bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One-Step Prediction for Improving Gear Changing Control of HEVs
Authors: Khodabakhshian Mohammad ,   KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Brinellvagen 83-10044, Stockholm, Sweden, Feng Lei , Wikander Jan
Published: April 2016

Schematic of ECMS controller
 Decreasing fuel consumption and emissions in automobiles continues to be an active research problem. A promising technology is powertrain hybridization. Study in this area usually focuses on the development of optimal power management control methods. The equivalent consumption minimization strategy (ECMS) is a widely used real-time control method used for determining the optimal trajectory of the power split between the engine and motor. Reports also cover applying ECMS to find an optimal gear changing strategy, but results are not always satisfactory in fuel economy and drivability. One possible reason for this is that gearbox dynamics are slow, but ECMS is based on instant optimization and neglects this time delay. This paper proposes a simple prediction strategy for improving ECMS performance used with gear changing control. The proposed controller improves fuel efficiency and drivability without the need of adding extra sensors to the automobile. The proposed method’s simplicity makes it suitable for implementation. 
Nonlinear Perfect Tracking Control for a Robot Arm with Uncertainties Using Operator-Based Robust Right Coprime Factorization Approach
Authors: Wang Aihui ,   School of Electric and Information Engineering, Zhongyuan University of Technology, Wang Dongyun , Wang Haiquan , Wen Shengjun , Deng Mingcong ,   Graduate School of Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology
Published: April 2016

Plant uncertainties compensation
 In this paper, a robust nonlinear perfect tracking control for a robot arm with uncertainties is proposed by using operator-based robust right coprime factorization approach. In general, there exist unknown modelling errors in measuring structural parameters of the robot arm and external disturbances in real situations. In the present control system design, the effect of the modelling errors and disturbances on the system performance is considered to be uncertainties of the robot arm dynamics. Considering the uncertainties, a robust nonlinear perfect tracking control using operator-based robust right coprime factorization is investigated. That is, first, considering the unknown uncertain plant generates limitations in obtaining the so-called universal stability and tracking conditions, the effect of uncertain plant is compensated by designed operator-based feedback control scheme. Second, a new perfect tracking condition is proposed for improving the trajectory of the robot arm. Finally, the effectiveness of the designed system is confirmed by simulation results. 
GEWOS — A Mechatronic Personal Health & Fitness Assistance System
Authors: Linner Thomas ,   Chair of Building Realization and Robotics, Technische Universität München, Germany, Schulz Thorsten ,   Chair of preventive Pädiatrics, Technische Universität München, Germany
Published: April 2016

Measured oxygen saturation
 GEWOS (Healthy Living in an Assisted Environment) is a BMBF-funded R&D-project (budget: 3.6 million €) in which a mechatronic chair for personal health and fitness assistance was developed and evaluated. Besides the chairs of the authors, several industrial partners joined the project team. The mechatronic chair is able to monitor a variety of the user's/patient's training activities and vital signs and assists with providing a customized exercise program. 
The Development of Intra-House Mobility, Logistics and Transfer Solutions in PASSAge
Authors: Bock Thomas ,   Chair of Building Realization and Robotics, Technische Universität München, Germany, Güttler Jörg , Georgoulas Christos , Linner Thomas
Published: April 2016

Transfer and logistic solution
 Within the ongoing research project, the Chair of Building Realization and Robotics is identifying, developing and validating robotic-based concepts for intra-house mobility, logistics and transfer to support elderly people within their home environment. The project is conducted jointly with several research and industry partners. 
USA² — Ubiquitous and Robot Assisted Cloud Manufacturing in an Ageing Society
Authors: Linner Thomas ,   Chair of Building Realization and Robotics, Technische Universität München, Germany, Güttler Jörg , Georgoulas Christos , Bock Thomas
Published: April 2016

Micro home factory in future
 In the project USA² (Ubiquitäres und Selbstständiges Arbeiten in einer alternden Gesellschaft), a robotic, mini-factory-like workspace was developed which integrates novel technologies from the field of telepresence, cooperative robotics, seamless interaction, 3D printing and cloud manufacturing. 
Model-Based Footstep Planning Method for Biped Walking on 3D Field
Authors: Kobayashi Daiki ,   Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka City University, Takubo Tomohito , Ueno Atsushi
Published: April 2016

  Footstep planning on the 3D field
 This paper proposes a model-based 3D footstep planning method. A discrete-time kinematic model, in which vertical motions are independent of horizontal motions, describes the biped walking of the humanoid robot. The 3D field environment is represented by geographical features divided into the meshes, determined from measurements obtained by a sensor, where the inclinations in each mesh are assumed. The optimal plan is obtained by solving a constrained optimization problem based on the foot placements of the model. A goal-tracking evaluation of the problem on horizontal foot placements is carried out to reach the goal, while vertical motions are adopted to meet constraints consisting of the foot workspace and contact with the 3D field surface. A quadratic programming method is implemented to solve the problem based on the humanoid robot NAO in real time. 
Wearable Device for High-Speed Hand Pose Estimation with a Ultrasmall Camera
Authors: Tomida Motomasa ,   Graduate School of Systems and Information Engineering, University of Tsukuba, Hoshino Kiyoshi
Published: April 2016

