Forward Vision Research Articles

Designing Reward Functions Using Active Preference Learning for Reinforcement Learning in Autonomous Driving Navigation

This study presents a method based on active preference learning to overcome the challenges of designing reward functions for autonomous navigation. Results obtained from training with artificially designed reward functions may not accurately reflect human intentions. We focus on the limitations of traditional reward functions, which often fail to facilitate complex tasks in continuous state spaces. We propose the adoption of active preference learning to resolve these issues and to generate reward functions that align with human preferences. This approach leverages an individual’s subjective preferences to guide an agent’s learning process, enabling the creation of reward functions that reflect human desires. We utilize mutual information to generate informative queries and apply information gained to balance the agent’s uncertainty with the human’s response capacity, encouraging the agent to pose straightforward and informative questions. We further employ the No-U-Turn Sampler (NUTS) method to refine the belief model, which outperforms that constructed using the Metropolis algorithm. Subsequently, we retrain the agent using reward weights derived from active preference learning. As a result, our autonomous driving vehicle can navigate between random starting and ending points without dependence on high-precision maps or routing, relying solely on its forward vision. We validate our approach’s performance within the CARLA simulation environment. Our algorithm significantly improved the success rate of autonomous driving navigation tasks that originally failed due to artificially designed rewards, increasing it to approximately 60%. Experimental results show significant improvement over the baseline algorithm, providing a solid foundation for enhancing navigation capabilities in autonomous driving systems and advancing the field of autonomous driving intelligence.

Pedestrian crash causation analysis and active safety system calibration

Over 20 % of global crash fatalities involve pedestrians, but pedestrian crash causation and pedestrian protection systems have not been thoroughly developed or reliably tested. To understand the causation characteristics of pedestrian crashes, 398 pedestrian crashes were extracted from the China in-depth accident study (CIDAS), and most of these crashes were aggregated into five scenarios. The two scenarios with the highest proportion of crashes were analyzed by the driving reliability and error analysis method (DREAM) to identify high-risk causation patterns. From these patterns, three main contributing factors were identified: 1) extremely environmental light disturbance; 2) distracted driving caused by drivers’ own thoughts; 3) drivers violating pedestrian yield law. Based on these patterns and factors, a pedestrian protection system was designed. It consists of a forward vision sensor and radar to sense the environment and the three-stage autonomous emergency braking (AEB) algorithm to automatically avoid pedestrian collisions. Crash scenarios from CIDAS data were recreated in MATLAB Simulink to test the pedestrian protection system proposed in this study. This system was found to reduce pedestrian crashes by more than 90 %. The optimal parameters for three AEB stages were obtained, with decelerations of 0.2 g, 0.3 g, and 0.6 g. This study designed an active safety system based on causation analysis of the vehicle–pedestrian crashes and calibrated the AEB algorithm of it, thus providing reference and insight for further development of pedestrian protection systems.

A Forward Vision for Chemodynamic Therapy: Issues and Opportunities

AbstractSince the insight to fuse Fenton chemistry and nanomedicine into cancer therapy, great signs of progress have been made in the field of chemodynamic therapy (CDT). However, the exact mechanism of CDT is obscured by the unique tumor chemical environment and inevitable nanoparticle‐cell interactions, thus impeding further development. In this Scientific Perspective, the significance of CDT is clarified, the complex mechanism is deconstructed into primitive chemical and biological interactions, and the mechanism research directions based on the chemical kinetics and biological signaling pathways are discussed in detail. Moreover, beneficial outlooks are presented to enlighten the evolution of next‐generation CDT. Hopefully, this Scientific Perspective can inspire new ideas and advances for CDT and provide a reference for breaking down the interdisciplinary barriers in the field of nanomedicine.

