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Determining Spatial Relevancy of Objects for Improved Development of Multi-Object Tracking in Autonomous Driving Systems
No full textThe perception system for autonomous vehicles (AVs) typically outputs all the objects it can observe in a scene. This is significantly more objects than what the AV would interact with, and far more than any human driver focus on during a driving task. Validating the perception system on all the observed objects could penalize its performance based on objects that will never interact with the AV or affect its planned trajectory. This dissertation outlines a strategy for identifying a subset of objects, referred to as Spatially Relevant Objects (SRO), that the perception system must perform exceptionally well on. This is valuable for several reasons and has many applications. For example, it can be used to determine the set of objects that should be included in the verification dataset for the perception system and thereby have a more efficient development cycle. Additionally, when evaluating the perception system on the SRO subset, the computed metrics not only evaluate the performance but also consider the real-world safety of the perception system, and the results would heavily support the safety case arguments. Finally, determining spatially relevant objects using a representative dataset then plotting their footprints relative to the AV can help determine and confirm the necessary sensing requirements and field of view coverage by prioritizing areas where SROs are most likely to appear. This is done without ignoring the fact that the world contains objects of different classes with different kinematics and could behave in a non-compliant way. The preliminary finding of applying our system showed that we can measure the performance of the perception system using a subset that averages about 11 of the observed objects without compromising the safety of the AV
An Exploration of Digital Handheld Game Features for Enhancing EFL Vocabulary Learning Outcomes
No full textThis dissertation delves into the pedagogical implications of handheld/mobile game features on EFL learners' vocabulary learning outcomes. The research is segmented into two comprehensive studies. The first study, a systematic review spanning from 2011 to July 2022, scrutinizes empirical research detailing the correlation between various game features and vocabulary learning outcomes. Key findings highlight the effectiveness of Holograms, Customized Word Lists, Gamified Assessments, and In- game Hints in fostering enhanced vocabulary learning. In the subsequent study, the emphasis shifts to the practical application, where the impact of 'competition' as a game feature is critically assessed. Executed with 331 freshman students in China over four weeks, participants engaged with two variants of the game, 'Vocarena', designed to elucidate the meanings of a hundred unfamiliar English words. Crucially, one version incorporated a competitive element, spurring participants to vie against one another, while the counterpart lacked this feature. Quantitative analysis revealed three pivotal results: the competition feature augmented participants' game-playing duration, bolstered English vocabulary learning outcomes. Collectively, these findings underscore the potential of game-specific features in optimizing EFL vocabulary learning, offering valuable insights for future research, educational game development, and innovative teaching methodologies
Assessing the Balance of an Adult Idiopathic Toe Walker and the Effect of Adding Custom Heel Wedges: Case Report
No full textIdiopathic toe walkers present with a distinctly different walking pattern that, over a long period of time, can alter the development of the calf muscles and Achilles tendon, as well as decrease the stability one has while standing. While research has been performed on how to prevent toe walking, the focus has been on the pediatric population, who are more responsive to treatments, rather than adults whose bodies have adapted to an abnormal way of walking. This study reveals the benefits of creating custom heel wedges for an adult toe walker. The balance of the subject was first assessed using the BTrackS Balance Plate. Then, custom heel wedges were fabricated and the subject’s balance was reevaluated while wearing the heel wedges. The results illustrated an improvement in balance after using the heel wedges, because the subject has more plantigrade support when standing. Due to the successful results, this study offers an alternative solution for toe walkers who cannot or do not want to receive other types of treatment, and potentially decrease the numerous types of injuries they endure due to their lack of stability
Context-dependent foraging behavior in Chinese mantids (Tenodera sinensis)
No full textMantids are a group most often studied in lab environments. While labs lend themselves well to the ability to control the variables in an experiment, it is difficult to gauge the impact of the environment itself on the data. This experiment aimed to see if different environmental contexts would change the learned behavior of Chinese praying mantids (Tenodera sinensis) in a captive setting. Trials were conducted over the span of four months and in two environmental contexts. Mantids were introduced to one initial context where they learned to avoid toxic prey and were then switched to the other context. With data from 10 mantids and a total of 151 trials, the mantids overall did not change their behavior when introduced to the second environment. This suggests, contrary to previous experiments suggesting a low learning efficacy, mantids may have the capabilities of learning at a higher level than other insects. Furthermore, it lends more validity to previous trials that had been conducted in labs before, given that mantids will still perform learned behaviors regardless of context.
A somewhat interesting behavior was observed over the course of the trials that had only been recorded once before. The mantids, rather than just not attacking toxic prey, chose to attack and then reject the prey after learning they were toxic. This finding could suggest that the taste of a learned toxic prey stimulates the response to reject it. These findings help give more information about mantises as sit-and-wait predators, and how they might react in the wild when encountering a toxic prey item
Effect of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on Small Businesses and How These Businesses Can Reduce Their Tax Burden
No full textThe key area that this project explores is the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). There is a lot of
misinformation surrounding this new tax code and how it differs from past legislation. Tax code
is complex, so a variety of interpretations can develop over time. The goal of this project is to
detail how TCJA legislation will impact small businesses and how they can use this knowledge
to their advantage. The gap this research is filling is to both clarify and interpret this code so
small businesses are properly informed. The accurate interpretation of the TCJA tax code could
greatly benefit small businesses. The result is that this information can reduce their tax liability
which will benefit the livelihood of the small businesses. The methodology of this research
includes reviewing IRS tax code, the Journal of Accounting, and the National Tax Journal, as
these sources are reliable