title: Challenges in interface and interaction design for context-aware augmented memory systems

authors: Schweer, Andrea

subjects: computer science

abstract: The human long-term memory is astonishingly powerful but fallible at the same time. This makes it very easy to forget information one is sure one actually knows. We propose context-aware augmented memory systems as a solution to this problem. In this paper, we analyse the user interface and interaction design challenges that need to be overcome to build such a system. We hope for fruitful interdisciplinary discussions on how best to address these challenges.

text: Challenges in interface and interaction design for context-aware augmented memory systems The human long-term memory is astonishingly powerful but fallible at the same time. This makes it very easy to forget information one is sure one actually knows. We propose context-aware augmented memory systems as a solution to this problem. In this paper, we analyse the user interface and interaction design challenges that need to be overcome to build such a system. We hope for fruitful interdisciplinary discussions on how best to address these challenges.

year: 2007

title: Associative learning deficiencies underlying aberrant feeding in the valproate rat model of autism

authors: Lawson, Katsiaryna

subjects: autism spectrum disorder

abstract: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogenous neurodevelopmental condition 
prevalent in over 1% of the global population. Aberrant feeding behaviours and 
feeding dysregulation are a prevalent and understudied difficulty. Individuals with 
ASD often present with poor health outcomes, including over/under eating, obesity, 
and restrictive feeding associated with poor dietary habits, however the underlying 
mechanisms are poorly understood. Here we propose an explanation for some 
neural mechanisms that may be responsible for feeding dysregulation present in 
ASD. We demonstrate that valproate rat models of ASD (VPA ASD) have a blunted 
neural response to LiCl-induced conditioned taste aversion and show 
transcriptional changes in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus. Findings of this 
study also show that VPA ASD rats have significantly higher neural activation in the 
nucleus accumbens and the dorsal vagal complex in response to food, compared to 
controls. Our research suggests that some of the feeding abnormalities seen in 
people with ASD may stem from signalling deficiencies in brain areas involved in 
associative learning responses following ingestion of foods that cause malaise. 
Extremely restrictive feeding behaviours seen in ASD phenotypes may be caused by 
difficulties identifying foods that make them sick. These findings contribute to 
understanding neuromolecular drivers of anomalous feeding behaviours in people 
with ASD.

text: Associative learning deficiencies underlying aberrant feeding in the valproate rat model of autism Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogenous neurodevelopmental condition 
prevalent in over 1% of the global population. Aberrant feeding behaviours and 
feeding dysregulation are a prevalent and understudied difficulty. Individuals with 
ASD often present with poor health outcomes, including over/under eating, obesity, 
and restrictive feeding associated with poor dietary habits, however the underlying 
mechanisms are poorly understood. Here we propose an explanation for some 
neural mechanisms that may be responsible for feeding dysregulation present in 
ASD. We demonstrate that valproate rat models of ASD (VPA ASD) have a blunted 
neural response to LiCl-induced conditioned taste aversion and show 
transcriptional changes in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus. Findings of this 
study also show that VPA ASD rats have significantly higher neural activation in the 
nucleus accumbens and the dorsal vagal complex in response to food, compared to 
controls. Our research suggests that some of the feeding abnormalities seen in 
people with ASD may stem from signalling deficiencies in brain areas involved in 
associative learning responses following ingestion of foods that cause malaise. 
Extremely restrictive feeding behaviours seen in ASD phenotypes may be caused by 
difficulties identifying foods that make them sick. These findings contribute to 
understanding neuromolecular drivers of anomalous feeding behaviours in people 
with ASD.

year: 2025-04

title: Māori and the [potential] demographic dividend

authors: Jackson, Natalie

subjects: demography

abstract: This paper outlines a recently articulated concept in the demographic literature known as the ‘demographic dividend’, and connects it with key features of Māori and non- Māori demography. The dividend arises – or has the potential to arise - as each population passes through a particular point in its demographic transition. During these years, the maximum proportion of the population moves into the key working and income-earning age groups, and the minimum (comprised of youth and the elderly) is notionally dependent. With proactive and timely investment in the youthful base of the population, there is potential to convert the demographic dividend into two economic windfalls, the first arising as fertility decline causes youthful dependency to fall and the last large waves of young adults flood into the working age population, the second as the latter age and move on into the higher income earning age groups. However the window of opportunity to invest in the first dividend is fleeting, while failure to invest in that stage seriously compromises the second. This paper shows that for the Māori population, despite its relative youth, the first opportunity is already coming to an end and with it the potential gains of the second. But it also argues that there is a third window of opportunity which holds particular promise for Māori. This period will also be fleeting, but is arising in both absolute and relative terms as the relatively youthful Māori population co-exists alongside its structurally older counterpart, and together (with other New Zealanders) comprise an ‘economic dividend system’ that produces the potential for a ‘collateral dividend’.

text: Māori and the [potential] demographic dividend This paper outlines a recently articulated concept in the demographic literature known as the ‘demographic dividend’, and connects it with key features of Māori and non- Māori demography. The dividend arises – or has the potential to arise - as each population passes through a particular point in its demographic transition. During these years, the maximum proportion of the population moves into the key working and income-earning age groups, and the minimum (comprised of youth and the elderly) is notionally dependent. With proactive and timely investment in the youthful base of the population, there is potential to convert the demographic dividend into two economic windfalls, the first arising as fertility decline causes youthful dependency to fall and the last large waves of young adults flood into the working age population, the second as the latter age and move on into the higher income earning age groups. However the window of opportunity to invest in the first dividend is fleeting, while failure to invest in that stage seriously compromises the second. This paper shows that for the Māori population, despite its relative youth, the first opportunity is already coming to an end and with it the potential gains of the second. But it also argues that there is a third window of opportunity which holds particular promise for Māori. This period will also be fleeting, but is arising in both absolute and relative terms as the relatively youthful Māori population co-exists alongside its structurally older counterpart, and together (with other New Zealanders) comprise an ‘economic dividend system’ that produces the potential for a ‘collateral dividend’.

year: 2011-06