Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Research on Action Recognition of Human Body Based on Kinect Sensor

An effective Human action recognition method based on the human skeletal information which is extracted by Kinect depth sensor is proposed in this paper. Skeleton’s 3D space coordinates and the angles between nodes of human related actions are collected as action characteristics through the research of human skeletal structure, node data and research on human actions. First, 3D information of human skeletons is acquired by Kinect depth sensors and the cosine of relevant nodes is calculated. Then human skeletal information within the time prior to current state is stored in real time. Finally, the relevant locations of the skeleton nodes and the variation of the cosine of skeletal joints within a certain time are analyzed to recognize the human motion. This algorithm has higher adaptability and practicability because of the complicated sample trainings and recognizing processes of traditional method is not taken up. The results of the experiment indicate that this method is with high recognition rate.
Design development of permanent magnet excitation transverse flux linear motor with inner mover type

This paper presents a novel and accurate design of permanent magnet excitation transverse flux linear motor (TFLM) with inner mover type. This configuration leads to increase in the power density of the moving part. The magnetic field of TFLM is analysed by three-dimensional finite-element analysis (3D FEA) using ANSYS software. The proposed method is used for studying the variation of the geometrical dimensions, electrical parameters and their effects on the traction and normal force. The simulation results of the proposed method are then compared with both of the experimental measurements detected on the experimental setup, and another 3D FEA old model. The comparison is presented to demonstrate the validity and high accuracy of 3D FEA detailed new model.
Calibration of a calorimeter for measuring the spark energy of an electrostatic discharge

This paper deals with the factors that influence the accuracy of the measurements performed with a calorimeter, developed to detect the optical signal emitted by the spark generated to facilitate experiments with electrostatic discharge. Experiments are described which were performed with a special calorimeter and a compound optical source consisting of a spark gap, a human-body-model electrostatic discharge (ESD) signal generator, and four LEDs. The spark gap was used as a versatile and more powerful source of optical emission than the human-body-model circuit; the LED source was used for calibration and alignment. For control, the spectrum of the spark discharge was measured with a spectrometer and a broadband photodetector. The calorimeter was used as a means for the determination of the energy contained in the optical signal, yielding the value of the spark-gap emission in the fundamental units for energy. The long-term stability of the system was measured, and the system response was studied for threshold optical signals. The calorimeter detectivity, defined as the overall instrument sensitivity, measured in volts per joule, was D=4.3/spl times/10/sup 7/ V.J/sup -1/ and its detection limit 2.3/spl times/10/sup -13/ J. The system's response to the IEC standard human-body-model circuit was consistent with the measurements of the system's detectivity. Most parts of the developed apparatus have been tested in an industrial environment.
Relaxation time of brain tissue in the elderly assessed by synthetic MRI

Synthetic MRI (SyMRI) is a quantitative technique that allows measurements of T1 and T2 relaxation times (RTs). Brain RT evolution across lifespan is well described for the younger population. The aim was to study RTs of brain parenchyma in a healthy geriatric population in order to define the normal value of structures in this group population. Normal values for geriatric population could help find biomarker for age‐related brain disease.
Gym users: an enabler in creating an acceptance of sports and fitness wearable devices in India

PurposeThere are two-fold objectives to this research. First is to analyse the importance of technology readiness (TR) for the users in using sports and fitness wearable devices in India. And second is to explore if gymnasium (gym) users are much more technologically ready as compared to non-gym users to use sports and fitness wearable devices.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses technology readiness and acceptance model (TRAM) to examine the users' intention to use sports and fitness wearable devices. Data from a survey of 907 respondents from India were collected and partial least squares (PLS)-structural equation modelling (SEM) technique was used to empirically examine it.FindingsThe outcomes reveal that innovativeness and optimism have a positive influence on perceived ease of use (PEOU) and perceived usefulness (PU), and insecurity and discomfort have a negative influence on PEOU and PU. Both PEOU and PU act as important determinants in the user's intention to use sports and fitness wearable devices. The multi-group analysis (MGA) suggests that gym users tend to exhibit more positive intention towards using sports and fitness wearable devices and show higher probability of using the wearable devices relative to non-gym users.Originality/valueThere are hardly any studies on intention to use sports and fitness wearable devices in India. The current research tries to understand the intention behind the gym users and non-gym users to use sports and fitness wearable devices. The outcomes of the research will help the marketers to align their promotional campaign based on the new segmentation variable “gym-user/non-gym user”. The research also highlights the importance of TR in the use of sports and fitness wearable devices in India.
Indoor Positioning in WLAN Environment Based on Support Vector Regression and Space Partitioning

