Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Control Strategy of a Haptic Display Using Honeycomb

This paper proposes a kind of tactile display using composite materials. Proposed display consists of a core honeycomb structure and a bi-elastic material. The system has both the endoskeltal and the exoskeltal properties. Then, it can realize an elastic display strategy for rendering softness based on these flexible materials. In the system, pressed by an actuator, the display is stretched with its apparent stiffness changed. The internal honeycomb structure ensures that the display has the same stiffness value everywhere on its surface. Thus, we can control the stiffness of the display only with one actuator. At first, the structure and the control strategy of the display was expressed. Then, basic principal of the tactile display was examined. Some experiments were conducted to verify the effectiveness of the proposed display. In addition, robustness of the material structure was examined.
A Novel Catadioptric Ray-Pixel Camera Model and its Application to 3D Reconstruction

This paper proposes a new ray-pixel camera model for image-based 3D measurement by a catadioptric imaging system. The key idea of this paper is to employ a virtual camera model that describes ray-pixel mappings with exploiting an axially-symmetric structure of the ray distribution of the system. Our contributions include, structured ray-pixel camera models which handle refractive and reflective projection rays efficiently, and practical calibration algorithms for them. Evaluations with real images prove the concept of our measurement system.
Mobility and Human Development 1

This paper argues that mobility and migration have always been an intrinsic part of human development. Migration can be considered as a fundamental capabilitiesenhancing freedom itself. However, any meaningful understanding of migration needs to simultaneously analyse agency and structure. Rather than applying dichotomous classifications such as between forced and voluntary migration, it is more appropriate to conceive of a continuum running from low to high constraints under which migration occurs, in which all migrants deal with structural constraints, although to highly varying degrees. Besides being an integral part of human development, mobility also tends to affect the same structural processes of which it is part. Simplistic positive-versus-negative debates on migration and development can be overcome by integrating agency-structure dialectics in the analysis of migration impacts. This paper argues that (i) the degree to which migrants are able to affect structural change is real but limited; (ii) the nature of change in sending and receiving is not pre-determined; and (iii) that in order to enable a more focused and rigorous debate, there is a need to better distinguish and specify different levels and dimensions at which the reciprocal relationship between human mobility and development can be analysed. A critical reading of the empirical literature leads to the conclusion that it would be naïve to think that despite their often considerable benefits for individuals and communities, migration and remittances alone can remove more structural development constraints. Despite their development potential, migrants and remittances can neither be blamed for a lack of development nor be expected to trigger take-off development in generally unattractive investment environments. By increasing selectivity and suffering among migrants, current immigration restrictions have a negative impact on migrants’ wellbeing as well as the poverty and inequality reducing potential of migration. Dr Hein de Haas Oxford Department of International Development (ODID) University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TB, UK Tel: +44(0) 1865 287311, Fax: +44 (0) 1865 287435 Email: imi@qeh.ox.ac.uk; www.imi. ox.ac.uk 2 The author would like to thank Robin Cohen at ODID, University of Oxford, and Jeni Klugman and Matthew Cummings at UNDP for their valuable comments on earlier versions of this paper.
Balance in seniors who exercise, considering different levels of fear of falling

The aging process brings changes to one’s body balance and may trigger a fear of falling. The aim of this study was to compare and verify correlation between different methods that assess body balance among elderly individuals who exercise, according to different levels of fear of falling. The sample was composed of 186 individuals (68.28±6.years) who exercise. Balance assessment used Timed Up and Go, Unipedal Stance, Sitting-Rising and Functional Reach tests. A question about fear of falling was applied in the form of an interview. Statistical analysis used Spearman and Kruskall Wallis correlation. In results, Timed Up and Go (7.13±1.6s), Unipedal Stance (20.52±9.9s), Sitting-Rising (12.43s±3.2s) and Functional Reach (29.51±6.5) showed significant correlation with fear of falling. Individuals less afraid of falling showed better balance performance when compared to those not afraid of falling. In conclusion, b etter balance performance can contribute to decreasing fear of falling.
TECHNICAL AND ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT OF CENTRALISED VOLTAGE CONTROL FUNCTIONS IN PRESENCE OF DG IN THE FRENCH MV NETWORK

To improve the integration of Distributed Generation (DG) in the French MV and LV networks, EDF R&D and ERDF have investigated different Voltage and VAr control approaches with the aim of developing and field testing the most appropriate solution in the near future. The new functions are based on a centralised and coordinated solution that could be included in ERDF’s remote control system SIT-R. This paper presents the different Volt and Var functions which have been studied: their implementation cost as well as their respective advantages and drawbacks are described. The final choice to be experimented is then justified.
EXPENSED HUMAN RESOURCES COST AND ITS INFLUENCE ON CORPORATE PRODUCTIVITY: A STUDY OF SELECTED COMPANIES IN NIGERIA

