Search

"All the President's Men" is a film analyzed by Christian Keathley and Robert B. Ray in their book. The authors argue that the film focuses on the experience of disorientation and uncertainty rather than the outcome of the investigation. The film, which follows the reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein as they investigate the Watergate scandal, recreates the feeling of being lost in a maze of clues and information. The book provides a close reading of the film's narrative structure, mise-en-scène, and cinematography, and argues for its status as an American classic. The authors also discuss the blend of art movie, classical studio-era, and New Hollywood elements in the film, as well as the deliberate choice to obscure and omit relevant story information. The book offers valuable insights for students of close reading methods and scholars of Hollywood history and style. [Extracted from the article]

Spatial orientation and navigation are complex cognitive functions that integrate sensory information, attention, and memory, enabling individuals to locate themselves in their environment. These abilities decline with age, signaling cognitive impairment in neurological patients, and significantly limit the autonomy of the elderly. Current neuropsychological assessments fall short in accurately measuring everyday wayfinding abilities, particularly in borderline cases of cognitive decline. This paper reviews various neuropsychological assessments, including Benton's Judgment of Line Orientation Test, the Almeria Spatial Memory Recognition Test, the Spatial Span subtest from the Wechsler Memory Scale, and the Spatial Orientation in Immersive Virtual Environment Maze Test, evaluating their effectiveness in delineating spatial orientation and navigation skills. The review identifies significant gaps in the validity and reliability of these tests, particularly in their shortened versions, and highlights the potential of virtual reality environments as promising tools for improving diagnostic precision. The findings underscore the need for further research to refine these tools, ensuring they accurately capture cognitive decline and improve the differential diagnosis of neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's disease. Such advancements hold promise for enhancing the quality of care and autonomy for the elderly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Early evidence in using online cognitive assessments show that they could offer a feasible and resource-efficient alternative to in-person clinical assessments in evaluating cognitive performance, yet there is currently little understanding about how these assessments relate to traditional, in-person cognitive tests. Objectives: In this preliminary study, we assess the feasibility and reliability of NeurOn, a novel online cognitive assessment tool. NeurOn measures various cognitive domains including processing speed, executive functioning, spatial working memory, episodic memory, attentional control, visuospatial functioning, and spatial orientation. Design: Thirty-two participants (mean age: 70.19) completed two testing sessions, unsupervised online and in-person, one-week apart. Participants were randomised in the order of testing appointments. For both sessions, participants completed questionnaires prior to a cognitive assessment. Test-retest reliability and concurrent validity of the online cognitive battery was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and correlational analysis, respectively. This was conducted by comparing performance in repeated tasks across testing sessions as well as with traditional, in-person cognitive tests. Results: Global cognition in the NeurOn battery moderately validated against MoCA performance, and the battery demonstrated moderate test-retest reliability. Concurrent validity was found only between the online and paper versions of the Trail Making Test -A, as well as global cognitive performance between online and in-person testing sessions. Conclusions: The NeurOn cognitive battery provides a promising tool for measuring cognitive performance online both longitudinally and across short retesting intervals within healthy older adults. When considering cost-effectiveness, flexible administration, and improved accessibility for wider populations, online cognitive assessments show promise for future screening of neurodegenerative diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatial orientation is based on a complex cortical network with input from multiple sensory systems. It is affected by training, sex and age as well as cultural and psychological factors, resulting in different individual skill levels in healthy subjects. Various neurological disorders can lead to different patterns or specific deficits of spatial orientation and navigation. Accordingly, numerous tests have been proposed to assess these abilities. Here, we compare the results of (1) a validated questionnaire-based self-estimate of orientation/navigation ability (Santa Barbara Sense of Direction Scale, SBSODS) and (2) a validated pen-and-paper two-dimensional perspective test (Perspective Taking Spatial Orientation Test, SOT) with (3) a newly developed test of finger-arm pointing performance in a 3D real-world (3D-RWPT) paradigm using a recently established pointing device. A heterogeneous group of 121 participants (mean age 56.5 ± 17.7 years, 52 females), including 16 healthy volunteers and 105 patients with different vestibular, ocular motor and degenerative brain disorders, was included in this study. A high correlation was found between 2D perspective task and 3D pointing along the horizontal (azimuth) but not along the vertical (polar) plane. Self-estimated navigation ability (SBSODS) could not reliably predict actual performance in either 2D- or 3D-tests. Clinical assessment of spatial orientation and memory should therefore include measurements of actual performance, based on a 2D pen-and-paper test or a 3D pointing task, rather than memory-based questionnaires, since solely relying on the patient's history of self-estimated navigation ability results in misjudgments. The 3D finger-arm pointing test (3D-RWPT) reveals additional information on vertical (polar) spatial performance which goes undetected in conventional 2D pen-and-paper tests. Diseases or age-specific changes of spatial orientation in the vertical plane should not be clinically neglected. The major aim of this pilot study was to compare the practicability and capability of the three tests but not yet to prove their use for differential diagnosis. The next step will be to establish a suitable clinical bedside test for spatial memory and orientation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a mathematical model for the shading profiles of a PV module with thin, long linear elements. The model includes the brightness distribution over the entire shading region (umbra, penumbra, and antumbra). A corresponding calculation code in the form of m-files has been prepared for the MATLAB environment. The input data for the calculations are the coordinates of the Sun's position in the sky, the dimensions and spatial orientation of the shading element, and the spatial orientation of the shaded PV module. The correctness of the model was verified by a measurement experiment carried out under actual outdoor weather conditions. Statistical analysis of the comparison between the measurement data from the experiment and the model showed its high accuracy. As part of this research work, it was also checked how shading with thin linear elements affects the current–voltage characteristics of the module. It turned out that even a small linear shading could reduce the power output of the module by more than 6%, with the distribution of this shading across the individual cells of the module being extremely important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to develop a theoretical interpretation of how satellite navigation transforms drivers' experience of automotive spaces. The use of satellite navigation has, so far, been predominantly studied from a cognitivist perspective based on the computer model of cognition and the theory of spatial disengagement. Experimental studies have concluded that over-reliance on digital navigation tools diminishes spatial orientation and spatial memory. According to the dominant interpretation, satellite navigation causes disengagement from space. After addressing these approaches, the paper introduces an embodied perspective of satellite