bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AS RELAÇÕES ENTRE FACÇÕES CLANDESTINAS E A RESPONSABILIDADE DA MARCA EMPREGADORA
Authors: Marconatto Modelli Guilherme , Custódio de Lima Otávio Augusto
Published: October 2018

O presente trabalho tem a finalidade de analisar o tema das relações entre as facções clandestinas e a responsabilização civil da marca empregadora pelos danos materiais e morais, tendo por base duas principais teorias, a saber: a teoria da responsabilidade objetiva, prevista nos artigos 186 e 927 do Código Civil, e ainda na Teoria da Cegueira Deliberada, ou como também é conhecida “Teoria das Instruções do Avestruz”. O método utilizado foi o dedutivo e a técnica de pesquisa consiste em revisão bibliográfica, análise doutrinária, jurisprudencial e normativa. Na introdução são feitas breves considerações conceituais a respeito de temas pertinentes. O desenvolvimento aborda a responsabilidade da terceirização do serviço seguindo a responsabilização civil e a Teoria da Cegueira Deliberada, se expõem as medidas preventivas com relação ao ambiente laboral, bem como analisa a ofensa constitucional que as facções causam vez que afrontam diretamente princípios devidamente positivados, como por exemplo, o princípio da dignidade humana. Já na conclusão serão analisados, inicialmente, a proteção constitucional que é dada ao trabalhador, posteriormente ressalta-se às condições análogas à de escravo em que se encontram, bem como a responsabilidade da marca contratante e, por fim, as análises doutrinárias e jurisprudenciais a respeito do tema na aplicação da teoria mais condizente com a responsabilização do empregador na contratação de facções clandestinas.
SOCIABILIDADES, TRABALHO SEXUAL E AUTONOMIA NO CONTEXTO DAS GRANDES OBRAS NA AMAZÔNIA BRASILEIRA
Authors: Araujo Wagner dos Reis Marques
Published: October 2018

Neste texto apresento alguns dados parciais e reflexões teóricas referentes ao trabalho de campo que foi realizado durante os meses de junho de 2014 e novembro de 2015. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevistas em profundidade aplicadas a doze prostitutas em um contexto privilegiado pela observação direta e, também, pela abordagem etnográfica que foi realizada nos locais de trabalho das mulheres. Objetivando preservar a identidade das entrevistadas, adoto nomes de flores para identificá-las neste texto. Na modalidade de trabalho sexual exercida nos bares de prostituição do contexto pesquisado, as prostitutas declararam ter encontrado na prostituição possibilidades de negociações e de ganhos econômicos inexistentes no mercado de trabalho formal. Por exemplo, flexibilidade em termos de jornadas de trabalho, possibilidades de ganhos econômicos (principalmente entre as mais jovens) e mobilidade social impossíveis de se alcançarem através de outras atividades profissionais relegadas às mulheres dos estratos sociais subalternizados do Brasil. A amostra analisada não corresponde ao número total de trabalhadoras sexuais entrevistadas na consecução da pesquisa de campo do doutorado em Sociologia, pela Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS). Priorizei aqui a compreensão e, sobretudo, a visão que as entrevistadas compartilham em relação à referida atividade ser profissional, embora não seja regulamentada e apesar de não haver, no município de Porto Velho, mobilização de trabalhadoras sexuais em torno de coletivos políticos, as mulheres têm esse entendimento. Pode-se concluir que, em suas práticas, as trabalhadoras sexuais estabelecem relações personalistas (com seus clientes e dono/as de estabelecimentos) onde parece haver  margens seguras para a oferta de serviços de natureza sexual e negociação de seus agenciamentos corporais.
Fonte De Alimentação CA Monofásica Com Adição De Harmônicos
Authors: Mezaroba Marcello , Heerdt Joselito A. , Batschauer Alessandro L. , Giacomini Neomar , Sperb Jonathan D.
Published: October 2018

Esse trabalho apresenta a implementação de uma Fonte de Alimentação CA que permite a adição de conteúdo harmônico. A fonte proporciona a geração de sinais genéricos, além da possibilidade de programação de distúrbios comuns em redes, como flutuações e transitórios. Para os circuitos de potência são propostos conversores com comutação suave, que aumentam a eficiência e possibilitam maior compactação. A geração dos sinais é feita por um circuito baseado em DSP, que também é responsável pela supervisão, sinalização, interface com o usuário e comunicação serial com PC. São apresentados resultados experimentais para diferentes tipos de formas de onda, comprovando a eficácia da solução proposta.
Proposta De Um Sistema Fotovoltaico De Dois Estágios Conectado À Rede Elétrica Comercial
Authors: De Souza Kleber C. A. , Coelho Roberto Francisco , Martins Denizar Cruz
Published: October 2018

O artigo apresenta o estudo, implementação e resultados experimentais de um sistema fotovoltaico conectado à rede elétrica, composto por um conversor CC-CC elevador, operando com comutação suave, e um inversor ponte completa (Full-Bridge). O conversor CCCC é controlado por um sistema rastreador de máxima potência (Maximum Power Point Tracker – MPPT), implementado em um microcontrolador, para que seu funcionamento esteja sempre próximo ao ponto de máximo aproveitamento de potência do painel fotovoltaico. O inversor, além de injetar na concessionária uma corrente alternada de qualidade e em fase com a tensão da rede, também controla a tensão do seu barramento CC de entrada.
Controle Fuzzy Do Gerador De Indução Trifásico Para Micro Centrais Hidrelétricas
Authors: Martins Felipe Nascimento , Sousa Gilberto Costa Drumond
Published: October 2018

