Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Single-Joint Angle Computation using Inertial Sensors with Feedback on Smartphone

Human joint kinematics is an important biomarker of the joint and muscles’ strength responsible for its actuation. Restriction to joint movement directly affects the limb’s interaction with its environment and puts other joints at risk of developing compensatory motions. In this study, a portable and wearable sensor device is developed that measures the elbow joint angle in real-time and provides its feedback on a smartphone application to the user. The sensor system is equipped with two inertial measurement units - one at each upper arm and forearm. The algorithm computes the joint angle from the orientation of the forearm segment relative to the upper arm using quaternions from each respective inertial sensor. The measured joint angle is validated against the gold standard Vicon Motion Capture system. A couple of day-to-day activities are performed where the device’s applicability is shown in measuring the joint’s range of motions. Users and clinicians can utilize such portable sensor devices with quantitative biofeedback features for joint rehabilitation, training, and range of motion while performing joint-specific movements in sports activities or other common tasks. The study, also, provides a platform to develop single-joint angle computation wearable devices that can measure joint kinematics outside the stationary laboratory facilities in daily life conditions.
Intermittent Control in Autonomous Vehicle Steering Control and Lane Keeping

Intermittent control is a control approach in which a continuous control law is applied, but is switched on and off based on a threshold criteria in the controlled variable. Evidence of intermittency in control strategies employed by humans in various tasks have been reported widely, however, an analysis of why an intermittent controls strategy might be advantageous even when an continuous control strategy is feasible, is not widely available. In vehicle steering control, empirical data suggests that humans indeed use an intermittent strategy. In this paper, we examine this question of advantages of an intermittent control strategy with the help of typical vehicle steering control and lane keeping problems. Using simulation results, we generate insights related to stability, robustness and energy efficiency of intermittent control over continuous control. These insights may have immediate applications to autonomous driverless cars and other wider range of applications.
A Reinforced Soft Bending-type Actuator with Improved Performance and Force Sensing: Design, Analysis and Experiments

One approach to contain the disadvantageous radial bulging effect in pneumatically driven hyperelastic material based soft actuators is to reinforce them radially. In this article, development and characterization of a soft silicone bending type actuator with nitrile rubber O-ring reinforcement is presented. Based on a previously done experimentally determined material model (for EcoflexTM 00-50), Finite Element (FE) modeling of the actuator with reinforcement is presented with simulation results at various operating pressures and experimentally validated on the developed actuator. Subsequently, contact force characteristics at various restrained conditions for both bending operation and linear extensions are evaluated through FE simulation. This article also presents the development process of a soft force sensor using a smart material (Velostat®) followed by its calibration. Experiments are conducted on the developed sensor integrated actuator with the same end configurations as simulation. Contact forces are measured using standard force gauge as well as the developed soft force sensor to validate the results of simulation, which show good agreement with each other.
Different songflight calls of Pipistrellus kuhlii and Pipistrellus lepidus (Vespertilionidae, Chiroptera) in Europe

Abstract. We analysed and compared the structure and parameters of the songflight calls of expansive Pipistrellus kuhlii and Pipistrellus lepidus, that recently colonized Central Europe from the south and east, respectively. Bat calls were recorded mainly in urban areas of Central Europe and the Balkans, including a narrow zone of these species' recent parapatric or sympatric occurrence (around the Carpathians and the eastern part of the Pannonian Basin). The newly described songflight calls of P. lepidus consist of more elements (median 6), are longer (mean 56.4 ms) and of a higher frequency of maximum energy (mean 25.7 kHz) than those of P. kuhlii (median 3, mean 41.0 ms and mean 14.0 kHz, respectively). This finding provides new evidence that P. lepidus represents a different species, in accordance with results from previous genetic and morphological studies. Reported differences in songflight calls permit the acoustic discrimination of P. kuhlii and P. lepidus, which is not possible based on overlapping parameters of their echolocation calls. Our findings enable distributional and ecological studies of these two species, based on acoustic methods, in the context of their rapid European expansion and the local co-occurrence.
Salion, Inc.: A Software Product Line Case Study

