Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Flipped Classrooms For Teaching Cs1, Ashish Amresh, Adam R. Carberry, John Femiani

Ashish Amresh

An alternative to the traditional classroom structure that has seen increased use in higher education is the flipped classroom. Flipping the classroom switches when assignments (e.g. homework) and knowledge transfer (e.g. lecture) occur. Flipped classrooms are getting popular in secondary and postsecondary teaching institutions as evidenced by the marked increase in the study, use, and application of the flipped pedagogy as it applies to learning and retention. The majority of the courses that have undergone this change use applied learning strategies and include a significant “learning-by-doing” component. The research in this area is skewed towards such courses and in general …

Uav Sensor Operator Training Enhancement Through Heat Map Analysis, Ashish Amresh, John Femiani, Jason Fairfield, Adam Fairfield

Ashish Amresh

Heat map based data visualization and mining is an emerging area in game engine design and architecture. Employed by many state of the art game engines and popular commercial games, this technology helps populate and collate player activity and behavior to better inform the system for further action. Simulation and serious games can tremendously benefit by applying heat map based visualization for the purposes of analyzing and tracking player behavior. Heat maps are time varying texture maps that represent a chosen activity over a certain grid at any particular interval of elapsed time. In this paper results of applying a …

Interactive Cause And Effect Comic-Book Storytelling For Improving Nutrition Outcomes In Children, Ashish Amresh, Madhumita Sinha, Rebecca Birr, Rahul Salla

Ashish Amresh

Obesity among children and adolescents is increasingly becoming a major public health problem. Poverty and lower socio-economic status as well as lack of parental awareness regarding a balanced diet and adequate exercise all contribute towards childhood obesity. Unfortunately minority children have been especially vulnerable, among them inner-city Latino children continue to have the highest incidence rates of overweight and obesity; hence targeted intervention for this population group is of paramount importance. Access and affordability of smartphones and mobile internet devices provide an opportunity to create nutrition education interventions that can significantly impact and change attitude and knowledge regarding healthy diet …

Developing A Bilingual, Computer-Tailored, Hpv Vaccination Promotion Intervention Targeting Latino Parents, Angela Chia-Chen Chen, Ashish Amresh

Ashish Amresh

In this paper we present an innovative, computer-tailored application aimed at increasing Latino parents' intention to vaccinate their adolescent children against Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). HPV infection is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. Latinas have the highest age-adjusted incidence rate for HPV-associated cervical cancer compared with their counterparts in other racial/ethnic groups. HPV vaccines offer hope against HPV-associated diseases. Because parental consent is required for children under age 18 to receive t h e HPV vaccination in most U. S. states, parents' attitudes and intention to have their children vaccinated are keys for promoting HPV …

Word Towers: Assessing Domain Knowledge With Non-Traditional Genres, Tyler Baron, Ashish Amresh

Ashish Amresh

This paper presents the design, development and the results of a pilot study for Word Towers (WT), an educational game that combines gameplay mechanics from board-style word building and arcade style tower defense games. To our knowledge, this is the first ever attempt to merge these game genres into a functional educational game. Our efforts open the possibility for other learning games to be reworked into new genres, increasing novelty and player engagement. Expanding the range of genres also allows for learning games to reach a wider audience. The goal of the WT is to provide a natural method for …

Towards A Context Agnostic Platform For Design And Assessment Of Educational Games, Tyler Baron, Corey Heath, Ashish Amresh

Ashish Amresh

The majority of the games designed for improving, acquiring or transferring knowledge rely heavily on building game mechanics that are grounded deeply in the content or subject matter being taught. There is a growing need for educational practitioners and pedagogical experts to have the ability to easily map learning outcomes by choosing from a pallet of functioning game mechanics without having the need to redesign them from scratch. In this paper, we present the current state of the art in context agnostic design and assessment of educational games, and propose three strategies that educators can take advantage of during the …

Reflection On Assumptions From Designing Female-Centric Educational Games, Corey D.C. Heath, Tyler Baron, Kevin Gary, Ashish Amresh