A Forward Vision for Chemodynamic Therapy: Issues and Opportunities

Since the insight to fuse Fenton chemistry and nanomedicine into cancer therapy, great signs of progress have been made in the field of chemodynamic therapy (CDT). However, the exact mechanism of CDT is obscured by the unique tumor chemical environment and inevitable nanoparticle-cell interactions, thus impeding further development. In this Scientific Perspective, the significance of CDT is clarified, the complex mechanism is deconstructed into primitive chemical and biological interactions, and the mechanism research directions based on the chemical kinetics and biological signaling pathways are discussed in detail. Moreover, beneficial outlooks are presented to enlighten the evolution of next-generation CDT. Hopefully, this Scientific Perspective can inspire new ideas and advances for CDT and provide a reference for breaking down the interdisciplinary barriers in the field of nanomedicine.

Pedestrian Area Development in Smart City Concept in Tangerang City

The city government of Tangerang has not been able to apply the concept of smart cities, while urban development has not used the concept of smart (intelligen) and attractive (attractive) which facilitates infrastructure, technology, and attracts local people based on a forward vision regarding the needs, capabilities and resources that exist. , safe and comfortable pedestrian facilities, and public spaces for pedestrians that can create an urban cultural concept that can provide business controversies that can help migrants and communities enjoy the city by foot. The purpose of this study is to study how the Tangerang City government can implement a development system that can be lived in and can be visited in accordance with the Tangerang Direct motto. This study uses a qualitative method that studies the literature with systematic literature review techniques by descriptive data analysis. The results of this study indicate that the Tangerang city government has just realized the construction of a pedestrian lane with a ratio of 72.40% of the length of the city road which has a length of 316.46 km with a very narrow space dimension of 1.5 meters combined with greening areas.

Evaluating the Effect of Poor Contrast Ratio in Simulated Sensor-Based Vision Systems on Performance

Sensor-based vision systems enable approaches to altitudes closer to the runway in low visibility conditions. These systems utilize imaging sensors capable of providing forward vision of the runway and the resulting imagery is displayed on a head-up display. Previous studies were primarily limited to nominal cases. Off-nominal cases assessments are limited only to display failures. The sensors integrated to these systems have known limitations and can produce degraded display output with respect to atmospheric conditions. An evaluation is conducted to assess the potential human factors implications of a simulated display of poor sensor output, operationalized as a difference in contrast ratio of the display output for simulated approach and landing operations. Pilots fly six different approach and landing scenarios in a simulator for two visibility levels and three levels of display information quality (none, poor, and good display output). Measures of performance include approach and landing performance, attention allocation, workload, and decision-making. The experiment results indicate that landing performance and decision making are negatively impacted by poor display output, while there is no evidence of an impact on workload or situation awareness.

Public Sector Audit, Transparency and Good Governance on Financial Accountability of Public Sector Entities in Rivers State, Nigeria

This study investigated the effects of public sector audit, good governance and financial transparency on financial accountability of twenty – six (26) ministries in the Rivers State Civil Service. The study employed cross sectional survey research design. The population consisted of twenty – eight ministries and the Taro Yamene model was used for sample size determination while simple random sampling was employed. The study used primary and secondary sources of data collection. Questionnaire was the primary source of data collections after the application of content and face validity while Cronbach alpha was employed to test the reliability of the instrument. The dependent variable was financial accountability index while the independent variables consisted of financial audit index, performance audit index, compliance audit index, good governance index and financial transparency index. The responses obtained from the questionnaire were analysed with univariate, bivariate and multivariate analysis. The multiple regression analysis suggested that there is a positive and significant relationship between financial audit index, performance audit index, compliance audit index, good governance index and financial transparency index on accountability in public sectors in Rivers State. The study concluded that public sector audit, good governance and financial transparency promote financial accountability in the Nigerian public sector. Therefore, the following recommendations were provided amongst others that The Accounting Officers in government Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDA) should carry out government business in accordance with accountability, transparency, effectiveness and efficiency, responsiveness, forward vision and rule of law for the welfare of the citizens.

