Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Travel Choice Behavior Model Based on Mental Accounting of Travel Time and Cost

This paper analyzes the utility calculation principle of travelers from the perspective of mental accounting and proposes a travel choice behavior model that considers travel time and cost (MA-TC model). Then, a questionnaire is designed to analyze the results of the travel choice under different decision-making scenarios. Model parameters are estimated using nonlinear regression, and the utility calculation principles are developed under different hypothetical scenarios. Then, new expressions for the utility function under deterministic and risky conditions are presented. For verification, the nonlinear correlation coefficient and hit rate are used to compare the proposed MA-TC model with the other two models: (1) the classical prospect theory with travel time and cost (PT-TC model) and (2) mental accounting based on the original hedonic editing criterion (MA-HE model). The results show that model parameters under deterministic and risky conditions are pretty different. In the deterministic case, travelers have similar sensitivity to the change in gain and loss of travel time and cost. The prediction accuracy of the MA-TC model is 3% lower than the PT-TC model and 6% higher than the MA-HE model. Under risky conditions, travelers are more sensitive to the change in loss than to the change in gain. Additionally, travelers tend to overestimate small probabilities and underestimate high probabilities when losing more than when gaining. The prediction accuracy of the MA-TC model is 2% higher than the PT-TC model and 6% higher than the MA-HE model.
Use of neural networks for parameter prediction and quality inspection in TIG welding

The potential of using neural networks in TIG welding has been investigated. It has been successfully demonstrated by using a commercial package, BRAIN-MA KER, on an IBM PC that the feed forward multilayer neural network, trained by the back-propagation algorithm with suitable structures, can give satisfactory predictions for both manual and mechanised TIG Welding. A neural network has been trained to predict the welding conditions (procedure) necessary to produce a good quality weld. The types of defect arising by the use of other welding conditions are also predicted. The feasibility of incorporating a neural network into a welding control system is also discussed.
Design and analysis of ad-hoc wireless networks for battlefield applications

In this paper we examine the vulnerability of ad hoc wireless networks due to intentional jamming and propose techniques to enhance network survivability. In the proposed scheme, we first examined the vulnerability of ad hoc wireless networks due to jamming and estimate the effort needed to protect the network. We then offer a hybrid solutions that combines source routing, Forward Error Control Coding, bandwidth efficient modulation, enhancement of hop count etc. We intend to show that, such a hybrid solution is an effective measure to protect ad hoc wireless networks from intentional jamming.
Effect of a New Tele-Rehabilitation Program versus Standard Rehabilitation in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), rehabilitation is recommended, but attendance rates are low. Tele-rehabilitation may be key. We evaluate the effect of a tele-rehabilitation program vs. standard rehabilitation on COPD. A randomized, non-inferiority study comparing eight weeks of tele-rehabilitation (physiotherapist video/chat-consultations and workout sessions with a virtual-autonomous-physiotherapist-agent (VAPA)) and standard rehabilitation in stable patients with COPD. At baseline, after 8 weeks and 3 and 6 months of follow-up, 6 min walk test distance (6MWTD), 7-day pedometry, quality of life, exercise tolerance, adherence, patient satisfaction and safety were assessed. Fifty-four patients (70 ± 9 years, male 57%, FEV1% 34.53 ± 11.67, FVC% 68.8 ± 18.81, 6MWT 376.23 ± 92.02) were included. Twenty-seven patients were randomized to tele-rehabilitation. Non-inferiority in Δ6MWTD at 8 weeks (47.4 ± 31.4), and at 3 (56.0 ± 38.0) and 6 (95.2 ± 47.1) months follow-up, was observed. No significant difference was observed in 7-day pedometry or quality of life. In the intervention group, 6MWTD increased by 25% and 66% at 3 and 6 months, respectively; adherence was 81%; and patient satisfaction was 4.27 ± 0.77 (Likert scale 0–5). Non-inferiority between groups and high adherence, patient satisfaction and safety in the intervention group were found after rehabilitation and at 3 and 6 months of follow-up. Tele-rehabilitation with VAPA seems to be a promising alternative.
Photomixer with superconductor detector for sub-THz generator

A new type of optical-microwave conversion system has been proposed as high-stabilized oscillators and optical interfaces for superconducing circuits. The photomixer with heterodyne mixing of two lasers was applied to generate the electromagnetic waves and high-TC grain boundary Josephson junction detector was used to monitor the frequency of electromagnetic waves in real time. The current-voltage properties of Josephson junction detector were examined and the system operation up to 50 GHz was demonstrated. We also described in detail the two types of optical-microwave conversion system.
Extrinsic calibration of Velodyne-VLP16 LiDAR and camera using only three 3D-2D correspondences

