Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Design and implementation of a preload electronics architecture for a MEMS accelerometer

This thesis describes the design and implementation of an electronics system to provide rebalancing and readout for a force-rebalanced microelectromechanical accelerometer. A feedback control loop is devised using a novel preload architecture, compensating the proof mass of the sensor and providing an accurate acceleration measurement. This architecture is compared to alternative methods of linearizing the control loop. The electronics system is divided into analog and digital subsystems. The design is analyzed at several abstraction levels. The system is implemented for prototype testing with discrete components on a printed circuit board with a MEMS sensor attached. A computer program is implemented to receive and process the readout data using the serial port. The design methodology consists of a top-down design flow based on simulation. At each iteration in the design process, the lower level abstraction is verified with the previous model. Eventually, the design reaches the level of synthesizable digital logic and discrete analog components. This thesis describes the design process and implementation details for creating an accelerometer system prototype ready for lab testing. Detailed simulations indicate that the implemented design is likely to meet the design goals for a personal navigation system suitable for a human or land vehicle. Conclusions on design methodology and verification techniques are also presented. Technical Supervisor: David J. McGorty Title: Principal Member Technical Staff, C.S. Draper Laboratory Thesis Advisor: Jeffrey H. Lang Title: Professor
Isokinetic Strength and Endurance Tests used Pre- and Post-Spaceflight: Test-Retest Reliability

To assess changes in muscular strength and endurance after microgravity exposure, NASA measures isokinetic strength and endurance across multiple sessions before and after long-duration space flight. Accurate interpretation of pre- and post-flight measures depends upon the reliability of each measure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the test-retest reliability of the NASA International Space Station (ISS) isokinetic protocol. Twenty-four healthy subjects (12 M/12 F, 32.0 +/- 5.6 years) volunteered to participate. Isokinetic knee, ankle, and trunk flexion and extension strength as well as endurance of the knee flexors and extensors were measured using a Cybex NORM isokinetic dynamometer. The first weekly session was considered a familiarization session. Data were collected and analyzed for weeks 2-4. Repeated measures analysis of variance (alpha=0.05) was used to identify weekly differences in isokinetic measures. Test-retest reliability was evaluated by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) (3,1). No significant differences were found between weeks in any of the strength measures and the reliability of the strength measures were all considered excellent (ICC greater than 0.9), except for concentric ankle dorsi-flexion (ICC=0.67). Although a significant difference was noted in weekly endurance measures of knee extension (p less than 0.01), the reliability of endurance measure by week were considered excellent for knee flexion (ICC=0.97) and knee extension (ICC=0.96). Except for concentric ankle dorsi-flexion, the isokinetic strength and endurance measures are highly reliable when following the NASA ISS protocol. This protocol should allow accurate interpretation isokinetic data even with a small number of crew members.
MASH test 3-37 of the TxDOT 31-inch w-beam downstream anchor terminal

Report discussing the findings of a study into issues related to roadside safety devices: "The objective of this study was to develop a suitable replacement for the downstream 'turn-down' guardrail anchor system. The 'turn-down' guardrail anchor system does not meet mandated test requirements under MASH for upstream anchor application terminals; however, it does meet downstream requirements for previous crash testing standard" (abstract). It includes background information, system details, test requirements and evaluation criteria, crash test procedures, crash test results, and conclusions.
Spectral, Phase, and Transient Equalization for Audio Systems

On presente une nouvelle technique pour l'egalisation des hauts parleurs et d'autres composants de systemes audiofrequences. La methode est basee sur le prefiltrage numerique des signaux pour compenser les distorsions avec le filtre concu pour donner une egalisation transitoire, de phase et spectrale
A Comparison of Four Wave Cut Analysis Methods for Wave Resistance Prediction

Abstract Four different techniques that use wave cut analysis to predict the wave pattern resistance coeffcient of a ship hull are compared. Two of the techniques are based on longitudinal wave cuts and two are based on transverse wave cuts. The results are compared with values from pressure integration and with towing tank measurements of the residuary resistance. Three hulls were used for the comparison: the Dyne Tanker, the Series 60 and the SSPA Ro-Ro Ship model 2062 having four different fore bodies. The wave cuts were obtained from linear and non-linear solutions of the free surface waves. A technique to predict free-surface deformation at any distance downstream of a vessel quickly based on the information computed in one of the transverse wave cut methods is presented.
Final project report on the validation and field trials of the assessment framework and tool for aged care