  Hand pose estimation with ultrasmall camera
 Operating a robot intentionally by using various complex motions of the hands and fingers requires a system that accurately detects hand and finger motions at high speed. This study uses an ultrasmall camera and compact computer for development of a wearable device of hand pose estimation, also called a hand-capture device. The accurate estimations, however, require data matching with a large database. But a compact computer usually has only limited memory and low machine power. We avoided this problem by reducing frequently used image characteristics from 1,600 dimensions to 64 dimensions of characteristic quantities. This saved on memory and lowered computational cost while achieving high accuracy and speed. To enable an operator to wear the device comfortably, the camera was placed as close to the back of the hand as possible to enable hand pose estimation from hand images without fingertips. A prototype device with a compact computer used to evaluate performance indicated that the device achieved high-speed estimation. Estimation accuracy was 2.32°±14.61° at the PIP joint of the index finger and 3.06°±10.56° at the CM joint of the thumb – as accurate as obtained using previous methods. This indicated that dimensional compression of image-characteristic quantities is important for realizing a compact hand-capture device. 
Fast and Robust Vision System for Shogi Robot
Authors: Koutaki Gou ,   Kumamoto University, Uchimura Keiichi
Published: April 2016

Developed shogi robot system
 The authors developed a low-cost, safety shogi robot system. A Web camera installed on the lower frame is used to recognize pieces and their positions on the board, after which the game program is played. A robot arm moves a selected piece to the position used in playing a human player. A fast, robust image processing algorithm is needed because a low-cost wide-angle Web camera and robot are used. The authors describe image processing and robot systems, then discuss experiments conducted to verify the feasibility of the proposal, showing that even a low-cost system can be highly reliable. 
Triboacoustic Localization for Mobile Device: Improving Accuracy & Noise Clustering
Authors: Leong Yeng Weng ,   Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Kanazawa University, Seki Hiroaki , Kamiya Yoshitsugu , Hikizu Masatoshi ,   Department of Electronics and Communications Engineering, Universiti Tenaga Nasional
Published: April 2016

  Mobile localization: grouping
 Mobile devices are caught in an inverse relationship between mobility and ease of use. This paper presents incremental technology related to a previously proposed method of mobile yet easy-to-use input using triboacoustic signals generated from the action of a user tracing shapes on surfaces in environment. Mobile devices must function in various environments, thus requiring that they be immune to noise interference. We propose an improvement in accuracy and automated multiple sound source segregation supported by experiments evidencing the proposal’ s effectiveness, results of which show the proposal’ s accuracy and capability have merit and should be pursued further. 
Linear Quadratic Optimal Regulator for Steady State Drifting of Rear Wheel Drive Vehicle
Authors: Chaichaowarat Ronnapee ,   Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, Wannasuphoprasit Witaya
Published: April 2016

Single-track vehicle drifting
 Drifting is a large sideslip cornering technique with counter steering, which is advantageous in some driving conditions where vehicle-handling capability over linear tire slip-friction characteristics is imperative. In this paper, the dynamics of a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) vehicle cornering at steady states was simplified using a single-track vehicle model. In addition, tire frictions in any slip conditions were estimated from the combination of the Pacejka's magic formula and the modified Nicolas-Comstock tire model. A computer program was developed, on the basis of the equations of motion (EOMs) derived via the body-fixed coordinate so that the suitable cornering speed and its corresponding steady-state driving control inputs (the steering angle and rear wheel slip ratio) could be calculated automatically for any given radius of curvature and vehicle sideslip. The other set of EOMs was derived via the normal-tangential coordinate and then linearized so that the state space description could be constructed. Eventually, the linear quadratic optimal regulator was designed and simulated via MATLAB for various regulation problems where the initial condition of each individual state deviated from its desired steady-state value. According to the simulation results, the physical explanation of the control inputs can be used as guidance for adjusting vehicle behavior in manual driving.
Simulated and Experimental Comparisons of Slip and Torque Control Strategies for Regenerative Braking in Instances of Parametric Uncertainties
Authors: Boisvert Maxime ,   Centre des Technologies Avancées, Université de Sherbrooke, Micheau Philippe , Mammosser Didier
Published: April 2016

Slip efficiency map & control law
 A three-wheel hybrid recreational vehicle was studied for the purpose of regenerative braking control. In order to optimize the amount of energy recovered from electrical braking, most of the existing literature presents optimal methods which consist in defining the optimal braking torque as a function of vehicle speed. The originality of the present study is to propose a new strategy based on the control of rear wheel slip. A simulator based on MATLAB/Simulink and validated with experimental measurements compared the two strategies and their sensitivities to variations in mass, slope and road conditions. Numerical simulations and experimental tests show that regenerative braking based on a slip controller was less affected by the majority of the parametric changes. Moreover, since the slip was limited, the longitudinal stability of the vehicle was thereby improved. It thus becomes possible to ensure optimal energy recovery and vehicle stability even in instances of parametric uncertainties.
Study on Identification of Damage to Wind Turbine Blade Based on Support Vector Machine and Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Gu Guimei ,   School of Automation and Electrical Engineering, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Hu Rang , Li Yuanyuan
Published: April 2016

