Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modeling of human movement for the generation of humanoid robot motion. (Modélisation du mouvement humain pour la génération de mouvements de robots humanoïdes)

Humanoid robotics is coming of age with faster and more agile robots. To compliment the physical complexity of humanoid robots, the robotics algorithms being developed to derive their motion have also become progressively complex. The work in this thesis spans across two research fields, human neuroscience and humanoid robotics, and brings some ideas from the former to aid the latter. By exploring the anthropological link between the structure of a human and that of a humanoid robot we aim to guide conventional robotics methods like local optimization and task-based inverse kinematics towards more realistic human-like solutions. First, we look at dynamic manipulation of human hand trajectories while playing with a yoyo. By recording human yoyo playing, we identify the control scheme used as well as a detailed dynamic model of the hand-yoyo system. Using optimization this model is then used to implement stable yoyo-playing within the kinematic and dynamic limits of the humanoid HRP-2. The thesis then extends its focus to human and humanoid locomotion. We take inspiration from human neuroscience research on the role of the head in human walking and implement a humanoid robotics analogy to this. By allowing a user to steer the head of a humanoid, we develop a control method to generate deliberative whole-body humanoid motion including stepping, purely as a consequence of the head movement. This idea of understanding locomotion as a consequence of reaching a goal is extended in the final study where we look at human motion in more detail. Here, we aim to draw to a link between “invariants” in neuroscience and “kinematic tasks” in humanoid robotics. We record and extract stereotypical characteristics of human movements during a walking and grasping task. These results are then normalized and generalized such that they can be regenerated for other anthropomorphic figures with different kinematic limits than that of humans. The final experiments show a generalized stack of tasks that can generate realistic walking and grasping motion for the humanoid HRP-2. The general contribution of this thesis is in showing that while motion planning for humanoid robots can be tackled by classical methods of robotics, the production of realistic movements necessitate the combination of these methods with the systematic and formal observation of human behavior.
Recent developments in two-stage coal liquefaction at Wilsonville

This paper presents results from the Advanced Coal Liquefaction R and D Facility at Wilsonville, Alabama. The primary sponsors are the US Department of Energy (DOE) and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). Amoco Corporation became a sponsor in 1984 through an agreement with EPRI. The facility is operated by Catalytic, Inc., under the management of Southern Company Services, Inc.
Effect of a Learning Activity Package on Improving Awareness about Liver Fluke Prevention and Control for Secondary School Students in Northeastern Thailand

Background: Liver fluke has long affected the health of Thai people, particularly those who live in the Northeast Region. It is a major cause of Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), which is one of the important causes of mortality affecting people in this region. The national helminth prevalence survey also reported that children were infected by Opisthorchis viverini (OV). Objectives: To evaluate the effects of “The Learning Activity Package (LAP) on Improving Awareness of Liver Fluke Prevention and Control” for secondary school students. Methodology: This quasi-experimental study primarily focused on improving awareness of liver fluke prevention and control among secondary school students in Grade 7, with three components,attitude, acceptance and giving value, as well as consciousness of responsibility at individual, family and community level. The LAP was implemented for 8 weeks in 6 schools at Don-Chan District, Kalasin Province, Thailand. Data collection used a questionnaire and data analysis used descriptive statistics, paired t-test, and Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: After the LAP intervention implementation among 121 students, this study showed a significant increase in all awareness components. The mean of the post-test awareness scores increased from baseline to 45.01 points (95 % CI =42.66 - 47.35 points, p <0.001), reflecting a large effect. (Cohen’s d=3.45) Conclusion: This LAP intervention is an effective and beneficial school-based program to impact liver fluke infection prevention and control behavior among secondary school students at individual, family and community level.
Double-skin facades : integrated planning, building physics, construction, aerophysics, air-conditioning, economic viability

Double-skin facades open up new possibilities for clients and planners seeking creative new designs that are intelligently adapted to environmental conditions. This publication gives a comprehensive treatment of the subject, providing both a theoretical framework for the use of this type of construction and numerous illustrations of practical examples. The book studies not only issues such as acoustic and thermal insulation, aerophysics and facade construction, but also the question of economic viability. Double-skin facades have been used mostly in the construction of large buildings such as the debis headquarters on Potsdamer Platz in Berlin. However they can be used with equal success in smaller buildings as a means of reducing the ingress of external noise and improving ventilation.
Effects of LED on Emotion-Like Feedback of a Single-Eyed Spherical Robot

