Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Validation of the BESTest for Measuring Balance in People With Multiple Sclerosis

Background: Evaluation of balance disorders and differentiation of the populations with deficits is necessary for treatment and rehabilitation. The BESTest is used to evaluate balance and posture in various populations and has been shown to distinguish between different neurological populations. This study investigated the validity of the BESTest in measuring balance in the people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted with 34 participants including 17 PwMS (42.64 ±7.8 years old, score 1-5 on the Expanded Disability Status Scale) and 17 healthy controls (42.33±8.65 years old). After a comprehensive medical history, subjective clinical balance assessment (via BESTest) was performed. Then objective measures of balance domains of Anticipatory Postural Adjustments (APAs) and Sensory Orientation were assessed using a force plate, with sway, velocity and the area of sway outcomes calculated. Correlations between the subjective and objective measures of balance were computed. Results: The anterior-posterior and the medio-lateral sway, sway velocity in the AP direction, and area of displacement were significantly different between the two groups (P<0.005). Significant correlations were found between the BESTest scores with anterior-posterior and medio-lateral sway, sway velocity in anterior-posterior direction, and area of displacement in anterior-posterior direction (p<0.005). Conclusions: Results indicated that the BESTest assessment tool has a high accuracy and sensitivity to assess balance function in PwMS. It can be used as an outcome measure to test postural balance disorders in these people.
Analysis of the bullwhip effect in multi-product, multi-stage supply chain systems–a simulation approach

This research aims to develop a simulation approach based on system dynamics modelling (SDM) and adaptive network based fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) for quantifying and reducing the bullwhip effect in a multi-product, multi-stage supply chain. The proposed model is comprised of three groups of variables influencing the bullwhip effect, namely the structure of a supply chain network, supply chain contributions (ordering process in regular situation or when a supplier has a promotion or shortage gaming) and supply chain performances (the number of defects and ordering lead time). As a result, a two layer simulation model is developed with three generic models. The flexibility of this proposed approach is its ability to model various types of ordering policies which are basic inventory policies, material requirement planning (MRP) system and just in time (JIT) approach. The supply chain of a beverage company was selected to validate and demonstrate the flexibility of the proposed model. The findings of the proposed simulation model are consistent with the results obtained from the case study. The error magnitude of the bullwhip effect level varied between 0 and 9% resulting in bullwhip effect reductions of up to 92%. Accordingly, the bullwhip effect levels are significantly decreased by using the proposed simulation model.
Open-Loop Stability and Closed-Loop Gust Alleviation on Flexible Aircraft Including Wake Modeling

This paper numerically investigates the dynamics of a flexible, lightweight, unmanned aircraft, evaluating its stability boundaries and focusing on the response of the aircraft under atmospheric disturbances. This is achieved by integrating a time-domain 3-D unsteady vortex-lattice aerodynamics method with a geometrically-exact composite beam model encompassing elastic and rigid-body degrees of freedom. The resulting framework is a medium-fidelity tool for the analysis of vehicles that exhibit substantial couplings between their aeroelastic and flight dynamics responses. In its general nonlinear form, the unified model captures the instantaneous shape of the lifting surfaces and the free wake, including large geometrically-nonlinear displacements, in-plane motions, and aerodynamic interference effects. The linearization of the equations leads to a monolithic state-space assembly, ideally suited for stability analysis and control synthesis. The numerical studies illustrate these capabilities, designing linear PID controllers in order to alleviate gust-induced loads and trajectory deviations.
Infrared imaging in the analysis of planar antennas

In this study, a noninvasive method based on infrared thermography is presented to obtain the resonant frequency of a dipole antenna in the microwave region. The study was performed by visualizing the temperature increase due to the Joule heating of the antenna fed by a voltage source. Results show a significant increase in dissipated heat at 830MHz where the resonance is expected. This method can be used to measure planar antennas noninvasive and in‐situ without having to take them to a specialized antenna‐measurement facility. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:1610–1612, 2014
Sequential Autoregressive Flow-Based Policies

Policy-based approaches to reinforcement learning are conventionally formulated as state-action mappings, however, this direct setup may be limiting in some contexts. We present a novel policy formulation composed of two components. A low-level dynamical component, parameterized by an autoregressive ﬂow, models temporal dependencies between actions, and a high-level component, parameterized by a deep network, maps the current state to a base distribution for the ﬂow. We provide preliminary experiments characterizing and evaluating this class of policies on MuJoCo continuous control tasks. 1
Frequency of Antibiotic Resistance of Escherichia Coli and Klebsiella Pneumoniae by Production of TOHO-type β-lactamases at Saint Camille Hospital, Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso)