Indoor positioning system in wireless local area network (WLAN) has been a subject of intensive research due to its cost effectiveness and reasonable positioning accuracy. A new WLAN indoor positioning algorithm based on support vector regression (SVR) and space partitioning is proposed. The whole positioning environment is partitioned into several subspaces by combining k-means clustering method and binary support vector classifiers (SVC). Then the mapping function between received signal strength (RSS) and the physical space is established by SVR machine for each subspace. Subspace with much smaller physical range means more compact input feature space and leads to the enhancement of generalization capability for each SVR machine. The proposed algorithm and other well-known positioning algorithms are carried and compared in a real WLAN environment. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm achieves 14.6 percent (0.31m) improvement than the single SVR algorithm in the sense of mean positioning error.
Lean Transformation: Organizational Performance Factors that Influence Firms’ Leanness

The purpose of this research study was to examine relationships between organizational performance and change (OP&C) factors perceived leanness, and objective performance measures within a medium-sized manufacturing organization engaged in lean transformation. Burke (2008) suggested that successful transformational change is often predicated upon an organization's ability to understand dimensions influencing change interventions as outlined in the Burke-Litwin model of OP&C. To better understand why lean interventions succeed in some instances and not in others, it is important to study relationships between OP&C dimensions and their impact on the leanness an organization achieves. While a number of statistically significant findings were found with small effect sizes among the dependent and attribute variables, some statistically significant findings with much larger than typical effect sizes between the dependent variable and the objective financial data were discovered. However, the reliability and validity of the instrument used to gather the dependent variables is questionable, rendering the implications of the findings weak. There are many other practical implications for this research study. The conceptual development of a lean transformation model promoted the use of sound organizational development, organizational change, and human resource development principles and practices that could benefit the well-intentioned but ill-informed change agent. A systematic literature review explores four decades of scholarly lean literature in an effort to present a reliable history and shared language for future researchers. Reliability and validity of the Burke-Litwin Organizational Assessment Survey (OAS) confirmed consistency, but the Lean Organizational Self-Assessment Manufacturing Survey (LOSAMS) revealed a promising but weak measure of leanness. Conclusions and a research agenda for future studies in lean transformations are offered in the final section.
Driver fatigue detection from electroencephalogram spectrum after electrooculography artefact removal

A driver fatigue monitoring and detection system with high accuracy could be a valuable countermeasure to decrease fatigue-related traffic accidents. This study proposes methods for drowsiness detection based on electroencephalogram (EEG) power spectrum analysis. First, a new algorithm is proposed for independent component analysis with reference (ICA-R) for electrooculography artefacts removal. Comparison is then carried out between the proposed ICA-R algorithm and an adaptive filter. Secondly, 75 EEG spectrum features are extracted from the cleaned EEG. Among all the EEG spectrum-related features, 40 key features are selected by support vector machine recursive feature elimination to improve the performance of the classifier. The validation results show that 86% of the driver's drowsiness states can be accurately detected among drivers, who participate a driving simulator study.
Application of Prony analysis to the determination of modal content and equivalent models for measured power system response

It has been shown by J.F. Hauer et al. (ibid., vol.5, p.80-90, Feb. 1990) that Prony analysis can be very effective in response-based modal analysis of noise-free linear time-invariant (LTI) systems. This methodology extends Fourier analysis by directly estimating the frequency, damping, strength, and relative phase of the modal components present in a recorded signal. This earlier work is extended, concentrating upon power system planning applications, for stability program outputs. Results are presented for modal analysis and detailed model construction based on response data obtained through large-scale tests of the western US power system. An optimal modeling program, SYSFIT, is used to supplement the measurements. >
Millimeter-wave MMIC single-pole-double-throw passive HEMT switches using impedance-transformation networks

This paper proposes a new design method for passive FET switches in the millimeter-wave (MMW) regime. In contrast to the conventional resonant-type switch design method, this passive FET switch circuit utilizes impedance transformation to compensate the drain-source capacitance effect for the off state at high frequencies. By means of this new design concept, a Q- and V-band monolithic-microwave integrated-circuit single-pole double-throw (SPDT) switches using a GaAs pseudomorphic high electron-mobility-transistor process are demonstrated. The Q-band SPDT switch has a measured isolation better than 30 dB for the off state and 2-dB insertion loss for the on state from 38 to 45 GHz, while the V-band switch also shows a measured isolation better than 30 dB for the off state and 4-dB insertion loss for the on state from 53 to 61 GHz. The obtained isolation performance using this design approach outmatches previously published FET switches in the MMW frequency range.
Circularly polarized microstrip slot antenna with a pair of spur‐shaped slits for WLAN applications

In this article, a compact microstrip‐fed slot antenna with circular polarization characteristic for 5–6 GHz wireless local area network (WLAN) systems is presented. The proposed antenna is fabricated on an FR4 substrate with dielectric constant of 4.4. The antenna configuration consists of open‐stub microstrip‐line in top layer and a circularly slotted ground plane with a pair of spur‐shaped slits. The measured impedance bandwidth for l0 dB return loss is from 4.75 to 6.25 GHz with an axial ratio bandwidth of 5.15–5.85 GHz, covering 5.2/5.8GHz WLAN operating bands. Good return loss and radiation pattern characteristics are obtained in the frequency band of interest. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:756–759, 2015
What Drives Commuters to Pay for Autonomous Vehicles?

