A Mobile Phone App to Stimulate Daily Physical Activity in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Development, Feasibility, and Pilot Studies

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

Background Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) demonstrate reduced levels of daily physical activity (DPA) compared to healthy controls. This results in a higher risk of hospital admission and shorter survival. Performing regular DPA reduces these risks. Objective To develop an eHealth intervention that will support patients with COPD to improve or maintain their DPA after pulmonary rehabilitation. Methods The design process consisted of literature research and the iterative developing and piloting phases of the Medical Research Council (MRC) model for complex clinical interventions and the involvement of end users. Participants were healthy adults and persons with COPD. Results The mobile phone interface met all the set requirements. Participants found that the app was stimulating and that reaching their DPA goals was rewarding. The mean (SD) scores on a 7-point scale for usability, ease of use, ease of learning, and contentment were 3.8 (1.8), 5.1 (1.1), 6.0 (1.6), and 4.8 (1.3), respectively. The mean (SD) correlation between the mobile phone and a validated accelerometer was 0.88 (0.12) in the final test. The idea of providing their health care professional with their DPA data caused no privacy issues in the participants. Battery life lasted for an entire day with the final version, and readability and comprehensibility of text and colors were favorable. Conclusions By employing a user-centered design approach, a mobile phone was found to be an adequate and feasible interface for an eHealth intervention. The mobile phone and app are easy to learn and use by patients with COPD. In the final test, the accuracy of the DPA measurement was good. The final version of the eHealth intervention is presently being tested by our group for efficacy in a randomized controlled trial in COPD patients. PMID:26813682

Using Mobile Devices for Robotic Controllers: Examples and Some Initial Concepts for Experimentation

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-06-01

3  Figure 3. The Sony PlayStation Portable hand-held control device is about 6.7 × 2.9 × 0.9 in. .... 4   Figure 4 . Current...Nunchuk (left) measures 4.45 × 1.5 × 1.48 in. Figure 2. Apple iPhone is 4.5 × 2.31 × 0.37 in. 4 Figure 3. The Sony PlayStation Portable...YYYY) June 2011 2. REPORT TYPE Final 3. DATES COVERED (From - To) June 2010–July 2010 4 . TITLE AND SUBTITLE Using Mobile Devices for Robotic

Symmetric caging formation for convex polygonal object transportation by multiple mobile robots based on fuzzy sliding mode control.

PubMed

Dai, Yanyan; Kim, YoonGu; Wee, SungGil; Lee, DongHa; Lee, SukGyu

2016-01-01

In this paper, the problem of object caging and transporting is considered for multiple mobile robots. With the consideration of minimizing the number of robots and decreasing the rotation of the object, the proper points are calculated and assigned to the multiple mobile robots to allow them to form a symmetric caging formation. The caging formation guarantees that all of the Euclidean distances between any two adjacent robots are smaller than the minimal width of the polygonal object so that the object cannot escape. In order to avoid collision among robots, the parameter of the robots radius is utilized to design the caging formation, and the A⁎ algorithm is used so that mobile robots can move to the proper points. In order to avoid obstacles, the robots and the object are regarded as a rigid body to apply artificial potential field method. The fuzzy sliding mode control method is applied for tracking control of the nonholonomic mobile robots. Finally, the simulation and experimental results show that multiple mobile robots are able to cage and transport the polygonal object to the goal position, avoiding obstacles. Copyright © 2015 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Distributed finite-time trajectory tracking control for multiple nonholonomic mobile robots with uncertainties and external disturbances

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ou, Meiying; Sun, Haibin; Gu, Shengwei; Zhang, Yangyi

2017-11-01

This paper investigates the distributed finite-time trajectory tracking control for a group of nonholonomic mobile robots with time-varying unknown parameters and external disturbances. At first, the tracking error system is derived for each mobile robot with the aid of a global invertible transformation, which consists of two subsystems, one is a first-order subsystem and another is a second-order subsystem. Then, the two subsystems are studied respectively, and finite-time disturbance observers are proposed for each robot to estimate the external disturbances. Meanwhile, distributed finite-time tracking controllers are developed for each mobile robot such that all states of each robot can reach the desired value in finite time, where the desired reference value is assumed to be the trajectory of a virtual leader whose information is available to only a subset of the followers, and the followers are assumed to have only local interaction. The effectiveness of the theoretical results is finally illustrated by numerical simulations.

Vision-based stabilization of nonholonomic mobile robots by integrating sliding-mode control and adaptive approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Zhengcai; Yin, Longjie; Fu, Yili

2013-01-01

Vision-based pose stabilization of nonholonomic mobile robots has received extensive attention. At present, most of the solutions of the problem do not take the robot dynamics into account in the controller design, so that these controllers are difficult to realize satisfactory control in practical application. Besides, many of the approaches suffer from the initial speed and torque jump which are not practical in the real world. Considering the kinematics and dynamics, a two-stage visual controller for solving the stabilization problem of a mobile robot is presented, applying the integration of adaptive control, sliding-mode control, and neural dynamics. In the first stage, an adaptive kinematic stabilization controller utilized to generate the command of velocity is developed based on Lyapunov theory. In the second stage, adopting the sliding-mode control approach, a dynamic controller with a variable speed function used to reduce the chattering is designed, which is utilized to generate the command of torque to make the actual velocity of the mobile robot asymptotically reach the desired velocity. Furthermore, to handle the speed and torque jump problems, the neural dynamics model is integrated into the above mentioned controllers. The stability of the proposed control system is analyzed by using Lyapunov theory. Finally, the simulation of the control law is implemented in perturbed case, and the results show that the control scheme can solve the stabilization problem effectively. The proposed control law can solve the speed and torque jump problems, overcome external disturbances, and provide a new solution for the vision-based stabilization of the mobile robot.

Proposal of Path Following and Arrival Judgement Methods Using Target Vector for Teleoperation of a Mobile Robot on Uneven Ground by Image Pointing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tamura, Sho; Maeyama, Shoichi

Rescue robots have been actively developed since Hanshin-Awaji (Kobe) Earthquake. Recently, the rescue robot to reduce the risk of the secondary disaster on NBC terror and critical accident is also developed. For such a background, the development project of mobile RT system in the collapsed is started. This research also participates in this project. It is useful to use the image pointing for the control interface of the rescue robot because it can control the robot by the simple operation. However, the conventional method cannot work on a rough terrain. In this research, we propose the system which controls the robot to arrive the target position on the rough terrain. It is constructed the methods which put the destination into the vector, and control the 3D localizated robot to follow the vector. Finally, the proposed system is evaluated through experiments by remote control of a mobile robot in slope and cofirmed the feasibility.

Humanoid Mobile Manipulation Using Controller Refinement

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Platt, Robert; Burridge, Robert; Diftler, Myron; Graf, Jodi; Goza, Mike; Huber, Eric; Brock, Oliver

2006-01-01

An important class of mobile manipulation problems are move-to-grasp problems where a mobile robot must navigate to and pick up an object. One of the distinguishing features of this class of tasks is its coarse-to-fine structure. Near the beginning of the task, the robot can only sense the target object coarsely or indirectly and make gross motion toward the object. However, after the robot has located and approached the object, the robot must finely control its grasping contacts using precise visual and haptic feedback. This paper proposes that move-to-grasp problems are naturally solved by a sequence of controllers that iteratively refines what ultimately becomes the final solution. This paper introduces the notion of a refining sequence of controllers and characterizes this type of solution. The approach is demonstrated in a move-to-grasp task where Robonaut, the NASA/JSC dexterous humanoid, is mounted on a mobile base and navigates to and picks up a geological sample box. In a series of tests, it is shown that a refining sequence of controllers decreases variance in robot configuration relative to the sample box until a successful grasp has been achieved.

Humanoid Mobile Manipulation Using Controller Refinement

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Platt, Robert; Burridge, Robert; Diftler, Myron; Graf, Jodi; Goza, Mike; Huber, Eric

2006-01-01

An important class of mobile manipulation problems are move-to-grasp problems where a mobile robot must navigate to and pick up an object. One of the distinguishing features of this class of tasks is its coarse-to-fine structure. Near the beginning of the task, the robot can only sense the target object coarsely or indirectly and make gross motion toward the object. However, after the robot has located and approached the object, the robot must finely control its grasping contacts using precise visual and haptic feedback. In this paper, it is proposed that move-to-grasp problems are naturally solved by a sequence of controllers that iteratively refines what ultimately becomes the final solution. This paper introduces the notion of a refining sequence of controllers and characterizes this type of solution. The approach is demonstrated in a move-to-grasp task where Robonaut, the NASA/JSC dexterous humanoid, is mounted on a mobile base and navigates to and picks up a geological sample box. In a series of tests, it is shown that a refining sequence of controllers decreases variance in robot configuration relative to the sample box until a successful grasp has been achieved.

PD-like controller for delayed bilateral teleoperation of wheeled robots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Slawiñski, E.; Mut, V.; Santiago, D.

2016-08-01

This paper proposes a proportional derivative (PD)-like controller applied to the delayed bilateral teleoperation of wheeled robots with force feedback in face of asymmetric and varying-time delays. In contrast to bilateral teleoperation of manipulator robots, in these systems, there is a mismatch between the models of the master and slave (mobile robot), problem that is approached in this work, where the system stability is analysed. From this study, it is possible to infer the control parameters, depending on the time delay, necessary to assure stability. Finally, the performance of the delayed teleoperation system is evaluated through tests where a human operator drives a 3D simulator as well as a mobile robot for pushing objects.

Command and Control in Littoral Operations

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-05-13

mobility. Facing the broad spectrum of threats from mines, patrol boats, submarines and coastal defense cruise missiles, the ATF’s sea control was only...currently valid OMB control number. PLEASE DO NOT RETURN YOUR FORM TO THE ABOVE ADDRESS. 1. REPORT DATE (DD-MM-YYYY) 13-05-2016 2. REPORT TYPE...FINAL 3. DATES COVERED (From - To) 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE Command and Control in Littoral Operations 5a. CONTRACT

Lightweight robotic mobility: template-based modeling for dynamics and controls using ADAMS/car and MATLAB

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adamczyk, Peter G.; Gorsich, David J.; Hudas, Greg R.; Overholt, James

2003-09-01

The U.S. Army is seeking to develop autonomous off-road mobile robots to perform tasks in the field such as supply delivery and reconnaissance in dangerous territory. A key problem to be solved with these robots is off-road mobility, to ensure that the robots can accomplish their tasks without loss or damage. We have developed a computer model of one such concept robot, the small-scale "T-1" omnidirectional vehicle (ODV), to study the effects of different control strategies on the robot's mobility in off-road settings. We built the dynamic model in ADAMS/Car and the control system in Matlab/Simulink. This paper presents the template-based method used to construct the ADAMS model of the T-1 ODV. It discusses the strengths and weaknesses of ADAMS/Car software in such an application, and describes the benefits and challenges of the approach as a whole. The paper also addresses effective linking of ADAMS/Car and Matlab for complete control system development. Finally, this paper includes a section describing the extension of the T-1 templates to other similar ODV concepts for rapid development.

Control Based Mobile Ad Hoc Networking for Survivable, Dynamic, Mobile Special Operation Force Communications

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-09-01

The second phase started in March 2008 and ended in July 2009 [40]. By the time this paper is complete, the contractor will be working on final steps... cinematic images we see on our televisions or movie theater screens. Sure, some of it is just as, if not more, thrilling than what we all have come to...ITMANET): Mission.‖ [Online]. Available: http://www.darpa.mil/ipto/programs/itmanet/itmanet.asp. [Accessed: March 5, 2009]. [8] ―ITMANET Solicitation

Simultaneous tracking and regulation visual servoing of wheeled mobile robots with uncalibrated extrinsic parameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Qun; Yu, Li; Zhang, Dan; Zhang, Xuebo

2018-01-01

This paper presentsa global adaptive controller that simultaneously solves tracking and regulation for wheeled mobile robots with unknown depth and uncalibrated camera-to-robot extrinsic parameters. The rotational angle and the scaled translation between the current camera frame and the reference camera frame, as well as the ones between the desired camera frame and the reference camera frame can be calculated in real time by using the pose estimation techniques. A transformed system is first obtained, for which an adaptive controller is then designed to accomplish both tracking and regulation tasks, and the controller synthesis is based on Lyapunov's direct method. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is illustrated by a simulation study.

A sub-target approach to the kinodynamic motion control of a wheeled mobile robot

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Motonaka, Kimiko; Watanabe, Keigo; Maeyama, Shoichi

2018-02-01

A mobile robot with two independently driven wheels is popular, but it is difficult to stabilize it by a continuous controller with a constant gain, due to its nonholonomic property. It is guaranteed that a nonholonomic controlled object can always be converged to an arbitrary point using a switching control method or a quasi-continuous control method based on an invariant manifold in a chained form. From this, the authors already proposed a kinodynamic controller to converge the states of such a two-wheeled mobile robot to the arbitrary target position while avoiding obstacles, by combining the control based on the invariant manifold and the harmonic potential field (HPF). On the other hand, it was confirmed in the previous research that there is a case that the robot cannot avoid the obstacle because there is no enough space to converge the current state to the target state. In this paper, we propose a method that divides the final target position into some sub-target positions and moves the robot step by step, and it is confirmed by the simulation that the robot can converge to the target position while avoiding obstacles using the proposed method.

Managing mobility outcomes in vulnerable seniors ( MMOVeS): a randomized controlled pilot study.

PubMed

Figueiredo, Sabrina; Morais, Jose A; Mayo, Nancy

2017-12-01

To estimate feasibility and potential for efficacy of an individualized, exercise-focused, self-management program (i.e. Managing Mobility Outcomes In Vulnerable Seniors ( MMOVeS)), in comparison to exercise information in improving mobility after six months among seniors recently discharged from hospital. Randomized pilot study. Two McGill University-teaching hospitals. Community dwelling seniors, aged 70 years and older, recently discharged from either participating hospitals. The physiotherapy-facilitated intervention consisted of (1) evaluation of mobility capacity, (2) setting short- and long-term goals, (3) delineation of an exercise treatment plan, (4) an educational booklet to enhance mobility self-management skills, and (5) six monthly telephone calls. Control group received a booklet with information on exercises targeting mobility limitations in seniors. Mobility, pain, and health status were assessed at baseline and at six months using multiple indicators drawn from Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) Score, Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) and Short-Form (SF)-36. In all, 26 people were randomized to the intervention (mean age: 81 ± 8; 39% women), and 23 were randomized to the control (mean age: 79 ± 7; 33% women). The odds ratio for the mobility outcomes combined was 3.08 and the 95% confidence interval excluded 1 (1.65-5.77). The odds ratio for pain and health perception favored the MMOVeS group, but the 95% confidence interval included the null value. This feasibility study highlights the potential for efficacy of an individualized, exercise-focused, self-management program in comparison to exercise information in improving mobility outcome for seniors. Furthermore, a home-program combining self-management skills and exercise taught with minimal supervision prove to be feasible. Finally, data from this study can be used to estimate sample size for a confirmatory trial.

Efficacy of Different Types of Mobilization Techniques in Patients With Primary Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder: A Systematic Review.

PubMed

Noten, Suzie; Meeus, Mira; Stassijns, Gaetane; Van Glabbeek, Francis; Verborgt, Olivier; Struyf, Filip

2016-05-01

To systematically review the literature for efficacy of isolated articular mobilization techniques in patients with primary adhesive capsulitis (AC) of the shoulder. PubMed and Web of Science were searched for relevant studies published before November 2014. Additional references were identified by manual screening of the reference lists. All English language randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of mobilization techniques on range of motion (ROM) and pain in adult patients with primary AC of the shoulder were included in this systematic review. Twelve randomized controlled trials involving 810 patients were included. Two reviewers independently screened the articles, scored methodologic quality, and extracted data for analysis. The review was conducted and reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. All studies were assessed in duplicate for risk of bias using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database Scale for randomized controlled trials. The efficacy of 7 different types of mobilization techniques was evaluated. Angular mobilization (n=2), Cyriax approach (n=1), and Maitland technique (n=6) showed improvement in pain score and ROM. With respect to translational mobilizations (n=1), posterior glides are preferred to restore external rotation. Spine mobilizations combined with glenohumeral stretching and both angular and translational mobilization (n=1) had a superior effect on active ROM compared with sham ultrasound. High-intensity mobilization (n=1) showed less improvement in the Constant Murley Score than a neglect group. Finally, positive long-term effects of the Mulligan technique (n=1) were found on both pain and ROM. Overall, mobilization techniques have beneficial effects in patients with primary AC of the shoulder. Because of preliminary evidence for many mobilization techniques, the Maitland technique and combined mobilizations seem recommended at the moment. Copyright © 2016 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of the effect of MnPASS lane design on mobility and safety : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-06-01

Dynamically priced High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes have been recently added to the traffic operations arsenal in : an attempt to preserve infrastructure investment in the future by maintaining a control on demand. This study : focuses on the operatio...

Analysis of spatial mobility in subjects from a Dengue endemic urban locality in Morelos State, Mexico.

PubMed

Falcón-Lezama, Jorge Abelardo; Santos-Luna, René; Román-Pérez, Susana; Martínez-Vega, Ruth Aralí; Herrera-Valdez, Marco Arieli; Kuri-Morales, Ángel Fernando; Adams, Ben; Kuri-Morales, Pablo Antonio; López-Cervantes, Malaquías; Ramos-Castañeda, José

2017-01-01

Mathematical models and field data suggest that human mobility is an important driver for Dengue virus transmission. Nonetheless little is known on this matter due the lack of instruments for precise mobility quantification and study design difficulties. We carried out a cohort-nested, case-control study with 126 individuals (42 cases, 42 intradomestic controls and 42 population controls) with the goal of describing human mobility patterns of recently Dengue virus-infected subjects, and comparing them with those of non-infected subjects living in an urban endemic locality. Mobility was quantified using a GPS-data logger registering waypoints at 60-second intervals for a minimum of 15 natural days. Although absolute displacement was highly biased towards the intradomestic and peridomestic areas, occasional displacements exceeding a 100-Km radius from the center of the studied locality were recorded for all three study groups and individual displacements were recorded traveling across six states from central Mexico. Additionally, cases had a larger number of visits out of the municipality´s administrative limits when compared to intradomestic controls (cases: 10.4 versus intradomestic controls: 2.9, p = 0.0282). We were able to identify extradomestic places within and out of the locality that were independently visited by apparently non-related infected subjects, consistent with houses, working and leisure places. Results of this study show that human mobility in a small urban setting exceeded that considered by local health authority's administrative limits, and was different between recently infected and non-infected subjects living in the same household. These observations provide important insights about the role that human mobility may have in Dengue virus transmission and persistence across endemic geographic areas that need to be taken into account when planning preventive and control measures. Finally, these results are a valuable reference when setting the parameters for future mathematical modeling studies.

Analysis of spatial mobility in subjects from a Dengue endemic urban locality in Morelos State, Mexico

PubMed Central

Falcón-Lezama, Jorge Abelardo; Santos-Luna, René; Román-Pérez, Susana; Martínez-Vega, Ruth Aralí; Herrera-Valdez, Marco Arieli; Kuri-Morales, Ángel Fernando; Adams, Ben; Kuri-Morales, Pablo Antonio; López-Cervantes, Malaquías

2017-01-01

Introduction Mathematical models and field data suggest that human mobility is an important driver for Dengue virus transmission. Nonetheless little is known on this matter due the lack of instruments for precise mobility quantification and study design difficulties. Materials and methods We carried out a cohort-nested, case-control study with 126 individuals (42 cases, 42 intradomestic controls and 42 population controls) with the goal of describing human mobility patterns of recently Dengue virus-infected subjects, and comparing them with those of non-infected subjects living in an urban endemic locality. Mobility was quantified using a GPS-data logger registering waypoints at 60-second intervals for a minimum of 15 natural days. Results Although absolute displacement was highly biased towards the intradomestic and peridomestic areas, occasional displacements exceeding a 100-Km radius from the center of the studied locality were recorded for all three study groups and individual displacements were recorded traveling across six states from central Mexico. Additionally, cases had a larger number of visits out of the municipality´s administrative limits when compared to intradomestic controls (cases: 10.4 versus intradomestic controls: 2.9, p = 0.0282). We were able to identify extradomestic places within and out of the locality that were independently visited by apparently non-related infected subjects, consistent with houses, working and leisure places. Conclusions Results of this study show that human mobility in a small urban setting exceeded that considered by local health authority’s administrative limits, and was different between recently infected and non-infected subjects living in the same household. These observations provide important insights about the role that human mobility may have in Dengue virus transmission and persistence across endemic geographic areas that need to be taken into account when planning preventive and control measures. Finally, these results are a valuable reference when setting the parameters for future mathematical modeling studies. PMID:28225820

Modeling the Propagation of Mobile Phone Virus under Complex Network

PubMed Central

Yang, Wei; Wei, Xi-liang; Guo, Hao; An, Gang; Guo, Lei

2014-01-01

Mobile phone virus is a rogue program written to propagate from one phone to another, which can take control of a mobile device by exploiting its vulnerabilities. In this paper the propagation model of mobile phone virus is tackled to understand how particular factors can affect its propagation and design effective containment strategies to suppress mobile phone virus. Two different propagation models of mobile phone viruses under the complex network are proposed in this paper. One is intended to describe the propagation of user-tricking virus, and the other is to describe the propagation of the vulnerability-exploiting virus. Based on the traditional epidemic models, the characteristics of mobile phone viruses and the network topology structure are incorporated into our models. A detailed analysis is conducted to analyze the propagation models. Through analysis, the stable infection-free equilibrium point and the stability condition are derived. Finally, considering the network topology, the numerical and simulation experiments are carried out. Results indicate that both models are correct and suitable for describing the spread of two different mobile phone viruses, respectively. PMID:25133209

The Effect of Using Mobile Technology-Based Methods That Record Food or Nutrient Intake on Diabetes Control and Nutrition Outcomes: A Systematic Review.

PubMed

Porter, Judi; Huggins, Catherine E; Truby, Helen; Collins, Jorja

2016-12-17

(1) Background: Mobile technologies may be utilised for dietary intake assessment for people with diabetes. The published literature was systematically reviewed to determine the effect of using mobile electronic devices to record food or nutrient intake on diabetes control and nutrition outcomes; (2) Methods: The review protocol was registered with PROSPERO: registration number CRD42016050079, and followed PRISMA guidelines. Original research of mobile electronic devices where food or nutrient intake was recorded in people with diabetes with any treatment regimen, and where this intervention was compared with usual care or alternative treatment models, was considered. Quality was assessed using the Quality Criteria Checklist for Primary Research; (3) Results: Nine papers formed the final library with a range of interventions and control practices investigated. The food/nutrient intake recording component of the intervention and patient engagement with the technology was not well described. When assessed for quality, three studies rated positive, five were neutral and one negative. There was significantly greater improvement in HbA1c in the intervention group compared to the control group in four of the nine studies; (4) Conclusion: Based on the available evidence there are no clear recommendations for using technology to record dietary data in this population.

The Effect of Using Mobile Technology-Based Methods That Record Food or Nutrient Intake on Diabetes Control and Nutrition Outcomes: A Systematic Review

PubMed Central

Porter, Judi; Huggins, Catherine E.; Truby, Helen; Collins, Jorja

2016-01-01

(1) Background: Mobile technologies may be utilised for dietary intake assessment for people with diabetes. The published literature was systematically reviewed to determine the effect of using mobile electronic devices to record food or nutrient intake on diabetes control and nutrition outcomes; (2) Methods: The review protocol was registered with PROSPERO: registration number CRD42016050079, and followed PRISMA guidelines. Original research of mobile electronic devices where food or nutrient intake was recorded in people with diabetes with any treatment regimen, and where this intervention was compared with usual care or alternative treatment models, was considered. Quality was assessed using the Quality Criteria Checklist for Primary Research; (3) Results: Nine papers formed the final library with a range of interventions and control practices investigated. The food/nutrient intake recording component of the intervention and patient engagement with the technology was not well described. When assessed for quality, three studies rated positive, five were neutral and one negative. There was significantly greater improvement in HbA1c in the intervention group compared to the control group in four of the nine studies; (4) Conclusion: Based on the available evidence there are no clear recommendations for using technology to record dietary data in this population. PMID:27999302

Wireless steganography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agaian, Sos S.; Akopian, David; D'Souza, Sunil

2006-02-01

Modern mobile devices are some of the most technologically advanced devices that people use on a daily basis and the current trends in mobile phone technology indicate that tasks achievable by mobile devices will soon exceed our imagination. This paper undertakes a case study of the development and implementation of one of the first known steganography (data hiding) applications on a mobile device. Steganography is traditionally accomplished using the high processing speeds of desktop or notebook computers. With the introduction of mobile platform operating systems, there arises an opportunity for the users to develop and embed their own applications. We take advantage of this opportunity with the introduction of wireless steganographic algorithms. Thus we demonstrates that custom applications, popular with security establishments, can be developed also on mobile systems independent of both the mobile device manufacturer and mobile service provider. For example, this might be a very important feature if the communication is to be controlled exclusively by authorized personnel. The paper begins by reviewing the technological capabilities of modern mobile devices. Then we address a suitable development platform which is based on Symbian TM/Series60 TM architecture. Finally, two data hiding applications developed for Symbian TM/Series60 TM mobile phones are presented.

MCloud: Secure Provenance for Mobile Cloud Users

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-10-03

Feasibility of Smartphone Clouds , 2015 15th IEEE/ACM International Symposium on Cluster, Cloud and Grid Computing (CCGrid). 04-MAY- 15, Shenzhen, China...final decision. MCloud: Secure Provenance for Mobile Cloud Users Final Report Bogdan Carbunar Florida International University Computing and...Release; Distribution Unlimited UU UU UU UU 03-10-2016 31-May-2013 30-May-2016 Final Report: MCloud: Secure Provenance for Mobile Cloud Users The views

Positioning and tracking control system analysis for mobile free space optical network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yushan; Refai, Hazem; Sluss, , James J., Jr.; Verma, Pramode; LoPresti, Peter

2005-08-01

Free Space Optical (FSO) communication has evolved to be applied to the mobile network, because it can provide up to 2.5Gbps or higher data rate wireless communication. One of the key challenges with FSO systems is to maintain the Line of Sight (LOS) between transmitter and receiver. In this paper, the feasibility and performance of applying the FSO technology to the mobile network is explored, and the design plan of the attitude positioning and tracking control system of the FSO transceiver is investigated. First, the system architecture is introduced, the requirements for the control system are analyzed, the involved reference frames and frame transformation are presented. Second, the control system bandwidth is used to evaluate the system performance in controlling a positioning system consisting of a gimbal and a steering mirror, some definitions to describe the positioning accuracy and tracking capacity are given. The attitude control of a FSO transceiver is split into 2 similar channels: pitch and yaw. Using an equivalent linear control system model, the simulations are carried out, with and without the presence of uncertainties that includes GPS data errors and sensor measurement errors. Finally, based on the simulation results in the pitch channel, the quantitative evaluation on the performance of the control system is given, including positioning accuracy, tracking capability and uncertainty tolerance.

A Robust Camera-Based Interface for Mobile Entertainment

PubMed Central

Roig-Maimó, Maria Francesca; Manresa-Yee, Cristina; Varona, Javier

2016-01-01

Camera-based interfaces in mobile devices are starting to be used in games and apps, but few works have evaluated them in terms of usability or user perception. Due to the changing nature of mobile contexts, this evaluation requires extensive studies to consider the full spectrum of potential users and contexts. However, previous works usually evaluate these interfaces in controlled environments such as laboratory conditions, therefore, the findings cannot be generalized to real users and real contexts. In this work, we present a robust camera-based interface for mobile entertainment. The interface detects and tracks the user’s head by processing the frames provided by the mobile device’s front camera, and its position is then used to interact with the mobile apps. First, we evaluate the interface as a pointing device to study its accuracy, and different factors to configure such as the gain or the device’s orientation, as well as the optimal target size for the interface. Second, we present an in the wild study to evaluate the usage and the user’s perception when playing a game controlled by head motion. Finally, the game is published in an application store to make it available to a large number of potential users and contexts and we register usage data. Results show the feasibility of using this robust camera-based interface for mobile entertainment in different contexts and by different people. PMID:26907288

76 FR 36129 - Underground Injection Control Program; Hazardous Waste Injection Restrictions; Petition for...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-06-21

... Waste Injection Restrictions; Petition for Exemption--Class I Hazardous Waste Injection; ExxonMobil... final decision on a no migration petition. SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that an exemption to the land disposal Restrictions, under the 1984 Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments to the Resource Conservation and...

40 CFR 85.1505 - Final admission of certified vehicles.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

.... 85.1505 Section 85.1505 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) CONTROL OF AIR POLLUTION FROM MOBILE SOURCES Importation of Motor Vehicles and Motor... vehicle or engine from the previous test (e.g., adjusting the RPM, timing, air-to-fuel ratio, etc.) other...

Final Environmental Assessment for Wide Area Coverage Construct Land Mobile Network Communications Infrastructure Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-02-01

FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT February 2008 Malmstrom ® AFB WIDE AREA COVERAGE CONSTRUCT LAND MOBILE NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE...Wide Area Coverage Construct Land Mobile Network Communications Infrastructure Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT...SIGNIFICANT IMPACT WIDE AREA COVERAGE CONSTRUCT LAND MOBILE NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, MONTANA The

Dynamic Multiple-Threshold Call Admission Control Based on Optimized Genetic Algorithm in Wireless/Mobile Networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Shengling; Cui, Yong; Koodli, Rajeev; Hou, Yibin; Huang, Zhangqin

Due to the dynamics of topology and resources, Call Admission Control (CAC) plays a significant role for increasing resource utilization ratio and guaranteeing users' QoS requirements in wireless/mobile networks. In this paper, a dynamic multi-threshold CAC scheme is proposed to serve multi-class service in a wireless/mobile network. The thresholds are renewed at the beginning of each time interval to react to the changing mobility rate and network load. To find suitable thresholds, a reward-penalty model is designed, which provides different priorities between different service classes and call types through different reward/penalty policies according to network load and average call arrival rate. To speed up the running time of CAC, an Optimized Genetic Algorithm (OGA) is presented, whose components such as encoding, population initialization, fitness function and mutation etc., are all optimized in terms of the traits of the CAC problem. The simulation demonstrates that the proposed CAC scheme outperforms the similar schemes, which means the optimization is realized. Finally, the simulation shows the efficiency of OGA.

Cell phone intervention for you (CITY): A randomized, controlled trial of behavioral weight loss intervention for young adults using mobile technology.

PubMed

Svetkey, Laura P; Batch, Bryan C; Lin, Pao-Hwa; Intille, Stephen S; Corsino, Leonor; Tyson, Crystal C; Bosworth, Hayden B; Grambow, Steven C; Voils, Corrine; Loria, Catherine; Gallis, John A; Schwager, Jenifer; Bennett, Gary G; Bennett, Gary B

2015-11-01

To determine the effect on weight of two mobile technology-based (mHealth) behavioral weight loss interventions in young adults. Randomized, controlled comparative effectiveness trial in 18- to 35-year-olds with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m(2) (overweight/obese), with participants randomized to 24 months of mHealth intervention delivered by interactive smartphone application on a cell phone (CP); personal coaching enhanced by smartphone self-monitoring (PC); or Control. The 365 randomized participants had mean baseline BMI of 35 kg/m(2) . Final weight was measured in 86% of participants. CP was not superior to Control at any measurement point. PC participants lost significantly more weight than Controls at 6 months (net effect -1.92 kg [CI -3.17, -0.67], P = 0.003), but not at 12 and 24 months. Despite high intervention engagement and study retention, the inclusion of behavioral principles and tools in both interventions, and weight loss in all treatment groups, CP did not lead to weight loss, and PC did not lead to sustained weight loss relative to Control. Although mHealth solutions offer broad dissemination and scalability, the CITY results sound a cautionary note concerning intervention delivery by mobile applications. Effective intervention may require the efficiency of mobile technology, the social support and human interaction of personal coaching, and an adaptive approach to intervention design. © 2015 The Obesity Society.