Classification results of SVM-PSO
 In order to identify two failures of crack damage and edge damage to wind turbine blade, a damage identification system was designed by acoustic emission technique. This system took advantage of wireless technique for signal collection and transmission and upper computer for receiving and processing data. This system adopted acoustic emission sensor, NRF905 wireless transmission, upper computer designed by VB language, and the serial communication function of VB for data receiving. Data was firstly normalized after being received. Then, the energy features of data were abstracted by db wavelet. With the abstracted features, support vector machine model was established and verified, and the machine parameters were optimized by particle swarm optimization. Results show that the system is reliable in data collection and transmission, and the correctness of damage identification obviously increases by optimizing the support vector machine with particle swarm. The design provides method to monitor the status of rotating object, so this system can provide model base for subsequent studies.
Energy-Saving High-Speed Pick-and-Place Robot Using In-Frame Parallel Spring
Authors: Arata Jumpei ,   Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kyushu University, Isogai Yuji , Sumida Junya , Sakaguchi Masamichi , Nakadate Ryu , Oguri Susumu , Hashizume Makoto ,   Department of Engineering Physics, Electronics and Mechanics, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya Institute of Technology,   Center for Advanced Medical Innovation, Kyushu University,   Innovation Center for Medical Redox Navigation, Kyushu University
Published: April 2016

Concept prototype
 Robotic instruments have recently been widely introduced into industrial automation. As energy supply and demand have become global issues, energy saving in industrial robots has become urgent. In general industrial pick-and-place robots, servomotors periodically repeat acceleration and deceleration, consequently lose much energy in motion. We propose a mechanism using an in-frame parallel spring for the pick-and-place robot. During motion, spring blades deform and store energy, then release it as energy of motion, enabling the mechanism to recycle energy that have been lost in conventional mechanisms. In this paper, a 1 DOF proof-of-concept prototype and preliminary feasibility tests are described. In this study, we applied in-frame parallel springs to a mechanism for pick-and-place robot. The parallel springs are fabricated from spring steel SK85M (Young’s modulus: 210 GPa) with 252 mm long, 50 mm wide and 0.3 mm thick. The results suggest that the prototype can achieve a repeated motion with the range of ±145.7 mm in 2.56 Hz by 1.17 W, greatly reduced from that of the the traditional mechanisms. In addition, it is desired to stop the robot immediately in regular motion if anomalies occurred in industrial applications. The prototype showed that an immediate stop in 0.6 s was feasible by dissipating elastic energy stored in spring blades, confirming the feasibility of our proposed mechanism.
Power Assist Chair
Authors: Miyawaki Kazuto ,   Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Akita College
Published: April 2016

Power assist chair
 Medical and nursing care of the elderly is becoming a significant social burden. Welfare equipment is also being developed to help the elderly use their potential. Against this background, we developed a power assist chair for helping the elderly live life as independently as possible.
Development of Autonomous Mobile Robot Using Articulated Steering Vehicle and Lateral Guiding Method
Authors: Ohkawa Shinya ,   Department of Computer Science, National Defense Academy of Japan, Takita Yoshihiro , Date Hisashi , Kobayashi Kazuhiro
Published: April 2016

  Autonomous robot “AR Chair”
 This paper is discusses an autonomous mobile robot entered in the Real World Robotics Challenges 2014 (RWRC) in Tsukuba. Our project was to develop a wheelchair able to navigate stairs autonomously. Step 1 develops a center articulated vehicle, called the AR Chair, which has 4 wheels and a controller including LIDARs. The center articulated vehicle has a stiff structure and travels with the front and rear wheels on the same path, so there is no inner wheels difference. The robotic vehicle carries users weighing up to 100 kg. The autonomous controller is the same as the Smart Dump 7 combined with the RWRC 2013 to achieve the challenge, excluding the geometrical relationship of the steering angle and communication command for motor drivers to the AR Chair. The advantage of the robot is shown by experimental data from the RWRC 2014’s final run. 
A Study of Effective Prediction Methods of the State-Action Pair for Robot Control Using Online SVR
Authors: Sugimoto Masashi ,   Muroran Institute of Technology, Kurashige Kentarou
Published: April 2016