Background: Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) appeared some years after the introduction in hospital environment of unhydrolysable or extended-spectrum cephalosporins. Several studies have been reported on the blaTEM, blaCTX-M and blaSHV genes in ESBL producing Enterobacteria, however very few studies reported in the literature are related to blaCTX-M subgroup blaTOHO. TOHO enzymes were responsible for healthcare-associated infections in hospitals and in the community. In Burkina Faso, data related to these types of enzymes were scarce. The purpose of this study was to detect TOHO enzymes in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae in order to know the prevalence of infections related to bacterial resistance due to TOHO enzymes at Saint Camille Hospital of Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso). Materials and methods: The study was conducted firstly by microbiological identification of ESBL-producing by Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae using API 20 E gallery; secondly the antibiogram was performed by the diffusion method and finally the molecular characterization was made by conventional PCR to search for the blaTOHO gene. The visualization of the specific bands was made using the ultraviolet lamp (Gene Flash) for the photography of the gels. Data were entered and analyzed using Excel 2013 and EPI Info version 6.0 software. A p-value < 0.05 was considered as significant.Results: We obtained at all 39 strains constituted by 21 (53.8%) Escherichia coli and 18 (46.2%) Klebsiella pneumoniae. Molecular characterization showed the presence of the blaTOHO gene in 25 bacterial strains (64.1 %). Conclusion: It was therefore established in this study the existence of blaTOHO gene at Saint Camille Hospital in Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso. Our study made it possible to know the distribution of the blaTOHO gene in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
Principles of the Proposed Czech Postal Sector Price Control Model

The paper deals with the postal sector control. It resultsfrom the control theory and proves the justifiability of control inthe postal sector. Within the price control it results from E U Directive97! 67/EC requirements on this control and states individualtypes of price control focusing on ineffective price controlcurrently used in the Czech postal sector (especially withindomestic services) and proposes a more effective method ofprice control. The paper also discusses the principles of the proposedmethod of price control of the Czech postal sector. It describesconcrete fulfilment of the price control model resultingfrom the price-cap and tariff formula RP I-X and concentrateson its quantitative expression. The application of the proposedmodel is carried out for a hypothetical period in the past (in orderto compare it with the current control system) for letteritems tariff basket.
Motion Blurred Image Restoration Algorithm Based on AGA and Wiener Filter in Ship Imaging System

Ship internal equipment vibration will cause the imaging system platform vibration, resulting in blurred images. Wiener Filter is often used to restore the motion blurred image. The principle of the method expects to minimize the mean square error between the restore image and original image. However, this method has some constrains, and it generates ringing effect easily. In order to get high quality restore image, eliminate the ringing effect, a new approach based on an adaptive genetic algorithm (AGA) Wiener Filter was proposed, which automatically adjusts the SNR parameter value for Wiener Filter, this method selects crossover probability and mutation probability according to the fitness values of the object function, therefore reduces the convergence time and improves the precision of simple genetic algorithm (SGA), insuring the accuracy of parameter selection, effectively reducing the ringing effect after image restoration, improve image quality of restoration.
Robust coordinated control for hybrid electric bus with single-shaft parallel hybrid powertrain

The efficient coupling driving control is a key technique that affects both the fuel economy and drivability of the hybrid electric bus (HEB). However, the uncertainties resulting from the complex driving condition and the powertrain would affect the control performance. To solve this problem, this study proposes a novel control approach, which is elaborately integrated with multi-controllers under the consideration of properties of the city-bus-route and the hybrid powertrain configuration. First, a torque split strategy with the automated mechanical transmission (AMT) gear-shifting strategy is employed to adapt the driving intention quantified by fuzzy logic. Then the coordinated control mechanism is constructed through utilising the electric machine (EM) to compensate the response deviation of engine torque, meanwhile a robust controller is designed to withstand parameter perturbation and external disturbance existing in EM. Simulation results show that the operating points of the engine and EM are adjusted into the high-efficiency areas with the assistance of AMT gear-shifting, and the EM torque tracking performance especially when parameter perturbation and external disturbance appear. Moreover, the strategy adaptively distributed the driving torque in the predefined working modes for different driver's intentions. Thus, the efficient coupling driving of HEB might be implemented by the proposed method.
Managing information and supplies inventory operations in a manufacturing environment. Part 2: An order-timing and sizing algorithm

We develop a new, flexible independent demand forecasting-optimisation algorithm, and apply it to nine difficult-to-manage maintenance and repair products at the AREVA nuclear fuel rod manufacturing facility. The algorithm results in a 27% reduction in inventory holding and ordering costs relative to AREVA's baseline ERP method. This is in addition to improving the line item fill rates from 96 to 98%. This new algorithm is more flexible than the baseline method in that (1) our forecast error distribution is not assumed to be normal—we automatically find the best-fitting distribution from a large family of distributions, (2) we jointly optimise the order quantity and reorder point by using an optimisation routine that is embedded in a simulation methodology. Our algorithm can therefore handle a non-stationary demand process during the planning horizon, and (3) we dynamically select the best time series forecaster for demand based on the most recent history. This flexibility drove the performance improvements. Our algorithm can be easily adapted to any independent demand situation across any industry's supply chain.
The Relationship among Eye Movements, Head Movements and Manual Responses in a Simulated Air Traffic Control Task