Non-verbal communication is important in human interaction. It provides a layer of information that complements the message being transmitted. This type of information is not limited to human speakers. In human – robot communication, increasing the animacy of the robotic agent — by using non-verbal cues — can aid the expression of abstract concepts such as emotions. Considering the physical limitations of artificial agents, robots can use light and movement to express equivalent emotional feedback. This study analyzes the effects of LED and motion animation of a spherical robot on the emotion being expressed by the robot. A within-subjects experiment was conducted at the University of Tsukuba where participants were asked to rate 28 video samples of a robot interacting with a person. The robot displayed different motions with and without light animations. The results indicated that adding LED animations changes the emotional impression of the robot for valence, arousal, and dominance dimensions. Furthermore, people associated various situations according to the robot’s behavior. These stimuli can be used to modulate the intensity of the emotion being expressed and enhance the interaction experience. This paper facilitates the possibility of designing more affective robots in the future, using simple feedback.
Nutrition in spaceflight and weightlessness models

Overview: History of Nutrition and Spaceflight Food Systems for Space and Planetary Flights Bioregenerative Life Support and Nutritional Implications for Planetary Exploration Utility of Ground-Based Simulations of Weightlessness Energy Utilization and Exercise in Spaceflight Fluid and Electrolyte Homeostasis Protein and Muscle Homeostasis: The Role of Nutrition Calcium and Related Nutrients in Bone Metabolism Iron Metabolism and the Changes in Red Blood Cell Metabolism Micronutrients: Trace Elements and B Vitamins Antioxidants: Radiation and Stress Nutritional Recommendations for Spaceflight Nutrition Research for the Future of Spaceflight Appendix A-Instruments Available for Research Aboard International Space Station Appendix B-Daily Nutritional Recommendations for International Space Station Missions Up to 360 Days Appendix C-Normative Blood and Urine Values Found During Spaceflight Appendix D-Sample of Menus for International Space Station
Effect of integrated fertilizer application on soil properties and tef (Eragrostis tef [Zucc] Trotter) yield on Vertisols of Northwestern Ethiopia

Abstract Low soil fertility has become a serious constraint affecting agricultural productivity and food security in North-western Ethiopia. A field experiment was conducted to examine the effects of integrated use of compost and mineral fertilizer on soil properties and tef (Eragrostis tef [Zucc.] Trotter) yields for two years during 2018 and 2019 cropping seasons. The field experiment was arranged in a factorial combination of three rates of Urea/NPSB (0/0, 62.5/75 and 125/150 kg ha−1) and three rates of compost (0, 5 and 10 t ha−1) laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Results showed that combined use of compost and mineral fertilizer significantly (p < 0.05) increased soil pH, soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus (AP), available sulfur (AS) and exchangeable bases but significantly (p < 0.05) decreased soil bulk density (SBD) compared to sole mineral fertilizer application and the control. Furthermore, application of 10 t ha−1 compost combined with 125/150 kg ha−1 Urea/NPSB gave the highest tef dry biomass (8.81 t ha−1) and grain yield (2.40 t ha−1). The economic analysis results also revealed that the highest net benefit (45,761 Birr ha−1) was achieved from the same treatment which was considerably greater than the highest rate of sole mineral fertilizer (37,228.5 Birr ha−1), the highest rate of sole compost (6656 Birr ha−1) and the control (5391 Birr ha−1). We concluded that integrated fertilizer application enhances soil fertility, crop yields and generates better income over individual addition of fertilizers.
Photonic and optoelectronic polymers

This collection provides a broad overview of current research and discoveries in photonic and optoelectronic polymers. It looks at their promising applications, particularly in efficient, reliable, and low-cost technologies for storing, processing, transmitting, and displaying information. Among the main topics covered are polymers for digital and holographic information storage; electroluminescent polymers for light sources; high-speed transmission, high-power amplification, and high-speed modulation of optical signals in polymer waveguides and gradient-index fibers; self-assembly and nano-structure control for efficient photoelectronic and photonic properties; and thin-film transistors from organic semiconductors.
Validation of Simplified Rack Boundary Conditions for Numerical Data Center Models

iii Acknowledgments . iv List of Figures . viii List of Tables . xi 1 INTRODUCTION . 1 2 LITERATURE REVIEW . 3 2.1 Summary of sources . 3 2.2 Typical Racks and Data Center Design . 4 2.2.1 Servers and Racks . 4 2.2.2 Data Center Layout and Design . 4 2.3 Data Center Modeling . 5 2.3.1 Detailed Models . 5 2.3.2 Intermediate Models . 7 2.3.3 Black Box Models . 7 2.3. 4 Modeling Conclusions . 8 3 LABORATORY EXPERIMENTS . 9 3.1 Layout . 9 3.1. 1 Larson Lab . 9 3.1. 2 Test Chamber . 9 3.1. 3 Rack, Server Simulators and Major Sub-Components . 12 3.2 Data Acquisition . 15 3.2.1 Temperature . 17 3.2.2 Airflow . 22 3.2.3 Secondary Measurements . 24 3.3 Experiments . 24 3.3.1 Supply Air Quantification . 25 3.3.2 Steady State Time, Variability and Repeatability . 26
Mesh development of an infant finite element model for predicting skull fracture and intracranial hemorrhage in children from low height falls

