Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Research on the Converter for Power Supplying and Implementation of Power Quality in Low Voltage DC Distribution Network

This article presents a converter for power supplying and implementation of the power quality in low voltage DC distribution network. Based on the voltage phenomenon of the conventional AC distribution network, the power quality of DC distribution network was defined. Among the power quality, the low voltage phenomena such as instantaneous interruption are difficult to implement depending on the topology of the converter. Therefore, in this article, converter system for power supplying and implementation of power quality such as low voltage phenomena was presented.
Autonomous Bi-Manual Surgical Suturing Based on Skills Learned from Demonstration

We present a novel application of Learning from Demonstration to realize a fully autonomous bi-manual surgical suturing task, including needle pick up, insertion, re-grasping, extraction and hand-over. Surgical action primitives are learned from a single human demonstration and encoded into an action library from which they are pulled to compose more elaborate tasks at planning/execution time. The method is demonstrated in a non-clinical setting, using unmodified surgical instruments with a custom surgical robot system. We use stereo vision to automatically detect the suture needle and entry points to close the control loop and generalize tasks to different task conditions. The suturing task is shown to generalize well to differing initial conditions with a success rate of 17 % for the full task, a mean subtask success rate of 75 % and mean needle insertion error of 3.3 mm over the course of 46 trial task executions at human speed. Failures could all be attributed to erroneous vision-based detection, pose estimation and robot calibration.
Accuracy of a Temperature-Compensated Precision RF Power Bridge

A temperature-compensated de-substitution-type RF power bridge is described. Temperature compensation is accomplished through utilization of dual bridges and the widely used dualelement temperature-compensated thermistor mount. A review of the RF-to-dc substitution technique is made prior to the description of the bridge. An analysis of the measurement accuracy shows total errors of less than 0.14 percent at 1 mW and less than 0.085 percent at a 10-mW RF power measurement. These errors include those arising out of ambient temperature variation.
Indirect in vitro Regeneration of the Medicinal Plant, Aspilia africana, and Histological Assessment at Different Developmental Stages

The medicinal plant, Aspilia africana, has been traditionally used in several African countries to treat many diseases such as tuberculosis, cough, inflammation, malaria, osteoporosis, and diabetes. In this study, we developed a protocol for in vitro propagation of A. africana using indirect shoot organogenesis from leaf and root explants of in vitro-grown seedlings and assessed the tissues at different developmental stages. The highest callus induction (91.9 ± 2.96%) from leaf explants was in the Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium augmented with 1.0 mg/L 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 1.0 mg/L 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) while from root explants, the highest callus induction (92.6 ± 2.80%) was in the same plant tissue culture medium augmented with 0.5 mg/L BAP and 1.0 mg/L 2,4-D. The best shoot regeneration capacity from leaf-derived calli (i.e., 80.0 ± 6.23% regeneration percentage and 12.0 ± 6.23 shoots per callus) was obtained in medium augmented with 1.0 mg/L BAP and 0.05 mg/L α-Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA); the best regeneration capacity for root-derived calli (i.e., 86.7 ± 6.24% shoot regeneration percentage and 14.7 ± 1.11 shoots per callus) was obtained in the MS medium augmented with 1.0 mg/L BAP, 0.05 mg/L NAA, and 0.1 mg/L Thidiazuron (TDZ). Regenerated plantlets developed a robust root system in 1/2 MS medium augmented with 0.1 mg/L NAA and had a survival rate of 93.6% at acclimatization. The in vitro regenerated stem tissue was fully differentiated, while the young leaf tissue consisted of largely unorganized and poorly differentiated cells with large intercellular airspaces typical of in vitro leaf tissues. Our study established a protocol for the indirect regeneration of A. africana and offers a basis for its domestication, large-scale multiplication, and germplasm preservation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to develop an indirect regeneration protocol for A. africana and conduct anatomical assessment through the different stages of development from callus to a fully developed plantlet.
An Analytical Model of Micro-Endmill Dynamics in the Presence of Tool Setup Errors

This paper presents an analytical model of micro-endmill dynamics in the presence of the setup errors. To accurately capture the rotary inertia and shear deformations of non-slender micro-endmills, Timoshenko-beam equations are used to derive the boundary-value problem for transverse vibrations of rotating micro-endmills with setup errors. The numerical solution of the boundary-value problem is obtained through a spectral-Tchebychev method. The model and the spectral-Tchebychev method are validated by comparing the mode shapes and natural frequencies to those from a commercial finite-elements code. The effectiveness of the model is illustrated by applying it to investigate (1) rotational stability of micro-endmills, (2) the effect of tool geometry on mode shapes and natural frequencies, (3) the influence of setup errors, and (4) the dynamic response of the micro-endmills to harmonic forcing. The model can be used for designing micro tools with preferred dynamic characteristics, as well as for modeling and stability analysis of the micromilling process. © 2006 ASME
Impaired dynamics of prefrontal beta-band networks during cognitive action control in Parkinson’s disease