navigation. This is accomplished by applying the phenomenology of perception of Maurice Merleau-Ponty, whose notions, such as perception, body schema, motor habit, and virtual body, illuminate otherwise undertheorized dimensions of drivers' spaces. By using digital tools for wayfinding, drivers' body schema, virtual body, and perception of space are modified, thereby enabling an engagement with convoluted 'mesh spaces.' This new term is integral to the interpretation of drivers' spaces, as well as being distinct from that of 'hybrid space,' although both aim to conceptualize spaces, including physical objects and their visual representations. Conclusions will be drawn against the broader context of the mediatization of everyday life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document, titled "The Contribution of Internal and External Factors to Human Spatial Navigation," explores the various factors that influence spatial navigation. The authors discuss the importance of cognitive processes such as memory, attention, and problem-solving skills, as well as internal and external factors like age, gender, familiarity with the environment, and landmark attributes. The document includes seven papers from distinguished scientists in the field, covering topics such as verbal and imagery-based strategies, bilingualism, mood disorders, different types of cognitive maps, the effects of spaceflight on brain activity, and the influence of cues and gender on spatial navigation. The authors emphasize the need for further research to fully understand the complex factors that impact navigation and to develop new approaches and protocols. [Extracted from the article]

Copyright of Clinical Neuroscience / Ideggyógyászati Szemle is the property of LifeTime Media Kft. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The space industry is known as an economic driver for many world economies. In Iran, the acquisition of satellite technology knowledge is one of the achievements of the country's scientific and technological indicators in recent years, but the position and importance of optimal investment in this industry in Iran have been ignored. The optimal technology portfolio is one of the tools that can cover this gap and lead to better decision-making by policymakers. In this paper, the optimum technology portfolio determination regarding its goals, attributes and challenges is addressed for Iran's space industry with a hybrid quantitative–qualitative method in two short and medium-term periods. We formulate a technology portfolio selection model with these multi-objective functions: maximization of benefits in using different technologies comprising of both short and medium-term portfolios, maximizing the total summation of all Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) of technologies, maximizing the acquisition speed for the technologies, and minimizing the acquisition risk of technologies in each portfolio. In the proposed model, the usability, acquisition cost, and complexity of each technology are considered meticulously. Also, the goal programming method is used to integrate the objective functions. Another novelty of this paper is the formulation of two portfolios with two different periods in which their corresponding inputs and outputs affect the other. This research can significantly help in directing the country's investment in the space industry, spatial ecosystem orientation, facilitating the creation of space-based businesses, improving economic growth, and also providing guidelines to improve the related policies in this area. In addition, this research can be an inspiration for other developing countries in the space industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examining the feat of maintaining life in orbit draws a sharp focus to the relationship between the human body and its environment, the porous and circulatory matter that blurs any boundaries between habitat and habitant. These intimate, engineered spaces evoke a microcosm of urgent planetary concerns surrounding air and water resources, and waste capture, storage, and elimination. This paper explores NASA's management of biological operations and discharge wastes in low gravity environments. Without strong gravitational fields, liquids coalesce at the location they are created, instead of flowing down and away. Such excesses disrupt the orderly engineered environments and minutely monitored bodies of these techno-scientific endeavors. Analyzing astronaut tears, space gynecology, zero-g surgery, and NASA's "Space Poop Challenge" through feminist queer and disability theory, new materialist, and discard studies lenses, this paper seeks to refigure the deeply entangled relationships between fleshy bodies and planetary bodies, biomass and geomass, and prompt new discussions of gravity politics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mastering writing skills is preceded by a significant developmental pathway of graphomotor abilities, which starts early in childhood. Considering that graphomotor ability and visual perception are prerequisites for mastering the writing, this study analyzed the graphomotor abilities in preschool-aged children, with the aim of identifying children exhibiting elements suspected of dysgraphia. The sample consisted of 100 preschool-aged children (age 5-6), of both genders (49 girls and 51 boys). Pre-writing skills were assessed using the Predictive Test for Dysgraphia. The research was conducted in a Preschool Institution in Danilovgrad, in March and April 2024. The results of analysis showed that preschool-aged children have specific difficulties in meeting the following criteria: accurately following the given sequence of figures and their careful and precise drawing (size and shape). It was also found that children of this age group have a particular problem in maintaining the specified distance of the figures from the edge of the rectangle (drawing around the edge). The only test item that the majority of respondents were able to respond to was perseverance in completing tasks, in terms of finishing the drawing (a series of started figures). Based on inadequate visual discrimination of the size and shape of given and drawn figures, and poor spatial orientation on paper, it is possible to identify children with graphomotor difficulties. Early detection of children with visual-perceptual and graphomotor difficulties will help overcome these deficiencies through systematic exercises through speech therapy treatments, so that children can start school being better prepared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experimental demonstrations of polarization-selection two-dimensional Vibrational-Electronic (2D VE) and 2D Electronic-Vibrational (2D EV) spectroscopies aim to map the magnitudes and spatial orientations of coupled electronic and vibrational coordinates in complex systems. The realization of that goal depends on our ability to connect spectroscopic observables with molecular structural parameters. In this paper, we use a model Hamiltonian consisting of two anharmonically coupled vibrational modes in electronic ground and excited states with linear and bilinear vibronic coupling terms to simulate polarization-selective 2D EV and 2D VE spectra. We discuss the relationships between the linear vibronic coupling and two-dimensional Huang–Rhys parameters and between the bilinear vibronic coupling term and Duschinsky mixing. We develop a description of the vibronic transition dipoles and explore how the Hamiltonian parameters and non-Condon effects impact their amplitudes and orientations. Using simulated polarization-selective 2D EV and 2D VE spectra, we show how 2D peak positions, amplitudes, and anisotropy can be used to measure parameters of the vibronic Hamiltonian and non-Condon effects. This paper, along with the first in the series, provides the reader with a detailed description of reading, simulating, and analyzing multimode, polarization-selective 2D EV and 2D VE spectra with an emphasis on extracting vibronic coupling parameters from complex spectra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the results of experimental and numerical investigations on water ingress trapped in aircraft honeycomb panels. The ingress of atmospheric water during aircraft service may cause minor or major damages of airplane crucial components. The percentage of water/ice filling honeycomb cells is an important factor related to possible cell damage. This study is focused on the analysis of the following