The composition of multiple-layer Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) and camera is commonly used in autonomous perception systems. Complementary information of these sensors is instrumental in the reliable surrounding perception. However, it is a difficult work for obtaining the extrinsic parameters between LiDAR and camera, which must be known for some perception algorithms. In this study, we present a method, using only three 3D-2D correspondences to compute the extrinsic parameters between Velodyne-VLP16 LiDAR and monocular camera. The procedure is that 3D and 2D features are extracted respectively from the point cloud and image of a custom calibration target and then the extrinsic parameters are obtained based on these features by the perspective-3-point (P3P) algorithm. Outliers with minimum energy at geometrical discontinuities of target are used as control points for extracting key features in LiDAR point cloud. Moreover, a novel method is presented to distinguish the correct solution from multiple P3P solutions. The method depends on conic shape discrepancies in spaces of the different solutions.
Proposta de modelo fuzzy para avaliação da conservação ambiental de riachos urbanos

A fim de consolidar o processo de diagnóstico dos cursos d’água urbanos no Brasil, este artigo propõe o Índice de Conservação Ambiental de Riachos Urbanos (ÍCARU). Esse índice foi construído a partir de indicadores de Pressão-Estado-Resposta (PER), integrados pela lógica fuzzy. Indicadores, definição de regras difusas e validação de cenários foram obtidos por meio de pesquisa survey e workshops com uma equipe multidisciplinar de especialistas. Um Sistema Baseado em Regras Difusas (SBRD) foi desenvolvido por meio da ferramenta FuzzyGen para cada atributo, dimensão e índice geral. O SBRD é composto por um banco de dados de conhecimento, regras e o mecanismo de inferência. Os resultados são apresentados na forma de gráfico de radar, mostrando o valor individual (0-10) de cada dimensão PER e o ÍCARU, em gráfico de centro de gravidade. Os testes mostraram a viabilidade e usabilidade do modelo, que pode ser uma ferramenta de monitoramento de riachos urbanos e apoio a decisão. Palavras-chave: Lógica fuzzy. Indicadores. Pressão-Estado-Resposta. ÍCARU.
Three-dimensional antennas array for the estimation of direction of arrival

Direction of arrival (DOA) estimation of multiple sources using an antenna array becomes very important in wireless communications. It is well known that the quality of the DOA estimation depends on the selected technique and algorithm but it also depends on the geometrical configuration of the antenna array used during the estimation. The authors study the influence of the antenna array configurations on the Cramer-Rao bounds (CRB) of the 2D DOA estimation problem as well as on the performance of the well known MUSIC algorithm. For this we consider the most known planar arrays and we propose a 2-L shaped 3D antennas array. It appears that this 3D antennas array outperforms the other configurations as well as that already proposed in Tayem and Kwon (2005), in terms of both the CRB and the MUSIC root mean square estimation error and also removes ambiguities from the estimation MUSIC pseudo spectrum.
Active third-harmonic injection indirect matrix converter with dual three-phase outputs

This study presents an active third-harmonic injection indirect matrix converter (3HI2MC) topology with dual three-phase outputs. The presented 3HI2MC has the advantages of sinusoidal input and output currents, bi-directional power flow, and can provide two sets of three-phase outputs, whose frequencies and amplitudes can be regulated independently. Compared with the conventional indirect matrix converter (IMC), the input reactive power control range is extended significantly, and the converter can even work as a static compensator. Moreover, a maximal voltage transfer ratio of 0.866 is achievable under all operation conditions. Furthermore, operations of the rectifier and inverters are independent. Thus, for a 3HI2MC system containing multiple voltage-source-type inverters (VSIs), modulation and control task can be implemented flexibly by a separate controller for each VSI, while it is difficult for the conventional IMCs to achieve such a goal. All of the features above make 3HI2MC competitive for the applications that require multiple three-phase outputs such as multiple drives. After describing the topology structure, operating principles and control algorithm in detail, simulation and experimental results are presented to demonstrate the validity and effectiveness of the proposed topology.
A Relational Moral Theory

Chapter 7, which completes Part II, appeals to the conception of harmony/communality from the previous chapter to articulate a new deontological moral theory, which prescribes respect for beings insofar as they are by nature capable of communing as a subject or being communed with as an object. What typically makes actions wrong is, roughly, that they are not friendly towards or harmonious with innocent parties, where particularly wrongful behaviour is unfriendly or discordant in respect of them. The chapter draws out several corollaries from an ethic of rightness as friendliness, such as that one normally should not promote harmony using a very discordant means, and that having befriended someone provides extra reason to help him compared to a stranger. The chapter demonstrates that this moral theory, in the light of its corollaries, accounts better for the African and global intuitions than the welfarist and vitalist approaches considered earlier in Part II.
Analysis of the Workpiece Elastic Deformation Holding in Fixture with High Definition Metrology

