Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Systematic review

Objective: To systematically review quantitative and qualitative literature on optimal provision of non-invasive ventilation for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neuron disease. Methods: A systematic search of electronic databases, together with supplementary search methods was used to identify relevant literature from the last 20 years. Studies of any empirical design with an English abstract were eligible for inclusion. Data from documents meeting our criteria were extracted and synthesised using narrative and thematic synthesis. A patient pathway of care model was used to integrate data and provide a process perspective to the findings. Results: While the importance of individualising care was highlighted, factors optimising use for all patients include: specialised multi-disciplinary team service provision; determining need using respiratory function tests in addition to symptom report; providing adequate information for patients and their family; paying attention to the role of carers in decision-making; adequately managing secretions; considering the most advantageous place of initiation; optimising the interface, machine mode and settings for patient comfort and effectiveness; providing supportive interventions where appropriate; regular monitoring and adjustment of settings; and providing opportunities for ongoing discussion of patient wishes. Conclusions: Optimising use of NIV in people with motor neuron disease requires consideration of multiple factors as part of a process throughout the patient pathway. Current guidelines predominantly focus on the initiation of NIV and may underplay psychosocial factors. We have made evidence-based recommendations for each step in the pathway, which may help improve optimal uptake, usage, quality of life, and survival outcomes in patients with MND.
An integrated fuzzy decision support system for multicriterion decision-making problems

Abstract In order to compete effectively in today's rapidly changing world economy, decision making should be made fast and accurate, especially when many tangible and intangible factors are considered together. Making decisions to implement advanced manufacturing technologies (AMTs) is a good example. However, not all AMT implementations are successful because most of the conventional investment justification criteria are built on tangible factors, such as cost reduction, only. Intangiabl long-term benefits such as improvement in quality, increase in flexibility, and fast delivery are always disregarded. The objective of this paper is to present an integrated approach, which incorporates different approaches (e.g. strategic, economic and analytic evaluations) for assessing the benefits among several alternative proposals, such as implementing AMT, by a fuzzy multicriterion decision-making method.
A simulation model for opportunistic maintenance strategies

An opportunistic maintenance strategy is proposed to maintain a production line consisting of k nonidentical processors and without intermediary stocks. Operational characteristics of processors are degraded with usage. In this strategy, preventive maintenance activities are combined with corrective ones as soon as a certain technical and economical conditions are satisfied. This might reduce the total number of maintenance activities and consequently the total maintenance cost incurred. Performance evaluation of a such a strategy is carried out using a simulation model.
A review of the road safety strategy in Hong Kong

Since the mid-1990s, the effectiveness of road safety measures in Hong Kong has been weakening. Six administrations in Australia, California, Great Britain (GB), Japan, New Zealand and Sweden are selected to help review the road safety activities in Hong Kong. Nine main components of the road safety strategy, including vision, objectives, targets, action plan, evaluation and monitoring, research and development, quantitative modeling, institutional framework and funding are summarized from the road safety strategies of these overseas administrations and compared to that of Hong Kong. It is found that Hong Kong's road safety activities have to be restructured to make significant improvement. In the future, a new approach structured by the nine different road safety components is recommended. The lessons learnt can be generalized to smooth the progress of other administrations at the Intermediate Stage towards the Advanced Stage of road safety development by using the short-, medium- and long-term approaches.
Anomaly-Based Intrusion Detection System using Supervised Learning Algorithm Artificial Neural Network and Ant Colony Optimization with Feature Selection

