Electroencephalography (EEG) is challenged by high cost, immobility of equipment and the use inconvenient conductive gels. We compared EEG recordings obtained from three systems that are inexpensive, wireless, and/or dry (no gel), against made with a traditional, research-grade system, in order to investigate ability these 'non-traditional' produce comparable quality system. The were: Emotiv EPOC (inexpensive wireless), B-Alert (wireless), g.Sahara (dry) g.HIamp (research-grade). demonstrate...

ABSTRACT This study explored the mediating influences of access to social activities, services, and health medical services on relationship between determinants health‐related quality life. A survey 602 adults was conducted in a regional area Australia. Participants completed measures health, life, indicated accessed over previous 18 months. Only activities mediated More specifically, engaging greater number adverse effects health. The supports as mechanism by which impact Therefore,...

Virtual agents have been investigated as an educational tool for use with children on the autistic spectrum positive results being gained language skills of autonomous and social human-controlled agents. This project combines these ideas to investigate utility teaching skills. The virtual agent used in this project, known Thinking Head, has ability realistically portray facial expressions that lends it task. Two prototype modules were developed platform, one basic conversation other dealing...

For many animals, target motion carries high ecological significance as this may be generated by a predator, prey, or potential mate. Indeed, animals whose survival depends on early detection are often equipped with sharply tuned visual system, yielding robust performance in challenging conditions. example, fast-flying insects use cues for identifying targets, such prey (e.g., predatory dragonflies and robberflies) conspecifics nonpredatory hoverflies), can do so against self-generated...

The ability to visualize small moving objects is vital for the survival of many animals, as these could represent predators or prey. For example, predatory insects, including dragonflies, robber flies and killer flies, perform elegant, high-speed pursuits both biological artificial targets. Many non-predatory male hoverflies blowflies, also pursue targets during territorial courtship interactions. To date, most hoverfly have been studied outdoors. investigate (Eristalis tenax) under more...

This work in progress aims to investigate the potential for using autonomous virtual agents as social tutors children with autism through development of a prototype software program. Existing studies have investigated use human controlled skills and language development, both achieving positive outcomes. The agent component this, known Thinking Head, has lifelike appearance ability model realistic facial expressions that lends it this application. evaluation project will examine children's...

The esophagus functions to transport swallowed fluids and food from the pharynx stomach. esophageal muscles governing bolus comprise circular striated muscle of proximal smooth distal esophagus. Longitudinal contraction provides a mechanical advantage transit during contraction. Esophageal is directly controlled by neural circuits originating in central nervous system, resulting coordinated contractions. In contrast, enteric modulated extrinsic connections relaxation are sensory information...

Abstract Many animals use motion vision information to control dynamic behaviors. For example, flying insects must decide whether pursue a prey or not, avoid predator, maintain their current flight trajectory, land. The neural mechanisms underlying the computation of visual have been particularly well investigated in fly optic lobes. However, descending neurons, which connect lobes with motor command centers ventral nerve cord, remain less studied. To address this deficiency, we describe...

Abstract In recent years, virtual reality arenas have become increasingly popular for quantifying visual behaviours. By using the actions of a constrained animal to control scenery, perceives that it is moving through world. Importantly, as in space, behavioural quantification facilitated. Furthermore, computer‐generated scenery allows identification triggers behaviour. We created novel arena combining machine vision with gaming engine Unity. For tethered flight, we enhanced an existing...

Abstract In recent years, virtual reality arenas have become increasingly popular for quantifying visual behaviors. By using the actions of a constrained animal to control scenery, is provided perception moving through simulated environment. As in space, this allows detailed behavioral quantification. Additionally, as world generally computer-generated mechanistic quantification triggers behavior. We created novel arena combining machine vision with gaming engine Unity. For tethered flight,...

How do you develop a game that is provably educational, engaging from pre-school to adult, and independently targets different language ability world experience/maturity?

We describe a hybrid real and virtual system that monitors teaches children in an everyday classroom environment without requiring any special reality set ups or knowledge there is computer involved. This truly pervasive it interacts with child who playing normal physical toys using speech. A simulated head provides focus the opportunity for microphonological language teaching, whilst world allows teacher to demonstrate her of blocks -- much as might at front class. However this individual...

Social determinants of health have a significant effect on and wellbeing. There is increasing recognition the need for professionals to measure address social affecting wellbeing their clients, yet efforts do so are hampered by lack validated, brief self-report that covers range in single measure. This study aimed develop conduct initial validation health, Steps Better Health Questionnaire (STBH-Q). Construct validity was assessed via factorial using exploratory factor analysis second order...

Many animals use motion vision information to control dynamic behaviors. Predatory animals, for example, show an exquisite ability detect rapidly moving prey, followed by pursuit and capture. Such target detection is not only used predators but also important in conspecific interactions, such as male hoverflies defending their territories against intruders. Visual believed be subserved specialized target-tuned neurons found a range of species, including vertebrates arthropods. However, how...

Esophageal neuromechanical wall states are the physical manifestations of circular muscle inhibition and contraction resulting from neural inputs leading to bolus propulsion. A novel method infers esophageal through simultaneous determination pressure diameter in vivo using impedance manometry. We hypothesized that changes relate conscious awareness passage ("bolus perception"). Seven healthy participants were selected for perception solid compared with seven no passage. Participants studied...

Arranging sufficient research participation within time and resource constraints is seldom an easy feat. Often, such are a detriment to thorough empirical evaluation of human-computer interfaces. Our objective develop the means test construct human models which when applied interface system development, result in efficient computer interactions. We report online platform for experiment delivery diverse locations with emphasis on alternative non-monetary rewards participation. Such meets...