The work-piece holding in the fixture will have elastic deformation under the effect of clamping force and the positioning of locators which will lead to poor quality. In this paper, after comparing the advantage of High Definition Metrology (HDM) with the traditional contact measurement metrology, the surface flatness measurement experiment scheme was designed based on HDM. Then, it was optimized with Design of Experiment (DOE). Finally, the work-piece elastic deformation caused by clamping force, its location and support location were analyzed using the case of Aluminum alloy 6061 part.
Vulnerability, “innocent” disasters and the imperative of cultural understanding

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to make an argument that there are different types of social construction of disasters.Design/methodology/approach – The focus is on disasters triggered by natural hazards.Findings – It is now widely accepted that disasters are a product of a natural hazard having an impact on a vulnerable population. But the value of the concept of vulnerability is in danger of becoming less meaningful because it is removed from the political and economic processes that generate some vulnerabilities. On the other hand, there are some types of disasters that are relatively “innocent”, in the sense that people live in places that are exposed to risk for purposes of access to their livelihood, and not because social forces or power relations have forced them to live there, or made some groups more vulnerable than others.Practical implications – If it is the case that some vulnerability is “innocent”, then forms of explanation are needed of people's willingness to expose themselves to r.
Six Sigma implementation framework for SMEs – a roadmap to manage and sustain the change

Although Six Sigma has been in business lexicon for more than 20 years, research has shown the need of practical implementation framework for successful deployment of Six Sigma, especially in the context of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This article proposes a Six Sigma implementation framework customised to the needs of SMEs by performing a critique of quality management frameworks/models for SMEs and drawing conclusion from the empirical research conducted over 3 years. If Six Sigma is poorly launched, it will be very difficult to reorganise and regain momentum. Though the framework was tested in three SMEs and revised, still its robustness needs to be checked and refined based on suggestions and comments from industry, practitioners and academics.
Macrophage Polarization and Alveolar Bone Healing Outcome: Despite a Significant M2 Polarizing Effect, VIP and PACAP Treatments Present a Minor Impact in Alveolar Bone Healing in Homeostatic Conditions

Host inflammatory immune response comprises an essential element of the bone healing process, where M2 polarization allegedly contributes to a favorable healing outcome. In this context, immunoregulatory molecules that modulate host response, including macrophage polarization, are considered potential targets for improving bone healing. This study aims to evaluate the role of the immunoregulatory molecules VIP (Vasoactive intestinal peptide) and PACAP (Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide), which was previously described to favor the development of the M2 phenotype, in the process of alveolar bone healing in C57Bl/6 (WT) mice. Experimental groups were submitted to tooth extraction and maintained under control conditions or treated with VIP or PACAP were evaluated by microtomographic (µCT), histomorphometric, immunohistochemical, and molecular analysis at 0, 3, 7, and 14 days to quantify tissue healing and host response indicators at the healing site. Gene expression analysis demonstrates the effectiveness of VIP or PACAP in modulating host response, evidenced by the early dominance of an M2-type response, which was paralleled by a significant increase in M2 (CD206+) in treated groups. However, despite the marked effect of M1/M2 balance in the healing sites, the histomorphometric analysis does not reveal an equivalent/corresponding modulation of the healing process. µCT reveals a slight increase in bone matrix volume and the trabecular thickness number in the PACAP group, while histomorphometric analyzes reveal a slight increase in the VIP group, both at a 14-d time-point; despite the increased expression of osteogenic factors, osteoblastic differentiation, activity, and maturation markers in both VIP and PACAP groups. Interestingly, a lower number of VIP and PACAP immunolabeled cells were observed in the treated groups, suggesting a reduction in endogenous production. In conclusion, while both VIP and PACAP treatments presented a significant immunomodulatory effect with potential for increased healing, no major changes were observed in bone healing outcome, suggesting that the signals required for bone healing under homeostatic conditions are already optimal, and additional signals do not improve an already optimal process. Further studies are required to elucidate the role of macrophage polarization in the bone healing process.
Tele-operator assistance system for small rovers

Small, agile rovers for harsh outdoor environments offer good potential to support rescue teams in emergency operations. For such exploration purposes the outdoor MERLIN rovers have been developed in tracked and wheeled versions for the weight class between 10 and 20 kg. Those vehicles can achieve velocities up to 50 km/h. Therefore the drive assistance system has to provide the functionalities to perform safe and efficient tele-operations in combination with autonomous reaction capabilities. The tele-operator can select appropriate levels of autonomy, ranging from warning signals to autonomous reactions of the vehicle's on-board data processing system, if an endangering situation is not anticipated. Implemented features include detection of obstacles in the path, as well as an adaptation of speed appropriate to terrain roughness and slope, but also to path curvature. An autonomous return to the initial position is to be realized, when the telecommunication contact to the tele-operator has been lost. This paper addresses the implemented sensor and data processing techniques to handle those tasks in a robust way. Results from extensive tests in various environments will be reported. In particular the results from the C-ELROB 2007 competition, the European Land Robotics trial, will be reported, where the Outdoor MERLIN was the winner of the urban terrain challenge.
Robust load-frequency controller design for power systems