Obstacles and opportunities in a forward vision for cancer nanomedicine.

Cancer nanomedicines were initially envisioned as magic bullets, travelling through the circulation to target tumours while sparing healthy tissues the toxicity of classic chemotherapy. While a limited number of nanomedicine therapies have resulted, the disappointing news is that major obstacles were overlooked in the nanoparticle's journey. However, some of these challenges may be turned into opportunities. Here, we discuss biological barriers to cancer nanomedicines and elaborate on two directions that the field is currently exploring to meet its initial expectations. The first strategy entails re-engineering cancer nanomedicines to prevent undesired interactions en route to the tumour. The second aims instead to leverage these obstacles into out-of-the-box diagnostic and therapeutic applications of nanomedicines, for cancer and beyond. Both paths require, among other developments, a deeper understanding of nano-bio interactions. We offer a forward look at how classic cancer nanomedicine may overcome its limitations while contributing to other areas of research.

Education 2030 (EU), and Onderwijs 2032 and Excellent Education in the Netherlands

This paper will attempt to identify a forward vision, challenges and concepts for education and school librarianship in the Netherlands, within Europe and at international level. It discusses the Dutch concept “Onderwijs 2032” (Education 2032) and its relationship to the promotion of “Excellent Education” by the Dutch Ministry of Education, the EU concept which are explained in “ Project Europe 2030” and the UNESCO vision of Education after 2015. Furthermore, within this forward vision, the importance and necessity of training of educators and library staff within the school community will also be discussed. It will also address the role which the IASL might be able to play at international level in supporting the school librarians, teachers, librarians, library advisers, consultants, educational administrators, and others who are responsible for library and information services in schools.

Role of digital technology in delivering 'healthy futures' and 'healthy cities'.

Digital health technologies and services play a critical role in the delivery of safe and efficient healthcare and better health outcomes. Interoperability of these technologies and services, as well as digital inclusion for communities are important enablers of a modern, connected health system. The ongoing development of these factors is an aspiration of Australia's National Digital Health Strategy (NDHS). The Australian Digital Health Agency co-designed the NDHS with input from healthcare consumers and providers, digital health industry, academic and policy experts and organisations. Approved by all Australian governments in 2017, it provides a forward vision to 2022, with seven pillars that include: Access to health information through My Health record; Secure Messaging; Medicines Safety; Interoperability; Enhanced models of care; Workforce and Education and Driving Innovation. All of these pillars have interdependent features, and many play a role in enabling communities to live healthier and happier lives supported by better connected healthcare services as well as access to information in a timely and efficient manner at the point of care. A 'Communities of Excellence' programme has supported regional communities to connect health services to My Health Record, increase digital health tools use and provide digital health literacy support to consumers. The aims of this programme are to allow the benefits of improved interoperability and better connected care to flow to people and their clinicians, test innovation that could go on to be scaled nationally, and close the health inequity gap experienced by people in rural and remote communities.

GOBLET Standards Committee: our activities and forward vision

GOBLET Standards Committee: our activities and forward vision

L’arthroscope à 45° : un outil oublié pour la chirurgie du genou

The majority of knee arthroscopic procedures are performed with 30° scope while the 70° arthroscope is mainly used for surgery of posterior compartments. In the arthroscopic armamentarium, another scope, unknown to many surgeons, is also available: the 45° arthroscope. Its field of view provides a wider intraoperative view than that of a 30° scope without the characteristic blind spot of a 70° scope. Therefore, the surgeon's orientation is not compromised because the optic has always an element of forward vision. With these advantages, the 45° scope can be used in all knee surgical procedures without the need for having two scopes sterilized on the surgical table with less risk of contamination and less surgical time. The 45° scope may also be valuable for the arthroscopic surgery of other joints with the same advantages.