Este trabalho apresenta estudo, simulação e implementação em laboratório de um sistema de geração de energia elétrica que pretende aproveitar a energia disponibilizada por córregos e rios através de micro centrais hidrelétricas. A máquina de indução é utilizada como gerador, e o controle de amplitude da tensão gerada é feito através do fornecimento ou absorção de potência reativa da máquina, conforme necessário. Esta é fornecida ou absorvida por um compensador estático de reativos (STATCOM), formado basicamente por um inversor PWM trifásico controlado por um processador digital de sinais (DSP). No programa do DSP são usados controladores PI clássicos e controladores baseados em lógica “Fuzzy”. O desempenho do sistema é validado através de simulação quando operando apenas com controladores PI, e experimentos quando operando também com controladores “Fuzzy“.
Modulação Em Largura De Pulsos Para Conversor Ca-ca A Três Braços
Authors: Seixas Paulo F. , Cortizo Porfírio C. , Oliveira Leandro
Published: October 2018

Este trabalho apresenta uma nova abordagem da modulação em largura de pulsos para um conversor estático ca-ca a três braços, utilizado em sistemas de energia ininterrupta (SEI), monofásico, on-line. Três modos de operação são apresentados: o modo assíncrono, com regulação de frequência de saída, e duas variantes do modo síncrono, ambas permitindo a redução de tensão no barramento cc.
Improvement Of Power Quality In Hvdc Transmission Systems With Auxiliary Converters
Authors: Parizzi J. B , Farret F. A , Serdotte A. B.
Published: October 2018

This paper intends to discuss some practical results of the reverse-use of the harmonic distortion energy from idle periods in conventional HVDC converters. It is shown that this energy can be used to reduce the total harmonic distortion, and so, the costs of harmonic filters, and to increase the power and utilization factors. The technique is based on the diversion of harmonic currents from a conventional HVDC converter to make it go through an auxiliary power converter with special features.
Conversor Cc-cc Elevador / Abaixador Zvs Pwm Com Grampeamento Ativo
Authors: Mezaroba Marcello , Scholtz Juliano Sadi , Giacomini Priscila dos Santos Garcia
Published: October 2018

Este artigo apresenta um conversor CC-CC elevador / abaixador regenerativo ZVS PWM com grampeamento ativo. As perdas nos interruptores são consideravelmente reduzidas através de um circuito “snubber”, que proporciona comutação suave em todos os interruptores do conversor. Para um controle adequado do conversor, foram implementados dois controladores, um controlador de corrente, com o objetivo de controlar a corrente de entrada e um controlador de tensão para manter a tensão de saída constante. Após o estágio de controle, é utilizado um microcontrolador que além de gerar os sinais PWM’s enviados as chaves faz o sincronismo da chave auxiliar. As principais vantagens deste conversor são: pequeno número de componentes, estratégia de comando simples, robustez, tamanho e peso reduzidos e alta eficiência.
Modulação Space Vector Estendida A Conversores Estáticos Com Braços Em Paralelo
Authors: Gabe Ivan Jorge , Da Costa Jean Patric , Stefanello Márcio , Pinheiro Humberto
Published: October 2018

Este artigo estabelece os fundamentos da Modulação Space Vector (SV) aplicada a conversores PWM com braços conectados em paralelo. Primeiramente são apresentadas as topologias utilizadas para a associação de conversores em paralelo, em seguida é desenvolvida uma estratégia de modulação SV unificada. Com a estratégia SV desenvolvida, é possível obter-se um padrão PWM multinível que garante a mínima THD nas tensões de saída, sendo que o número de níveis da tensão PWM depende do número de braços conectados em paralelo. Neste artigo, é demonstrado que é possível sintetizar a tensão PWM na saída de modo independente do equilíbrio das correntes nos braços conectados em paralelo. Ainda, com a estratégia unificada proposta, é também possível estender para o paralelismo de braços os benefícios conhecidos da modulação SV, tais como, maximização da utilização da tensão do barramento c.c. e minimização das perdas de comutação. Finalmente, resultados experimentais são apresentados para comprovar a análise teórica, bem como para demonstrar o desempenho obtido com a modulação proposta.
Controle De Um Retificador Bidirecional Implementado No Dsp Tms320f2812 - Comparativo Entre As Técnicas De Controle Por Valores Médios E Coordenadas dq0
Authors: Mezaroba Marcello , Júnior Alcindo Prado , Mussa Samir Ahmad , Cardoso Fabiano Luz , Scholtz Juliano Sadi
Published: October 2018

Este artigo apresenta um comparativo entre duas técnicas distintas de controle para o retificador bidirecional com alto fator de potência. A primeira técnica utilizada é a de controle por valores médios clássica. A segunda técnica se baseia na transformação para o sistema de coordenadas dq0. O hardware aplicado aos testes é comum às duas estratégias de controle e o software foi implementado digitalmente no DSP TMS320F2812 da Texas Instruments. Além das técnicas de controle, serão abordadas as diferenças entre a implementação e os resultados obtidos para as metodologias aplicadas.
Gonadotropin ile oluşturulan kontrollü ovaryan stimulasyon–intrauterin inseminasyon sikluslarında kullanılan progesteron formunun ve tedavi etkinliğinin karşılaştırılması
Authors: KURU PEKCAN Meryem , ÖZAKŞİT Gülnur
Published: October 2018

