Enabling Technologies for Autonomous Robotic Systems in Manufacturing

Research of autonomous manufacturing systems is motivated both by the new technical possibilities of cyber-physical systems and by the practical needs of the industry.Autonomous operation in semi-structured industrial environments can now be supported by advanced sensor technologies,digital twins,artificial intelligence and novel communication techniques.These enable real-time monitoring of production processes,situation recognition and prediction,automated and adaptive(re)planning,teamwork and performance improvement by learning.This paper summarizes the main requirements towards autonomous industrial robotics and suggests a generic workflow for realizing such systems.Application case studies will be presented from recent practice at HUN-REN SZTAKI in a broad range of domains such as assembly,welding,grinding,picking and placing,and machining.The various solutions have in common that they use a generic digital twin concept as their core.After making general recommendations for realizing autonomous robotic solutions in the industry,open issues for future research will be discussed.

Transportation Characteristics Change under Rapid Urban Expansion:A Case Study of Shanghai

This paper focuses on the economic development and urban morphology as well as its impact on the transportation system during the urban expansion of Shanghai in the last more than 20 years(1986-2008).Based on data from 3 comprehensive transport surveys of Shanghai since 1986,the changes in residential trip demand,vehicle use,and the spatial distribution of trips were studied to understand the demands on the transportation system.The factors contributing to those changes in transportation demand were discussed,by which the conclusions were arrived:1) economic development promotes population growth and stimulates residential trip demand greatly;2) unsynchronized migration of population and job from central district to periphery district of Shanghai make trips and congestion diffuse in the same way;and 3) urban sprawl from a city center encourages the single-occupant vehicle mode,which imposes greater pressure on the roadway system.It is concluded that urban development should coordinate with the transportation system planning and expansion.

Diving control of underactuated unmanned undersea vehicle using integral-fast terminal sliding mode control

The problem of diving control for an underactuated unmanned undersea vehicle(UUV) considering the presence of parameters perturbations and wave disturbances was addressesed.The vertical motion of an UUV was divided into two noninteracting subsystems for surge velocity control and diving.To stabilize the vertical motion system,the surge velocity and the depth control controllers were proposed using backstepping technology and an integral-fast terminal sliding mode control(IFTSMC).It is proven that the proposed control scheme can guarantee that all the error signals in the whole closed-loop system globally converge to the sliding surface in finite time and asymptotically converge to the origin along the sliding surface.With a unified control parameters for different motion states,a series of numerical simulation results illustrate the effectiveness of the above designed control scheme,which also shows strong robustness against parameters perturbations and wave disturbances.

Metabolic Changes in Rats with Photochemically Induced Cerebral Infarction and the Effects of Batroxobin:A Study by Magnetic Resonance Imaging,~1H-and ^(31)p-Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

Metabolic changes in rats with photochemically induced cerebral infarction and the effects of batroxobin were investigated 1, 3, 5 and 7 days after infarction by means of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), 1H- and 31P-magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). A region of T2 hyperintensity was observed in left temporal neocortex in infarction group and batroxobin group 1, 3, 5 and 7 days after infarction. The volume of the region gradually decreased from 1 day to 7 days after infarction. The ratio of NAA/Cho + Cr in the region of T2 hyperintensity in the infarction group was significantly lower than that in the corresponding region in the sham-operated group 3, 5 and 7 days after infarction respectively (P

Is changing footstrike pattern beneficial to runners?

Some researchers, running instructors, and coaches have suggested that the "optimal" footstrike pattern to improve performance and reduce running injuries is to land using a mid-or forefoot strike. Thus, it has been recommended that runners who use a rearfoot strike would benefit by changing their footstrike although there is little scientific evidence for suggesting such a change. The rearfoot strike is clearly more prevalent. The major reasons often given for changing to a mid-or forefoot strike are(1) it is more economical;(2) there is a reduction in the impact peak and loading rate of the vertical component of the ground reaction force; and(3) there is a reduction in the risk of a running-related injuries. In this paper,we critique these 3 suggestions and provide alternate explanations that may provide contradictory evidence for altering one's footstrike pattern.We have concluded, based on examining the research literature, that changing to a mid-or forefoot strike does not improve running economy, does not eliminate an impact at the foot-ground contact, and does not reduce the risk of running-related injuries.

