Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Position control with PID regulation for a FES system: preliminary results

For people with quadriplegia at C3 and C7 levels functional electric stimulations (FES) could be a solution to make precision movements using the wrist. Closed loop control for FES systems enables to improve precision, stability and diminishes the impact of external perturbations. The goal of this work is to present a control position of the wrist articulation whenever the movement is produced by FES. In this article, a control design is developed along with the results of its first evaluation process on three voluntary individuals without neurological damage. A PID controller is used and it is adjusted experimentally for each test subject. A Constant reference for the wrist extension angle at sagittal plane and time evaluation of 10 minute was used to probe de PID. For two subjects the regulators responded reasonably with low mean errors and low standard deviations. For subject 3 the designed regulator did not succeed in stabilizing the position as from minute 6 in the second test. Preliminary studies of this work suggest that it could be possible to continue with the study of the closed loop position control with PID strategy in some people with spinal cord injuries whose movements are assisted by FES.
Electromagnetic mode density at the band edge of a 1D graded periodic dielectric structure

Analytical expressions are derived for electromagnetic mode density in 1D periodic dielectric structures consisting of dielectric slabs of different dielectric constants. Firstly, the Maxwell's equation is solved for a dielectric scatterer block that contains two dielectric slabs of different dielectric constants, and then it is solved for a dielectric scatterer block that contains three dielectric slabs of different dielectric constants. Finally, a generalized expression for the dielectric scatterer block, containing n dielectric slabs of different dielectric constants, is written. The dependence of the photonic band gap upon the dielectric contrast, dimensions of the unit cell, and number of periods is investigated. The various properties of mode density at the band edge are discussed for both the quarter‐wave stack as well as the generalized case. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J RF and Microwave CAE, 2005.
Study on Master-Slave Control Method Using Load Force and Impedance Identifiers for Tele-Operated Hydraulic Construction Robot

A master-slave control method based on the identifications of load force and impedance for Tele-operated hydraulic construction robot system is presented in this paper. The robot system is composed of a hydraulic excavator and two joysticks. The hydraulic excavator is served as the construction robot. The joysticks are used for operating the robot in a remote region. The master actuator and the slave actuator in this system are the joystick-gear of a joystick and the fork-glove actuator of the excavator respectively. The load force and impedance identifiers are used for identifying the load force and impedance of the slave actuator respectively. According to the load force, the master controller controls the master actuator to generate the reaction force for operator. On the basis of the load impedance and the master slave error, the slave controller controls the slave actuator to perform a working task. The experimental researches confirmed that the operator not only obtains the force sense of the object accurately, but also obtains the deformation and stiffness senses of the object obviously.
Technical Issues for Wind Energy Integration in Power Systems: Projections in Italy

This paper is review of the main technical issues of wind energy integration in power systems. After summarizing the main factors affecting this integration and reviewing the analytical studies that have been carried out, the perspectives for growth in Italy are investigated. The wind power penetration projections for Italy show that the installed wind capacity should be in the range of 3,000 – 5,000 MW by 2010, with a wind power penetration level of 4.5 to 7% of peak demand. Even if, at a global level, no substantial problems in power system operation are expected, the high concentration of the Italian wind energy resource in a few areas in Southern Italy, Sicily and Sardinia Regions, can cause grid integration difficulties. In fact, new transmission networks should be built to connect this dispersed energy source to the power system. Moreover, the large wind penetration expected in isolated areas, such as in Sardinia Island, can cause load-following and regulation problems, especially during low-load periods and morning ramp-up or evening drop-off hours. These issues should be taken into account to avoid the risk of wind generation curtailments.
Boundary Lubrication Mechanisms of Molybdenum Film by MoDTC and ZDDP Additives

Molybdenum (Mo) film is deposited by Ion Beam Assisted Deposition (IBAD) on the 316L steel substrate surface in this experiment. The micro structure and nanohardness of the film are tested by Scanning Electronic Microscope (SEM) and nanoindentation tester. The tribological behaviors of Mo film under ZDDP and MoDTC lubrication are evaluated by SRV test machine. The tribo-film formed on the worn surfaces is investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to find out the tribological mechanisms between the Mo film and the two additional additives. The result shows that Mo film not only has friction reduction property but also has wear assistant property under ZDDP and MoDTC lubrication. As element Mo has advantage on promoting the deposition of these two lubricating additives.
Correlation between RFID Network Planning (RNP) Parameters and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) Solutions

Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm is often used for solving RFID Network Planning (RNP) problems. However, the direct correlation between RNP parameters (coordinates and power settings of RFID readers) and PSO solutions is rarely shown. This is due to the fact that most researches done in this field focus more on the development of new variants of PSO and the optimization result. For that reason, this paper tends to investigate the correlation between RNP parameters and PSO solutions. One of RNP objectives (Optimal Tag Coverage) is taken as an example. The formula of optimal tag coverage is elaborated in order to expose the allocation of RNP parameters in the formula. In addition, a representation system for embedding RNP parameters in PSO solution is explained. This paper can also serves as an early guideline for solving RNP problems using PSO algorithm.
Applying probes – from inspirational notes to collaborative insights

In user-centered design, attention has shifted from improving usability and addressing ergonomic problems to wider perspectives such as experiences in everyday life. This shift has forced user-centered practitioners to evaluate and develop tools for finding new means of understanding user experience for design. Visual, playful and open-ended probes have raised fresh interest in the design community. In order to create a deeper understanding of this approach, this paper presents the fundamental qualities of probes and, based on empirical data and literature, describes four reasons for applying them in the product development and concept design context: for inspiration, for information, for participation and for dialogue.
Response Surface Methodology in Biotechnology

ABSTRACT Many experiments in biotechnology exploit the principles and methods of response surface methodology (RSM). The Quality by Design initiative in pharmaceutical development will accelerate this trend. In this article we give a broad picture of the important role played by RSM in biotechnology experimentation. We give brief descriptions of a collection of studies using RSM from recent issues of biotechnology journals, present some of the issues in the design and analysis of experiments for cell media, and look in detail at one of the experiments.
Design Considerations For High-Speed Transform Image Compression

Near Real-Time Reconnaissance is limited by the capacity of the operator and data-rate of the recording and/or transmission systems. This paper concerns the data-rate problem, but some methods of reducing the operator work-load, made possible by high image compression ratio, will be presented briefly. There is a tremendous amount of papers on image transform coding available, so we will concentrate on the special problems of the airborne reconnaissance application, and the trade-offs that has to be introduced when very high data-rate and image quality are demanded. For basic details on transform coding please refer to references 1 and 2.
The Psychological Impact of Teleworking: Stress, Emotions and Health.

The paper examines the psychological impact of teleworking compared to office-based work. Results suggest a negative emotional impact of teleworking, particularly in terms of such emotions as loneliness, irritability, worry and guilt, and that teleworkers experience significantly more mental health symptoms of stress than office-workers and slightly more physical health symptoms.
Dynamics Analysis of a Novel Mine Disaster Searching Robot

A novel mine disaster searching robot is designed in order to increase the searching capability in a mine disaster. The dynamics of the novel mine searching robot is mainly studied. The kinematics is set up based on the joint location restriction and then the dynamic model is built by Newton-Euler method. The tractive force and slip of tracks of the mine searching robot is analyzed when moving on the different ground. A theoretic reference is provided for distinguishing the terrain parameters experienced by the mine searching robot and for robot motion planning and control.
Impact of distributed generation on the protection of distribution networks

This paper is based on simulation studies carried out by VTT Processes and University of Vaasa. In these studies PSCAD/EMTDC transient simulation software has been applied. One of the key issues has been to verify that normal network protection schemes and settings are not adequate when there are distributed generation (DG) units connected to the network. The protection coordination between network protection and the protection of the distributed generation units has also been studied. The results will be used to focus further research and development of protection concepts on the essential areas.
Analysis and operation of hybrid active filter for harmonic elimination

This paper presents a hybrid active filter topology and its control to suppress the harmonic currents from entering the power source. The adopted hybrid active filter consists of one active filter and one passive filter connected in series. By controlling the equivalent output voltage of an active filter, the harmonic currents generated by the nonlinear load are blocked and flow into the passive filter. The power rating of the converter is reduced compared with the pure active filters to filter the harmonic currents. The harmonic current detection approach and DC link voltage regulation are proposed to obtain equivalent voltage of the active filter. The effectiveness of the adopted topology and control scheme has been verified by the computer simulation and experimental results in a scaled-down laboratory prototype.
Atelier sur la gestion d’énergie autour de micro-générateurs

La recuperation d’energie est deja largement le cadre d’enseignement et de travaux pratiques au sein des formations utilisatrices des moyens du GIP CNFM. La gestion de l’energie electrique, issue des micro-generateurs, l’est un peu moins. Afin de faire une sorte de synthese entre le contenu pedagogique entendu sous le vocable « electronique de puissance » et celui associe a l’electronique basse-puissance, ou encore ce que revet l’integration microelectronique, il nous est apparu interessant de proposer aux etudiants un atelier pour aborder par la pratique des concepts a travers des objets physiques manipulables (au sens de la robustesse, de la securite.). L’etudiant est mis en presence de « fonctions » afin de produire une solution d’alimentation autonome d’un capteur. L’etudiant a pour objectif de reflechir a une solution, compte-tenu des specificites d’un capteur donne, et de mesurer des performances energetiques au sein du systeme d’alimentation autonome que l’etudiant aura construit. Le debriefing de l’atelier est le lieu d’une discussion plus technique et theorique sur certains aspects des "fonctions" que l’etudiant aura mises en oeuvre. Les exemples experimentaux doivent servir ensuite de fil rouge dans certains cours.
Acquisition of operations capability: A model and test across US and European firms