Ashish Amresh

In this paper we present a detailed analysis of the design and implementation of an educational game targeting young women entrepreneurs by a predominantly male team. During the process, we arrived at assumptions based on intrinsic and extrinsic influences that effected the design of the game. After creating a prototype, the game was provided to the target audience during a usability test. Our observations reveal that even after following a rigorous and agile development model that included stakeholders at several time frames, we were not successful in delivering the desired experience to our target audience. We conclude by presenting a …

The Open World Microorganism, Stephen Thompson

Stephen Thompson

Homogenization In Perforated Domains And With Soft Inclusions, Brandon C. Russell

Brandon Russell

Evaluation Of Silica Hydride Materials For The Lc–Ms Analysis Of Cathinones And Benzylpiperazines, Seiichiro Watanabe

Seiichiro Watanabe

Computer Vision Evidence Supporting Craniometric Alignment Of Rat Brain Atlases To Streamline Expert-Guided, First-Order Migration Of Hypothalamic Spatial Datasets Related To Behavioral Control, Arshad M. Khan, Jose G. Perez, Claire E. Wells, Olac Fuentes

Arshad M. Khan, Ph.D.

Aggressive Diuresis And Severity-Adjusted Length Of Hospital Stay In Acute Congestive Heart Failure Patients., Muhammad U. Butt M.D.

Muhammad Umer Butt M.D., MSCRD

Power-Law Scaling Of Extreme Dynamics Near Higher-Order Exceptional Points, Q. Zhong, Demetrios N. Christodoulides, M. Khajavikhan, K. G. Makris, Ramy El-Ganainy

Ramy El-Ganainy

We investigate the extreme dynamics of non-Hermitian systems near higher-order exceptional points in photonic networks constructed using the bosonic algebra method. We show that strong power oscillations for certain initial conditions can occur as a result of the peculiar eigenspace geometry and its dimensionality collapse near these singularities. By using complementary numerical and analytical approaches, we show that, in the parity-time (PT) phase near exceptional points, the logarithm of the maximum optical power amplification scales linearly with the order of the exceptional point. We focus in our discussion on photonic systems, but we note that our results apply to other …

Topological Hybrid Silicon Microlasers, Han Zhao, Pei Mao University Of Pennsylvania, Mohammad H. Teimourpour, Simon Malzard, Ramy El-Ganainy, Henning Schomerus, Liang Feng

Ramy El-Ganainy

Topological physics provides a robust framework for strategically controlling wave confinement and propagation dynamics. However, current implementations have been restricted to the limited design parameter space defined by passive topological structures. Active systems provide a more general framework where different fundamental symmetry paradigms, such as those arising from non-Hermiticity and nonlinear interaction, can generate a new landscape for topological physics and its applications. Here, we bridge this gap and present an experimental investigation of an active topological photonic system, demonstrating a topological hybrid silicon microlaser array respecting the charge-conjugation symmetry. The created new symmetry features favour the lasing of a …

Notes On The Proof Of The Van Der Waerden Permanent Conjecture, Vicente Valle Martinez

Vicente Valle Martinez

Shaping Light In Backward-Wave Nonlinear Hyperbolic Metamaterials, Thomas F. George, Alexander K. Popov, Sergey A. Myslivets, Vitaly V. Slabko, Victor A. Tkachenko

Thomas George

Towards An In-Vehicle Sonically-Enhanced Gesture Control Interface: A Pilot Study, Jason Sterkenburg, Steven Landry, Myounghoon Jeon, Joshua Johnson

Myounghoon Jeon (Philart)

A pilot study was conducted to explore the potential of sonically-enhanced gestures as controls for future in-vehicle information systems (IVIS). Four concept menu systems were developed using a LEAP Motion and Pure Data: (1) 2x2 with auditory feedback, (2) 2x2 without auditory feedback, (3) 4x4 with auditory feedback, and (4) 4x4 without auditory feedback. Seven participants drove in a simulator while completing simple target-acquisition tasks using each of the four prototype systems. Driving performance and eye glance behavior were collected as well as subjective ratings of workload and system preference. Results from driving performance and eye tracking measures strongly indicate …

Tempo-Fit Heart Rate App: Using Heart Rate Sonification As Exercise Performance Feedback, Steven Landry, Yuanjing Sun, Darnishia L. Slade, Myounghoon Jeon