inspection parameters: (1) influence of panel orientation (horizontal, vertical and Inclined at 30°, 45° and 60°) on the efficiency of water detection, (2) efficiency and optimization of a heating technique in evaluating water ingress, (3) influence of water/ice phase transformation on detectability of water ingress. The numerical analysis was conducted by using the ThermoCalc-3D software in order to evaluate the detectability of water ingress in the cases where a test panel is placed in different spatial orientations. The samples with water and ice were tested and analysed by using several data processing algorithms available in the ThermoFit software to enhance water detection performance. The signal-to-noise ratio concept was used to compare efficiency of image processing algorithms in the inspection of water ingress in honeycomb panels with varying water content, spatial orientation and water/ice phase transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to propose a new approach permitting the investigation of the 3D pore variation of kaolin K13 in relation with mechanical loading. A mechanical loading consisting of one-dimensional compression and oedometric loading is applied to a sample of centimeter scale. A postmortem protocol using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with Focused Ion Beam (FIB) was carried out to observe and then obtain a large number of slices of an extracted sub-volume from the small sample. Image analysis using a new processing method enabled the reconstruction of the observed and extracted sub-volume in the form of a rebuilt sub-volume. The segmentation of pores and particles was carried out using an approach based on machine learning and the pore space properties can be quantified. Pore morphology was identified based on two parameters namely the flatness and the elongation. Spatial orientation can also be locally determined. The proposed treatment enabled the distribution of pore size (termed Im_PSD) to be deduced and these were then compared with the results of Mercury intrusion porosimetry technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the spatial dimension of Fleming's Left Hand Rule (LHR), commonly-used in Physics instruction for determining the direction of force using the left hand's thumb, forefinger and middle finger. A new instrument was developed to gauge students' ability to coordinate their fingers in 3D space (egocentric frame of reference) based on representations of tasks on paper/screen (allocentric frame of reference). The LHR scores from a sample of 530 Grade 10 and 11 students revealed a significant correlation to standard spatial reasoning measures, with a reliability of 0.77. About 90% of the students scored less than 10 points out of 22, highlighting the relevance of the spatial skills required for articulating the LHR. Science students performed significantly better than non-Science students. The manipulation of the LHR was strongly influenced by the degree of angular disparity between the body frame and task-defined frame and the kinaesthetic constraints required to rotate the triad of fingers as a perpendicular frame. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How can the interactive mode of a map be optimized to facilitate efficient positioning and improve cognitive efficiency? This paper addresses this crucial aspect of map design. It explores the impact of spatial reference frames, map dimensionality, and navigation modes on spatial orientation efficiency, as well as their interactions, through empirical eye-movement experiments. The results demonstrate the following: (1) When using a 2D fixed map in an allocentric reference frame, participants exhibit a high correct rate, a low cognitive load, and a short reaction time. In contrast, when operating within an egocentric reference frame using a 2D rotating map, participants demonstrate a higher correct rate, a reduced cognitive load, and a quicker reaction time. (2) The simplicity of 2D maps, despite their reduced authenticity compared to 3D maps, diminishes users' cognitive load and enhances positioning efficiency. (3) The fixed map aligns more closely with the cognitive habits of participants in the allocentric reference frame, while the rotating map corresponds better to the cognitive habits of participants in the egocentric reference frame, thereby improving their cognitive efficiency. This study offers insights that can inform the optimization design of spatial orientation efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a novel aerial display system that reconstructs face orientation. The proposed system forms two face images floating in mid‐air. Viewers observe a spatially blended image of the two face images, where the spatial blending ratio depends on the viewing position. Thus, the spatially blended aerial face image is perceived to look in a fixed orientation even if the viewing position is changed within a certain viewing range. We analyze the spatial blending system optical design and show results from our prototype display. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Echolocation is a vital method of spatial orientation for many visually impaired individuals who are willing to and able to learn it. Blind echolocators use a variety of sounds, such as mouth clicks, cane taps, or specialized sound-emitting devices, to perceive their surroundings. In our study, we examined the effectiveness of several different sounds used in echolocation by conducting trials with 12 blind and 14 sighted volunteers. None of the participants had received formal training in echolocation, though a number identified as self-taught experts. The sounds tested included those played from a loudspeaker, generated by a mechanical clicker, or made by the participants themselves. The task given to the participants was to identify the direction and distance to an obstacle measuring 1x2 meters in an outdoor environment, with the obstacle placed in one of nine possible positions. Our findings indicated that the blind participants displayed significantly better echolocation skills when compared to the sighted participants. The results of the blind participants were also strongly divided into two distinct subgroups—totally blind participants performed much better than those which were legally blind, but had some residual vision. In terms of sound comparisons, we found that sounds with a center frequency near 3-4kHz and a wide spectrum provided higher accuracy rates than those with lower frequency peaks. Sighted participants performed best with 3kHz and 4kHz percussion sounds, while the blind group performed best with blue and pink noise. The loudspeaker generated tones generally yielded better results than those generated by the participant (using a mechanical clicker, mouth clicks or hand claps). These results may be useful in developing training programs that teach echolocation as well as artificial sounds to improve echolocation effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study introduces an enhanced version of the discrete choice model combining embedded neural architecture to enhance predictive accuracy while preserving interpretability in choice modeling across temporal dimensions. Unlike the traditional architectures, which directly utilize raw data without intermediary transformations, this study introduces a modified approach incorporating temporal embeddings for improved predictive performance. Leveraging the Phones Accelerometer dataset, the model excels in predictive accuracy, discrimination capability and robustness, outperforming traditional benchmarks. With intricate parameter estimates capturing spatial orientations and user-specific patterns, the model offers enhanced interpretability. Additionally, the model exhibits remarkable computational efficiency, minimizing training time and memory usage while ensuring competitive inference speed. Domain-specific considerations affirm its predictive accuracy across different datasets. Overall, the subject model emerges as a transparent, comprehensible, and powerful tool for deciphering accelerometer data and predicting user activities in real-world applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The primary aim of this investigation was to devise an intelligent approach for interpreting and measuring the spatial orientation of semicircular canals based on cranial MRI. The ultimate objective is to employ this intelligent method to construct a precise mathematical model that accurately represents the spatial orientation of the semicircular