A robust controller, based on the Riccati-equation approach, is proposed for power system load-frequency control. Only the bounds of the system parameters are required to design the robust load-frequency controller. The proposed robust controller is simple, effective and can ensure that the overall system is asymptotically stable for all admissable uncertainties. Simulation results show that, for the example system, the proposed robust load-frequency controller can achieve good performance even in the presence of generation rate constraint.
RB expression confers sensitivity to CDK4/6 inhibitor–mediated radiosensitization across breast cancer subtypes

Standard radiation therapy (RT) does not reliably provide locoregional control for women with multinode-positive breast cancer and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). We hypothesized that CDK4/6 inhibition (CDK4/6i) would increase the radiosensitivity not only of estrogen receptor–positive (ER+) cells, but also of TNBC that expresses retinoblastoma (RB) protein. We found that CDK4/6i radiosensitized RB WT TNBC (n = 4, radiation enhancement ratio [rER]: 1.49–2.22) but failed to radiosensitize RB-null TNBC (n = 3, rER: 0.84–1.00). RB expression predicted response to CDK4/6i + RT (R2 = 0.84), and radiosensitization was lost in ER+/TNBC cells (rER: 0.88–1.13) after RB1 knockdown in isogenic and nonisogenic models. CDK4/6i suppressed homologous recombination (HR) in RB WT cells but not in RB-null cells or isogenic models of RB1 loss; HR competency was rescued with RB reexpression. Radiosensitization was independent of nonhomologous end joining and the known effects of CDK4/6i on cell cycle arrest. Mechanistically, RB and RAD51 interact in vitro to promote HR repair. CDK4/6i produced RB-dependent radiosensitization in TNBC xenografts but not in isogenic RB1-null xenografts. Our data provide the preclinical rationale for a clinical trial expanding the use of CDK4/6i + RT to difficult-to-control RB-intact breast cancers (including TNBC) and nominate RB status as a predictive biomarker of therapeutic efficacy.
Autonomous Management of the Space Station Electric Energy System

This paper discusses some of the implementation issues associated with autonomous management of the Space Station electric energy system. In particular, an executive based structure is proposed to handle the scheduling and real time control of the energy system. The major pieces of this structure are a user interface, the executive itself, a scheduler for the loads and storage, and a real time controller. The least developed of the technologies necessary to realize autonomous management is the scheduler and hence is given primary focus. This paper proposes using the simulated annealing algorithm for the solution of the scheduling problem and presents some preliminary results using this algorithm.
Tactical Replanning Algorithms for Four-Dimensional Contracts in Air Traffic Control

Continuously growing air traffic density, mainly over Europe and the U.S., introduces a need for new concepts in air traffic control. One of such new concepts involves air traffic management using four-dimensional contracts. According to this approach, all the air traffic is preplanned and optimized in advance in four dimensions: three-dimensional location and time. Before takeoff, each aircraft is given a flyable conflict-free four-dimensional flight plan, called a four-dimensional contract. The aircraft is committed to comply with its contract during the entire flight. Whenever an aircraft cannot respect its prescribed four-dimensional contract, a new one should be recomputed for it. New contract computation is performed when the aircraft are airborne and, therefore, should be completed in a matter of minutes. The paper introduces an algorithm for replanning of four-dimensional contracts within the mentioned time limitation. The update task is treated as an optimization problem minimizing the influence .
Influence of Physical Environmental Factors on The Rising Insecurity in Northwestern Nigeria

Northern part of Nigeria has witnessed a widespread security challenges in recent years, in most cases armed conflicts. Boko Haram's insurgency in the Northeast, herdsmen militancy in North-central, while in the Northwest, banditry has become the major security concern. Millions of people have been displaced, some were dead as a result. There are efforts by concerned entities, less attention was given to physical environmental. Environmental psychology has shown that the physical environment is responsible for behavior or crime; therefore, this study identifies the environmental factors that are influencing the increase of insecurity activities in the Northwestern states of Nigeria. Data was collected using focus group discussions, observations, interviews and review of related existing literature. System theory was used to show the interdependence of the factors by identifying and categorizing them into internal and external factors (artificial and natural). The internal factors include; Urbanization and Poor Environmental Design/Planning, Territorial encroachment, Urban poverty among others. While the external factors are; Climate, Topography and Vegetation, Natural resources and etc. The study discusses their effects on increasing insecurity in the region and concluded that both internal and external factors have significant effects on the increasing banditry in Northwestern part of the country and need to be viewed as a system and be treated holistically. Finally made some recommendation on the way forward.