Although commuters have been identified as potential early adopters of autonomous vehicles (AVs) that can boost the adoption rate of this technology, there is a lack of knowledge on their willingness to pay (WTP) for this technology and the attitude that influences this decision. Using data from a consumer survey conducted in the United States, this study presents a comprehensive analysis of the decision to pay for AVs among commuters. An integrated choice and latent variable (ICLV) model was applied in this study, considering its robust performance in modeling choice behavior for integrating users’ attitudes. The results showed that commuters with a favorable view toward multitasking tended to put a higher value on driverless cars. On the other hand, although a favorable view toward technology motivated commuters to pay more for AVs, data privacy and trust issues with the technology could outweigh this factor and discourage commuters from adopting and paying for AVs. This study also provides in-depth insights and comprehensive views on the impacts of commuters’ socioeconomic and demographic attributes on the decision to pay for AVs. Notably, although age and educational attainment did not directly affect WTP behavior, they played important roles in this decision, with significant effects mediated through latent attitudes. These in-depth analyses provide useful insights that can help develop customized marketing strategies for different market segments according to their specific and unique preferences and concerns.
Cell-wall fluorescence highlights the phases of xylogenesis

The monitoring of xylogenesis makes it possible to follow tree growth responses to stress factors in real-time, by observing the course of wood cell division and differentiation. Proper microscopy techniques are of key importance to exactly identify the xylem cells during the different phases of differentiation. We aimed to apply epifluorescence microscopy to follow the lignification process during the different phases of xylogenesis in Mediterranean softwood and hardwood. Microcores from trees of Pinus halepensis Mill. and Arbutus unedo L. were collected at a site in southern Italy, during the period June-December. Fluorescence imaging of sections stained with a water solution of safranin and Astra blue clearly highlighted the contrast between lignified and un-lignified tissue. The proposed methodology is useful to quickly and unambiguously detect the different stages of cell differentiation, as well as the progress in the lignification process. Moreover, it proved to be easily applied to demanding wood materials, such as Mediterranean woods and can be helpful to better track stress responses and the development of anomalies during wood formation, such as intra-annual density fluctuations.
Distributed consensus tracking control for nonlinear multiagent systems with state delays and unknown control coefficients

In this article, the distributed consensus tracking problem is investigated for a group of heterogeneous nonlinear multiagent systems (MASs). The dynamic of each follower is subject to multiple time‐varying state delays and unknown non‐identical control coefficients. Most existing results for MASs with unknown non‐identical control coefficients are on the condition that only the specific Nussbaum‐type function can be used. This constraint is removed by employing the enhanced Nussbaum functions. Some appropriate Lyapunov–Krasovskii functionals are constructed to compensate the delayed nonlinear functions. By applying the finite‐time command filters to backstepping technique, a novel distributed adaptive consensus tracking control law is developed, which is independent of multiple state delays. It is proved that each follower's output can track the leader. Finally, the validness of the proposed control algorithm is illustrated by two simulation examples.
Traffic Characteristics of Protected/Permitted Left-Turn Signal Displays

At least four variations of the permitted indication in protected/permitted left-turn (PPLT) control have been developed in an attempt to improve the level of driver understanding and safety. These variations replace the green ball permitted indication with a flashing red ball, a flashing yellow ball, a flashing red arrow, or a flashing yellow arrow indication. In addition, the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices allows several PPLT signal display arrangements. The variability in indication and arrangement has led to a myriad of PPLT displays throughout the United States. The level of driver understanding related to each PPLT display type, and the associated impact on traffic operations and safety, has not been quantified. A study was conducted to evaluate the operational characteristics associated with different PPLT signal displays. Specifically, the study quantified saturation flow rate, start-up lost time, response time, and follow-up headway associated with selected PPLT displays. No differences in saturation flow rate and start-up lost time were found due to the type of PPLT signal display. Saturation flow rates ranged from 1,770 to 2,400 vehicles per hour of green per lane and were related to differences in driver behavior between geographic locations. The variation in start-up lost time and response time between locations was primarily related to differences in phase sequence. The flashing red permitted indications were associated with the longest follow-up headway times, since drivers are required to stop before turning left with a flashing red permitted indication. The shortest follow-up headway was associated with the five-section cluster display using a green ball indication.
Levels of explanation in cognitive science