  Prediction of future state and action
 In order to work effectively, a robot should be able to adapt to different environments by deciding its correct course of action according to the situation, using determinants other than pre-registered commands. For this purpose, the ability to predict the future state of a robot would be effective. On the other hand, the future state of a robot varies infinitely if it depends on its current action. Therefore, it is difficult to predict only the future state. Thus, it is important to simultaneously predict the state and the action that the robot will adopt. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prediction of the advanced future state and action of a robot. In this paper, the results of the study are reported and methods that allow a robot to decide its appropriate behavior quickly, according to the predicted future state are discussed. As an application example for evaluating the proposed method, the inverted pendulum model is used and the prediction results are compared with the robot’s actual responses. Then, two methods will be discussed for predicting the robot’s state and action. To perform state and action prediction, two methods are used, firstly the Online SVR (Support Vector Regression) and secondly Online SVR and the LQR (Linear Quadratic Regulator). 
Chaotic Vibration and Comfort Analysis of Nonlinear Half-Vehicle Mode Excited by Consecutive Speed-Control Humps
Authors: Yang Zhiyong ,   College of Automation, Chongqing University, Liang Shan , Zhu Qin , Sun Yongsheng , Zhan Shanbing ,   Chongqing Vocational Institute of Engineering,   Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Oyama College
Published: April 2016

  Consecutive speed-control humps road
 Complicated dynamic behavior will happen while nonlinear four degree-of-freedom (DOF) semi-vehicle model is under irregular road excitation. The complex nonlinear vibration influences the ride comfort and safety. In this paper, the study is aimed at analyzing the chaotic vibration and comfort analysis of a vehicle passing the consecutive speed control humps (SCHs). A four-DOF half-vehicle model and combined sine-trapezoidal wave of variable frequency are applied. Occurrence of chaotic vibration is analyzed by bifurcation diagram, time history, Poincarée map. The numerical simulation results show that chaotic vibration phenomenon possibly appears as vehicles are driven on consecutive SCHs. In addition, the exact range of vehicle speed that results in chaotic vibration is derived. Further studies indicate that the influence of quasi-periodic motion state to vehicle on driving comfort is the biggest. This paper uses direct variable feedback control method to control chaotic vibration, and analyzes the control effect from the feedback gain control effect and the delay of the feedback control. The results will help dynamic characteristic analysis of vehicles and the design of the continuous speed bumps. 
Gait Analysis with Automatic Speed-Controlled Treadmill
Authors: Kikuchi Takehito ,   Faculty of Engineering, Oita University, Sakai Kohei , Ishiya Kohei
Published: April 2016

  Automatic speed-controlled treadmill
 Gait training is an important rehabilitation exercise that requires large space and support. To help it succeed, we developed an automatic speed-controlled treadmill with a sensor frame. A Microsoft Kinect sensor detects the user's legs, measuring step length and stride width. Leg information is used to control treadmill belt speed. Force sensors in the sensor frame measure support force and its center. Gait analysis using these values is discussed without including treadmill speed control. Subjects were healthy young males aged 22 to 23. Step length indicates the suitable belt speed for a subject. In experiments with automatic belt-speed control, the controller adjusts belt speed automatically based on how a user walks. 
Using a Low-Cost Onboard Camera for Sliding Mode Control of a Mobile Robot in Slippery Environments
Authors: Rivas Ernesto ,   Department of Mechanical Systems Engineering, Yamagata University, Komagome Koutaro , Mitobe Kazuhisa , Capi Genci ,   Department of Electric and Electronic Systems Engineering, University of Toyama
Published: April 2016

  Robot motion on sliding mode
 This paper reports on a simple sliding mode controller that is based on a low-cost camera and being developed for application to a compact, mobile snow-removal robot. We adopt a sliding mode controller for the lightweight, tracked robot to be used under slippery conditions. Assuming the snow-removal task can be carried out by following straight paths, this paper focuses on the path control problem by using a low-cost camera and a simple marker placed on the work site. The transient motion control during the converging state to the line paths is discussed in particular. In our snow-removal application, robustness against disturbances due to snow pressure or track slips is important. In addition, rotation should not be excessive during the transient response so that the robot does not lose sight of the marker. The sliding mode controller is a useful solution, filling these requirements. The problem of robustness in the face of track slip is analyzed theoretically, based on a model with parameter error and input disturbance. The expected tracking accuracy is evaluated in terms of the disturbance values and feedback gains. Experiments are carried out on a slippery surface of polystyrene beads. Robustness against disturbance is tested on an inclined surface. 
Development of an Acetic Acid Injection Device for Crown-of-Thorns Starfish Controlled by a Remotely Operated Underwater Robot
Authors: Takemura Fumiaki ,   Department of Mechanical System Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Okinawa College, Kobashigawa Shuta , Hirayama Keita , Kawabata Kuniaki , Sagara Shinichi , Yamashiro Hideyuki , Kuraya Eisuke ,   Advanced Course, National Institute of Technology, Okinawa College,   The Naraha Remote Technology Development Center,  Japan Atomic Energy Agency,   Department of Mechanical and Control Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology,   Sesoko Station, Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus,   Science and Technology Division, National Institute of Technology, Okinawa College
Published: April 2016

