Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Motor Variances in Arm Cranking as a Function of the Resistance

Background: Arm cycling on an ergometer is common in sports training and rehabilitation protocols, but has not been widely studied from an aspect of neural control. The hand movement is constrained along a circular path, and the user is working against a resistance, maintaining a cadence. Even if the desired hand trajectory is given, there is the flexibility to choose patterns of joint coordination and muscle activation, given the kinematic redundancy of the upper limb. With changing external load, motor noise and changing joint stiffness may affect the pose of the arm even though the endpoint trajectory is unchanged, unless a control mechanism maintains the same arm configuration in corresponding time points of the cycles. However, the effect of crank resistance on the variances of arm configuration and muscle activation has not been investigated, yet. Methods: Fifteen healthy participants performed arm cranking on an arm-cycle ergometer both unimanually and bimanually with a cadence of 60 rpm against three crank resistances. We investigated arm configuration variances and muscle activation variances. Arm configuration was given by inter-segmental joint angles, while muscle activation by surface EMGs of arm muscles. Applying multifactorial ANOVA we evaluated the effects of resistance conditions. Results: Arm configuration variance in the course of arm cranking was not affected by crank resistance, while muscle activation variance was proportional to the square of electromyographic muscle activity. Furthermore, the shape of the variance time profiles for both arm configuration and muscle activation was not affected by crank resistance independently on cranking being performed unimanually or bimanually. Conclusions: Contrary to the prevailing assumption that an increased motor noise would affect the variance of auxiliary movements, the influence of noise doesn’t appear at the arm configuration level even when the system is redundant. Our results suggest that neural control stabilizes arm configurations against altered external force in arm cranking. This may reflect the separation of kinematic- and force-control, via mechanisms that are compensating for dynamic non-linearities. Arm cranking may be suitable when the aim is to perform training under different load conditions, preserving stable and secure control of joint movements and muscle activations.
Getting Students to Prepare for Class

Page 1 of 2 Communicate Your Expectations about Preparation for Class One of the common causes of under-preparation for class is that students aren’t really sure what is expected of them. Clearly stating your expectations in class and on your syllabus about what preparation they should do for class can help (McKeachie, 2002). On the first day of class, inform students that during the next class meeting there will be an activity (such as a quiz, an informal assessment measure, or a group assignment) dependent on completion of an assignment. This should help them get into a routine of being prepared for class (McKeachie, 2002).
Improving Vehicle Fleet, Activity, and Emissions Data for On-Road Mobile Sources Emissions Inventories

The goal of this research is to improve the estimation or measurement of the three data types necessary for on-road emission modeling, namely vehicle fleet data, vehicle activity data, and vehicle emission data. For each of these data types, this research targets specific areas or data elements that are considered gaps in the current state of the knowledge and practices by evaluating alternative data sources as well as developing new tools and methods for filling such gaps. Specifically, the objectives of this research are to: (1) Review the current state of the practice in estimating vehicle class and age distributions, vehicle miles traveled of heavy-duty trucks, and idling hours of heavy-duty trucks; (2) Evaluate the use of license plate survey in conjunction with vehicle registration database and vehicle identification number (VIN) decoder to estimate local vehicle fleet data; (3) Evaluate the use of alternative sources of heavy-duty truck (HDT) activity data including truck’s electronic control unit (ECU) and telematics-based vehicle tracking and monitoring system to generate HDT activity data inputs for the Motor Vehicle Emission Simulator (MOVES); (4) Develop methods for fusing HDT activity datasets from multiple sources to result in more refined and accurate HDT activity data; and (5) Measure emissions from recent model year HDTs at different loaded vehicle weight.
Parameter estimation and validation of power transformers top oil temperature model by applying genetic algorithms.

This paper presents a technique based on Genetic Algorithms for the parameter estimation and validation of the power transformers top oil temperature model proposed by Lesieutre [1]. For such aim, data are used in on-line diagnosis and monitoring systems, installed in a 100 MVA 230/115/24 kV OA/FA/FOA transformer of Barquisimeto Substation at ENELBAR, Venezuela since the year 2003. The objective of this work is to compare mistake reduction between the model and the top oil temperature measurement when their parameters estimation is considered by genetic algorithms and least-squares. The parameters estimation by genetic algorithms evidence better results of the model, which improves its performance as a power transformer diagnosis tool.
Social Marketing: A Pathway to Reduce the Economic Burden of Noncommunicable Diseases in Pakistan