Amaç: Gonadotropin ile ovulasyon induksiyonu yapılmış olan olgularda lüteal faz desteği için kullanılan progesteron formlarının gebelik başarısı açısından farklılık olup olmadığını karşılaştırmaktır. Gereç ve Yöntem: Bu çalışmaya Zekai Tahir Burak SUAM infertilite polikliniğine Mart 2017-Şubat 2018 tarihleri arasında başvuran Gonadotropin (GND) tedavisi başlanarak kontrollü ovaryan stimulasyon (KOS) ve intrauterin inseminasyon (IUI) uygulanan 315 olgu dahil edildi. Bazal hormon değerleri, infertilite tipi, süresi, GND başlangıç dozu, total kullanılan GND dozu, HCG günü estradiol (E2) düzeyi, HCG günü endometrium kalınlığı, indüksiyon süresi ve gebelik oluşumu gibi demografik ve klinik değişkenleri hastane kayıtları ile hasta dosyalarından kaydedildi. Ultrasonografide en az 1 adet ≥18 mm çaplı dominant folikül elde edilince ovulasyon 250 μg rekombinant hCG ya da 10000 IU üriner hCG ile gercekleştirildi ve 36 saat sonra IUI işlemi uygulandı. Lüteal faz desteği olarak günlük tek doz %8 vaginal jel verilen hastalarla, natürel mikronize progesteron oral kapsül verilen hastalar olarak 2 gruba ayrıldı. Gruplar belirtilen değişkenler açısından istatistiksel olarak karşılaştırıldı. Bulgular: Hastaların ortalama yaşı her iki grupta sırasıyla 28,7±5,0 ve 28,8±5,4 idi (p=0,839). Gruplar arasında yaş, BMI, hormonal parametreler, infertilite süresi, HCG günü bakılan endometrium kalınlığı açısından istatistiksel olarak anlamlı fark yoktu (p>0,05). Klinik gebelik oranlarına bakıldığında; naturel mikronize progesteron kullanılan grupta %14,2 (n=22), %8 vaginal progesteron kullanılan grupta ise %12,5 (n=19 ) idi (p=0,7). Sonuç: Oral progesteron formu kolay uygulanabilirliği, tedavi maliyetinin daha düşük olması nedeniyle vaginal progesteron formu yerine uygun endikasyonlu hastalarda tercih edilebilir.
Digital subtraction angiography and multislice computed tomography angiography for cervicocranial vessels: Comparison of radiation doses
Authors: ÖZDEMİR Halil İbrahim , ÇINAR Celal , BOZKAYA Halil , TOPAL Selçuk , ORAN İsmail
Published: October 2018

Aim: In this study our purpose was to compare the DSA and CTA techniques in terms of the superiority of diagnosis and radiation doses. Materials and Methods: Forty-six patients (21 men, 25 women) who were subjected to both digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and computed tomography (CT) neck-brain angiographic examination between January 2014 and December of 2014 were screened retrospectively. Radiation dose records taken from the cards provided by DSA and CT devices were reviewed. The total DSA [DSA+ tri-dimension (3D) DSA], DSA, 3D-DSA and computed tomography angiography (CTA) dose reports were examined separately. Generated 3D images were evaluated by two radiologists who had experience in neuro radiology and interventional radiology at least 5 years. Independent-samples test and in dual comparisons the paired samples test, were used for statistical analyses. Results: Comparison made between DSA and CTA radiation doses has found that the total dose of TDSA (DSA+3D DSA) was more than 3 times higher than the CTA dose and the DSA doses were 2 times greater than the CTA dose. There was no statistical difference between 3D DSA and CTA doses. CTA is less sensitive than DSA; four of 68 intracranial aneurisms could not be demonstrated with CTA. The radiation doses received by patients did not change with gender. Conclusion: CTA contains less radiation doses in the diagnosis of intracranial aneurisms, but its sensitivity, however, is lower than DSA.
Análisis de la influencia de las acciones formativas en la prevención de riesgos laborales = Analysis of the influence of training actions in occupational risk prevention
Authors: Romero Álvaro , Villena Blasa Maria , Nieves González Maria de las , Segarra María , Rodríguez Ángel
Published: October 2018