Myounghoon Jeon (Philart)

Physical inactivity is a worldwide issue causing a variety of health problems. Exploring novel ways to encourage people to engage in physical activity is a topic at the forefront of research for countless stakeholders. Based upon a review of the literature, a pilot study, and exit interviews, we propose an app prototype that utilizes music tempo manipulation to guide users into a target heart rate zone during an exercise session. A study was conducted with 26 participants in a fifteen-minute cycling session using different sonification mappings and combinations of audiovisual feedback based on the user's current heart rate. Results suggest …

Robotic Motion Learning Framework To Promote Social Engagement, Rachel Burns, Myounghoon Jeon, Chung Hyuk Park

Myounghoon Jeon (Philart)

Abstract Imitation is a powerful component of communication between people, and it poses an important implication in improving the quality of interaction in the field of human–robot interaction (HRI). This paper discusses a novel framework designed to improve human–robot interaction through robotic imitation of a participant’s gestures. In our experiment, a humanoid robotic agent socializes with and plays games with a participant. For the experimental group, the robot additionally imitates one of the participant’s novel gestures during a play session. We hypothesize that the robot’s use of imitation will increase the participant’s openness towards engaging with the robot. Experimental results …

Robotic Arts: Current Practices, Potentials, And Implications, Myounghoon "Philart" Jeon

Myounghoon Jeon (Philart)

Given that the origin of the “robot” comes from efforts to create a worker to help people, there has been relatively little research on making a robot for non-work purposes. However, some researchers have explored robotic arts since Leonardo da Vinci. Many questions can be posed regarding the potentials of robotic arts: (1) Is there anything we can call machine-creativity? (2) Can robots improvise artworks on the fly? and (3) Can art robots pass the Turing test? To ponder these questions and see the current status quo of robotic arts, the present paper surveys the contributions of robotics in diverse …

Regulating Drivers’ Aggressiveness By Sonifying Emotional Data, Maryam Fakhrhosseini, Paul Kirby, Myounghoon Jeon

Myounghoon Jeon (Philart)

There have been efforts within the area of cognitive and behavioral sciences to mitigate drivers’ emotion to decrease the associated traffic accidents, injuries, fatalities, and property damage. In this study, we targeted aggressive drivers and try to regulate their emotion through sonifying their emotional data. Results are discussed with an affect regulation model and future research.

Participatory Design Research Methodologies: A Case Study In Dancer Sonification, Steven Landry, Myounghoon Jeon

Myounghoon Jeon (Philart)

Given that embodied interaction is widespread in Human-Computer Interaction, interests on the importance of body movements and emotions are gradually increasing. The present paper describes our process of designing and testing a dancer sonification system using a participatory design research methodology. The end goal of the dancer sonification project is to have dancers generate aesthetically pleasing music in real-time based on their dance gestures, instead of dancing to pre-recorded music. The generated music should reflect both the kinetic activities and affective contents of the dancer’s movement. To accomplish these goals, expert dancers and musicians were recruited as domain experts in …

Musical Robots For Children With Asd Using A Client-Server Architecture, Ruimin Zhang, Jaclyn Barnes, Joseph Ryan, Myounghoon Jeon, Chung Hyuk Park, Ayanna Howard

Myounghoon Jeon (Philart)

People with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are known to have difficulty recognizing and expressing emotions, which affects their social integration. Leveraging the recent advances in interactive robot and music therapy approaches, and integrating both, we have designed musical robots that can facilitate social and emotional interactions of children with ASD. Robots communicate with children with ASD while detecting their emotional states and physical activities and then, make real-time sonification based on the interaction data. Given that we envision the use of multiple robots with children, we have adopted a client-server architecture. Each robot and sensing device plays a role as …

Listen To Your Drive: Sonification Architecture And Strategies For Driver State And Performance, Steven Landry, David Tascarella, Myounghoon Jeon, Maryam Fakhrhosseini

Myounghoon Jeon (Philart)