This study examined the influence of Expensed Human Resources Cost (HRC) on corporate productivity. Human resources have been identified as one of the main sources of competitive advantage by many organizations in today’s economy. This is true not only of knowledge intensive organizations, which are based on services and Intangible outputs, but also increasingly of more traditional organizations, both in the private and public sectors. However, human resources are still not recognized in the reporting mechanisms, despite an interest dating back to the 1960s in techniques such as human resource accounting (HRA). In other to investigate the above issues, the researcher gathered data from ten (10) companies listed in the Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE) with the aid of a questionnaire using an expost facto design. The study revealed that expensed human resources (remuneration, protection and dismissal/ compensation) costs are important determinants of expensed human resources cost and does significantly influence corporate productivity. Conclusively, expensed human resources cost approach to corporate productivity measurement which have gained substantial attention and use in recent years provides further opportunities for utilization of human resource accounting measures. Finally, the study recommended that employment security should be seen as an important part of high performance HRM practices. Companies that provide their employees with job security signal a long-standing commitment to their workforce, whom in turn is more motivated to develop special skills and competencies that are valued by their company. Employees who perceive that their jobs are secure are also more likely to suggest productivity improvements and to take a more comprehensive and long-term view of their jobs and the company’s productivity.
An empirical analysis of initial public offering performance in the

For decades, researchers have disagreed abnormal securities’ price performance generated by initial public offerings (IPOs). The purpose of this study was to identify the best specified and most powerful method of abnormal performance detection and to apply this method to examine the price performance of IPOs. Matched by size, industry, and book seven portfolio and matched-firm methods of abnormal performance detection produced the best specified and most powerful test statistics. The paper additionally analyzes IPO price performance to determine if IPOs generate abnormal performance. The researcher used the event study approach for the research design along with the buy and hold abnormal return ( method of calculating abnormal returns to conduct this analysis. The findings were that (a) all of the matched-firm methods of abnormal performance detection were well specified and powerful (matching by industry affiliation generated the best the IPOs generated statistically significant abnormal pri term analyses, (2) longer-term analyses, and (3
Exploiting Maneuver Dependency for Personalization of Driver Assistance Systems

Zusammenfassung: The problem of personalization in Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) has been addressed in different studies. In general personalization is an approach which aims to develop a system that can adapt on the driver’s behavior and thus improve the prediction performance. The individuality of such a system can be used to improve driving experience and comfort. High prediction performance also means that the model can better foresee driver’s actions and accordingly raises a warning in case of hazard. In this work, we investigate in the dependency between different maneuvers. We propose an approach to extract information from past maneuver executions and use it as input for predicting impending maneuvers. In particular, we apply our method to predict which gap will be taken at a left-turn scenario where the driver has to wait for an appropriate gap before turning. The results show that by incorporating the previous maneuver execution the prediction performance can be increased by more than 9 % in term of F1 score. By running our approach using different types of past maneuver for a specific application, we can compare the amount of individual information of drivers contained in each type of maneuver.
Outbreaks of canid herpesvirus 1 disease in puppies in southern Brazil 1

Cargnelutti J.F. , Masuda E.K. , Neuls M.G. , Weiblen R. & Flores E.F. 2015. Outbreaks of canid herpesvirus 1 disease in puppies in southern Brazil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 35(6):557-561. Setor de Virologia, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Av. Roraima 1000, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil. E-mail: eduardofurtadoflores@gmail.com Canid herpesvirus 1 (CHV-1) is a widespread pathogen of dogs and produces infertility, abortions and severe systemic disease in young puppies. Clinical data indicate the circulation of CHV-1 among Brazilian dogs yet definitive diagnosis has rarely been accomplished. This article describes the clinicopathological findings of four independent cases/outbreaks of neonatal disease by CHV-1 in Bulldog puppies followed by virus identification and genetic characterization. Three events occurred in a kennel holding dogs of different breeds at reproductive age (March 2013, October 2013 and April 2014). Puppies from three French or English Bulldog litters, aging 9 to 30 days were affected, presenting dyspnea, agonic breathing, pale mucous, abdominal pain and tension, evolving to death within about 24 hours. At necropsy, the puppies presented necrohemorrhagic hepatitis, multifocal and moderate necrohemorrhagic nephritis and fibrinonecrotic interstitial pneumonia. Virus isolation was positive in clinical specimens from one litter and CHV-1 DNA was detected by PCR in tissues from all four cases. Virus-neutralizing assays with samples of the affected kennel revealed 9/12 adult animals with high antibody titers to CHV-1. Nucleotide sequencing of glycoprotein B, C and D genes revealed 99-100% of identity among the viruses and with CHV-1 sequences available in GenBank. Phylogenetic analyses of gC sequences showed a segregation of the samples, even among three isolates from the same kennel. These findings support CHV-1 infection as the cause of disease and death in these dog litters, reinforcing the need for correct etiologic diagnosis, prevention and immunization against CHV-1 in dogs from Southern Brazil. INDEX-TERMS: Canid herpesvirus 1, CHV-1, diagnosis, dogs, glycoproteins and pathological findings. 1 Received on October 31, 2014. Accepted for publication on March 16, 2015. 2 Setor de Virologia, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima 1000, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil. *Corresponding author: eduardofurtadoflores@ gmail.com 3 Axys Análises Diagnóstico Veterinário e Consultoria, Av. Salvador Leão 147, Salas 101 and 202, Porto Alegre, RS 91130-700, Brazil. 4 Fertivida Clínica Veterinária, Rua Lucas de Oliveira 2689, Porto Alegre, RS 90460-001.
Strategic responses by the cement manufacturing companies in Kenya