Dynamical network interactions in distributed control of robots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buscarino, Arturo; Fortuna, Luigi; Frasca, Mattia; Rizzo, Alessandro

2006-03-01

In this paper the dynamical network model of the interactions within a group of mobile robots is investigated and proposed as a possible strategy for controlling the robots without central coordination. Motivated by the results of the analysis of our simple model, we show that the system performance in the presence of noise can be improved by including long-range connections between the robots. Finally, a suitable strategy based on this model to control exploration and transport is introduced.

77 FR 35427 - Certain Mobile Devices, Associated Software, and Components Thereof Final Determination of...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-06-13

... Software, and Components Thereof Final Determination of Violation; Issuance of a Limited Exclusion Order... importation of certain mobile devices, associated software, and components thereof by reason of infringement... importation of certain mobile devices, associated software, and components thereof containing same by reason...

Asynchronous BCI control using high-frequency SSVEP.

PubMed

Diez, Pablo F; Mut, Vicente A; Avila Perona, Enrique M; Laciar Leber, Eric

2011-07-14

Steady-State Visual Evoked Potential (SSVEP) is a visual cortical response evoked by repetitive stimuli with a light source flickering at frequencies above 4 Hz and could be classified into three ranges: low (up to 12 Hz), medium (12-30) and high frequency (> 30 Hz). SSVEP-based Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI) are principally focused on the low and medium range of frequencies whereas there are only a few projects in the high-frequency range. However, they only evaluate the performance of different methods to extract SSVEP. This research proposed a high-frequency SSVEP-based asynchronous BCI in order to control the navigation of a mobile object on the screen through a scenario and to reach its final destination. This could help impaired people to navigate a robotic wheelchair. There were three different scenarios with different difficulty levels (easy, medium and difficult). The signal processing method is based on Fourier transform and three EEG measurement channels. The research obtained accuracies ranging in classification from 65% to 100% with Information Transfer Rate varying from 9.4 to 45 bits/min. Our proposed method allows all subjects participating in the study to control the mobile object and to reach a final target without prior training.

Cognition in action: imaging brain/body dynamics in mobile humans.

PubMed

Gramann, Klaus; Gwin, Joseph T; Ferris, Daniel P; Oie, Kelvin; Jung, Tzyy-Ping; Lin, Chin-Teng; Liao, Lun-De; Makeig, Scott

2011-01-01

We have recently developed a mobile brain imaging method (MoBI), that allows for simultaneous recording of brain and body dynamics of humans actively behaving in and interacting with their environment. A mobile imaging approach was needed to study cognitive processes that are inherently based on the use of human physical structure to obtain behavioral goals. This review gives examples of the tight coupling between human physical structure with cognitive processing and the role of supraspinal activity during control of human stance and locomotion. Existing brain imaging methods for actively behaving participants are described and new sensor technology allowing for mobile recordings of different behavioral states in humans is introduced. Finally, we review recent work demonstrating the feasibility of a MoBI system that was developed at the Swartz Center for Computational Neuroscience at the University of California, San Diego, demonstrating the range of behavior that can be investigated with this method.

Mobile phone use and risk of tumors: a meta-analysis.

PubMed

Myung, Seung-Kwon; Ju, Woong; McDonnell, Diana D; Lee, Yeon Ji; Kazinets, Gene; Cheng, Chih-Tao; Moskowitz, Joel M

2009-11-20

Case-control studies have reported inconsistent findings regarding the association between mobile phone use and tumor risk. We investigated these associations using a meta-analysis. We searched MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library in August 2008. Two evaluators independently reviewed and selected articles based on predetermined selection criteria. Of 465 articles meeting our initial criteria, 23 case-control studies, which involved 37,916 participants (12,344 patient cases and 25,572 controls), were included in the final analyses. Compared with never or rarely having used a mobile phone, the odds ratio for overall use was 0.98 for malignant and benign tumors (95% CI, 0.89 to 1.07) in a random-effects meta-analysis of all 23 studies. However, a significant positive association (harmful effect) was observed in a random-effects meta-analysis of eight studies using blinding, whereas a significant negative association (protective effect) was observed in a fixed-effects meta-analysis of 15 studies not using blinding. Mobile phone use of 10 years or longer was associated with a risk of tumors in 13 studies reporting this association (odds ratio = 1.18; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.34). Further, these findings were also observed in the subgroup analyses by methodologic quality of study. Blinding and methodologic quality of study were strongly associated with the research group. The current study found that there is possible evidence linking mobile phone use to an increased risk of tumors from a meta-analysis of low-biased case-control studies. Prospective cohort studies providing a higher level of evidence are needed.

Mobile health as a viable strategy to enhance stroke risk factor control: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Liu, Shimeng; Feng, Wuwei; Chhatbar, Pratik Y; Liu, Yumei; Ji, Xunming; Ovbiagele, Bruce

2017-07-15

With the rapid growth worldwide in cell-phone use, Internet connectivity, and digital health technology, mobile health (mHealth) technology may offer a promising approach to bridge evidence-treatment gaps in stroke prevention. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of mHealth for stroke risk factor control through a systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched PubMed from January 1, 2000 to May 17, 2016 using the following keywords: mobile health, mHealth, short message, cellular phone, mobile phone, stroke prevention and control, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and smoking cessation. We performed a meta-analysis of all eligible randomized control clinical trials that assessed a sustained (at least 6months) effect of mHealth. Of 78 articles identified, 13 met eligibility criteria (6 for glycemic control and 7 for smoking cessation) and were included for the final meta-analysis. There were no eligible studies for dyslipidemia or hypertension. mHealth resulted in greater Hemoglobin A1c reduction at 6months (6 studies; 663 subjects; SMD: -0.44; 95% CI: [-0.82, -0.06], P=0.02; Mean difference of decrease in HbA1c: -0.39%; 95% CI: [-0.74, -0.04], P=0.03). mHealth also lead to relatively higher smoking abstinence rates at 6months (7 studies; 9514 subjects; OR: 1.54; 95% CI: [1.24, 1.90], P<0.0001). Our meta-analysis supports that use of mHealth improves glycemic control and smoking abstinence rates. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Cell phone Intervention for You (CITY): A randomized, controlled trial of behavioral weight loss intervention for young adults using mobile technology

PubMed Central

Svetkey, LP; Batch, BC; Lin, P-H; Intille, SS; Corsino, L; Tyson, CC; Bosworth, HB; Grambow, SC; Voils, C; Loria, C; Gallis, JA; Schwager, J; Bennett, GB

2015-01-01

Objectives To determine the effect on weight of two Mobile technology-based (mHealth) behavioral weight loss interventions in young adults. Methods Randomized, controlled comparative effectiveness trial in 18–35 year olds with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 (overweight/obese), with participants randomized to 24 months of mHealth intervention delivered by interactive smartphone application on a cell phone (CP); personal coaching enhanced by smartphone self-monitoring (PC); or Control. Results The 365 randomized participants had mean baseline BMI of 35 kg/m2. Final weight was measured in 86% of participants. CP was not superior to Control at any measurement point. PC participants lost significantly more weight than Controls at 6 months (net effect −1.92 kg [CI −3.17, −0.67], p=0.003), but not at 12 and 24 months. Conclusions Despite high intervention engagement and study retention, the inclusion of behavioral principles and tools in both interventions, and weight loss in all treatment groups, CP did not lead to weight loss and PC did not lead to sustained weight loss relative to control. Although mHealth solutions offer broad dissemination and scalability, the CITY results sound a cautionary note concerning intervention delivery by mobile applications. Effective intervention may require the efficiency of mobile technology, the social support and human interaction of personal coaching, and an adaptive approach to intervention design. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT01092364. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01092364?term=Cell+phone+intervention+for+you&rank=3 PMID:26530929

Clustering effects in ionic polymers: Molecular dynamics simulations

DOE PAGES

Agrawal, Anupriya; Perahia, Dvora; Grest, Gary S.

2015-08-18

Ionic clusters control the structure, dynamics, and transport in soft matter. Incorporating a small fraction of ionizable groups in polymers substantially reduces the mobility of the macromolecules in melts. Furthermore, these ionic groups often associate into random clusters in melts, where the distribution and morphology of the clusters impact the transport in these materials. Here, using molecular dynamic simulations we demonstrate a clear correlation between cluster size and morphology with the polymer mobility in melts of sulfonated polystyrene. We show that in low dielectric media ladderlike clusters that are lower in energy compared with spherical assemblies are formed. Reducing themore » electrostatic interactions by enhancing the dielectric constant leads to morphological transformation from ladderlike clusters to globular assemblies. Finally, decrease in electrostatic interaction significantly enhances the mobility of the polymer.« less

Mobile Genome Express (MGE): A comprehensive automatic genetic analyses pipeline with a mobile device.

PubMed

Yoon, Jun-Hee; Kim, Thomas W; Mendez, Pedro; Jablons, David M; Kim, Il-Jin

2017-01-01

The development of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology allows to sequence whole exomes or genome. However, data analysis is still the biggest bottleneck for its wide implementation. Most laboratories still depend on manual procedures for data handling and analyses, which translates into a delay and decreased efficiency in the delivery of NGS results to doctors and patients. Thus, there is high demand for developing an automatic and an easy-to-use NGS data analyses system. We developed comprehensive, automatic genetic analyses controller named Mobile Genome Express (MGE) that works in smartphones or other mobile devices. MGE can handle all the steps for genetic analyses, such as: sample information submission, sequencing run quality check from the sequencer, secured data transfer and results review. We sequenced an Actrometrix control DNA containing multiple proven human mutations using a targeted sequencing panel, and the whole analysis was managed by MGE, and its data reviewing program called ELECTRO. All steps were processed automatically except for the final sequencing review procedure with ELECTRO to confirm mutations. The data analysis process was completed within several hours. We confirmed the mutations that we have identified were consistent with our previous results obtained by using multi-step, manual pipelines.

Tracking control of WMRs on loose soil based on mixed H2/H∞ control with longitudinal slip ratio estimation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Haibo; Chen, Chao; Ding, Liang; Li, Weihua; Yu, Haitao; Xia, Kerui; Liu, Zhen

2017-11-01

Wheeled mobile robots (WMRs) often suffer from the longitudinal slipping when moving on the loose soil of the surface of the moon during exploration. Longitudinal slip is the main cause of WMRs' delay in trajectory tracking. In this paper, a nonlinear extended state observer (NESO) is introduced to estimate the longitudinal velocity in order to estimate the slip ratio and the derivative of the loss of velocity which are used in modelled disturbance compensation. Owing to the uncertainty and disturbance caused by estimation errors, a multi-objective controller using the mixed H2/H∞ method is employed to ensure the robust stability and performance of the WMR system. The final inputs of the trajectory tracking consist of the feedforward compensation, compensation for the modelled disturbances and designed multi-objective control inputs. Finally, the simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the controller, which exhibits a satisfactory tracking performance.

Mobile collaborative medical display system.

PubMed

Park, Sanghun; Kim, Wontae; Ihm, Insung

2008-03-01

Because of recent advances in wireless communication technologies, the world of mobile computing is flourishing with a variety of applications. In this study, we present an integrated architecture for a personal digital assistant (PDA)-based mobile medical display system that supports collaborative work between remote users. We aim to develop a system that enables users in different regions to share a working environment for collaborative visualization with the potential for exploring huge medical datasets. Our system consists of three major components: mobile client, gateway, and parallel rendering server. The mobile client serves as a front end and enables users to choose the visualization and control parameters interactively and cooperatively. The gateway handles requests and responses between mobile clients and the rendering server for efficient communication. Through the gateway, it is possible to share working environments between users, allowing them to work together in computer supported cooperative work (CSCW) mode. Finally, the parallel rendering server is responsible for performing heavy visualization tasks. Our experience indicates that some features currently available to our mobile clients for collaborative scientific visualization are limited due to the poor performance of mobile devices and the low bandwidth of wireless connections. However, as mobile devices and wireless network systems are experiencing considerable elevation in their capabilities, we believe that our methodology will be utilized effectively in building quite responsive, useful mobile collaborative medical systems in the very near future.

Command and Control: Does Current U.S. Army Tactical Command and Control Doctrine Meet the Requirement for Today’s High Intensity Battlefield?

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-12-02

units, organized to fully integrate the effects of combined arms, merging individual capabilities of mobility, protection, and fire power to provide a... capability to meet a wide range of operational requirements with minimal reorganization. Organizations which provide this inherent flexibility...5 LA - .- f increasingly proficient and capable massed Soviet armies attacking on broad frontages, and finally the surprising German t-actica; and

Mid-term Results of Total Knee Arthroplasty Using PFC Sigma RP-F.

PubMed

Kim, Jun-Young; Cheon, Sang-Ho; Kyung, Hee-Soo

2012-12-01

We compared the mid-term results after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using PFC Sigma RP-F mobile model with PFC Sigma PS fixed model. We analyzed 45 knees that underwent TKA with PFC Sigma RP-Fn (study group) and 45 knees with PFC Sigma PS (control group). The mean follow-up period was 65 months (range, 60-69 months). The evaluation system of the American knee society was used for clinical and radiological assessment. Also, the maximal knee flexion angle was assessed. The mean maximum flexion angle in the study group (135°) was greater than that in the control group (125°) at the early post-operation & final follow-up period (p=0.033). The range of motion (ROM) in the study group was recovered earlier at the postoperative 6 months, and ROM gain was improved to a greater extent at the final follow-up period (p=0.039). The knee score and function score and radiographic evaluation were no difference between the two groups (p>0.05) at the final follow-up. The two cases of radiolucency in posterior condyle and medial tibial plateau and one case of patellar elongation were seen in the study group. The PFC Sigma RP-F mobile system appears to facilitate greater maximum flexion angle and ROM gain with two cases of radiolucent line.

Comparison of ultra-congruent mobile- and fixed-bearing navigation-assisted total knee arthroplasty with minimum 5-year follow-up.

PubMed

Kim, Seong Hwan; Lim, Jung-Won; Ko, Young-Bong; Song, Min-Gu; Lee, Han-Jun

2016-11-01

The purpose of this study was to compare the midterm outcomes between fixed and mobile ultra-congruent (UC) bearings in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This is a retrospective matched-pairs case-control study of patients who underwent primary navigation-assisted TKA with a minimum 5-year follow-up. A total of 182 cases involved the fixed UC bearing system as Group 1 and 101 cases involved mobile UC bearing system group as Group 2. After 1:1 matching, 73 knees in each group were enrolled. Clinical and radiographic outcomes were evaluated. The overall survival was 143 of 146 cases (97.9 %) at final follow-up, and 72 of 73 cases (96.3 %) in Group 1 and 71 of 73 cases (95.8 %) in Group 2 at final follow-up based on an endpoint of revision surgery. The reasons of revision TKA were periprosthetic fracture in Group 1, infection and bearing dislocation in Group 2. There was no statistical difference in Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) scores, Knee Society Scores (KSS), WOMAC index score evaluations between groups. This study demonstrated that the fixed-bearing UC prosthesis could provide satisfactory performance compared with that of the mobile-bearing UC prosthesis with minimum 5-year follow-up. The fixed-bearing UC prosthesis could be considered in navigation-assisted TKA with theoretical advantages of UC design. IV.

Use of an optokinetic chart stimulation intervention for restoration of voluntary movement, postural control and mobility in acute stroke patients and one post intensive care polyneuropathy patient: A case series.

PubMed

Chitambira, Benjamin

2011-01-01

The objective of this case series is to report on the use of an optokinetic chart stimulation intervention to restore voluntary movement, postural control and mobility in acute stroke patients and one post intensive care polyneuropathy patient. An optokinetic chart was moved in front of the patient: from side to side, up and down and finally forwards and backwards. Specific active-assisted exercises of affected shoulder anti-gravity muscles were also carried out. Except for strokes involving basal ganglia, parietal and temporal lobes simultaneously, optokinetic stimulation was effective in restoring voluntary movements, postural control and mobility. In single lobe strokes and those that do not involve simultaneous extensive damage to the basal ganglia, parietal and temporal lobes optokinetics may be one of the neuro-modulation techniques that use cranial nerve circuits of key movement and postural control input organs to enhance neural plasticity. Extensive temporal- parietal strokes may need longer periods of rehabilitation. Further research using a combination of vestibular interventions may provide an effective intervention for severely disabling extensive temporal-parietal strokes. Further studies with this optokinetic chart intervention are also recommended for chronic stroke patients.

Distributed Sensor Fusion for Scalar Field Mapping Using Mobile Sensor Networks.

PubMed

La, Hung Manh; Sheng, Weihua

2013-04-01

In this paper, autonomous mobile sensor networks are deployed to measure a scalar field and build its map. We develop a novel method for multiple mobile sensor nodes to build this map using noisy sensor measurements. Our method consists of two parts. First, we develop a distributed sensor fusion algorithm by integrating two different distributed consensus filters to achieve cooperative sensing among sensor nodes. This fusion algorithm has two phases. In the first phase, the weighted average consensus filter is developed, which allows each sensor node to find an estimate of the value of the scalar field at each time step. In the second phase, the average consensus filter is used to allow each sensor node to find a confidence of the estimate at each time step. The final estimate of the value of the scalar field is iteratively updated during the movement of the mobile sensors via weighted average. Second, we develop the distributed flocking-control algorithm to drive the mobile sensors to form a network and track the virtual leader moving along the field when only a small subset of the mobile sensors know the information of the leader. Experimental results are provided to demonstrate our proposed algorithms.

Dynamic mobility applications, program evaluation : national-level impacts and costs estimation : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-07-01

The vision of the Dynamic Mobility Applications (DMA) program is to expedite the development, testing, and deployment of innovative mobility applications that maximize system productivity and enhance mobility of individuals within the surface transpo...

An approach of point cloud denoising based on improved bilateral filtering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Zeling; Jia, Songmin; Zhang, Guoliang; Li, Xiuzhi; Zhang, Xiangyin

2018-04-01

An omnidirectional mobile platform is designed for building point cloud based on an improved filtering algorithm which is employed to handle the depth image. First, the mobile platform can move flexibly and the control interface is convenient to control. Then, because the traditional bilateral filtering algorithm is time-consuming and inefficient, a novel method is proposed which called local bilateral filtering (LBF). LBF is applied to process depth image obtained by the Kinect sensor. The results show that the effect of removing noise is improved comparing with the bilateral filtering. In the condition of off-line, the color images and processed images are used to build point clouds. Finally, experimental results demonstrate that our method improves the speed of processing time of depth image and the effect of point cloud which has been built.

Robust mobility in human-populated environments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gonzalez, Juan Pablo; Phillips, Mike; Neuman, Brad; Likhachev, Max

2012-06-01

Creating robots that can help humans in a variety of tasks requires robust mobility and the ability to safely navigate among moving obstacles. This paper presents an overview of recent research in the Robotics Collaborative Technology Alliance (RCTA) that addresses many of the core requirements for robust mobility in human-populated environments. Safe Interval Path Planning (SIPP) allows for very fast planning in dynamic environments when planning timeminimal trajectories. Generalized Safe Interval Path Planning extends this concept to trajectories that minimize arbitrary cost functions. Finally, generalized PPCP algorithm is used to generate plans that reason about the uncertainty in the predicted trajectories of moving obstacles and try to actively disambiguate the intentions of humans whenever necessary. We show how these approaches consider moving obstacles and temporal constraints and produce high-fidelity paths. Experiments in simulated environments show the performance of the algorithms under different controlled conditions, and experiments on physical mobile robots interacting with humans show how the algorithms perform under the uncertainties of the real world.

On Decision-Making Among Multiple Rule-Bases in Fuzzy Control Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tunstel, Edward; Jamshidi, Mo

1997-01-01

Intelligent control of complex multi-variable systems can be a challenge for single fuzzy rule-based controllers. This class of problems cam often be managed with less difficulty by distributing intelligent decision-making amongst a collection of rule-bases. Such an approach requires that a mechanism be chosen to ensure goal-oriented interaction between the multiple rule-bases. In this paper, a hierarchical rule-based approach is described. Decision-making mechanisms based on generalized concepts from single-rule-based fuzzy control are described. Finally, the effects of different aggregation operators on multi-rule-base decision-making are examined in a navigation control problem for mobile robots.

77 FR 61535 - Private Land Mobile Radio Rules

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-10-10

... technology that we believe can provide valuable benefits to land mobile radio users. III. Summary of..., GPS equipment, pagers, cellular phones, mobile communications equipment, and radio and television...-114] Private Land Mobile Radio Rules AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Final rule...

Use of mobile learning technology among final year medical students in Kenya

PubMed Central

Masika, Moses Muia; Omondi, Gregory Barnabas; Natembeya, Dennis Simiyu; Mugane, Ephraim Mwatha; Bosire, Kefa Ogonyo; Kibwage, Isaac Ongubo

2015-01-01

Introduction Mobile phone penetration has increased exponentially over the last decade as has its application in nearly all spheres of life including health and medical education. This study aimed at assessing the use of mobile learning technology and its challenges among final year undergraduate students in the College of Health sciences, University of Nairobi. Methods This was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted among final year undergraduate students at the University of Nairobi, College of Health Sciences. Self-administered, anonymous questionnaires were issued to all final year students in their lecture rooms after obtaining informed consent. Data on demographics, mobile device ownership and mobile learning technology use and its challenges was collected. Data entry and analysis was done using SPSS®. Chi-square and t-test were used for bivariate analysis. Results We had 292 respondents; 62% were medical students, 16% were nursing students, 13% were pharmacy students and 9% were dental surgery students. The majority were female (59%) and the average age was 24 years. Eighty eight percent (88%) of the respondents owned a smart device and nearly all of them used it for learning. 64% of the respondents used medical mobile applications. The main challenges were lack of a smart device, lack of technical know-how in accessing or using apps, sub-optimal internet access, cost of acquiring apps and limited device memory. Conclusion Mobile learning is increasingly popular among medical students and should be leveraged in promoting access and quality of medical education. PMID:26327964

Use of mobile learning technology among final year medical students in Kenya.

PubMed

Masika, Moses Muia; Omondi, Gregory Barnabas; Natembeya, Dennis Simiyu; Mugane, Ephraim Mwatha; Bosire, Kefa Ogonyo; Kibwage, Isaac Ongubo

2015-01-01

Mobile phone penetration has increased exponentially over the last decade as has its application in nearly all spheres of life including health and medical education. This study aimed at assessing the use of mobile learning technology and its challenges among final year undergraduate students in the College of Health sciences, University of Nairobi. This was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted among final year undergraduate students at the University of Nairobi, College of Health Sciences. Self-administered, anonymous questionnaires were issued to all final year students in their lecture rooms after obtaining informed consent. Data on demographics, mobile device ownership and mobile learning technology use and its challenges was collected. Data entry and analysis was done using SPSS(®). Chi-square and t-test were used for bivariate analysis. We had 292 respondents; 62% were medical students, 16% were nursing students, 13% were pharmacy students and 9% were dental surgery students. The majority were female (59%) and the average age was 24 years. Eighty eight percent (88%) of the respondents owned a smart device and nearly all of them used it for learning. 64% of the respondents used medical mobile applications. The main challenges were lack of a smart device, lack of technical know-how in accessing or using apps, sub-optimal internet access, cost of acquiring apps and limited device memory. Mobile learning is increasingly popular among medical students and should be leveraged in promoting access and quality of medical education.

Operations in Urban Environment 14.2: Technology Demonstration

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-12-01

Surveillance System ...................................................................................................................... 6 PGSS Mobile ...31 OUE 14.2 Final Report v DAVION and PGSS Mobile Client User...74 PGSS MOBILE CLIENT ASSESSMENT RESULTS ...................................................................76 Additional Survey Question

75 FR 41381 - Private Land Mobile Radio Services

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-07-16

...] Private Land Mobile Radio Services AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY... to the January 1, 2011 interim deadlines associated with the narrowbanding of private land mobile... to the January 1, 2011 interim deadlines associated with the narrowbanding of private land mobile...

Particle mobility size spectrometers: harmonization of technical standards and data structure to facilitate high quality long-term observations of atmospheric particle number size distributions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wiedensohler, A.; Birmili, W.; Nowak, A.; Sonntag, A.; Weinhold, K.; Merkel, M.; Wehner, B.; Tuch, T.; Pfeifer, S.; Fiebig, M.; Fjäraa, A. M.; Asmi, E.; Sellegri, K.; Depuy, R.; Venzac, H.; Villani, P.; Laj, P.; Aalto, P.; Ogren, J. A.; Swietlicki, E.; Roldin, P.; Williams, P.; Quincey, P.; Hüglin, C.; Fierz-Schmidhauser, R.; Gysel, M.; Weingartner, E.; Riccobono, F.; Santos, S.; Grüning, C.; Faloon, K.; Beddows, D.; Harrison, R. M.; Monahan, C.; Jennings, S. G.; O'Dowd, C. D.; Marinoni, A.; Horn, H.-G.; Keck, L.; Jiang, J.; Scheckman, J.; McMurry, P. H.; Deng, Z.; Zhao, C. S.; Moerman, M.; Henzing, B.; de Leeuw, G.

2010-12-01

Particle mobility size spectrometers often referred to as DMPS (Differential Mobility Particle Sizers) or SMPS (Scanning Mobility Particle Sizers) have found a wide application in atmospheric aerosol research. However, comparability of measurements conducted world-wide is hampered by lack of generally accepted technical standards with respect to the instrumental set-up, measurement mode, data evaluation as well as quality control. This article results from several instrument intercomparison workshops conducted within the European infrastructure project EUSAAR (European Supersites for Atmospheric Aerosol Research). Under controlled laboratory conditions, the number size distribution from 20 to 200 nm determined by mobility size spectrometers of different design are within an uncertainty range of ±10% after correcting internal particle losses, while below and above this size range the discrepancies increased. Instruments with identical design agreed within ±3% in the peak number concentration when all settings were done carefully. Technical standards were developed for a minimum requirement of mobility size spectrometry for atmospheric aerosol measurements. Technical recommendations are given for atmospheric measurements including continuous monitoring of flow rates, temperature, pressure, and relative humidity for the sheath and sample air in the differential mobility analyser. In cooperation with EMEP (European Monitoring and Evaluation Program), a new uniform data structure was introduced for saving and disseminating the data within EMEP. This structure contains three levels: raw data, processed data, and final particle size distributions. Importantly, we recommend reporting raw measurements including all relevant instrument parameters as well as a complete documentation on all data transformation and correction steps. These technical and data structure standards aim to enhance the quality of long-term size distribution measurements, their comparability between different networks and sites, and their transparency and traceability back to raw data.

A systematic review of randomised control trials of sexual health interventions delivered by mobile technologies.

PubMed

Burns, Kara; Keating, Patrick; Free, Caroline

2016-08-12

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) pose a serious public health problem globally. The rapid spread of mobile technology creates an opportunity to use innovative methods to reduce the burden of STIs. This systematic review identified recent randomised controlled trials that employed mobile technology to improve sexual health outcomes. The following databases were searched for randomised controlled trials of mobile technology based sexual health interventions with any outcome measures and all patient populations: MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Global Health, The Cochrane Library (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Methodology Register, NHS Health Technology Assessment Database, and Web of Science (science and social science citation index) (Jan 1999-July 2014). Interventions designed to increase adherence to HIV medication were not included. Two authors independently extracted data on the following elements: interventions, allocation concealment, allocation sequence, blinding, completeness of follow-up, and measures of effect. Trials were assessed for methodological quality using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. We calculated effect estimates using intention to treat analysis. A total of ten randomised trials were identified with nine separate study groups. No trials had a low risk of bias. The trials targeted: 1) promotion of uptake of sexual health services, 2) reduction of risky sexual behaviours and 3) reduction of recall bias in reporting sexual activity. Interventions employed up to five behaviour change techniques. Meta-analysis was not possible due to heterogeneity in trial assessment and reporting. Two trials reported statistically significant improvements in the uptake of sexual health services using SMS reminders compared to controls. One trial increased knowledge. One trial reported promising results in increasing condom use but no trial reported statistically significant increases in condom use. Finally, one trial showed that collection of sexual health information using mobile technology was acceptable. The findings suggest interventions delivered by SMS interventions can increase uptake of sexual health services and STI testing. High quality trials of interventions using standardised objective measures and employing a wider range of behavioural change techniques are needed to assess if interventions delivered by mobile phone can alter safer sex behaviours carried out between couples and reduce STIs.

76 FR 80402 - Certain Personal Data and Mobile Communications Devices and Related Software; Final Determination...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-12-23

... Communications Devices and Related Software; Final Determination Finding Violation of Section 337; Issuance of a... importation of infringing personal data and mobile communications devices and related software. The Commission... subsidiary NeXT Software, Inc., both of Cupertino, California (collectively, ``Apple''), alleging a violation...

Energy optimization in mobile sensor networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Shengwei

Mobile sensor networks are considered to consist of a network of mobile robots, each of which has computation, communication and sensing capabilities. Energy efficiency is a critical issue in mobile sensor networks, especially when mobility (i.e., locomotion control), routing (i.e., communications) and sensing are unique characteristics of mobile robots for energy optimization. This thesis focuses on the problem of energy optimization of mobile robotic sensor networks, and the research results can be extended to energy optimization of a network of mobile robots that monitors the environment, or a team of mobile robots that transports materials from stations to stations in a manufacturing environment. On the energy optimization of mobile robotic sensor networks, our research focuses on the investigation and development of distributed optimization algorithms to exploit the mobility of robotic sensor nodes for network lifetime maximization. In particular, the thesis studies these five problems: 1. Network-lifetime maximization by controlling positions of networked mobile sensor robots based on local information with distributed optimization algorithms; 2. Lifetime maximization of mobile sensor networks with energy harvesting modules; 3. Lifetime maximization using joint design of mobility and routing; 4. Optimal control for network energy minimization; 5. Network lifetime maximization in mobile visual sensor networks. In addressing the first problem, we consider only the mobility strategies of the robotic relay nodes in a mobile sensor network in order to maximize its network lifetime. By using variable substitutions, the original problem is converted into a convex problem, and a variant of the sub-gradient method for saddle-point computation is developed for solving this problem. An optimal solution is obtained by the method. Computer simulations show that mobility of robotic sensors can significantly prolong the lifetime of the whole robotic sensor network while consuming negligible amount of energy for mobility cost. For the second problem, the problem is extended to accommodate mobile robotic nodes with energy harvesting capability, which makes it a non-convex optimization problem. The non-convexity issue is tackled by using the existing sequential convex approximation method, based on which we propose a novel procedure of modified sequential convex approximation that has fast convergence speed. For the third problem, the proposed procedure is used to solve another challenging non-convex problem, which results in utilizing mobility and routing simultaneously in mobile robotic sensor networks to prolong the network lifetime. The results indicate that joint design of mobility and routing has an edge over other methods in prolonging network lifetime, which is also the justification for the use of mobility in mobile sensor networks for energy efficiency purpose. For the fourth problem, we include the dynamics of the robotic nodes in the problem by modeling the networked robotic system using hybrid systems theory. A novel distributed method for the networked hybrid system is used to solve the optimal moving trajectories for robotic nodes and optimal network links, which are not answered by previous approaches. Finally, the fact that mobility is more effective in prolonging network lifetime for a data-intensive network leads us to apply our methods to study mobile visual sensor networks, which are useful in many applications. We investigate the joint design of mobility, data routing, and encoding power to help improving the video quality while maximizing the network lifetime. This study leads to a better understanding of the role mobility can play in data-intensive surveillance sensor networks.

Engineering of Data Acquiring Mobile Software and Sustainable End-User Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, Benton T.