In developing countries like Pakistan, social issues have kept the developmental activities back and persistently aggravated the hardships of common people. This, in turn, undermines to take new initiative and is one of the major impediments to developing an enterprising workforce. This article discusses the importance of marketing to address noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) from a social marketing perspective, NCDs approximately cause four million deaths annually. Pakistan is a signatory of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and promoting good health is the heart of achieving and delivering on 2030 sustainable development agenda. Efforts to reduce obesity so far are not successful despite several measures taken globally. This paper seeks the efficacy of social marketing using group-centered approaches to reduce the economic burden of noncommunicable diseases. The efficacy of group-centered approaches in the context of social marketing was explored to address social and health issues confronted by various countries.
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition

From the Publisher: Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) technology has evolved over the past 30 years as a method of monitoring and controlling large processes. Stuart Boyer has revised his well-received self-study guide, bringing it up to date on recent developments of SCADA technology, while introducing students to SCADA basics. Boyer's guide offers overviews of SCADA's component technologies, as well as details necessary to understand the big picture. SCADA processes cover areas that may be measured in the thousands of square miles, and have dimensions that may be hundreds, occasionally thousands, of miles long. Now a mature technology, SCADA includes, but is not limited to, software packages that can be incorporated in a larger system. After completing its 14 self-study units, readers should be conversant with SCADA nomenclature and architecture, understand the basic technology of the system's building blocks, understand its limitations, understand how it can benefit particular operations, and have a basis for selecting appropriate SCADA technologies for their operational requirements.
Detecting and Recovering Link-Failure in Ad-hoc Network Using Signal Stability-Oriented Routing Protocol

Ad-hoc network is a temporary network connection that can change locations and configure itself on the fly. Packet may loss in network due to frequent link failure in ad hoc network. In this paper, we maintain log at each router to find out where the loss actually occur and a special scheme used is Signal StabilityBased Adaptive routing protocol that uses signal stability to find stable route during link failure. This protocol is beacon-based, in which the signal strength of the beacon is measured for determining link stability. The node then select alternate route to forward the packets without any loss. The significant nodes are assumed and implemented by using beacons count of previous node. This model finds more stable routes to reduce path breaks and ill effects.
Particle Image Velocimetry

Abstract : Report developed under SBIR contract. A two-color particle imaging velocimetry system was demonstrated for obtaining two-dimensional velocity measurements in a subsonic reacting flow and in a supersonic flowfield. Data was obtained using three different camera systems, an 8-mm video camera, a digital color CCD camera system and a 35-mm camera. The data obtained from the wall boundary layer region in the supersonic wind tunnel showed good correlation with LDV data. The flow in the wake region of the flame holder was investigated using the PIV system developed. The results obtained through these experiments showed that the PIV system was capable of resolving the flow information in the highly turbulent region with a high degree of accuracy. Values of shear layer stresses behind the bluff body region were also calculated from the PIV data. Reacting flow experiments showed the ability of the PIV system to resolve velocity fields in a highly turbulent, large gradient flow regime. The software yielded RMS fluctuations in the 1.5% range which is less than the 3% limit widely reported in the literature. Taitech, Inc. is currently commercializing the PIV system developed in this contract.
Machine-learning (ML) reveals that Mycobacterium tuberculosis genotypes and anatomic disease site impacts drug resistance and disease transmission among patients with proven extra-pulmonary tuberculosis

Background There is a general dearth of information on extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB). We investigated Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) drug resistance and transmission patterns in EPTB patients treated in the Tshwane metropolitan, South Africa. Methods Consecutive Mtb culture-positive non-pulmonary samples from unique EPTB patients underwent further mycobacterial genotyping and were assigned to phylogenetic lineages and transmission clusters based on spoligotypes. MTBDR plus assay was used to test for isoniazid and rifampin susceptibility. ML algorithms were used to identify clinically meaningful patterns in data. We computed odds ratio (OR), attributable risk (AR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results Of the 70 isolates examined, the largest cluster comprised of 25 (36%) Mtb strains that belonged to the East Asian lineage. East Asian lineage was significantly more likely to occur within chains of transmission when compared to the Euro-American and East-African Indian lineages: OR= 10.11 (95% CI: 1.56-116). Lymphadenitis, meningitis and skin TB, were significantly more likely to be associated with drug resistance: OR=12.69 (95% CI: 1.82-141.60) and AR = 0.25 (95% CI: 0.06-0.43) when compared with other EPTB sites, which suggests that poor rifampin penetration might be a contributing factor. Conclusions Majority of Mtb strains circulating in the Tshwane metropolis belongs to East Asian, Euro-American and East-African Indian lineages. Each of these are likely to be clustered, suggesting on-going EPTB transmission. Since 25% of the drug resistance was attributable to sanctuary EPTB sites notorious for poor rifampin penetration, we hypothesize that poor anti-tuberculosis drug dosing might have a role in the resistance.
Geometrical and physical models of a 3D range finder