In the advent of the cyber world, all know that cyber security is randomly used research area for researchers to secure host, network, and data because of increasingly complex attacks. In the advent of anomaly-based intrusion detection system, various techniques are applied to detect intrusion on system or network. This approach attains an extreme detection rate and accuracy but there may be overhead acquired to build and training them. The objective of this paper is to detect the intrusion of a system by proposing a Data mining technique which is based on supervised learning algorithm for training dataset. Artificial neural network (ANN) and Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) with feature selection are the basics of the proposed scheme. ACO work on a population-based algorithm and is motivated by the pheromone trail laying behavior of real ants, in which NSL-KDD Cup99 Dataset is used. Empirical Results clearly explain that the proposed system can attain an overall detection rate of 88% and time complexity of 0.343 sec, which is satisfactory when compared to other anomaly-based schemes.
Seven-level active power conditioner for a renewable power generation system

A seven-level active power conditioner (SLAPC) used to inject the real power of the clean power source into the grid is proposed in this study. This SLAPC is composed of a four-level DC–DC power converter and a full-bridge inverter. The four-level DC–DC power converter converts the output voltage of the clean power source into a four-level pulse voltage. The full-bridge inverter is switched at low frequency and synchronised with the utility voltage and the output voltage of SLAPC is a seven-level AC voltage. Accordingly, the switching power loss, harmonic distortion and electromagnetic interference caused by the switching operation of power electronic switches are reduced because of the four-level in the DC side and the seven-level in the AC side of the full-bridge inverter. In addition, the proposed SLAPC acts as an active power filter that filters out the harmonic current of the load, so the utility current of the proposed SLAPC is a sinusoidal current and in phase with the utility voltage. A hardware prototype is developed to verify the performance of the proposed SLAPC. The experimental results show that the performance of the proposed SLAPC is as expected.
Synchronizing Public Transport Transfers by Using Intervehicle Communication Scheme

Synchronized transfers in public transport (PT) networks play an important role in reducing transfer walking time, increasing PT network connectivity, and improving PT reliability and the attractiveness of the PT service. However, because of the dynamic, stochastic, and uncertain nature of traffic, planned synchronized PT transfers do not always materialize. Missed connections frustrate the PT passengers and reduce potential new users. This research proposed an intervehicle communication (IVC)-based scheme to optimize the synchronization of planned transfers in PT networks. A semidecentralized control strategy was developed for the IVC systems to make the optimization a parallel process. Two operational tactics, changing vehicle speed and holding vehicles at transfer points, were used in the optimization with real-time vehicle speed and location information. A distance-based dynamic speed-adjustment model was developed for updating vehicle running speed under the fixed single-point encounter scenario and flexible road-segment encounter scenario. The impact of the proposed IVC scheme on the total number of direct transfers and the total passenger travel time (TPTT) was investigated with a case study of a PT network from Beijing. Results showed that by applying the proposed methodology, the number of direct transfers was considerably increased by 1,100%, and the TPTT was significantly reduced by 13.2%.
Design of Harmony Search Algorithm Based Tuned Fuzzy Logic Power System Stabilizer

In this paper, a robust Harmony Search Algorithm tune Type-1 fuzzy logic power system stabilizer (HSFPSS) is designed. The fuzzy logic controller lacks the mathematical reasoning & the performance is reviewed by transient response of the closed-loop system. A small-signal model of the fuzzy logic power system stabilizer (FPSS) is derived to optimize the scaling factors using Harmony Search Algorithm (HSA). The derived such a small signal model of FPSS is proven to be a Proportional Derivative controller. The parameters of the PD controller are considered as the normalized factors of the FPSS & are tuned using HSA. The simulations over the wide range of operating conditions of the power system are carried out to show the superiority of the proposed controller.
Application of Lattice Boltzmann Method In Predicting Flow Of Shear Driven Cavities

In this paper, prediction of fluid flow in shear driven cavities is presented. Lattice Boltzmann Method is used as the alternative to conventional Computational Fluid Dynamics. The geometry of shear driven cavities as well as the Reynolds numbers is varied. The simulation is conducted for three types of shear driven cavities which are square cavity and triangular cavities. The obtained streamline patterns and the centre of vortex for each type is in excellent agreement with benchmark results. It is also found that the streamline patterns is significantly affected by the geometrical shape of cavities.
A closed‐form expression for the resonant frequency of rectangular microstrip antennas