Traumatic brain injury is a leading cause of injury related deaths in the United States and children aged zero to four years are among the most likely to sustain such an injury. The most common cause is a fall; however, abuse is another common cause. Doctors are often required to determine if a child’s injuries were accidental or the results of abuse. To help clinicians make the differential diagnosis a finite element model of a human infant head can be used to simulate impacts from falls and identify scenarios likely to cause skull fracture or internal hemorrhaging. Producing an accurate finite element model of an infant’s head is difficult, and one of the challenges that must be overcome is the development of a stable and accurate mesh that conforms to the detailed geometry of the brain. A new meshing scheme was developed that produces geometrically accurate three-dimensional meshes of the several components present in a human head from computed tomography and magnetic resonance images. A convergence study was performed, and an appropriate mesh density that produced converged results was selected. Future work will develop an integrated finite element model of the infant head to run the simulations of low height falls for predicting head injury.
Intelligent Sensor Technology

From the Publisher: Uses a practical approach to discuss sensors in industrial operation plus their extensive application areas. Describes sensing in intelligent machines, car systems and buildings. Evaluates sensor signal conversion, environmental sensing needs and machine health monitoring. Emphasis is placed upon future issues including many outstanding research topics such as sensor fusion.
AN EVALUATION OF MONITOR VIEWING DISTANCE FOR TEXT AND VIDEO INTERPRETATION TASKS

This study was done in conjunction with a Traffic Management Center Simulation (TMCS) experimentation plan funded by the Federal Highway Administration. The goal was to determine a range of distances that would provide acceptable placement of a bank of four 13 inch monitors (2x2 array) to be viewed by one, two or possible three TMC operators. The monitors displayed simulated traffic views from various locations around Atlanta, Georgia. In this study, operators performed both text (15 pt.) and video interpretation tasks by viewing a monitor placed at distances (from the TMC operator) ranging from 2 ft to 13 ft (in 1 ft increments). Subjective ratings from the study participants revealed that they prefer the monitors be placed at about 2 ft. Analysis of video and text interpretation accuracy revealed that performance began to drop off after 5 ft. Monitors used for similar tasks, therefore, should be placed in a range of 2 ft to 5 ft. The results of this study provided good guidelines to follow in setting up the simulator with a bank of four monitors, a large screen display, and workspace for one or two TMC operators.
Application of Artificial Intelligence Technology Optimized by Deep Learning to Rural Financial Development and Rural Governance

The aim of this article is to promote the development of rural finance and the further informatization of rural banks. Based on DL (deep learning) and artificial intelligence technology, data pre-processing and feature selection are conducted on the customer information of rural banks in a certain region, including the historical deposit and loan, transaction record, and credit information. Besides, four DL models are proposed with a precision of more than 87% by test to improve the simulation effect and explore the application of DL. The BLSTM-CNN (Bi-directional Long Short-Term Memory-Convolutional Neural Network) model with a precision of 95.8%, which integrates RNN (Recurrent Neural Network) and CNN (Convolutional Neural Network) in parallel, solves the shortcomings of RNN and CNN separately. The research result can provide a more reasonable prediction model for rural banks, and ideas for the development of rural informatization and promoting rural governance.
How Trade Wars Affect Exports of the Belt and Road Countries: New Evidence from Dynamic Panel Data Analysis

Globalization of the world affects the interests of the people continuously in the tendency of being shaped by the integrations geographic factors. By being different from the previous ages, the flow of information allows us today the integration of perception for needs and demands in common sense as a result of global approach, which has been leading to increase in speed of movement of commodities among economies. This increase and practically optimized logistics frameworks drastically reduced the challenge of physical movement of assets among far regions in globe. In our days, a new concept called Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is being discussed and searching for participant economies to enlarge the volume of trade among Far East and Western Europe. Whereas the process of seeking for participants for BRI, the Trade Wars have been continuing among world’s leading economies to sustain domination roles over world trade volume. Considering that the effects of the trade wars between China and the USA on the Belt and Road Initiative have not been examined broadly until today, it is thought that this paper will make important contributions to the literature. As a result of Arellano-Bond (1991) and Arellano-Bover(1995) GMM estimators, it is determined that tariff rates of China is statistically significant and negative on the export of BRI countries whereas tariff rates of the USA does not have a statistically significant effect on these countries. In Addition, Dumitrescu-Hurlin panel causality analyzes demonstrate that there are unidirectional causality relationships from tariff rates of China and USA to exports of the BRI countries. The empirical findings indicate that trade wars have a significant impact on exports of the BRI countries.
Multi-Channel Hall-Effect Thrusters: Mission Applications and Architecture Trade-Offs

