Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Competing Forces Framework of Technology Assimilation: An Investigation into a Group of Mobile Device Users

Despite evidence that competing forces shape adoption and assimilation of technologies, there is currently no comprehensive model available that explains how such forces impact individually and socially oriented usage of technology. We distinguish between exploration versus exploitation forces and individual versus social forces and posit that these play key roles in shaping assimilation behaviors and usage outcomes. On this basis, we develop the Competing Forces Framework (CFF) of technology assimilation and validate it by analyzing how a group of fifteen iPhone users assimilated mobile services over a period of seven months. In doing so, we draw on data about the antecedent conditions at the time of iPhone adoption, about interactions within the group and its wider social network, and about how individual usage patterns developed over the considered time period. Based on the analysis, we describe and explain how the iPhone was assimilated into the group. As a result, we offer two distinct contributions to the literature. First, we present the CFF to support further investigation of how assimilation behaviors and usage outcomes are shaped as social groups adopt new technologies. Second, we offer new insight into the forces that shape assimilation of mobile devices into a social group of users. At present the analysis is forthcoming.
Socially aware motion planning of assistive robots in crowded environments

People with impaired physical or mental ability often find it challenging to negotiate crowded or unfamiliar environments, leading to a vicious cycle of deteriorating mobility and sociability. In particular, crowded environments pose a challenge to the comfort and safety of those people. To address this issue we present a novel two-level motion planning framework to be embedded efficiently in portable devices. At the top level, the long term planner deals with crowded areas, permanent or temporary anomalies in the environment (e.g., road blocks, wet floors), and hard and soft constraints (e.g., "keep a toilet within reach of 10 meters during the journey", "always avoid stairs"). A priority tailored on the user's needs can also be assigned to the constraints. At the bottom level, the short term planner anticipates undesirable circumstances in real time, by verifying simulation traces of local crowd dynamics against temporal logical formulae. The model takes into account the objectives of the user, preexisting knowledge of the environment and real time sensor data. The algorithm is thus able to suggest a course of action to achieve the user’s changing goals, while minimising the probability of problems for the user and other people in the environment. An accurate model of human behaviour is crucial when planning motion of a robotic platform in human environments. The Social Force Model (SFM) is such a model, having parameters that control both deterministic and stochastic elements. The short term planner embeds the SFM in a control loop that determines higher level objectives and reacts to environmental changes. Low level predictive modelling is provided by the SFM fed by sensors; high level logic is provided by statistical model checking. To parametrise and improve the short term planner, we have conducted experiments to consider typical human interactions in crowded environments. We have identified a number of behavioural patterns which may be explicitly incorporated in the SFM to enhance its predictive power. To validate our hierarchical motion planner we have run simulations and experiments with elderly people within the context of the DALi European project. The performance of our implementation demonstrates that our technology can be successfully embedded in a portable device or robot.
Promoting reflection in agile software development teams using GitHub data

Agile software development teams work with several different artifacts on a daily basis, and by interacting with these artifacts users are involved in work related experiences. By revisiting these experiences and reflecting upon them, users can evaluate and improve how they solve everyday working tasks. Boud et.al defines reflection as a process where the experience is revis- ited, feelings are re-attended and the experience is re-evaluated[Boud et al., 1985]. Furthermore work and reflection on work are shown to be strongly connected[Schon, 1983][Chaiklin and Lave, 1993]. Reflecting on work ex- periences give a better understanding of the experience itself, allowing for conclusions and lessons learned to be made. Reflection transforms experi- ence into knowledge which can be applied to solve challenges in the everyday working environment. The main focus of this thesis was to develop a technological tool to collect project artifacts and connect these to work experiences, in order to enhance reflection both individually and collaboratively in agile software development teams. The tool was developed using a daily delivery cycle. Design choices were made on the basis of available theory, literature and related tools con- cerning reflection and agile development. Three evaluations were conducted; A usability study, an expert review with an expert in the field of agile soft- ware development and a focus group evaluation consisting of eight software developers working in an agile team. The work conducted resulted in a Grails web-application, where users connect their daily experiences with project artifacts collected from a Version- control system. These daily reflection notes can be used both individually and collaboratively in a team as preparation for agile retrospective sessions. The tool continuously collects work-related project artifacts and presents these in order for users to revisit their work that day. The application aims to trigger reflection on user experiences and storing the outcome in notes for later use and sharing. This thesis, the developed tool and its evaluation contributes with an in- creased understanding of how reflection in agile software development teams can be improved, by connecting experiences with work related project arti- facts.
Interfacial Instability of Thixotropic Fluids in Triple-Layered Channel Flow

