Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Overweight and obesity in early childhood affect weight status in the middle childhood years

Background: Overweight and obesity in the preschool years has become an established problem in Sweden. Objectives: To study the development of weight status between the ages of 4-5 and 10-11 in two groups of different socioeconomic belongings and to create an overview of weight management programs for very young children. Method: The study population was a group of children born in 1999, living in Lund or Burlov. The 10 year-measurements were obtained through the School Health Care charts and later linked with data from the Child Health Care. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated and interpreted according to Cole et al (2000). The literature search was performed in Medline. Results: Analysis included 798 children, showing that a significant part of the overweight/obese preschool children remained so at the age of 10 (Lund: 47.1%, Burlov: 75.0%). Normal weight children most often did not change weight category (Lund: 90.8%, Burlov: 82.1%). Living in a municipality with a lower socioeconomic status may have a negative impact on both the ability to resolve a weight problem and the risk of developing overweight. Seven studies of great diversity were included in the literature overview. All studies did involve parents and tried to modify diet habits and/or physical activity in some way. Conclusion: Overweight at the age of 4-5 years is a strong predictive factor of being overweight at the age of 10. This correlation may be reinforced for a child living in a community with a lower socioeconomic status. More research is needed to define in what way early childhood overweight could be managed successfully.
Predictive Control of Turbofan Engine Model Based on Improved Elman Neural Network

Due to the complex and variable working process of aero-engines, and the strong nonlinearity, multi-control variables, time-varying and complex structural features, neural networks have self-learning, adaptive uncertainty system dynamics and approximation of arbitrary complex nonlinear systems. the neural network-based nonlinear predictive control combining the advantages of neural network and predictive control has become an important method to solve the nonlinear system control problem. This paper first introduces the development of nonlinear predictive control, and points out that predictive control is proposed for linear systems, and the control effect of nonlinear systems is often not ideal. Therefore, the local dynamic feedback network Elman neural network with good approximation ability is introduced to identify the nonlinear system. Based on this, the improved Elman neural network is applied in predictive control. Firstly, the neural network is used as the predictive model for multi-step prediction, and the future output value is output. The improved particle swarm optimization algorithm integrated with GuoA algorithm is used as the optimization algorithm to design the predictive controller. The simulation results show that the nonlinear predictive control based on improved Elman neural network is obtained a good control effect.
Forceps Pressure Algometer Based on Load Cell

Researchers studying the pain experience agree it is a complex phenomenon. In this field, it is necessary to describe, understand and measure the pain experience in order to advance in diagnosis and treatment of patients. Pain quantification can be performed through an instrument called algometer. One of the many parameters it measures is the Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT). This parameter is defined as the point at which a mechanical stimulus becomes painful. In this paper, we present a pressure algometer using calibrated forceps to animal models applications. It requires little training for handling and precise control of the force angle is not necessary. We employed a load cell as the system force transducer. Characterization experiments were performed. Results show us the algometer has satisfactory reproducibility, mensuration linearity, potential for temperature and noise insensitivity, and intraobserver repeatability.
Adaptive backstepping control for uncertain nonlinear systems of vehicle based on recurrent perturbation fuzzy neural networks disturbance observer

This paper investigates an adaptive backstepping control method, based on recurrent perturbation fuzzy neural networks disturbance observer (RPFNNDO) for a class of nonlinear systems of vehicle with unknown compound disturbance. Firstly, RPFNNDO is put forward to have better approximation ability for the unknown disturbance, which combines the advantages of the recurrent networks, fuzzy neural networks and sine-cosine function. Next, in order to have great tracking performance and weaken the differential expansion problem, the design process of adaptive backstepping controller is introduced and deployed. And the system stability is proved via Lyapunov function. Finally, the method is applied to control system of vehicle, simulation results show effectiveness of the proposed method.
A Framework for 3D Object Detection and Pose Estimation in Unstructured Environment Using Single Shot Detector and Refined LineMOD Template Matching

In order to improve the robot’s perception ability in the complicated environment, especially the unstructured environment, a framework of 3D object detection and pose estimation using single shot detector (SSD) and modified LineMOD template matching is proposed, which can detect multiple objects and estimate their pose simultaneously. Firstly, the initial object detection (the first detection) is realized by single shot detector network and therefore the region of interest (RoI) of target objects are generated. LineMOD template matching is then applied to provide candidate templates. These calculated templates are grouped by the designed clustering algorithm. After sorting the clusters according to the descending order of the average similarity, non-maximum suppression removes the similar results and provide the further multiple detection results (the second detection). Finally, based on the results from the second detection, the pose of the object is estimated by using iterative closest point (ICP) algorithm. The object detection experiments show that on Tejani dataset, the average recognition rate of six objects reaches 99.25%. For the object pose estimation, F1 of the proposed method is 21.7% higher than the conventional method in the pose estimation experiments. Also, F1 of the presented algorithm is 9.5% higher than Deep-6Dpose method. Both comparison experiments verify the effectiveness of the proposed framework. Further, this framework for object detection and pose estimation is employed to do robotic grasping. In particular, the workpiece of steel plates is grabbed, which is a necessary procedure of the polishing technique.
On-line Testing for Autonomous Systems driven by RISC-V Processor Design Verification