Abstract : This report is another in a series of Software Engineering Institute (SEI(SM)) case studies of organizations that have adopted the software product line approach for developing systems. It details the story of Salion, Inc., an enterprise software company providing Revenue Acquisition Management solutions tailored to the unique needs of automotive suppliers. Salion's solutions enable suppliers to organize and manage their disparate customer-interfacing activities as one coordinated business process, resulting in higher revenues, profit margins, and customer satisfaction. This case study is unique in that Salion did not have substantial experience in its application area, although its key designers and strategists were knowledgeable about related domains. Salion pursued a reactive approach to its product line that let it respond flexibly to spontaneous business opportunities and that significantly lowered the cost of adopting the product line paradigm to its software system development. This case study describes relevant dimensions of Salion's context, how it approached several product line practice areas that were key to its strategy, the benefits gained through its product line, lessons learned, and the major thematic aspects of the Salion story.
CMOS system for high throughput fluorescence lifetime sensing using time correlated single photon counting

Fluorescence lifetime sensing using time correlated single photon counting (TCSPC) is a key analytical tool for molecular and cell biology research, medical diagnosis and pharmacological development. However, commercially available TCSPC equipment is bulky, expensive and power hungry, typically requiring iterative software post-processing to calculate the fluorescence lifetime. Furthermore, the technique is restrictively slow due to a low photon throughput limit which is necessary to avoid distortions caused by TCSPC pile-up. An investigation into CMOS compatible multimodule architectures to miniaturise the standard TCSPC set up, allow an increase in photon throughput by overcoming the TCSPC pile-up limit, and provide fluorescence lifetime calculations in real-time is presented. The investigation verifies the operation of the architectures and leads to the selection of optimal parameters for the number of detectors and timing channels required to overcome the TCSPC pile-up limit by at least an order of magnitude. The parameters are used to implement a low power miniaturised sensor in a 130 nm CMOS process, combining single photon detection, multiple channel timing and embedded pre-processing of the fluorescence lifetime, all within a silicon area of < 2 mm2. Single photon detection is achieved using an array of single photon avalanche diodes (SPADs) arranged in a digital silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) architecture with a 10 % fill-factor and a compressed 250 ps output pulse, which provides a photon throughput of > 700 MHz. An array of time-interleaved time-to-digital converters (TI-TDCs) with ≈ 50 ps resolution and no processing dead-time records up to eight photon events during each excitation period, significantly reducing the effect of TCSPC pile-up. The TCSPC data is then processed using an embedded centre-of-mass method (CMM) pre-calculation to produce single exponential fluorescence lifetime estimations in real-time. The combination of high photon throughput and real-time calculation enables advances in applications such as fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) and time domain fluorescence lifetime activated cell sorting. To demonstrate this, the device is validated in practical bulk sample fluorescence lifetime, FLIM and simulated flow based experiments. Photon throughputs in excess of the excitation frequency are demonstrated for a range of organic and inorganic fluorophores for minimal error in lifetime calculation by CMM (< 5 %).
Comparing Priority Ranking, Multi-Criteria Analysis, Cost-Benefit Analysis, and True Optimization Methods for Pavement Preservation Programing

Pavement preservation is described by the National Center for Pavement Preservation as “the application of engineering and fiscal management using cost-effective treatments and existing funds to control the future condition of pavement networks”. The implementation of an effective pavement preservation program at a network level requires a comprehensive process comprising a detailed network inventory, up-to-date pavement condition data, a catalogue of available preservation treatments, appropriate deterioration models for both “do-nothing” and with a range of treatment scenarios, and an estimation of costs and outcomes for all possible rehabilitation alternatives. These inputs are all used to formulate a detailed life cycle cost analysis model of the road network to facilitate the allocation of the limited renewal funds available. Fund-allocation decisions represent a major challenge for most municipalities and transportation agencies, where a small improvement in investment efficiency can be translated into millions of dollars in cost savings. In addition, the process for fund allocation needs to be transparent, defensible and technically robust. Different methods of decision-making can be used to arrive at a final fund allocation plan. These methods can range from priority ranking solutions typically based on the condition status of road segments, to more advanced multicriteria analyses that consider multiple attributes of a road network to arrive at a decision, to cost-benefit analysis, or formal optimization methods that use rigorous mathematical analysis to arrive at the best possible outcome based on defined criteria. This paper discusses the fundamental assumptions and procedures used in each of these decision-making methods and compares their performance and quality of solution to identify the advantages and disadvantages associated with each method. * Corresponding author contact: roozbeh@infrasol.ca
Determining how to do prognostics, and then determining what to do with it

Understanding how to do prognostics is rapidly evolving, but an area of study that is in its infancy is the development of doctrine regarding what to do with prognostic information. The US Army's Logistics Integration Agency has initiated a program to accelerate development and fielding of the hardware, information systems and business processes needed to seamlessly generate, transmit and use real-time, platform-based readiness data. This program is investigating how future logistics support concepts need to be adapted to fully exploit such data. This paper describes an approach that has been adopted by this program to facilitate the development of proactive business practices and logistics system architectures.
Multi-channel Based Zero-Watermarking Algorithm for Color Image Against Cropping Attack