  Injection into the starfish
 We have been studying and developing an underwater robot for coral reef conservation. This paper describes the development of an acetic acid injection device mounted on an underwater robot for use in exterminating crown-of-thorns starfish that damage corals. First, we outlined the ecology and morphology of the crown-of-thorns starfish to identify requirements for the acetic acid injection device. Based on the requirements identified, we designed and prototyped an acetic acid injection device to be installed on an underwater robot. Next, we installed the developed injection device on a remotely operated vehicle and injected acetic acid into crown-of-thorns starfish under water. We describe the effectiveness of this acetic acid injection device for exterminating crown-of-thorns starfish. The experimental results prove that the developed acetic acid injection device can inject acetic acid into crown-of-thorns starfish just as intended, and that an underwater robot installed with such device can be used effectively to aid in the extermination of crown-of-thorns starfish. 
Development of a Series of RT-Mover, Which is a Four-Wheel Type of Mobile Platform with an Ability of Negotiating Obstacles
Authors: Nakajima Shuro ,   Wakayama University
Published: April 2016

  Personal mobility vehicles
 We have developed the RT-Mover series of mobile robots because of the strong demand for mobile robot platforms for use on rough terrain. They look like ordinary four-wheel vehicles but are mobile enough to operate on targeted rough terrain encountered in daily life. The advantage of this series is that individual wheels negotiate obstacles with their own leg motion mechanisms. 
Hazard Anticipatory Autonomous Braking Control System Based on 2-D Pedestrian Motion Prediction
Authors: Ezawa Kazuhiro ,   Department of Mechanical Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Raksincharoensak Pongsathorn , Nagai Masao ,   Department of Industrial Technology and Innovation, Faculty of Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology,   Japan Automobile Research Institute
Published: April 2016

 The focused scenario
This paper discusses 2-dimensional (2-D) pedestrian motion prediction and autonomous braking control for enhancing the collision avoidance performance of an active safety system. The paper targets a typical scenario involving a pedestrian walking toward a parked vehicle on a crowded urban road. The pedestrian is not expected to continue walking in a straight line. Conventional first-order motion prediction accuracy alone is not enough to predict the pedestrian motion because prediction is based on the pedestrian’s current position and velocity within a finite time. We formulated a 2-D pedestrian motion model of the parked vehicle based on learning the measured trajectory of pedestrians in the same scenario. We then designed an autonomous braking control system based on whether the vehicle will overtake a pedestrian. We evaluated the validity of the proposed autonomous braking control system in simulation experiments.
Evaluation of Low-Speed Driving Behavior of Remotely Controlled Vehicle
Authors: Omae Manabu ,   Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University, Odaka Yushi , Fujii Kenta , Shimizu Hiroshi ,   Faculty of Environment and Information Studies, Keio University
Published: April 2016

 Experimental vehicles for test
This paper presents an experimental study on the remote control of a vehicle, focusing on driving behavior. In remote control, an operator controls a vehicle remotely using visual information captured and transmitted by a camera on the controlled vehicle without grasping sensory information related to vehicle motion, such as acceleration, vibration, or turning. The quality of visual information and a consideration of the lack of sensory information about vehicle motion are thus important for operating a vehicle safely and efficiently. This study clarifies differences in human (direct) driving and remote control driving. In step 1 of the study, we developed an experimental vehicle to evaluate the influence of visual information and evaluated the relationship between driving behavior and the quality of visual information. In step 2, we developed a remotely controlled vehicle to compare driving behavior during direct and remote driving. We also evaluated the driving behavior exhibited when there was no information on vehicle motion.
Simple Trajectory Control Method of Robot Arm Using Flexible Pneumatic Cylinders
Authors: Aliff Mohd ,   Graduate School of Engineering, Okayama University of Science, Dohta Shujiro , Akagi Tetsuya ,   Department of Intelligent Mechanical Engineering, Okayama University of Science
Published: April 2016

 Flexible robot arm
Robots, due to their excellent speed, accuracy and cost-effectiveness in repetitive tasks, now have a tendency to be used in rehabilitation field. A simple trajectory control of robot arm using flexible pneumatic cylinders and embedded controller which can be used as rehabilitation for human wrist is described. The system consists of the flexible robot arm, an accelerometer, an embedded microcomputer, a potentiometer and compact quasi-servo valves. The analytical model for trajectory control is proposed and applied on the flexible pneumatic robot arm. The proposed trajectory control method does not need a linearized model which is commonly used in a robot arm. The flexible structure has the characteristics of high safety such as not to cause harm to user and is suitable for use in therapeutic devices. The trajectory control can help patients recover more quickly by repeating the movements based on the patient's individual condition. Both experiment and simulation show that the trajectory control of robot arm can be realized for several kinds of trajectory by using the proposed control method and the tested robot arm.
A Novel Approach to Quantitative Evaluation of Tangle Formations for Seaweeds in Stirrer Cultivation
Authors: Ogawa Jun ,   Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Hokkaido University, Iizuka Hiroyuki , Yamamoto Masahito , Furukawa Masashi ,   Department of System and Informatics, Hokkaido Information University
Published: April 2016