In the last decade, a growing number of electronic devices have been designed to be deployed in safety-critical autonomous systems. Many application domains, such as autonomous vehicles, robots, nano-drones, are exploring artificial intelligence solutions to handle the increasing computation requirements. Besides, due to their safety-critical application scenarios, they are demanding for even more reliable and advanced systems. These requirements clearly entail a growing complexity in modern processors and System-on-a-Chip design, leading to new efforts in verification and testing phases. These new devices must be also compliant with emerging functional safety standards that regulate their usage during the entire lifetime. The main intent of this work is to improve the reliability of autonomous systems, providing a strategy to link the verification methodology with the testing one. Starting from an almost exhaustive verification set, it is possible to derive a different set of patterns intended for on-line testing. This achievement is gained by taking into account the constraints due to the final system application and the common requirements of the embedded devices used in autonomous systems. Experimental results are provided on an open-source RISC-V processor assembled on an autonomous nano-drone.
X-Shaped Metamaterial Biosensor Combined with Microfluidic System for Different IPA Concentration Measurement

X-shaped plasmonic biosensor (XPS) which has strong sensitivity combined with microfluidic system. The microfluidic system can provide low volume reagents for detection, reduce noise from environment and concentrate the sample on detection spots. TeraPulse 4000 equipment was applied for biosensor, which can define sensitivity by observing variation of refractive index in frequency domain spectrum. The results show metamaterial device in comparison of different concentration of IPA, where refractive index reflects absorption of liquids. Furthermore, the effect of FOM and quality factor can be observed through resonant dip at 0.20898 THz.
A model of the interface charge and chemical noise due to surface reactions in Ion Sensitive FETs

We present a model of arbitrary chemical reactions at the interface between a solid and an electrolyte, aimed at computing the interface charge build-up and surface potential shift of ion-sensitive FETs in the presence of interfering ions. An expression for the rms value of the surface charge fluctuation and the resulting uncertainty in the ion concentration is derived as well. Application to nanoelectronic ISFET-based sensors for ions and proteins is demonstrated.
Decentralized Sliding-mode and Fault-tolerant Control for Heterogeneous Multi-agent Systems

This study proposes a decentralized sliding-mode and fault-tolerant control design for a kind of heterogeneous multiagent systems which contains matched disturbances, actuator faults and nonlinear interactions. The sliding-mode function and the decentralized fault-tolerant control protocol are developed so that the closed-loop systems can be asymptotically stable and the matched disturbances and actuator faults can be solved by the adaptive estimated upper bounding law. Simulation results validate the effectiveness of the proposed decentralized sliding-mode fault-tolerant control algorithm.
IMU-Vision based Localization Algorithm for Lunar Rover

In this paper, we propose IMU-Vision based localization algorithm for lunar explorer rover instead of the IMU-Encoder based dead-reckoning algorithm. The dead-reckoning algorithm is difficult to estimate the exact distance because of the noise, the accumulated error, and slip. The acceleration and gyro data of IMU sensor were used for the localization because magnetic fields are not uniform in the lunar environment unlike the Earth. These data were applied to extended Kalman filter to estimate Roll, Pitch, Yaw Euler angles of the exploration rover. Also, the lunar module has special gold color to protect its electronic equipment inside lunar module. This special color cannot be seen in the lunar environment. So, the lunar module was correctly recognized by applying the HSV color filter to the stereo image. Then, the distance between the exploration rover and the lunar module was estimated through SIFT algorithm and Epipolar geometry. Finally, the relative position of rover from lunar module was estimated by applying the estimated Euler angle and distance to the coordinate system transformation. The performance of the proposed algorithm was been compared to the conventional algorithm to show the superiority of the proposed algorithm.
Influence of the Implementation of the Flipped Classroom Pedagogical Model in Networks and Data Communications Courses in First Generation University Students