Interfacial stability of purely-viscous fluids is numerically investigated in channel flow. It is assumed that the main fluid (i.e., the fluid flowing through the center of the channel) is thixotropic and obeys the Moore model as its constitutive equation while the fluids flowing above and below this central (core) layer are assumed to be the same Newtonian fluids with the same thickness. Having found an analytical solution for the base-flow in all three layers, a temporal, normal-mode, linear stability analysis is employed to investigate the vulnerability of the base flow to small perturbations. An eigenvalue problem is obtained this way which is solved numerically using the pseudo-spectral collocation method. The main objective of the work is to explore the role played by the time-constant introduced through the core fluid’s thixotropic behavior on the critical Reynolds number. It is found that the thixotropic behavior of the core fluid has a stabilizing effect on the interface. An increase in the viscosity of the upper/lower Newtonian fluids is predicted to have a stabilizing or destabilizing effect on the interface depending on the parameter values of the Moore model (e.g., the ratio of the zero-shear viscosity to infinite-shear viscosity in this fluid model).
Dynamic behaviour of electric machine stators : modelling guidelines for efficient finite-element simulations and design specifications for noise reduction

Boosted by the increasing interest of industries such as automotive,100% electric engine technologies power more and more affordable vehicles for the general public.Inspite of a rather favourable common opinion about the low noisee mitted by electric motors, controlling the vibratory and acoustic performances of such machines remains a very costly challenge to take up. Associating the expertise of the company Vibratec and the institute Femto-ST Applied Mechanics Department, this industry-orientedPh.D. thesisaimsatimprovingthecurrentknowledgeaboutthe mechanicalbehaviour ofelectric machines. New finite-element modelling method sare proposedf rom homogenisation approaches,experimental analyses, model up dating procedures and variability studies in temperature and frequency, in order to predict the behaviour of an electric motor more efficiently
A Method of Evaluating Korean Articulation Quality for Rehabilitation of Articulation Disorder in Children

Articulation disorders are characterized by an inability to achieve clear pronunciation due to misuse of the articulators. In this paper, a method of detecting such disorders by comparing to the standard pronunciations is proposed. This method defines the standard pronunciations from the speeches of normal children by clustering them with three features which are the Linear Predictive Cepstral Coefficient (LPCC), the Mel-Frequency Cepstral Coefficient (MFCC), and the Relative Spectral Analysis Perceptual Linear Prediction (RASTA-PLP). By calculating the distance between the centroid of the standard pronunciation and the inputted pronunciation, disordered speech whose features locates outside the cluster is detected. 89 children (58 of normal children and 31 of children with disorders) were recruited. 35 U-TAP test words were selected and each word’s standard pronunciation is made from normal children and compared to each pronunciation of children with disorders. In the experiments, the pronunciations with disorders were successfully distinguished from the standard pronunciations.
Optimal synthesis of compliant mechanisms using subdivision and commercial FEA

The field of distributed-compliance mechanisms has seen significant work in developing suitable topology optimization tools for their design. These optimal design tools have grown out of the techniques of structural optimization. This paper will build on the previous work in topology optimization and compliant mechanism design by proposing an alternative design space parametrization through control points and adding another step to the process, that of subdivision. The control points allow a specific design to be represented as a solid model during the optimization process. The process of subdivision creates an additional number of control points that help smooth the surface (for example a C 2 continuous surface depending on the method of subdivision chosen) creating a manufacturable design free of some traditional numerical instabilities. Note that these additional control points do not add to the number of design parameters. This alternative parametrization and description as a solid model effectively and completely separates the design variables from the analysis variables during the optimization procedure. The motivation behind this work is to create an automated design tool from task definition to functional prototype created on a CNC or rapid-prototype machine. This paper will describe the proposed compliant mechanism design process and will demonstrate the procedure on several examples common in the literature.
AJCC Cancer Staging Manual 8th Edition

Getting the screenshots prepared is a good approach that might time savings. But having screenshots already prepared in addition to callouts, explanations, and annotations is an excellent approach which you will save much longer. More than likely, you've all that stuff prepared inside your ajcc cancer staging manual 6th edition but it's not very polite to deal to the person: "Read that fantastic manual". User may do not know the location where the manual is on the PC as well as on what page is the looked-for solution located. On the other hand, you may also have zero time and energy to manually cut particular pages with screenshots and related instructions from your manual also to attach them to each support message.
Modifications to Marshall's Annular Seal Test (MAST) Rig and Facility for Improved Rotordynamic Coefficient Testing of Annular Seals and Fluid Film Bearings

