Neuroanatomical correlates of perceived usability

Usability has a distinct subjective component, yet surprisingly little is known about its neural basis and relation to the neuroanatomy of aesthetics. To begin closing this gap, we conducted two functional magnetic resonance imaging studies in which participants were shown static webpages (in the first study) and videos of interaction with webpages (in the second study). The webpages were controlled so as to exhibit high and low levels of perceived usability and perceived aesthetics. Our results show unique links between perceived usability and brain areas involved in functions such as emotional processing (left fusiform gyrus, superior frontal gyrus), anticipation of physical interaction (precentral gyrus), task intention (anterior cingulate cortex), and linguistic processing (medial and bilateral superior frontal gyri). We use these findings to discuss the brain correlates of perceived usability and the use of fMRI for usability evaluation and for generating new user experiences

Theories of American Imperialism: A Critical Evaluation

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/68828/2/10.1177_048661347400600303.pd

Optimization of a Morphing Wing Based on Coupled Aerodynamic and Structural Constraints

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/77091/1/AIAA-39016-101.pd

Flight Testing of Multiple-Spacecraft Control on SPHERES During Close-Proximity Operations

The article of record may be found at http://dx.doi.org/10.2514/1.43563A multiple-spacecraft close-proximity control algorithm was implemented and tested with the Synchronized Position Hold Engage and Reorient Experimental Satellites (SPHERES) facility onboard the International Space Station. During flight testing, a chaser satellite successfully approached a virtual target satellite while avoiding collision with a virtual obstacle satellite. This research contributes to the control of multiple spacecraft for emerging missions, which may require simultaneous gathering, rendezvous, and docking. The unique control algorithm was developed at the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School and integrated onto the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s SPHERES facility. The control algorithm implemented combines the efficiency of the linear quadratic regulator (used for attraction toward goal positions) and the robust collision-avoidance capability of the artificial potential field method (used for repulsion from moving obstacles). The amalgamation of these two control methods into a multiple-spacecraft close-proximity control algorithm yielded promising results, as demonstrated by simulations. Comprehensive simulation evaluation enabled implementation and ground testing of the spacecraft control algorithm on the SPHERES facility. Successful ground testing led to the execution of flight experiments onboard the International Space Station, which demonstrated the proposed algorithm in a microgravity environment