Among the cognitive symptoms that are associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD), alterations in cognitive action control (CAC) are commonly reported in patients. CAC enables the suppression of an automatic action, in favor of a goal-directed one. The implementation of CAC is time-resolved and arguably associated with dynamic changes in functional brain networks. However, the electrophysiological functional networks involved, their dynamic changes, and how these changes are affected by PD, still remain unknown. In this study, to address this gap of knowledge, 21 PD patients and 10 healthy controls (HC) underwent a Simon task while high-density electroencephalography (HD-EEG) was recorded. Source-level dynamic connectivity matrices were estimated using the phase-locking value in the beta (12-25 Hz) and gamma (30-45 Hz) frequency bands. Temporal independent component analyses were used as a dimension reduction tool to isolate the group-specific brain network states that were dominant during the task. Typical microstate metrics were quantified to investigate the presence of these states at the subject-level. Our results first confirmed that PD patients experienced difficulties in inhibiting automatic responses during the task. At the group-level, HC displayed a significant functional network state that involved typical CAC-related prefrontal and cingulate nodes (e.g., inferior frontal cortex). Both group- and subject-level analyses showed that this network was less present in PD to the benefit of other networks involving lateralized temporal and insular components. The presence of this prefrontal network was associated with decreased reaction time. In the gamma band, two networks (fronto-cingulate and fronto-temporal) followed one another in HC, while 3 partially overlapping networks that included fronto-temporal, fronto-occipital and cross-hemispheric temporal connections were found in PD. At the subject-level, differences between PD and HC were less marked. Altogether, this study showed that the functional brain networks observed during CAC and their temporal changes were different in PD patients as compared to HC, and that these differences partially relate to behavioral changes. This study also highlights that task-based dynamic functional connectivity is a promising approach in understanding the cognitive dysfunctions observed in PD and beyond. Highlights Cognitive action control is associated with dynamic functional networks Prefrontal and cingulate beta connectivity are prominent in healthy controls PD patients have different dynamic networks in which prefrontal nodes are absent The occurrence of prefrontal beta networks was associated with a decreased reaction time Functional networks in the gamma band were temporally organized in HC, but overlapping in PD patients
Back to basics II: How the research on attachment and reflective-self function is relevant for coaches and consultants today

and outcome EXECUTIVE COACHING appears established as an effective intervention (Grant et al., 2010; De Haan et al., 2012). Studies of coaching outcome are now less focused on demonstrating general effectiveness, as this is deemed to have been sufficiently demonstrated within the limitations of not being able to conduct large-scale randomised controlled trials. Instead, coaching effectiveness studies are now more focused on ‘active ingredients’, that is, on the aspects of the coaching contract which are most conducive to effectiveness (Stewart et al., 2008; Boyce, Jackson & Neal, 2010; De Haan, Curd & Culpin, 2011). In order to understand the value of coaching interventions it is important not just to have indications of positive overall outcome, but also to know more about: (1) what coaching delivers; and (2) whom coaching delivers to: 1. Assuming the significance of coaching outcome, what is the nature of that outcome? It is often suggested that coaching helps with focus and with the right action (e.g. Whitmore, 1992). Similar to sports coaching, executive coaching would then enhance performance itself, or the quality of the effort, without affecting issues like preparation or motivation. Others, who place executive-coaching interventions more in the tradition of ‘helping conversations’, see coaching as a way to bring out hidden potential (e.g. O’Neill, 2000).
Development of tube-packaged FBG strain sensor and application in the vibration experiment of submarine pipeline model

Optical fiber sensors have received increasing attention in the fields of aeronautic and civil engineering for their superior ability of explosion proof, immunity to electromagnetic interference and high accuracy, especially fitting for measurement applications in harsh environment. In this paper, a novel FBG (fiber Bragg grating) strain sensor, which was packaged in a 1.2mm stainless steel tube by epoxy resin, was developed. Experiments were conducted on the universal material testing machine to calibrate its strain transferring characteristics. The sensor has the advantages of small size, high precision and flexible use, and demonstrates promising potentials. Ten of tube-packaged strain FBG sensors were applied in the vibration experiment of submarine pipeline model. The strain measured by FBG sensor agrees well with the electric resistance strain sensor.
THE LAST PLANNER SYSTEM OF PRODUCTION CONTROL