According to the problem to be dealt with, the use of data acquisition system requires the knowledge of several models. In the case of the laser range-finder mounted on a site and azimuth turret, the geometrical model defines the co-ordinate transformation between measurement and reference frames. The paper shows the interest of a global calibration in comparison with a more classical approach which divides the problem into an internal model and external one. During the acquisition process another model called 'physical model' may be useful. It takes into account the fact the laser beam impact is not at a point and introduces a spatial integration. The so-called footprint effect limits the lateral resolution of the range finder at depth discontinuities. In order to correct that effect, an inverse physical model, based on neural networks, is proposed. The improvement of the footprint correction is then evaluated for a 2D and 3D scanning.
Large external ΔT and cooling power densities in thin-film Bi2Te3-superlattice thermoelectric cooling devices

Experimental I-V-Tc-ΔT data of thin-film superlattice thermoelectric modules is used to determine the internal ΔT, cross-plane Seebeck coefficient, effective thermal interface resistance, device ZT, and Qmax. We demonstrate 55K of external cooling at 300K (Tcmin=244.8K), with an estimated heat pumping capacity of 128W∕cm2. The average ZT300 for the best superlattice devices is 0.75, compared to 0.66 for a bulk BixSb2−xTe3∕Bi2SexTe3−x device. Our model indicates a significantly higher internal ΔT occurs across the active thermoelectric element, which was verified using buried thermocouples.
PMSM servo system with speed and torque observer

A compact state observer on PMSM for velocity estimation and rejection of torque ripple is proposed in this paper. By means of the field orientation principle of PMSM, a linear model is used in this state observer. A PID regulator is tuned in it to reject parameter variation. Since the instantaneous velocity can't be estimated truly when speed is very low because too little position pulses from optical encoder can be gotten in one time interval, a sliding compensation scheme is merged in this state observer to compensate the low estimated velocity error. Simulation and experimental results verify the validity of this scheme. The servo performance can be improved dramatically and this hybrid observer can be easily used in the PMSM servo system.
Nigeria's water law: how is it translated in the Cross River Basin?

Laws and regulations on water-resource use in Nigeria are found in several documents and instruments. However, these instruments are not sufficient to resolve the issues of control, ownership, management, and protection of water resources. This article examines the water management practices in Nigeria. Akwa Ibom is used as a case basically to see how the various institutions in the state respond to the water needs of the populace and what regulations guide them. Data and other necessary information came from the first water resources stakeholder meeting of the CRBDA (Cross River Basin Development Authority) in 2005. Other sources of data came from interviews, review of relevant documents, as well as data obtained during my doctoral fieldwork in 2005. A case study approach was used to analyse issues in water resource project distribution, management rights, and the protection of water sources in the study area. It was observed that operators and managers of water resources in the state are not guided by a set of principles and regulations, but by a set of directives and executive decisions. The implication is that water resource management in the state does not respond to the principles of needs and equity, and the agencies or authorities involved are not working for the common goal of optimum accessibility because of endemic corruption and lack of standard practices. This paper presents an argument that evolving an effective and holistic water law in Nigeria is most urgent and should not be ignored.
I want one too! Domestication of Assistive Robots

Abstract in Undetermined The aim of the PhD project is to understand and learn about the characteristics that influence old adults’ acceptance of assistive robots and of robots as social companions. It is also to explore participatory design methods in order to involve old adults in the design process of new technologies. The goal is to apply/implement the results in two robotics systems developed to support old adults in their homes. Through an interactive multi-step design process, a design specification of a robot will be proposed. A first prototype will then be built based on this specification. The prototype will be tested and evaluated with “real” users in a lab setting. The findings will result in an improved design specification and a second prototype will then be built and evaluated by users in their home environments. (Less)
E-Business and ERP: Transforming the Enterprise