ResumenEsta investigación analiza las etapas formativas en materia de prevención en las Pequeñas y Medianas Empresas (PYMES) del Sector Construcción en España, partiendo del indicador relativo a la elevada siniestralidad del Sector frente al resto de sectores productivos, para a través de los cuestionarios diseñados ex professo y las bases de datos de diversos organismos consultados, como los Servicios de Prevención Ajenos (SPAs) y la Fundación Laboral de la Construcción (FLC), observar la posible solución a esta casuística tan funesta. Se analizó la cualificación profesional de los docentes, las metodologías formativas empleadas y la formación e información que recibe el trabajador sobre su puesto de trabajo. Los resultados muestran el escaso nivel educativo y formativo de los trabajadores, y la baja especialización de los docentes que imparten la formación. Tanto el Sector como sus trabajadores demandan una necesaria profesionalización de los procesos que les permitan ser más competitivos.AbstractThis paper analyzes all the preventive-training stages in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) that belong to the Spanish Construction Sector. One of the stages analyzed deals with the fatal consequence of incidence rate in Construction Sector compared to other productive sectors. To do that, a survey was made to evaluate the qualifications of the technicians in External Prevention Services (EPS) and in the Construction Labor Foundation (CLF), by looking at the possible solution to this problem. In order to execute the analysis, the qualifications of the trainers, the training methodologies used and the training and information received by the workers on their workplace were examined. The results show the deficient educational and training level of the workers, as well as the low specialization of the trainers who provide training actions. Both the Construction Sector and its workers demand a necessary professionalization of the processes to be more competitive and efficient
Análisis y evolución de los sistemas constructivos prefabricados, impacto ambiental e interacción con el sistema constructivo tradicional mexicano = Analysis and evolution of prefabricated building systems, environmental impact and interaction with the traditional Mexican construction system
Authors: López Flores Luis Eduardo
Published: October 2018

ResumenDentro de la industria de la construcción, existen sistemas constructivos de diversos tipos, todos ellos derivados de una serie de factores y circunstancias propias de las regiones en donde surgen. Podemos considerar dos tipos característicos, el sistema tradicional mexicano y el sistema prefabricado, siendo estos dos, sujetos de un análisis enfocado al efecto que aporta al medio ambiente, la fabricación de los materiales que componen ambos sistemas. Sin embargo, es importante también, reconocer y reflexionar acerca de la evolución y la interacción que existe entre ambos a través del tiempo y del avance científico y tecnológico aplicado a estas técnicas constructivasAbstractWithin the construction industry, there are different types of construction systems, all derived from a series of factors and circumstances typical of the regions where they arise. We can consider two characteristic types, the traditional Mexican system and the prefabricated system, these two being subjects of an analysis focused on the effect that contributes to the environment, the manufacture of the materials that make up both systems. However, it is also important to recognize and reflect on the evolution and interaction that exists between both over time and the scientific and technological advance applied to these constructive techniques
Antibacterial Activity of Papain Hydrolysates of Isoelectrically-Isolated Casein and Thermoprecipitated Alpha-Lactalbumin from Bovine and Caprine Milk on Diarrheagenic Bacteria
Authors: Omara Timothy
Published: October 2018

The study compared antibacterial potential of hydrolysates of casein and alpha-lactalbumin from cow and goat milk on diarrhea-causing Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Milk samples were aseptically obtained from lactating cows and goats. The samples were skimmed; casein was isolated using acetic acid and alpha-lactalbumin by filtrate thermoprecipitation at 75 °C. 50% of each isolate was reconstituted in a buffer and hydrolyzed with papain at 55 °C for 2 hours. The hydrolysates were heated to 75 °C to inactivate papain, cooled and their antibacterial activity determined by disc diffusion method. Results showed alpha-lactalbumins had higher degrees of hydrolysis and antibacterial activity than caseins; goat alpha-lactalbumin had the highest antibacterial activity with mean inhibition zones of 19.60 mm and 19.50 mm on E. coli and S. aureus. Cow alpha-lactalbumin inhibited E. coli more than S. aureus with inhibition zones of 16.80 mm and 12.50 mm. Cow and goat milk casein hydrolysates inhibited E. coli with mean inhibition zones of 8.00 mm and 10.90 mm and inhibited S. aureus with inhibition zones of 4.13 mm and 1.90 mm respectively. The research showed that the milk hydrolysates can be a source of antibiotics for diarrhea treatment. Research should be done to establish the peptide fractions associated with the observed bioactivity.
The Rule of Two: A Star Wars Edict or a Method of Reproducibility and Quality?
Authors: Forrester Steven
Published: October 2018

In recent years, biomedical research has faced increased scrutiny over issues related to reproducibility and quality in scientific findings(1-3). In response to this scrutiny, funding institutions and journals have implemented top-down policies for grant and manuscript review. While a positive step forward, the long-term merit of these policies is questionable given their emphasis on completing a check-list of items instead of a fundamental re-assessment of how scientific investigation is conducted. Moreover, the top-down style of management used to institute these policies can be argued as being ineffective in engaging the scientific workforce to act upon these issues. To meet current and future biomedical needs, new investigative methods that emphasize collective-thinking, teamwork, shared knowledge and cultivate change from the bottom-up are warranted. Here, a perspective on a new approach to biomedical investigation within the individual laboratory that emphasizes collaboration and quality is discussed.
General Relativity with a Positive Cosmological Constant as a Gauge Theory.
Authors: Dudek Marta , Garecki Janusz
Published: October 2018

In the paper we show that the general relativity in recent Einstein-Palatini formulation is equivalent to a gauge field. We begin with a bit of information of the Einstein-Palatini formulation and derive Einstein field equations from it. In the next section, we consider general relativity with a positive cosmological constant in terms of the corrected curvature. We show that in terms of the corrected curvature general relativity takes the form typical for a gauge field. Finally, we give a geometrical interpretation of the corrected curvature.
Selected Aspects of the Entrepreneurial Process in Small Innovative Companies – Novice and Habitual Entrepreneurs
Authors: Ropęga Jarosław
Published: October 2018