Thi s is the Final Report of the Validation and Field Trials of the Assessment Framework and Tool for Aged Care project. Thi s report provides details of the fie ld testing of the Aged Care Assessment Tool for Level 1 and Level 2 Assessment at seven sites across Australia. Our previous report, A Model and Proposed Items for the New Assessment System for Aged Care (Sansoni et al., 2012c) detailed an assessment system with three levels of Assessment related to need for services:
Key to All Sixty-Four Species of Pachybrachis Chevrolat (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cryptocephalinae) in the Eastern USA

ABSTRACT A key to the males of all 64 species of Pachybrachis Chevrolat, 1836 (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cryptocephalinae) currently known from the eastern USA is presented. Type, figure, and map citations from the literature are given for each species. Pachybrachis newmani Jacobson is reported as a replacement name for Pachybrachis limbatus Newman, which was a homonym, thus making Pachybrachis discoideus Bowditch a synonym (new status).
Short and Long-term Barriers and Facilitators of SSE Among Individuals with Melanoma

Background Melanoma can be lethal if not detected early and treated. Early detection can be facilitated via skin self-examination (SSE) and as such, SSE is part of melanoma follow-up care for individuals with a prior history, who face a life-long risk of reoccurrence. The objective of the current study was to identify short- and long-term predictors of SSE among melanoma survivors to inform future prevention interventions in high-risk groups. Method This is an observational study with longitudinal assessments conducted with adult melanoma patients in active follow-up care. Primary Outcome Measures: Behavioral outcomes, comprehensive SSE (checking up to 5 body areas in the last 3 months) and optimal SSE (checking the entire body at least monthly in the last 3 months) and were assessed at 3, 12, and 24 months post a dermatological educational session on skin cancer prevention. T tests and chi square analyses were used to examine changes in outcomes from 3 to 12 and 24 months. Linear and logistic regression models were used to examine the association between predictors and the primary outcomes. Results Comprehensive SSE did not decrease significantly from 3 (M=2.7, SD=1.1) to 12 (M=2.6, SD=1.2) and 24 months (M=2.4, SD=1.2) post the education session, with the stronger predictor at all timepoints being intentions to perform SSE. Optimal SSE was higher at 3 months (59%) compared to 12 (46%) and 24 months (34%) post, with key predictors including self-efficacy and intentions to perform SSE and male sex at 3 months post; self-efficacy and reliance on medical advice at 12 months post; and (lower) education and self-efficacy at 24 months post. Conclusions The key findings of this study are that 1) survivors maintain SSE behaviour over time, but rates of SSE performed in agreement with medical recommendations are higher immediately post standard dermatological education (i.e. usual care) and decrease somewhat over a 24-month period; and 2) the strongest psycho-social predictors of SSE are intentions and self-efficacy to perform the behavior, which are highly modifiable, for example via motivational interviewing and goal setting health interventions.
Diffusion and Large-Scale Adoption of Computer-Supported Training Simulations in the Military Domain

Abstract : The focal point of this thesis is the overall process of diffusion and adoption of technological innovations (computer-supported training simulations) within the military domain. The goal was to capture the positive and negative trends that appear to be the most significant toward the adoption process. The approach selected in this thesis was to execute a user study and collect a set of data points concerned with the users overall demographics, attitudes, expectations, knowledge, misconceptions, usage, advertising, leadership endorsement, and other elemental characteristics for adoption of those systems in the military domain. The data survey was conducted within MCAGCC, Twenty-nine Palms, CA; it addressed specific needs of four different groups of users (Trainees, Unit Leadership, Trainers, and Base Leadership). The analysis of collected data sets demonstrated that diffusion and adoption of these types of solutions is a complex, multilayered problem that goes beyond the characteristics of the systems/tools. The summary of user profiles, attitudes toward technology, and other elements relevant to the training domain demonstrated that clearly. The findings in this work can be generalized to any other USMC base, and have a universal value applicable to the adoption of computer-supported training simulations by other DoD services.
Magnetoelastic waves in a bicrystalline gap structure under a bias magnetic field

SH acoustic fields in transversely isotropic media with magnetoelastic coupling due to a linearized magnetostriction are considered for a bicristalline structure with a gap. The surface and pseudosurface eigenmodes and the conditions of their existence are described. A study is carried out of the resonant excitation of the surface wave in one crystallite by means of a pumping bulk wave in the other crystallite. The potentialities of a control of wave parameters by means of the bias magnetic field are considered.
An Autonomous Vehicle Development for Submarine Observation