canals. Methods: Using a dataset of 115 cranial MRI scans, this study employed the nnDetection deep learning algorithm to perform automated segmentation of the semicircular canals and the eyeballs (left and right). The center points of each semicircular canal were organized into an ordered structure using point characteristic analysis. Subsequently, a point-by-point plane fit was performed along these centerlines, and the normal vector of the semicircular canals was computed using the singular value decomposition method and calibrated to a standard spatial coordinate system whose transverse planes were the top of the common crus and the bottom of the eyeballs. Results: The nnDetection target recognition segmentation algorithm achieved Dice values of 0.9585 and 0.9663. The direction angles of the unit normal vectors for the left anterior, lateral, and posterior semicircular canal planes were [80.19°, 124.32°, 36.08°], [169.88°, 100.04°, 91.32°], and [79.33°, 130.63°, 137.4°], respectively. For the right side, the angles were [79.03°, 125.41°, 142.42°], [171.45°, 98.53°, 89.43°], and [80.12°, 132.42°, 44.11°], respectively. Conclusion: This study successfully achieved real-time automated understanding and measurement of the spatial orientation of semicircular canals, providing a solid foundation for personalized diagnosis and treatment optimization of vestibular diseases. It also establishes essential tools and a theoretical basis for future research into vestibular function and related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study explored the effects of transcutaneous electrical spinal cord stimulation (tES) on postural control. Subjects were divided into field-dependent (FD) and field-independent (FI) groups according to their cognitive style. FD subjects use an exteroceptive afferent stream for spatial orientation, while FI subjects use an interoceptive stream. In darkness, vertical posture is maintained by head-trunk stabilization in FD subjects and by independent movements of body segments in FI subjects. Previously, we showed that tES at the L1-L2 vertebral level decreased postural stability in FD subjects. Now, stimulation was applied at the T11-T12 vertebral level (midline, above the left or right dorsal roots). Quiet standing was assessed using stabilometry in 18 FD and FI participants. Participants stood on a force platform in soundproof chamber with eyes closed during tES. Midline and left tES significantly improved postural stability by up to 28% in FD participants, while posture did not change significantly in FI participants. Pronounced differences between the effects of T11-T12 and L1-L2 stimulation are associated with selective topographical activation of proximal and distal leg muscles during tES of the lumbar enlargement. This study highlights the importance of considering cognitive style in postural control research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-dimensional ultrasound (2D US) is commonly used in clinical settings for its cost-effectiveness and non-invasiveness, but it is limited by spatial orientation and operator dependency. Three-dimensional ultrasound (3D US) overcomes these limitations by adding a third dimension and enhancing integration with other imaging modalities. Advances in deep learning (DL) have further propelled the viability of freehand image-based 3D reconstruction, broadening clinical applications in intraoperative and point-of-care (POC) settings. This review evaluates state-of-the-art freehand 3D US reconstruction methods that eliminate the need for external tracking devices, focusing on experimental setups, data acquisition strategies, and reconstruction methodologies. PubMed, Scopus, and IEEE Xplore were searched for studies since 2014 following the PRISMA guidelines, excluding those using additional imaging or tracking systems other than inertial measurement units (IMUs). Fourteen eligible studies were analyzed, showing a shift from traditional speckle decorrelation towards DL-based methods, particularly convolutional neural networks (CNNs). Variability in datasets and evaluation methods hindered a comprehensive quantitative comparison, but notable accuracy improvements were observed with IMUs and integration of contextual and temporal information within CNNs. These advancements enhance freehand 3D US reconstruction feasibility, though variability limits definitive conclusions about the most effective methods. Future research should focus on improving precision in complex trajectories and adaptability across clinical scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chitosan was subjected to a crosslinking reaction with three polyhydroxylated diacids (glucaric (GlcA), mannaric (ManA), and mucic (MucA) acids) that only differ in the spatial orientation of their hydroxyl groups. This work aimed to obtain experimental evidence of the impact of the three-dimensional arrangement of the crosslinkers on the resulting properties of the products. In all the cases, the products were hydrogels, and their chemical structures were fully elucidated by FT-IR spectroscopy and conductometric titration. Thermogravimetric and morphological studies were also carried out. The specific surface area of all the products was similar and higher than that of native chitosan. Moreover, all hydrogels were characterized in terms of viscoelastic properties and long-term stability under external perturbation. Furthermore, their lead adsorption efficiency and swelling capacity were assessed. Despite the resemblant chemical structure in all the hydrogels, Ch/ManA exhibited the highest lead adsorption capacity, (Ch/ManA: 93.8 mg g−1, Ch/GlcA: 82.9 mg g−1, Ch/MucA: 79.2 mg g−1), while Ch/GlcA exhibited a remarkably higher swelling capacity (i.e., ~30% more than Ch/MucA and ~40% more than Ch/ManA). The results obtained herein evidenced that the selection of the polyhydroxylated crosslinker with the appropriate three-dimensional structure could be crucial to finely adjust the final materials' features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moran's index is an important spatial statistical measure used to determine the presence or absence of spatial autocorrelation, thereby determining the selection orientation of spatial statistical methods. However, Moran's index is chiefly a statistical measurement rather than a mathematical model. This paper is devoted to establishing spatial autocorrelation models by means of linear regression analysis. Using standardized vector as independent variable, and spatial weighted vector as dependent variable, we can obtain a set of normalized linear autocorrelation equations based on quadratic form and vector inner product. The inherent structure of the models' parameters are revealed by mathematical derivation. The slope of the equation gives Moran's index, while the intercept indicates the average value of standardized spatial weight variable. The square of the intercept is negatively correlated with the square of Moran's index, but omitting the intercept does not affect the estimation of the slope value. The datasets of a real urban system are taken as an example to verify the reasoning results. A conclusion can be reached that the inner product equation of spatial autocorrelation based on Moran's index is effective. The models extend the function of spatial analysis, and help to understand the boundary values of Moran's index. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past, plant layouts were regarded as highly static structures. With increasing internal and external factors causing turbulence in operations, it has become more necessary for companies to adapt to new conditions in order to maintain optimal performance. One possible way for such an adaptation is the adjustment of the plant layout by rearranging the individual facilities within the plant. Since the information about the plant layout is considered as master data and changes have a considerable impact on interconnected processes in production, it is essential that this data remains accurate and up-to-date. This paper presents a novel approach to create a digital shadow of the plant layout, which allows the actual state of the physical layout to be continuously represented in virtual space. To capture the spatial positions and orientations of the individual facilities, a pan-tilt-zoom camera in combination with fiducial markers is used. With the help of a prototypically implemented system, the real plant layout was captured and converted into different data formats for further use in exemplary external software systems. This enabled the automatic updating of the plant layout for simulation, analysis and routing tasks in a case study and showed the benefits of using the proposed system for layout capturing in terms of accuracy and effort reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Linear conveyors, traditional tools for cargo transportation, have faced criticism due to their directional constraints, inability to adjust poses, and single-item conveyance, making them unsuitable for modern flexible logistics demands. This paper introduces a platform designed to convey and adjust cargo boxes according to their spatial positions and orientations. Additionally, a cargo pose recognition algorithm that integrates image and point cloud data are presented. By aligning depth camera data, the axis-aligned bounding box (AABB) point serves as the image's region of interest (ROI). Peaks extracted from the image's Hough transform are refined using RANSAC-based point cloud linear fitting, then integrated with the point cloud's oriented bounding box (OBB). Notably, the algorithm eliminates the need for deep learning and registration, enabling its use in rectangular cargo boxes of various sizes. A comparative experiment using accelerometer sensors for pose acquisition revealed a deviation of <0.7° between the two processes. Throughout the real-time adjustments controlled by the experimental platform, cargo angles consistently remained stable. The proposed two-dimensional conveyance platform, compared to existing methods, exhibits simplicity, accurate recognition, enhanced flexibility, and wide applicability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development of modern microwave devices largely exploits full-wave electromagnetic (EM) simulations. Yet, simulation-driven design may be problematic due to the incurred CPU expenses. Addressing the high-cost issues stimulated the development of surrogate modeling methods. Among them, data-driven techniques seem to be the most widespread owing to their flexibility and accessibility. Nonetheless, applicability of approximation-based modeling for real-world microwave components is hindered by a high nonlinearity of the system characteristics, dimensionality issues, and broad ranges of operating parameters the model should cover to make it practically useful. Performance-driven modeling frameworks deliver a partial mitigation of these problems through appropriate spatial orientation of the metamodel domain, which only encapsulates high-quality designs and not the entire space. Unfortunately, the initial model setup cost is high, as defining the domain requires database designs that need to be a priori acquired. This paper introduces a novel approach, where the database designs are replaced by random observables, and dimensionality of the domain is reduced using spectral analysis thereof. The major contributions of the work include implementation of the explicit dimensionality reduction of the confined surrogate model domain and introducing this concept into a complete cost-efficient framework for modeling of microwave components. Comprehensive benchmarking demonstrates excellent performance of the introduced framework, both in terms of predictive power of the rendered surrogates, their scalability properties, as well as low computational overhead associated with the model setup. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper is devoted to solving the problem of determining the relative spatial arrangement and orientation of objects. The task was set: to show the fundamental possibility of spatial and angular relative positioning when using the parameters of the magnetic field gradient in tensor form and in the form of gradient of an absolute value vector as measurement information for the magnetic field of a local dipole source. The solution of the problem is presented along with the features and limitations for both forms of representation are considered. The principles of construction of magnetic gradiometry measurement systems are briefly described, the limitations of technical implementation are considered, and the benefits of using an alternating magnetic field source is outlined. The results of modelling are presented, proving the possibility of using the proposed positioning method for various engineering problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mobile devices such as smartphones are increasingly being used for immersive content consumption, mostly involving 360o̱ video and 3D audio media delivery. However these smartphones, especially low-cost ones, are still not able to provide the processing and battery power needed for a real-time rendering, visualization and interaction with photorealistic virtual reality scenes. In this context, this paper proposes and evaluates U-DiVE (Unity-based Distributed Virtual Reality Environment), a framework that decouples the processing and rendering processes from the delivery, visualization and interaction with realistic VR models. The U-DiVE framework produces a photorealistic scene using a general ray-tracing algorithm and a virtual reality camera configured to use barrel shaders to correct the lens distortion, allowing the visualization through inexpensive smartphone-based head-mount displays. The framework also includes a method to obtain the smartphone's spatial orientation to control the user's field of view, which is delivered via real-time WebRTC streaming. The analysis show U-DiVE allows for the real-time visualization and manipulation of realistic, immersive scenes via smartphone-based, low-cost head-mounted displays, with low end-to-end latency, considering the required continuous data processing and delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sensorless control based on high-frequency square-wave voltage injection (HFSVI) is one of the most common sensorless control methods for synchronous reluctance motors (SynRMs). However, the injection frequency for SynRMs cannot be too high due to various factors. As the injection frequency decreases, the dead-time harmonic current will greatly affect the separation of high frequency signals. This paper analyzes the effect of dead-time harmonic current on the HFSVI-based sensorless control performance of SynRMs and proposes a source of position estimation error. Then, a dead-time compensation method suitable for filter-free HFSVI is proposed. It can estimate current vector spatial orientation without any low-pass filters (LPFs) and effectively compensate the impact of dead-time setting. The correctness of the theoretical analysis and the feasibility of the proposed methods in this paper are verified by experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fault stability analysis plays an important role in assessing the potential hazard of faults and in studying the mechanism of earthquake occurrence. Fault stability depends on the magnitude of the normal and shear stresses imposed on the fault by the tectonic stress and rock friction, while the magnitude of the normal and shear stresses is related to the spatial orientation of the fault normal with respect to the three principal stress axes, so it is easier to understand the variation of fault stability with its orientation by expressing the stability of different faults in the principal axis coordinate system. In this paper, we first developed a method to plot the stability of faults with different orientations in the principal stress axis coordinate system, then investigated the influence of the magnitude of principal stresses and friction on fault instability, and reached the conclusion that the instability is mainly affected by the relative magnitude of principal stresses (shape ratio). Finally, we proposed to use fault stability as an indicator to evaluate the quality of inverted stress obtained from fault slip data or earthquake focal mechanisms, that is, to evaluate the reliability of the inverted stress according to the compatibility of stress and fault stability. It is described in detail in terms of measured fault slip data from two regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The benefits of outdoor education are well known and irreplaceable. Teachers of environmental lessons frequently ask themselves what kind of cartographic support (paper maps or mobile navigators) to offer their students doing fieldwork either navigating to selected points or being engaged in the research of a selected environment. In this article, we compare the success rates of children using either a paper map or mobile navigation with respect to independence, accuracy and speed when walking (wayfinding) through an unfamiliar environment. We collected the data by observing 122 primary school students of six different schools as they individually walked through a suburban area of Ljubljana, Slovenia. The results show that the children were more independent and made fewer mistakes when using a mobile navigator than when using a paper map. They were able to use mobile navigation successfully after having received only a short (2-minute-long) demonstration, even if they had never used such a device before. