively new phenomenon.

Design/methodology/approach

The induction-driven, 18-month longitudinal empirical inquiry focused on six early-stage nascent entrepreneurs. Qualitative methods included participant observation during an enterprise program, qualitative interviews and ongoing informal communication.

Findings

The data uncovered the interplay between the nascent immigrant entrepreneurship and cross-cultural adaptation. This led to the …

A Physical Layer Security (Pls) Approach Through Address Fed Mapping Crest Factor Reduction Applicable For 5g/6g Signals, Somayeh Mohammady, David Malone Prof.

Articles

The privacy and security of 5G/6G infrastructures are receiving great attention together with power consumption and efficiency. Here, Physical Layer Security (PLS) is considered and a technique named Address Fed Mapping (AFM) is proposed which not only enhances the physical layer security, but also reduces the effect of high Peak to Average Power Ratio (PAPR), which results in efficiency improvement in OFDM based signals used in beyond 5G and 6G. The AFM is designed based on the idea of randomly generated signals, modifying the original signal to reduce PAPR. Instead of a typical randomization algorithm, a unique key is generated …

A Computational Approach To Evaluating Curricular Alignment To The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Philippe Lemarchand, Mick Mckeever, Cormac Macmahon, Philip Owende

Articles

The United Nations (UN) considers universities to be key actors in the pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Yet, efforts to evaluate the embeddedness of the SDGs in university curricula tend to rely on manual analyses of curriculum documents for keywords contained in sustainability lexica, with little consideration for the diverse contexts of such keywords. The efficacy of these efforts, relying on expert co-elicitation in both subject-matter contexts and sustainability, suffers from drawbacks associated with keyword searches, such as limited coverage of key concepts, difficulty in extracting intended meaning and potential for greenwashing through “keyword stuffing.” This paper presents …

Product Liability Action: A Tooth To Strengthen Consumer Protection, Ashok R. Patil

Articles

As the world shifts to technological advancements, the advent of e-commerce marks its peak, particularly in India, where it has been earmarked as the fastest growing market with an annual growth rate of 51%. While these developments are an important part of globalization, a few challenges come along. Issues like unfair contracts, privacy, data protection, faulty goods, refund or return remained unaddressed as the earlier existing Consumer Protection Act, 1986 did not elucidate on the same. Given the above, the Law Commission of India had recommended that a separate law be enacted for better consumer protection. Based on the recommendations …

Potential Psychoactive Effects Of Microalgal Bioactive Compounds For The Case Of Sleep And Mood Regulation: Opportunities And Challenges, Bozena Mccarthy, Graham O’Neill Dr, Nissreen Abu-Ghannam Prof.

Articles

Sleep deficiency is now considered an emerging global epidemic associated with many serious health problems, and a major cause of financial and social burdens. Sleep and mental health are closely connected, further exacerbating the negative impact of sleep deficiency on overall health and well-being. A major drawback of conventional treatments is the wide range of undesirable side-effects typically associated with benzodiazepines and antidepressants, which can be more debilitating than the initial disorder. It is therefore valuable to explore the efficiency of other remedies for complementarity and synergism with existing conventional treatments, leading to possible reduction in undesirable side-effects. This review …

Addressing Ethical Issues In The Design Of Smart Home Technology For Older Adults And People With Disabilities., Jonathan Turner, Dympna O'Sullivan, Damian Gordon, Yannis Stavrakakis, Brian Keegan, Emma Murphy

Articles

Unique ethical, privacy and safety implications arise for people who are reliant on home-based smart technology due to health conditions or disabilities. In this paper we highlight a need for a reflective, inclusive ethical framework that encompasses the life cycle of smart home technology. We present key ethical considerations for smart home technology for older adults and people with disabilities and argue for ethical frameworks which combine these key considerations with existing models of design and development.