A new and accurate expression for the edge extension in accurately predicting the resonant frequency of electrically thin and thick rectangular microstrip antennas is presented. First, a closed‐form model for the edge extension is constructed by utilizing a differential evolution algorithm, the resonant frequency of rectangular microstrip antennas is then calculated by means of this edge extension expression. The calculations were carried out on 46 antennas with a range of different dimensions built on various substrates. The resonant frequency results presented in this letter show the better agreement with the experimental results as compared with those reported by the several researchers. A comparison between calculated and experimental resonant frequencies demonstrates that the edge extension model provides less than 0.7% errors on average. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 1848–1852, 2007; Published online in Wiley Inter‐Science (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22572
Modelo de cálculo de los parámetros técnicos de las líneas eléctricas de baja tensión subterráneas e instalaciones internas para uso en telecomunicaciones

This article presents an analysis of electrical distribution theory for 60Hz-lines operating at low voltage, particularly underground lines and residential indoor installations. Such distribution lines' behaviour is observed as a function of frequency to consider any advantages regarding the potential use of power transmission lines (PTL) for transmitting telecommunication signals. A method for computing the secondary parameters is proposed which has been based on the primary parameters, namely inductance, capacitance, conductance and resistance. The secondary parameters so obtained were characteristic impedance, propagation constant (together with its real value) and the attenuation constant. Conductor configurations, insulation materials and gauges commonly used in Colombia were verified for such low-voltage lines. A mathematical model is proposed as a theoretical tool for analysing and predicting characteristic impedance pattern and the attenuations which occur at high frequencies, thereby complementing our group's previous work. Conclusions are drawn, together with a perspective regarding future work and applications.
Untersuchungen zur Verwendung der linksventrikulären endsystolischen Druck-Durchmesserbeziehung zur Beurteilung von Kontraktilitätsveränderungen

Nach Jahrzehnten einer mehr oder minder erfolglosen Suche nach einem " pre load"unabhängigen Parameter zur Kennzeichnung kontraktiler Veränderungen des Myokards boten die Arbe i ten der G r u p p e um K. SAGAWA einen vielversprechenden Ansatz [7], Nach SAGAWA's Theorie wird der linke Ventrikel als eine zeitvariante Kapazität betrachtetWerden Ventrikelvolumen und intraventrikulärer Druck in einem X-Y-Diagramm (" pressure-volume-loops") für einen ganzen Herzzyklus aufgetragen. Wird nun das enddias to l i sche V o l u m e n von H e r z z y k l u s zu Herzzyklus variiert, so liegen die endsystolischen Punkte (" le f t upper corner" , LUC) unter Voraussetzung konstanter Kontraktilität auf einer Geraden ("endsystolic pressurevolume-relation", ESPVR). Der Anstieg der Geraden ergibt einen Kontraktilitätsparameter (steilerer Anstieg = höhere Kontraktilität), ihr Schnit tpunkt mit der Volumenachse das "ungedehnte" Volumen bei Kammerdruck 0 (" V" ) . Jedoch i s t f e s t z u h a l t e n , daß d ie Untersuchungen von SAGAWA et al. in erster Linie an isolierten "Ballon"-Ventrikeln durchgeführt wurden, wodurch Einflüsse der nervalen Regulation sowie der Perfusion ausgeschlossen waren. Außerdem sind bei diesem sehr einfachen Modell die bekannten Nichtlinearitäten der Spannungs-Dehnugs-Kurven passiver wie auch aktivierter Herzmuskeln nicht berücksichtigt. Es erscheint daher nicht verwunderl ich, daß immer wieder Untersuchungen mi t dem Ergebn i s n i c h t l i n e a r e r ESPVR veröffentl icht werden [2], [4], [8]. Auch die oft publizierten negativen Werte für V0 stehen im Widerspruch zu SAGAWA's Modell, welches offensichtlich nur eine grobe Näherung für eine kleinen Druck-VolumenBereich darstellt.
Locally implemented prevention programs may reverse weight trajectories in half of children with overweight/obesity amid low child-staff ratios: Results from a four-year prospective study in France