Abstract : Performance of operators in aviation systems is highly dependent on their ability to visually scan information sources, identify problematic situations, and respond appropriately. Scanning behavior has often been mentioned as a contributing factor in the performance of air traffic controllers. An investigation was initiated to identity how alterations in various gaze measures could serve as indices of changes in alertness. As part of that larger investigation, a subset of the complete data base was used to investigate the nature of changes in eye and head movements within a session, between days, and among event types. Ten subjects were chosen for their propensity to make head movements when shifting gaze from the CRT display to the keypad for a manual response. The task consisted of 44 infrequently occurring events for which manual responses were required. There were 4 types of events; Unidentified Aircraft, Loss of Altitude, Conflict (2 aircraft at the same altitude flying toward each other), No Conflict (2 aircraft at the same altitude flying away from each other). The 2-hour session was divided into 3 approximately equal time blocks. The dependent measures were: eye movement latency, head movement latency, and the eye movement following the manual response that returned the eye to the visual display (return saccades). Eye and head movement latencies were measured from the manual response. The following conclusions were made: There were no significant eye-head movement differences among the event types. The relationship between the initiation of head movements and the initiation of eye movements appears to be a stable characteristic of the individual; it was consistent between days, as well as within the session.
Simple CAD formula for the microstrip line on L‐SIAD

This article presents a simple CAD formula for the microstrip line on localized substrate integrated artificial dielectric (L‐SIAD) by synthetic asymptote. For L‐SIAD, there is a metal post array embedded in the substrate and connected to the bottom ground plane. All the metal posts are right under (but not connected to) the microstrip line. The simple CAD formula is accurate with average error less than 2% compared with numerical results, and gives good physical insight. Finally, this formula is applied to the design of an L‐SIAD microstrip line. The simulations and measurements show good agreements. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:856–858, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26720
Surviving the information explosion [knowledge management]

This paper presents the emerging discipline of enterprise content management and explains why a capability to manage document based information is increasingly in demand. The ability to manage explicit information in the form of documents, reports, drawings and graphics is a key knowledge management capability and this capability to manage information has increasingly been recognised as a core organisational need. Knowledge management is concerned with providing people with current and accurate information within the context of their roles. the effective management of document based knowledge relies on technology infrastructures enabling people to create, store and access documentation in a timely manner.
XIX. On the echinidea of the 'Porcupine’ deep-sea dredging-expeditions

The deep-sea dredging-cruises of H. M. Ships 'Lightning' and 'Porcupine’ during the summers of 1868, 1869, and 1870 in the North Atlantic, were comprehended within a belt 1500 miles in length by from 100 to 150 miles in width, extending from the Faeroe Islands along the northern and western coasts of Scotland and Ireland and the coasts of Portugal and Spain to the Strait of Gibraltar. In this area fifty-seven successful hauls of the dredge were made during the three summers in water exceeding 500 fathoms in depth, sixteen beyond 1000 fathoms, and two beyond 2000 fathoms. Even at the latter extreme depth Echinodermata appeared to be abunant. At 2435 and at 2090 fathoms all the Echinoderm orders were represented -the Echinidea by a small variety of Echinus norvegicus, D. & K. , and a young example of Brissopsis lyrifea, Forbes; the Asteridea by a species of the genus Archaster; the Ophiuridea by Ophiocten sericeum, Forbes, and Ophiacantha spinulosa, M. & T. ; the Holothuridea by Echinocucumis ypica, Sars; and the Crinoidea by a very remarkable new form of the pwcrinidae, which has been described under the name of Bathyerinus gracilisi Wy. T, From 2000 fathoms upwards the number of Echinoerms seems to increase rapidly; but this apparent increase may possibly be due to our wider knowledge of the fauna of the shallower later; from 300 to 800 fathoms along the coast of Britain many species of all the orders are enormously abundant, so much so as to give a very marked 1 character to the fauna of that special zone. Several of these species, such as Cidaris papillata, Leske, Toxopneustes drobachiensis, Müller, Echinus norvegicus, D. & K. , Astropecten tennispinus, D. & K. , Archaster Parellii,D. & K. , A. Andromeda, M. & T. , and Euryale Linkii M. & T. , have been long known to inhabit the deep water of the British area, and form part of a fauna which will be probably found to have a very wide lateral extension at temperatures whose minimum ranges from 0° C. to +2° C. ,a fauna which crops up, as it were, within the ordinary limits of observation in the seas of Scandinavia, and which has consequently been carefully studied by the Scandinavian naturalists.
Asset Management Evaluation: The Key Role of Expert Elicitation