No evidence demonstrating hepatotoxicity associated with hydroxycitric acid

Although a number of cases of hepatotoxicity are associated with the use of Hydroxycut weight management products, it has been alleged that their effects are primarily due to the presence of hydroxycitric acid (HCA, as Super CitriMax) in the formulations. However, while these products contain up to 20 different ingredients, some do not contain HCA. Case studies reported to date have not considered in depth the literature on the numerous animal and human studies that have been conducted on the safety and effi cacy of HCA. No HCA-associated hepatotoxicity or treatment-related adverse effects have been reported in these studies, and thus it is premature to make the assumptions presented in the recent case studies regarding Hydroxycut. If it is established in well controlled studies that the use of these formulations with and/or without HCA can result in the occurrence or progression of hepatotoxicity, additional studies should be conducted to characterize the causative factor(s).

A Study on the Perceptions of Students on Renewable Energy at Suleyman Demirel University in Isparta, Turkey

Recent research suggests that public opinion＇s acknowledgment is a major obstacle in the way of renewable energy use. Renewable energy will be more preferred and available through social and individual perception and ing. However, first of all, it is necessary to identify the existing perception and demographical factors affecting it to achieve renewable energy perception. In this regard, perceptions of students studying at different departments of faculties and vocational schools at SiJleyman Demirel University on renewable energy and the factors affecting their perceptions were studied. According to the research results, there was not a significant difference between students＇ hometowns, parents＇ occupations and renewable energy perception. However, there was a significant difference between parents＇ educational background, monthly income and students＇ renewable energy future tendency. Mother＇s educational background was also effective on renewable energy future vision, and there was a significant difference between students＇ faculties and renewable energy perception.

A Novel Tele-Operated Flexible Robot Targeted for Minimally Invasive Robotic Surgery

In this paper, a novel flexible robot system with a constrained tendon-driven serpentine manipulator(CTSM) is presented. The CTSM gives the robot a larger workspace, more dexterous manipulation, and controllable stiffness compared with the da Vinci surgical robot and traditional flexible robots. The robot is tele-operated using the Novint Falcon haptic device. Two control modes are implemented, direct mapping and incremental mode. In each mode, the robot can be manipulated using either the highest stiffness scheme or the minimal movement scheme. The advantages of the CTSM are shown by simulation and experimental results.

The Use of Drones in Forestry

Recently, drones have found applicability in a variety of study fields, one of these being forestry, where an increasing interest is given to this segment of technology, especially due to the high-resolution data that can be collected flexibly in a short time and at a relatively low price. Also, drones have an important role in filling the gaps of common data collected using manned aircraft or satellite remote sensing, while having many advantages both in research and in various practical applications particularly in forestry as well as in land use in general. This paper aims to briefly describe the different approaches of applications of UAVs （Unmanned Aircraft Vehicles） in forestry, such as forest mapping, forest management planning, canopy height model creation or mapping forest gaps. These approaches have great potential in the near future applications and their quick implementation in a variety of situations is desirable for the sustainable management of forests.

The Challenges of Assessing the Output of EmergentEconomies： The Case of Bahrain

Business analysts worldwide use the standard theories and tools of macroeconomics and finance to determine the investment, trade or production possibilities in foreign markets. These evaluations are generally supported by three sources： estimations of using country-specific macroeconomic data on which they can determine patterns of growth, inflation, unemployment, productivity, income per capita, etc.; timely data on current conditions and developments in production, income and spending; and institutional information on policy makers, business practices and financial markets. This paper focuses on the first two where we examine the publically available macroeconomic data for the Kingdom of Bahrain to determine their reliability. Among our findings are： （1） creating a reliable data base of macroeconomic data is difficult due to data revision and incomplete data gathering; （2） the movement of standard macro-variables is often unusual, leading one to question further the reliability of the data; （3） based on available data it appears that the growth in Bahrain has been driven almost solely by an increase in the number of people working, with little to no apparent rise in productivity; and （4） the growth of GDP will eventually be constrained by physical limits on population growth, and can be improved only if ways can be found to increase the productivity of the workforce.

Living alone, health and preventive care use among the elderly in Shanghai, China

Objective:The purpose of the study was to compare the preventive care use and health between the elderly living alone and living with other individuals and identify strategies to improve the preventive care use among the elderly living alone.Methods:A questionnaire including socioeconomic characteristics,preventive care use,health status and Social Support Rate Scale was administered to 240 elderly living alone and 244 elderly living with other individuals in Shanghai,China.Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the predictors of preventive care use.Results:The elderly living alone were more likely to be single(never married,divorced,separated and widowed),have lower social support and income,utilize less routine physical check-up and blood glucose screenings,have worse self-reported health and have limitations in IADL compared to the elderly living with other individuals.Women,old age,high education,income and social support and close to medical institutions were positively associated with routine physical check-up among the elderly.Conclusion:Living alone was associated with less preventive care use and worse health.It was important to provide more social support and economic support for the elderly living alone to increase their preventive health care service utilization and improve their health status.