This work proposes the development of a low-cost ocean observation vehicle. This vehicle, a hybrid between Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV ) and Autonomous Surface Vehicles (ASV) moves on the surface of the sea and makes vertical immersions to obtain profiles of a water column according to a pre-established plan. Its design means production costs are low and efficiency is increased. Also, the vehicle is able to make high resolution space and time measurements simultaneously. GPS navigation allows the platform to move along the surface of the water while a radio-modem provides direct communication links and telemetry. The vehicle measures 1885 mm by 320 mm wide. It weighs 76 kg. It navigates at a speed of 1.5 m/s at 80% at full propulsion power and reaches a maximum depth of 20 m. It is a vehicle of electrical propulsion with an autonomy of 3-5 hours. This work outlines the mechanical and electronic design of the vehicle, as well as considerations for navigational and immersion experiments.
The complete chloroplast genome of Potentilla fragarioides var. major Maxim

Abstract Potentilla fragarioides var. major Maxim. distributed in East Asia has been discussed about its scientific name. To clarify its phylogenetic position, we presented first complete chloroplast genome of P. fragarioides var. major which is 156,440 bp long and has four subregions: 85,784 bp of large single copy (LSC) and 18,616 bp of small single copy (SSC) regions are separated by 26,020 bp of inverted repeat (IR) regions including 129 genes (84 coding genes, eight rRNAs, and 37 tRNAs). The overall GC content of the chloroplast genome is 36.9% and those in the LSC, SSC, and IR regions are 34.8%, 30.7%, and 42.7%, respectively. Phylogenetic trees show that P. fragarioides var. major is sister to P. freyniana with high bootstrap values, suggesting further phylogenetic and morphological researches about the two species.
Researching Kedah's Malay Heritage Food Tradition and Eating Culture

This paper presents findings from a study carried out through a qualitative study investigating the various types of Kedah food heritage. A snowball approach was used to collect data from four families in Kuala Nerang, Pendang, and Alor Setar within nine days. Eleven types of food were then grouped into breakfast, main dishes, and snacks/delicacies. The data revealed this food would be able for consumption at any time. The villagers continue to consume the same traditional foods that their families used to cook. These results highlighted the importance of sustaining the preparation of heritage food in coping with the lost identity of the food. This study suggests that the Heritage Department includes the identified foods into the list of National food heritage to preserve these foods as part of the food sustainability initiatives.
A detailed analysis of the population-based ant colony optimization algorithm for the TSP and the QAP

The population-based ant colony optimization algorithm (P-ACO) uses a very different pheromone update when compared to other ACO algorithms. In this work, we study P-ACO's behavior for solving the traveling salesman problem (TSP) and the quadratic assignment problem (QAP). In particular, we investigate the impact of a local search on P-ACO parameters and performance. The results clearly show that P-ACO is a very competitive tool whose parameters and behavior depend strongly on the problem tackled and on whether a local search is used.
The transfer of knowledge on integrated care between five European regions: a qualitative multi-method study

Background To examine how the knowledge transfer processes unfolded within SCIROCCO, a EU funded project (3rd Health Programme (2014-2020)) that aimed to facilitate the process of knowledge sharing across five European regions, to speed up adoption and scaling-up of integrated care initiatives. Methods A qualitative multi-method design was used. Data collection methods included focus groups, project documents and action plans of the regions. The frameworks of knowledge exchange and knowledge mobilisation were used for data analyses. Results All five components (including the themes) of knowledge exchange could be identified in the approach developed on the knowledge transfer processes. The four questions and accompanying categories of the framework of knowledge mobilisation were also identified to a large degree. Conclusions The observed incorporation of distinct forms of knowledge from multiple sources and the observed dynamic and fluid knowledge transfer processes both suggest that SCIROCCO developed a comprehensive knowledge transfer approach aiming to enable the adoption and scaling-up of integrated care. Overall, the multi-method qualitative nature of this research has allowed some new and practical insights in the knowledge transfer activities on integrated care between several European regions. To obtain a clear understanding of the content of the knowledge transfer approaches, which could assist the operationalising of models to support the evaluation of knowledge transfer activities, it is strongly recommended that further research of this type should be conducted in other research settings.
Automatic high-frequency oscillation detection from tripolar concentric ring electrode scalp recording