vi TABLE OF CONTENTS . viii LIST OF TABLES . x LIST OF FIGURES . xi CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION . 1 1.1 BACKGROUND . 1 1.1.1 THE KENYAN CEMENT INDUSTRY . 1 1.1.2 ENVIRONMENTAL ORIENTATION . 2 1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT . 4 1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY . 5 1.4 IMPORTANCE OF THE STUDY . 5 1.5 SUMMARY . 5 CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW . 7 2.
Lipases in conversion of oils. Experimental screening of enzymes and substrates for biodiesel production.

* Corresponding author. E-mail: birute@ibt.lt Lipases of different origin were screened for substrates and different reactions from the practical approach to search for the optimal conditions for biodiesel component production. The commercial lipases under analysis were shown to be specific to p-nitrophenyl fatty acid esters of medium chain length, although Lipolase100 LEX also showed a relatively high hydrolytic activity on p-nitrophenyl palmitate. The soluble Enterobacter aerogenes lipase was shown also to be the most active when hydrolysing medium-chain-length p-nitrophenyl fatty acid esters. The specificity of immobilized commercial lipases did not change as compared with soluble analogues. The immobilized Enterobacter aerogenes lipase showed no significant differences of activity towards p-nitrophenyl butyrate and medium-chain p-nitrophenyl fatty acid esters versus the attached enzyme on polyurethane and chitosan and also showed the highest hydrolytic activity on p-nitrophenyl caprylate as for soluble lipase. Enterobacter aerogenes lipase-catalyzed esterification of oleic acid with oleoyl alcohol was a long-lasting process still in progress after 91 hours. The lipase showed the highest catalytic activity when esterifying oleic acid with ethanol and 1.2-ethanediol. The enzyme slightly esterified the acid with 1.3-propanediol and was almost inactive for esterification with 2-hydroxyethyl ether. Enterobacter aerogenes lipase more efficiently hydrolysed camelina oil than rapeseed oil, considering the former to be an alternative source to be converted into biodiesel components. Methanolysis of rapeseed oil catalyzed by the lipase adsorbed on chitin was also a long-lasting process still in progress during 124 hours. The optimal glycerol-tricaprylate-to-methanol ratio was 1 : 1 for methanolysis of the substrate catalysed by Resinase HT lipase immobilized on a polyurethane support. The lipase was completely depressed at the ratio 1 : 3.
The Effect of Packet Losses and Delay on TCP Traffic over Wireless Ad Hoc Networks

The popularity of wireless network has been growing steadily. Wireless ad hoc networks have been popular because they are very easy to implement without using base stations. The wireless ad hoc networks are complex distributed systems that consist of wireless mobile or static nodes that can freely and dynamically self-organize. The ad hoc networks allow nodes to seamlessly communicate in an area with no pre-existing infrastructure. Future advanced technology of ad hoc network will allow the forming of small ad hoc networks on campuses, during conferences and even in homes. Furthermore, there is an increasing need for easily portable ad hoc networks in rescue mission, especially for accessing rough terrains. However, the quick adaptation and ease of configuration of ad hoc networks come at a price. In wireless ad hoc networks, route changes and network partitions occur frequently due to the unconstrained network topology changes. Moreover, this kind of network inherits the traditional problems of wireless communication, such as unprotected outside signals or interferences, unreliable wireless medium, asymmetric propagation properties of wireless channel, hidden and exposed terminal phenomena, transmission rate limitation and blindly invoking congestion control of transport layer. Although most of these limitations and complexities are due to the lack of fixed backbone or infrastructure, building ad hoc network temporarily is not only simple and easy to implement but also cost-effective and less time-consuming if compared to an infrastructure network that needs to establish a based station and fixed backbone. Among the above mentioned problems and limitations, the impact of transport layer limitations is analyzed across ad hoc routing protocols throughout the network topologies. Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) (Postel, 1981) is the de facto standard designed to provide reliable end-to-end delivery of data packet in the wired networks. Normally, TCP is an independent protocol that is not related to the underlying network technology. However, some assumptions of TCP, such as consideration of only static node, packet losses due to congestion or buffer overflows are inspired from the features of wired networks. In the wireless network, these assumptions may not be correct all the time due to the rapid network topology changes, node movements and limited battery power. In order to apply TCP to an ad hoc environment, TCP has to overcome many problems, such as packet losses due to congestion, high bit errors, node mobility, longer delay and so on. The following TCP
Graphs Are Not Enough: Using Interactive Visual Analytics in Storage Research