Driving is mainly a visual task, leaving other sensory channels open for additional information communication. As the level of automation increases in vehicles, monitoring the state and performance of the driver and vehicle shifts from the secondary to primary task. Auditory channels provide the flexibility to display a wide variety of information to the driver without increasing the workload of driving task. It is important to identify types of auditory displays and sonification strategies that provide integral information necessary for the driving task, and not overload the driver with unnecessary or intrusive data. To this end, we have developed an …

Lifemusic: Reflection Of Life Memories By Data Sonification, Ridwan Ahmed Khan, Ram K. Avvari, Katherine Wiykovics, Pooja Ranay, Myounghoon Jeon

Myounghoon Jeon (Philart)

Memorable life events are important to form the present selfimage. Looking back on these memories provides an opportunity to ruminate meaning of life and envision future. Integrating the life-log concept and auditory graphs, we have implemented a mobile application, "LifeMusic", which helps people reflect their memories by listening to their life event sonifcation that is synchronous to these memories. Reflecting the life events through LifeMusic can relieve users of the present and have them journey to the past moments and thus, they can keep balance of emotions in the present life. In the current paper, we describe the implementation and …

Influences Of Visual And Auditory Displays On Aimed Movements Using Air Gesture Controls, Jason Sterkenburg, Steven Landry, Myounghoon Jeon

Myounghoon Jeon (Philart)

With the proliferation of technologies operated via in-air hand movements, e.g. virtual/augmented reality, in-vehicle infotainment systems, and large public information displays, there remains an open question about if/how auditory displays can be used effectively to facilitate eyes-free aimed movements. We conducted a within-subjects study, similar to a Fitts paradigm study, in which 24 participants completed simple aimed movements to acquire targets of varying sizes and distances. Participants completed these aimed movements for six conditions – each presenting a unique combination of visual and auditory displays. Results showed participants were generally faster to make selections when using visual displays compared to …

Anger Effects On Driver Situation Awareness And Driving Performance, Myounghoon Jeon, Bruce N. Walker, Thomas M. Gable

Myounghoon Jeon (Philart)

Research has suggested that emotional states have critical effects on various cognitive processes, which are important components of situation awareness (Endsley, 1995b). Evidence from driving studies has also emphasized the importance of driver situation awareness for performance and safety. However, to date, little research has investigated the relationship between emotional effects and driver situation awareness. In our experiment, 30 undergraduates drove in a simulator after induction of either anger or neutral affect. Results showed that an induced angry state can degrade driver situation awareness as well as driving performance as compared to a neutral state. However, the angry state did …

A Survey On Hardware And Software Solutions For Multimodal Wearable Assistive Devices Targeting The Visually Impaired, Adam Caspo, György Wersényi, Myounghoon Jeon

Myounghoon Jeon (Philart)

The market penetration of user-centric assistive devices has rapidly increased in the past decades. Growth in computational power, accessibility, and "cognitive" device capabilities have been accompanied by significant reductions in weight, size, and price, as a result of which mobile and wearable equipment are becoming part of our everyday life. In this context, a key focus of development has been on rehabilitation engineering and on developing assistive technologies targeting people with various disabilities, including hearing loss, visual impairments and others. Applications range from simple health monitoring such as sport activity trackers, through medical applications including sensory (e.g. hearing) aids and …

17 Human-Car Confluence: “Socially-Inspired Driving Mechanisms”, Andreas Riener, Myounghoon Jeon, Alois Ferscha

Myounghoon Jeon (Philart)

With self-driving vehicles announced for the 2020s, today’s challenges in Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) lie in problems related to negotiation and decision making in (spontaneously formed) car collectives. Due to the close coupling and interconnectedness of the involved driver-vehicle entities, effects on the local level induced by cognitive capacities, behavioral patterns, and the social context of drivers, would directly cause changes on the macro scale. To illustrate, a driver’s fatigue or emotion can influence a local driver-vehicle feedback loop, which is directly translated into his or her driving style, and, in turn, can affect driving styles of all nearby drivers. …

Ctle - Meteorological Sensors Incorporated Into A Uas For Pedagogical Purposes, David Ehrensperger, James Curtis, Dorothea Ivanova, Mark Sinclair, Jacqueline R. Luedtke, Tim Holt, Jennah Perry, Johnny L. Young, Nicholas E. Harris

David Ehrensperger