In this paper, a three-factor model of operations capability is presented which, unlike previous studies that view capability as an outcome, examines the drivers of capability acquisition. The model proposes that capability acquisition is a function of an organization's commitment to the principles of quality management, just-in-time practices, and effective new product development processes. Furthermore, the paper proposes that these underlying facets of capability acquisition are common across geographic boundaries. The model is tested using data drawn from US and European companies. Results not only provide support for the three-factor model, but also for the invariance of the model and its underlying components between US and European firms.
Infection Complications After Trauma Contribute to Increased in-Hospital Mortality in Mild Patients Compared With Severe Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study Using a Nationwide Trauma Registry in Japan

Background: Infection is a very common but poor prognostic complication affecting trauma patients. However, the impact of infection on the prognosis of trauma patients according to severity remains unclear. We aimed to assess the impact of infection complications on in-hospital mortality among patients with trauma according to severity. Methods: This retrospective cohort study used a nationwide registry of trauma patients (Japan Trauma Data Bank). Patients aged ≥ 18 years with blunt or penetrating trauma who were admitted to intensive care units or general wards between 2004 and 2017 were included. We compared the baseline characteristics and outcomes between patients with and without infection and conducted a multivariable logistic regression analysis to investigate the impact of infection on in-hospital mortality according to trauma severity, which was classified as mild [Injury Severity Score (ISS) < 15], moderate (ISS 15–29), or severe (ISS ≥ 30). Results: Among the 150,948 patients in this study, 10,172 (6.7%) developed infections. The severity of trauma was greater in patients with infection than those without [mild, 3,837 (37.7%) vs. 84,106 (59.7%); moderate, 4,518 (44.4%) vs. 47,809 (34.0%); severe, 1,817 (17.9%) vs. 8,861 (6.3%), p < 0.01]. Patients with infection had greater in-hospital mortality than patients without infection [1,079 (10.6%) vs. 2,904 (2.1%), p < 0.01]. After adjusting for clinical characteristics, in-hospital mortality differed significantly between trauma patients with and without infection according to trauma severity [16.7% (95% CI; 14.6%–18.8%) vs. 3.6% (95% CI; 3.3%–3.9%), p < 0.01, in patients with mild trauma; 12.3% (95% CI; 11.0%–13.6%) vs. 7.3% (95% CI; 6.9%–7.7%), p < 0.01, in patients with moderate trauma; and 12.0% (95% CI; 9.8%–14.2%) vs. 11.1% (95% CI; 9.8%–12.4%), p = 0.41, in patients with severe trauma]. Conclusion: The effect of infection complications in patients with trauma on in-hospital mortality differs by trauma severity.
Fault Tolerant Stabilizing Controller for a Quadrotor UAV

Quadrotors are becoming very popular because of their potential to be applied in a large variety of missions. In order to increase their reliability when actuator faults are present a fault tolerant stabilizing controller is designed. The presented approach can handle multiple actuator faults without needing to identify them. The effectiveness of the controller is demonstrated by carrying out numerical simulations.
An LED-array-based range imaging system used for enhancing three-dimensional imaging

An LED-array-based range imaging system is proposed for three-dimensional (3-D) shape measurement. The range image is obtained by time-division electronic scanning of the LED Time-of-Flight (TOF) range finders in array, and no complex mechanical scanning is needed. By combining with a low cost CCD/CMOS sensor for capturing the twodimensional (2-D) image, the proposed range imaging system can be used to accomplish a high quality 3-D imaging. A sophisticated co-lens optical path is designed to assure the natural registration between the range image and 2-D image. Experimental tests for evaluation of the imaging system performance are described. It was found that the 3-D images can be acquired at a rate of 10 frames per second with a depth resolution better than 5mm in the range of 50 - 1000mm, which is sufficient for many practical applications, including the obstacle detection in robotics, machine automation, 3-D vision, virtual reality games and 3-D video.
Corrosion damage of a reinforced concrete jetty structure in the Persian Gulf: a case study