Multi-channel Hall-effect thrusters are devices where several Hall current discharges share a common magnetic circuit, cathode, and power supply. This arrangement provides not only most of the advantages commonly attributed to multi-thruster assemblies, or clusters, but also facilitates control of the direction of thrust without the need for a complex gimbal mechanism. In addition, it reduces the mass penalty associated with clustering multiple, independent thrusters. Several conceptual designs are presented, and the thrust steering performance is discussed. Electrical propulsion sub-system trade-offs associated with such an architecture are presented. Example mission applications and associated mass and cost benefit estimates finally illustrate this study.
Crop Monitoring and Recommendation System using Machine Learning and IOT

Farming is an important sector of input for any country’s economic growth. Country like India’s majority population livelihood relies on agriculture. The usage of Internet of Things in agriculture promises unavailable productivity, resource and cost reduction, automation and data driven processes. This paper proposes the implementation of a smart agricultural system that uses advantages of cutting edge technologies such as IoT, Sensor network and data analysis to help farmers enhance the way farming and marketing are done. The work focuses on crop selection for planting, conservation of humidity and nutrient content during plant development, suitable usage of fertilizer and quality check of the crop. The selection of crops is done by checking the soil which includes various factors such as color, soil PH value and moisture content. Sensors such as humidity, moisture etc. are used to gather field information and help farmers make precise decisions about insights and recommendations for irrigation based on the data collected. The soil’s nutrient level is sensed, and if there is a deficiency, a suitable fertilizer is suggested and a notification is generated to the farmer. An acceptable price for the plant based on its yield is calculated and a standard price is fixed. Ultimately, the farming and agriculture industries will benefit from these various technologies and platforms. Not only is the revolutionary farming system of today a smart agricultural solution, it is the main solution to the increasing concern for the food intake and environmental footprint of the global population.
HEMODYNAMIC DESIGN OPTIMIZATION OF A VENTRICULAR CANNULA:EVALUATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF OBJECTIVE FUNCTIONS

Shape optimization has been used for decades to improve the aerodynamic performance of automobiles and aircraft. The application of this technology to blood-wetted medical devices have been limited, in part, due to the ambiguity of hemodynamic variables associated with biocompatibility - specifically hemolysis, platelet activation, and thrombus formation. This study undertook a systematic evaluation of several objective functions derived directly from the flow field. We specifically focused on the optimization of a two-dimensional blood conduit (cannula) by allowing free variation of the centerline and cross-sectional area. The flow was simulated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) at a nominal flow rate of 6 lpm and boundary conditions consistent with an abdominally positioned left-ventricular-assist device (LVAD). The objectives were evaluated both locally and globally. The results demonstrated similarities between four of the functions: vorticity, viscous dissipation, principal shear stress, and power-law (PL) blood damage models based on shear history. Of the functions analyzed, those found to be most indicative of flow separation and clearance were flow deviation index and the Peclet Number. The conclusions from these studies will be applied to ongoing development of algorithms for optimizing the flow path of rotary blood pumps, cannula, and other blood contacting devices.
VirtuaLatin - Agent Based Percussive Accompaniment

This project details the construction and analysis of a percussive agent, able to add timbales accompaniment to pre-recorded salsa music. We propose, implement and test a novel representational structure specific to latin music, inspired by Lerdahl and Jackendoff’s General Theory of Tonal Music, and incorporating specific domain knowledge. This is found to capture the relevant information but lack some flexibility. We develop a music listening designed to build up these high level representations using harmonic and rhythmic aspects along with parallelism, but find that it lacks the information necessary to create full representations. We develop a generative system which uses expert knowledge and high level representations to combine and alter templates in a musically sensitive manner. We implement and test an agent based platform for the composition of music, which is found to convey the necessary information and perform fast enough that real time operation should be possible. Overall, we find that the agent is capable of creating accompaniment which is indistinguishable from human playing to the general public, and difficult for domain experts to identify.
Geometric Trimming and Curvature Continuous Surface Blending for Aircraft Fuselage and Wing Shapes

Most of the work accomplished on surface blending is based on visual trimming. In the process of visual trimming, the unwanted portion of a surface is only hidden but not removed. Geometric trimming provides a complete mathematical description of the wanted portion of the trimming surface, and generates a new mathematical surface or sets of surface patches. The new surface is intended to resemble closely the corresponding portion of the original surface. A robust procedure is developed to geometrically trim the intersecting surfaces and blend the trimmed surface patches into one new surface. This research generates a filleting algorithm for surface blending of an aircraft fuselage shape and a wing shape at a closed trimming intersection curve, and verifies the properties of the newly created surface. In order to distinguish how well the new surface approximates the original, an error comparison tool developed in MATLAB has been employed. iii Acknowledgements