The limits of rotordynamic stability continue to be pushed by the high power densities and rotational speeds of modern rocket engine turbomachinery. Destabilizing forces increase dramatically with rotor speed. Rotordynamic stability is lost when these destabilizing forces overwhelm the stabilizing forces. The vibration from the unstable rotor grows until it is limited by some nonlinearity. For example, a rolling element bearing with a stiffness characteristic that increases with deflection may limit the vibration amplitude. The loads and deflections resulting from this limit cycle vibration (LCV) can lead to bearing and seal damage which promotes ever increasing levels of subsynchronous vibration. Engineers combat LCV by introducing rotordynamic elements that generate increased stabilizing forces and reduced destabilizing forces. For example, replacing a labyrinth seal with a damping seal results in substantial increases in the damping and stiffness rotordynamic coefficients. Adding a swirl brake to the damping seal greatly reduces the destabilizing cross-coupled forces generated by the damping seal for even further increases in the stabilizing capacity. Marshall? s Annular Seal Test (MAST) rig is designed to experimentally measure the stabilizing capacity of new annular seal designs. The rig has been moved to a new facility and outfitted with a new slave bearing to allow increased test durations and to enable the testing of fluid film bearings. The purpose of this paper is to describe the new facility and the new bearing arrangement. Several novel seal and bearing designs will also be discussed.
Cram's Introduction to Surface Electromyography

A comprehensive resource for your health professions students, including physical and occupational therapists, chiropractors, and behavioral medicine students, Introduction to Surface Electromyography clearly explains how to use SEMG to treat a variety of neuromuscular conditions. It covers the development of SEMG, instrumentation, assessment, and treatment, and features a detailed atlas for electrode placement. * Provides a comprehensive introduction to surface electromyography * Features a detailed electrode atlas with illustrations of 68 electrode placement sites * Includes helpful "quick reference" items throughout the text * Addresses the growing uses for surface electromyography * Includes data from the latest research studies on the use of SEMG in work performance, sports performance, rehabilitation, and movement analysis
A head-up display format for application to transport aircraft approach and landing

A head up display (HUD) format used in simulator studies of the application of HUD to the landing of civil transport aircraft is described in detail. The display features an indication of the aircraft's instantaneous flightpath that constitutes the primary controlled element. Discrete ILS error and altitude signals are scaled and positioned to provide precise guidance modes when tracked with the flightpath symbol. Consideration is given to both the availability and nonavailability of inertial velocity information in the aircraft.
Development of a Standard Accelerated Corrosion Test for Acceptance of Post-Tensioning Grouts in Florida

Recent corrosion problems found in Florida’s post-tensioned bridges have shown how important quality grouting materials and proper grouting techniques can be to the longevity of State bridges. Portland cement grout is commonly used to fill the voids in post-tensioning ducts after the tendon is stressed. Portland cement grout provides a protective barrier, high alkaline environment, and bonds the tendon to the duct to allow higher tendon stresses to be developed in the tendon. Current Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) specifications currently require that prepackaged grouts proposed for use in filling post-tensioning ducts must be tested using the accelerated corrosion test (ACT) method as outlined in Appendix B of the “Specification for Grouting of Post-Tensioning Structures” published by the Post-Tensioning Institute. The qualifying grout must show a shorter average time-to-corrosion than the control sample that is fabricated using 0.45 w/c. Furthermore, the time-to-corrosion must not exceed 1,000 hours. The ACT is an anodic polarization test of a “lollipop” specimen formed from a single strand and grout. Although already in use, the ACT is not fully developed and was in need of further development including studying the influence of using IR compensation during the ACT test because this phenomenon is likely to skew results for grouts of significantly different resistivities. Tests with four different types of grout (plain, with corrosion inhibitor, with silica fume, and with fly ash) at three different ages (7, 28, and 56 days) were conducted with and without IR compensation. On average, the reduction in time-to-corrosion when IR compensation was used was 11 to 46%, but reached values as high as 149%. Test specifications are presented for the ACT. The most significant of the recommendations is that the test results be compared to the results from a qualifying grout tested using the same equipment and strand. The current minimum 1,000 hour requirement should be eliminated. The ACT test can take several months to run for a good quality grout, so an alternate method was developed that can provide initial results immediately after the grout has cured. Linear Polarization Resistance provides a method by which the grout can be qualified more quickly than waiting for the time-to-corrosion results. A polarization resistance value of 700 kΩ-cm² is suggested until further LPR and ACT direct correlations are done. While a set limit would not be recommended as a single pass-fail criterion, in this case it provides a restrictive first level of testing so that the ACT can be avoided for some grouts. Grouts that do not meet this criterion, but then pass the ACT should not be penalized. The LPR method also is useful during new mix grout development as a quick evaluation technique. Bleed in grouts is also a significant problem and may lead to susceptibility of the prestressing strand to corrosion. A new method, the Wick Pressure test, was also developed in this study that combines the positive attributes of the other two test methods.
EQ-5D results in stroke survivors: What are they suffering from? Results from the Henan Rural Cohort Study