The increase of private universities in Peru has multiplied the opportunities of entry to people whose parents did not have access to university studies, who also usually work in parallel to solve their studies and help support their family, so they have greater difficulties of attendance and academic performance due to fatigue produced by work commitments. The present work applies the pedagogical model called Flipped Classroom popularized in 2007 by Jonathan Bergman and Aaron Sams, and which consists of leaving the theory for the home and performing the practice in the classroom under the supervision of the teacher. The experiment was carried out in classrooms of private universities located in North Lima where the highest percentage of students are the first generation. The results obtained show a reduction of 12.4% in absenteeism and an increase of up to 27.7% in the academic performance which was reflected in the students' grades.
Dual-Band Wilkinson Power Divider with Port Extensions

This paper reports a coupled-line based dual-band Wilkinson Power Divider (WPD) with two-section transmission lines (TSTL) at all its ports. The design utilizes only one resistor as a frequency independent isolation element. The design offers its operation with good bandwidth and wide band-ratio (=f2/f1) at the two distant arbitrary frequencies. The design equations are provided to compute the design parameters. Three design examples are also tabulated in the paper with stepwise design procedure. The measurement of the fabricated prototype exhibits a good match (|Sii|>17dB, i = {1, 2, 3}), excellent isolation ((|S23|>25dB) and very good amplitude imbalance (|S21|~|S31|=0.2dB) and phase imbalance (∠S21~∠S31=2°) at both the bands. The measured results are in perfect agreement with the corresponding EM simulated results and thus validates the design.
SLAM Algorithm Analysis of Mobile Robot Based on Lidar

In this work, we tested Simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) about mobile robots in indoor environment, where all experiments were conducted based on the Robot Operating System (ROS). The urban search and rescue(USAR) environment was build in the ROS simulation tool Gazebo, and our car was used to test hector SLAM in Gazebo. The rplidar A1 single-line lidar was used for 2D laser scan matching data acquisition in the practical experiments and the indoor map was built by using the open source algorithms gmapping, karto SLAM, hector SLAM software package for indoor SLAM, which can get the indoor grid maps in ROS graphical tool RVIZ. The experimental results of the three open source algorithms show that the mobile robot for simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) is feasible, and high-precision grid maps can be constructed.
Improving Message Delivery in Opportunistic Networks with Fragmentation and Network Coding

In opportunistic networks, no guarantees about network connectivity and node behavior can be made. Routing protocols aim at delivering messages by choosing promising paths throughout the network. These paths are created by nodes replicating messages and forwarding them to other nodes upon encountering them. The first replicated message reaching its destination node is the successful delivery, while others routed along different paths might arrive at a later time. The order and possibility of arrival depend on many factors such as the path length and sufficient transfer time for a complete message upon inter-node contact. We motivate the use of distinct paths throughout the network for fragmentation and Network Coding and propose Fragmentation Strategies on the edge of the opportunistic network improving general message delivery. By carefully choosing appropriate fragment sizes and the amount of network coding added, we show that our Fragmentation Strategies are able to improve message delivery for large messages regardless of the routing protocol in use. As the main contribution of this paper, we provide the mathematical equations needed for fragment creation, and make available an implementation of our Fragmentation Strategies.
Cluster Consensus for a Class of Delayed Discrete Time Multi-agent Systems

This paper investigates the cluster consensus problems for a class of delayed discrete time Multi-agent systems of the first-order and second-order, respectively. Based on the frequency-domain method and matrix theory, some algebraic criterions are proposed to ensure cluster consensus in systems affected by communication and input delay. Results show that the input time delay, the coupling weight and the coupling strength between the agents play a key role in achieving the cluster consensus, while the communication delay only affects the convergence speed of the system. Finally, the results is verified by several simulated examples.
Stability of Synchronous Queued RFID Networks

Queued Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) networks arise naturally in many applications, where tags are grouped into batches, and each batch must be processed before the next reading job starts. In these cases, the system must be able to handle all incoming jobs, keeping the queue backlogs bounded. This property is called stability. Besides, in RFID networks, it is common that some readers cannot operate at the same time, due to mutual interferences. This fact reduces the maximum traffic that readers can process since they have to share the channel. Synchronous networks share the channel using a TDMA approach. The goal of this work is to analytically determine whether a synchronous queued RFID network attains stable operation under a given incoming traffic. Stability depends on the service rate, which is characterized in this paper using an exact numerical method based on a recursive analytical approach, overcoming the limitations of previous works, which were based on simplifications. We also address different flow optimization problems, such as computing the maximum joint traffic that a network can process stably, selecting the minimal number of readers to process a given total load, or determining the optimal timeslot duration, which are novel in the RFID literature.
The correlation between somatic parameters, motor abilities and level of technical and tactical skills in 13-year-old handball players from MOSIR Bochnia Sports Club