[abstFig src='/00280001/04.jpg' width=""300"" text='Seaweed tangle formation' ]We discuss novel approaches to the control of seaweed tangle formations in stirrer cultivation. Cultivating seaweed is one important way to avoid such formation. Because defining such formation is difficult based on human recognition alone, there is currently no quantitative evaluation criterion for formation. We develop physical simulation for analyzing formations in a water flow field and model three factors – physical, geometric and time – for characterizing formations. Our criterion is that formations are created by using these factors as input to a nonlinear support vector machine. To show the effectiveness of our simulation and criteria, we confirm the control effects of the water flow in simulation and the real world. Results show that our simulation model is useful for avoiding such formation in the real world.
Cloud/Crowd Sensing System for Annotating Users Perception
Authors: Mito Wataru ,   SECOM Co., Ltd., Matsunaga Masahiro
Published: April 2016

[abstFig src='/00280001/06.jpg' width=""300"" text='Overview of cloud/crowd sensing system' ]Reduction of burden of life support services has been studied for future ultra-aging society. However, highly advanced systems of the life support services often cause low accessibility. If the accessibility were low, service users would have difficulty in forecasting the system behavior and feel uneasy. In this paper, a cloud/crowd sensing system is proposed. Triggered by a monitoring result from sensors used in a life support service system, a character agent of the proposed system gives users dialogues and acquires information about their subjective views. A prototype of the cloud/crowd sensing system is described and evaluated in the paper. Anxiety of the users due to low accessibility could be removed by applying the proposed sensing system to the life support system.
Virtual Mooring Buoy “ABA” for Multiple Autonomous Underwater Vehicles Operation
Authors: Nishida Yuya ,   Kyushu Institute of Technology, Kojima Junichi , Itoh Yuzuru , Tamura Kenkichi , Sugimatsu Harumi , Kim Kangsoo , Sudo Taku , Ura Tamaki ,   KDDI R&D Laboratories,   Ocean Engineering Research, Inc.,   National Maritime Research Institute,   The University of Tokyo,   IHI Corporation
Published: April 2016

[abstFig src='/00280001/09.jpg' width=""300"" text='Virtual Mooring Buoy ""ABA""' ]We developed a virtual mooring buoy, called an autonomous buoy “ABA” for AUV, which navigates the sea using thrusters in 2014. Its purpose was to deploy autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) effectively in seafloor exploration. The ABA tracks and positions AUVs operating underwater using onboard acoustic positioning. We have deployed the ABA with two type AUVs in seafloor exploration. That conducted in February 2015 used the ABA with one AUV to survey and inventory mineral deposits, demonstrating the ABA’s capability of positioning an AUV navigating at 1,370–1,550 m depths at a standard deviation of 100 m or less and tracking it while maintaining a horizontal distance of 50 m or less. The ABA navigated the AUV within a position error of about 10 m.
Electric Cart Matching the User Gait
Authors: Miyawaki Kazuto ,   Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Akita College
Published: April 2016

[abstFig src='/00280001/12.jpg' width=""300"" text='Carts use outdoor and indoor' ]A super-aging society must implement assistive technology and develop welfare equipment to enhance quality of life and enable senior citizens to operate independently in society. Devices such as walkers help support them in daily life. To aid senior citizens, we developed an electric cart to assist in walking.
East Los High: Transmedia Edutainment to Promote the Sexual and Reproductive Health of Young Latina/o Americans
Authors: Wang Hua , Singhal Arvind
Published: April 2016

Latina/o Americans are at high risk for sexually transmitted infections and adolescent pregnancies. Needed urgently are innovative health promotion approaches that are engaging and culturally sensitive. East Los High is a transmedia edutainment program aimed at young Latina/o Americans. It embeds educational messages in entertainment narratives across digital platforms to promote sexual and reproductive health. We employed online analytics tracking (2013–2014), an online viewer survey (2013), and a laboratory experiment (El Paso, TX, 2014) for season 1 program evaluation. We found that East Los High had a wide audience reach, strong viewer engagement, and a positive cognitive, emotional, and social impact on sexual and reproductive health communication and education. Culturally sensitive transmedia edutainment programs are a promising health promotion strategy for minority populations and warrant further investigation.
Diffusion of an Evidence-Based Smoking Cessation Intervention Through Facebook: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Cobb Nathan K. , Jacobs Megan A. , Wileyto Paul , Valente Thomas , Graham Amanda L.
Published: April 2016

Objectives. To examine the diffusion of an evidence-based smoking cessation application (“app”) through Facebook social networks and identify specific intervention components that accelerate diffusion.

Methods. Between December 2012 and October 2013, we recruited adult US smokers (“seeds”) via Facebook advertising and randomized them to 1 of 12 app variants using a factorial design. App variants targeted components of diffusion: duration of use (t), “contagiousness” (β), and number of contacts (Z). The primary outcome was the reproductive ratio (R), defined as the number of individuals installing the app (“descendants”) divided by the number of a seed participant’s Facebook friends.