—In order to enhance the capability of the existing watermarking algorithms against various attacks (e.g., cropping, smearing, row and column removal) with information loss, a digital zero-watermarking algorithm based on Non-negative Matrix Factorization (NMF) and Histogram Invariant Moments (HIMs) is proposed to resist large-scale cropping and smearing attacks. First, the single-channel contained in the original color image (i.e., R, G, and B channels) is regarded as the grayscale image matrix, and then the grayscale image matrix V of each single-channel is decomposed by non-negative matrix to obtain the base matrix W and coefficient matrix H. Since NMF's partial perception of global characteristics, we can use the partial V matrix information and the corresponding coefficient matrix H to reconstruct the W matrix. Finally, the V matrix can be recovered by using W matrix and H matrix. In addition, In the watermark registration and extraction algorithm, the modified version of HIMs is used to design and construct zero watermark information. The experimental results show that, when the area of cropping or smearing reaches 80%, the watermark can still be correctly detected, and the algorithm is also robust against noise, filtering
Following the Second Legacy of Aristotle The Scholar-Practitioner as an Epistemic Technician

In our Western scientific tradition, Aristotle’s first legacy has conventionally been invoked to justify the separation of theory and practice. In contrast, we draw attention to a second, less recognized legacy of Aristotle, one where he argues for the integration of universals (theory), with the particulars (experience and practice) of a situation as the basis of true knowledge and understanding. Scholar-practitioners, we suggest, are the contemporary carriers of the Aristotelian second vision, who skillfully integrate theory, experience, and practice to create actionable scientific knowledge, or knowledge that advances the causes of both the organization and the larger scientific discourse. Our study of 11 scholar-practitioners and their efforts in organizational projects to generate actionable scientific knowledge suggests that they employ six strategies for interrelating theory and practice: framing, influencing and legitimizing, sensemaking, demonstrating, turns, and scaffolding. We discuss implications from our findings for the design of collaborative management systems that strive to produce knowledge outcomes with such dual relevance.
THE ROLE OF DYNAMIC CAPABILITIES, BUSINESS MODEL AND ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE IN THE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF A TRADITIONAL ORGANIZATION

: The aim of the paper is to analyse the impact of dynamic capabilities, business model and organizational culture on the digital transformation process of a traditional organization. Our approach will try to determine to what extent the success of the digital transformation journey is influenced by these three factors and this in spite of the novelty and the complexity of the question of digital transformation. Our research methodology is based on the critical analysis of the reports and of the Internet sources related to the digital transformation process. Our findings suggest that there is a strong dependency between the three elements, both in relation with each other and with digital transformation process.
Hormonal Changes in Clomiphene Citrate Cycles in Unexplained Infertility Can Predict Follicle Development?

OBJECTIVES To examine the intra-cycle and inter-cycle hormonal changes in the clomiphene citrate (CC) cycle in women with unexplained infertility; and to determine the factors that may predict follicle development or CC failure. STUDY DESIGN Descriptive study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY This study was conducted at the Bagcilar Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey from August 2019 to March 2020. METHODOLOGY Fifty-two women with unexplained infertility were included. Fifty-two cycles given 50 mg of CC but without follicle development were accepted as Group I. In the next cycle, 48 cycles given 100 mg of CC were accepted as Group II. During every cycle, serum hormone (FSH, LH, E2, P4, A4, DHEA‑S, T, 17‑OHP) levels were measured on days 2, 3, 4 or 5 of the cycle (basal day), and on the days when the leading follicle was triggered (trigger day). Endogenous hormone changes were compared in both the groups with and without follicle development as well as in those who could conceive and those who could not conceive. RESULTS Basal day FSH and DHEA‑S values were found to be statistically significantly higher in women with follicle development than those without follicle development (p = 0.02 and p = 0.039, respectively). The trigger day FSH value was found to be significantly lower in women who conceived compared to the basal day value (p = 0.004). The relatively high P4 value (p = 0.008) on the basal day (contingent upon it was not exceeding the 0.5 ng/mL threshold) and the low FSH value (p = 0.015) on the trigger day were found to be statistically significantly different in women who had conceived compared to those who had not. CONCLUSION Basal serum FSH, P4 and DHEA‑S levels can be used as predictors of ovulation in CC cycles in women with unexplained infertility by determining a threshold value with more comprehensive studies to be conducted in the future. Key Words: Androgens, Ovarian stimulation, Clomiphene citrate, Unexplained infertility, Induction of ovulation, Prediction.
An Efficient Combined DEM/FEM Technique for Soil-Structure Interaction Problems