Habitual entrepreneurs became an important group of entrepreneurs who make a large contribution to the process of wealth creation. Previous studies have indicated that habitual entrepreneurship is a widespread phenomenon. It highlights the need to focus on the habitual entrepreneurs to understand the dynamic aspect of entrepreneurship. The aim of the article is to present the results of preliminary research on the relationships of entrepreneurial behavior of novice entrepreneurs and habitual entrepreneurs, in particular their motivation and impact on the entrepreneurial process. Research were conducted on a sample of 373 small innovative enterprises in the fourth quarter of 2017. The scale of habitual entrepreneurs in the examined sample is 32.44% and is comparable with research carried out in other countries. Survey results reveal that habitual entrepreneurs have greater tendency to create opportunities (introduction new products or services) than novice entrepreneurs. Habitual entrepreneurs also have higher development rate (increase of turnover) and larger share in the international market than novice entrepreneurs. The article also contains indications for further research into the phenomenon of multiple entrepreneurship.
Effective and Sustainable Strategy of Chinese Banks Based on Input-Output Increased DEA Design
Authors: Shen Zui Yi , Xu Bing , Rahman Mohib Ur ,   School of Management & Economics, Zhejiang Ocean University No.1 Haida South Road, Lincheng, Changzhi Island, Zhoushan, Zhejiang 316022, China,   Research Institute of Quantitative Economics, Zhejing Gongshang University No.18 Xuezheng Road, Xiasha University Town, Hangzhou 310018, China
Published: October 2018

The analysis of optimal output efficiency with traditional data envelopment analysis (DEA) cannot be directly applied to a production strategy of promoting the sustainable development of Chinese banks, because both inputs and outputs increase during economic development. In this paper, a new DEA is presented with two innovations. The First innovation is that, the research data are extended to time-series data instead of cross-section data as before. The second is, the simultaneous increase in input and output from the input/output decrease/increase production is developed. As an application of the BCC (Banker, Charnes, Cooper) Bi-objective Generalized DEA (Bi-GDEA) model, the simulation strategies were well implemented in Chinese banks in 2017 using data from 2004 to 2015. The three inputs and one output of the banking sector have been adjusted to make each year’s decision making unit (DMU) efficient in the framework of 2004 to 2017, and both inputs and outputs are monotone increased. It may provide an alternative strategy for the effectiveness and sustainability of Chinese banks development.
Research on the Relationship Between EM and NVP – Exploring the Moderating Role of EU
Authors: Zhu Lidong , Zhang Hui ,   School of Economics and Management, Anhui Normal University 189 Huajin South Road, Wuhu, Anhui 241002, China,   College of Business, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics 318 Wuchuan Road, WuJiaoChang, Yangpu Qu, Shanghai 200433, China
Published: October 2018

This paper explores the role of entrepreneurial marketing (EM) and environmental uncertainty (EU) in driving new ventures’ performance (NVP). Using data from a survey of 883 small ventures based in Anhui province, China, we find that EM is an important drive of NVP. Only 4 EM dimensions (customer value creation, pro-activeness, innovations, and opportunity-focus) have positive effects on growth performance (GP), and only 5 EM dimensions (customer value creation, pro-activeness, innovations, opportunity-focus, and resource leveraging) have positive effects on profit performance (PP) as well. On the other hand, we found that environmental uncertainty (EU) has a partly moderating role between EM and GP, EU only negatively moderates the relationship between pro-activeness and GP, and EU positively moderates the relationship between opportunity-focus, risk-taking and GP. In addition, EU does not have a moderating role between EM and PP.
Improving Street Object Detection Using Transfer Learning: From Generic Model to Specific Model
Authors: Liu Wei ,   School of Automation, China University of Geosciences Hubei Key Laboratory of Advanced Control and Intelligent Automation for Complex Systems No. 388 Lumo Road, Hongshan District, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China, Chen Shu , Wei Longsheng
Published: October 2018

A high accuracy rate of street objects detection is significant in realizing intelligent vehicles. Algorithms based on convolution neural network (CNN) currently exhibit reasonable performance in general object detection. For example SSD and YOLO can detect a wide variety of objects in 2D images in real time; however the performance is not sufficient for street objects detection, especially in complex urban street environments. In this study, instead of proposing and training a new CNN model, we use transfer learning methods to enable our specific model to learn from a generic CNN model to achieve good performance. The transfer learning methods include fine-tuning the pretrained CNN model with a self-made dataset, and adjusting the CNN model structure. We analyze the transfer learning results based on fine-tuning SSD with self-made datasets. The experimental results based on the transfer learning method show that the proposed method is effective.
Image Classification Combined with Fusion Gaussian–Hermite Moments Feature and Improved Nonlinear SVM Classifier
Authors: Wan Li ,   School of Electronics and Information Engineering, Hunan University of Science and Engineering Building 130, Yangzitang Road, Lingling District, Yongzhou City, Hunan 425199, China
Published: October 2018

With the development of computer technology, data mining, artificial intelligence, and image-processing technology have been applied to medical diagnosis. Image classification is one of the main technologies of medical image processing, which can be used to determine whether a patient suffers from breast cancer according to x-ray images of the breast. To achieve reliable classification of breast images, an image classification method combined with a fusion Gaussian–Hermite moments feature and improved nonlinear support vector machine (SVM) classifier is proposed. The proposed fusion Gaussian–Hermite moments features can improve the robustness and distinguish the ability of features by constructing Gaussian–Hermite invariant moments according to invariant moment theory and constructing a Gaussian–Hermite Fisher moment according to Fisher’s idea. The proposed improved nonlinear SVM classifier can improve the efficiency and accuracy of the classifier through eigen decomposition and sample learning. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method has a high accuracy rate for breast x-ray image classification.
Novel Discriminative Method for Illegal Parking and Abandoned Objects
Authors: Wang Xuan ,   College of Information Engineering, Chang’an University Xi’an, Shaanxi 710064, China, Song Huansheng , Fang Yong , Cui Hua
Published: October 2018