2013-01-01

The criteria for which data acquiring software and its supporting infrastructure should be designed should take the following two points into account: the reusability and organization of stored online and remote data and content, and an assessment on whether abandoning a platform optimized design in favor for a multi-platform solution significantly reduces the performance of an end-user application. Furthermore, in-house applications that control or process instrument acquired data for end-users should be designed with a communication and control interface such that the application's modules can be reused as plug-in modular components in greater software systems. The application of the above mentioned is applied using two loosely related projects: a mobile application, and a website containing live and simulated data. For the intelligent devices mobile application AIDM, the end-user interface have a platform and data type optimized design, while the database and back-end applications store this information in an organized manner and manage access to that data to only to authorized user end application(s). Finally, the content for the website was derived from a database such that the content can be included and uniform to all applications accessing the content. With these projects being ongoing, I have concluded from my research that the applicable methods presented are feasible for both projects, and that a multi-platform design for the mobile application only marginally drop the performance of the mobile application.

Study on the Preliminary Design of ARGO-M Operation System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seo, Yoon-Kyung; Lim, Hyung-Chul; Rew, Dong-Young; Jo, Jung Hyun; Park, Jong-Uk; Park, Eun-Seo; Park, Jang-Hyun

2010-12-01

Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute has been developing one mobile satellite laser ranging system named as accurate ranging system for geodetic observation-mobile (ARGO-M). Preliminary design of ARGO-M operation system (AOS) which is one of the ARGO-M subsystems was completed in 2009. Preliminary design results are applied to the following development phase by performing detailed design with analysis of pre-defined requirements and analysis of the derived specifications. This paper addresses the preliminary design of the whole AOS. The design results in operation and control part which is a key part in the operation system are described in detail. Analysis results of the interface between operation-supporting hardware and the control computer are summarized, which is necessary in defining the requirements for the operation-supporting hardware. Results of this study are expected to be used in the critical design phase to finalize the design process.

Energy Homeostasis Control in Drosophila Adipokinetic Hormone Mutants

PubMed Central

Gáliková, Martina; Diesner, Max; Klepsatel, Peter; Hehlert, Philip; Xu, Yanjun; Bickmeyer, Iris; Predel, Reinhard; Kühnlein, Ronald P.

2015-01-01

Maintenance of biological functions under negative energy balance depends on mobilization of storage lipids and carbohydrates in animals. In mammals, glucagon and glucocorticoid signaling mobilizes energy reserves, whereas adipokinetic hormones (AKHs) play a homologous role in insects. Numerous studies based on AKH injections and correlative studies in a broad range of insect species established the view that AKH acts as master regulator of energy mobilization during development, reproduction, and stress. In contrast to AKH, the second peptide, which is processed from the Akh encoded prohormone [termed “adipokinetic hormone precursor-related peptide” (APRP)] is functionally orphan. APRP is discussed as ecdysiotropic hormone or as scaffold peptide during AKH prohormone processing. However, as in the case of AKH, final evidence for APRP functions requires genetic mutant analysis. Here we employed CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome engineering to create AKH and AKH plus APRP-specific mutants in the model insect Drosophila melanogaster. Lack of APRP did not affect any of the tested steroid-dependent processes. Similarly, Drosophila AKH signaling is dispensable for ontogenesis, locomotion, oogenesis, and homeostasis of lipid or carbohydrate storage until up to the end of metamorphosis. During adulthood, however, AKH regulates body fat content and the hemolymph sugar level as well as nutritional and oxidative stress responses. Finally, we provide evidence for a negative autoregulatory loop in Akh gene regulation. PMID:26275422

Electron mobility enhancement in metalorganic-vapor-phase-epitaxy-grown InAlN high-electron-mobility transistors by control of surface morphology of spacer layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamada, Atsushi; Ishiguro, Tetsuro; Kotani, Junji; Nakamura, Norikazu

2018-01-01

We demonstrated low-sheet-resistance metalorganic-vapor-phase-epitaxy-grown InAlN high-electron-mobility transistors using AlGaN spacers with excellent surface morphology. We systematically investigated the effects of AlGaN spacer growth conditions on surface morphology and electron mobility. We found that the surface morphology of InAlN barriers depends on that of AlGaN spacers. Ga desorption from AlGaN spacers was suppressed by increasing the trimethylaluminum (TMA) supply rate, resulting in the small surface roughnesses of InAlN barriers and AlGaN spacers. Moreover, we found that an increase in the NH3 supply rate also improved the surface morphologies of InAlN barriers and AlGaN spacers as long as the TMA supply rate was high enough to suppress the degradation of GaN channels. Finally, we realized a low sheet resistance of 185.5 Ω/sq with a high electron mobility of 1210 cm2 V-1 s-1 by improving the surface morphologies of AlGaN spacers and InAlN barriers.

Adjustable Trajectory Design Based on Node Density for Mobile Sink in WSNs

PubMed Central

Yang, Guisong; Liu, Shuai; He, Xingyu; Xiong, Naixue; Wu, Chunxue

2016-01-01

The design of movement trajectories for mobile sink plays an important role in data gathering for Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs), as it affects the network coverage, and packet delivery ratio, as well as the network lifetime. In some scenarios, the whole network can be divided into subareas where the nodes are randomly deployed. The node densities of these subareas are quite different, which may result in a decreased packet delivery ratio and network lifetime if the movement trajectory of the mobile sink cannot adapt to these differences. To address these problems, we propose an adjustable trajectory design method based on node density for mobile sink in WSNs. The movement trajectory of the mobile sink in each subarea follows the Hilbert space-filling curve. Firstly, the trajectory is constructed based on network size. Secondly, the adjustable trajectory is established based on node density in specific subareas. Finally, the trajectories in each subarea are combined to acquire the whole network’s movement trajectory for the mobile sink. In addition, an adaptable power control scheme is designed to adjust nodes’ transmitting range dynamically according to the movement trajectory of the mobile sink in each subarea. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed trajectories can adapt to network changes flexibly, thus outperform both in packet delivery ratio and in energy consumption the trajectories designed only based on the network size and the whole network node density. PMID:27941662

University of Pennsylvania MAGIC 2010 Final Report

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-01-10

and mapping ( SLAM ) techniques are employed to build a local map of the environment surrounding the robot. Readings from the two complementary LIDAR sen...IMU, LIDAR , Cameras Localization Disrupter UGV Local Navigation Sensors: GPS, IMU, LIDAR , Cameras Laser Control Localization Task Planner Strategy/Plan...various components shown in Figure 2. This is comprised of the following subsystems: • Sensor UGV: Mobile UGVs with LIDAR and camera sensors, GPS, and

Self-control and problematic mobile phone use in Chinese college students: the mediating role of mobile phone use patterns.

PubMed

Jiang, Zhaocai; Zhao, Xiuxin

2016-11-22

With the popularity of mobile phones, problematic mobile phone use is getting increasing attention in recent years. Although self-control was found to be a critical predictor of problematic mobile phone use, no study has ever explored the association between self-control and mobile phone use patterns as well as the possible pathway how self-control affects problematic mobile phone use. Four hundred sixty-eight college students were randomly selected in this study. Data were collected using the Problematic Mobile Phone Use Scale, the Self-Control Scale, and the Mobile Phone Use Pattern Questionnaire. Statistical tests were conducted to identify the potential role of mobile phone use patterns in the association between self-control and problematic mobile phone use. In this sample, female students displayed significant higher mobile phone dependence than males. Self-control was negatively correlated with interpersonal, transaction and entertainment mobile phone use patterns, but positively correlated with information seeking use pattern. Self-control could predict problematic mobile phone use directly and indirectly via interpersonal and transaction patterns. Our research provided additional evidence for the negative association between self-control and problematic mobile phone use. Moreover, interpersonal and transaction use patterns played a mediating role in this link.

Research and Simulation on Application of the Mobile IP Network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yibing, Deng; Wei, Hu; Minghui, Li; Feng, Gao; Junyi, Shen

The paper analysed the mobile node, home agent, and foreign agent of mobile IP network firstly, some key technique, such as mobile IP network basical principle, protocol work principle, agent discovery, registration, and IP packet transmission, were discussed. Then a network simulation model was designed, validating the characteristic of mobile IP network, and some advantages, which were brought by mobile network, were testified. Finally, the conclusion is gained: mobile IP network could realize the expectation of consumer that they can communicate with others anywhere.

Bifurcation analysis of a delay reaction-diffusion malware propagation model with feedback control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Linhe; Zhao, Hongyong; Wang, Xiaoming

2015-05-01

With the rapid development of network information technology, information networks security has become a very critical issue in our work and daily life. This paper attempts to develop a delay reaction-diffusion model with a state feedback controller to describe the process of malware propagation in mobile wireless sensor networks (MWSNs). By analyzing the stability and Hopf bifurcation, we show that the state feedback method can successfully be used to control unstable steady states or periodic oscillations. Moreover, formulas for determining the properties of the bifurcating periodic oscillations are derived by applying the normal form method and center manifold theorem. Finally, we conduct extensive simulations on large-scale MWSNs to evaluate the proposed model. Numerical evidences show that the linear term of the controller is enough to delay the onset of the Hopf bifurcation and the properties of the bifurcation can be regulated to achieve some desirable behaviors by choosing the appropriate higher terms of the controller. Furthermore, we obtain that the spatial-temporal dynamic characteristics of malware propagation are closely related to the rate constant for nodes leaving the infective class for recovered class and the mobile behavior of nodes.

Welding at the Kennedy Space Center.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clautice, W. E.

1973-01-01

Brief description of the nature of the mechanical equipment at a space launch complex from a welding viewpoint. including an identification of the major welding applications used in the construction of this complex. The role played by welding in the ground support equipment is noted, including the welded structures and systems required in the vehicle assembly building, the mobile launchers, transporters, mobile service structure, launch pad and launch site, the propellants system, the pneumatics system, and the environmental control system. The welding processes used at the Kennedy Space Center are reviewed, and a particularly detailed account is given of the design and fabrication of the liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen storage spheres and piping. Finally, the various methods of testing and inspecting the storage spheres are cited.

[Access control management in electronic health records: a systematic literature review].

PubMed

Carrión Señor, Inmaculada; Fernández Alemán, José Luis; Toval, Ambrosio

2012-01-01

This study presents the results of a systematic literature review of aspects related to access control in electronic health records systems, wireless security and privacy and security training for users. Information sources consisted of original articles found in Medline, ACM Digital Library, Wiley InterScience, IEEE Digital Library, Science@Direct, MetaPress, ERIC, CINAHL and Trip Database, published between January 2006 and January 2011. A total of 1,208 articles were extracted using a predefined search string and were reviewed by the authors. The final selection consisted of 24 articles. Of the selected articles, 21 dealt with access policies in electronic health records systems. Eleven articles discussed whether access to electronic health records should be granted by patients or by health organizations. Wireless environments were only considered in three articles. Finally, only four articles explicitly mentioned that technical training of staff and/or patients is required. Role-based access control is the preferred mechanism to deploy access policy by the designers of electronic health records. In most systems, access control is managed by users and health professionals, which promotes patients' right to control personal information. Finally, the security of wireless environments is not usually considered. However, one line of research is eHealth in mobile environments, called mHealth. Copyright © 2011 SESPAS. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

Exploring the Logic of Mobile Search

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Westlund, Oscar; Gomez-Barroso, Jose-Luis; Compano, Ramon; Feijoo, Claudio

2011-01-01

After more than a decade of development work and hopes, the usage of mobile Internet has finally taken off. Now, we are witnessing the first signs of evidence of what might become the explosion of mobile content and applications that will be shaping the (mobile) Internet of the future. Similar to the wired Internet, search will become very…

77 FR 41331 - Commercial Mobile Alert System

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-07-13

... Mobile Alert System AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Final rule; announcement of... with the Commission's Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMS), Second Report and Order (``CMAS Second... Alert System rules contained in the Commission's Second Report and Order, FCC 08- 164, published at 73...

Hierarchical charge distribution controls self-assembly process of silk in vitro

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yi; Zhang, Cencen; Liu, Lijie; Kaplan, David L.; Zhu, Hesun; Lu, Qiang

2015-12-01

Silk materials with different nanostructures have been developed without the understanding of the inherent transformation mechanism. Here we attempt to reveal the conversion road of the various nanostructures and determine the critical regulating factors. The regulating conversion processes influenced by a hierarchical charge distribution were investigated, showing different transformations between molecules, nanoparticles and nanofibers. Various repulsion and compressive forces existed among silk fibroin molecules and aggregates due to the exterior and interior distribution of charge, which further controlled their aggregating and deaggregating behaviors and finally formed nanofibers with different sizes. Synergistic action derived from molecular mobility and concentrations could also tune the assembly process and final nanostructures. It is suggested that the complicated silk fibroin assembly processes comply a same rule based on charge distribution, offering a promising way to develop silk-based materials with designed nanostructures.

Threshold voltage control in TmSiO/HfO2 high-k/metal gate MOSFETs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dentoni Litta, E.; Hellström, P.-E.; Östling, M.

2015-06-01

High-k interfacial layers have been proposed as a way to extend the scalability of Hf-based high-k/metal gate CMOS technology, which is currently limited by strong degradations in threshold voltage control, channel mobility and device reliability when the chemical oxide (SiOx) interfacial layer is scaled below 0.4 nm. We have previously demonstrated that thulium silicate (TmSiO) is a promising candidate as a high-k interfacial layer, providing competitive advantages in terms of EOT scalability and channel mobility. In this work, the effect of the TmSiO interfacial layer on threshold voltage control is evaluated, showing that the TmSiO/HfO2 dielectric stack is compatible with threshold voltage control techniques commonly used with SiOx/HfO2 stacks. Specifically, we show that the flatband voltage can be set in the range -1 V to +0.5 V by the choice of gate metal and that the effective workfunction of the stack is properly controlled by the metal workfunction in a gate-last process flow. Compatibility with a gate-first approach is also demonstrated, showing that integration of La2O3 and Al2O3 capping layers can induce a flatband voltage shift of at least 150 mV. Finally, the effect of the annealing conditions on flatband voltage is investigated, finding that the duration of the final forming gas anneal can be used as a further process knob to tune the threshold voltage. The evaluation performed on MOS capacitors is confirmed by the fabrication of TmSiO/HfO2/TiN MOSFETs achieving near-symmetric threshold voltages at sub-nm EOT.

Information and transportation choices, long- and short-term, that link sustainability and livability : USDOT Region V Regional University Transportation Center final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-12-16

Transportation plans and projects are typically evaluated, both prospectively and retrospectively, with metrics of mobility, notably highway level of service. This practice implicitly treats mobility improvements as desirable. Yet mobility improvemen...

Current Methodologies in Preparing Mobile Source Port-Related Emission Inventories Final Report April 2009

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This report focuses on mobile emission sources at ports, including oceangoing vessels (OGVs), harbor craft, and cargo handling equipment (CHE), as well as other land-side mobile emission sources at ports, such as locomotives and on-highway vehicles.

Real-time measurement of size-resolved elemental composition ratio for flame synthesized composite nanoparticle aggregates using a tandem SMPS-ICP-OES

PubMed Central

Reed, Nathan; Fang, Jiaxi; Chavalmane, Sanmathi; Biswas, Pratim

2017-01-01

Composite nanoparticles find application in catalysis, drug delivery, and energy storage and require increasingly fine control of their physical properties and composition. While composite nanoparticles have been widely synthesized and characterized, little work has systematically correlated the initial concentration of precursors and the final composition of flame synthesized composite nanoparticles. This relationship is explored in a diffusion flame aerosol reactor by coupling a scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS) with an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES). A framework for studying the relationship between the initial precursor concentrations of different elements and the final nanoparticle composition is explored. The size-resolved elemental composition was measured by directly injecting size-selected fractions of aggregated magnetite and silicon dioxide composite nanoparticles into the ICP-OES plasma. This work showed a correlation between precursor molar ratio and the measured elemental ratio in the mobility size range of 50 to 140 nm. Building on previous work studying size resolved elemental composition of engineered nanoparticles, the analysis is extended to flame synthesized composite nanoparticle aggregates in this work. PMID:28435179

Real-time measurement of size-resolved elemental composition ratio for flame synthesized composite nanoparticle aggregates using a tandem SMPS-ICP-OES.

PubMed

Reed, Nathan; Fang, Jiaxi; Chavalmane, Sanmathi; Biswas, Pratim

2017-01-01

Composite nanoparticles find application in catalysis, drug delivery, and energy storage and require increasingly fine control of their physical properties and composition. While composite nanoparticles have been widely synthesized and characterized, little work has systematically correlated the initial concentration of precursors and the final composition of flame synthesized composite nanoparticles. This relationship is explored in a diffusion flame aerosol reactor by coupling a scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS) with an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES). A framework for studying the relationship between the initial precursor concentrations of different elements and the final nanoparticle composition is explored. The size-resolved elemental composition was measured by directly injecting size-selected fractions of aggregated magnetite and silicon dioxide composite nanoparticles into the ICP-OES plasma. This work showed a correlation between precursor molar ratio and the measured elemental ratio in the mobility size range of 50 to 140 nm. Building on previous work studying size resolved elemental composition of engineered nanoparticles, the analysis is extended to flame synthesized composite nanoparticle aggregates in this work.

78 FR 16806 - The Commercial Mobile Alert System

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-03-19

... FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 47 CFR Part 10 [PS Docket No. 07-287; DA 13-280] The Commercial Mobile Alert System AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: In this document, the Commission amends its rules to change the name of the Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS...

Evolution or Revolution: Mobility Requirements for the AirLand Battle Future Concept

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-02-20

analysis and the model a theoretical framework for tactical mobility is established. The considerations for tactical mobility on the future battlefield are...examined in the context of the theoretical framework . Finally, using the criteria of sufficiency, feasibility, and the time/space continuum, the

76 FR 34871 - Mobile Barcode Promotion

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-06-15

... POSTAL SERVICE 39 CFR Part 111 Mobile Barcode Promotion AGENCY: Postal Service TM . ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: The Postal Service is revising the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service... mailpieces with mobile barcodes must be one of the following: 1. Presorted or automation First-Class Mail...

Does this range suit me? Range satisfaction of battery electric vehicle users.

PubMed

Franke, Thomas; Günther, Madlen; Trantow, Maria; Krems, Josef F

2017-11-01

User satisfaction is a vital design criterion for sustainable systems. The present research aimed to understand factors relating to individually perceived range satisfaction of battery electric vehicle (BEV) users. Data from a large-scale BEV field trial (N = 72) were analyzed. Apart from an initial drop in range satisfaction, increasing practical experience was related to increased range satisfaction. Classical indicators of users' mobility profiles (daily travel distances) were only weakly related to lower range satisfaction (not significant), after controlling for practical experience and preferred coverage of mobility needs. The regularity/predictability of users' mobility patterns, the percentage of journeys not coverable because of range issues, and users' individual comfortable range accounted for variance in range satisfaction. Finally, range satisfaction was related to key indicators of general BEV acceptance (e.g., purchase intentions). These results underline the complex dynamics involved in individual range satisfaction, as well as its central role for BEV acceptance. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Tandem robot control system and method for controlling mobile robots in tandem

DOEpatents

Hayward, David R.; Buttz, James H.; Shirey, David L.

2002-01-01

A control system for controlling mobile robots provides a way to control mobile robots, connected in tandem with coupling devices, to navigate across difficult terrain or in closed spaces. The mobile robots can be controlled cooperatively as a coupled system in linked mode or controlled individually as separate robots.

Trifocal Tensor-Based Adaptive Visual Trajectory Tracking Control of Mobile Robots.

PubMed

Chen, Jian; Jia, Bingxi; Zhang, Kaixiang

2017-11-01

In this paper, a trifocal tensor-based approach is proposed for the visual trajectory tracking task of a nonholonomic mobile robot equipped with a roughly installed monocular camera. The desired trajectory is expressed by a set of prerecorded images, and the robot is regulated to track the desired trajectory using visual feedback. Trifocal tensor is exploited to obtain the orientation and scaled position information used in the control system, and it works for general scenes owing to the generality of trifocal tensor. In the previous works, the start, current, and final images are required to share enough visual information to estimate the trifocal tensor. However, this requirement can be easily violated for perspective cameras with limited field of view. In this paper, key frame strategy is proposed to loosen this requirement, extending the workspace of the visual servo system. Considering the unknown depth and extrinsic parameters (installing position of the camera), an adaptive controller is developed based on Lyapunov methods. The proposed control strategy works for almost all practical circumstances, including both trajectory tracking and pose regulation tasks. Simulations are made based on the virtual experimentation platform (V-REP) to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.

76 FR 63561 - Reexamination of Roaming Obligations of Commercial Mobile Radio Service Providers and Other...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-10-13

... FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 47 CFR Part 20 [WT Docket No. 05-265; FCC 11-52] Reexamination of Roaming Obligations of Commercial Mobile Radio Service Providers and Other Providers of Mobile...: Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Final rule; announcement of effective date. SUMMARY: In this...

76 FR 74721 - Reexamination of Roaming Obligations of Commercial Mobile Radio Service Providers and Other...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-12-01

... FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 47 CFR Part 20 [WT Docket No. 05-265; Report No. 2938] Reexamination of Roaming Obligations of Commercial Mobile Radio Service Providers and Other Providers of Mobile Data Services AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Final rule; petition for...

Secure Location Provenance for Mobile Devices

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-07-01

SECURE LOCATION PROVENANCE FOR MOBILE DEVICES UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM JULY 2015 FINAL TECHNICAL REPORT...PROVENANCE FOR MOBILE DEVICES 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER FA8750-12-2-0254 5b. GRANT NUMBER N/A 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 69220K 6. AUTHOR(S) Ragib Hasan...based services allow mobile device users to access various services based on the users’ current physical location information. Path-critical applications

Neuro Inspired Adaptive Perception and Control for Agile Mobility of Autonomous Vehicles in Uncertain and Hostile Environments

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-02-08

Georgia Tech Research Corporation 505 Tenth Street NW Atlanta, GA 30332 -0420 ABSTRACT Final Report: MURI: Neuro-Inspired Adaptive Perception and...Conquer Strategy for Optimal Trajectory Planning via Mixed-Integer Programming, IEEE Transactions on Robotics, (12 2015): 0. doi: 10.1109/TRO...Learning Day, Microsoft Corporation , Cambridge, MA, May 18, 2015. (c) Presentations 09/06/2015 09/08/2015 125 131 Ali Borji, Dicky N. Sihite, Laurent Itti

The effect of nitrous oxide plasma treatment on the bias temperature stress of metal oxide thin film transistors with high mobility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tseng, Wei-Hao; Fang, Shao-Wei; Lu, Chia-Yang; Chuang, Hung-Yang; Chang, Fan-Wei; Lin, Guan-Yu; Chen, Tsu-Wei; Ma, Kang-Hung; Chen, Hong-Syu; Chen, Teng-Ke; Chen, Yu-Hung; Lee, Jen-Yu; Shih, Tsung-Hsiang; Ting, Hung-Che; Chen, Chia-Yu; Lin, Yu-Hsin; Hong, Hong-Jye

2015-01-01

In this work, the effects of nitrous oxide plasma treatment on the negative bias temperature stress of indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO) and indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) thin film transistors (TFTs) were reported. ITZO TFTs were more suitable for the back channel etched-type device structure because they could withstand both Al- and Cu-acid damage. The initial threshold voltage range could be controlled to within 1 V. The root cause of poor negative bias temperature stress for ITZO was likely due to a higher mobility (∼3.3 times) and more carbon related contamination bonds (∼5.9 times) relative to IGZO. Finally, 65″ active-matrix organic light-emitting diode televisions using the ITZO and IGZO TFTs were fabricated.

A salient effect of density on the dynamics of nonaqueous electrolytes.

PubMed

Han, Sungho

2017-04-24

The mobility and solvation of lithium ions in electrolytes are crucial for the performance and safety of lithium ion batteries. It has been known that a single type of solvent cannot satisfy the requirements of both mobility and solvation simultaneously for electrolytes. Therefore, complex solvent mixtures have been used to optimize both properties. Here we present the effects of density on the dynamics and solvation of organic liquid electrolytes via extensive molecular dynamics simulations. Our study finds that a small variation in density can induce a significant effect on the mobility of electrolytes but does not influence the solvation structure of a lithium ion. It turns out that an adjustment of the density of electrolytes could provide a more effective way to enhance mobility than a control of the solvent mixture ratio of electrolytes. Our study reveals that the density change of electrolytes mainly affects the residence time of solvents in the first solvation shell of a lithium ion rather than the structural change of the solvation sheath. Finally, our results suggest an intriguing point for understanding and designing electrolytes of lithium ion batteries for better performance and safety.

A salient effect of density on the dynamics of nonaqueous electrolytes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Sungho

2017-04-01

The mobility and solvation of lithium ions in electrolytes are crucial for the performance and safety of lithium ion batteries. It has been known that a single type of solvent cannot satisfy the requirements of both mobility and solvation simultaneously for electrolytes. Therefore, complex solvent mixtures have been used to optimize both properties. Here we present the effects of density on the dynamics and solvation of organic liquid electrolytes via extensive molecular dynamics simulations. Our study finds that a small variation in density can induce a significant effect on the mobility of electrolytes but does not influence the solvation structure of a lithium ion. It turns out that an adjustment of the density of electrolytes could provide a more effective way to enhance mobility than a control of the solvent mixture ratio of electrolytes. Our study reveals that the density change of electrolytes mainly affects the residence time of solvents in the first solvation shell of a lithium ion rather than the structural change of the solvation sheath. Finally, our results suggest an intriguing point for understanding and designing electrolytes of lithium ion batteries for better performance and safety.

An IMS-Based Middleware Solution for Energy-Efficient and Cost-Effective Mobile Multimedia Services

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bellavista, Paolo; Corradi, Antonio; Foschini, Luca

Mobile multimedia services have recently become of extreme industrial relevance due to the advances in both wireless client devices and multimedia communications. That has motivated important standardization efforts, such as the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) to support session control, mobility, and interoperability in all-IP next generation networks. Notwithstanding the central role of IMS in novel mobile multimedia, the potential of IMS-based service composition for the development of new classes of ready-to-use, energy-efficient, and cost-effective services is still widely unexplored. The paper proposes an original solution for the dynamic and standard-compliant redirection of incoming voice calls towards WiFi-equipped smart phones. The primary design guideline is to reduce energy consumption and service costs for the final user by automatically switching from the 3G to the WiFi infrastructure whenever possible. The proposal is fully compliant with the IMS standard and exploits the recently released IMS presence service to update device location and current communication opportunities. The reported experimental results point out that our solution, in a simple way and with full compliance with state-of-the-art industrially-accepted standards, can significantly increase battery lifetime without negative effects on call initiation delay.

The research of autonomous obstacle avoidance of mobile robot based on multi-sensor integration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Ming; Han, Baoling

2016-11-01

The object of this study is the bionic quadruped mobile robot. The study has proposed a system design plan for mobile robot obstacle avoidance with the binocular stereo visual sensor and the self-control 3D Lidar integrated with modified ant colony optimization path planning to realize the reconstruction of the environmental map. Because the working condition of a mobile robot is complex, the result of the 3D reconstruction with a single binocular sensor is undesirable when feature points are few and the light condition is poor. Therefore, this system integrates the stereo vision sensor blumblebee2 and the Lidar sensor together to detect the cloud information of 3D points of environmental obstacles. This paper proposes the sensor information fusion technology to rebuild the environment map. Firstly, according to the Lidar data and visual data on obstacle detection respectively, and then consider two methods respectively to detect the distribution of obstacles. Finally fusing the data to get the more complete, more accurate distribution of obstacles in the scene. Then the thesis introduces ant colony algorithm. It has analyzed advantages and disadvantages of the ant colony optimization and its formation cause deeply, and then improved the system with the help of the ant colony optimization to increase the rate of convergence and precision of the algorithm in robot path planning. Such improvements and integrations overcome the shortcomings of the ant colony optimization like involving into the local optimal solution easily, slow search speed and poor search results. This experiment deals with images and programs the motor drive under the compiling environment of Matlab and Visual Studio and establishes the visual 2.5D grid map. Finally it plans a global path for the mobile robot according to the ant colony algorithm. The feasibility and effectiveness of the system are confirmed by ROS and simulation platform of Linux.

Control of wheeled mobile robot in restricted environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ali, Mohammed A. H.; En, Chang Yong

2018-03-01

This paper presents a simulation and practical control system for wheeled mobile robot in restricted environment. A wheeled mobile robot with 3 wheels is fabricated and controlled by proportional derivative active force control (PD-AFC) to move in a pre-planned restricted environment to maintain the tracking errors at zero level. A control system with two loops, outer by PD controller and inner loop by Active Force Control, are designed to control the wheeled mobile robot. Fuzzy logic controller is implemented in the Active force Control to estimate the inertia matrix that will be used to calculate the actual torque applied on the wheeled mobile robot. The mobile robot is tested in two different trajectories, namely are circular and straight path. The actual path and desired path are compared.

Air Mobility Command Global Reach to Africa: Sustained Rapid Global Mobility to United States Africa Command

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-06-12

the entire Global Reach Laydown (GRL) strategy. Finally, analysis within this paper shows a correlation between political climate , basing, ground...17 Analysis of Literature...study researched Air Mobility Command (AMC) delivery of DoD resources to and through USAFRICOM. Specifically, the research and analysis within

Texas Labor Mobility, Experimental and Demonstration Project. Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Texas Employment Commission, Austin.

The Texas Labor Mobility Project's purpose was to demonstrate the effectiveness of using financial assistance to create stability in migrant workers and to reduce unemployment. The program was designed as a research project to gather information about all phases of the Mobility Project. This was handled through the Texas Employment Commission. In…

Mobile Router Testing with Diverse RF Communications Links

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brooks, David; Hoder, Doug; Wilkins, Ryan

2004-01-01

This is a short report on demonstrations using Mobile IP and several diverse physical communications links to connect a mobile network to a fixed IPv4 internet. The first section is a description of the equipment used, followed by descriptions of the tests, the theoretical results, and finally conclusions and the actual data.

Change comes slowly for women in rural Bangladesh.

PubMed

Balk, D

1997-04-01

Survey results from two disparate rural areas of Bangladesh, Sirajgong and Gopalpur subdistricts in the north-central part of the country and Abhoynagar and Fultala subdistricts in the southwest, offer the opportunity to assess the changing status of women in rural Bangladesh. The survey, conducted by the Mother and Child Health/Family Planning Extension Project of the International Center for Diarrheal Disease Control during 1982-89, collected data on 7433 ever-married women 15-56 years old. The analysis focused on two indicators: women's freedom to move outside their homes (mobility) and women's authority in household decision making. Although most respondents moved freely between households, they rarely traveled outside their village alone. In addition, respondents had little input in household decisions regarding health or expenditures. 65% felt they should be able to decide whether to see a doctor when they were ill or to buy medicine for a sick child, but only 7% actually made such decisions on their own. The majority approved of women working outside their homes, but only 11% did so. Both mobility and authority tended to increase with a woman's age. Women who lived in households headed by their in-laws had less mobility and much less authority. Women from poor homes had greater mobility, but wealth had little effect on household decision making. Education tended to increase decision-making authority but decrease mobility. Finally, the greater economic development, ecological stability, cultural diversity, and social progressiveness in the southwestern region tended to increase both mobility and authority.

Web and Mobile Based HIV Prevention and Intervention Programs Pros and Cons - A Review.

PubMed

Niakan, Sharareh; Mehraeen, Esmaeil; Noori, Tayebeh; Gozali, Elahe

2017-01-01

With the increasing growth of HIV positive people the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) can play an important role in controlling the spread of the AIDS. Web and Mobile are the new technologies that young people take advantage from them. In this study a review to investigate the web and mobile based HIV prevention and intervention programs was carried out. A scoping review was conducted including PubMed, Science direct, Web of Science and Proquest to find relevant sources that published in 2009 to 2016. To identify published, original research that reported the web and mobile-based HIV prevention and intervention programs, an organized search was conducted with the following search keywords in combination: HIV, AIDS, m-Health, Mobile phone, Cell phone, Smartphone, Mobile health, internet, and web. Using the employed strategies, 173 references retrieved. Searched articles were compared based on their titles and abstracts. To identify duplicated articles, the title and abstracts were considered and 101 duplicated references were excluded. By going through the full text of related papers, 35 articles were found to be more related to the questions of this paper from which 72 final included. The advantages of web and mobile-based interventions include the possibility to provide constancy in the delivery of an intervention, impending low cost, and the ability to spread the intervention to an extensive community. Online programs such as Chat room-based Education program, Web-based therapeutic education system, and Online seek information can use for HIV/AIDS prevention. To use of mobile for HIV/AIDS prevention and intervention, programs including in: Health system focused applications, Population health focused applications, and Health messaging can be used.