Background The aim of the present study was to prospectively assess 4-year changes in the weight status of children between school-based prevention programs locally implemented in French municipalities with the same organizational support, and focused on experiential learning interventions promoting healthy eating and physical activity. Methods Using a body mass index chart established by the International Obesity Task Force, school nurses assessed first-grade children for weight status (normal, overweight, obesity) several weeks before the launch of each program in 2011, and 4 years later, together with the BMI z-score measuring overweight/obesity severity. Child-staff ratios (CSRs) by occupation (canteen seervice/extracurriculars) and training session (healthy eating/physical activity) were computed in each municipality. Results During the 4-year follow-up period, weight status improved in half of the children with overweight/obesity, and worsened in 6.6% of children with over/normal weight. In children who remained overweight, the BMI z-score diminished over time. Estimates of the positive 4-year weight change increased with age and were significantly higher in low-to-moderate CSR multicomponent programs ( City3 and City4 ) compared to moderate CSR single-intervention programs (reference: City1 ). The high-to-moderate CSR multicomponent program ( City2 ) had a similar effect as the reference. The estimated negative weight change decreased with age. Conclusions Training ancillary school staff to experiential-focused interventions for healthy eating and physical activity in locally implemented school-based programs contributed positively to preventing childhood obesity without interfering with educational activities. However, low CSRs seem to be pivotal for optimal outcomes, especially in schools in deprived areas.
Constraints in adoption of improved management practices of sheep farming in semi-arid region of Rajasthan

Though improved management practices are available for enhancing the production and productivity of sheep, its adoption is less due to various constraints. Understanding these constraints helps in identifying suitable intervention points in efficient technology dissemination and better adoption. An attempt was made to analyse the major constraints faced by the farmers in sheep production using primary data collected from 107 farmers of semi-arid region of Rajasthan. The constraints were classified into four categories: technical, input, institutional and social. Poor availability of superior quality breeding rams and inadequate knowledge on the disease management were the major constraints in the technical category. The major constraints in the input side were fodder scarcity, high price of feed as well as unavailability of quality medicines. Low price of wool and lack of market infrastructure turned out to be major institutional constraints, whereas low literacy and impaired access to extension facility were the major constraints in the social side. These factors put riders on the adoption of improved management techniques by sheep farmers. Ameliorating these constraints need organised efforts from the stakeholders viz. the farmers, government (mostly local administration and research institutions) and grass root level non-governmental organisations.
Co-simulation and simulation integration for a full vehicle dynamic system

The electric power steering (EPS) mechanism ensures improved vehicle safety and fuel economy. The development of a concurrent simulation technique and a simulation integration technique for analysing an EPS control system with a dynamic vehicle system is described in this paper. A full vehicle model interacting with an EPS control algorithm was concurrently simulated on a single-bump road condition. The dynamic responses of the vehicle chassis and the steering system resulting from impact with the road surface were evaluated and compared with experimental data obtained at the proving ground. Reasonable agreement was obtained for tie-rod load, rack displacement, steering wheel torque, and tyre centre acceleration. The concurrent simulation capability was employed for EPS performance evaluation and calibration as well as for vehicle-handling performance integration and synthesis.
Biomechanical Effects of a Personal Weight Transfer Device in the Stooped Posture