Computer vision techniques have been widely applied in Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITSs) to automatically detect abnormal events and trigger alarms. In the last few years, many abnormal traffic events, such as illegal parking, abandoned objects, speeding, and overloading, have occurred on the highway, threatening traffic safety. In order to distinguish illegal parking and abandoned object events, we propose an effective method to classify these types of abnormal objects. First, abnormal areas are detected by feature point extraction and matching. The transformation relation, between the world and image coordinate systems, is then established by camera calibration. Next, different-height inverse projection planes (IPPs) are built to obtain the inverse projection maps (IPMs). Finally, the 3D information describing the abnormal objects is estimated and used to distinguish illegally parked vehicles and abandoned objects. Experimental results from traffic image sequences show that this method is effective in distinguishing illegal parking and abandoned objects, while its low computational cost satisfies the real-time requirements; furthermore, it can be used in vehicle classification.
Deformable Map Matching to Handle Uncertain Loop-Less Maps
Authors: Tanaka Kanji ,   University of Fukui 3-9-1 Bunkyo, Fukui-shi, Fukui 910-8507, Japan
Published: October 2018

In the classical context of map relative localization, map-matching (MM) is typically defined as the task of finding a rigid transformation (i.e., 3DOF rotation/translation on the 2D moving plane) that aligns two maps, the query and reference maps built by mobile robots. This definition is valid in loop-rich trajectories that enable a mapper robot to close many loops, for which precise maps can be assumed. The same cannot be said about the newly emerging vision only autonomous navigation systems, which typically operate in loop-less trajectories that have no loop (e.g., straight paths). In this paper, we address this limitation by merging the two maps. Our study is motivated by the observation that even when there is no loop in either the query or reference map, many loops can often be obtained in the merged map. We add two new aspects to MM: (1) map retrieval with compact and discriminative binary features powered by deep convolutional neural network (DCNN), which efficiently generates a small number of good initial alignment hypotheses; and (2) map merge, which jointly deforms the two maps to minimize differences in shape between them. A preemption scheme is introduced to avoid excessive evaluation of useless MM hypotheses. For experimental investigation, we created a novel collection of uncertain loop-less maps by utilizing the recently published North Campus Long-Term (NCLT) dataset and its ground-truth GPS data. The results obtained using these map collections confirm that our approach improves on previous MM approaches.
Microwave Filter Modeling and Intelligent Tuning
Authors: Wu Shengbiao ,   School of Automation, China University of Geoscience No. 388 Lumo Road, Hongshan District, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China, Cao Weihua , Wu Min , Liu Can
Published: October 2018

Traditional filter tuning methods mainly entail tuning by electromagnetic simulation technology, which treats the tuned filter as an ideal model. However, the structure of the actual filter is relatively complex, and filter tuning becomes affected by the loss of resonant cavity, phase loading and high-order mode. In this study, to solve these problems, the tuning process was divided into four stages. First, the passband and suppression of the filter could be tuned to a reasonable range by using the phase attribute of the reflection characteristics. Secondly, the tuning model parameters (coupling matrix) were extracted by curve fitting and the improved Cauchy method. Thirdly, the tuning model of the actual filter was established by a complex neural network. Finally, the mapping relationship between the surrogate model and the actual tuning model was established by the improved space mapping algorithm. By optimizing the parameters of surrogate model, we quickly obtained the optimal position of the screws. The results of the tuning experiment with the eighth coaxial cavity filter revealed that the method had high accuracy and fast convergence speed.
Analysis of Influence Factors for Learning Outcomes with Bayesian Network
Authors: Okamoto Kazushi ,   Department of Informatics, Graduate School of Informatics and Engineering, The University of Electro-Communications  1-5-1 Chofugaoka, Chofu, Tokyo 182-8585, Japan
Published: October 2018

This study identifies and analyzes the influence factors for learning outcomes at a university with a Bayesian network. It is based on a fact-finding survey on university student life and learning. Suitable constraints and a score metric for the Bayesian network learning are determined via cross-validation, and the learning outcome variables are categorized into subsets according to six abilities: cooperativeness, expressiveness, foreign language, collecting and organizing information, logical thinking, and sociability. The learned network suggests that two to seven factors influence each ability. In addition, it is confirmed that the probability distributions of all most of the identified factors shift to high agreement/experience levels, as self-knowledge levels for the acquired abilities increase, i.e., positive effects exist for most factors for each identified ability.
Active Passive Nature of Assistive Wearable Gait Augment Suit for Enhanced Mobility
Authors: Thakur Chetan , Ogawa Kazunori , Kurita Yuichi ,   Graduate School of Engineering, Hiroshima University 1-4-1 Kagamiyama, Higashihiroshima, Hiroshima 739-8527, Japan,   Daiya Industries Co., Ltd. 1125 Koshinden, Minami-ku, Okayama-shi, Okayama 701-0203, Japan,   PRESTO (Sakigake), Japan Society and Technology Agency (JST) 7 Gobancho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0076, Japan
Published: October 2018