Storage researchers have always been interested in understanding the complex behavior of storage systems with the help of statistics, machine learning, and simple visualization techniques. However, when a system's behavior is affected by hundreds or even thousands of factors, existing approaches break down. Results are often difficult to interpret, and it can be challenging for humans to apply domain knowledge to a complex system. We propose to enhance storage system analysis by applying interactive visual analytics, which can address the aforementioned limitations. We have devised a suitable Interactive Configuration Explorer (ICE), and conducted several case studies on a typical storage system, to demonstrate its benefits for storage system researchers and designers. We found that ICE makes it easy to explore a large parameter space, identify critical parameters, and quickly zero in on optimal parameter settings.
Application of high-dimensional fuzzy k-means cluster analysis to CALIOP/CALIPSO version 4.1 cloud–aerosol discrimination

Abstract. This study applies fuzzy k-means (FKM) cluster analyses to a subset of the parameters reported in the CALIPSO lidar level 2 data products in order to classify the layers detected as either clouds or aerosols. The results obtained are used to assess the reliability of the cloud–aerosol discrimination (CAD) scores reported in the version 4.1 release of the CALIPSO data products. FKM is an unsupervised learning algorithm, whereas the CALIPSO operational CAD algorithm (COCA) takes a highly supervised approach. Despite these substantial computational and architectural differences, our statistical analyses show that the FKM classifications agree with the COCA classifications for more than 94 % of the cases in the troposphere. This high degree of similarity is achieved because the lidar-measured signatures of the majority of the clouds and the aerosols are naturally distinct, and hence objective methods can independently and effectively separate the two classes in most cases. Classification differences most often occur in complex scenes (e.g., evaporating water cloud filaments embedded in dense aerosol) or when observing diffuse features that occur only intermittently (e.g., volcanic ash in the tropical tropopause layer). The two methods examined in this study establish overall classification correctness boundaries due to their differing algorithm uncertainties. In addition to comparing the outputs from the two algorithms, analysis of sampling, data training, performance measurements, fuzzy linear discriminants, defuzzification, error propagation, and key parameters in feature type discrimination with the FKM method are further discussed in order to better understand the utility and limits of the application of clustering algorithms to space lidar measurements. In general, we find that both FKM and COCA classification uncertainties are only minimally affected by noise in the CALIPSO measurements, though both algorithms can be challenged by especially complex scenes containing mixtures of discrete layer types. Our analysis results show that attenuated backscatter and color ratio are the driving factors that separate water clouds from aerosols; backscatter intensity, depolarization, and mid-layer altitude are most useful in discriminating between aerosols and ice clouds; and the joint distribution of backscatter intensity and depolarization ratio is critically important for distinguishing ice clouds from water clouds.
A Compressive Sensing-based Speech Signal Processing System for Wearable Computing Device in IPTV Environment

A design of compressive sensing (CS)-based speech signal processing (SSP) system for wearable computing device (WCD) in internet protocol television (IPTV) environment is proposed in this study. In WCD, the voice control would be an important function since the WCD is too small to provide typing device. Hence, the quality of the recorded user’s comments will determine the user experience (UX) of the interactions between the user and the WCD. For building a user-friendly entertainment environment of the IPTV, the proposed SSP system integrates the WCD to be the medium of the voice control, that is, the voice recorder of the WCD would record the background voice for further analyzing continuously, and it would waste lots of the bandwidth and power of the WCD to transmit the data to the cloud. Therefore, the proposed method is applied to compress the recorded voice for saving the transmitting bandwidth and power of the WCD via the design of an acoustic echo cancellation (AEC)-aided CS-based SSP technique. From the experimental results, the voice data can be compressed and well-recovered efficiently via the proposed CS-based SSP system.