Cognitive science is the interdisciplinary study of the mind. Two of its constituent disciplines are cognitive psychology and cognitive neuroscience. Each of these can provide partial explanations of how people are able to perform certain tasks. The explanations from cognitive psychology are hypotheses about mental-information-processing programs. The explanations from cognitive neuroscience are hypotheses about the nature of the neural hardware on which these programs run. At present it is quite unclear whether findings in either of these domains can constrain hypotheses in the other; I argue that there are so far no examples of this actually having happened.
Career Pathway and Cluster Skill Development: Promising Models from the United States

In the United States, local and regional government agencies have increasingly adopted industry cluster approaches to economic development and a similar move is surfacing in the employment and workforce development field. Career cluster/pathway approaches are important in a complex and fragmented labour market where employees no longer move in a straight line within one company, but rather move vertically and horizontally around a set of jobs. This paper provides examples of models that have been implemented at the local and state level. Then, some key lessons are drawn for policy makers regarding their use in skills development approaches.
A four port circularly polarized printed multiple‐input multiple‐output antenna with enhanced isolation

In this article, a four‐port circularly polarized printed multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) antenna is designed to cover Wi‐Fi/WLAN (5 GHz), Wi‐MAX (3.4–3.6), and C band applications, which consists of four trapezoidal shaped patches with microstrip feed. To achieve high isolation between the ports, the antenna elements are located orthogonally to each other. The antenna elements are separated by placing diagonal lines to further enhance the port isolation. Circular polarization is achieved by modifying the ground plane and trimming the edges of the trapezoidal patch. The proposed MIMO antenna works between 3.2 and 6.2 GHz and has a 63.83% impedance bandwidth (IBW) for S11 ≤ −10 dB. It also offers a good diversity performance with envelope correlation coefficient (ECC) < 0.04 and diversity gain of ≈10 dB. The antenna is fabricated on a low‐cost FR4 material with 1.6 mm thickness and has dimensions of 50 mm × 50 mm. This article also clarifies some of the prior literature's misconceptions about MIMO antenna metrics. The measured results show that the proposed MIMO antenna is circularly polarized, has a similar IBW, and axial ratio bandwidth (ARBW) to the simulated results, and has >25‐dB isolation.
Full Field Swept Source Optical Coherence Tomography

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive volumetric imaging technique that offers micron scale resolution over several millimetres of depth penetration in tissue. The aim of the project was to develop Full Field Swept Source OCT (FFSSOCT), charting the specifications of the system throughout and drawing comparisons with available Fourier domain OCT (FDOCT) systems. A super luminescent diode (SLD) light source was tuned to different optical frequencies using an acousto-optical tunable filter. The successive optical frequencies were distributed across the sample in parallel and the sequential interference spectra were recorded with a high speed digital camera. Using a 5mW optical source at 850nm, 70dB sensitivity was ultimately achieved in a single five second acquisition, improving the original performance by 5dB and increasing acquisition and processing time significantly. Ex vivo retinal images of rat and tree shrew were recorded with multiple layers visible. All software was custom written in Labview, improving the user interface and processing time over the existing Matlab code. To enhance the performance of the system, the camera was subsequently upgraded from 15 to 45% quantum efficiency and from 250k to 1.3M pixels. The light source was also upgraded to 20mW. The software was improved with spectral processing and dispersion compensation. 85dB sensitivity was ultimately achieved. Further ex vivo retinal images were taken, showing comparative image quality to those of the same retinal samples recorded with FDOCT. Further attempts to increase the system performance were limited by internal reflections and interfering surfaces within the FFSSOCT design leading to saturation of the digital camera. In vivo imaging was attempted using software based phase jitter compensation. Improvement could be seen with simple reflecting structures.
Defining a quality index for electric power utilities using multiple criteria decision support and time series analysis

This paper presents a hybrid multi-criteria method developed through the combination of the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and exponential smoothing techniques applied in time series forecasting. To illustrate its use, a model was developed with the aim of creating a quality index for electric power distribution utilities. The conclusions highlight the need to take into account the results obtained in the latest months for those utilities, but giving less attention to those obtained in the earlier months. This characteristic of the problem led to the idea of incorporating the mathematical formulation of the exponential smoothing into the aggregation function of the AHP. At the end, the utility company is given a score between 0 (zero) and 10 (ten).