Autism is primarily a social disorder and deficits in social?orienting may be responsible for the failure of children with autism to initiate critical social behaviors. The purpose of this research was to improve the quality of social interactions of children with autism by implementing naturalistic behavior strategies intervention utilizing a multiple baseline design across four participants. Naturalistic behavior strategies comprised a comprehensive package of integrated components including: (a) intervention in the child’s natural environment; (b) child-initiated play activities ; (c) prompts to emit language; (d) shaping for all vocal approximations and (e) delivery of natural reinforcement with embedded social interactions to maintain learned behavior. In addition to intervention, generalization of child behaviors was assessed across untrained parents and/or caregivers in the same environment. Results indicated the effectiveness of naturalistic teaching strategies package in increasing (a) the frequency of vocal mands for all children, (b) the number of times that children initiated social engagement during manding, and (c) intervals of nonverbal dyadic orienting. These skills generalized across two untrained caregivers in the same clinical setting without any training from the interventionist. Two parents required training during the generalization phase in order for their child’s behaviors to maintain at levels demonstrated during the intervention phase. Implications for future research and clinical practice are discussed.

How is information organized in the brain during natural reading? Where and when do the required processes occur, such as the perception of individual words and the construction of sentence meanings. How are semantics, syntax and higher-level narrative structure represented? Answering these questions is core to understanding how the brain processes language and organizes complex information. However, due to the complexity of language processing, most brain imaging studies focus only on one of these questions using highly controlled stimuli which may not generalize beyond the experimental setting. This thesis proposes an alternative framework to study language processing. We acquire data using a naturalistic reading paradigm, annotate the presented text using natural language processing tools and predict brain activity with machine learning techniques. Finally, statistical testing is used to form rigorous conclusions. We also suggest the use of direct non-parametric hypothesis tests that do not rely on any model assumptions, and therefore do not suffer from model misspecification. Using our framework, we construct a brain reading map from functional magnetic resonance imaging data of subjects reading a chapter of a popular book. This map represents regions that our model reveals to be representing syntactic, semantic, visual and narrative information. Using this single experiment, our approach replicates many results from a wide range of classical studies that each focus on one aspect of language processing. We extend our brain reading map to include temporal dynamics as well as spatial information by using magnetoencephalography. We obtain a spatio-temporal picture of how successive words are processed by the brain. We show the progressive perception of each word in a posterior to anterior fashion. For each region along this pathway we show a differentiation of the word properties that best explain its activity.

abstract: Allocating tasks for a day's or week's schedule is known to be a challenging and difficult problem. The problem intensifies by many folds in multi-agent settings. A planner or group of planners who decide such kind of task association schedule must have a comprehensive perspective on (1) the entire array of tasks to be scheduled (2) idea on constraints like importance cum order of tasks and (3) the individual abilities of the operators. One example of such kind of scheduling is the crew scheduling done for astronauts who will spend time at International Space Station (ISS). The schedule for the crew of ISS is decided before the mission starts. Human planners take part in the decision-making process to determine the timing of activities for multiple days for multiple crew members at ISS. Given the unpredictability of individual assignments and limitations identified with the various operators, deciding upon a satisfactory timetable is a challenging task. The objective of the current work is to develop an automated decision assistant that would assist human planners in coming up with an acceptable task schedule for the crew. At the same time, the decision assistant will also ensure that human planners are always in the driver's seat throughout this process of decision-making. The decision assistant will make use of automated planning technology to assist human planners. The guidelines of Naturalistic Decision Making (NDM) and the Human-In-The -Loop decision making were followed to make sure that the human is always in the driver's seat. The use cases considered are standard situations which come up during decision-making in crew-scheduling. The effectiveness of automated decision assistance was evaluated by setting it up for domain experts on a comparable domain of scheduling courses for master students. The results of the user study evaluating the effectiveness of automated decision support were subsequently published. / Dissertation/Thesis / Masters Thesis Computer Science 2019

This is a qualitative study that takes a close look at an exemplary performing group, the Brigham Young University Singers. Using the methods of phenomenology and naturalistic inquiry, the author presents a rich, thick description of the daily activities and unique culture of the choir. Both strengths and weaknesses of the group are identified so that others can have an authentic, vicarious experience through reading the Singers' story. The author also identifies seven principles that contribute to the success of the group so that other choral conductors can adapt them to their own unique situations. Educators in all disciplines can benefit from a deeper understanding of this model community of learners.