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving students' spatial abilities is an important goal in education. Spatial ability is a skill needed in many fields, such as science, mathematics, engineering, and architecture. Since this ability can be improved through training, this study adopted a quasi-experimental design to investigate the effects of an artificial intelligence-supported 5E (AI-s5E) instructional model on students' spatial visualization, spatial relationships, and spatial orientation performances that explain their spatial abilities. A total of 43 students from two classes at a secondary school in western Turkey were recruited to participate in this study. One of the classes was the experimental group (f = 23), which adopted the AI-s5E approach, and the other class was the control group (f = 20), which adopted the traditional teaching model. The results showed that the integration of the AI-s5E instructional approach into education improved students' spatial abilities and sub-dimensions. In light of the findings, it can be recommended that AI applications, which have a positive and significant impact on spatial skills, can be integrated into teachers' lessons and even included in curriculum programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate estimations of extreme precipitation return levels are critical for many hydrological applications. Extreme precipitation is highly variable in both space and time; therefore, to better understand and manage the related risks, knowledge of their probability at different spatial–temporal scales is crucial. We employ a novel non-asymptotic framework to estimate extreme return levels (up to 100 years) at multiple spatial–temporal scales from weather radar precipitation estimates. The approach reduces uncertainties and enables the use of relatively short archives typical of weather radar data (12 years in this case). We focus on the eastern Mediterranean, an area of high interest due to its sharp climatic gradient, containing Mediterranean, semi-arid, and arid areas across a few tens of kilometres, and its susceptibility to flash flood. At-site intensity–duration–area–frequency relations are derived from radar precipitation data at various scales (10 min–24 h, 0.25–500 km 2) across the study area, using ellipses of varying axes and orientations to account for the spatial component of storms. We evaluate our analysis using daily rain gauge data over areas for which sufficiently dense gauge networks are available. We show that extreme return levels derived from radar precipitation data for 24 h and 100 km 2 are generally comparable to those derived from averaging daily rain gauge data over a similar areal scale. We then analyse differences in multi-scale extreme precipitation over coastal, mountainous, and desert regions. Our study reveals that the power-law scaling relationship between precipitation and duration (simple scaling) weakens for increasing area sizes. This finding has implications for temporal downscaling. Additionally, precipitation intensity varies significantly for different area sizes at short durations but becomes more similar at long durations, suggesting that, in the region, areal reduction factors may not be necessary for computing return levels over long durations. Furthermore, the reverse orographic effect, which causes decreased precipitation for hourly and sub-hourly durations, diminishes for larger areas. Finally, we discuss the effects of orography and coastline proximity on extreme precipitation intensity over different spatial–temporal scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability to form a mental representation of the surroundings is a critical skill for spatial navigation and orientation in humans. Such a mental representation is known as a "cognitive map" and is formed as individuals familiarize themselves with the surrounding, providing detailed information about salient environmental landmarks and their spatial relationships. Despite evidence of the malleability and potential for training spatial orientation skills in humans, it remains unknown if the specific ability to form cognitive maps can be improved by an appositely developed training program. Here, we present a newly developed computerized 12-days training program in a virtual environment designed specifically to stimulate the acquisition of this important skill. We asked 15 healthy volunteers to complete the training program and perform a comprehensive spatial behavioral assessment before and after the training. We asked participants to become familiar with the environment by navigating a small area before slowly building them up to navigate within the larger and more complex environment; we asked them to travel back and forth between environmental landmarks until they had built an understanding of where those landmarks resided with respect to one another. This process repeated until participants had visited every landmark in the virtual town and had learned where each landmark resided with respect to the others. The results of this study confirmed the feasibility of the training program and suggested an improvement in the ability of participants to form mental representations of the spatial surrounding. This study provides preliminary findings on the feasibility of a 12-days program in training spatial orientation skills. We discuss the utility and potential impact of this training program in the lives of the many individuals affected by topographical disorientation as a result of an acquired or developmental condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of the present study is to identify a more reliable reference point in three-dimensional cephalometric analysis to replace the Porion point used in two-dimensional analysis, enhancing the accuracy of assessments. Methods: The methodology assessed potential alternative landmarks for three-dimensional cephalometric analysis. Utilizing a segmenting technique, anatomical landmarks were accurately pinpointed from the external acoustic meatus of 26 Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scans. These landmarks were chosen for their clear and unambiguous detectability. To assess reproducibility, each landmark was replicated twice with a one-week interval by a master's student. Reproducibility was quantitatively evaluated by analyzing the absolute difference per axis. Results: Five possible candidate landmarks were identified: the most anterior, posterior, superior, and inferior points of the external acoustic meatus (EAM) and a notch delineating the epitympanic recess. The reproducibility of pinpointing these landmarks ranged from 0.56 mm to 2.2 mm. The absolute mean differences between measurements were 0.46 mm (SD 0.75) for the most anterior point, 0.36 mm (SD 0.44) for the most posterior point, 0.25 mm (SD 0.26) for the most superior point, 1.11 mm (SD 1.03) for the most inferior point, and 0.78 mm (SD 0.57) for the epitympanic notch. Conclusions: The most superior point of the EAM might successfully replace the Porion as an anatomical reference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista de Investigación e Innovación en Ciencias de la Salud (RIICS) is the property of Fundacion Universitaria Maria Cano and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: Strobe training is a form of visual training where the athlete has to practice during intermittently dark conditions. Strobe training improves visual, perceptual, and cognitive skills, which will enhance athletic performance. Strobe training can influence multiple training components in climbing: psychological, tactical, physical, and technical training. Materials and methods: The study was conducted on 17 elite climbers from Romania (10 male and 7 female), representing the entire National Youth Climbing Team. The research group was divided into a control group (n=8) and an experimental group (n = 9). The used instruments were the Cognitrom