One of the most aggressive environments for reinforced concrete (RC) is a marine environment such as that in the Persian Gulf region. In these conditions, reinforcement corrosion due to diffusion of chloride ions is the main deterioration mechanism. This paper presents the results of a study of a 30 year RC jetty structure in Bandar e-Imam Port, in the Persian Gulf region. Concrete durability factors were investigated using conventional and non-destructive tests to obtain the intensity of deterioration. The results showed extensive deterioration due to chloride-induced corrosion. It caused great deduction for service life in this structure. Although this structure was repaired in the past few years, poor repair work and materials caused intensity of corrosion damage rather than control of it.
The constructs of site layout modeling: an overview

The efficient planning of site space through the course of a construction project is referred to as site layout planning. Due to its impact on safety, productivity and security on construction sites, several site layout planning models have been developed in the past decades. These models have the common aim of generating best layouts considering the defined constraints and conditions. However, the underlying assumptions that were made during the development of these models seem disparate and often implicit. This study provides an overview of the existing models and aims to draw a holistic view of variables that have been considered at different levels of detail and using different approaches in the site layout literature. Through close examination and comparative analysis of existing models, this study identifies the components that need to be considered for site layout modeling, referred to as constructs. Possible approaches that can be used to realize each construct are presented, and the advantages an.
Influence of cross-linking on polyelectrolytes multilayer, physical and biological aspect

Surface properties of materials are prime importance for biomedical applications polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEM) constitute a new and attractive way of creating biofunctionalized surface coatings. The layer-by-layer technique consists in the alternate deposition of polyanions and polycations from aqueous solutions to build multilayered films (Decher 1997). To resist of enzymatic and ionic stress after implantation, it would be of interest to cross-link their films. Cross-linking the film was achieved using a water-soluble carbodiimide. The aim of our study was to characterize modifications of films properties, especially cell behavior (chondrocytes, macrophage) on cross-linked films.
Smart optical receiver with automatic decision threshold setting and retiming phase alignment

The requirements for a smart optical receiver are discussed, and a design architecture suitable for introducing ICs based on automatic decision threshold setting and retiming phase alignment using digital/analog signal processing feedback is proposed. With the proposed architecture, the decision threshold level and the retiming clock phase of received data in the decision circuit are automatically adjusted to the optimum position. This obviates the need for decision threshold level and retiming clock phase adjustments in production testing, and it reduces the power penalty (receiver sensitivity degradation) on the received optical waveform variation. The power penalty caused by temperature and supply-voltage variations and aging in installation is also reduced. The performance of the proposed architecture is estimated; the power penalty as compared with the manual optimum adjustment is less than 0.4 dB, and the robustness to avalanche photodiode multiplication factor variations and crosstalk are improved. >
Hydrologic simulation of reservoir storage reallocations

Abstract Operational modifications at existing reservoir projects can be quite beneficial in responding to changing conditions and intensifying demands on limited resources. Computer simulation models are readily available for analysing reservoir operations. A case study is presented which illustrates a general simulation modelling approach for evaluating reallocation of storage capacity in existing reservoir systems. A set of generalized simulation models, developed by the USACE Hydrologic Engineering Center, are used with monthly hydrologic data.
0.5 V 5.8 GHz highly linear current-reuse voltage-controlled oscillator with back-gate tuning technique

In this paper, we present a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO), which achieves highly linear frequency tuning under a low supply voltage of 0.5 V. To obtain the linear frequency tuning of a VCO, the high linearity of the threshold voltage of a varactor versus its back-gate voltage is utilized. This enables the linear capacitance tuning of the varactor; thus, a highly linear VCO can be achieved. In addition, to decrease the power consumption of the VCO, a current-reuse structure is employed as a cross-coupled pair. The proposed VCO was fabricated using a 65 nm Si complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) process. It shows the ratio of the maximum VCO gain (KVCO) to the minimum one to be 1.28. The dc power consumption is 0.33 mW at a supply voltage of 0.5 V. The measured phase noise at 10 MHz offset is −123 dBc/Hz at an output frequency of 5.8 GHz.
A morphing machining strategy for artificial bone

In this work, a novel morphing machining strategy (MMS) is proposed. In the method, the workpiece is progressively carved out from the stock. Pitfalls in conventional iso-height strategy, such as sharp edges and unevenly distributed left-over materials, are overcome. Moreover, to calculate different levels in the MMS, an energy-based morphing algorithm is proposed. Finally, the proposed strategy is employed in the machining of artificial bone represented by a T-spline surface. The excellent properties of T-spline, such as expressing complex shapes with a single surface, have been well adopted to artificial bone fabrication. Computer simulation and the actual machining of the middle finger bone show the feasibility of the proposed strategy.