Project controls have traditionally been focused on after-the-fact detection of variances. This thesis proposes a control system, the Last Planner system, that causes the realization of plans, and thus supplements project management’s concern for management of contracts with the management of production. The Last Planner system has previously been successfully applied by firms with direct responsibility for production management; e.g., specialty contractors. This thesis extends system application to those coordinating specialists, both in design and construction, through a series of case studies, one of which also explores the limits of unilateral implementation by specialists. In addition to the extended application, two questions drive this research. The first question is 1) What can be done by way of tools provided and improved implementation of the Last Planner system of production control to increase plan reliability above the 70% PPC level? Previous research revealed substantial improvement in productivity for those who improved plan reliability to the 70% level, consequently there is reason to hope for further improvement, possibly in all performance dimensions, especially with application across an entire project rather than limited to individual specialty firms. That question is explored in three case studies, the last of which achieved the 90% target. The second question is 2) How/Can Last Planner be successfully applied to increase plan reliability during design processes. That question is explored in an extensive case study, which significantly contributes to understanding the design process from the perspective of active control, but unfortunately does not fully answer the question, primarily because the project was aborted prior to start of construction. However, it is argued that Last Planner is especially appropriate for design production control because of the value-generating nature of design, which renders ineffective traditional techniques such as detailed front end planning and control through after-the-fact detection of variances. Issues for future research are proposed, including root cause analysis of plan failures and quantification of the benefits of increased plan reliability for both design and construction processes.
Board Evaluation and It's Effect on Board Composition and Board Work

In this paper, the effect board evaluation has on the board’s composition and work is studied. Board evaluation is considered vital for the development of the board’s work, which in turn is essential for the development of the company. The study is performed on companies listed on the NASDAQ OMX Nordic list and the Oslo Stock Exchange as a questionnaire study, where the chairperson was asked to grade (on a scale from 1 to 5) how satisfied she/he was with the different aspects of the board’s composition and work. Of the 157 responding chairmen, 120 (76%) were chairing companies that employ a board evaluation process. The chairperson was often the key person in these evaluation and most of the evaluations are delivered verbally to the nomination committee. Of the 120 companies with board evaluation, 20 companies use only informal discussions as the evaluation method. The remaining 100 use at least one of the methods: individual open/anonymous questionnaire or interviews. Furthermore, the responses were tested with ordered probit model for the effect of board evaluation on the board’s composition and work. The results show that board evaluation affect positively, according to the chairperson perception in all asked aspect (with one exception) of board’s composition and work, with significant results in four aspects: first, better decision-making; two, better discussion of short-term development; three, more actively discussion of business strategy; and four, better understanding of non-financial objectives. Last, the results of the study do not show that board evaluation affect the company’s financial performance (proxy with Tobin’s Q, ROA or ROE).
Raman spectroscopy experimental spectrum analysis for identification in Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains with diﬀerent drug resistance

The Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MbT) drug resistance remains a serious problem for global public health and usually leads to a lethal outcome. Precise and rapid identification of a specific MbT strain is vital for the appointment of antituberculosis therapy. We continue investigation of deactivated MbT strains of the Beijing family by Raman spectroscopy method and focus on Raman spectra analysis for the identification of potential biomarkers for different MbT strains. We have studied extrapulmonary Beijing strain with XDR resistance. Samples were investigated by Raman spectrometry with He-Ne (λ=633 nm) laser excitation source in the «fingerprint» region. As a result, new spectral features were determined. They describe spectral discrimination between drug-sensitive and drug-resistant strains identified for extra-pulmonary forms of tuberculosis. We suppose that the obtained results can be useful for new diagnostic tools development for the identification of different MbT strains in clinical and research practice.
Neural networks and fuzzy systems in model based control of the Overwaard polder

Recent developments in the field of computational intelligence (CI) techniques are helping to solve various problems of water resources modeling and management. These techniques have also shown their potential as an alternative approach to conventional controllers. In this paper, artificial neural networks (ANN) and fuzzy systems (FS) are shown to be efficient alternatives to using optimal control algorithms in real-time control of the polder water system of Overwaard in The Netherlands. The relation between the optimal decision or action and the influencing parameters are learned by ANN and FS and then used to derive the decisions and control actions in real-time. It was possible to reproduce the centralized behavior (in terms of water levels and corresponding discharges) of optimal control action by using easily measurable local information. Moreover, it is demonstrated that model simulation with external intelligent controllers is ten times faster than that with the optimal control.
Phylogenetic Relationships of Chinese Coptotermes (Blattodea: Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) Termites and a New Synonym Inferred from Morphological Data