In this paper we discuss the active and passive nature of the assistive wearable gait augment suit (AWGAS). AWGAS is a soft, wearable, lightweight, and assists walking gait by reducing muscle activation during walking. It augments walking by reducing the muscle activation of the posterior and anterior muscles of the lower limb. The suit uses pneumatic gel muscles (PGM), foot sensors for gait detection, and pneumatic valves to control the air pressure. The assistive force is provided using the motion in loop feedforward control loop using foot sensors in shoes. PGMs are actuated with the help of pneumatic valves and portable air tanks. The elastic nature of the PGM allows AWGAS to assist walking in the absence of the air supply which makes AWGAS both active and passive walking assist suit. To evaluate the active and passive nature of the AWGAS, we experimented to measure surface EMG (sEMG) of the lower limb muscles. sEMG was recorded for unassisted walking, i.e., without the suit, passive assisted walking, i.e., wearing the suit with no air supply and active assisted walking, i.e., wearing the suit with air supply set at 60 kPa. The results shows reduction in the muscle activity for both passive and active assisted walking as compared to unassisted walking. The pilot trials of the AWGAS were conducted in collaboration with local farmers in the Hiroshima prefecture in Japan where feedback received is complementing the results obtained during the experiments.
Supporting Effects on Muscles of a Motion Assistive Wear Depending on the Fixture Position
Authors: Ogawa Kazunori , Kadowaki Akito , Shimatani Koji , Hasegawa Masaki , Takahashi Keita , Tsuji Toshio , Kurita Yuichi ,   Graduate School of Engineering, Hiroshima University 1-4-1 Kagamiyama, Higashihiroshima, Hiroshima 739-8527, Japan,   Daiya Industries Co., Ltd. 1125 Koshinden, Minami-ku, Okayama-shi, Okayama 701-0203, Japan,   Prefectural University of Hiroshima 1-1 Gakuen-machi, Mihara City, Hiroshima 723-0053, Japan,   PRESTO (Sakigake), Japan Society and Technology Agency (JST) 7 Gobancho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0076, Japan
Published: October 2018

As muscle weakness due to aging or fatigue potentially increases the risk of injuries or accidents, support wears may be needed that can play a role in assisting various motions. Recently, research and development of such support wears have gained momentum in order to measure a variety of their supporting effects. While in the research stage, they are designed and evaluated on the premise that they are carefully adjusted to fit the specific wearers’ physiques. However, in actually producing and using such support wears on sites, they pose a problem in that their supporting effects cannot sufficiently be felt because they are difficult to fix, or because they do not fit all body sizes. Therefore, in this study, we have quantitatively evaluated their assisting effects using simulations with a musculoskeletal model with a built-in functional underwear with support parts. In particular, we evaluated whether any differences in arrangement of support parts on the human body, due to their different fixture methods, will have an effect on their assisting effects. We have also developed a support wear, with easy to adjust support parts and fixture positions, and have verified the abovementioned simulation accuracies by myoelectric measurements. This verification found that the proposed simulation method can predict, to some extent, the impacts of any deviations in the support parts’ positions and their assisting effects.
Proposal of Non-Rotating Joint Drive Type Power Assist Suit for Lower Limbs Considering Squat Lifting
Authors: Arakawa Hirokazu , Mohri Shun , Yamada Yasuyuki , Yokoyama Kazuya , Kikutani Isao , Nakamura Taro ,   Department of Precision Mechanics, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Chuo University 1-13-27 Kasuga, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-8551, Japan,   Nabtesco Corporation JA Kyosai Bldg., 2-7-9 Hirakawacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0093, Japan
Published: October 2018

Lower back pain is a major health concern worldwide. One cause of lower back pain is the burden on the lumbar region caused by handling heavy objects. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in Japan has recommended “squat lifting” to reduce this burden. However, this technique, which supports a large force on the lower limbs, is not very popular. Therefore, we aim to develop a power assist suit for squat lifting and propose herein a gastrocnemius-reinforcing mechanism. We also discuss the joint torque estimation from a motion analysis of squat lifting to construct a prototype. Finally, we describe the performance of the prototype when mounted on a human body. We found that when using the prototype assist suit, the %MVC (maximum voluntary contraction) of the gastrocnemius while performing squat lifting reduced by 48% compared to the value obtained without using the suit.
Visibility Enhancement for Underwater Robots Based on an Improved Underwater Light Model
Authors: Qiao Xiaorui , Ji Yonghoon , Yamashita Atsushi , Asama Hajime ,   The University of Tokyo 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan,   Chuo University 1-13-27 Kasuga, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-8551, Japan
Published: October 2018