The 45 degrees arthroscope: A forgotten scope in knee surgery

The majority of knee arthroscopic procedures are performed with 30° scope while the 70° arthroscope is mainly used for surgery of posterior compartments. In the arthroscopic armamentarium, another scope, unknown to many surgeons, is also available: the 45° arthroscope. His field of view provides a wider intraoperative view than that of a 30° scope without the characteristic blind spot of a 70° scope. Therefore, the surgeon's orientation is not compromised. because the optic has always an element of forward vision. With these advantages, the 45° scope can be used in all knee surgical procedures without the need for having two scopes sterilized on the surgical table with less risk of contamination and less surgical time. The 45° scope may also be valuable for the arthroscopic surgery of other joints with the same advantages.

Biotechnological interventions for sustainable conservation of plant genetic resources in the scenario of climate change

Climate change is an unequivocal fact and its impacts are already perceptible today. Climate change will profoundly alter the present conditions of agriculture in almost all countries with variable severity from region to region. On one hand unpredicted changes in climatic parameters are likely to threaten the production and productivity of economically important plant species particularly that of food crops, at the same time agriculture productivity requires significant increase to meet the expected growth in demand for food by the ever increasing world population. Conservation and sustainable use of diversity present in plant genetic resources and traditional knowledge of germplasm within and among plant species represent economic, scientific and societal value which has tendency to solve the food security problems erupt due to expanding global population. An advance made in biotechnology field such as in vitro culture technology, cryopreservation and molecular markers technology has generated significant contributions to improve the methods of conservation of rare and endangered plant genetic resources and traditional knowledge of germplasm and their valuable management in an effective way. A strategic and forward vision for conservation of plant genetic resources and traditional knowledge of germplasm and sustainable use of plant resources in the 21st century is of far reaching significance for sustainable development.

Beyond bare bones: critical, theoretically engaged qualitative research in public health.

While qualitative inquiry has been a part of the Canadian Journal of Public Health (CJPH) for many years, CJPH does not yet have the reputation as a home for qualitative research that has a critical focus and that is cqqqonversant with contemporary developments in social theory and qualitative methodology. This paper describes efforts to establish CJPH as a welcoming home for critical, theoretically engaged qualitative research in public health. The paper introduces the Special Section that heralds the forward vision for qualitative research at CJPH. We specify what we mean by critical, theoretically engaged qualitative research and make the case for its significance for public health research and practice. We describe changes made in how qualitative manuscript submissions are handled at CJPH and highlight the contribution to public health scholarship made by the articles that comprise the Special Section. We issue an invitation to the public health community to support and participate in our vision to enhance critical, theoretically informed qualitative research in public health.

Gait training using a hybrid assistive limb (HAL) attenuates head drop: A case report

Dropped head syndrome (DHS) is characterized by a chin-on-chest deformity, which can severely interfere with forward vision and impair activities of daily living. A standardized treatment strategy for DHS has not been established. To our knowledge, this is the first case report describing the efficacy of gait training using a hybrid assistive limb (HAL) for DHS. A 75-year-old man showed apparent head drop in a standing position, resulting in passively reducible chin-on-chest deformity. A radiograph image showed apparent cervical kyphosis. Center of gravity of the head (CGH)–C7 SVA was +115 mm, CL was −40°, and T1S 39°. The patient underwent a treatment program using HAL, in which gait training was mainly performed, 60 min a day, 5 days a week for 2 weeks (10 sessions). After 2–3 sessions, dropped head started to attenuate. At the end of 10 sessions, the patient was able to walk with normal posture and radiograph images showed cervical kyphosis dramatically decreased because of HAL training. CGH–C7 SVA was 42 mm, CL was −1.7°, and T1S was 30°. Three months’ outpatient follow-up revealed a slight deterioration of cervical alignment. However, the patient was able to maintain a better cervical alignment than before HAL training and keep walking with forward vision. There were no complications in any HAL treatment session. In conclusion, gait training using HAL is an option for treatment of DHS in addition to previously reported neck extensor muscle training.