Wartime Expansion Capacity of Military Hospitals in Conus

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-02-27

the Audit of Wartime Expansion Capacity of Military Hospitals in CONUS for your information and use. Comments on a draft of this report were considered in preparing this final report. We made the audit from May through September 1989, at the request of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Health Affairs) because of a Program Decision Memorandum directed...facilities during wartime. We did not assess the adequacy of internal controls applicable to the audit objectives because reported bed capacities and...mobilization expansion

Control Design and Digital Implementation of a Fast 2-Degree-of-Freedom Translational Optical Image Stabilizer for Image Sensors in Mobile Camera Phones

PubMed Central

Qiu, Kang-Fu

2017-01-01

This study presents design, digital implementation and performance validation of a lead-lag controller for a 2-degree-of-freedom (DOF) translational optical image stabilizer (OIS) installed with a digital image sensor in mobile camera phones. Nowadays, OIS is an important feature of modern commercial mobile camera phones, which aims to mechanically reduce the image blur caused by hand shaking while shooting photos. The OIS developed in this study is able to move the imaging lens by actuating its voice coil motors (VCMs) at the required speed to the position that significantly compensates for imaging blurs by hand shaking. The compensation proposed is made possible by first establishing the exact, nonlinear equations of motion (EOMs) for the OIS, which is followed by designing a simple lead-lag controller based on established nonlinear EOMs for simple digital computation via a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) board in order to achieve fast response. Finally, experimental validation is conducted to show the favorable performance of the designed OIS; i.e., it is able to stabilize the lens holder to the desired position within 0.02 s, which is much less than previously reported times of around 0.1 s. Also, the resulting residual vibration is less than 2.2–2.5 μm, which is commensurate to the very small pixel size found in most of commercial image sensors; thus, significantly minimizing image blur caused by hand shaking. PMID:29027950

Control Design and Digital Implementation of a Fast 2-Degree-of-Freedom Translational Optical Image Stabilizer for Image Sensors in Mobile Camera Phones.

PubMed

Wang, Jeremy H-S; Qiu, Kang-Fu; Chao, Paul C-P

2017-10-13

This study presents design, digital implementation and performance validation of a lead-lag controller for a 2-degree-of-freedom (DOF) translational optical image stabilizer (OIS) installed with a digital image sensor in mobile camera phones. Nowadays, OIS is an important feature of modern commercial mobile camera phones, which aims to mechanically reduce the image blur caused by hand shaking while shooting photos. The OIS developed in this study is able to move the imaging lens by actuating its voice coil motors (VCMs) at the required speed to the position that significantly compensates for imaging blurs by hand shaking. The compensation proposed is made possible by first establishing the exact, nonlinear equations of motion (EOMs) for the OIS, which is followed by designing a simple lead-lag controller based on established nonlinear EOMs for simple digital computation via a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) board in order to achieve fast response. Finally, experimental validation is conducted to show the favorable performance of the designed OIS; i.e., it is able to stabilize the lens holder to the desired position within 0.02 s, which is much less than previously reported times of around 0.1 s. Also, the resulting residual vibration is less than 2.2-2.5 μm, which is commensurate to the very small pixel size found in most of commercial image sensors; thus, significantly minimizing image blur caused by hand shaking.

New virtual laboratories presenting advanced motion control concepts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goubej, Martin; Krejčí, Alois; Reitinger, Jan

2015-11-01

The paper deals with development of software framework for rapid generation of remote virtual laboratories. Client-server architecture is chosen in order to employ real-time simulation core which is running on a dedicated server. Ordinary web browser is used as a final renderer to achieve hardware independent solution which can be run on different target platforms including laptops, tablets or mobile phones. The provided toolchain allows automatic generation of the virtual laboratory source code from the configuration file created in the open- source Inkscape graphic editor. Three virtual laboratories presenting advanced motion control algorithms have been developed showing the applicability of the proposed approach.

Quantum memories and Landauer's principle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alicki, Robert

2011-10-01

Two types of arguments concerning (im)possibility of constructing a scalable, exponentially stable quantum memory equipped with Hamiltonian controls are discussed. The first type concerns ergodic properties of open Kitaev models which are considered as promising candidates for such memories. It is shown that, although the 4D Kitaev model provides stable qubit observables, the Hamiltonian control is not possible. The thermodynamical approach leads to the new proposal of the revised version of Landauer's principle and suggests that the existence of quantum memory implies the existence of the perpetuum mobile of the second kind. Finally, a discussion of the stability property of information and its implications is presented.

Cascaded neural networks for sequenced propagation estimation, multiuser detection, and adaptive radio resource control of third-generation wireless networks for multimedia services

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hortos, William S.

1999-03-01

A hybrid neural network approach is presented to estimate radio propagation characteristics and multiuser interference and to evaluate their combined impact on throughput, latency and information loss in third-generation (3G) wireless networks. The latter three performance parameters influence the quality of service (QoS) for multimedia services under consideration for 3G networks. These networks, based on a hierarchical architecture of overlaying macrocells on top of micro- and picocells, are planned to operate in mobile urban and indoor environments with service demands emanating from circuit-switched, packet-switched and satellite-based traffic sources. Candidate radio interfaces for these networks employ a form of wideband CDMA in 5-MHz and wider-bandwidth channels, with possible asynchronous operation of the mobile subscribers. The proposed neural network (NN) architecture allocates network resources to optimize QoS metrics. Parameters of the radio propagation channel are estimated, followed by control of an adaptive antenna array at the base station to minimize interference, and then joint multiuser detection is performed at the base station receiver. These adaptive processing stages are implemented as a sequence of NN techniques that provide their estimates as inputs to a final- stage Kohonen self-organizing feature map (SOFM). The SOFM optimizes the allocation of available network resources to satisfy QoS requirements for variable-rate voice, data and video services. As the first stage of the sequence, a modified feed-forward multilayer perceptron NN is trained on the pilot signals of the mobile subscribers to estimate the parameters of shadowing, multipath fading and delays on the uplinks. A recurrent NN (RNN) forms the second stage to control base stations' adaptive antenna arrays to minimize intra-cell interference. The third stage is based on a Hopfield NN (HNN), modified to detect multiple users on the uplink radio channels to mitigate multiaccess interference, control carrier-sense multiple-access (CSMA) protocols, and refine call handoff procedures. In the final stage, the Kohonen SOFM, operating in a hybrid continuous and discrete space, adaptively allocates the resources of antenna-based cell sectorization, activity monitoring, variable-rate coding, power control, handoff and caller admission to meet user demands for various multimedia services at minimum QoS levels. The performance of the NN cascade is evaluated through simulation of a candidate 3G wireless network using W-CDMA parameters in a small-cell environment. The simulated network consists of a representative number of cells. Mobile users with typical movement patterns are assumed. QoS requirements for different classes of multimedia services are considered. The proposed method is shown to provide relatively low probability of new call blocking and handoff dropping, while maintaining efficient use of the network's radio resources.

Upward Mobility Programs in the Service Sector for Disadvantaged and Dislocated Workers. Volume I: Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tao, Fumiyo; And Others

Upward mobility programs in the service sector for low-skilled, economically disadvantaged, and dislocated or displaced workers promote employment security, career development, and productivity. Two basic types of upward mobility programs are basic and job-specific skills training. Although 60-80 percent of all employer-sponsored formal training…

76 FR 74709 - Hazardous Waste Management System; Identification and Listing of Hazardous Waste; Final Exclusion

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-12-01

... stated that ExxonMobil's waste is not subject to the LDR standards, because the waste was not delisted at the point of generation, ExxonMobil may submit a variance to the treatment standards as described in... granting a petition submitted by ExxonMobil Refining and Supply Company--Beaumont Refinery (Beaumont...

47 CFR 22.575 - Use of mobile channel for remote control of station functions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 47 Telecommunication 2 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Use of mobile channel for remote control of...) COMMON CARRIER SERVICES PUBLIC MOBILE SERVICES Paging and Radiotelephone Service One-Way Or Two-Way Mobile Operation § 22.575 Use of mobile channel for remote control of station functions. Carriers may...

77 FR 38210 - Channel Spacing and Bandwidth Limitations for Certain Economic Area (EA)-Based 800 MHz...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-06-27

... Specialized Mobile Radio Licensees AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Final rule; announcement... Specialized Mobile Radio (SMR) licensees to exceed a legacy channel spacing requirement and bandwidth...

Results and Analysis from Space Suit Joint Torque Testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Matty, Jennifer E.; Aitchison, Lindsay

2009-01-01

A space suit s mobility is critical to an astronaut s ability to perform work efficiently. As mobility increases, the astronaut can perform tasks for longer durations with less fatigue. The term mobility, with respect to space suits, is defined in terms of two key components: joint range of motion and joint torque. Individually these measures describe the path which in which a joint travels and the force required to move it through that path. Previous space suits mobility requirements were defined as the collective result of these two measures and verified by the completion of discrete functional tasks. While a valid way to impose mobility requirements, such a method does necessitate a solid understanding of the operational scenarios in which the final suit will be performing. Because the Constellation space suit system requirements are being finalized with a relatively immature concept of operations, the Space Suit Element team elected to define mobility in terms of its constituent parts to increase the likelihood that the future pressure garment will be mobile enough to enable a broad scope of undefined exploration activities. The range of motion requirements were defined by measuring the ranges of motion test subjects achieved while performing a series of joint maximizing tasks in a variety of flight and prototype space suits. The definition of joint torque requirements has proved more elusive. NASA evaluated several different approaches to the problem before deciding to generate requirements based on unmanned joint torque evaluations of six different space suit configurations being articulated through 16 separate joint movements. This paper discusses the experiment design, data analysis and results, and the process used to determine the final values for the Constellation pressure garment joint torque requirements.

Local and transient nanoscale strain mapping during in situ deformation

DOE PAGES

Gammer, C.; Kacher, J.; Czarnik, C.; ...

2016-08-26

The mobility of defects such as dislocations controls the mechanical properties of metals. This mobility is determined both by the characteristics of the defect and the material, as well as the local stress and strain applied to the defect. Therefore, the knowledge of the stress and strain during deformation at the scale of defects is important for understanding fundamental deformation mechanisms. In this paper, we demonstrate a method of measuring local stresses and strains during continuous in situ deformation with a resolution of a few nanometers using nanodiffraction strain mapping. Finally, our results demonstrate how large multidimensional data sets capturedmore » with high speed electron detectors can be analyzed in multiple ways after an in situ TEM experiment, opening the door for true multimodal analysis from a single electron scattering experiment.« less

Mobile camera-space manipulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Seelinger, Michael J. (Inventor); Yoder, John-David S. (Inventor); Skaar, Steven B. (Inventor)

2001-01-01

The invention is a method of using computer vision to control systems consisting of a combination of holonomic and nonholonomic degrees of freedom such as a wheeled rover equipped with a robotic arm, a forklift, and earth-moving equipment such as a backhoe or a front-loader. Using vision sensors mounted on the mobile system and the manipulator, the system establishes a relationship between the internal joint configuration of the holonomic degrees of freedom of the manipulator and the appearance of features on the manipulator in the reference frames of the vision sensors. Then, the system, perhaps with the assistance of an operator, identifies the locations of the target object in the reference frames of the vision sensors. Using this target information, along with the relationship described above, the system determines a suitable trajectory for the nonholonomic degrees of freedom of the base to follow towards the target object. The system also determines a suitable pose or series of poses for the holonomic degrees of freedom of the manipulator. With additional visual samples, the system automatically updates the trajectory and final pose of the manipulator so as to allow for greater precision in the overall final position of the system.

Optimal control of 2-wheeled mobile robot at energy performance index

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaliński, Krzysztof J.; Mazur, Michał

2016-03-01

The paper presents the application of the optimal control method at the energy performance index towards motion control of the 2-wheeled mobile robot. With the use of the proposed method of control the 2-wheeled mobile robot can realise effectively the desired trajectory. The problem of motion control of mobile robots is usually neglected and thus performance of the realisation of the high level control tasks is limited.

75 FR 71559 - Hazardous Waste Management System; Identification and Listing of Hazardous Waste; Withdrawal of...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-11-24

...Mobil Refining and Supply Company-- Beaumont Refinery, published on October 1, 2010. DATES: Effective...: Because EPA received adverse comments, we are withdrawing the direct final exclusion for ExxonMobil...

Admission and Preventive Load Control for Delivery of Multicast and Broadcast Services via S-UMTS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Angelou, E.; Koutsokeras, N.; Andrikopoulos, I.; Mertzanis, I.; Karaliopoulos, M.; Henrio, P.

2003-07-01

An Admission Control strategy is proposed for unidirectional satellite systems delivering multicast and broadcast services to mobile users. In such systems, both the radio interface and the targeted services impose particular requirements on the RRM task. We briefly discuss the RRM requirements that stem from the services point of view and from the features of the SATIN access scheme that differentiate it from the conventional T-UMTS radio interface. The main functional entities of RRM and the alternative modes of operation are outlined and the proposed Admission Control algorithm is described in detail. The results from the simulation study that demonstrate its performance for a number of different scenarios are finally presented and conclusions derived.

A Test-Bed of Secure Mobile Cloud Computing for Military Applications

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-09-13

searching databases. This kind of applications is a typical example of mobile cloud computing (MCC). MCC has lots of applications in the military...Release; Distribution Unlimited UU UU UU UU 13-09-2016 1-Aug-2014 31-Jul-2016 Final Report: A Test-bed of Secure Mobile Cloud Computing for Military...Army Research Office P.O. Box 12211 Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2211 Test-bed, Mobile Cloud Computing , Security, Military Applications REPORT

Phase II Historic Resources Survey Archaeological Testing of Site 9FU416 Fulton County, Georgia

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-06-01

Archaeological Park, Moundville, Alabama ) for final curation. 6 Phase 11 Testing 9FUJ 416 Chapter 3. Environmental and Cultural Overview Human...Corps of Engineers, Mobile District PO Box 2288 Mobile, Alabama 36628-0001 9. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 10. SPONSORING...MONITORING AGENCY REPORT NUMBER US Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile District PO Box 2288 Mobile, Alabama 36628-0001 1I. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES DISTIR 11IT!O N

The mechanisms for nanoparticle surface diffusion and chain self-assembly determined from real-time nanoscale kinetics in liquid

DOE PAGES

Woehl, Taylor J.; Prozorov, Tanya

2015-08-20

The mechanisms for nanoparticle self-assembly are often inferred from the morphology of the final nanostructures in terms of attractive and repulsive interparticle interactions. Understanding how nanoparticle building blocks are pieced together during self-assembly is a key missing component needed to unlock new strategies and mechanistic understanding of this process. Here we use real-time nanoscale kinetics derived from liquid cell transmission electron microscopy investigation of nanoparticle self-assembly to show that nanoparticle mobility dictates the pathway for self-assembly and final nanostructure morphology. We describe a new method for modulating nanoparticle diffusion in a liquid cell, which we employ to systematically investigate themore » effect of mobility on self-assembly of nanoparticles. We interpret the observed diffusion in terms of electrostatically induced surface diffusion resulting from nanoparticle hopping on the liquid cell window surface. Slow-moving nanoparticles self-assemble predominantly into linear 1D chains by sequential attachment of nanoparticles to existing chains, while highly mobile nanoparticles self-assemble into chains and branched structures by chain–chain attachments. Self-assembly kinetics are consistent with a diffusion-driven mechanism; we attribute the change in self-assembly pathway to the increased self-assembly rate of highly mobile nanoparticles. Furthermore, these results indicate that nanoparticle mobility can dictate the self-assembly mechanism and final nanostructure morphology in a manner similar to interparticle interactions.« less

Mobilities and leachabilities of heavy metals in sludge with humus soil.

PubMed

Zhu, Rui; Wu, Min; Yang, Jian

2011-01-01

Chemical forms of Zn, Ni, Cu, and Pb in municipal sewage sludge were investigated by adding humus soil to sludge and by performing sequential extraction procedures. In the final sludge mixtures, Zn and Ni were mainly found in Fe/Mn oxide-bound (F3) and organic matter/sulfide-bound (F4) forms. For Zn, exchangeable (F1), carbonate-bound (F2), and F3 forms were transformed to F4 and residual forms (F5). For Ni, F1 and F2 forms were transformed to F1, F2, and F3 forms. Both Cu and Pb were strongly associated with the stable forms F4 and F5. For Cu, F2 and F3 forms were major contributors, while for Pb, F3 and F4 forms were major contributors to F5. Humus soil dosage and pH conditions in the sludge were strongly correlated with the forms of heavy metals. Five forms were used to evaluate metal mobilities in the initial and final sludge mixtures. The mobilities of the four heavy metals studied decreased after 28 days. The metal mobilities in the final sludge mixtures were ranked in the following order: Ni > Zn > Cu = Pb. Leaching tests showed that the mobilities of Zn and Ni in lower pH conditions (pH 4) were higher than those in higher pH conditions (pH 8).

Scenarios of Use for Sociable Mobile TV

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chorianopoulos, Konstantinos

Mobile TVs have been available for many years, without ever becoming very popular. Moreover, the first wave of research has been mostly concerned with technology and standards, which are necessary to ensure interoperability and market acceptance. Although, there has been a significant body of computer-supported co-operative work (CSCW) and mobile human-computer interaction (HCI) research findings, there is limited investigation in the context of leisure activities, such as TV. In this article, we propose three concepts that drive the main paths for research and practice in mobile and social TV: (1) Mobile TV as a content format, (2) Mobile TV as user behavior, and (3) Mobile TV as interaction terminal. Finally, we provide particular directions to be considered in further research in social and mobile TV.

Dual control of flow field heterogeneity and immobile porosity on non-Fickian transport in Berea sandstone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gjetvaj, Filip; Russian, Anna; Gouze, Philippe; Dentz, Marco

2015-10-01

Both flow field heterogeneity and mass transfer between mobile and immobile domains have been studied separately for explaining observed anomalous transport. Here we investigate non-Fickian transport using high-resolution 3-D X-ray microtomographic images of Berea sandstone containing microporous cement with pore size below the setup resolution. Transport is computed for a set of representative elementary volumes and results from advection and diffusion in the resolved macroporosity (mobile domain) and diffusion in the microporous phase (immobile domain) where the effective diffusion coefficient is calculated from the measured local porosity using a phenomenological model that includes a porosity threshold (ϕθ) below which diffusion is null and the exponent n that characterizes tortuosity-porosity power-law relationship. We show that both flow field heterogeneity and microporosity trigger anomalous transport. Breakthrough curve (BTC) tailing is positively correlated to microporosity volume and mobile-immobile interface area. The sensitivity analysis showed that the BTC tailing increases with the value of ϕθ, due to the increase of the diffusion path tortuosity until the volume of the microporosity becomes negligible. Furthermore, increasing the value of n leads to an increase in the standard deviation of the distribution of effective diffusion coefficients, which in turn results in an increase of the BTC tailing. Finally, we propose a continuous time random walk upscaled model where the transition time is the sum of independently distributed random variables characterized by specific distributions. It allows modeling a 1-D equivalent macroscopic transport honoring both the control of the flow field heterogeneity and the multirate mass transfer between mobile and immobile domains.

Controlling Contagion Processes in Activity Driven Networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Suyu; Perra, Nicola; Karsai, Márton; Vespignani, Alessandro

2014-03-01

The vast majority of strategies aimed at controlling contagion processes on networks consider the connectivity pattern of the system either quenched or annealed. However, in the real world, many networks are highly dynamical and evolve, in time, concurrently with the contagion process. Here, we derive an analytical framework for the study of control strategies specifically devised for a class of time-varying networks, namely activity-driven networks. We develop a block variable mean-field approach that allows the derivation of the equations describing the coevolution of the contagion process and the network dynamic. We derive the critical immunization threshold and assess the effectiveness of three different control strategies. Finally, we validate the theoretical picture by simulating numerically the spreading process and control strategies in both synthetic networks and a large-scale, real-world, mobile telephone call data set.

Leisure Engagement: Medical Conditions, Mobility Difficulties, and Activity Limitations—A Later Life Perspective

PubMed Central

Nilsson, Ingeborg; Nyqvist, Fredrica; Gustafson, Yngve; Nygård, Mikael

2015-01-01

Objectives. This study aims to investigate the impact of medical conditions, mobility difficulties, and activity limitations on older people's engagement in leisure activities. Methods. The analyses are based on a cross regional survey carried out in 2010 in the Bothnia region (Northern Sweden and Western Finland). A posted questionnaire, which included questions on different aspects of leisure engagement, medical history, and health, was sent out to older persons in the region. The final sample consisted of 5435 persons aged 65, 70, 75, and 80 years. The data was analyzed by using ordinary least squares (OLS) multivariate regression. Results. The most important predictor of leisure engagement abstention among older people is the prevalence of activity limitations, whereas mobility difficulties and medical conditions play less important roles. The strong negative association between activity limitations and leisure engagement remains significant even after we control for individual, sociodemographic characteristics, and country. Discussion. This study provides a window into leisure engagement in later life and factors influencing the magnitude of engagement in leisure activities. PMID:26346706

Sensing Home: A Cost-Effective Design for Smart Home via Heterogeneous Wireless Networks

PubMed Central

Fan, Xiaohu; Huang, Hao; Qi, Shipeng; Luo, Xincheng; Zeng, Jing; Xie, Qubo; Xie, Changsheng

2015-01-01

The aging population has inspired the marketing of advanced real time devices for home health care, more and more wearable devices and mobile applications, which have emerged in this field. However, to properly collect behavior information, accurately recognize human activities, and deploy the whole system in a real living environment is a challenging task. In this paper, we propose a feasible wireless-based solution to deploy a data collection scheme, activity recognition model, feedback control and mobile integration via heterogeneous networks. We compared and found a suitable algorithm that can be run on cost-efficient embedded devices. Specifically, we use the Super Set Transformation method to map the raw data into a sparse binary matrix. Furthermore, designed front-end devices of low power consumption gather the living data of the habitant via ZigBee to reduce the burden of wiring work. Finally, we evaluated our approach and show it can achieve a theoretical time-slice accuracy of 98%. The mapping solution we propose is compatible with more wearable devices and mobile apps. PMID:26633424

Sensing Home: A Cost-Effective Design for Smart Home via Heterogeneous Wireless Networks.

PubMed

Fan, Xiaohu; Huang, Hao; Qi, Shipeng; Luo, Xincheng; Zeng, Jing; Xie, Qubo; Xie, Changsheng

2015-12-03

The aging population has inspired the marketing of advanced real time devices for home health care, more and more wearable devices and mobile applications, which have emerged in this field. However, to properly collect behavior information, accurately recognize human activities, and deploy the whole system in a real living environment is a challenging task. In this paper, we propose a feasible wireless-based solution to deploy a data collection scheme, activity recognition model, feedback control and mobile integration via heterogeneous networks. We compared and found a suitable algorithm that can be run on cost-efficient embedded devices. Specifically, we use the Super Set Transformation method to map the raw data into a sparse binary matrix. Furthermore, designed front-end devices of low power consumption gather the living data of the habitant via ZigBee to reduce the burden of wiring work. Finally, we evaluated our approach and show it can achieve a theoretical time-slice accuracy of 98%. The mapping solution we propose is compatible with more wearable devices and mobile apps.

Inventing Orientation and Mobility Techniques and Teaching Methods: A Conversation with Russell Williams (Part 2)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Welsh, Rachard L.

2005-01-01

This is the final part of the adaptation from my on-stage conversation with Russell Williams at the 1998 International Mobility conference in Atlanta, GA, which attempted to highlight Williams's contributions to the progression of orientation and mobility from the Army's immediate response to the service men and women who lost their sight during…

On-Line Method and Apparatus for Coordinated Mobility and Manipulation of Mobile Robots

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Seraji, Homayoun (Inventor)

1996-01-01

A simple and computationally efficient approach is disclosed for on-line coordinated control of mobile robots consisting of a manipulator arm mounted on a mobile base. The effect of base mobility on the end-effector manipulability index is discussed. The base mobility and arm manipulation degrees-of-freedom are treated equally as the joints of a kinematically redundant composite robot. The redundancy introduced by the mobile base is exploited to satisfy a set of user-defined additional tasks during the end-effector motion. A simple on-line control scheme is proposed which allows the user to assign weighting factors to individual degrees-of-mobility and degrees-of-manipulation, as well as to each task specification. The computational efficiency of the control algorithm makes it particularly suitable for real-time implementations. Four case studies are discussed in detail to demonstrate the application of the coordinated control scheme to various mobile robots.

From mobile mental health to mobile wellbeing: opportunities and challenges.

PubMed

Gaggioli, Andrea; Riva, Giuseppe

2013-01-01

The combination of smart phones, wearable sensor devices and social media offer new ways of monitoring and promoting mental and physical wellbeing. In this contribution, we describe recent developments in the field of mobile healthcare (or mHealth), by focusing in particular on mobile mental health applications. First, we examine the potential benefits associated with this approach, providing examples from existing projects. Next, we identify and explain possible differences in focus between mobile mental health and mobile wellbeing applications. Finally, we discuss some open challenges associated with the implementation of this vision, ranging from the lack of evidence-based validation to privacy, security and ethical concerns.

Accuracy assessment of a mobile terrestrial lidar survey at Padre Island National Seashore

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lim, Samsung; Thatcher, Cindy A.; Brock, John C.; Kimbrow, Dustin R.; Danielson, Jeffrey J.; Reynolds, B.J.

2013-01-01

The higher point density and mobility of terrestrial laser scanning (light detection and ranging (lidar)) is desired when extremely detailed elevation data are needed for mapping vertically orientated complex features such as levees, dunes, and cliffs, or when highly accurate data are needed for monitoring geomorphic changes. Mobile terrestrial lidar scanners have the capability for rapid data collection on a larger spatial scale compared with tripod-based terrestrial lidar, but few studies have examined the accuracy of this relatively new mapping technology. For this reason, we conducted a field test at Padre Island National Seashore of a mobile lidar scanner mounted on a sport utility vehicle and integrated with a position and orientation system. The purpose of the study was to assess the vertical and horizontal accuracy of data collected by the mobile terrestrial lidar system, which is georeferenced to the Universal Transverse Mercator coordinate system and the North American Vertical Datum of 1988. To accomplish the study objectives, independent elevation data were collected by conducting a high-accuracy global positioning system survey to establish the coordinates and elevations of 12 targets spaced throughout the 12 km transect. These independent ground control data were compared to the lidar scanner-derived elevations to quantify the accuracy of the mobile lidar system. The performance of the mobile lidar system was also tested at various vehicle speeds and scan density settings (e.g. field of view and linear point spacing) to estimate the optimal parameters for desired point density. After adjustment of the lever arm parameters, the final point cloud accuracy was 0.060 m (east), 0.095 m (north), and 0.053 m (height). The very high density of the resulting point cloud was sufficient to map fine-scale topographic features, such as the complex shape of the sand dunes.

Consensus statements on occupational therapy education and professional development related to driving and community mobility.

PubMed

Stav, Wendy B

2014-04-01

Professional and postprofessional education for occupational therapy practitioners in the area of driving and community mobility has been inconsistent and not sufficient to meet the growing community mobility needs of the aging population. This article reviews the current expectations of entry-level occupational therapy education, the postprofessional credentialing opportunities, and the professional development path for occupational therapy practitioners. Finally, consensus statements are presented to move both entry-level and professional education forward in the area of driving and community mobility.

A distributed model predictive control scheme for leader-follower multi-agent systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Franzè, Giuseppe; Lucia, Walter; Tedesco, Francesco

2018-02-01

In this paper, we present a novel receding horizon control scheme for solving the formation problem of leader-follower configurations. The algorithm is based on set-theoretic ideas and is tuned for agents described by linear time-invariant (LTI) systems subject to input and state constraints. The novelty of the proposed framework relies on the capability to jointly use sequences of one-step controllable sets and polyhedral piecewise state-space partitions in order to online apply the 'better' control action in a distributed receding horizon fashion. Moreover, we prove that the design of both robust positively invariant sets and one-step-ahead controllable regions is achieved in a distributed sense. Simulations and numerical comparisons with respect to centralised and local-based strategies are finally performed on a group of mobile robots to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.

Autonomous Pointing Control of a Large Satellite Antenna Subject to Parametric Uncertainty

PubMed Central

Wu, Shunan; Liu, Yufei; Radice, Gianmarco; Tan, Shujun

2017-01-01

With the development of satellite mobile communications, large antennas are now widely used. The precise pointing of the antenna’s optical axis is essential for many space missions. This paper addresses the challenging problem of high-precision autonomous pointing control of a large satellite antenna. The pointing dynamics are firstly proposed. The proportional–derivative feedback and structural filter to perform pointing maneuvers and suppress antenna vibrations are then presented. An adaptive controller to estimate actual system frequencies in the presence of modal parameters uncertainty is proposed. In order to reduce periodic errors, the modified controllers, which include the proposed adaptive controller and an active disturbance rejection filter, are then developed. The system stability and robustness are analyzed and discussed in the frequency domain. Numerical results are finally provided, and the results have demonstrated that the proposed controllers have good autonomy and robustness. PMID:28287450

The evolution of human mobility based on the public goods game

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Shiqing

2017-07-01

We explore the evolution of human mobility behavior based on public goods game. By using mean field method, the population distribution in different regions is theoretical calculated. Numerical simulation results show that the correlation between the region's degree and its final population is not significant under a larger human migration rate. Human mobility could effectively promote cooperative behavior and the population balance of different regions. Therefore, encouraging individuals to migrate may increase the total benefits of the whole society. Moreover, increasing the cooperation cost could reduce the number of cooperators, and that would happen to the correlation between the region's degree and its final population. The results indicate the total population could not dramatically rise with the region's degree under an unfair society.

Development of a mobile system based on laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy and dedicated to in situ analysis of polluted soils

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bousquet, B.; Travaillé, G.; Ismaël, A.; Canioni, L.; Michel-Le Pierrès, K.; Brasseur, E.; Roy, S.; le Hecho, I.; Larregieu, M.; Tellier, S.; Potin-Gautier, M.; Boriachon, T.; Wazen, P.; Diard, A.; Belbèze, S.

2008-10-01

Principal Components Analysis (PCA) is successfully applied to the full laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) spectra of soil samples, defining classes according to the concentrations of the major elements. The large variability of the LIBS data is related to the heterogeneity of the samples and the representativeness of the data is finally discussed. Then, the development of a mobile LIBS system dedicated to the in-situ analysis of soils polluted by heavy metals is described. Based on the use of ten-meter long optical fibers, the mobile system allows deported measurements. Finally, the laser-assisted drying process studied by the use of a customized laser has not been retained to overcome the problem of moisture.

Strong Influence of Humidity on Low-Temperature Thin-Film Fabrication via Metal Aqua Complex for High Performance Oxide Semiconductor Thin-Film Transistors.

PubMed

Lim, Keon-Hee; Huh, Jae-Eun; Lee, Jinwon; Cho, Nam-Kwang; Park, Jun-Woo; Nam, Bu-Il; Lee, Eungkyu; Kim, Youn Sang

2017-01-11

Oxide semiconductors thin film transistors (OS TFTs) with good transparency and electrical performance have great potential for future display technology. In particular, solution-processed OS TFTs have been attracted much attention due to many advantages such as continuous, large scale, and low cost processability. Recently, OS TFTs fabricated with a metal aqua complex have been focused because they have low temperature processability for deposition on flexible substrate as well as high field-effect mobility for application of advanced display. However, despite some remarkable results, important factors to optimize their electrical performance with reproducibility and uniformity have not yet been achieved. Here, we newly introduce the strong effects of humidity to enhance the electrical performance of OS TFTs fabricated with the metal aqua complex. Through humidity control during the spin-coating process and annealing process, we successfully demonstrate solution-processed InO x /SiO 2 TFTs with a good electrical uniformity of ∼5% standard deviation, showing high average field-effect mobility of 2.76 cm 2 V -1 s -1 and 15.28 cm 2 V -1 s -1 fabricated at 200 and 250 °C, respectively. Also, on the basis of the systematic analyses, we demonstrate the mechanism for the change in electrical properties of InO x TFTs depending on the humidity control. Finally, on the basis of the mechanism, we extended the humidity control to the fabrication of the AlO x insulator. Subsequently, we successfully achieved humidity-controlled InO x /AlO x TFTs fabricated at 200 °C showing high average field-effect mobility of 9.5 cm 2 V -1 s -1 .