Results. We randomized 9042 smokers. App utilization metrics demonstrated between-variant differences in expected directions. The highest level of diffusion (R = 0.087) occurred when we combined active contagion strategies with strategies to increase duration of use (incidence rate ratio = 9.99; 95% confidence interval = 5.58, 17.91; P < .001). Involving nonsmokers did not affect diffusion.

Conclusions. The maximal R value (0.087) is sufficient to increase the numbers of individuals receiving treatment if applied on a large scale. Online interventions can be designed a priori to spread through social networks.
Demographic, Insurance, and Health Characteristics of Newly Enrolled HIV-Positive Patients After Implementation of the Affordable Care Act in California
Authors: Satre Derek D. , Parthasarathy Sujaya , Altschuler Andrea , Silverberg Michael J. , Storholm Erik , Campbell Cynthia I.
Published: April 2016

Objectives. To examine changes in HIV-positive patient enrollment in a large health care delivery system before and after key Affordable Care Act (ACA) provisions went into effect in 2014.

Methods. Analyses compared HIV-positive patients newly enrolled in Kaiser Permanente Northern California between January and June 2012 (n = 339) to those newly enrolled between January and June 2014 through the California insurance exchange or via other mechanisms (n = 549).

Results. After the ACA, the HIV-positive patient enrollment increased. These new enrollees were more likely to be male (93.6% vs 89.1%; P = .01), to be enrolled in high-deductible benefit plans (≥ $1000; 18.8% vs 5.5%; P = .01), and to have better HIV viral control (HIV RNA levels below limits of quantification 79.5% vs 73.6%; P = .05) compared with pre-ACA new enrollees. Among post-ACA new enrollees, there were more patients in the lowest and highest age groups. Post-ACA exchange enrollees (22%) were more likely to be male and to have high-deductible plans than those enrolled through other mechanisms.

Conclusions. More men, higher deductibles, and better HIV viral control characterize newly enrolled HIV-positive patients after the ACA in California.

Public health implications. Evolving characteristics of HIV-positive enrollees may affect HIV policy, patient care needs, and service utilization.
Diffusion of Pharmacy-Based Influenza Vaccination Over Time in the United States
Authors: Chun Grace J. , Sautter Jessica M. , Patterson Brandon J. , McGhan William F.
Published: April 2016

Objectives. To examine pharmacy-based influenza vaccination using diffusion of innovation theory.

Methods. We used 1993 to 2013 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data to generate weighted prevalence rates of influenza vaccination, stratified by age (18–64 years vs ≥ 65 years) and state of residence. The diffusion of innovation theory adopter categories were residents of states allowing pharmacist vaccination before 1996 (“innovator/early adopters”), between 1996 and 1998 (“early majority”), between 1999 and 2004 (“late majority”), and in 2007 or later (“laggards”).

Results. For adults aged 18 to 64 years, vaccination rates were similar before the innovation (1993), diverged as the innovation reached the majority (2003), and were significantly lower for laggard states by 2013. Younger adults’ vaccination rates steadily increased from 12% to 16% in 1993 to 29% to 36% in 2013. For older adults, there was no significant difference in vaccination rates between adopter categories in any year and no advantage associated with adoption category.

Conclusions. Key features of pharmacy-based vaccination, including relative advantage and compatibility, are most relevant to younger adults; different interventions are warranted for older adults.
Estimating Potential Reductions in Premature Mortality in New York City From Raising the Minimum Wage to $15
Authors: Tsao Tsu-Yu , Konty Kevin J. , Van Wye Gretchen , Barbot Oxiris , Hadler James L. , Linos Natalia , Bassett Mary T.
Published: April 2016

Objectives. To assess potential reductions in premature mortality that could have been achieved in 2008 to 2012 if the minimum wage had been $15 per hour in New York City.

Methods. Using the 2008 to 2012 American Community Survey, we performed simulations to assess how the proportion of low-income residents in each neighborhood might change with a hypothetical $15 minimum wage under alternative assumptions of labor market dynamics. We developed an ecological model of premature death to determine the differences between the levels of premature mortality as predicted by the actual proportions of low-income residents in 2008 to 2012 and the levels predicted by the proportions of low-income residents under a hypothetical $15 minimum wage.

Results. A $15 minimum wage could have averted 2800 to 5500 premature deaths between 2008 and 2012 in New York City, representing 4% to 8% of total premature deaths in that period. Most of these avertable deaths would be realized in lower-income communities, in which residents are predominantly people of color.