Ce travail, adossé au paradigme de la prise de décision en situation (Klein, Orasanu, Calderwood, & Zsambok, 1993) porte sur le processus de prise de décisions d‘entraîneurs de handball au cours du match. La situation de match, caractérisée par ses aspects dynamiques, coopératifs et compétitifs, donne une conception chaotique de ce processus (Bowes & Jones, 2006). C‘est pourquoi, son étude nécessite de mobiliser plusieurs approches et modèles théoriques (e.g., cognition collective, théorie du focus régulateur [Higgins, 1997], théorie du contrôle [Carver & Scheier, 1982], modèles de persuasion [Chaiken, 1980 ; Petty & Cacioppo, 1986], communication dialogique [Goffman, 1961], modèle de l‘activité coopérative [Hoc, 2001]). Les données, issues de situations réelles de matchs (protocoles verbaux, choix de système défensif) ou d‘entretiens (e.g., auto-confrontations avec technique de rappel stimulé) font l‘objet d‘analyses quantitatives ou qualitatives. Les résultats révèlent les connaissances procédurales des entraîneurs concernant : la gestion de l‘équipe, les informations permettant aux joueurs d‘acquérir ou de mettre à jour des structures de connaissances adaptées à la situation, et les tentatives d‘influence des arbitres. Ces connaissances procédurales sont fonction des conditions du match (notamment le rapport d‘opposition entre les deux équipes) et influencées par des connaissances sur le jeu et les caractéristiques des joueurs. Différents modes de contrôle cognitif et styles de coaching sont aussi mis en évidence. Ainsi, le processus de prise de décisions d‘entraîneurs experts possède des régularités et suit des règles génériques, des heuristiques ou patterns. / This work, based on naturalistic decision-making paradigm (Klein, Orasanu, Calderwood, & Zsambok, 1993) is focused on team sport (handball) coaches decision-making during match. The coaching activity is dynamic and chaotic (Bowes & Jones, 2006) and generated by on-going events, especially during match. Therefore, coaches decision-making studies require to use many theoretical approaches and models (e.g., team cognition, regulatory focus theory [Higgins, 1997], control theory [Carver & Scheier, 1982], persuasive models [Chaiken, 1980 ; Petty & Cacioppo, 1986], dialogic communication [Goffman, 1961], cooperative activity model [Hoc, 2001]). Data have been collected from official games (verbal protocols, defense system choices) or interviews (self-confrontation with stimulated technique recall) and analysed with quantitative and qualitative approach. Results highlight procedural knowledge concerning team management, information allowing players to acquire or update knowledge structures, and influence referee. This procedural knowledge varied depending on the game conditions and is influenced by the coach‘s deep knowledge of the game and player profiles. Results highlight also different cognitive control modes, and different coaching styles. There exist contextual factors effects on procedural knowledge and cognitive control modes. Among these factors, ratio of strength between the two teams appears especially salient. Therefore, our empirical studies show that expert coaches‘ decision-making process have some regularity and follow generic rules, heuristics or patterns

The aim of the present study is to develop a solution to the problem of skepticism about the external world ("skepticism", for short), inspired primarily by Hume's "skeptical solution" to the problem of skepticism about induction, but also by epistemological externalism and Wittgenstein's discussion of skeptical doubts in On Certainty. The author accepts certain elements in P. F. Strawson's interpretation of Hume and Wittgenstein, but rejects the "psychological" argument against skepticism which Strawson ascribes to the two philosophers. The problem of skepticism is understood as that of showing that we can know what we in common sense claim to know about external objects, despite skeptical arguments to the contrary. A "moderate" skepticism is accepted, according to which it is possible that we are globally mistaken in our beliefs about external objects, and it is argued that there is in fact no conflict between this moderate skepticism and common sense. A distinc-tion is drawn between two types of "strong" skepticism, which does conflict with common sense: prescriptive skepti-cism, the recommendation to abandon our common sense ways of forming beliefs, by suspend-ing judgement or in other ways; and theoretical skepti-cism, the thesis that we can have no rational grounds for our beliefs about external objects. An argument against prescriptive skepticism is devel-oped, according to which each of three possible forms of prescriptive skepticism is unacceptable. An externalist argument against theoreti-cal skepticism is developed, according to which it is suffi-cient for knowledge that one is in fact not globally mis-taken, whether or not one has grounds for believing this to be the case. It is argued that this variant of externalism constitutes a form of natu-ralistic epistemology, and that it as such fills a gap in Quine's argument for the natu-ralization of epistemology. An interpretation of On Certainty is defended, according to which Wittgen-stein accepts a form of moderate skepticism and presents an argu-ment against strong skep-ticism similar to Hume's.