Medical cannabis: A forward vision for the clinician

Legalization of medical cannabis has bypassed usual drug regulatory procedures in jurisdictions worldwide. Pending sound evidence for effect in many conditions, physicians must continue to provide competent empathetic care with attention to harm reduction. A vision to navigate the current challenges of medical cannabis is outlined.

The Changing Trends in University Governance in Malaysia: Issues and Challenges

Society has undergone massive changes in its socioeconomic and cultural facets. Thus the concept of knowledge society has got momentum with it, with education being a key motivator of these changes. Following the introduction of the “Wawasan 2020” (Vision 2020) and the subsequent declaration of the Transformasi Nasional (TN50) policy, increasing attention has been made in the effort to change the structure of higher education governance in Malaysia (Dzulkifli, 2011). The ongoing reforms in University governance are driven by the notion that Malaysia aims to set themselves up as a central node for better education in the region (Quddus & Ahmad, 2015) and as a nation aims to transform into “a nation of calibre, with a new mindset” (New Straits Times, Online - 21 October, 2016). As a nation, Malaysia also wants to be fully developed in terms of economic development, ensuring social justice, a system of good governance, quality of life and to uphold social and spiritual values, political stability, national pride, confidence, unity and social cohesion in the polity (“The Way Forward—Vision 2020” speech delivered by Dr Tun Mahathir, Source: http://www.epu.jpm.my/ 02/28/1991). This paper explores whether these particular reform initiatives introduced in relation to higher education management would help to achieve the declared objectives of the government of Malaysia. In analysing the impact of reform initiatives on the production of knowledge in Malaysia, and across the globe, this paper has explored the answers of the following questions: a) What are the major changing trends of higher education governance in Malaysia; b) How current reform initiatives relating to university governance will affect the “soaring upwards” motto of the government i.e. the ministry of higher education; c) what are the current challenges of university governance in Malaysia and how to resolve them. The findings of this study reveal that there are many innovative programs and policies relating to higher education management in Malaysia, however some of them are not supportive of and to some extent even contradict the objectives of the government and society at large.

The Career and the Forward Vision of the “Kaiwo Maru I” after her Retirement -The Invitation Process to Fushiki-Toyama Port and the Achievements at the Port-

The Career and the Forward Vision of the “Kaiwo Maru I” after her Retirement -The Invitation Process to Fushiki-Toyama Port and the Achievements at the Port-

Three-dimensional gait analysis reveals dynamic alignment change in a patient with dropped head syndrome: A case report

Dropped head syndrome (DHS) is a cervical kyphotic deformity caused by apparent weakness of the neck extensor muscles. We often encounter patients whose symptoms, including impaired forward vision and neck pain, deteriorate while walking. This is the first report of a case of dynamic spinal alignment change in a patient with DHS during walking using three-dimensional gait analysis. A 78-year-old Japanese woman complained of impaired forward vision and neck pain while walking. Her radiograph showed severe cervical kyphosis. C2–C7 SVA was +74 mm and C7–S1 SVA was −18.4 mm. The patient attempted to compensate to improve forward vision through lumbar hyperlordosis. We analyzed the gait motion of the patient by using three-dimensional (3D) motion and wireless surface electromyographic analysis systems to measure two systems synchronously. The patient walked continuously for as long as possible. We calculated dynamic SVA from the 3D motion analysis. Her head drop deformity gradually progressed and interfered with her forward vision while walking. Cervical SVA gradually increased from 75 to 85 mm. Thoracic SVA, Lumbar SVA and Whole spine SVA were initially decreased because of compensatory lumbar hyperlordosis, but ultimately increased, suggesting decompensation by the time she had finished walking. EMG activity of the bilateral trapezius muscles gradually reduced, which reflected the disturbance of maintaining her posture. Previous static evaluation could not prove the dynamic change of spinal alignment and EMG activity during walking. By introducing 3D gait analysis, we could evaluate dynamic spinal alignment of a patient with DHS.