Mobility particle size spectrometers: harmonization of technical standards and data structure to facilitate high quality long-term observations of atmospheric particle number size distributions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wiedensohler, A.; Birmili, W.; Nowak, A.; Sonntag, A.; Weinhold, K.; Merkel, M.; Wehner, B.; Tuch, T.; Pfeifer, S.; Fiebig, M.; Fjäraa, A. M.; Asmi, E.; Sellegri, K.; Depuy, R.; Venzac, H.; Villani, P.; Laj, P.; Aalto, P.; Ogren, J. A.; Swietlicki, E.; Williams, P.; Roldin, P.; Quincey, P.; Hüglin, C.; Fierz-Schmidhauser, R.; Gysel, M.; Weingartner, E.; Riccobono, F.; Santos, S.; Grüning, C.; Faloon, K.; Beddows, D.; Harrison, R.; Monahan, C.; Jennings, S. G.; O'Dowd, C. D.; Marinoni, A.; Horn, H.-G.; Keck, L.; Jiang, J.; Scheckman, J.; McMurry, P. H.; Deng, Z.; Zhao, C. S.; Moerman, M.; Henzing, B.; de Leeuw, G.; Löschau, G.; Bastian, S.

2012-03-01

Mobility particle size spectrometers often referred to as DMPS (Differential Mobility Particle Sizers) or SMPS (Scanning Mobility Particle Sizers) have found a wide range of applications in atmospheric aerosol research. However, comparability of measurements conducted world-wide is hampered by lack of generally accepted technical standards and guidelines with respect to the instrumental set-up, measurement mode, data evaluation as well as quality control. Technical standards were developed for a minimum requirement of mobility size spectrometry to perform long-term atmospheric aerosol measurements. Technical recommendations include continuous monitoring of flow rates, temperature, pressure, and relative humidity for the sheath and sample air in the differential mobility analyzer. We compared commercial and custom-made inversion routines to calculate the particle number size distributions from the measured electrical mobility distribution. All inversion routines are comparable within few per cent uncertainty for a given set of raw data. Furthermore, this work summarizes the results from several instrument intercomparison workshops conducted within the European infrastructure project EUSAAR (European Supersites for Atmospheric Aerosol Research) and ACTRIS (Aerosols, Clouds, and Trace gases Research InfraStructure Network) to determine present uncertainties especially of custom-built mobility particle size spectrometers. Under controlled laboratory conditions, the particle number size distributions from 20 to 200 nm determined by mobility particle size spectrometers of different design are within an uncertainty range of around ±10% after correcting internal particle losses, while below and above this size range the discrepancies increased. For particles larger than 200 nm, the uncertainty range increased to 30%, which could not be explained. The network reference mobility spectrometers with identical design agreed within ±4% in the peak particle number concentration when all settings were done carefully. The consistency of these reference instruments to the total particle number concentration was demonstrated to be less than 5%. Additionally, a new data structure for particle number size distributions was introduced to store and disseminate the data at EMEP (European Monitoring and Evaluation Program). This structure contains three levels: raw data, processed data, and final particle size distributions. Importantly, we recommend reporting raw measurements including all relevant instrument parameters as well as a complete documentation on all data transformation and correction steps. These technical and data structure standards aim to enhance the quality of long-term size distribution measurements, their comparability between different networks and sites, and their transparency and traceability back to raw data.

A satellite data terminal for land mobile use

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sutherland, Colin A.

1990-01-01

Telesat Mobile Incorporated (TMI) has recently introduced the Mobile Data Service (MDS) into Canada. This paper outlines the system design and some key aspects of the detailed design of the Mobile Earth Terminal (MET) developed by Canadian Aeronautics Limited (CAL) for use with the MDS. The technical requirements for the MET are outlined and the equipment architecture is described. The major design considerations for each functional module are then addressed. Environmental conditions unique to the land mobile service are highlighted, along with the measures taken to ensure satisfactory operation and survival of the MET. Finally, the probable direction of future developments is indicated.

May 2004 Click It or Ticket seat belt mobilization evaluation : final report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2007-05-01

"Click It or Ticket" (CIOT) is an intense, short duration, seat belt high visibility publicity and enforcement program. The CIOT May 2004 Mobilization involved approximately $32 million dollars of purchased media. Law enforcement agencies in 50 State...

Dynamic mobility applications open source application development portal : Task 4 : system requirements specifications : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-10-12

This document describes the System Requirements Specifications (SyRS) of the Dynamic Mobility Applications (DMA) Open Source Application Development Portal (OSADP) system in details according to IEEE-Std. 1233-1998. The requirement statements discuss...

Dynamic mobility applications open source application development portal : Task 3.3 : concept of operations : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-10-12

The Dynamic Mobility Applications (DMA) program seeks to promote the highest level of collaboration and preservation of intellectual capital generated from application development and associated research activities funded by the program. The program ...

The prioritization of mobility improvements using a multicriteria prioritization algorithm : final report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1998-07-01

A prioritization process has been prepared by the University of California, Davis, for use by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) in selecting multimodal mobility improvement projects to fund, given a budget constraint. The process involve...

Final report : mobile surveillance and wireless communication systems field operational test. Volume 1, Executive summary

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1999-03-01

This study focused on assessing the application of traffic monitoring and management systems which use transportable surveillance and ramp meter trailers, video image processors, and wireless communications. The mobile surveillance and wireless commu...

PRiFi Networking for Tracking-Resistant Mobile Computing

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-11-01

PRiFi NETWORKING FOR TRACKING-RESISTANT MOBILE COMPUTING YALE UNIVERSITY NOVEMBER 2017 FINAL TECHNICAL REPORT APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE...From - To) FEB 2016 – MAY 2017 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE PRiFi NETWORKING FOR TRACKING-RESISTANT MOBILE COMPUTING 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER FA8750-16-2-0034...3 Figure 2: What We Have: A Cloud of Secret Mass Surveillance Processes .................................. 6 Figure 3: What

78 FR 67881 - Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Air Travel: Accessibility of Web Sites and...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-11-12

... corresponding accessible pages on a mobile Web site by one year after the final rule's effective date; and (3... Mobile Web site conformant with any of the following standards: WCAG 1.0, WCAG 2.0 at Level A, existing Section 508 standards, or Mobile Web Best Practices (MWBP) 1.0 (if applicable). Two of the options they...

Wireless Control of Miniaturized Mobile Vehicle for Indoor Surveillance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taha Saquib, Syed M.; Hameed, Sarmad; Usman Ali, Syed M.; Jafri, Raza; Amin, Imran

2013-12-01

This work is based upon electronic automation and Smart Control techniques, which constitute the basis of Control Area Network (CAN) and Personal Area Network (PAN). Bluetooth technology has been interfaced with a programmable controller to provide multi-dimensional vehicle control. A network is proposed which contains a remote, mobile host controller and an android operating system based mobile set (Client). The client communicates with a host controller through a Bluetooth device. The system incorporates duplex communication after successful confirmation between the host and the client; the android based mobile unit controls the vehicle through the Bluetooth module.

Speciation and transformation of heavy metals during vermicomposting of animal manure.

PubMed

Lv, Baoyi; Xing, Meiyan; Yang, Jian

2016-06-01

This work was conducted to evaluate the effects of vermicomposting on the speciation and mobility of heavy metals (Zn, Pb, Cr, and Cu) in cattle dung (CD) and pig manure (PM) using tessier sequential extraction method. Results showed that the pH, total organic carbon and C/N ratio were reduced, while the electric conductivity and humic acid increased after 90days vermicomposting. Moreover, the addition of earthworm could accelerate organic stabilization in vermicomposting. The total heavy metals in final vermicompost from CD and PM were higher than the initial values and the control without worms. Sequential extraction indicated that vermicomposting decreased the migration and availability of heavy metals, and the earthworm could reduce the mobile fraction, while increase the stable fraction of heavy metals. Furthermore, these results indicated that vermicomposting played a positive role in stabilizing heavy metals in the treatment of animal manure. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

NASA/ASEE Summer Faculty Fellowship Program, 1990, Volume 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bannerot, Richard B. (Editor); Goldstein, Stanley H. (Editor)

1990-01-01

The 1990 Johnson Space Center (JSC) NASA/American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) Summer Faculty Fellowship Program was conducted by the University of Houston-University Park and JSC. A compilation of the final reports on the research projects are presented. The topics covered include: the Space Station; the Space Shuttle; exobiology; cell biology; culture techniques; control systems design; laser induced fluorescence; spacecraft reliability analysis; reduced gravity; biotechnology; microgravity applications; regenerative life support systems; imaging techniques; cardiovascular system; physiological effects; extravehicular mobility units; mathematical models; bioreactors; computerized simulation; microgravity simulation; and dynamic structural analysis.

Binder-Grade Bumping and High Binder Content to Improve Performance of RAP-RAS Mixtures : Final Report : SPR 797

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2018-01-01

Connected vehicle mobility applications are commonly referred to as dynamic mobility applications (DMAs). DMAs seek to fully leverage frequently collected and rapidly disseminated multi-source data gathered from connected travelers, vehicles, and inf...

Estimation of traffic impacts at work zones : state of the practice.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2006-01-01

Assessing the safety and mobility impacts of work zones across the project development phases of road construction and maintenance projects is an emphasis area of the Federal Highway Administration's Final Rule on Work Zone Safety and Mobility1 (Fina...

Sharing data between mobile devices, connected vehicles, and infrastructure task 3: system requirements specifications (SyRS) final.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-07-14

This report describes the system requirements specifications (SyRS) for the use of mobile devices in a connected vehicle environment. Specifically, it defines the different types of requirements (functional, interface, performance, security, data, an...

Balancing the costs of mobility investments in work zones : phase 1 final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2015-06-01

Work zone safety and mobility continue to be critical transportation concerns in Michigan and elsewhere. : Previous research has led to the development of a variety of tools, performance measures and decision-making frameworks to analyze work zone sa...

Modular telerobot control system for accident response

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anderson, Richard J. M.; Shirey, David L.

1999-08-01

The Accident Response Mobile Manipulator System (ARMMS) is a teleoperated emergency response vehicle that deploys two hydraulic manipulators, five cameras, and an array of sensors to the scene of an incident. It is operated from a remote base station that can be situated up to four kilometers away from the site. Recently, a modular telerobot control architecture called SMART was applied to ARMMS to improve the precision, safety, and operability of the manipulators on board. Using SMART, a prototype manipulator control system was developed in a couple of days, and an integrated working system was demonstrated within a couple of months. New capabilities such as camera-frame teleoperation, autonomous tool changeout and dual manipulator control have been incorporated. The final system incorporates twenty-two separate modules and implements seven different behavior modes. This paper describes the integration of SMART into the ARMMS system.

Bacterial plasmid transfer under space flight conditions: The Mobilisatsia experience

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Boever, P.; Ilyin, V.; Mahillon, J.; Mergeay, M.

Background Microorganisms are subject to a genetic evolution which may lead to the capacity to colonize new environments and to cause infections Central players in this evolutionary process are mobile genetic elements phages plasmids and transposons The latter help to mobilize and reorganize genes be it within a given genome intragenomic mobility or between bacterial cells intercellular mobility Confined environment and space flight related factors such as microgravity and cosmic radiation may influence the frequency with which mobile genetic elements are exchanged between microorganisms Aim Within the frame of the Mobilisatsia experiment a triparental microbial plasmid transfer was promoted aboard the International Space Station ISS The efficiency of the plasmid exchange process was compared with a synchronously performed ground control experiment An experiment was carried out with well-characterized Gram-negative test strains and one experiment was done with Gram-positive test strains Results The experiment took place during the Soyouz Mission 8 to the ISS from April 19th until April 30th 2004 Liquid cultures of the bacterial strains Cupriavidus metallidurans AE815 final recipient Escherichia coli CM1962 carrying a mobilisable vector with a nickel-resistance marker and E coli CM140 carrying the Broad Host Range plasmid RP4 for the Gram-negative experiment and Bacillus thuringiensis Bti AND931 carrying the conjugative plasmid pXO16 Bti 4Q7 with mobilisable vector pC194 carrying a resistance to chloramphenicol and Bti GBJ002

Time-dependent mobility and recombination of the photoinduced charge carriers in conjugated polymer/fullerene bulk heterojunction solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mozer, A. J.; Dennler, G.; Sariciftci, N. S.; Westerling, M.; Pivrikas, A.; Österbacka, R.; Juška, G.

2005-07-01

Time-dependent mobility and recombination in the blend of poly[2-methoxy-5-(3,7-dimethyloctyloxy)-phenylene vinylene] (MDMO-PPV) and 1-(3-methoxycarbonyl)propyl-1-phenyl-(6,6)- C61 (PCBM) is studied simultaneously using the photoinduced charge carrier extraction by linearly increasing voltage technique. The charge carriers are photogenerated by a strongly absorbed, 3 ns laser flash, and extracted by the application of a reverse bias voltage pulse after an adjustable delay time (tdel) . It is found that the mobility of the extracted charge carriers decreases with increasing delay time, especially shortly after photoexcitation. The time-dependent mobility μ(t) is attributed to the energy relaxation of the charge carriers towards the tail states of the density of states distribution. A model based on a dispersive bimolecular recombination is formulated, which properly describes the concentration decay of the extracted charge carriers at all measured temperatures and concentrations. The calculated bimolecular recombination coefficient β(t) is also found to be time-dependent exhibiting a power law dependence as β(t)=β0t-(1-γ) with increasing slope (1-γ) with decreasing temperatures. The temperature dependence study reveals that both the mobility and recombination of the photogenerated charge carriers are thermally activated processes with activation energy in the range of 0.1 eV. Finally, the direct comparison of μ(t) and β(t) shows that the recombination of the long-lived charge carriers is controlled by diffusion.

Security Enhancement Mechanism Based on Contextual Authentication and Role Analysis for 2G-RFID Systems

PubMed Central

Tang, Wan; Chen, Min; Ni, Jin; Yang, Ximin

2011-01-01

The traditional Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system, in which the information maintained in tags is passive and static, has no intelligent decision-making ability to suit application and environment dynamics. The Second-Generation RFID (2G-RFID) system, referred as 2G-RFID-sys, is an evolution of the traditional RFID system to ensure better quality of service in future networks. Due to the openness of the active mobile codes in the 2G-RFID system, the realization of conveying intelligence brings a critical issue: how can we make sure the backend system will interpret and execute mobile codes in the right way without misuse so as to avoid malicious attacks? To address this issue, this paper expands the concept of Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) by introducing context-aware computing, and then designs a secure middleware for backend systems, named Two-Level Security Enhancement Mechanism or 2L-SEM, in order to ensure the usability and validity of the mobile code through contextual authentication and role analysis. According to the given contextual restrictions, 2L-SEM can filtrate the illegal and invalid mobile codes contained in tags. Finally, a reference architecture and its typical application are given to illustrate the implementation of 2L-SEM in a 2G-RFID system, along with the simulation results to evaluate how the proposed mechanism can guarantee secure execution of mobile codes for the system. PMID:22163983

Security enhancement mechanism based on contextual authentication and role analysis for 2G-RFID systems.

PubMed

Tang, Wan; Chen, Min; Ni, Jin; Yang, Ximin

2011-01-01

The traditional Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system, in which the information maintained in tags is passive and static, has no intelligent decision-making ability to suit application and environment dynamics. The Second-Generation RFID (2G-RFID) system, referred as 2G-RFID-sys, is an evolution of the traditional RFID system to ensure better quality of service in future networks. Due to the openness of the active mobile codes in the 2G-RFID system, the realization of conveying intelligence brings a critical issue: how can we make sure the backend system will interpret and execute mobile codes in the right way without misuse so as to avoid malicious attacks? To address this issue, this paper expands the concept of Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) by introducing context-aware computing, and then designs a secure middleware for backend systems, named Two-Level Security Enhancement Mechanism or 2L-SEM, in order to ensure the usability and validity of the mobile code through contextual authentication and role analysis. According to the given contextual restrictions, 2L-SEM can filtrate the illegal and invalid mobile codes contained in tags. Finally, a reference architecture and its typical application are given to illustrate the implementation of 2L-SEM in a 2G-RFID system, along with the simulation results to evaluate how the proposed mechanism can guarantee secure execution of mobile codes for the system.

A Car Transportation System in Cooperation by Multiple Mobile Robots for Each Wheel: iCART II

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kashiwazaki, Koshi; Yonezawa, Naoaki; Kosuge, Kazuhiro; Sugahara, Yusuke; Hirata, Yasuhisa; Endo, Mitsuru; Kanbayashi, Takashi; Shinozuka, Hiroyuki; Suzuki, Koki; Ono, Yuki

The authors proposed a car transportation system, iCART (intelligent Cooperative Autonomous Robot Transporters), for automation of mechanical parking systems by two mobile robots. However, it was difficult to downsize the mobile robot because the length of it requires at least the wheelbase of a car. This paper proposes a new car transportation system, iCART II (iCART - type II), based on “a-robot-for-a-wheel” concept. A prototype system, MRWheel (a Mobile Robot for a Wheel), is designed and downsized less than half the conventional robot. First, a method for lifting up a wheel by MRWheel is described. In general, it is very difficult for mobile robots such as MRWheel to move to desired positions without motion errors caused by slipping, etc. Therefore, we propose a follower's motion error estimation algorithm based on the internal force applied to each follower by extending a conventional leader-follower type decentralized control algorithm for cooperative object transportation. The proposed algorithm enables followers to estimate their motion errors and enables the robots to transport a car to a desired position. In addition, we analyze and prove the stability and convergence of the resultant system with the proposed algorithm. In order to extract only the internal force from the force applied to each robot, we also propose a model-based external force compensation method. Finally, proposed methods are applied to the car transportation system, the experimental results confirm their validity.

Security Issues for Mobile Medical Imaging: A Primer.

PubMed

Choudhri, Asim F; Chatterjee, Arindam R; Javan, Ramin; Radvany, Martin G; Shih, George

2015-10-01

The end-user of mobile device apps in the practice of clinical radiology should be aware of security measures that prevent unauthorized use of the device, including passcode policies, methods for dealing with failed login attempts, network manager-controllable passcode enforcement, and passcode enforcement for the protection of the mobile device itself. Protection of patient data must be in place that complies with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and U.S. Federal Information Processing Standards. Device security measures for data protection include methods for locally stored data encryption, hardware encryption, and the ability to locally and remotely clear data from the device. As these devices transfer information over both local wireless networks and public cell phone networks, wireless network security protocols, including wired equivalent privacy and Wi-Fi protected access, are important components in the chain of security. Specific virtual private network protocols, Secure Sockets Layer and related protocols (especially in the setting of hypertext transfer protocols), native apps, virtual desktops, and nonmedical commercial off-the-shelf apps require consideration in the transmission of medical data over both private and public networks. Enterprise security and management of both personal and enterprise mobile devices are discussed. Finally, specific standards for hardware and software platform security, including prevention of hardware tampering, protection from malicious software, and application authentication methods, are vital components in establishing a secure platform for the use of mobile devices in the medical field. © RSNA, 2015.

Dynamics and motion control of a chain of particles on a rough surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Behn, C.; Schale, F.; Zeidis, I.; Zimmermann, K.; Bolotnik, N.

2017-05-01

In this paper the mechanics and control of the motion of a straight chain of three particles interconnected with kinematical constraints are investigated. The ground contact is described by dry (discontinuous) or viscous (continuous) friction. Here, we understand this model as a methodological basis for the design of worm-like locomotion systems, i.e., non-pedal mobile robots. This kind of robots will prove an efficient form of locomotion in application to inspection of pipes or for rescue missions. In this paper, a number of issues related to the dynamics and control of artificial limbless locomotion systems are discussed. Simplest models of a limbless locomotor are two-body or three-body systems that move along a horizontal straight line. In the first part of the paper, the controls are assumed in the form of periodic functions with zero average, shifted on a phase one concerning each other. Thus, there is a traveling wave along the chain of particles. In the second part, actuator models are discussed. It is supposed that there are unknown actuator data or the worm system parameter are not known or exactly as well. The focus is on adaptive control algorithms for the worm-like locomotion systems in order to track given reference trajectories, like kinematic gaits. Finally, a prototype together with its signal processing and control software is presented. Theoretically (analytically and numerically) calculated results of the dynamical behavior of the mobile system are compared to experimental data.

Differential-Drive Mobile Robot Control Design based-on Linear Feedback Control Law

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nurmaini, Siti; Dewi, Kemala; Tutuko, Bambang

2017-04-01

This paper deals with the problem of how to control differential driven mobile robot with simple control law. When mobile robot moves from one position to another to achieve a position destination, it always produce some errors. Therefore, a mobile robot requires a certain control law to drive the robot’s movement to the position destination with a smallest possible error. In this paper, in order to reduce position error, a linear feedback control is proposed with pole placement approach to regulate the polynoms desired. The presented work leads to an improved understanding of differential-drive mobile robot (DDMR)-based kinematics equation, which will assist to design of suitable controllers for DDMR movement. The result show by using the linier feedback control method with pole placement approach the position error is reduced and fast convergence is achieved.

Aquifer modification: an approach to improve the mobility of nanoscale zero-valent iron particles used for in situ groundwater remediation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

MicicBatka, Vesna; Schmid, Doris; Marko, Florian; Velimirovic, Milica; Wagner, Stephan; von der Kammer, Frank; Hofmann, Thilo

2015-04-01

Successful emplacement of nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) within the contaminated source zone is a prerequisite for the use of nZVI technology in groundwater remediation. Emplacement of nZVI is influenced i.e., by the injection technique and the injection velocity applied, as well as by the mobility of nZVI in the subsurface. Whereas processes linked to the injection can be controlled by the remediation practitioners, the mobility of nZVI in the subsurface remains limited. Even though mobility of nZVI is somewhat improved by surface coating with polyelectrolytes, it is still greatly affected by the groundwater composition and physical and chemical heterogeneities of aquifer grains. In order to promote mobility of nZVI it is needed to alter the surface charge heterogeneities of aquifer grains. Modifying the aquifer grain's surfaces by means of polyelectrolyte coating is an approach proposed to increase the overall negative surface charge of the aquifer grain surfaces, hinder deposition of nZVI onto aquifer grains, and finally promote nZVI mobility. In this study the effect of different polyelectrolytes on the nZVI mobility is tested in natural sands deriving from real brownfield sites that are proposed to be remediated using the nZVI technology. Sands collected from brownfield sites were characterized in terms of grain size distribution, mineralogical and chemical composition, and organic carbon content. Furthermore, surface charge of these sands was determined in both, low- and high ionic strength background solutions. Finally, changes of the sand's surface charges were examined after addition of the proposed aquifer modifiers, lignin sulfonate and humic acid. Surface charge of brownfield sands in low ionic strength background solution is more negative compared to that in high ionic strength background solution. An increase in negative surface potential of brownfield sand was recorded when aquifer modifiers were applied in a background solution with low ionic strength, indicating their potential to improve nZVI mobility under comparable environmental conditions. In contrast, no significant change of the surface potential of brownfield sand was observed when aquifer modifiers were applied in a background solution with high ionic strength. The potential of the aquifer modifiers to promote the mobility of nZVI was furthermore tested in flow-through columns, starting with the one filled with natural quartz sand with rough surface, low ionic strength background solutions and pre-injecting lignin sulfonate in concentration of 50 mg/L. The preliminary results showed that the pre-injection of lignin sulfonate does increase mobility of nZVI under this experimental condition. Further mobility tests will be carried out in order to elucidate the potential of the aquifer modifiers to promote the mobility of nZVI in sands with a complex mineralogy and in the background solutions with varying ionic strength, in order to account for the condition that resemble those at polluted sites. This research receives funding from the European Union's Seventh Framework Programme FP7/2007-2013 under grant agreement n°309517.

Clandestine Transmissions and Operations of Embedded Software on Cellular Mobile Devices

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-09-01

Register EMS Enhanced Message Service FDMA Frequency Division Multiple Access GMT Greenwich Mean Time GMSC Gateway Mobile Switching Center...Message Switching Center SMS-IWMSC SMS-Interworking Mobile-Service Switching Center TCH Traffic Channels TDMA Time Division Multiple Access TP...assume the user will not attempt to re-program the device. Finally, we assume that the owner and user do not have root access and cannot disable any

JOMAR: Joint Operations with Mobile Autonomous Robots

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-12-21

AFRL-AFOSR-JP-TR-2015-0009 JOMAR: Joint Operations with Mobile Autonomous Robots Edwin Olson UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN Final Report 12/21/2015...SUBTITLE JOMAR: Joint Operations with Mobile Autonomous Robots 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER FA23861114024 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6...14. ABSTRACT Under this grant, we formulated and implemented a variety of novel algorithms that address core problems in multi- robot systems. These

The mobility and diffusion of ions in gases

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcdaniel, E. W.; Mason, E. A.

1973-01-01

Experimental and theoretical aspects of the mobility and diffusion of ions in gases are studied in detail. Some of the subjects discussed include ion-ion interaction, boundary condition and ion and electron behavior. Also discussed in separate chapters are the problems of the diffusion coefficients and the afterglow techniques. Finally, a special chapter studies the kinetic theory of diffusion and mobility, stressing the low-, medium- and high-field theory.

Effects of iterative learning based signal control strategies on macroscopic fundamental diagrams of urban road networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Fei; Tian, Fuli; Shi, Zhongke

2016-10-01

Urban traffic flows are inherently repeated on a daily or weekly basis. This repeatability can help improve the traffic conditions if it is used properly by the control system. In this paper, we propose a novel iterative learning control (ILC) strategy for traffic signals of urban road networks using the repeatability feature of traffic flow. To improve the control robustness, the ILC strategy is further integrated with an error feedback control law in a complementary manner. Theoretical analysis indicates that the ILC-based traffic signal control methods can guarantee the asymptotic learning convergence, despite the presence of modeling uncertainties and exogenous disturbances. Finally, the impacts of the ILC-based signal control strategies on the network macroscopic fundamental diagram (MFD) are examined. The results show that the proposed ILC-based control strategies can homogenously distribute the network accumulation by controlling the vehicle numbers in each link to the desired levels under different traffic demands, which can result in the network with high capacity and mobility.

78 FR 48626 - Private Land Mobile Radio Rules

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-08-09

...-91] Private Land Mobile Radio Rules AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Final rule... certification and use of Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA) equipment in response to a petition for clarification... Part 90 of the Commission's Rules to permit the certification and use of Terrestrial Trunked Radio...

GPS Spectrum Management (Briefing Charts)

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-04-29

15) agenda item (AI) 1.1 draft conference preparatory meeting ( CPM ); proactively keeping possible mobile broadband allocations away from GPS in-band...UNCLASSIFIED/APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE ITU Watch Items SPACE AND MISSILE SYSTEMS CENTER • WRC-15 AI 1.1 -mobile broadband; finalization of CPM in Mar

Portable work zone barrier-"mobile barriers" mobile barrier trailer : final report, December 2009.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-12-01

This work has focused on the fabrication and implementation of the MBT-1 Beam which is a : truck mounted, moveable, expandable beam that provides positive work zone protection : comparable to a fixed concrete barrier. It is specifically intended to e...

Final report : mobile surveillance and wireless communication systems field operational test. Volume 2, FOT objectives, organization, system design, results, conclusions, and recommendations

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1999-03-01

The Mobile Surveillance and Wireless Communication Systems Field Operational Test (FOT) evaluated the performance of wireless traffic detection and communications systems in areas where permanent detectors, electrical power, and landline communicatio...

Speed control for a mobile robot

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kolli, Kaylan C.; Mallikarjun, Sreeram; Kola, Krishnamohan; Hall, Ernest L.

1997-09-01

Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) have many potential applications in manufacturing, medicine, space and defense. The purpose of this paper is to describe exploratory research on the design of a speed control for a modular autonomous mobile robot controller. The speed control of the traction motor is essential for safe operation of a mobile robot. The challenges of autonomous operation of a vehicle require safe, runaway and collision free operation. A mobile robot test-bed has been constructed using a golf cart base. The computer controlled speed control has been implemented and works with guidance provided by vision system and obstacle avoidance using ultrasonic sensors systems. A 486 computer through a 3- axis motion controller supervises the speed control. The traction motor is controlled via the computer by an EV-1 speed control. Testing of the system was done both in the lab and on an outside course with positive results. This design is a prototype and suggestions for improvements are also given. The autonomous speed controller is applicable for any computer controlled electric drive mobile vehicle.

The mobile Sousy-Doppler radar: Technical design and first results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Czechowsky, P.; Schmidt, G.; Ruster, R.

1983-01-01

A mobile VHF Doppler system was developed. The electronic part is installed in a 20 ft container and tested using a special log periodic aerial to illuminate the 300 m dish. The system was extended by designing a mobile phased antenna array with finally 576 Yagi elements. The grouping of the single Yagis, the system of transmission lines, the phase shifters, the power splitters and the T/R switch are described. Results from the first two campaigns and a survey of future programs demonstrating the flexibility of this mobile system are summarized.

Structural Characterization of Vapor-deposited Organic Glasses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gujral, Ankit

Physical vapor deposition, a common route of thin film fabrication for organic electronic devices, has recently been shown to produce organic glassy films with enhanced kinetic stability and anisotropic structure. Anisotropic structures are of interest in the organic electronics community as it has been shown that certain structures lead to enhanced device performance, such as higher carrier mobility and better light outcoupling. A mechanism proposed to explain the origin of the stability and anisotropy of vapor-deposited glasses relies on two parameters: 1) enhanced molecular mobility at the free surface (vacuum interface) of a glass, and 2) anisotropic molecular packing at the free surface of the supercooled liquid of the glass-forming system. By vapor-depositing onto a substrate maintained at Tsubstrate < Tg (where Tg is the glass transition temperature), the enhanced molecular mobility at the free surface allows every molecule that lands on the surface to at least partially equilibrate to the preferred anisotropic molecular packing motifs before being buried by further deposition. The extent of equilibration depends on the mobility at the surface, controlled by Tsubstrate, and the residence time on the free surface, controlled by the rate of deposition. This body of work deals with the optimization of deposition conditions and system chemistry to prepare and characterize films with functional anisotropic structures. Here, we show that structural anisotropy can be attained for a variety of molecular systems including a rod-shaped non-mesogen, TPD, a rod-shaped smectic mesogen, itraconazole, two discotic mesogens, phenanthroperylene-ester and triphenylene-ester, and a disc-shaped non-mesogen, m-MTDATA. Experimental evidence is also provided of the anisotropic molecular packing at the free surface (vacuum interface) for the disc-shaped systems that are consistent with the expectations of the proposed mechanism and the final bulk state of the vapor-deposited glasses.

Lateral mobility of minibasins during shortening: Insights from the SE Precaspian Basin, Kazakhstan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duffy, Oliver B.; Fernandez, Naiara; Hudec, Michael R.; Jackson, Martin P. A.; Burg, George; Dooley, Tim P.; Jackson, Christopher A.-L.