Understanding Color Associations And Their Effects On Expectations Of Drugs’ Efficacies, Rema M. Amawi, Michael J. Murdoch

Articles

Colors influence our daily perceptions and expectations that manifest in a variety of ways. This research has three main objectives: to demonstrate the relationship between the colors of pills and their expected efficacies, to test this effect on a wide variety of demographics, thereby demonstrating their influence on choices made by participants. Finally, to understand the reasoning behind the choices made by participants, and the color associations exhibited. The results of a series of surveys showed clear similarities and differences across various demographics. The strongest and most consistent color associations were those of white with pain relief and red with …

The Dna Landscape: Development And Application Of A New Framework For Visual Communication About Dna, Leslie Kate Wright, Emalee Wrightstone, Lauren Trumpore, Julia Steele, Deanna M. Abid, Dina L. Newman

Articles

Learning molecular biology involves using visual representations to communicate ideas about largely unobservable biological processes and molecules. Genes and gene expression cannot be directly visualized, but students are expected to learn and understand these and related concepts. Theoretically, textbook illustrations should help learners master such concepts, but how are genes and other DNA-linked concepts illustrated for learners? We examined all DNA-related images found in 12 undergraduate biology textbooks to better understand what biology students encounter when learning concepts related to DNA. Our analysis revealed a wide array of DNA images that were used to design a new visual framework, the …

The Patent Medium: Toward A Network Paradigm Of The Patent System, Or Cohen Sasson

Articles

The modern patent system is conceived of as an information platform; it is evident in the common description of the patent system as a quid-pro-quo bargain: Society grants exclusive rights in exchange for information published by a patentee. But is there more to the patent system than merely informing others? Does the patent system also serve as a communication (and not only information) platform, namely, as a medium? Based on an interdisciplinary analysis of the patent system's structure and features through the lenses of communication studies, this Article suggests that it does. It demonstrates how the patent system as a …

Blame The Victim: How Mistreatment By The State Is Used To Legitimize Police Violence, Tamara Rice Lave

Articles

No abstract provided.

Afterword: Latcrit At Twenty-Five And Beyond, Part Ii - Challenges And/As Opportunities: Centering "Hybridized" Advocacy Projects In Antisubordination Praxis To Connect Campuses And Communities For Material Long-Term Progress, Francisco Valdes, Steven W. Bender, Jennifer J. Hill

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No abstract provided.

The Icc Reform Process And The Failure To Address The African State Concerns On The Sequencing Of Peace With Criminal Justice Under Article 53 Of The Rome Statute, Charles C. Jalloh

Articles

The relationship of African States with the permanent International Criminal Court (ICC) is critical to the continued success of the ICC and the development of international criminal law. One of the main criticisms of the ICC, by some African States, has centered on the question of how best to sequence peace with justice, or justice with peace, in situations of ongoing conflict such as in Uganda and Sudan. This paper examines the history of the peace-justice clash on the African continent in the context of the 2019 Assembly of States Parties mandated process of ICC reform, taking into account the …

Justice Versus Judiciary: Justice Enthroned Or Entangled In India? (2019) By Sudhanshu Ranjan, Oxford University Press, New Delhi, Arun Thiruvengadam

Articles

Justice Versus Judiciary: Justice Enthroned or Entangled in India? (2019) By Sudhanshu Ranjan, Oxford University Press, New Delhi

Shades Of Life In Indian Abortion Law, Gauri Pillai

Articles

This case comment analyses the recent Kerala High Court decision in Cry of Life Society v Union of India, where a petition was filed to declare India's law on abortion unconstitutional for violating the right to life of the foetus. The High Court dismissed the petition, upholding the constitutionality of the legislation as protecting women's right to life. The author discusses the High Court's order, narrowing in on the right to life argument used by the Court, and the right to life argument that the Court missed. This analysis distills and responds to the 'shades of life' underlying abortion law …

Gastro-Tourism Well-Being: The Interplays Of Salient And Enduring Determinants, Muhammet Kesgin, Irfan Onal, Ihsan Kazkondu, Muzaffer Uysal

Articles

Purpose-This research developed and tested an integrated structural gastro-tourism well-being model consisting of food-related lifestyle and leisure attitude as precursor of the consumption enjoyment of the gastro-tourism experience with satisfaction, life domain outcomes, tourism autobiographical memory and life satisfaction as outcomes of the consumption enjoyment. Design/methodology/approach – The conceptual model was assessed with quantitative data collected from tourists based on their deliberate and incidental gastro-tourism experiences (N=617). Findings – Findings indicated that enjoyment of gastro-tourism consumption experience significantly influences satisfaction, life domain outcomes, life satisfaction, and tourism autobiographical memory. Life domain outcomes and tourism autobiographical memory have enduring influence on …

A Goal-Driven Framework For Individualised Self-Care For Early-Stage Dementia, Jonathan Turner, Ciaran Nugent, Damon Berry, Dympna O'Sullivan, Michael Wilson, Ann Marron, Julie Doyle

Articles

For people with early or moderate dementia, there are benefits to them continuing to live in their own homes for as long as possible, both in improved quality of life and associated measures such as increased social contact, increased physical activity and lower use of medication, and reduced costs and burden of care. Tools to help extend period of independent living, and to maintain quality of life in this period, are lacking. Systems exist to monitor individuals for problems, e.g. falls or wandering from the home, but there is scope for development of computerised support to help maintain activity in …

Cultural Identities And Territoriality In A Global Marketplace, J. Janewa Osei-Tutu

Articles

No abstract provided.