From the Publisher: Is Your Company Getting the Most from Its Investment in Change? Many companies have already invested heavily in infrastructure change, some are making that investment now, and all are contemplating the costs of becoming or evolving as an e-business. Is your company a "greenfield" organization with no back-end systems, or one whose infrastructure support systems are integrated across the enterprise? Are you just beginning to think about e-business capabilities, or are you on the leading edge of convergence? Whatever your company's position on the ERP/E-Business Matrix, E-Business and ERP: Transforming the Enterprise provides the proven techniques you need to know to meld enterprise resource planning capabilities with the communications power of the Internet. Is Your Company Positioned for E-Business Success? The Internet has revolutionized twenty-first century business. Organizations today can communicate with customers, suppliers, and sellers at e-speed with the click of a mouse. Yet, with all of the excitement about the external possibilities of the Internet, companies still need efficient internal processes to make and move products, manage finances, recruit and motivate employees, and excel. E-Business and ERP: Transforming the Enterprise covers the skills and tools you will need to combine existing ERP software and capabilities with emerging Web-based technologies. In this forward-thinking outline for a new business structure, executives and managers will discover: Strategies for established companies to penetrate the Internet marketplace Procedures that lower costs across the supply and demand chain Techniques that help you meetand masterthe dot.com challenge The companies best positioned to succeed in the near future are those that can balance existing ERP-based infrastructures and capabilities with exciting new e-business innovations. E-Business and ERP: Transforming the Enterprise examines the changing but essential role of ERP, places it in the context of the Web-based technologies defining today's e-business environment, and reveals how to blend the best aspects of both to create a strong and flexible twenty-first century business enterprise.
Force control of micro robotic finger using fuzzy controllor

In this paper, a theoretical study is prese nted for the force control of a miniature robotic manipulator which is driven by a pair of piezoelectric unimorph cells. The robotic finger is used to hold the objects. So, it is very important to develop an ade quate controller for the holding operation of the finger. The main idea for control is to use Feed/Forword control for known robot plant and fuzzy compensation for unknown environment. The fuzzy compensation is implemented by using PD type fuzzy appr oach to identified unknown environment.
A robust model reference adaptive controller for UPS applications

A novel robust control approach to obtain a nearly sinusoidal PWM inverter output voltage for a single-phase uninterruptible power supply (UPS) has been investigated. In the proposed scheme, a voltage source inverter and its corresponding RLC load-filter are controlled, based on the robust model reference adaptive control (RMRAC). Different to the other presented control strategies, such as dead-beat, one sampling ahead preview (OSAP) and adaptive repetitive controller, this scheme is able to compensate unfavorable errors, switching cyclic fluctuating loads and also unmodeled dynamics loads. An on-line adaptive learning algorithm is described which guarantees steady-state controller stability. The principles, stability, robustness, and special features of the control scheme are discussed and the UPS system is presented. Experimental results are presented to verify the feasibility and performance of the proposed approach.
Enhanced Fingerprinting Based Indoor Positioning Using Machine Learning

: Due to the inability of the Global Positioning System (GPS) signals to penetrate through surfaces like roofs, walls, and other objects in indoor environments, numerous alternative methods for user positioning have been presented. Amongst those, the Wi-Fi fingerprinting method has gained considerable interest in Indoor Positioning Systems (IPS) as the need for line-of-sight measurements is minimal, and it achieves better efficiency in even complex indoor environments. Offline and online are the two phases of the fingerprinting method. Many researchers have highlighted the problems in the offline phase as it deals with huge datasets and validation of Fingerprints without pre-processing of data becomes a concern. Machine learning is used for the model training in the offline phase while the locations are estimated in the online phase. Many researchers have considered the concerns in the offline phase as it deals with huge datasets and validation of Fingerprints becomes an issue. Machine learning algorithms are a natural solution for winnowing through large datasets and determining the significant fragments of information for localization, creating precise models to predict an indoor location. Large training sets are a key for obtaining better results in machine learning problems. Therefore, an existing WLAN fingerprinting-based multi-story building location database has been used with 21049 samples including 19938training and 1111 testing samples. The proposed model consists of mean and median filtering as pre-processing techniques applied to the database for enhancing the accuracy by mitigating the impact of environmental dispersion and investigated machine learning algorithms ( k NN, W k NN, FS k NN, and SVM) for estimating the location. The proposed SVM with median filtering algorithmgives a reduced mean positioningerror of 0.7959m and an improved efficiency of 92.84% as compared to all variants of the proposed method for 108703 m 2 area.
Modelling the Impact of Vegetation Change on Hydrological Processes in Bayin River Basin, Northwest China

Vegetation change in arid areas may lead to the redistribution of regional water resources, which can intensify the competition between ecosystems and humans for water resources. This study aimed to accurately model the impact of vegetation change on hydrological processes in an arid endorheic river watershed undergoing revegetation, namely, the middle and lower reaches of the Bayin River basin, China. A LU-SWAT-MODFLOW model was developed by integrating dynamic hydrological response units with a coupled SWAT-MODFLOW model, which can reflect actual land cover changes in the basin. The LU-SWAT-MODFLOW model outperformed the original SWAT-MODFLOW model in simulating the impact of human activity as well as the leaf area index, evapotranspiration, and groundwater table depth. After regional revegetation, evapotranspiration and groundwater recharge in different sub-basins increased significantly. In addition, the direction and amount of surface-water–groundwater exchange changed considerably in areas where revegetation involved converting low-coverage grassland and bare land to forestland.