2017-04-01

Minibasin provinces are widespread and can be found in all types of salt tectonic settings, many of which are prone to shortening. Previous studies of how minibasin provinces shorten assume that the salt between the minibasins is homogeneous and that the base of salt is flat or of low relief, such that minibasins are free to move laterally. Here we investigate how minibasin provinces respond to shortening when the lateral mobility of the minibasins is restricted by intra-salt sediment bodies, in order to gain a greater understanding of the controls on the structural styles and modes of tectono-stratigraphic evolution exhibited in minibasin provinces. We examine a borehole-constrained, 3D seismic reflection dataset from the SE Precaspian Basin (onshore western Kazakhstan). The study area is characterised by large, supra-salt minibasins and an array of smaller intra-salt sediment packages distributed between these larger minibasins. We first outline the evidence of episodic shortening between the Late Triassic and present, after the onset of supra-salt minibasin subsidence. Next, we document spatial variations in shortening style, showing how these relate to the concentration of intra-salt sediment packages. Finally, we develop synoptic models showing how intra-salt sediment packages influence both the lateral mobility of minibasins during shortening and the resultant structural style, and we compare and contrast our findings with existing models and other natural examples of shortened minibasin provinces. We conclude that minibasin provinces may have different degrees of lateral mobility depending on the presence, or absence, of intrasalt barriers, and that these variations provide a first-order control on basin-shortening style and tectono-stratigraphic evolution.

Controls on the Mobility of Antimony in Mine Waste from Three Deposit Types

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jamieson, H.; Radková, A. B.; Fawcett, S.

2017-12-01

Antimony can be considered both a critical metal and an environmental hazard, with a toxicity similar to arsenic. It is concentrated in stibnite deposits, but also present in polymetallic and precious metal ores, frequently accompanied by arsenic. We have studied the mineralogical controls on the mobility of antimony in three types of mine waste: stibnite tailings from an antimony mine, tetrahedrite-bearing waste rock from copper mining, and gold mine tailings and ore roaster waste. Our results demonstrate that the tendency of antimony to leach into the aqueous environment or remain sequestered in solid phases depends on the primary host minerals and conditions governing the precipitation of secondary antimony-hosting phases. In tailings at the Beaver Brook antimony mine in Newfoundland, Canada, stibnite oxidizes rapidly, and secondary minerals such as the relatively insoluble Sb-Fe tripuhyite-like phase and Sb-bearing goethite. However, under dry conditions, the most important secondary Sb host is the Mg-Sb hydroxide brandholzite, but this easily soluble mineral disappears when it rains. Antimony that was originally hosted in tetrahedrite, a complex multi-element sulfosalt, in the historic waste rock piles at Špania Dolina-Piesky, Slovakia, is not as mobile as Cu and As during weathering but reprecipiates to a mixture of tripuhyite and romeite. Finally, the original antimony-hosting minerals, both stibnite and sulphosalts, in the gold ore at Giant Mine, Yellowknife, Canada were completely destroyed during ore roasting. In tailings-contaminated sediments, antimony persists in roaster-generated iron oxide phases, except under reducing conditions where some of the antimony forms a Sb-S phase. The combined presence of antimony and arsenic in mine waste complicates risk assessment but in general, our findings suggest that antimony is less mobile than arsenic in the environment.

76 FR 5586 - California State Motor Vehicle and Nonroad Engine Pollution Control Standards; Mobile Cargo...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-02-01

... Pollution Control Standards; Mobile Cargo Handling Equipment Regulation at Ports and Intermodal Rail Yards... EPA that it has adopted regulations for mobile cargo handling equipment at ports and intermodal rail yards (Mobile Cargo [[Page 5587

Iterative development of Vegethon: a theory-based mobile app intervention to increase vegetable consumption.

PubMed

Mummah, Sarah A; King, Abby C; Gardner, Christopher D; Sutton, Stephen

2016-08-08

Mobile technology may serve as a cost-effective and scalable tool for delivering behavioral nutrition interventions. This research sought to iteratively develop a theory-driven mobile app, Vegethon, to increase vegetable consumption. Development of Vegethon followed phases outlined by the IDEAS framework: 1) empathize with users (qualitative interviews, n = 18); 2) specify target behavior; 3) ground in behavioral theory; 4) ideate implementation strategies; 5) prototype potential products; 6) gather user feedback (qualitative interviews, n = 14; questionnaire, n = 41); 7) build minimum viable product; and 8) pilot potential efficacy and usability (pilot RCT, n = 17). Findings from each phase informed subsequent phases. The target population that informed intervention development was 18-50 years of age, had BMIs of 28-40 kg/m(2), and lived in the geographical area surrounding Stanford University. A full description of the final version of Vegethon is included in the paper. Qualitative findings that shaped initial intervention conception were: participants' interests in accountability without judgment; their desire for simple and efficient dietary self-monitoring; and the importance of planning meals in advance. Qualitative findings identified during intervention refinement were the need for a focus on vegetable self-monitoring; inclusion of vegetable challenges; simplification of features; advice and inspiration for eating vegetables; reminder notifications; and peer comparison. Pilot RCT findings suggested the initial efficacy, acceptance, and feasibility of the intervention. The final version of Vegethon enabled easy self-monitoring of vegetable consumption and included a range of features designed to engage the user (e.g., surprise challenges; leaderboard; weekly reports). Vegethon was coded for its inclusion of 18 behavior change techniques (BCTs) (e.g., goal setting; feedback; social comparison; prompts/cues; framing/reframing; identity). Vegethon is a theory-based, user-informed mobile intervention that was systematically developed using the IDEAS framework. Vegethon targets increased vegetable consumption among overweight adults and is currently being evaluated in a randomized controlled efficacy trial. Clinical Trials.gov: NCT01826591.

Unified Approach To Control Of Motions Of Mobile Robots

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Seraji, Homayoun

1995-01-01

Improved computationally efficient scheme developed for on-line coordinated control of both manipulation and mobility of robots that include manipulator arms mounted on mobile bases. Present scheme similar to one described in "Coordinated Control of Mobile Robotic Manipulators" (NPO-19109). Both schemes based on configuration-control formalism. Present one incorporates explicit distinction between holonomic and nonholonomic constraints. Several other prior articles in NASA Tech Briefs discussed aspects of configuration-control formalism. These include "Increasing the Dexterity of Redundant Robots" (NPO-17801), "Redundant Robot Can Avoid Obstacles" (NPO-17852), "Configuration-Control Scheme Copes with Singularities" (NPO-18556), "More Uses for Configuration Control of Robots" (NPO-18607/NPO-18608).

Using in-process measurements of open-gate structures to evaluate threshold voltage of normally-off GaN-based high electron mobility transistors

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hou, Bin; Ma, Xiao-Hua, E-mail: xhma@xidian.edu.cn, E-mail: yhao@xidian.edu.cn; Chen, Wei-Wei

The parameters of open-gate structures treated with different etching time were monitored during the gate recess process, and their impacts on the threshold voltage (V{sub th}) of final fabricated AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) based on open-gate structures were discussed in this paper. It is found that V{sub th} can exceed 0 V when channel resistance in the recessed region (R{sub on-open}) increases over ∼275 Ω mm, maximum current (I{sub Dmax}) decreases below ∼29 mA/mm, or recessed barrier thickness (t{sub RB}) is below ∼7.5 nm. In addition, t{sub RB} obtained by atomic force microscopy measurements and C-V measurements are also compared. Finally,more » theoretical common criteria based on the experimental results of this work for t{sub RB} and R{sub on-open} were established to evaluate the V{sub th} of a regular normally-off AlGaN/GaN HEMTs. The results indicate that these parameters of open-gate structure can be utilized to achieve normally-off HEMTs with controllable V{sub th}.« less

Toward active-matrix lab-on-a-chip: programmable electrofluidic control enabled by arrayed oxide thin film transistors.

PubMed

Noh, Joo Hyon; Noh, Jiyong; Kreit, Eric; Heikenfeld, Jason; Rack, Philip D

2012-01-21

Agile micro- and nano-fluidic control is critical to numerous life science and chemical science synthesis as well as kinetic and thermodynamic studies. To this end, we have demonstrated the use of thin film transistor arrays as an active matrix addressing method to control an electrofluidic array. Because the active matrix method minimizes the number of control lines necessary (m + n lines for the m×n element array), the active matrix addressing method integrated with an electrofluidic platform can be a significant breakthrough for complex electrofluidic arrays (increased size or resolution) with enhanced function, agility and programmability. An amorphous indium gallium zinc oxide (a-IGZO) semiconductor active layer is used because of its high mobility of 1-15 cm(2) V(-1) s(-1), low-temperature processing and transparency for potential spectroscopy and imaging. Several electrofluidic functionalities are demonstrated using a simple 2 × 5 electrode array connected to a 2 × 5 IGZO thin film transistor array with the semiconductor channel width of 50 μm and mobility of 6.3 cm(2) V(-1) s(-1). Additionally, using the TFT device characteristics, active matrix addressing schemes are discussed as the geometry of the electrode array can be tailored to act as a storage capacitor element. Finally, requisite material and device parameters are discussed in context with a VGA scale active matrix addressed electrofluidic platform.

12 CFR 190.4 - Federally-related residential manufactured housing loans-consumer protection provisions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... first lien on a residential mobile home if a creditor covered by this part complies with the consumer... be made on the final scheduled installment. (g) Deferral fees. (1) With respect to mobile home credit... money order; do not send cash. ...

12 CFR 190.4 - Federally-related residential manufactured housing loans-consumer protection provisions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... first lien on a residential mobile home if a creditor covered by this part complies with the consumer... be made on the final scheduled installment. (g) Deferral fees. (1) With respect to mobile home credit... money order; do not send cash. ...

12 CFR 190.4 - Federally-related residential manufactured housing loans-consumer protection provisions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... first lien on a residential mobile home if a creditor covered by this part complies with the consumer... be made on the final scheduled installment. (g) Deferral fees. (1) With respect to mobile home credit... money order; do not send cash. ...

Mamdani Fuzzy System for Indoor Autonomous Mobile Robot

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khan, M. K. A. Ahamed; Rashid, Razif; Elamvazuthi, I.

2011-06-01

Several control algorithms for autonomous mobile robot navigation have been proposed in the literature. Recently, the employment of non-analytical methods of computing such as fuzzy logic, evolutionary computation, and neural networks has demonstrated the utility and potential of these paradigms for intelligent control of mobile robot navigation. In this paper, Mamdani fuzzy system for an autonomous mobile robot is developed. The paper begins with the discussion on the conventional controller and then followed by the description of fuzzy logic controller in detail.

Trajectory tracking control for a nonholonomic mobile robot under ROS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lakhdar Besseghieur, Khadir; Trębiński, Radosław; Kaczmarek, Wojciech; Panasiuk, Jarosław

2018-05-01

In this paper, the implementation of the trajectory tracking control strategy on a ROS-based mobile robot is considered. Our test-bench is the nonholonomic mobile robot ‘TURTLEBOT’. ROS facilitates considerably setting-up a suitable environment to test the designed controller. Our aim is to develop a framework using ROS concepts so that a trajectory tracking controller can be implemented on any ROS-enabled mobile robot. Practical experiments with ‘TURTLEBOT’ are conducted to assess the framework reliability.

SU-F-J-188: Clinical Implementation of in Room Mobile CT for Image Guided Proton Therapy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Li, H; Wu, R; Poenisch, F

Purpose: To implement soft-tissue image-guided proton therapy using inroom mobile CT. Methods: Anthropomorphic phantom was first used to determine the setup accuracy using in- room mobile CT. Laser and bbs were used for the initial setup (marked isocenter). CT data was then acquired with in-room mobile CT (daily CT). The shift between the marked isocenter and the planned isocenter (final isocenter) was determined from the daily CT using in-house Computer Assisted Targeting (CAT) software. Orthogonal DRRs of the day was also generated from the daily CT. The phantom was then transferred on the treatment couch top to the treatment machinemore » using a transportation system, and again aligned to the marked isocenter. Couch shifts were made to align the phantom to the final isocenter using the shifts as determined using the CAT software, and verified using orthogonal X-ray images with the daily DRRs. Results: Phantom data suggests that following the setup procedure as described above, targeting accuracy could be within 1 mm. Patient data are being acquired and analyzed. Conclusion: In-room mobile CT is capable of providing soft-tissue image-guided proton therapy.« less

Aging, the Central Nervous System, and Mobility in Older Adults: Interventions

PubMed Central

Hausdorff, Jeffrey M.; Studenski, Stephanie A.; Rosano, Caterina; Camicioli, Richard; Alexander, Neil B.; Chen, Wen G.; Lipsitz, Lewis A.; Carlson, Michelle C.

2016-01-01

Background: Research suggests that the central nervous system (CNS) and mobility are closely linked. CNS-mediated mobility impairment may represent a potentially new and prevalent syndrome within the older adult populations. Interventions targeting this group may have the potential to improve mobility and cognition and prevent disability. Methods: In 2012, the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) and the National Institute on Aging (NIA) sponsored a 3-year conference workshop series, “Aging, the CNS, and Mobility.” The goal of this third and final conference was to (i) report on the state of the science of interventions targeting CNS-mediated mobility impairment among community-dwelling older adults and (ii) partnering with the NIA, explore the future of research and intervention design focused on a potentially novel aging syndrome. Results: Evidence was presented in five main intervention areas: (i) pharmacology and diet; (ii) exercise; (iii) electrical stimulation; (iv) sensory stimulation/deprivation; and (v) a combined category of multimodal interventions. Workshop participants identified important gaps in knowledge and key recommendations for future interventions related to recruitment and sample selection, intervention design, and methods to measure effectiveness. Conclusions: In order to develop effective preventive interventions for this prevalent syndrome, multidisciplinary teams are essential particularly because of the complex nature of the syndrome. Additionally, integrating innovative methods into the design of interventions may help researchers better measure complex mechanisms, and finally, the value of understanding the link between the CNS and mobility should be conveyed to researchers across disciplines in order to incorporate cognitive and mobility measurements into study protocols. PMID:27154905

Mobile small RNAs regulate genome-wide DNA methylation.

PubMed

Lewsey, Mathew G; Hardcastle, Thomas J; Melnyk, Charles W; Molnar, Attila; Valli, Adrián; Urich, Mark A; Nery, Joseph R; Baulcombe, David C; Ecker, Joseph R

2016-02-09

RNA silencing at the transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels regulates endogenous gene expression, controls invading transposable elements (TEs), and protects the cell against viruses. Key components of the mechanism are small RNAs (sRNAs) of 21-24 nt that guide the silencing machinery to their nucleic acid targets in a nucleotide sequence-specific manner. Transcriptional gene silencing is associated with 24-nt sRNAs and RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) at cytosine residues in three DNA sequence contexts (CG, CHG, and CHH). We previously demonstrated that 24-nt sRNAs are mobile from shoot to root in Arabidopsis thaliana and confirmed that they mediate DNA methylation at three sites in recipient cells. In this study, we extend this finding by demonstrating that RdDM of thousands of loci in root tissues is dependent upon mobile sRNAs from the shoot and that mobile sRNA-dependent DNA methylation occurs predominantly in non-CG contexts. Mobile sRNA-dependent non-CG methylation is largely dependent on the DOMAINS REARRANGED METHYLTRANSFERASES 1/2 (DRM1/DRM2) RdDM pathway but is independent of the CHROMOMETHYLASE (CMT)2/3 DNA methyltransferases. Specific superfamilies of TEs, including those typically found in gene-rich euchromatic regions, lose DNA methylation in a mutant lacking 22- to 24-nt sRNAs (dicer-like 2, 3, 4 triple mutant). Transcriptome analyses identified a small number of genes whose expression in roots is associated with mobile sRNAs and connected to DNA methylation directly or indirectly. Finally, we demonstrate that sRNAs from shoots of one accession move across a graft union and target DNA methylation de novo at normally unmethylated sites in the genomes of root cells from a different accession.

Mobile-phone radiation-induced perturbation of gene-expression profiling, redox equilibrium and sporadic-apoptosis control in the ovary of Drosophila melanogaster

PubMed Central

Manta, Areti K.; Papadopoulou, Deppie; Polyzos, Alexander P.; Fragopoulou, Adamantia F.; Skouroliakou, Aikaterini S.; Thanos, Dimitris; Stravopodis, Dimitrios J.; Margaritis, Lukas H.

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT The daily use by people of wireless communication devices has increased exponentially in the last decade, begetting concerns regarding its potential health hazards. Drosophila melanogaster four days-old adult female flies were exposed for 30 min to radiation emitted by a commercial mobile phone at a SAR of 0.15 W/kg and a SAE of 270 J/kg. ROS levels and apoptotic follicles were assayed in parallel with a genome-wide microarrays analysis. ROS cellular contents were found to increase by 1.6-fold (x), immediately after the end of exposure, in follicles of pre-choriogenic stages (germarium - stage 10), while sporadically generated apoptotic follicles (germarium 2b and stages 7–9) presented with an averaged 2x upregulation in their sub-population mass, 4 h after fly's irradiation with mobile device. Microarray analysis revealed 168 genes being differentially expressed, 2 h post-exposure, in response to radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic field-radiation exposure (≥1.25x, P < 0.05) and associated with multiple and critical biological processes, such as basic metabolism and cellular subroutines related to stress response and apoptotic death. Exposure of adult flies to mobile-phone radiation for 30 min has an immediate impact on ROS production in animal's ovary, which seems to cause a global, systemic and non-targeted transcriptional reprogramming of gene expression, 2 h post-exposure, being finally followed by induction of apoptosis 4 h after the end of exposure. Conclusively, this unique type of pulsed radiation, mainly being derived from daily used mobile phones, seems capable of mobilizing critical cytopathic mechanisms, and altering fundamental genetic programs and networks in D. melanogaster. PMID:27960592

Mobile-phone radiation-induced perturbation of gene-expression profiling, redox equilibrium and sporadic-apoptosis control in the ovary of Drosophila melanogaster.

PubMed

Manta, Areti K; Papadopoulou, Deppie; Polyzos, Alexander P; Fragopoulou, Adamantia F; Skouroliakou, Aikaterini S; Thanos, Dimitris; Stravopodis, Dimitrios J; Margaritis, Lukas H

2017-04-03

The daily use by people of wireless communication devices has increased exponentially in the last decade, begetting concerns regarding its potential health hazards. Drosophila melanogaster four days-old adult female flies were exposed for 30 min to radiation emitted by a commercial mobile phone at a SAR of 0.15 W/kg and a SAE of 270 J/kg. ROS levels and apoptotic follicles were assayed in parallel with a genome-wide microarrays analysis. ROS cellular contents were found to increase by 1.6-fold (x), immediately after the end of exposure, in follicles of pre-choriogenic stages (germarium - stage 10), while sporadically generated apoptotic follicles (germarium 2b and stages 7-9) presented with an averaged 2x upregulation in their sub-population mass, 4 h after fly's irradiation with mobile device. Microarray analysis revealed 168 genes being differentially expressed, 2 h post-exposure, in response to radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic field-radiation exposure (≥1.25x, P < 0.05) and associated with multiple and critical biological processes, such as basic metabolism and cellular subroutines related to stress response and apoptotic death. Exposure of adult flies to mobile-phone radiation for 30 min has an immediate impact on ROS production in animal's ovary, which seems to cause a global, systemic and non-targeted transcriptional reprogramming of gene expression, 2 h post-exposure, being finally followed by induction of apoptosis 4 h after the end of exposure. Conclusively, this unique type of pulsed radiation, mainly being derived from daily used mobile phones, seems capable of mobilizing critical cytopathic mechanisms, and altering fundamental genetic programs and networks in D. melanogaster.

Urban search mobile platform modeling in hindered access conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barankova, I. I.; Mikhailova, U. V.; Kalugina, O. B.; Barankov, V. V.

2018-05-01

The article explores the control system simulation and the design of the experimental model of the rescue robot mobile platform. The functional interface, a structural functional diagram of the mobile platform control unit, and a functional control scheme for the mobile platform of secure robot were modeled. The task of design a mobile platform for urban searching in hindered access conditions is realized through the use of a mechanical basis with a chassis and crawler drive, a warning device, human heat sensors and a microcontroller based on Arduino platforms.

A Unified Approach to Motion Control of Motion Robots

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Seraji, H.

1994-01-01

This paper presents a simple on-line approach for motion control of mobile robots made up of a manipulator arm mounted on a mobile base. The proposed approach is equally applicable to nonholonomic mobile robots, such as rover-mounted manipulators and to holonomic mobile robots such as tracked robots or compound manipulators. The computational efficiency of the proposed control scheme makes it particularly suitable for real-time implementation.

Evolution of a Structure-Searchable Database into a Prototype for a High-Fidelity SmartPhone App for 62 Common Pesticides Used in Delaware.

PubMed

D'Souza, Malcolm J; Barile, Benjamin; Givens, Aaron F

2015-05-01

Synthetic pesticides are widely used in the modern world for human benefit. They are usually classified according to their intended pest target. In Delaware (DE), approximately 42 percent of the arable land is used for agriculture. In order to manage insectivorous and herbaceous pests (such as insects, weeds, nematodes, and rodents), pesticides are used profusely to biologically control the normal pest's life stage. In this undergraduate project, we first created a usable relational database containing 62 agricultural pesticides that are common in Delaware. Chemically pertinent quantitative and qualitative information was first stored in Bio-Rad's KnowItAll® Informatics System. Next, we extracted the data out of the KnowItAll® system and created additional sections on a Microsoft® Excel spreadsheet detailing pesticide use(s) and safety and handling information. Finally, in an effort to promote good agricultural practices, to increase efficiency in business decisions, and to make pesticide data globally accessible, we developed a mobile application for smartphones that displayed the pesticide database using Appery.io™; a cloud-based HyperText Markup Language (HTML5), jQuery Mobile and Hybrid Mobile app builder.

Design and Implementation of User-Created Information Systems with Mobile RFID

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Jae Kwoen; Chin, Sungho; Kim, Hee Cheon; Chung, Kwang Sik

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) has been usually applied at physical distribution field. The Mobile RFID can be the only technology that we can lead the market. In our country, ETRI standardizes MOBION (MOBile Identification ON), and the mobile-telecommunication companies provide the trial-mobile RFID service from 2006. In the trial-mobile RFID services, the Broker model is used to decode the mobile RFID code. However, the Broker model has some problems, such as communication overhead caused by the frequent ODS query, service performance, and various services for users. In this paper, we developed device application that is capable for filtering unrelated code from RFID service to improve the decoding performance. We also improve the performance through simplifying connection process between device application and the broker. Finally, we propose and develop the user-created information system to widely distribute the Mobile RFID service.

Impact of reconstruction strategies on system performance measures : maximizing safety and mobility while minimizing life-cycle costs : final report, December 8, 2008.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2008-12-08

The objective of this research is to develop a general methodological framework for planning and : evaluating the effectiveness of highway reconstruction strategies on the systems performance : measures, in particular safety, mobility, and the tot...

Sharing data between mobile devices, connected vehicles and infrastructure - task 3: concept of operations : technical memorandum –final.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-07-13

This report describes the concept of operation for the use of mobile devices in a connected vehicle environment. Specifically, it identifies the needs, conceptual system, and potential scenarios that serve as the basis for demonstrating both safety a...

76 FR 77415 - Amendment of the Commission's Rules Governing Hearing Aid-Compatible Mobile Handsets

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-12-13

... FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 47 CFR Part 20 [WT Docket No. 07-250; FCC 08-68] Amendment of the Commission's Rules Governing Hearing Aid- Compatible Mobile Handsets AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Final rule; announcement of effective date. SUMMARY: In this document, the...

76 FR 58537 - In the Matter of Certain Personal Data and Mobile Communications Devices and Related Software...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-09-21

... subsystems. (HTC Pet. 30-35). (4) Whether the final ID's applications of the claim constructions for... below: (1) Whether the final ID's applications of the claim constructions for ``linking actions to the... has determined to review certain claim constructions, as well as the final ID's determinations...

Residential Mobility, Inhibitory Control, and Academic Achievement in Preschool

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schmitt, Sara A.; Finders, Jennifer K.; McClelland, Megan M.

2015-01-01

The present study investigated the direct effects of residential mobility on children's inhibitory control and academic achievement during the preschool year. It also explored fall inhibitory control and academic skills as mediators linking residential mobility and spring achievement. Participants included 359 preschool children (49% female)…

Residential Mobility, Inhibitory Control, and Academic Achievement in Preschool

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schmitt, Sara A.; Finders, Jennifer K.; McClelland, Megan M.

2015-01-01

Research Findings: The present study investigated the direct effects of residential mobility on children's inhibitory control and academic achievement during the preschool year. It also explored fall inhibitory control and academic skills as mediators linking residential mobility and spring achievement. Participants included 359 preschool children…

New perspectives for Secondary School: The Case of Brazil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gomes, Candido Alberto

1999-01-01

Despite its importance in relation to social mobility, secondary education is characterised by an unequal distribution of knowledge among different groups of students, and a hierarchy in which some types of knowledge are valued more than others. In comparing secondary education in different countries, two main systems are apparent: "sponsored mobility" and "competitive mobility". In the former, students are divided into different groups according to ability at an early stage in their schooling. In the latter, the selection process is postponed until the final phase. Brazil, in its recent history, has moved from sponsored mobility to competitive mobility. The author explores some of the lessons during this process and examines their implications for the future.

Quantifying the impact of selection bias caused by nonparticipation in a case-control study of mobile phone use.

PubMed

Vrijheid, Martine; Richardson, Lesley; Armstrong, Bruce K; Auvinen, Anssi; Berg, Gabriele; Carroll, Matthew; Chetrit, Angela; Deltour, Isabelle; Feychting, Maria; Giles, Graham G; Hours, Martine; Iavarone, Ivano; Lagorio, Susanna; Lönn, Stefan; McBride, Mary; Parent, Marie-Elise; Sadetzki, Siegal; Salminen, Tina; Sanchez, Marie; Schlehofer, Birgitte; Schüz, Joachim; Siemiatycki, Jack; Tynes, Tore; Woodward, Alistair; Yamaguchi, Naohito; Cardis, Elisabeth

2009-01-01

To quantitatively assess the impact of selection bias caused by nonparticipation in a multinational case-control study of mobile phone use and brain tumor. Non-response questionnaires (NRQ) were completed by a sub-set of nonparticipants. Selection bias factors were calculated based on the prevalence of mobile phone use reported by nonparticipants with NRQ data, and on scenarios of hypothetical exposure prevalence for other nonparticipants. Regular mobile phone use was reported less frequently by controls and cases who completed the NRQ (controls, 56%; cases, 50%) than by those who completed the full interview (controls, 69%; cases, 66%). This relationship was consistent across study centers, sex, and age groups. Lower education and more recent start of mobile phone use were associated with refusal to participate. Bias factors varied between 0.87 and 0.92 in the most plausible scenarios. Refusal to participate in brain tumor case-control studies seems to be related to less prevalent use of mobile phones, and this could result in a downward bias of around 10% in odds ratios for regular mobile phone use. The use of simple selection bias estimation methods in case-control studies can give important insights into the extent of any bias, even when nonparticipant information is incomplete.

Thermal Investigation of Three-Dimensional GaN-on-SiC High Electron Mobility Transistors

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-07-01

AFRL-RY-WP-TR-2017-0143 THERMAL INVESTIGATION OF THREE- DIMENSIONAL GaN-on-SiC HIGH ELECTRON MOBILITY TRANSISTORS Qing Hao The University of Arizona...To) July 2017 Final 08 April 2015 – 10 April 2017 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE THERMAL INVESTIGATION OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL GaN-on-SiC HIGH ELECTRON MOBILITY...used in many DoD applications, including integrated radio frequency (RF) amplifiers and power electronics . However, inherent inefficiencies in

Enhancing emergency care in low-income countries using mobile technology-based training tools

PubMed Central

Edgcombe, Hilary; Paton, Chris; English, Mike

2016-01-01

In this paper, we discuss the role of mobile technology in developing training tools for health workers, with particular reference to low-income countries (LICs). The global and technological context is outlined, followed by a summary of approaches to using and evaluating mobile technology for learning in healthcare. Finally, recommendations are made for those developing and using such tools, based on current literature and the authors' involvement in the field. PMID:27658948

Solid state cloaking for electrical charge carrier mobility control

DOEpatents

Zebarjadi, Mona; Liao, Bolin; Esfarjani, Keivan; Chen, Gang

2015-07-07

An electrical mobility-controlled material includes a solid state host material having a controllable Fermi energy level and electrical charge carriers with a charge carrier mobility. At least one Fermi level energy at which a peak in charge carrier mobility is to occur is prespecified for the host material. A plurality of particles are distributed in the host material, with at least one particle disposed with an effective mass and a radius that minimize scattering of the electrical charge carriers for the at least one prespecified Fermi level energy of peak charge carrier mobility. The minimized scattering of electrical charge carriers produces the peak charge carrier mobility only at the at least one prespecified Fermi level energy, set by the particle effective mass and radius, the charge carrier mobility being less than the peak charge carrier mobility at Fermi level energies other than the at least one prespecified Fermi level energy.

Big five personality and residential mobility: a state-level analysis of the USA.

PubMed

McCann, Stewart J H

2015-01-01

Relations of the state-aggregated Big Five personality scores of 619,397 residents to four 2005 state-level residential mobility criteria were examined with the 50 states as cases. Multiple regression controlling for five state demographic variables showed (a) higher state neuroticism was strongly associated with lower mobility, lower same-county mobility, and lower between-county mobility; (b) higher state extraversion was associated with lower mobility and lower same-county mobility, but only with neuroticism and/or conscientiousness controlled; and (c) conscientiousness was related to same-residence, same-county, and different-county mobility, but only without demographic variables controlled. Discussion is grounded in the dangers of cross-level speculation and the potential of a basic assumption of geographical psychology that an area's aggregate position on a dispositional variable is associated there with behavioral and psychological tendencies related to that variable.

Lumbar intervertebral disc allograft transplantation: long-term mobility and impact on the adjacent segments.

PubMed

Huang, Yong-Can; Xiao, Jun; Lu, William W; Leung, Victor Y L; Hu, Yong; Luk, Keith D K

2017-03-01

Fresh-frozen intervertebral disc (IVD) allograft transplantation has been successfully performed in the human cervical spine. Whether this non-fusion technology could truly decrease adjacent segment disease is still unknown. This study evaluated the long-term mobility of the IVD-transplanted segment and the impact on the adjacent spinal segments in a goat model. Twelve goats were used. IVD allograft transplantation was performed at lumbar L4/L5 in 5 goats; the other 7 goats were used as the untreated control (5) and for the supply of allografts (2). Post-operation lateral radiographs of the lumbar spine in the neutral, full-flexion and full-extension positions were taken at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. Disc height (DH) of the allograft and the adjacent levels was calculated and range of motion (ROM) was measured using the Cobb's method. The anatomy of the adjacent discs was observed histologically. DH of the transplanted segment was decreased significantly after 3 months but no further reduction was recorded until the final follow-up. No obvious alteration was seen in the ROM of the transplanted segment at different time points with the ROM at 12 months being comparable to that of the untreated control. The DH and ROM in the adjacent segments were well maintained during the whole observation period. At post-operative 12 months, the ROM of the adjacent levels was similar to that of the untreated control and the anatomical morphology was well preserved. Lumbar IVD allograft transplantation in goats could restore the segmental mobility and did not negatively affect the adjacent segments after 12 months.

Localization of Non-Linearly Modeled Autonomous Mobile Robots Using Out-of-Sequence Measurements

PubMed Central

Besada-Portas, Eva; Lopez-Orozco, Jose A.; Lanillos, Pablo; de la Cruz, Jesus M.

2012-01-01

This paper presents a state of the art of the estimation algorithms dealing with Out-of-Sequence (OOS) measurements for non-linearly modeled systems. The state of the art includes a critical analysis of the algorithm properties that takes into account the applicability of these techniques to autonomous mobile robot navigation based on the fusion of the measurements provided, delayed and OOS, by multiple sensors. Besides, it shows a representative example of the use of one of the most computationally efficient approaches in the localization module of the control software of a real robot (which has non-linear dynamics, and linear and non-linear sensors) and compares its performance against other approaches. The simulated results obtained with the selected OOS algorithm shows the computational requirements that each sensor of the robot imposes to it. The real experiments show how the inclusion of the selected OOS algorithm in the control software lets the robot successfully navigate in spite of receiving many OOS measurements. Finally, the comparison highlights that not only is the selected OOS algorithm among the best performing ones of the comparison, but it also has the lowest computational and memory cost. PMID:22736962

Localization of non-linearly modeled autonomous mobile robots using out-of-sequence measurements.