Background and objectives: Several new psychoactive drugs for the treatment of psychiatric disorders have been introduced onto the market since the late 1980s. Basic aspects of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics (PK) are investigated before approval for general prescription. Thus, a limited number of subjects are exposed to the drug before it is marketed and only sparse measurements of drug concentration are performed during phases II and III of drug development. The objective of this thesis was to provide further descriptive PK and linked patients data in naturalistic clinical settings. The PK of psychoactive drugs was also studied in the elderly and the young, major risk groups that are exposed in normal everyday clinical practice but that are underrepresented in the phases of drug development. The PK-data were to be assessed by samples sent to the Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) laboratory service. In a subset of individuals, the genotypes of the cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes were described. Results: Serum concentration of the parent compound and its metabolites was provided from TDM-data on antidepressant escitalopram (Paper I) and antipsychotic ziprasidone (Paper II). A large interindividual PK variability was found. The daily dose of the drug was higher than the defined daily dose (DDD) for both escitalopram and ziprasidone (median dose 20 mg and 120 mg, respectively). The median number of drugs per patient, apart from the studied drug, was 4 and 3, respectively (range 1-18). If repeated eligible TDM-data were available, change in treatment strategies could be seen between the first and second sample for the patient, and the metabolite/parent compound (M/P) ratio had lower intraindividual than interindividual variation in the escitalopram study but opposite results were found in the ziprasidone study. The prescription of antidepressant drugs (ADs) in the nursing homes studied was 38 % (Paper III). The concentration of the ADs was higher, or much higher, than could be expected from the dose administered in 73 %. The majority of the elderly people were treated with citalopram. No clear time schedule for how long the drug treatment should continue was found in the patients’ current medical record. The median number of drugs per patient apart from the AD was 11 (range 4-19), no monotherapy was found in these patients. The genetically impaired metabolic activity of CYP enzymes correlated to higher drug concentration as expected, in patients medicated with an AD that is substrate for the CYP enzyme genotype. The concentrations of ADs were as expected from the dose administered in 63 % of the children/adolescents evaluated (Paper IV). The majority of TDM samples requested sertraline. PK outcome of sertraline was similar to the results in adult populations. Monotherapy was documented in 49 % (median number of drugs apart from AD was 1 per patient, range 1-7). Changes in treatment strategies were also shown, if repeated TDM-samples were available. The median variation of the M/P ratio for sertraline between the first and the last samples within the same patient was 20 % (the interindividual variation was 37 %). The poor metabolizers (PM) for CYP2D6 medicated with a CYP2D6 substrate had a lower dose than did non-PM for the same drug. Conclusion: These studies provide reference data for the evaluation of the therapeutic response, i.e. a reference range of what is to be expected in a normal clinical setting, as well as the toxicological information concerning the psychoactive drugs studied. When available, the M/P ratio between two patients’ samples may assess patient compliance, as well as drug-drug interactions. Thus, the use of TDM can be beneficial for individual dose optimisation and drug safety, above all in the studied populations, elderly people and children/adolescents, when the selection of doses requires a consideration of PK parameters. TDM may be a tool for research, increasing knowledge of the psychoactive drug in TDM service, as well as toxicology. A more frequent clinical use of TDM and pharmacogenetic testing in clinical practice would contribute to a better quality when treating with psychoactive drugs.

The purpose of this study was to explore what it means to be farming in Saskatchewan today. Naturalistic inquiry using open-ended interviews provided the framework for four farmers narratives. The goal was to gain insight into farmers lives, to expand the understanding of farmers experiences, and to explore potential stressors of farming life. The farmers interviews revealed the heart, soul, and spirit of farming today. Although they said they were losing hope in farming, they demonstrated characteristics of determination, perseverance and tenacity that keep them farming. The insights learned from this sample of Saskatchewan farmers are relevant not only to farm families but also to new entrants into farming, professionals who work with farmers in challenging times, and government policy makers. This study may help to provide information, develop understanding of farmers needs, and raise questions that contribute to knowledge and meaning about how it is to farm in Saskatchewan today. Implications for practise and research conclude the study.

The purpose of this study was to explore what it means to be farming in Saskatchewan today. Naturalistic inquiry using open-ended interviews provided the framework for four farmers narratives. The goal was to gain insight into farmers lives, to expand the understanding of farmers experiences, and to explore potential stressors of farming life. The farmers interviews revealed the heart, soul, and spirit of farming today. Although they said they were losing hope in farming, they demonstrated characteristics of determination, perseverance and tenacity that keep them farming. The insights learned from this sample of Saskatchewan farmers are relevant not only to farm families but also to new entrants into farming, professionals who work with farmers in challenging times, and government policy makers. This study may help to provide information, develop understanding of farmers needs, and raise questions that contribute to knowledge and meaning about how it is to farm in Saskatchewan today. Implications for practise and research conclude the study.

Visualising uncertainty information has been a research area for the past decade or so, and this thesis contains the results of an experiment that examines whether prior research on icon degradation for showing uncertainty can be used in a simulated aircraft cockpit environment. Using icon degradation has been suggested as being effective to combat overconfidence bias, as well as to accurately convey information about uncertainty. Two icon sets using icon degradation were taken from prior research, and one new icon set using shape change and colour change was created for comparison. Subjects flew a flight simulator while reading icons to evaluate the uncertainty displayed, and also evaluating their own confidence in their reading. The results show that shape change leads to much higher accuracy in reading icons, and slightly higher levels of confidence. Furthermore, icon degradation results in a higher variance in reading icons and an increase in errors when no time-pressure or distraction is present. This suggests that the suitability of icon degradation for showing uncertainty is questionable in all situations, and that other design approaches such as shape change should be considered. Furthermore, problems were uncovered in the prior research that the old icons were taken from, and these problems call into question the general approach used in that research. Keywords: Uncertainty visualisation, Naturalistic decision-making, NDM, Aviation, Aircraft cockpit, Decision support, Situation assessment, Threat assessment.