Hepatitis A virus infection and hepatitis A vaccination in human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients: A review

Hepatitis A virus(HAV)is one of the most common infectious etiologies of acute hepatitis worldwide.The virus is known to be transmitted fecal-orally,resulting in symptoms ranging from asymptomatic infection to fulminant hepatitis.HAV can also be transmitted through oral-anal sex.Residents from regions of low endemicity for HAV infection often remain susceptible in their adulthood.Therefore,clustered HAV infections or outbreaks of acute hepatitis A among men who have sex with men and injecting drug users have been reported in countries of low endemicity for HAV infection.The duration of HAV viremia and stool shedding of HAV may be longer in human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)-positive individuals compared to HIV-negative individuals with acute hepatitis A.Current guidelines recommend HAV vaccination for individuals with increased risks of exposure to HAV(such as from injecting drug use,oral-anal sex,travel to or residence in endemic areas,frequent clotting factor or blood transfusions)or with increased risks of fulminant disease(such as those with chronic hepatitis).The seroconversion rates following the recommended standard adult dosing schedule(2doses of HAVRIX 1440 U or VAQTA 50 U administered6-12 mo apart)are lower among HIV-positive individuals compared to HIV-negative individuals.While the response rates may be augmented by adding a booster dose at week 4 sandwiched between the first dose and the 6-mo dose,the need of booster vaccination remain less clear among HIV-positive individuals who have lost anti-HAV antibodies.

Tools for Protein Structure Prediction at the bri-shur.com Web Portal

lntemet services on bioinformatics still remain a popular tool for the researchers. Here the authors present a recently developed web-site http：//bri-shur.com where several tools and pipelines for protein structure prediction are implemented. The prediction of a structure for a particular protein often requires a sensitive and iterative approach, and the web-site provides an environment for this kind of work. Software that is used in the services includes both free programs available in the Internet and newly developed algorithms. The service on homology screening in PDB for a structure template is implemented using an approach that is alternative to well-known BLAST algorithm and it has some advantages over BLAST. The service on homology modeling uses well-known Nest program. The service on protein energy estimate allows selecting a best template in the set of homologs and adds a functionality of fold recognition to the environment. The design of the site simplifies several of the most useful bioinformatics routines, thus making them available to a large community of researchers. Services are provided free of charge without registration, and the user＇s privacy is taken care of.

Motion Capture for Puppet Control Using Integrated Sensor System

The paper aims to execute puppet without restrictions by controling puppet using robot. We controling puppet in the same way as the present puppet, but we perform this by robot. It offers more advantages and lessen the weak points. It needs various actions and expressions because of the nature of a puppet. The biggest problem which executes this is the ways to create a system. This thesis proposes motion capture of developed method with solution of this problem. So, we create various contents needed by puppet. In this part, developed method means a mixed method on the basis of optical system and magnetic system used mainly for the present method of motion capture. We lessen the weak points of each method and propoe solution of create motion for pupct by offering more advantages. So we solve difficulties of executing puppet and probable probkans when we execute puppet by using robot. The solution of this thesis is proven by applying control of puppet.

Measuring the Impact of Information Technology （IT） on Supply Chain Management （SCM） Through Indicators： An Exploratory Study

Enterprises are looking to adapt to this scenario focusing on performance, seeking to improve the level of service and reduce costs in an attempt to differentiate and increase the perceived value of their customers. A strong partner to achieve these goals is the information technology （IT）. IT has an important role in the performance of companies, providing a flow of information that makes the supply chain more robust and resilient, without compromising efficiency. To achieve the objective of this research, a survey of the literature on the four models was studied and then a field research with professionals was conducted in the areas of IT and supply chain management （SCM） of various companies of Sao Paulo. To collect the data needed for analysis, we used the exploratory research of a qualitative nature. Thus, we conclude that the use of IT impacts supply chain in five surveyed areas as planning, manufacturing, suppliers, customers, and delivery but does not impact the return area.

Characteristics of China's Automobile Recall Actions

For the purpose of enhancing automobile safety and the effectiveness of recalls,increasing manufacturers' quality control capabilities,and reducing defects,we investigated thestatus of recalls over the last five years.We have examined patterns and trends in motor vehiclesafety recalls using databases from China,Europe and the United States.A recall rate parameterwas developed to evaluate the level of recall enforcement based on analyzing the reasonsfor recalls and manufactures' characteristics.Moreover,there were substantial differencesin the recall rates of China compared with those in other countries,indicating that Chinese manufacturersneed to take more active action in recall.