Repetitive work in the stooped posture is a known risk factor for developing low back disorders (LBDs). Use of the stooped posture in the workplace is widespread throughout the world in agriculture, construction, and mining. In California alone, hundreds of thousands of agricultural field workers routinely utilize the stooped posture. The purpose of this study is to evaluate if a personal weight transfer device as a possible intervention to reduce the load on the lumbar spine, thereby reducing the risk of developing LBDs. Eighteen healthy subjects performed stoop posture tasks in a laboratory study designed to simulate harvesting of low-growing crops. Results showed that when wearing the device in the static stooped posture, biceps femoris activity was reduced by 17%, lumbar flexion was reduced by 12%, ankle plantar-flexion increased by 5%, and the lumbar erector spinae of those subjects who did not experience flexion-relaxation of the erector spinae was reduced by 26%. Hip and knee flexion were not significantly altered. The device was effective in reducing the back muscle activity in those subjects who did not experience flexionrelaxation. Low back pain sufferers have reduced, or no, relaxation of back muscles during stoop. Therefore, the device may be beneficial for those with existing LBDs, and who use the stooped posture routinely. By limiting lumbar flexion, and consequently reducing loads on the lumbar intervertebral discs, the device may reduce the risk of developing LBDs in the population of people who use the stooped posture.
Searching for the Good Plan

Despite the centrality of comprehensive plans to the profession of city and regional planning, there is a gap in knowledge about the quality of plans as they are not routinely evaluated against best practice standards. We discuss plan quality evaluation, an emerging methodology for assessing the quality of plans. We review the evolution of the concept, the dimensions covered, and the principles and criteria used. We then provide a comparative meta-analytic analysis of the findings from published plan quality evaluations, ranging from research studies in the United States to national planning policy applications in Holland and New Zealand, and offer recommendations about future directions in improving content analysis of plan documents and research design in plan quality evaluation.
Computer‐aided simulation and testing of spatial linkages with joint mechanical errors

Tolerance allocation influences production costs in a big way. For this reason it is very important to have an accurate study about the effects of manufacturing errors on the functioning and performances of linkages. In this paper, the authors present a computer‐aided methodology based on a 3D geometrical approach using the dual‐algebra fundamentals. The purpose is to give an useful tool which can be integrated into CAD software in order to evaluate the performances of spatial mechanisms with mechanical errors. The proposed methodology has been validated by means of experimental tests on a Cardan joint mechanism with clearances, misalignments and dimensional errors. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Motion Compensation Based on Keystone Transform and Wigner-Hough Transform

The signal accumulation algorithm is one of the signal processing algorithms which is commonly used in the radar signal processing. However, with the growth of accumulation time, moving target will appear the problem of range migration and Doppler migration. As a result, signal energy can’t accumulate effectively, and the ability of radar to detect targets may be affected, so, motion compensation before integration is necessary. In this paper, a motion compensation method based on Keystone transform and Wigner-Hough transform is presented, which can correct the migration. Then simulation is carried out and the results verify its efficiency.
A new lightning return stroke model based on antenna theory

A new approach based on antenna theory is presented to describe the lightning returnstroke process. The lightning channel is approximated by a straight and vertical monopole antenna with distributed resistance (a so-called lossy antenna) above a perfectly conducting ground. The antenna is fed at its lower end by a voltage source such that the antenna input current, which represents the lightning return-stroke current at the lightning channel base, can be specified. An electric field integral equation (EFIE) in the time domain is employed to describe the electromagnetic behavior of this lossy monopole antenna. The numerical solution of EFIE by the method of moments (MOM) provides the time-space distribution of the current and line charge density along the antenna. This new antenna-theory (or electromagnetic) model with specified current at the channel base requires only two adjustable parameters: the return-stroke propagation speed for a nonresistive channel and the channel resistance per unit length, each assumed to be constant (independent of time and height). The new model is compared to four of the most commonly used “engineering” return-stroke models in terms of the temporal-spatial distribution of channel current, the line charge density distribution, and the predicted electromagnetic fields at different distances. A reasonably good agreement is found with the modified transmission line model with linear current decay with height (MTLL) and with the Diendorfer-Uman (DU) model.