Analysing Urban Energy Transition In Light Of The Energy Conservation Act, 2001, Madhubanti Sadhya

Articles

The interplay of legislative division and inter-ministerial convergence in India impacts energy conservation efforts across states, reflecting socio-economic disparities. Urban areas, central to energy efficiency initiatives, face challenges due to varying state-level political and economic contexts. Effective implementation of the Energy Conservation Act, 2001, and urban development policies necessitates tailored approaches and robust data tools for mapping and tracking energy use. Bridging central and state policies is crucial for achieving uniform energy efficiency and meeting national energy transition targets.

Northern Sea Route As An Emerging Option For Global Transport Networks: A Policy Perspective, Stavros Karamperidis, Nikolaos Valantasis Kanellos

Articles

The Northern Sea Route (NSR) is an emerging alternative route to the Suez Canal; however, inconclusive research exists on its benefits and viability. This paper uses a two-stage Delphi approach to collect qualitative data from experts, on what actions Nordic countries[1] can undertake to prepare themselves to enter NSR and capture potential benefits deriving from trading in global transport networks. By conceptually developing a framework based on First Movers Advantage (FMA) and Dynamic Capabilities Theory (DCT), this paper empirically identifies a path to develop capabilities that could allow stakeholders to reduce logistics costs through collaborations in NSR. Our paper …

Ideas, Power And Agency: Policy Actors And The Formulation Of Language-In-Education Policy For Multilingualism, Iker Erdocia, Susanna Nocchi, Mary Ruane

Articles

The processes of formulation of language policies have not been researched thoroughly. This paper aims to explore the relationship between ideas, power and agency in language policy-making and specifically with reference to the formulation of language-in-education policy for multilingualism in Ireland. Through an argumentative approach to language policy and using a discursive institutionalist framework, the paper examines data from policy documents and interviews with policy actors in the Department of Education and Skills. The paper reports on the ways in which agentive discourses are constrained and enabled by institutional structures. The analysis shows how power resulting from asymmetric internal forces …

The Heat Is On: The Collaborations, Capacities, And Management Style Required For The Establishment And Sustainability Of Community-Owned Renewable Energy District Heating Systems In Austria, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Wales, And Scotland, Gerard Doyle

Articles

International reviews of countries’ progress at tackling climate change show that Ireland is making small levels of progress on tackling issues associated with climate change. This paper will highlight the pivotal role the State performs, both at national and local level, in creating the conditions essential for the establishment of community-owned renewable energy district heating systems. In particular, the State can provide funding for these initiatives to acquire the management and technical expertise essential for their establishment and maintenance. This paper will also examine a theoretical framework, referred to as capacity analysis, to explain the capacities that need to be …

Ml-Based Online Traffic Classification For Sdns, Mohammed Nsaif, Gergely Kovasznai, Mohammed Abboosh, Ali Malik, Ruairí De Fréin

Articles

Traffic classification is a crucial aspect for Software-Defined Networking functionalities. This paper is a part of an on-going project aiming at optimizing power consumption in the environment of software-defined datacenter networks. We have developed a novel routing strategy that can blindly balance between the power consumption and the quality of service for the incoming traffic flows. In this paper, we demonstrate how to classify the network traffic flows so that the quality of service of each flow-class can be guaranteed efficiently. This is achieved by creating a dataset that encompasses different types of network traffic such as video, VoIP, game …

An Exploratory Study On Refactoring Documentation In Issues Handling, Eman Abdullah Alomar, Anthony Peruma, Mohamed Wiem Mkaouer, Christian D. Newman, Ali Ouni

Articles

Understanding the practice of refactoring documentation is of paramount importance in academia and industry. Issue tracking systems are used by most software projects enabling developers, quality assurance, managers, and users to submit feature requests and other tasks such as bug fixing and code review. Although recent studies explored how to document refactoring in commit messages, little is known about how developers describe their refactoring needs in issues. In this study, we aim at exploring developer-reported refactoring changes in issues to better understand what developers consider to be problematic in their code and how they handle it. Our approach relies on …