The characteristic of the handball game forces players to possess high level of many somatic parameters and motor abilities. It is important to find those which are the most important in the game. The main aim of the study is to find correlation between researched parameters and the level of technical and tactical skills. The subjects of the research were 14 handball players from the Student Sports Club in Bochnia, aged 13 years old. The scope of the research included measurements of somatic features and motor skills (abdominal muscles endurance, upper and lower limbs power). The correlation between the somatic parameters, motor abilities and the level of technical and tactical skills was calculated using Spearman correlation. Players from Bochnia are much taller and heavier than the handball players from Cracow but they are inferior in upper and lower limbs power. The research showed that there is strong correlation between motor abilities and technical and tactical skills in the group of players from Bochnia. Height of the body and maximal anaerobic power level are the parameters which determine sport success in 13 years old handball players. The players from Bochnia should put more effort in increasing the level of motor abilities during their training sessions.
Fabrication of a Tunable Capacitor with a Non-Planar Plate by Using Titanium and Polyimide as Sacrificial Layers

This work marks the first use of titanium (Ti) and polyimide (PI) sacrificial layers to realize the fabrication of the non-planar plate for a MEMS variable capacitor. Compared with the state-of-art technology, three distinctive advances have been achieved: (a) first demonstration of Ti and PI sacrificial layers to realize a 300 nm-thick gap between source electrodes and $3\mu \mathrm{m}$-thick gap between drive electrodes for the non-planar plate with a single electroplating process; (b) a controllable Ti etching process with HF-free solution; and (c) a MEMS variable capacitor with a stable tuning ratio greater than 10 by the non-planar top plate and weight-balanced structure.
Interdigital Multilayer-Graphene Nanoelectrodes for Continuous Wave Terahertz photomixers

A new type photomixer for continuous wave (CW) terahertz (THz) generation was fabricated using 6-8 layer graphene. The multilayer graphene (MLG) sheets were used as six-finger interdigital nanoelectrodes on a low-temperature-grown (LTG) GaAs photoconductor. The MLG nanoelectrode shows unique properties with high short-circuit current capabilities and reliable high photocurrents. Furthermore, due to the transparency of the graphene, the use of graphene as nanoelectrodes in THz photomixers allows an efficient optical power illumination for high photocurrent generation and shows a promising CW THz emission.
Assessing Application Portfolios of IT Services through Maturity Levels of IT Governance

Managing application portfolios of Information Technology (IT) services are not limited to information services. There should be guarantee and integration of synchronization and interoperability of information services. Availability of information services can create risks of IT investment and hinder the effectiveness of organizational performance. The aim of this research was to find out to what extent the use of application portfolios of IT services could support IT processes of Acquire and Implement (AI) and Monitor and Evaluate (ME) Domains. This survey research applied the combination method and a convergent triangulation model through a follow-up explanatory design. Quantitative analysis was performed after online questionnaires were filled out by respondents working at 65 credit unions. These respondents have used application portfolios of IT services in West Kalimantan, Indonesia. COBIT (Control Objectives for Information and Related Technology) 4.1 Framework was in use to measure maturity levels of IT governance. Maturity values of IT governance indicate that IT processes are at the scale interval of 2.51 to 3.50. So far, the use of application portfolios of IT services has been restricted to procedure standardization and documentation system. Also, the conduct has not involved appropriateness of obvious synchronization as well as consistency of procedures and IT service implementation.
Action and coping plans as strategies to improve exercise adherence in people with Osteoarthritis of the hip and/ or knee joint

Osteoarthritis is a common, long-term, degenerative joint disease often affecting the hips and knees. Aerobic, strength and stretching exercise programmes have been shown to improve function in people with osteoarthritis, but their full benefits are limited by poor adherence. Action and coping plans, a central component of the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) model of behaviour change, have been shown to improve exercise adherence behaviour in people with long term disorders. Therefore the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of action and coping plans on exercise adherence behaviour in people with osteoarthritis of the hip and or knee. Twenty seven people with moderate osteoarthritis of the knee and or hip were randomly allocated to the exercise group plus action and coping planning (intervention) or the exercise group only (control). Fifteen of these people completed the programme. Both groups attended a lower limb exercise class three times per week for a period of 12 weeks and completed a home-based walking and stretching programme. The outcome measures were adherence measured throughout the exercise programme and self-efficacy and functional outcomes measured at the beginning and the end of the programme. Adherence was assessed class attendance and adherence to the classand home-based exercise programmes. Self-efficacy was measured by phase specific self-efficacy (task, maintenance and recovery) and the Arthritis Self-Efficacy Questionnaire. Functional outcomes were actual functional performance (TUG, 6MWT, step test and 10MWT), perceived functional performance (LLTQ-ADL), and pain. The group comparisons were analysed using analysis of variance, and correlations were analysed using Pearson correlation coefficients and regression analyses where appropriate.