battery (for cognitive skills, such as spatial skills and reactivity), the Witty SEM system (for motor-cognitive skills, such as cognitive agility, visual processing speed, and visual memory), and the International Rock Climbing Research Association (IRCRA) performance-related test battery for climbers (climbingspecific motor skills). The experimental group had 20 strobe training sessions, which took place during one calendar year, as an additional session to their climbing schedule done with their principal trainer. The strobe session was once a week, depending on the periodization of the macrocycle (preparatory, competitional, and transition periods). The control group and the experimental group had similar climbing training sessions during the 1-year macrocycle in terms of intensity and volume of their training. Results: Strobe training improved on-sight performance (d = 0.38) and red-point performance (d = 0.36). Strobe training improved the majority of cognitive skills [all spatial skills (d = 1.27 for mental image transformation; d = 1.14 for spatial orientation; d = 1.59 for image generation) and simple reaction time (d = 0.99)]. Strobe training improved all motor-cognitive skills (d = 0.16 for visual memory; d = 1.96 for visual memory errors; d = 1.39 for visual processing speed; d = 1.94 for visual processing errors; d = 1.30 for cognitive agility). Strobe training improved many climbing-specific parameters (flexibility and upper body strength) (d = 0.44 and d = 0.47 for flexibility parameters; d = 0.50 to 0.73 for upper body strength parameters). Discussion: Strobe training is an effective training method for enhancing performance that should be used on more experienced climbers. It acts more on spatial skills, rather than on reactivity skills, developing the visual-motor coordination system. Strobe training has greater effects on climbers aged below 16 years, as youth athletes rely more on visual input compared to adults. The improvement in climbing-specific variables was due to the additional climbing session done weekly. Strobe training acts more on the cognitive component of training than on the motor component of training in climbing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mobility of today and tomorrow is characterized by technological change and new challenges in drive concepts such as electric or hydrogen vehicles. Abolishing conventional combustion engines creates even more need for switching or valve technology in mobility systems. For switching and controlling purposes, solenoids are used in large numbers and in a wide variety of applications, thus making a significant contribution to the overall success of the energy transition, and not only in the automotive sector. Despite their long existence, continued research is being carried out on solenoids involving new materials and actuator concepts. Great interest is focused on providing an adjustable force–displacement characteristic while simultaneously reducing the noise during switching. At IKFF, research is being conducted on hybrid electromagnets in the border area of switching and holding solenoids. This paper aims to present the major advantages of this hybrid drive concept based on an electromagnetic FEA simulation study of two drive concepts and specially developed and characterized prototypes with magnetic shape memory (MSM) alloys. The concepts differ in the spatial orientation of the MSM sticks to generate an active stroke of the plunger, which contributes to a beneficial force–displacement characteristic and lower power consumption while minimizing switching noise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, archaeo- and ethnoastronomical methods are used to investigate the orientation of synagogues, graves and prayer among Ashkenazi Jewish communities in the centralnorthern part of the Argentinian Province of Santa Fe, in the southern Gran Chaco region of South America. These communities have their origin in Jewish agricultural colonies, which were established by immigrants from central and eastern Europe who arrived during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The study shows the complexity of the logics involved in the construction of the meaning of spatial orientations in local Jewish religious practices, and also the necessity of ethnographic surveys as a complement to quantitative studies of orientations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three-dimensional models represent the shape and appearance of real-world objects in a virtual manner, enabling users to obtain a comprehensive and accurate understanding by observing their appearance from multiple perspectives. The semantic retrieval of 3D models is closer to human understanding, but semantic annotation for describing 3D models is difficult to automate, and it is still difficult to construct an easy-to-use 3D model knowledge base. This paper proposes a method for building a 3D model knowledge base to enhance the ability to intelligently manage and reuse 3D models. The sources of 3D model knowledge are obtained from two aspects: on the one hand, constructing mapping rules between the 3D model features and semantics, and on the other hand, extraction from a common sense database. Firstly, the viewpoint orientation is established, the semantic transformation rules of different feature values are established, and the representation degree of different features is divided to describe the degree of the contour approximating the regular shape under different perspectives through classification. An automatic output model semantic description of the contour is combined with spatial orientation. Then, a 3D model visual knowledge ontology is designed from top to bottom based on the upper ontology of the machine-readable comprehensive knowledge base and the relational structure of the ConceptNet ontology. Finally, using a weighted directed graph representation method with a sparse-matrix-integrated semantic dictionary as a carrier, an entity dictionary and a relational dictionary are established, covering attribute names and attribute value data. The sparse matrix is used to record the index information of knowledge triplets to form a three-dimensional model knowledge base. The feasibility of this method is demonstrated by semantic retrieval and reasoning on the label meshes dataset and the cultural relics dataset. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the light-scattering matrices of atmospheric-aggregated hexagonal ice particles that appear in cirrus clouds. The aggregates consist of the same particles with different spatial orientations and numbers of these particles. Two types of particle shapes were studied: (1) hexagonal columns; (2) hexagonal plates. For both shapes, we studied compact and non-compact cases of particle arrangement in aggregates. As a result, four sets of aggregates were made: (1) compact columns; (2) non-compact columns; (3) compact plates; and (4) non-compact plates. Each set consists of eight aggregates with a different number of particles from two to nine. For practical reasons, the bullet-rosette and the aggregate of hexagonal columns with different sizes were also calculated. The light scattering matrices were calculated for the case of arbitrary spatial orientation within the geometrical optics approximation for sets of compact and non-compact aggregates and within the physical optics approximation for two additional aggregates. It was found that the light-scattering matrix elements for aggregates depend on the arrangement of particles they consist of. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determining the attitude of a non-cooperative target in space is an important frontier issue in the aerospace field, and has important application value in the fields of malfunctioning satellite state assessment and non-cooperative target detection in space. This paper proposes a non-cooperative target attitude estimation method based on the deep learning of ground and space access (GSA) scene radar images to solve this problem. In GSA scenes, the observed target satellite can be imaged not only by inverse synthetic-aperture radar (ISAR), but also by space-based optical satellites, with space-based optical images providing more accurate attitude estimates for the target. The spatial orientation of the intersection of the orbital planes of the target and observation satellites can be changed by fine tuning the orbit of the observation satellite. The intersection of the orbital planes is controlled to ensure that it is collinear with the position vector of the target satellite when it is accessible to the radar. Thus, a series of GSA scenes are generated. In these GSA scenes, the high-precision attitude values of the target satellite can be estimated from the space-based optical images obtained by the observation satellite. Thus, the corresponding relationship between a series of ISAR images and the attitude estimation of the target at this moment can be obtained. Because the target attitude can be accurately estimated from the GSA scenes obtained by a space-based optical telescope, these attitude estimation values can be used as training datasets of ISAR images, and deep learning training can be performed on ISAR images of GSA scenes. This paper proposes an instantaneous attitude estimation method based on a deep network, which can achieve robust attitude estimation under different signal-to-noise ratio conditions. First, ISAR observation and imaging models were created, and the theoretical projection relationship from the three-dimensional point cloud to the ISAR imaging plane was constructed based on the radar line of sight. Under the premise that the ISAR imaging plane was fixed, the ISAR imaging results, theoretical projection map, and target attitude were in a one-to-one correspondence, which meant that the mapping relationship could be learned using a deep network. Specifically, in order to suppress noise interference, a UNet++ network with strong feature extraction ability was used to learn the mapping relationship between the ISAR imaging results and the theoretical projection map to achieve ISAR image enhancement. The shifted window (swin) transformer was then used to learn the mapping relationship between the enhanced ISAR images and target attitude to achieve instantaneous attitude estimation. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method was verified using electromagnetic simulation data, and it was found that the average attitude estimation error of the proposed method was less than 1°. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper is devoted to the problem of reconstructing stress state of the rock mass using data on natural fractures. A particular problem of reconstructing stress profiles along the well trajectory from data on spatial orientations and activity of natural fractures in well surrounding rock masses is considered. An approach for estimation of tectonic stresses from these data developed in the previous studies is considered with regard to the specifics of inverse problem solution. An optimization problem emerging during stress reconstruction procedure is stated and various methods of its solution are analyzed. Four different ways to define the objective functions measuring the degree of agreement between real and modeled fractures properties which can be used to reconstruct stresses based on natural fractures related data. The effect of objective function definition on the inverse problem solution is studied in a comparative way. To do that, a synthetic fracture model is constructed; the problem of rock mass stress state reconstruction is stated and solved for the synthetic model using different objective functions. It is revealed that variation of objective function used in practice for stress state reconstruction from natural fractures data leads both to alteration of the obtained solution for the inverse problem and solution uniqueness and stability with regard to worsening of the input data. The paper presents certain conclusions related to the suggestions on choosing a particular objective function for inverse problem solution depending on presence and quality of data related to natural fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Much effort has been expended on building cellular computational devices for different applications. Despite the significant advances, there are still several addressable restraints to achieve the necessary technological transference. These improvements will ease the development of end-user applications working out of the lab. In this study, we propose a methodology for the construction of printable cellular devices, digital or analogue, for different purposes. These printable devices are designed to work in a 2D surface, in which the circuit information is encoded in the concentration of a biological signal, the so-called carrying signal. This signal diffuses through the 2D surface and thereby interacts with different device components. These components are distributed in a specific spatial arrangement and perform the computation by modulating the level of the carrying signal in response to external inputs, determining the final output. For experimental validation, 2D cellular circuits are printed on a paper surface by using a set of cellular inks. As a proof-of-principle, we have printed and analysed both digital and analogue circuits using the same set of cellular inks but with different spatial topologies. The proposed methodology can open the door to a feasible and reliable industrial production of cellular circuits for multiple applications. Synthetic biology circuits are finding application in a wide range of computational devices, such as contaminant detection. Here, the authors design 2D paper circuits in which the spatial orientation of the cellular components specifies function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The solar collector is used to convert solar energy into thermal energy. First, the internal energy of the absorber increases, which is reflected in the increase in its temperature. This energy is transferred to the working fluid in direct contact with the absorber. Depending on the type of fluid, liquid or air solar collectors are distinguished. When the flow of the working medium takes place naturally, without the support of pumps or fans, the solar collector is treated as a passive device. The gravitational movement of air in the inner space of an air solar collector depends on its construction and its spatial orientation in relation to both the source of radiation and the direction of the force of gravity. This paper describes the results of laboratory experimental tests of a prototype passive air solar collector, including: the influence of radiation intensity and the deflection of the solar collector from the vertical on the increase in the temperature of the air flowing through the collector, the mass flow rate of the air and the efficiency of the device. The tests were carried out using an air solar collector with the dimensions 2080 × 1040 × 180 (height × width × thickness) and radiation intensity in the range of I = 0 ÷ 550 W/m2. It was found that the vertical arrangement of the collector does not ensure maximum efficiency of the device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A deficit framing continues to surround the perceived capabilities of people with dementia to comprehend and engage with cartographic maps. While some people with dementia might experience issues with wayfinding and spatial orientation, this has frequently been unfairly extended to all people living with dementia. From the perspective of qualitative research, the potentials for how mapping might contribute methodologically to understanding how some people with dementia negotiate and experience place has yet to be fully realised. A nascent turn towards geographic concepts of space and place has seen social health and dementia researchers acknowledging the vitality of place and neighbourhoods for understanding how everyday life unfolds relationally for people with dementia. However, creative methods to capture these spatial experiences are needed. This paper describes the nature of the scaffolds that supported involvement of people with dementia into a qualitative GIS project. These scaffolds were essential for supporting participants to trace out their narratives, histories, connections and barriers to engagement in their familiar neighbourhoods. We demonstrate via an Australian example how scaffolded sketch mapping interviews and crowdsourced maps offer tangible and evocative means to pin their lived experiences to the map. For place-based dementia research, qualitative GIS offers two paths forward. First, with the relevant scaffolds in place, the imaginative power of the map can engage people with dementia in qualitative research about the places they know and frequent. Second, spatial visualisations are imbued with political agency, acting as a conduit toward meaningful change in their local communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]