PubMed

Besada-Portas, Eva; Lopez-Orozco, Jose A; Lanillos, Pablo; de la Cruz, Jesus M

2012-01-01

This paper presents a state of the art of the estimation algorithms dealing with Out-of-Sequence (OOS) measurements for non-linearly modeled systems. The state of the art includes a critical analysis of the algorithm properties that takes into account the applicability of these techniques to autonomous mobile robot navigation based on the fusion of the measurements provided, delayed and OOS, by multiple sensors. Besides, it shows a representative example of the use of one of the most computationally efficient approaches in the localization module of the control software of a real robot (which has non-linear dynamics, and linear and non-linear sensors) and compares its performance against other approaches. The simulated results obtained with the selected OOS algorithm shows the computational requirements that each sensor of the robot imposes to it. The real experiments show how the inclusion of the selected OOS algorithm in the control software lets the robot successfully navigate in spite of receiving many OOS measurements. Finally, the comparison highlights that not only is the selected OOS algorithm among the best performing ones of the comparison, but it also has the lowest computational and memory cost.

Effect of fluid-colloid interactions on the mobility of a thermophoretic microswimmer in non-ideal fluids.

PubMed

Fedosov, Dmitry A; Sengupta, Ankush; Gompper, Gerhard

2015-09-07

Janus colloids propelled by light, e.g., thermophoretic particles, offer promising prospects as artificial microswimmers. However, their swimming behavior and its dependence on fluid properties and fluid-colloid interactions remain poorly understood. Here, we investigate the behavior of a thermophoretic Janus colloid in its own temperature gradient using numerical simulations. The dissipative particle dynamics method with energy conservation is used to investigate the behavior in non-ideal and ideal-gas like fluids for different fluid-colloid interactions, boundary conditions, and temperature-controlling strategies. The fluid-colloid interactions appear to have a strong effect on the colloid behavior, since they directly affect heat exchange between the colloid surface and the fluid. The simulation results show that a reduction of the heat exchange at the fluid-colloid interface leads to an enhancement of colloid's thermophoretic mobility. The colloid behavior is found to be different in non-ideal and ideal fluids, suggesting that fluid compressibility plays a significant role. The flow field around the colloid surface is found to be dominated by a source-dipole, in agreement with the recent theoretical and simulation predictions. Finally, different temperature-control strategies do not appear to have a strong effect on the colloid's swimming velocity.

Mobile Games Individualise and Motivate Rehabilitation in Different User Groups

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Koivisto, Antti; Merilampi, Sari; Sirkka, Andrew

2015-01-01

Trials on Mobile Games are presenting a huge potential in cognitive, physical and mental rehabilitation. This paper is to discuss user viewpoints of trials with mobile games combining cognitive stimulation and physical exercise in rehabilitation: Game#1 controlled by tilting the mobile phone embedded in a balance board; Game#2 controlled by…

Manipulators inspired by the tongue of the chameleon.

PubMed

Debray, Alexis

2011-06-01

Chameleons have developed a specialized ballistic tongue which elongates more than six times its rest length at speeds higher than 3.5 m s(-1) and accelerations 350 m s(-2), with a highly flexible mobile part, and which applies no continuous force during forward motion. These characteristics are possible because this tongue consists of two highly specialized systems, an ejection system for the forward motion and an accordion-like system for the retraction. Four manipulators inspired by the tongue of the chameleon and based on this design have been developed, resulting in three characteristics similar to the tongue of the chameleon: extensibility of the manipulator, flexibility of the mobile part, and absence of continuous force during the forward motion. The first manipulator mimics the basic mechanism of the tongue of the chameleon and reproduced its basic performances. A second manipulator performs a catching function at a speed of 3.5 m s(-1) with an acceleration of 573 m s(-2) while elongating seven times its rest length. The design of this manipulator is such that the dc motor used for retraction applies a torque 25 times its rated torque. Moreover, during the retraction, the mobile part of the manipulator moves due to its own inertia, allowing the dc motor to rotate at full velocity. In another manipulator, the addition of an elastomer in the mobile part allows for control of the retraction velocity. A model for these two manipulators compares well with the experimental data. Finally, the addition of wings on the mobile part allows us to take the advantage of aerodynamic effects, which is unusual for manipulators.

Review and analysis of existing mobile phone applications for health care-associated infection prevention.

PubMed

Schnall, Rebecca; Iribarren, Sarah J

2015-06-01

The expanding number of mobile health applications (apps) holds potential to reduce and eliminate health care-associated infections (HAIs) in clinical practice. The purpose of this review was to identify and provide an overview of the apps available to support prevention of HAIs and to assess their functionality and potential uses in clinical care. We searched 3 online mobile app stores using the following terms: infection prevention, prevention, hand hygiene, hand washing, and specific HAI terms (catheter-associated urinary tract infection [CAUTI], central line-associated bloodstream infections, surgical site infection, and ventilator associated pneumonia [VAP]). Search queries yielded a total of 2,646 potentially relevant apps, of which 17 met our final inclusion criteria. The areas of focus were CAUTI (n = 1, 5.9%), VAP (n = 1, 5.9%), environmental monitoring (n = 2, 11.8%), and hand hygiene (n = 2, 11.8%); the remainder (n = 11, 64.7%) were focused on >1 area (eg, multiple infection prevention bundles, infection prevention guidelines). Almost all of the apps (70.6%) had a maximum of two functions. Mobile apps may help reduce HAI by providing easy access to guidelines, hand hygiene monitoring support, or step-by-step procedures aimed at reducing infections at the point of clinical care. Given the dearth of available apps and the lack of functionality with those that are available, there is a need for further development of mobile apps for HAI prevention at the point of care. Copyright © 2015 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A Secure and Efficient Handover Authentication Protocol for Wireless Networks

PubMed Central

Wang, Weijia; Hu, Lei

2014-01-01

Handover authentication protocol is a promising access control technology in the fields of WLANs and mobile wireless sensor networks. In this paper, we firstly review an efficient handover authentication protocol, named PairHand, and its existing security attacks and improvements. Then, we present an improved key recovery attack by using the linearly combining method and reanalyze its feasibility on the improved PairHand protocol. Finally, we present a new handover authentication protocol, which not only achieves the same desirable efficiency features of PairHand, but enjoys the provable security in the random oracle model. PMID:24971471

A Robust Control of Two-Wheeled Mobile Manipulator with Underactuated Joint by Nonlinear Backstepping Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Acar, Cihan; Murakami, Toshiyuki

In this paper, a robust control of two-wheeled mobile manipulator with underactuated joint is considered. Two-wheeled mobile manipulators are dynamically balanced two-wheeled driven systems that do not have any caster or extra wheels to stabilize their body. Two-wheeled mobile manipulators mainly have an important feature that makes them more flexible and agile than the statically stable mobile manipulators. However, two-wheeled mobile manipulator is an underactuated system due to its two-wheeled structure. Therefore, it is required to stabilize the underactuated passive body and, at the same time, control the position of the center of gravity (CoG) of the manipulator in this system. To realize this, nonlinear backstepping based control method with virtual double inverted pendulum model is proposed in this paper. Backstepping is used with sliding mode to increase the robustness of the system against modeling errors and other perturbations. Then robust acceleration control is also achieved by utilizing disturbance observer. Performance of the proposed method is evaluated by several experiments.

75 FR 11468 - Final Flood Elevation Determinations

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-03-11

...] Elevation in meters (MSL) Modified Mobile County, Alabama, and Incorporated Areas Docket No.: FEMA-B-7732..., rounded to the nearest 0.1 meter. ADDRESSES City of Mobile Maps are available for inspection at 205... Incorporated Areas Docket No.: FEMA-B-1022 Bear Creek 9,400 feet upstream of +266 Unincorporated Areas of Weiss...

Evaluation of the Mobile Training Team Projects (1996-2003): Final Report

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Online Submission, 2005

2005-01-01

Background: For more than 30 years since 1972, the Government of Japan has contributed funds to UNESCO for implementation of the Mobile Training Team (MTT) projects. The MTT assists Member States enhance their capacity in development oriented educational innovation through intra-country study visits, training courses, workshops and technical…

77 FR 14043 - Certain Mobile Devices, Associated Software, and Components Thereof; Determination To Review...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-03-08

... Software, and Components Thereof; Determination To Review Final Initial Determination AGENCY: U.S..., and the sale within the United States after importation of certain mobile devices, associated software... software, and components thereof containing same by reason of infringement of one or more of claims 1, 2, 5...

77 FR 3794 - Certain Mobile Devices and Related Software; Request for Statements on the Public Interest

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-01-25

... INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION [Investigation No. 337-TA-750] Certain Mobile Devices and Related Software; Request for Statements on the Public Interest AGENCY: U.S. International Trade Commission. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the presiding administrative law judge has issued a Final...

Army Officer Duty Module Manual.

DTIC Science & Technology

1975-10-01

14l 3( RELATIVE CRITICALITY OF THIS Not Least (2) (3) The most PART (MOOULE) TO ENTIRE JOB aplicable critical Average Critical critical a. In actual...3 Directs and controls operations of mobile communications O- support unit -36- I. - O-G-5 Establishes and controls mobile area signal center 0-6-6...ENGINEERING O-EE-1 Directs .and controls combat engineer unit O-EE-2 Directs and controls portable bridging O-EE-3 Directs and controls mobile water

Aging, the Central Nervous System, and Mobility in Older Adults: Interventions.

PubMed

Varma, Vijay R; Hausdorff, Jeffrey M; Studenski, Stephanie A; Rosano, Caterina; Camicioli, Richard; Alexander, Neil B; Chen, Wen G; Lipsitz, Lewis A; Carlson, Michelle C

2016-11-01

Research suggests that the central nervous system (CNS) and mobility are closely linked. CNS-mediated mobility impairment may represent a potentially new and prevalent syndrome within the older adult populations. Interventions targeting this group may have the potential to improve mobility and cognition and prevent disability. In 2012, the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) and the National Institute on Aging (NIA) sponsored a 3-year conference workshop series, "Aging, the CNS, and Mobility." The goal of this third and final conference was to (i) report on the state of the science of interventions targeting CNS-mediated mobility impairment among community-dwelling older adults and (ii) partnering with the NIA, explore the future of research and intervention design focused on a potentially novel aging syndrome. Evidence was presented in five main intervention areas: (i) pharmacology and diet; (ii) exercise; (iii) electrical stimulation; (iv) sensory stimulation/deprivation; and (v) a combined category of multimodal interventions. Workshop participants identified important gaps in knowledge and key recommendations for future interventions related to recruitment and sample selection, intervention design, and methods to measure effectiveness. In order to develop effective preventive interventions for this prevalent syndrome, multidisciplinary teams are essential particularly because of the complex nature of the syndrome. Additionally, integrating innovative methods into the design of interventions may help researchers better measure complex mechanisms, and finally, the value of understanding the link between the CNS and mobility should be conveyed to researchers across disciplines in order to incorporate cognitive and mobility measurements into study protocols. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Gerontological Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Assessing the initial adaptability and impact of a mobile dictation and reporting system in the radiology department of an academic hospital

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gali, Raja L.; Dave, Jaydev K.

2017-03-01

Mobile Radiologist 360, rolled out as part of the voice dictation system upgrade from Nuance Powerscribe 5.0 to PS360 allows an attending radiologist to edit and sign-off a report assigned by a trainee or that has been started by the radiologist on a workstation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the adoptability and impact of this application. Report turnaround time data was extracted from the RIS (GE-Centricity RIS-IC) for 60 days before- (period-1) and 60 days after- (period-2) the application implementation and then, for 60 days after end of period-2 (period-3). Adoptability of the application was evaluated using two metrics; first, the number of attending radiologists who signed-off reports using the application in periods 2 and 3, and second, the proportion of reports signed-off by the top five users of the mobile application using the application. Impact of the application was evaluated by comparing the time from initial dictation to final sign-off (time_PF) for the top five users of the mobile application to the time_PF by other five radiologists who did not use the application. 41% radiologists used the mobile application at least once during the study period; the proportion of cases signed-off using the mobile application ranged from 1% to 20%. ANOVA revealed no statistically significant effect of the mobile application system on time_PF (p=0.842). In conclusion, there was low initial adoptability and no impact of the mobile dictation and reporting system in reducing the time from initial dictation to final sign-off on a radiology report.

3D elastic control for mobile devices.

PubMed

Hachet, Martin; Pouderoux, Joachim; Guitton, Pascal

2008-01-01

To increase the input space of mobile devices, the authors developed a proof-of-concept 3D elastic controller that easily adapts to mobile devices. This embedded device improves the completion of high-level interaction tasks such as visualization of large documents and navigation in 3D environments. It also opens new directions for tomorrow's mobile applications.

Two modular neuro-fuzzy system for mobile robot navigation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bobyr, M. V.; Titov, V. S.; Kulabukhov, S. A.; Syryamkin, V. I.

2018-05-01

The article considers the fuzzy model for navigation of a mobile robot operating in two modes. In the first mode the mobile robot moves along a line. In the second mode, the mobile robot looks for an target in unknown space. Structural and schematic circuit of four-wheels mobile robot are presented in the article. The article describes the movement of a mobile robot based on two modular neuro-fuzzy system. The algorithm of neuro-fuzzy inference used in two modular control system for movement of a mobile robot is given in the article. The experimental model of the mobile robot and the simulation of the neuro-fuzzy algorithm used for its control are presented in the article.

Positive ion densities and mobilities in the upper stratosphere and mesosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Leiden, S.

1976-01-01

A brief sketch of the theory concerning the use of the Gerdien condenser as a mobility spectrometer is presented. Data reduction of three parachute borne Gerdien condenser probes is given, as well as that of one blunt conductivity probe. Comparisons of concentrations calculated by two different methods indicate consistency of results. Mobility profiles demonstrating remarkable fine structure are discussed in detail. Finally, theoretical implications of the results on ionospheric structure, including possible night-day differences and latitudinal variations, are considered.

Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Kauai Acoustic Thermometry of Ocean Climate Project and Its Associated Marine Mammal Research Program: Vol 1

DTIC Science & Technology

1995-05-01

at zero source level to allow time for any mobile marine animal who was annoyed by the sound to depart the affected area; and project facilities would...using conventional thermometers); autonomous polar hydrophones; and a dual site experiment using mobile playback experiments. Of the twelve alternatives...HYDROPHONES (ICE NOISE 2-43 MEASUREMENTS) (ALTERNATIVE 11) 2.2.12 DUAL SITE EXPERIMENT; ALTERNATIVE MMRP 2-44 TECHNIQUES -- MOBILE PLAYBACK EXPERIMENTS

Obesity Has Minimal Impact on Short-Term Functional Scores After Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty for Rotator Cuff Tear Arthropathy.

PubMed

Morris, Brent J; Haigler, Richard E; Cochran, John M; Laughlin, Mitzi S; Elkousy, Hussein A; Gartsman, Gary M; Edwards, T Bradley

2016-01-01

The potential adverse effect of body mass index (BMI) on shoulder function scores after reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) has not been investigated. We conducted a study to examine outcomes of RSA performed for rotator cuff tear arthropathy (RCTA) across BMI categories (normal weight, overweight, obese). We hypothesized that, compared with normal-weight patients, obese patients would have worse shoulder function scores, worse mobility, and more complications. Using a prospective shoulder arthroplasty registry, we identified 77 primary RSAs performed for RCTA with minimum 2-year follow-up. Thirty-four patients had normal weight (BMI <25 kg/m2), 21 were overweight (BMI 25-30 kg/m2), and 22 were obese (BMI >30 kg/m2). Shoulder function scores, mobility, and satisfaction were evaluated before surgery and at final follow-up. The 3 BMI groups were not significantly different on demographic factors, preoperative shoulder function scores, or preoperative mobility (P > .05). For each group, shoulder function scores and mobility significantly improved between the preoperative and final follow-up assessments (P < .001). Patient satisfaction was similar between groups (P = .967). Improved shoulder function scores, mobility, and patient satisfaction can be expected after RSA for RCTA in patients regardless of BMI.

Ionic Liquid Activation of Amorphous Metal-Oxide Semiconductors for Flexible Transparent Electronic Devices

DOE PAGES

Pudasaini, Pushpa Raj; Noh, Joo Hyon; Wong, Anthony T.; ...

2016-02-09

To begin this abstract, amorphous metal-oxide semiconductors offer the high carrier mobilities and excellent large-area uniformity required for high performance, transparent, flexible electronic devices; however, a critical bottleneck to their widespread implementation is the need to activate these materials at high temperatures which are not compatible with flexible polymer substrates. The highly controllable activation of amorphous indium gallium zinc oxide semiconductor channels using ionic liquid gating at room temperature is reported. Activation is controlled by electric field-induced oxygen migration across the ionic liquid-semiconductor interface. In addition to activation of unannealed devices, it is shown that threshold voltages of a transistormore » can be linearly tuned between the enhancement and depletion modes. Finally, the first ever example of transparent flexible thin film metal oxide transistor on a polyamide substrate created using this simple technique is demonstrated. Finally, this study demonstrates the potential of field-induced activation as a promising alternative to traditional postdeposition thermal annealing which opens the door to wide scale implementation into flexible electronic applications.« less

Multimodal exercise training in multiple sclerosis: A randomized controlled trial in persons with substantial mobility disability.

PubMed

Sandroff, Brian M; Bollaert, Rachel E; Pilutti, Lara A; Peterson, Melissa L; Baynard, Tracy; Fernhall, Bo; McAuley, Edward; Motl, Robert W

2017-10-01

Mobility disability is a common, debilitating feature of multiple sclerosis (MS). Exercise training has been identified as an approach to improve MS-related mobility disability. However, exercise randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on mobility in MS have generally not selectively targeted those with the onset of irreversible mobility disability. The current multi-site RCT compared the efficacy of 6-months of supervised, multimodal exercise training with an active control condition for improving mobility, gait, physical fitness, and cognitive outcomes in persons with substantial MS-related mobility disability. 83 participants with substantial MS-related mobility disability underwent initial mobility, gait, fitness, and cognitive processing speed assessments and were randomly assigned to 6-months of supervised multimodal (progressive aerobic, resistance, and balance) exercise training (intervention condition) or stretching-and-toning activities (control condition). Participants completed the same outcome assessments halfway through and immediately following the 6-month study period. There were statistically significant improvements in six-minute walk performance (F(2158)=3.12, p=0.05, η p 2 =0.04), peak power output (F(2150)=8.16, p<0.01, η p 2 =0.10), and Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test performance (F(2162)=4.67, p=0.01, η p 2 =0.05), but not gait outcomes, for those who underwent the intervention compared with those who underwent the control condition. This RCT provides novel, preliminary evidence that multimodal exercise training may improve endurance walking performance and cognitive processing speed, perhaps based on improvements in cardiorespiratory capacity, in persons with MS with substantial mobility disability. This is critical for informing the development of multi-site exercise rehabilitation programs in larger samples of persons with MS-related mobility disability. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Self-Adaptive Correction of Heading Direction in Stair Climbing for Tracked Mobile Robots Using Visual Servoing Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ji, Peng; Song, Aiguo; Song, Zimo; Liu, Yuqing; Jiang, Guohua; Zhao, Guopu

2017-02-01

In this paper, we describe a heading direction correction algorithm for a tracked mobile robot. To save hardware resources as far as possible, the mobile robot’s wrist camera is used as the only sensor, which is rotated to face stairs. An ensemble heading deviation detector is proposed to help the mobile robot correct its heading direction. To improve the generalization ability, a multi-scale Gabor filter is used to process the input image previously. Final deviation result is acquired by applying the majority vote strategy on all the classifiers’ results. The experimental results show that our detector is able to enable the mobile robot to correct its heading direction adaptively while it is climbing the stairs.

The development of an indoor mobility course for the evaluation of electronic mobility aids for persons who are visually impaired.

PubMed

Roentgen, Uta R; Gelderblom, Gert Jan; de Witte, Luc P

2012-01-01

To develop a suitable mobility course for the assessment of mobility performance as part of a user evaluation of Electronic Mobility Aids (EMA) aimed at obstacle detection and orientation. A review of the literature led to a list of critical factors for the assessment of mobility performance of persons who are visually impaired. Based upon that list, method, test situations, and determining elements were selected and presented to Dutch orientation and mobility experts. Due to expert advice and a pilot study, minor changes were made and the final version was used for the evaluation of two EMA by eight persons who are visually impaired. The results of the literature study are summarized in an overview of critical factors for the assessment of the mobility performance of persons who are visually impaired. Applied to the requirements of the above mentioned user evaluation a replicable indoor mobility course has been described in detail and tested. Based upon evidence from literature an indoor mobility course has been developed, which was sensitive to assess differences in mobility incidents and obstacle detection when using an EMA compared to the regular mobility aid. Experts' opinion confirmed its face and content validity.

[Stem cell mobilization after coronary artery bypass grafting].

PubMed

Gaspardone, Achille; De Fabritiis, Paolo; Scaffa, Raffaele; Nardi, Paolo; Palombi, Francesca; Versaci, Francesco; Chiariello, Luigi

2004-01-01

Recently, the role of stem cells as a potential therapeutic tool for ischemic heart disease has been evaluated by a number of experimental and clinical studies. Although preliminary clinical data appear to be promising, the precise pathophysiological role of stem cell mobilization during acute myocardial ischemia remains uncertain. The present study was aimed at assessing factors affecting stem cell mobilization after coronary artery bypass grafting used as a clinical model of controlled myocardial ischemia. Eighteen patients (16 men, 2 women, mean age 66 +/- 8 years) with three-vessel coronary artery disease undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting were included in the study; 24 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects served as controls. On admission, 10 patients had stable angina and 8 had unstable angina. Clinical history and instrumental evidence of previous myocardial infarction were present in 11 patients. Venous peripheral blood was sampled at baseline and 6, 24, 48 and 72 hours after coronary surgery. Duration of cardiac arrest and extracorporeal circulation were recorded as well as the release of total creatine kinase (CK), CK-MB, troponin I and C-reactive protein. CD34+ stem cells were analyzed by flow cytometry according to published methods. In patients with ischemic heart disease the peripheral concentration of CD34+ cells was higher than that of control subjects (0.202 +/- 0.30 vs 0.068 +/- 0.059%, p = 0.03). However, patients with stable and unstable angina had similar concentration of CD34+ cells (0.171 +/- 0.33 vs 0.241 +/- 0.275%, p = 0.63) as well as patients with and without previous myocardial infarction (0.134 +/- 0.19 vs 0.245 +/- 0.352%, p = 0.4). Coronary artery bypass grafting caused a non-significant increase in concentration of CD34+ cells at 24 hours which was similar in patients with stable and unstable angina. Finally, no significant correlation was found between peripheral concentration of CD34+ cells and aortic clamping and extracorporeal circulation duration, peak release of total CK, CK-MB, troponin I and C-reactive protein. Peripheral concentration of CD34+ stem cells is higher in patients with ischemic heart disease than in healthy controls but it is similar in patients with stable and unstable coronary syndromes. Peripheral mobilization of CD34+ cells is not correlated with the duration and severity of ischemic insult induced by surgical cardiac arrest. These preliminary findings suggest that CD34+ cell mobilization may be modulated more by tonically active than phasic factors.

Free-carrier mobility in GaN in the presence of dislocation walls

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farvacque, J.-L.; Bougrioua, Z.; Moerman, I.

2001-03-01

The free-carrier mobility versus carrier density in n-type GaN grown by low-pressure metal-organic vapor- phase epitaxy on a sapphire substrate experiences a particular behavior that consists of the appearance of a sharp transition separating a low- from a high-mobility regime. This separation appears as soon as the carrier density exceeds a critical value that depends on the growth process. Using low-field electrical transport simulations, we show that this particular mobility behavior cannot be simply interpreted in terms of dislocation scattering or trapping mechanisms, but that it is also controlled by the collective effect of dislocation walls (the columnar structure). As the free-carrier density increases, the more efficient screening properties result in the transition from a barrier-controlled mobility regime to a pure-diffusion-process-controlled mobility regime. The model permits us to reproduce the experimental mobility collapse quantitatively.

Early melanoma diagnosis with mobile imaging.

PubMed

Do, Thanh-Toan; Zhou, Yiren; Zheng, Haitian; Cheung, Ngai-Man; Koh, Dawn

2014-01-01

We research a mobile imaging system for early diagnosis of melanoma. Different from previous work, we focus on smartphone-captured images, and propose a detection system that runs entirely on the smartphone. Smartphone-captured images taken under loosely-controlled conditions introduce new challenges for melanoma detection, while processing performed on the smartphone is subject to computation and memory constraints. To address these challenges, we propose to localize the skin lesion by combining fast skin detection and fusion of two fast segmentation results. We propose new features to capture color variation and border irregularity which are useful for smartphone-captured images. We also propose a new feature selection criterion to select a small set of good features used in the final lightweight system. Our evaluation confirms the effectiveness of proposed algorithms and features. In addition, we present our system prototype which computes selected visual features from a user-captured skin lesion image, and analyzes them to estimate the likelihood of malignance, all on an off-the-shelf smartphone.

Mobile electric power. Final report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bloomfield, D.P.; Bloomfield, V.J.; Grosjean, P.D.

1995-12-01

The objective of this program was to develop a mobile fuel cell power supply for use by soldiers. The Century Series of 100 through 500 watt fuel cell power supplies was developed. The Century Series fuel cell power supplies are made up of a fuel cell stack, chemical hydride hydrogen supply, a fan and a controller. The FC-200, the 200 watt Century Series power supply, weighs 8.8 ib. and has a volume of 322 in.3. The operating point is 0.7 volt/cell at 125 ASF; a power density of 22.7 watts/lb. or 0.62 watts/in.3 and an energy density of 110 whr/lb.more » The prototype 750 whr hydrogen supply weighs 7 lbs. and has a volume of 193 in.3. The fuel elements weigh 0.45 lb. and require 0.79 lbs. of water. The FC-200 has powered a scooter requiring a starting current of three times the rated current of the stack. It has also powered a microclimate cooler. (KAR) P. 1.« less

Healthcare in the Pocket: Mapping the Space of Mobile-Phone Health Interventions

PubMed Central

Klasnja, Predrag; Pratt, Wanda

2011-01-01

Mobile phones are becoming an increasingly important platform for the delivery of health interventions. In recent years, researchers have used mobile phones as tools for encouraging physical activity and healthy diets, for symptom monitoring in asthma and heart disease, for sending patients reminders about upcoming appointments, for supporting smoking cessation, and for a range of other health problems. This paper provides an overview of this rapidly growing body of work. We describe the features of mobile phones that make them a particularly promising platform for health interventions, and we identify five basic intervention strategies that have been used in mobile-phone health applications across different health conditions. Finally, we outline the directions for future research that could increase our understanding of functional and design requirements for the development of highly effective mobile-phone health interventions. PMID:21925288

ELISA reader does not interfere by mobile phone radiofrequency radiation.

PubMed

Mortazavi, Seyyed Mohammad Javad; Baradaran-Ghahfarokhi, Hamid Reza; Abdi, Mohammad Reza; Baradaran-Ghahfarokhi, Milad; Mostafavi, Nayyer Sadat; Mahmoudi, Golshan; Berenjkoub, Nafiseh; Akmali, Zahra; Hossein-Beigi, Fahimeh; Arsang, Vajiheh

2016-01-01

The increasing number of mobile phones can physically cause electromagnetic interference (EMI) in medical environments; can also cause errors in immunoassays in laboratories. The ELISA readers are widely used as a useful diagnostic tool for Enzymun colorimetric assay in medicine. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the ELISA reader could be interfered by the exposure to the 900 MHz cell phones in the laboratory. Human serum samples were collected from 14 healthy donors (9 women and 5 men) and each sample was divided into four aliquots and was placed into four batches for the in-vitro quantitative determination of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). During colorimetric reading of the first, second, and third batches, the ELISA reader (Stat Fax 2100, Awareness Technology, Inc., USA) was exposed to 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 W exposure of 900 MHz radiation, respectively. For the forth batch (control group), no radiation was applied. All experiments were performed comparing ELISA read out results of the I, II, and III batches with the control batch, using the Wilcoxon test with criterion level of P = 0.050. The final scores in the exposed batches I, II, and III were not statistically significant relative to the control batch (P > 0.05). The results showed that 900 MHz radiation exposure did not alter the ELISA measured levels of hCG hormone in I (P = 0.219), II (P = 0.909), and III (P = 0.056) batches compared to the control batch. This study showed that ELISA reader does not interfere by mobile phone RF radiation at a closed contact (less than 5 cm distance). However, we recommend that medical institutions discuss these issues in the context of their specific use of technologies and frame a policy that is clear and straightforward to guide staff, patients, and visitors.

ELISA reader does not interfere by mobile phone radiofrequency radiation

PubMed Central

Mortazavi, Seyyed Mohammad Javad; Baradaran-Ghahfarokhi, Hamid Reza; Abdi, Mohammad Reza; Baradaran-Ghahfarokhi, Milad; Mostafavi, Nayyer Sadat; Mahmoudi, Golshan; Berenjkoub, Nafiseh; Akmali, Zahra; Hossein-Beigi, Fahimeh; Arsang, Vajiheh

2016-01-01

Background: The increasing number of mobile phones can physically cause electromagnetic interference (EMI) in medical environments; can also cause errors in immunoassays in laboratories. The ELISA readers are widely used as a useful diagnostic tool for Enzymun colorimetric assay in medicine. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the ELISA reader could be interfered by the exposure to the 900 MHz cell phones in the laboratory. Materials and Methods: Human serum samples were collected from 14 healthy donors (9 women and 5 men) and each sample was divided into four aliquots and was placed into four batches for the in-vitro quantitative determination of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). During colorimetric reading of the first, second, and third batches, the ELISA reader (Stat Fax 2100, Awareness Technology, Inc., USA) was exposed to 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 W exposure of 900 MHz radiation, respectively. For the forth batch (control group), no radiation was applied. All experiments were performed comparing ELISA read out results of the I, II, and III batches with the control batch, using the Wilcoxon test with criterion level of P = 0.050. Results: The final scores in the exposed batches I, II, and III were not statistically significant relative to the control batch (P > 0.05). The results showed that 900 MHz radiation exposure did not alter the ELISA measured levels of hCG hormone in I (P = 0.219), II (P = 0.909), and III (P = 0.056) batches compared to the control batch. Conclusion: This study showed that ELISA reader does not interfere by mobile phone RF radiation at a closed contact (less than 5 cm distance). However, we recommend that medical institutions discuss these issues in the context of their specific use of technologies and frame a policy that is clear and straightforward to guide staff, patients, and visitors. PMID:27376040

12 CFR 590.4 - Federally-related residential manufactured housing loans-consumer protection provisions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... first lien on a residential mobile home if a creditor covered by this part complies with the consumer... the final scheduled installment. (g) Deferral fees. (1) With respect to mobile home credit... money order; do not send cash. [54 FR 49715, Nov. 30, 1989, as amended at 61 FR 50984, Sept. 30, 1996...

12 CFR 590.4 - Federally-related residential manufactured housing loans-consumer protection provisions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... first lien on a residential mobile home if a creditor covered by this part complies with the consumer... the final scheduled installment. (g) Deferral fees. (1) With respect to mobile home credit... money order; do not send cash. [54 FR 49715, Nov. 30, 1989, as amended at 61 FR 50984, Sept. 30, 1996...

12 CFR 590.4 - Federally-related residential manufactured housing loans-consumer protection provisions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... first lien on a residential mobile home if a creditor covered by this part complies with the consumer... the final scheduled installment. (g) Deferral fees. (1) With respect to mobile home credit... money order; do not send cash. [54 FR 49715, Nov. 30, 1989, as amended at 61 FR 50984, Sept. 30, 1996...

12 CFR 590.4 - Federally-related residential manufactured housing loans-consumer protection provisions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... first lien on a residential mobile home if a creditor covered by this part complies with the consumer... the final scheduled installment. (g) Deferral fees. (1) With respect to mobile home credit... money order; do not send cash. [54 FR 49715, Nov. 30, 1989, as amended at 61 FR 50984, Sept. 30, 1996...