We propose an underwater image enhancement algorithm for improving underwater robot visibility. Images captured in underwater environments are typically degraded by the effects of absorption, scattering, and noise. Degraded images impede underwater robot task performance (e.g., inspection, detection, and visual simultaneous localization and mapping). In this study, we improve the underwater light model by considering floating particle noise and non-uniform illumination from artificial light sources. Specifically, a systematic underwater enhancement method that includes a floating particle removal algorithm and an image-dehazing algorithm is proposed. Our method is effective for underwater image enhancement applications in real-world scenarios. We compare and evaluate our proposed method with state-of-the-art methods, with an underwater evaluation and a feature-matching performance. The experimental results show that our method yields comparable (and even better) results than state-of-the-art methods.
Posture Control of Two Link Torque Unit Manipulator Considering Influence of Viscous Friction on Joints
Authors: Setoyama Yasuyuki , Hayashi Ryota , Yu Yong , Kinugasa Tetsuya , Yoshida Koji , Osuka Koichi ,   Department of Electronic Control Engineering, Kagoshima National College of Technology  1460-1 Shinko, Hayato-cho, Kirishima 899-5193, Japan,   Faculty of Engineering, Okayama University of Science 1-1 Ridai-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama-shi, Okayama 700-0005, Japan,   Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Kagoshima University 1-21-40 Koorimoto, Kagoshima-shi, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan,   Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita-shi, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
Published: October 2018

In this research, we consider a posture control problem of a planar two-link torque unit manipulator under a viscous friction condition. The torque unit is a module that consists of an electric motor and a reaction wheel. The friction caused by the presence of a viscous environment cannot be ignored in the real system. In this report, we first clarify the relation between the angle of links and the angular momentum of the reaction wheels under the viscous friction condition. Next, we try to control the first link at an arbitrary reference position without taking into consideration the angle of the second link. The angle of the first link can be controlled by changing the viscous friction condition between the first link and the base. Moreover, we attempt to control the second link at an arbitrary reference position by using the residual angular momentum of the reaction wheel at the second link. Finally, we demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed method by conducting a verification experiment.
Proposal of the Tire Longitudinal Characteristics Real-Time Estimation Method
Authors: Shiozawa Yuuki ,   Department of Mechanical Systems Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Kognei-shi, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan, Tsukuda Shunsuke , Mouri Hiroshi
Published: October 2018

For vehicle dynamics control and Autonomous Driving (AD) system, it is important to know the friction coefficient μ of the road surface accurately. It is because the lateral and the longitudinal force characteristics of the tire depend on the road surface condition largely. However, currently, it is difficult to detect tire performance degradation before the deterioration of vehicle dynamics in real time because tire force estimation is usually conducted by comparing the observed vehicle motion with the onboard reference vehicle-model motion. Such conventional estimators do not perform well if there is a significant difference between the vehicle and the model behavior. In this paper, a new tire state estimation method based on this tire longitudinal characteristic is proposed. In addition, the estimator for tire-road surface friction coefficient μ is proposed by using this geometric relationship. Using this method, the friction coefficient value for a real road can be determined from relatively simple calculations. Also, the advantage of this method is that it can be estimated in a small slip region before the tire loses its grip. In addition, this paper explain how to apply and the effect on the actual vehicle.
Analysis of Cell Spheroid Morphological Characteristics Using the Spheroid Morphology Evaluation System
Authors: Shimoto Takeshi , Zhang Xiu-Ying , Akieda Shizuka , Ishikawa Atsushi , Higaki Hidehiko , Nakayama Koichi ,   Fukuoka Institute of Technology 3-30-1 Wajiro-higashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 811-0295, Japan,   Kyushu University 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan,   Cyfuse Biomedical K.K. 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan,   Kyushu Sangyo University 2-3-1 Matsukadai, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 813-8503, Japan,   Saga University 5-1-1 Nabeshima, Saga 849-8501, Japan
Published: October 2018

Our research group established a technology for forming three-dimensional cell constructs to regenerate osteochondro cells without scaffolding. The established technology employed spheroids to form cell constructs. We also developed a method for arranging spheroids in arbitrary positions to form cell constructs in complex shapes. However, we could only form cell constructs as expected when the formed spheroids were the appropriate sizes. This study, therefore, aimed to chronologically analyze the spheroid morphological characteristics of rabbit mechanical stem cells using the developed spheroid morphological evaluation system. We set the numbers of cells/wells as 2 × 104, 3 × 104, 4 × 104, 5 × 104, 6 × 104, and 7 × 104 and the passage number as 7. Further, we observed the cultured spheroids every 24 hours after seeding for five days. The analysis enabled us to specify an optimal range for the numbers of cells required to form spheroids with high degrees of circularity. We could also control the formed spheroid sizes by adjusting the cell count and culturing time.
Low-Cost Design Solutions for Educational Robots
Authors: Tiboni Monica , Aggogeri Francesco , Bussola Roberto , Borboni Alberto , Perani Cesare Augusto , Pellegrini Nicola ,   Università degli Studi di Brescia Via Branze 38, Brescia 25123, Italy,   XPLAB Viale S. Eufemia 39, Brescia 25139, Italy
Published: October 2018

Low-cost robotics, fully integrated in the corporate IT infrastructure, is a requirement in the era of modern industrial automation derived from the Industry 4.0 model. This paper presents a multidisciplinary robotics-based learning (R-BL) project consisting of the development of a modular control architecture and a gripper for small manipulators. The solution, as compared with options available in the current robotic market, is a balance between low-cost devices with industrial robot performance. The project is carried out as part of the Robotics and Mechanisms program, a course in the automation engineering degree program at the University of Brescia in Italy. A 4-axis small-size robot, able to manipulate many kinds of objects, was designed and built by a student team by integrating the controller and the gripper. The controller was implemented using a real-time Raspberry platform by following a modular design concept. The control software is characterized by a short development time. The gripper was advanced to achieve low cost and modularity tradeoffs.