Abstract Coptotermes (Blattodea: Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) is an economically important genus. There are many problematic taxa within the genus because of small differences between different species and large variations within the same species with respect to morphology. Coptotermes species, especially those in China, are in need of careful monographic revisions. In this paper, type specimens of 14 Coptotermes species were reexamined. Their relationship was preliminarily studied with statistical methods. The phylogenetic relationships among the 21 species that are recorded in China were investigated based on soldier morphological characters. The cladistic analysis inferred that Chinese Coptotermes species are divided into two main clades and there were some species closely related to C. formosanus Shiraki and C. gestroi (Wasmann), respectively. Based on a comparison of measurement data of the closely related species C. cochlearus Xia and He and C. gestroi in the cladogram, we propose that C. cochlearus is a new synonym of C. gestroi. In the situation where it is difficult to obtain more molecular data of Chinese Coptotermes species, the present work serves as a basis for further revisionary work on Coptotermes.
Amoeba: aligning stream processing operators with externally-managed state

Scalable stream processing systems (SPS) often require external storage systems for long-term storage of non-emphemeral state. Such state cannot be accommodated in the internal stores of SPSes that are mainly geared for fault tolerance of streaming jobs, lack externally visible APIs, and their state is disposed of at the end of such jobs. Recent research have pointed to scalable in-memory key-value stores (KVS) as an efficient solution to manage external state. While such data stores have been interconnected with scalable streaming systems, they are currently managed independently, missing opportunities for optimizations, such as exploiting locality between stream partitions and table shards, as well as coordinating elasticity actions. Both processing and data management systems are typically designed for scalability, however coordination between them poses a significant challenge. In this work we describe Amoeba, a system that dynamically adapts data-partitioning schemes and/or task or data placement across systems to eliminate unnecessary network communication across nodes. Our evaluation using state-of-the art systems, such as the Flink SPS and Redis KVS, demonstrated 2.6x performance improvement when aligning SPS tasks with KVS shards in AWS deployments of up to 64 nodes.
Effects of Trail Information on Physical Activity Enjoyment

Moderate physical activity (PA) improves physical fitness measures (i.e., aerobic capacity, agility, flexibility, body composition, and muscular endurance and strength). In addition to numerous physiological benefits, PA has been shown to increase cognitive and emotional functioning. These benefits lead to improved immune response and have been associated with increases in health and quality of life. PA has also been linked with reduced risk in cardiovascular disease, type-2 diabetes, numerous chronic diseases, and all-cause mortality. These findings are well established (US Department of Health and Human Services, 1996).
ChiCo: A Multimodal Corpus for the Study of Child Conversation

The study of how children develop their conversational skills is an important scientific frontier at the crossroad of social, cognitive, and linguistic development with important applications in health, education, and child-oriented AI. While recent advances in machine learning techniques allow us to develop formal theories of conversational development in real-life contexts, progress has been slowed down by the lack of corpora that both approximate naturalistic interaction and provide clear access to children’s non-verbal behavior in face-to-face conversations. This work is an effort to fill this gap. We introduce ChiCo (for Child Conversation), a corpus we built using an online video chat system. Using a weakly structured task (a word-guessing game), we recorded 20 conversations involving either children in middle childhood (i.e., 6 to 12 years old) interacting with their caregivers (condition of interest) or the same caregivers interacting with other adults (a control condition), resulting in 40 individual recordings. Our annotation of these videos has shown that the frequency of children’s use of gaze, gesture and facial expressions mirrors that of adults. Future modeling research can capitalize on this rich behavioral data to study how both verbal and non-verbal cues contribute to the development of conversational coordination.
Distributed federated service chaining for heterogeneous network environments

Future networks are expected to support cross-domain, cost-aware and fine-grained services in an efficient and flexible manner. Service Function Chaining (SFC) has been introduced as a promising approach to deliver these services. In the literature, centralized resource orchestration is usually employed to process SFC requests and manage computing and network resources. However, centralized approaches inhibit the scalability and domain autonomy in multi-domain networks. They also neglect location and hardware dependencies of service chains. In this paper, we propose federated service chaining, a distributed framework which orchestrates and maintains the SFC placement while sharing a minimal amount of domain information and control. We first formulate a deployment cost minimization problem as an Integer Linear Programming (ILP) problem with fine-grained constraints for location and hardware dependencies, which is NP-hard. We then devise a Distributed Federated Service Chaining placement approach (DFSC) using inter-domain paths and border nodes information. Our extensive experiments demonstrate that DFSC efficiently optimizes the deployment cost, supports domain autonomy and enables faster decision-making. The results show that DFSC finds solutions within a factor 1.15 of the optimal solution. Compared to a centralized approach in the literature, DFSC reduces the deployment cost by 12% while being one order of magnitude faster.