Conclusions. A higher minimum wage may have substantial positive effects on health and should be considered as an instrument to address health disparities.
Giardiasis in the United States – an epidemiologic and geospatial analysis of county-level drinking water and sanitation data, 1993–2010
Authors: Schnell Kerry , Collier Sarah , Derado Gordana , Yoder Jonathan , Gargano Julia Warner
Published: April 2016

Giardiasis is the most commonly reported intestinal parasitic infection in the United States. Outbreak investigations have implicated poorly maintained private wells, and hypothesized a role for wastewater systems in giardiasis transmission. Surveillance data consistently show geographic variability in reported giardiasis incidence. We explored county-level associations between giardiasis cases, household water and sanitation (1990 census), and US Census division. Using 368,847 reported giardiasis cases (1993–2010), we mapped county-level giardiasis incidence rates, private well reliance, and septic system reliance, and assessed spatiotemporal clustering of giardiasis. We used negative binomial regression to evaluate county-level associations between giardiasis rates, region, and well and septic reliance, adjusted for demographics. Adjusted giardiasis incidence rate ratios (aIRRs) were highest (aIRR 1.3; 95% confidence interval 1.2–1.5) in counties with higher private well reliance. There was no significant association between giardiasis and septic system reliance in adjusted models. Consistent with visual geographic distributions, the aIRR of giardiasis was highest in New England (aIRR 3.3; 95% CI 2.9–3.9; reference West South Central region). Our results suggest that, in the USA, private wells are relevant to giardiasis transmission; giardiasis risk factors might vary regionally; and up-to-date, location-specific national data on water sources and sanitation methods are needed.
Assessment results of fluid-structure interaction numerical simulation using fuzzy logic
Authors: Markovic Zoran , Stupar Slobodan , Dinulovic Mirko , Pekovic Ognjen , Stefanovic Predrag , Cvetinovic Dejan
Published: April 2016

A fuzzy approximation concept is applied in order to predict results of
coupled computational structure mechanics and computational fluid dynamics
while solving a problem of steady incompressible gas flow through thermally
loaded rectangular thin-walled channel. Channel wall deforms into wave - type
shapes depending on thermal load and fluid inlet velocity inducing the
changes of fluid flow accordingly. A set of fluid - structure interaction
(FSI) numerical tests have been defined by varying the values of fluid inlet
velocity, temperature of inner and outer surface of the channel wall and
numerical grid density. The unsteady Navier-Stokes equations are numerically
solved using an element-based finite volume method and second order backward
Euler discretization scheme. The structural model is solved by finite element
method including geometric and material nonlinearities. The implicit two-way
iterative code coupling, partitioned solution approach, were used while
solving these numerical tests. Results of numerical analysis indicate that
gravity and pressure distribution inside the channel contributes to
triggering the shape of deformation. In the inverse problem, the results of
FSI numerical simulations formed a database of input variables for
development fuzzy logic based models considering downstream pressure drop and
maximum stresses as the objective functions. Developed fuzzy models predicted
targeting results within a reasonable accuracy limit at lower computation
cost compared to series of FSI numerical calculations. Smaller relative
difference were obtained when calculating the values of pressure drop then
maximal stresses indicating that transfer function influence on output values
have to be additionally investigated.
It was horrible, but we live now
Authors: Krieg Lisa J.
Published: April 2016

Based on an ethnographic field study in a museum and an evening high
school in Cologne, this paper discusses experiences of young German adults in everyday
encounters with the Holocaust, which are oft en accompanied by feelings of
discomfort. Considering the Holocaust as an uncanny, strange matter contributes
to understanding that distance and proximity are key factors in creating uncomfortable
encounters. Distance from the Holocaust reduces discomfort, but where
distance cannot be created, other strategies have to be put to work. This article
underlines the significance of experience in an individual’s personal relation to
the past for gaining an improved understanding of Holocaust memorial culture
in Germany.
Doing Memory
Authors: Binnenkade Alexandra
Published: April 2016

This article outlines the “discursive node” as an approach to a cultural
analysis of how memory is being done in history classrooms. Teaching is a practice
embodied in the interactions between teachers and their audiences, between
texts, imagery and institutional formations, and between material and immaterial
participants in an activity that entails not only knowledge but also emotions,
experience and values (Henry Giroux). Discursive nodes are useful metaphors that
enable research of a phenomenon that is ontologically and empirically fluxional,
heterogeneous, unstable, situative and fuzzy—memory.
6-Pyrazolylpurine as an Artificial Nucleobase for Metal-Mediated Base Pairing in DNA Duplexes
Authors: Léon J. , Sinha Indranil , Müller Jens
Published: April 2016

The artificial nucleobase 6-pyrazol-1-yl-purine (6PP) has been investigated with respect to its usability in metal-mediated base pairing. As was shown by temperature-dependent UV spectroscopy, 6PP may form weakly stabilizing 6PP–Ag(I)–6PP homo base pairs. Interestingly, 6PP can be used to selectively recognize a complementary pyrimidine nucleobase. The addition of Ag(I) to a DNA duplex comprising a central 6PP:C mispair (C = cytosine) leads to a slight destabilization of the duplex. In contrast, a stabilizing 6PP–Ag(I)–T base pair is formed with a complementary thymine (T) residue. It is interesting to note that 6PP is capable of differentiating between the pyrimidine moieties despite the fact that it is not as sterically crowded as 6-(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)purine, an artificial nucleobase that had previously been suggested for the recognition of nucleic acid sequences via the formation of a metal-mediated base pair. Hence, the additional methyl groups of 6-(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)purine may not be required for the specific recognition of the complementary nucleobase.