Background Stroke is a major health threat and the leading cause of mortality and disability in China. The aims of this study were to identify the possible influencing factors of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and its domain-specific contents in stroke patients in rural areas in China. Methods A total of 1709 stroke patients aged from 36 to 79 years from the Henan Rural Cohort Study (n=39259) were included in this study. The Chinese version of the European Quality of Life Five Dimension Five Level Scale (EQ-5D-5L) and visual analogue scale (VAS) were used to evaluate HRQoL in stroke patients. Tobit regression models, generalized linear models and binary logistic regressions models were constructed to determine the potential influencing factors of the EQ-5D utility index, as well as influencing factors of each domains and VAS score.Results The mean utility index and VAS scores of stroke patients were 0.885 (SD, 0.204), and 68.39 (SD, 17.31), respectively. Pain/discomfort (PD, 35.2%) and mobility (MO, 30.4%) were the most frequently reported issues. Regression models revealed that stroke patients who were illiterate; had a low monthly income; reported low physical activity intensity; and had diabetes, anxiety, depression or poor sleep quality had lower utility index and VAS scores. For the different dimensions of the EQ-5D, the influencing factors varied. Conclusion Stroke patients in rural areas had a lower HRQoL than those in urban areas. Factors associated with the EQ-5D utility index as well as each domain and VAS score, need attention. Stroke patients in rural areas need to be managed systematically. Clinical trial registration: The Henan Rural Cohort Study has been registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Register (Registration Number: ChiCTR-OOC-15006699). Date of registration: 2015-07-06.http://www.chictr. org.cn/showproj.aspx? proj=11375.
Entrepreneurship in Artistic Vocations to Maintain a Preferred Lifestyle

The authors of this thesis have conducted a qualitative study on four artists situated in the countryside of Osterlen in Sweden and being participating members of the Osterlen Art Circuit. The theories of lifestyle entrepreneurship and extreme entrepreneurship have been applied as an interpretive framework to gain an understanding of the motivation for this specific group of small business owners. Thus, the motivation to maintain an artistic business is linked to a preferred lifestyle by means of this interpretive framework. Previous studies have established the difficulties for small business owners to receive external financing and how they subsequently turn to various internal methods to salvage capital, labeled as bootstrapping. Subsequently, the theory of bootstrapping has been applied in this thesis to interpret how the artists finance their lifestyle and small businesses. How small business owners utilize bootstrapping methods has been researched previously, but research is lacking into the motivation for why small business owners engage in bootstrapping. This thesis contributes to the understanding of motivation for small business owners and bootstrapping by linking the motivation to the wish of maintaining a preferred lifestyle. The results of the study in the thesis indicate that the motivation for the artists is an intertwinement of their private life and working life. They use their own house as the base for all their artistic ventures and have no strict work hours, thus they could work with their artistic venture at just about any time they wish and contributing to notions of freedom. The environment around the artists both in private life and working life serves as an inspiration for their ventures. This lack of boundary between working life and private life is the motivation for the artists’ and manifests in a certain lifestyle making the theory of lifestyle entrepreneurship applicable. The artists’ furthermore indicates a disregard for selling as much goods as possible and thus opposes the prevailing norms in society for businesses where the amount of sales is at the forefront. Consequently, the artists also show a streak of being extreme entrepreneurs. The methods utilized for maintaining the lifestyle of the artists and their small businesses indicates a correspondence to a number of methods for bootstrapping, mainly conforming to owner-financing bootstrapping and subsidy-bootstrapping.