Epilepsy is the second most prevalent neurological disorder which affects about 1% of all the humans on the earth. It has different causes and symptoms with the seizures as the main symptom. The seizures are char acterized as some abnormal electrical activities of the brain. The main therap y for epilepsy is using anti-epileptic drugs which can help around 60% of the patients. Th e ot er therapy for the patients who cannot be cured by drugs is surgery. In order t o define the brain tissue which is generating the seizures, there is a need to record electrical activity from the brain (electroencephalogram) with a very good signal qual ity. Tripolar concentric ring electrodes (TCREs) were in troduced by Besio for electroencephalography (EEG) using TCREs (tEEG). Th e novelty of the TCRE and instrumentation is that two bipolar differential si gnals from three closely spaced electrode elements are recorded. Then the tripolar Laplacian derivation as a weighted sum {16*(M-D)-(O-D)} where O, M, and D are the pote n ials on the outer ring, middle ring, and central disc of the TCRE, respecti v ly, is performed. We have shown that compared with conventional EEG signals, tEEG h as nearly 4-fold (374%) the signal to noise ratio and less than one-tenth (8.27 %) the mutual information. The goal of this work is to demonstrate that TCREs provide a unique opportunity to record high-frequency oscillations (HFOs) from s calp. To do so, a procedure was developed to process the signals making time freque ncy spectrograms and short time power spectrums to automatically detect HFOs. To ac complish this goal, we first make the time-frequency spectrogram and then the sh ort time power spectrum for the whole recording. Then specify the frequency band wh ere the narrow band high power brain activities happen and check the localized pow er spectrum for one second sections at this frequency to determine the time of the HFOs. Finding the HFOs and the areas of the brain generating the seizures, whi ch is the goal of this research, can lead to very good surgical outcomes. We expect the se techniques to improve diagnosis of epilepsy.
Dynamic Modeling for a Non-Linear System Based on the MOESP Algorithm

In order to measure accurately air fuel ratio in the engine exhaust gas, the Hammerstein model of the exhaust gas oxygen (EGO) sensor was identified using the multivariable output error state space (MOESP) algorithm. Firstly, a static model of the EGO sensor was identified based on engine experiment data as a static nonlinear part of the Hammerstein model. Then, the MOESP algorithm was used to build a state space model (SSM) of dynamic linear part of the Hammerstein model. To estimate model order, the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and the Minimum Description Length (MDL) criterion were computed, and validity of structure identification was verified by residual analysis. Then, the auto-regressive model with exogenous input (ARX) was compared with a subspace model. The result shows that a two-order SSM using MOESP algorithm is suitable to dynamic part of the Hammerstein model for EGO sensors.
Failed policy attempts for measuring English speaking abilities in college entrance exams

English as a foreign language education in East Asia has received repeated criticism for its lack of success in developing sufficient English oral proficiency among its students (Muller at al., 2014). In response to the criticism, the governments of China, Japan and South Korea attempted to include assessment of students’ speaking abilities as part of their high-stakes college entrance exams, hoping for positive washback effects in both primary- and secondary-school English education as well as on shadow education (i.e., non-formal private-sector education). These attempts often failed. In South Korea, a new test called the National English Ability Test (NEAT), which included direct assessment of students’ speaking skill among other skills, was developed in 2012. However, the government's plan to use NEAT to replace the current exam – the Korean College Scholastic Aptitude Test (KCSAT) – was quickly dropped before its implementation. In China, the government has tried to promote more communicative methods of English education through incorporating English speaking test in high-stakes tests such as the Gaokao – college admission tests – in addition to reducing the weight of English in the traditional paper-based exams. However, the policies have received heavy resistance at the regional level and have not been implemented at the national level. In Japan, the government asked universities to accept designated external proficiency tests as part of the Common Test, the existing college entrance exam, in order to make up for the exam's missing speaking component. After a mountain of criticism from test users, implementation of the plan is still pending. In this light, the aim of this paper is to discuss why these policy attempts failed. While these policy attempts occurred in three different contexts, we could see striking underlying commonalities. We argue that these policy attempts were made based on a set of beliefs separate from the reality of the stakeholders (e.g., students, parents and teachers). More specifically, the failures can be largely attributed to the governments’ monolithic view of the English language and their insufficient consideration for equity rather than equality.
A Self-Configurable Edge Computing for Industrial IoT

The proliferation of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) introduces the concept of a smarter production environment. The emerging technologies like software defined network (SDN), IIoT and cloud computing will bring great advancements in the modern industrial revolution called Industry 4.0. Therefore, with the rapid development of IIoT technology, the proposed work incorporates with Edge Computing (EC). The current manufacturing process and automation, computing and wireless network reaches out to headways in innovation from easy to the point where all things (devices) and machines can interface through an Internet of Everything (IoE). This paper extends the work carried out in traditional methods, by integrating the cloud layer, Automatic Guided Vehicles (AGV), Industrial Wireless networks (IWN) and Industrial robots through EC is conferred to make autonomous decision-making capabilities. EC is emerging as a significant element in the smart industry to bring legacy in the context of Industrial IoT (IIoT). Finally, our proposed framework demonstrates that the active RFID-enabled AGV and industrial robots are brought in to exploit for effective resource management under the EC-based IIoT architecture, subsequently, it improves the conveyor efficiency and overall energy consumption in the warehouse for material handling.