The life management of a nuclear power plant raises several major issues amongst which ranks the aging management of the key components of the plant, both from a technical and an economic point of view. Decision-makers are thus faced with the need to define the best strategy in order to achieve the best possible performance which requires both a very precise modeling of the plant and a detailed analysis of all risks potentially incurred. In this paper, we wish to provide the reader with an overview of how advanced expert elicitation techniques can help identify, structure, quantify and feed sensitive data into a risk-based information system which can then be used for risk-based asset management evaluation. First we focus on the way knowledge management techniques allow EDF to structure and collect life-cycle management data into knowledge-based information systems. The elicitation of component experts is key, particularly in order to get technical information on the future behavior of the component (“anticipation” of whatever events may occur on the plant). We then detail how expert elicitations allow to quantify the probabilities of occurrence of the events: whether there is feedback data, models or not, expert opinion has to be taken into account and mixed, for instance with Bayesian procedures, to this information. Lastly we describe how the information elicited from experts can help top level decision makers get a transverse, long term view on how life management investment strategy translates into plant availability, avoided costs and improved component durability.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Dual-band CPW-fed hybrid antenna

A novel 2450/5600 MHz CPW-fed hybrid antenna consisting of a CPW-fed inductive slot antenna and a dual inverted-F monopole antenna is proposed and investigated experimentally. This proposed hybrid antenna exhibits dual-band behaviour with sufficient bandwidths to meet the system requirements of Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), IEEE 802.11a (5725–5825 MHz), HIPERLAN/2 (5470–5725 MHz) and IEEE 802.11 b/g (2400–2483 MHz). Measurements show that the 10 dB return loss bandwidth (VSWR<2) for the low and high bands reaches as much as 152 MHz (2384–2536 MHz) and 350 MHz (5473–5823 MHz), respectively. Moreover, peak antenna gain is 1.62 dBi in the low band and 4.6 dBi in the high band.
Activation of MAPK signaling pathway during nitrogen-deficiency responses in Ulva Prolifera

Background: Ulva prolifera is one of the main seaweeds (or macroalgae) species that causes “green tides”. This alga inhabits the estuarine areas that exhibit changes in nutrient contents, which include changes in nitrogen (N) levels, while the mechanisms through which these microalgae resist N deficiency remains unclear. Results: We amplified the full-length sequences and quantified expression of genes involved in the nitrogen metabolism process, the data indicated that nitrate reductase, nitrite reductase, and glutamine synthase increased after nitrogen deprivation in Ulva prolifera. Hence, although the ratio of cell-wall regeneration did not change, the apoptosis rates of protoplasts of Ulva prolifera increased after this deficiency. Furthermore, a decreased in N supplies triggered the activation of MAPK signaling, and SB239063, a p38 MAPKα/β inhibitor, enhanced the effects of N deficiency on the mortality of protoplasts and decreased the capacity for cell-wall regeneration. Conclusions: All the data provided evidence that MAPK signaling had functional roles in helping U. prolifera adapt to fluctuations in N availability within a short time. Hence, the application of biochemical reagents on cell-wall regeneration on the surface of protoplasts provided a new perspective in the genetic breeding of Ulva prolifera.
A high efficiency charge pump circuit for low power applications

A high efficiency charge pump circuit is designed and realized. The charge transfer switch is biased by the additional capacitor and transistor to eliminate the influence of the threshold voltage. Moreover, the bulk of the switch transistor is dynamically biased so that the threshold voltage gets lower when it is turned on during charge transfer and gets higher when it is turned off. As a result, the efficiency of the charge pump circuit can be improved. A test chip has been implemented in a 0.18 μm 3.3 V standard CMOS process. The measured output voltage of the eight-pumping-stage charge pump is 9.8 V with each pumping capacitor of 0.5 pF at an output current of 0.18 μA, when the clock frequency is 780 kHz and the supply voltage is 2 V. The charge pump and the clock driver consume a total current of 2.9 μA from the power supply. This circuit is suitable for low power applications.
Arbitrarily shaped microstrip structures and their analysis with a mixed potential integral equation

The author gives a comprehensive description of the mixed potential integral equation (MPIE) as applied to microstrip structures. This technique uses Green's functions associated with the scalar and vector potential which are calculated by using stratified media theory and are expressed as Sommerfeld integrals. Several methods of moments allowing the study of irregular shapes are described. It is shown that the MPIE includes previously published static and integral equations. Hence, it can be used at any frequency ranging from DC to higher-order resonances. Several practical examples including an L-shaped patch have been numerically analyzed and the results are found to be in good agreement with measurements. >