Computational simulation of geotechnical systems is essentially multi-scale in nature. The particulate nature of soil can be accurately simulated at a micro-mechanical level. However, due to the huge spatial extent of such systems, a model fully constructed at such scale is almost impossible with current computing technologies. Hence, continuum-based approaches are considered as the practical scale for modeling the majority of problems. Combining both scales enables benefiting from the advantages of both techniques while trying to overcome their drawbacks. Although a significant number of publications have addressed coupling both scales, only a few provide information regarding implementing the proposed procedures. In this study, an efficient framework for conducting multi-scale analysis is introduced. The framework is based on integrating continuum and micro-mechanical modeling packages and therefore benefitting from already existing codes. Computational simulations of a pile in contact with granular soil were conducted to demonstrate the capabilities of such technique.
Impact assessment in the automotive industry: mandatory market introduction of alternative powertrain technologies

Increasing numbers of regulatory measures are being introduced worldwide to reduce emissions from the transportation sector. In California, whose low emission vehicle regulations have a leading position worldwide, automobile manufacturers must reduce greenhouse gas emissions of their vehicle fleet (GHG regulations) and sell increasing shares of zero emission vehicles (ZEV regulations). Manufacturers have to pay high penalties in case of non-compliance. A dynamic simulation model examines fundamental automobile manufacturer strategies for compliance. Co-evolutionary development of powertrain technologies, corresponding infrastructure coverage, vehicle types offered, and customer behavior during the adjustment to regulations, is considered. The model is applied to a case study considering the state of California. Results show that meeting requirements necessitates an early introduction of alternative powertrains in many vehicle segments. Feedback between GHG and ZEV regulations necessitates the development of joint compliance strategies. Recommendations are derived concerning appropriate manufacturer strategies for complying with California's regulations. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predicting electrical breakdown in polymeric insulators: from deterministic mechanisms to failure statistics

Breakdown theories yield a specified time to breakdown for fields exceeding a critical value, whereas experiment shows that times-to-breakdown and breakdown fields are different on a sample-to-sample basis. This has forced the use of a statistical approach to failure, often without a clear physical understanding of the pertinent parameters. A general methodology that allows failure statistics to be derived from a given breakdown mechanism is presented. A number of case studies are used to illustrate the way in which mechanistic features can be related to the parameters of the failure statistic. In particular it is shown that the Gumbel statistic and not the Weibull function is the one appropriate to failure initiation by random defects. Both the formative stage and initiation stage of breakdown is considered, and it is shown that features can be identified in the failure statistic related to known thresholds in the active breakdown mechanism. Ageing is examined through the three main control features: activation energy, field enhancement factor, and threshold factor. It is shown that distributions in each of these parameters could give rise to the observed statistics above the estimated characteristic threshold field. However, distributions in the material variables that define the local threshold value allow some failures to still occur in the sample set even at fields below the characteristic threshold level, whereas distributions in activation energy do not. Finally, the possibility of predicting the lifetime of individual specimens is briefly addressed.
Rigosertib and Cholangiocarcinoma: A Cell Cycle Affair

Rigosertib is multi-kinase inhibitor that could represent an interesting therapeutic option for non-resectable patients with cholangiocarcinoma, a very aggressive hepatic cancer with limited effective treatments. The Western blotting technique was used to evaluate alterations in the expression of proteins involved in the regulation of the cell cycle of cholangiocarcinoma EGI-1 cells. Our results show an increase in EMI1 and Cyclin B protein levels after Rigosertib treatment. Moreover, the phosphorylation of CDK1 is significantly reduced by Rigosertib, while PLK1 expression increased after 24 h of treatment and decreased after 48 h. Finally, we evaluated the role of p53. Its levels increase after Rig treatment, and, as shown in the cell viability experiment with the p53 inhibitor Pifithrin, its activity is necessary for the effects of Rigosertib against the cell viability of EGI-1 cells. In conclusion, we hypothesized the mechanism of the action of Rigosertib against cholangiocarcinoma EGI-1 cells, highlighting the importance of proteins involved in the regulation of cell cycles. The CDK1-Cyclin B complex and p53 play an important role, explaining the Block in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle and the effect on cell viability