Cognitive Heuristics and Dual Process Models A Perspective for Management Accounting （MA）？

Classical management accounting （MA） Focusing on the facilitating perspective, focuses on decision facilitating and influencing （Demski ＆ Feltham, 1976）. MA has to provide information to managers and depending on the problem complexity, they have to solve problems in a dyadic way. A dual process model, the heuristic systematic model （HSM）, expands this so-called manager-accountant-dyad and shows different cases of actual human information processing. Managers and accountants either process systematically or heuristically. So far, many concepts have been designed in relation to the normative concept of the economical rational principle. Consequently, recent research only uses systematic information processing, based on the principle of the economic man. In this paper, a decision-behavior oriented approach tries to describe actual decision makers such as managers and accountants and shows new possibilities within MA. Therefore, the potential of heuristic information processing is analyzed, based on the phenomenon of ecological rationality as one shape of bounded rationality. Thus, different cognitive heuristics in business economics are identified and analyzed. Furthermore, the outstanding performance of heuristics compared with more complex calculations is shown. Unfortunately, these findings have been limited to marketing and investments so far. Significant research is needed, regarding conditions for applications and success factors of heuristics in business economics. New empirical findings have to be explicitly transferred to MA.

Value Generation through Integrated Teams： A Socio-Cognitive Approach

Value generation is defined as meeting client requirements while minimizing waste. Researchers concur on the issues related to sequential design in handling client requirements, and suggest the use of an integrated design approach as an alternative. Little has been said, however, about the impact of adopting integrated design＇s work organization to traditional design practice, processes and tools, nor about the importance of breaking down socio-cognitive barriers related to mental model fragmentation between design professionals, clients and users. This may result in cognitive inertia, a major source of waste. The objective of this research is to develop and test the introduction of boundary objects, such as new technologies, to the context of integrated teams and organizations to break the cognitive inertia that hinders value generation. The research is conclusive about the effectiveness of using boundary objects to transform practices in construction. This research also contributes to a better understanding of the new purposes of construction projects by framing its context and process dimensions within a theoretical framework, as well as to the evolution of practices in construction - and of practices that could be applicable to other fields.

The Art of Authenticity： Constantin Stanislavski and Merleau-Ponty

Constantin Stanislavski＇s Russian acting system, further developed by contemporary methodological practices, and Maurice Merleau-Ponty＇s philosophy of the body as object-subject are compared to illustrate how simple, learned techniques can assist in the production of authentic and transparent interrelational presence. Authentic presence requires three components： （1） honest exposition of a person＇s singular, essential being; （2） empathy towards the needs of other, distinct and separate from the self; and （3） mutual reciprocation, which means giving back or responding somewhat equitably to the other with whom the self is in communication, and accepting the same respondence from the other if afforded. The comprehension of Merleau-Ponty＇s ontology combined with Stanislavski＇s performance technique is uniquely suited to interpersonal communications in the ＇real world＇. Stanislavski＇s artistic vision demands an intensity of attentive involvement in order to achieve onstage authenticity. Merleau-Ponty provides supportive philosophical schematics, especially in his controversial but effective use of the expression ＇flesh＇. While this study may initially appear to focus on the artist, the development of interrelational skills is reliably applicable to anyone who desires to obtain a higher degree of authenticity in collaborative presence.

Digital Divide in Relation to Differently Abled Community in Sri Lanka

The developments in the field of Information and Communication Technology （ICT） in the country has rapidly happen after year 2009 .Government has developed many programs and initiations to develop ICT in the country after three decades of war was ended up. As a result disabled community can make many opportunities to use the ICT and at the same time create a gap, which is commonly referred to as Disability Digital Divide. The purpose of this study was to examine empirically the current status of adoption of ICT and in turn the digital divide resulting from which in the disability community in Sri Lanka and the factors affecting this behavior. A questionnaire and Interviewed based survey （n = 107） was carried out to collect the data from the disabled people who used ICT in the Colombo, Gampaha, and Kaluthara district. An empirical model was developed to show the relationship between the level of adoption of 10 basic, intermediate, and advanced ICT facilities and a number of factors to reflect the WWW, Smart phones, and Computer usage aspects of disabled community. Based on the Innovatiotr---Diffusion Theory, the status of Digital Divide of a disabled community was specified by means of an Index. The results show that this community did not become innovators or early-adopters of ICT by adopting WWW or computer related technologies but was mostly confined to the smart phone related facilities. The results from this study highlight that the income of a disabled person, awareness about the information and technology, interest of new technology usage, social and cultural background of a person, use of English language in day-to-day life give a significant impact on the adoption oflCT by the disabled community.