12 CFR 590.4 - Federally-related residential manufactured housing loans-consumer protection provisions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... first lien on a residential mobile home if a creditor covered by this part complies with the consumer... the final scheduled installment. (g) Deferral fees. (1) With respect to mobile home credit... money order; do not send cash. [54 FR 49715, Nov. 30, 1989, as amended at 61 FR 50984, Sept. 30, 1996...

Evolving Jobs and Nonteaching Professional Staff in Universities: An Alternative Perspective on Career Mobility Processes. Final Project Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Estler, Suzanne E.

Three technical reports and abstracts of colloquium papers are presented as part of a research project concerning the specification and testing of alternative models of intraorganizational career mobility among nonteaching professionals in universities. This project phase involved: the development of a model of evolving jobs as an alternative to…

Arsenic Removal from Drinking Water by Adsorptive Media - U.S. EPA Demonstration Project at Hot Springs Mobile Home Park in Willard, Utah - Final Performance Evaluation Report

EPA Science Inventory

This report documents activities performed for and results obtained from the arsenic removal treatment technology demonstration project at the Hot Springs Mobile Home Park (HSMHP) in Willard, UT. The objectives of the project were to evaluate the effectiveness of Adsorbsia™ GTO™...

[Progress in research of mobile health intervention].

PubMed

Huang, Z; Ning, P S; Cheng, P X; Hu, G Q

2016-10-10

With the rapid development of mobile communication technology and the growing popularity of smartphones worldwide, mobile health has become an extension of e-Health and Tele-Health, and is of value in the research and practice of public health. In this paper, we systematically assessed research literature of mobile health' s application on disease prevention and control as well as health promotion. Based on the characteristics of current literature, this paper focused on the application of mobile health in maternal health promotion, chronic disease management, and communicable disease prevention and control to provide reference for the mobile health intervention research in China.

Cooperative system and method using mobile robots for testing a cooperative search controller

DOEpatents

Byrne, Raymond H.; Harrington, John J.; Eskridge, Steven E.; Hurtado, John E.

2002-01-01

A test system for testing a controller provides a way to use large numbers of miniature mobile robots to test a cooperative search controller in a test area, where each mobile robot has a sensor, a communication device, a processor, and a memory. A method of using a test system provides a way for testing a cooperative search controller using multiple robots sharing information and communicating over a communication network.

Building dismantlement and site remediation at the Apollo Fuel Plant: When is technology the answer?

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Walton, L.

1995-01-01

The Apollo fuel plant was located in Pennsylvania on a site known to have been used continuously for stell production from before the Civil War until after World War II. Then the site became a nuclear fuel chemical processing plants. Finally it was used to convert uranium hexafluoride to various oxide fuel forms. After the fuel manufacturing operations were teminated, the processing equipment was partially decontaminated, removed, packaged and shipped to a licensed low-level radioactive waste burial site. The work was completed in 1984. In 1990 a detailed site characterization was initiated to establishe the extent of contamination and tomore » plan the building dismantlement and soil remediation efforts. This article discusses the site characterization and remedial action at the site in the following subsections: characterization; criticality control; mobile containment; soil washing; in-process measurements; and the final outcome of the project.« less

Coordinated Control Of Mobile Robotic Manipulators

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Seraji, Homayoun

1995-01-01

Computationally efficient scheme developed for on-line coordinated control of both manipulation and mobility of robots that include manipulator arms mounted on mobile bases. Applicable to variety of mobile robotic manipulators, including robots that move along tracks (typically, painting and welding robots), robots mounted on gantries and capable of moving in all three dimensions, wheeled robots, and compound robots (consisting of robots mounted on other robots). Theoretical basis discussed in several prior articles in NASA Tech Briefs, including "Increasing the Dexterity of Redundant Robots" (NPO-17801), "Redundant Robot Can Avoid Obstacles" (NPO-17852), "Configuration-Control Scheme Copes With Singularities" (NPO-18556), "More Uses for Configuration Control of Robots" (NPO-18607/NPO-18608).

Lateral mobility of minibasins during shortening: Insights from the SE Precaspian Basin, Kazakhstan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duffy, Oliver B.; Fernandez, Naiara; Hudec, Michael R.; Jackson, Martin P. A.; Burg, George; Dooley, Tim P.; A-L Jackson, Christopher

2017-04-01

Minibasin provinces are widespread and can be found in all types of salt tectonic settings, many of which are prone to shortening. Previous studies of how minibasin provinces shorten assume that the salt between the minibasins is homogeneous and that the base of salt is flat or of low relief, such that minibasins are free to move laterally. Here we investigate how minibasin provinces respond to shortening when the lateral mobility of the minibasins is restricted by intra-salt sediment bodies. We examine a borehole-constrained, 3D seismic reflection dataset from the SE Precaspian Basin (onshore western Kazakhstan). The study area is characterised by large, supra-salt minibasins and an array of smaller intra-salt sediment packages distributed between these larger minibasins. We first outline the evidence of episodic shortening between the Late Triassic and present-day, after the onset of supra-salt minibasin subsidence. Next, we document spatial variations in shortening style, showing how these relate to the concentration of intra-salt sediment packages. Finally, we develop synoptic models showing how intra-salt sediment packages influence both the lateral mobility of minibasins during shortening and the resultant structural style, and we compare and contrast our findings with existing models and other natural examples of shortened minibasin provinces. We conclude that minibasin provinces may have different degrees of lateral mobility depending on the presence, or absence, of intrasalt barriers, and that these variations provide a first-order control on basin-shortening style and tectono-stratigraphic evolution.

Relationship between static foot posture and foot mobility

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background It is not uncommon for a person's foot posture and/or mobility to be assessed during a clinical examination. The exact relationship, however, between static posture and mobility is not known. Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the degree of association between static foot posture and mobility. Method The static foot posture and foot mobility of 203 healthy individuals was assessed and then analyzed to determine if low arched or "pronated" feet are more mobile than high arched or "supinated" feet. Results The study demonstrated that those individuals with a lower standing dorsal arch height and/or a wider standing midfoot width had greater mobility in their foot. In addition, those individuals with higher Foot Posture Index (FPI) values demonstrated greater mobility and those with lower FPI values demonstrated less mobility. Finally, the amount of foot mobility that an individual has can be predicted reasonably well using either a 3 or 4 variable linear regression model. Conclusions Because of the relationship between static foot posture and mobility, it is recommended that both be assessed as part of a comprehensive evaluation of a individual with foot problems. PMID:21244705

High-definition polymeric membranes: construction of 3D lithographed channel arrays through control of natural building blocks dynamics.

PubMed

Speranza, Valentina; Trotta, Francesco; Drioli, Enrico; Gugliuzza, Annarosa

2010-02-01

The fabrication of well-defined interfaces is in high demand in many fields of biotechnologies. Here, high-definition membrane-like arrays are developed through the self-assembly of water droplets, which work as natural building blocks for the construction of ordered channels. Solution viscosity together with the dynamics of the water droplets can decide the final formation of three-dimensional well-ordered patterns resembling anodic structures, especially because solvents denser than water are used. Particularly, the polymer solution viscosity is demonstrated to be a powerful tool for control of the mobility of submerged droplets during the microfabrication process. The polymeric patterns are structured at very high levels of organization and exhibit well-established transport-surface property relationships, considered basics for any types of advanced biotechnologies.

Autonomous intelligent assembly systems LDRD 105746 final report.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Anderson, Robert J.

2013-04-01

This report documents a three-year to develop technology that enables mobile robots to perform autonomous assembly tasks in unstructured outdoor environments. This is a multi-tier problem that requires an integration of a large number of different software technologies including: command and control, estimation and localization, distributed communications, object recognition, pose estimation, real-time scanning, and scene interpretation. Although ultimately unsuccessful in achieving a target brick stacking task autonomously, numerous important component technologies were nevertheless developed. Such technologies include: a patent-pending polygon snake algorithm for robust feature tracking, a color grid algorithm for uniquely identification and calibration, a command and control frameworkmore » for abstracting robot commands, a scanning capability that utilizes a compact robot portable scanner, and more. This report describes this project and these developed technologies.« less

Present status of recycling waste mobile phones in China: a review.

PubMed

Li, Jingying; Ge, Zhongying; Liang, Changjin; An, Ni

2017-07-01

A large number of waste mobile phones have already been generated and are being generated. Various countries around the world have all been positively exploring the way of recycling and reuse when facing such a large amount of waste mobile phones. In some countries, processing waste mobile phones has been forming a complete industrial chain, which can not only recycle waste mobile phones to reduce their negative influence on the environment but also turn waste into treasure to acquire economic benefits dramatically. However, the situation of recycling waste mobile phones in China is not going well. Waste mobile phones are not formally covered by existing regulations and policies for the waste electric and electronic equipment in China. In order to explore an appropriate system to recover waste mobile phones, the mobile phone production and the amount of waste mobile phones are introduced in this paper, and status of waste mobile phones recycling is described; then, the disposal technology of electronic waste that would be most likely to be used for processing of electronic waste in industrial applications in the near future is reviewed. Finally, rationalization proposals are put forward based on the current recovery status of waste mobile phones for the purpose of promoting the development of recycling waste mobile phones in developing countries with a special emphasis on China.

Analytical Modeling of Acoustic Phonon-Limited Mobility in Strained Graphene Nanoribbons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yousefvand, Ali; Ahmadi, Mohammad T.; Meshginqalam, Bahar

2017-11-01

Recent advances in graphene nanoribbon-based electronic devices encourage researchers to develop modeling and simulation methods to explore device physics. On the other hand, increasing the operating speed of nanoelectronic devices has recently attracted significant attention, and the modification of acoustic phonon interactions because of their important effect on carrier mobility can be considered as a method for carrier mobility optimization which subsequently enhances the device speed. Moreover, strain has an important influence on the electronic properties of the nanoelectronic devices. In this paper, the acoustic phonons mobility of armchair graphene nanoribbons ( n-AGNRs) under uniaxial strain is modeled analytically. In addition, strain, width and temperature effects on the acoustic phonon mobility of strained n-AGNRs are investigated. An increment in the strained AGNR acoustic phonon mobility by increasing the ribbon width is reported. Additionally, two different behaviors for the acoustic phonon mobility are verified by increasing the applied strain in 3 m, 3 m + 2 and 3 m + 1 AGNRs. Finally, the temperature effect on the modeled AGNR phonon mobility is explored, and mobility reduction by raising the temperature is reported.

The Association of Clinic-Based Mobility Tasks and Measures of Community Performance and Risk.

PubMed

Callisaya, Michele L; Verghese, Joe

2018-01-10

Gait speed is recognized as an important predictor of adverse outcomes in older people. However, it is unknown whether other more complex mobility tasks are better predictors of such outcomes. To examine a range of clinic-based mobility tests and determine which were most strongly associated with measures of community performance and risk (CP&R). Cross-sectional study. Central Control Mobility and Aging Study, Westchester County, New York. Aged ≥65 years (n = 424). Clinic-based mobility measures included gait speed measured during normal and dual-task conditions, the Floor Maze Immediate and Delay tasks, and stair ascending and descending. CP&R measures were self-reported by the use of standardized questionnaires and classified into measures of performance (distance walked, travel outside one's home [life space], activities of daily living, and participation in cognitive leisure activities) or risk (balance confidence, fear of falling, and past falls). Linear and logistic regression were used to examine associations between the clinic-based mobility measures and CP&R measures adjusting for covariates. The mean age of the sample was 77.8 (SD 6.4) years, and 55.2% (n = 234) were female. In final models, faster normal walking speed was most strongly associated with 5 of the 7 community measures (greater distance walked, greater life space, better activities of daily living function, higher balance confidence, and less fear of falling; all P < .05). More complex tasks (walking while talking and maze immediate) were associated with cognitive leisure activity (P < .05), and ascending stairs was the only measure associated with a history of falls (P < .05). Normal walking speed is a simple and inexpensive clinic-based mobility test that is associated with a wide range of CP&R measures. In addition, poorer performance ascending stairs may assist in identifying those at risk of falls. Poorer performance in more complex mobility tasks (walking while talking and maze immediate) may suggest inability to participate in cognitive leisure activities. III. Copyright © 2018 American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Design and Implementation of a Randomized Controlled Social and Mobile Weight Loss Trial for Young Adults (project SMART)

PubMed Central

Patrick, K; Marshall, SJ; Davila, EP; Kolodziejczyk, JK; Fowler, J; Calfas, KJ; Huang, J; Rock, CL; Griswold, W; Gupta, A; Merchant, G; Norman, GJ; Raab, F; Donohue, M; Fogg, BJ; Robinson, TN

2014-01-01

Purpose To describe the theoretical rationale, intervention design, and clinical trial of a two-year weight control intervention for young adults deployed via social and mobile media. Methods A total of 404 overweight or obese college students from three Southern California universities (Mage = 22(±4) years; MBMI=29(±2.8); 70% female) were randomized to participate in the intervention or to receive an informational web-based weight loss program. The intervention is based on behavioral theory and integrates intervention elements across multiple touch points, including Facebook, SMS, smartphone applications, blogs, and e-mail. Participants are encouraged to seek social support among their friends, self-monitor their weight weekly, post their health behaviors on Facebook, and e-mail their weight loss questions/concerns to a health coach. The intervention is adaptive because new theory-driven and iteratively tailored intervention elements are developed and released over the course of the two-year intervention in response to patterns of use and user feedback. Measures of body mass index, waist circumference, physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SED), diet, weight management practices, smoking, alcohol, sleep, body image, self-esteem, and depression occur at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. Currently, all participants have been recruited, and all are in the final year of the trial. Conclusion Theory-driven, evidence-based strategies for PA, SED, and dietary intake can be embedded in an intervention using social and mobile technologies to promote healthy weight-related behaviors in young adults. PMID:24215774

Design and implementation of a randomized controlled social and mobile weight loss trial for young adults (project SMART).

PubMed

Patrick, K; Marshall, S J; Davila, E P; Kolodziejczyk, J K; Fowler, J H; Calfas, K J; Huang, J S; Rock, C L; Griswold, W G; Gupta, A; Merchant, G; Norman, G J; Raab, F; Donohue, M C; Fogg, B J; Robinson, T N

2014-01-01

To describe the theoretical rationale, intervention design, and clinical trial of a two-year weight control intervention for young adults deployed via social and mobile media. A total of 404 overweight or obese college students from three Southern California universities (M(age) = 22( ± 4) years; M(BMI) = 29( ± 2.8); 70% female) were randomized to participate in the intervention or to receive an informational web-based weight loss program. The intervention is based on behavioral theory and integrates intervention elements across multiple touch points, including Facebook, text messaging, smartphone applications, blogs, and e-mail. Participants are encouraged to seek social support among their friends, self-monitor their weight weekly, post their health behaviors on Facebook, and e-mail their weight loss questions/concerns to a health coach. The intervention is adaptive because new theory-driven and iteratively tailored intervention elements are developed and released over the course of the two-year intervention in response to patterns of use and user feedback. Measures of body mass index, waist circumference, diet, physical activity, sedentary behavior, weight management practices, smoking, alcohol, sleep, body image, self-esteem, and depression occur at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. Currently, all participants have been recruited, and all are in the final year of the trial. Theory-driven, evidence-based strategies for physical activity, sedentary behavior, and dietary intake can be embedded in an intervention using social and mobile technologies to promote healthy weight-related behaviors in young adults. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Comparison of the metabolic demands of dance performance using three mobility devices for a dancer with spinal cord injury and an able-bodied dancer.

PubMed

Mengelkoch, Larry J; Highsmith, M Jason; Morris, Merry L

2014-09-01

Mobility devices for dancers with physical mobility impairments have previously been limited to traditional manual or power wheelchairs. The hands-free torso-controlled mobility chair is a unique powered mobility device which allows greater freedom and expression of movement of the trunk and upper extremities. This study compared differences in energy expenditure during a standardized dance activity using three mobility devices: the hands-free torso-controlled mobility chair, a manual sports wheelchair with hand-arm control, and an electric power chair with hand-joystick control. An experienced dancer with C7 incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) and an experienced able-bodied dancer were recruited for testing. Three measurement trials were obtained for each chair per subject. Oxygen uptake (VO2) and heart rate (HR) were measured continuously during the dance activity. Immediately following the dance activity, subjects rated perceived exertion. Significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) and similar linear patterns in VO2 and HR responses were observed between chairs for both dancers. When the hands-free mobility chair was used, the dance activity required a moderate level of energy expenditure compared to the manual sports chair or electric power chair for both dancers. Higher ratings of perceived exertion were observed in the manual chair compared to the other chairs for the dancer with SCI, but were similar between chairs for the able-bodied dancer. These results suggest that for a dancer with high-level SCI, the hands-free torso-controlled mobility chair may offer improved freedom and expressive movement possibilities and is an energy-efficient mobility device.

Mobilization Characteristics and Strategies to Improve Hematopoietic Progenitor Cell Mobilization and Collection in Patients with Chronic Granulomatous Disease and Severe Combined Immunodeficiency

PubMed Central

Panch, Sandhya R.; Yau, Yu Ying; Kang, Elizabeth M.; De Ravin, Suk See; Malech, Harry L.; Leitman, Susan F.

2014-01-01

Background G-CSF mobilized autologous hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPC) may be collected by apheresis of patients with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) and severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) for use in gene therapy trials. CD34+ cell mobilization has not been well characterized in such patients. Study Design and Methods We retrospectively evaluated CD34+ cell mobilization and collection in 73 consecutive CGD and SCID patients and in 99 age, weight and G-CSF dose-matched healthy allogeneic controls. Results In subjects aged ≤20 years, day 5 pre-apheresis circulating CD34+ counts were significantly lower in CGD and SCID than in controls; mean peak CD34+ cells 58, 64, and 87/uL, respectively, p=0.01. The SCIDs had lower CD34+ collection efficiency than CGDs and controls; mean efficiency 40%, 63% and 57%, respectively, p=0.003. In subjects >20 years, the CGDs had significantly lower CD34+ cell mobilization than controls; mean peak CD34+ cells 41 and 113/uL, respectively, p<0.0001. In a multivariate analysis, lower sedimentation rate (ESR) at mobilization was significantly correlated with better CD34+ cell mobilization, p=0.007. In SCIDs, CD34 collection efficiency was positively correlated with higher red cell indices (MCV: R2=0.77; MCH: R2=0.94; MCHC: R2=0.7, p<0.007) but not hemoglobin. Conclusions CGD and SCID populations are characterized by significantly less robust CD34+ HPC mobilization than healthy controls. The presence of active inflammation/infection as suggested by an elevated ESR may negatively impact mobilization. Among SCIDs, markedly reduced CD34 collection efficiencies were related to iron deficiency, wherein decreased red cell size and density may impair apheresis cell separation mechanics. PMID:25143186

A Null Space Control of Two Wheels Driven Mobile Manipulator Using Passivity Theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shibata, Tsuyoshi; Murakami, Toshiyuki

This paper describes a control strategy of null space motion of a two wheels driven mobile manipulator. Recently, robot is utilized in various industrial fields and it is preferable for the robot manipulator to have multiple degrees of freedom motion. Several studies of kinematics for null space motion have been proposed. However stability analysis of null space motion is not enough. Furthermore, these approaches apply to stable systems, but they do not apply unstable systems. Then, in this research, base of manipulator equips with two wheels driven mobile robot. This robot is called two wheels driven mobile manipulator, which becomes unstable system. In the proposed approach, a control design of null space uses passivity based stabilizing. A proposed controller is decided so that closed-loop system of robot dynamics satisfies passivity. This is passivity based control. Then, control strategy is that stabilizing of the robot system applies to work space observer based approach and null space control while keeping end-effector position. The validity of the proposed approach is verified by simulations and experiments of two wheels driven mobile manipulator.

Clinical and cost effectiveness of mobile phone supported self monitoring of asthma: multicentre randomised controlled trial.

PubMed

Ryan, Dermot; Price, David; Musgrave, Stan D; Malhotra, Shweta; Lee, Amanda J; Ayansina, Dolapo; Sheikh, Aziz; Tarassenko, Lionel; Pagliari, Claudia; Pinnock, Hilary

2012-03-23

To determine whether mobile phone based monitoring improves asthma control compared with standard paper based monitoring strategies. Multicentre randomised controlled trial with cost effectiveness analysis. UK primary care. 288 adolescents and adults with poorly controlled asthma (asthma control questionnaire (ACQ) score ≥ 1.5) from 32 practices. Participants were centrally randomised to twice daily recording and mobile phone based transmission of symptoms, drug use, and peak flow with immediate feedback prompting action according to an agreed plan or paper based monitoring. Changes in scores on asthma control questionnaire and self efficacy (knowledge, attitude, and self efficacy asthma questionnaire (KASE-AQ)) at six months after randomisation. Assessment of outcomes was blinded. Analysis was on an intention to treat basis. There was no significant difference in the change in asthma control or self efficacy between the two groups (ACQ: mean change 0.75 in mobile group v 0.73 in paper group, mean difference in change -0.02 (95% confidence interval -0.23 to 0.19); KASE-AQ score: mean change -4.4 v -2.4, mean difference 2.0 (-0.3 to 4.2)). The numbers of patients who had acute exacerbations, steroid courses, and unscheduled consultations were similar in both groups, with similar healthcare costs. Overall, the mobile phone service was more expensive because of the expenses of telemonitoring. Mobile technology does not improve asthma control or increase self efficacy compared with paper based monitoring when both groups received clinical care to guidelines standards. The mobile technology was not cost effective. Clinical Trials NCT00512837.

Automatic and robust extrinsic camera calibration for high-accuracy mobile mapping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goeman, Werner; Douterloigne, Koen; Bogaert, Peter; Pires, Rui; Gautama, Sidharta

2012-10-01

A mobile mapping system (MMS) is the answer of the geoinformation community to the exponentially growing demand for various geospatial data with increasingly higher accuracies and captured by multiple sensors. As the mobile mapping technology is pushed to explore its use for various applications on water, rail, or road, the need emerges to have an external sensor calibration procedure which is portable, fast and easy to perform. This way, sensors can be mounted and demounted depending on the application requirements without the need for time consuming calibration procedures. A new methodology is presented to provide a high quality external calibration of cameras which is automatic, robust and fool proof.The MMS uses an Applanix POSLV420, which is a tightly coupled GPS/INS positioning system. The cameras used are Point Grey color video cameras synchronized with the GPS/INS system. The method uses a portable, standard ranging pole which needs to be positioned on a known ground control point. For calibration a well studied absolute orientation problem needs to be solved. Here, a mutual information based image registration technique is studied for automatic alignment of the ranging pole. Finally, a few benchmarking tests are done under various lighting conditions which proves the methodology's robustness, by showing high absolute stereo measurement accuracies of a few centimeters.

Transformation of personal computers and mobile phones into genetic diagnostic systems.

PubMed

Walker, Faye M; Ahmad, Kareem M; Eisenstein, Michael; Soh, H Tom

2014-09-16

Molecular diagnostics based on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) offer rapid and sensitive means for detecting infectious disease, but prohibitive costs have impeded their use in resource-limited settings where such diseases are endemic. In this work, we report an innovative method for transforming a desktop computer and a mobile camera phone--devices that have become readily accessible in developing countries--into a highly sensitive DNA detection system. This transformation was achieved by converting a desktop computer into a de facto thermal cycler with software that controls the temperature of the central processing unit (CPU), allowing for highly efficient PCR. Next, we reconfigured the mobile phone into a fluorescence imager by adding a low-cost filter, which enabled us to quantitatively measure the resulting PCR amplicons. Our system is highly sensitive, achieving quantitative detection of as little as 9.6 attograms of target DNA, and we show that its performance is comparable to advanced laboratory instruments at approximately 1/500th of the cost. Finally, in order to demonstrate clinical utility, we have used our platform for the successful detection of genomic DNA from the parasite that causes Chagas disease, Trypanosoma cruzi, directly in whole, unprocessed human blood at concentrations 4-fold below the clinical titer of the parasite.

Transformation of Personal Computers and Mobile Phones into Genetic Diagnostic Systems

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Molecular diagnostics based on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) offer rapid and sensitive means for detecting infectious disease, but prohibitive costs have impeded their use in resource-limited settings where such diseases are endemic. In this work, we report an innovative method for transforming a desktop computer and a mobile camera phone—devices that have become readily accessible in developing countries—into a highly sensitive DNA detection system. This transformation was achieved by converting a desktop computer into a de facto thermal cycler with software that controls the temperature of the central processing unit (CPU), allowing for highly efficient PCR. Next, we reconfigured the mobile phone into a fluorescence imager by adding a low-cost filter, which enabled us to quantitatively measure the resulting PCR amplicons. Our system is highly sensitive, achieving quantitative detection of as little as 9.6 attograms of target DNA, and we show that its performance is comparable to advanced laboratory instruments at approximately 1/500th of the cost. Finally, in order to demonstrate clinical utility, we have used our platform for the successful detection of genomic DNA from the parasite that causes Chagas disease, Trypanosoma cruzi, directly in whole, unprocessed human blood at concentrations 4-fold below the clinical titer of the parasite. PMID:25223929

Is the relationship between parental abuse and mobile phone dependency (MPD) contingent across neighborhood characteristics? A multilevel analysis of Korean Children and Youth Panel Survey.

PubMed

Kim, Harris Hyun-Soo; Chun, JongSerl

2018-01-01

Research indicates that mobile phone dependency (MPD) is associated with various behavioral and internalizing problems. While a significant amount of findings points to its negative outcomes, there is a dearth of evidence concerning the determinants of MPD. This study focuses on this critical, yet understudied, subject by analyzing the associations between abusive parenting style, neighborhood characteristics, and MPD among youths in South Korea, a country with one of the highest mobile broadband penetration rates in the world. Based on the secondary analysis of two waves of Korean Children and Youth Panel Survey (KCYPS), a government-funded multiyear study, we investigate individual- and contextual-level factors underlying MPD. Findings show that, net of a host of time-lagged controls (including baseline dependency from the previous year), abusive parenting style significantly increases adolescent MPD. After adjusting for individual level characteristics, however, no contextual-level effect is found, i.e., residing in a neighborhood with a relatively higher proportion of parental abuse is not related to greater MPD. Finally, two cross-level interaction effects are observed. First, the association between parental abuse and MPD is weaker in a neighborhood context with better educated inhabitants (more college graduates). Second, it is reinforced in demographically "aged" communities with more elderly residents.

High-Throughput Screening of Myometrial Calcium-Mobilization to Identify Modulators of Uterine Contractility

PubMed Central

Herington, Jennifer L.; Swale, Daniel R.; Brown, Naoko; Shelton, Elaine L.; Choi, Hyehun; Williams, Charles H.; Hong, Charles C.; Paria, Bibhash C.; Denton, Jerod S.; Reese, Jeff

2015-01-01

The uterine myometrium (UT-myo) is a therapeutic target for preterm labor, labor induction, and postpartum hemorrhage. Stimulation of intracellular Ca2+-release in UT-myo cells by oxytocin is a final pathway controlling myometrial contractions. The goal of this study was to develop a dual-addition assay for high-throughput screening of small molecular compounds, which could regulate Ca2+-mobilization in UT-myo cells, and hence, myometrial contractions. Primary murine UT-myo cells in 384-well plates were loaded with a Ca2+-sensitive fluorescent probe, and then screened for inducers of Ca2+-mobilization and inhibitors of oxytocin-induced Ca2+-mobilization. The assay exhibited robust screening statistics (Z´ = 0.73), DMSO-tolerance, and was validated for high-throughput screening against 2,727 small molecules from the Spectrum, NIH Clinical I and II collections of well-annotated compounds. The screen revealed a hit-rate of 1.80% for agonist and 1.39% for antagonist compounds. Concentration-dependent responses of hit-compounds demonstrated an EC50 less than 10μM for 21 hit-antagonist compounds, compared to only 7 hit-agonist compounds. Subsequent studies focused on hit-antagonist compounds. Based on the percent inhibition and functional annotation analyses, we selected 4 confirmed hit-antagonist compounds (benzbromarone, dipyridamole, fenoterol hydrobromide and nisoldipine) for further analysis. Using an ex vivo isometric contractility assay, each compound significantly inhibited uterine contractility, at different potencies (IC50). Overall, these results demonstrate for the first time that high-throughput small-molecules screening of myometrial Ca2+-mobilization is an ideal primary approach for discovering modulators of uterine contractility. PMID:26600013

Acute effects of the electromagnetic waves emitted by mobile phones on attention in emergency physicians.

PubMed

Altuntas, Gurkan; Sadoglu, Davut; Ardic, Senol; Yilmaz, Hakan; Imamoglu, Melih; Turedi, Suleyman

2018-03-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute effects of the electromagnetic waves (EMW) emitted by mobile phones on attention in emergency physicians. This single-center, prospective, randomized, double-blinded clinical study was performed among emergency physicians in a tertiary hospital. Thirty emergency physicians were enrolled in the study. Initial d2 test was applied in the evaluation of attention and concentration of all the physicians, who were randomly assigned into one of two groups. The control group members hold mobile phones in 'off' mode to their left ears for 15min. The members of the intervention group hold mobile phones in 'on' mode to their left ears for 15min, thus exposing them to 900-1800MHz EMW. The d2 test was re-applied to both groups after this procedure. Differences in attention and concentration levels between the groups were compared. Difference between initial and final d2 test in total performance (TN-E, p=0.319), in total number of figures marked (TN, p=0.177), in test performance percentile (PR, p=0.619) and in attention fluctuation (FR, p=0.083) were similar between the groups. However, difference in the number of figures missed (E1 selective attention, p=0.025), difference between numbers of incorrectly marked figures (E2, p=0,018) and difference in focus levels (E, p=0.016) were significantly in favor of the intervention group. According to our study findings, the EMW emitted by mobile phones has no deleterious effect on the attention and concentration levels of emergency physicians, and even has a positive impact on selective attention levels. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A mobile-mobile transport model for simulating reactive transport in connected heterogeneous fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Chunhui; Wang, Zhiyuan; Zhao, Yue; Rathore, Saubhagya Singh; Huo, Jinge; Tang, Yuening; Liu, Ming; Gong, Rulan; Cirpka, Olaf A.; Luo, Jian

2018-05-01

Mobile-immobile transport models can be effective in reproducing heavily tailed breakthrough curves of concentration. However, such models may not adequately describe transport along multiple flow paths with intermediate velocity contrasts in connected fields. We propose using the mobile-mobile model for simulating subsurface flow and associated mixing-controlled reactive transport in connected fields. This model includes two local concentrations, one in the fast- and the other in the slow-flow domain, which predict both the concentration mean and variance. The normalized total concentration variance within the flux is found to be a non-monotonic function of the discharge ratio with a maximum concentration variance at intermediate values of the discharge ratio. We test the mobile-mobile model for mixing-controlled reactive transport with an instantaneous, irreversible bimolecular reaction in structured and connected random heterogeneous domains, and compare the performance of the mobile-mobile to the mobile-immobile model. The results indicate that the mobile-mobile model generally predicts the concentration breakthrough curves (BTCs) of the reactive compound better. Particularly, for cases of an elliptical inclusion with intermediate hydraulic-conductivity contrasts, where the travel-time distribution shows bimodal behavior, the prediction of both the BTCs and maximum product concentration is significantly improved. Our results exemplify that the conceptual model of two mobile domains with diffusive mass transfer in between is in general good for predicting mixing-controlled reactive transport, and particularly so in cases where the transfer in the low-conductivity zones is by slow advection rather than diffusion.

Returners and explorers dichotomy in human mobility

PubMed Central

Pappalardo, Luca; Simini, Filippo; Rinzivillo, Salvatore; Pedreschi, Dino; Giannotti, Fosca; Barabási, Albert-László

2015-01-01

The availability of massive digital traces of human whereabouts has offered a series of novel insights on the quantitative patterns characterizing human mobility. In particular, numerous recent studies have lead to an unexpected consensus: the considerable variability in the characteristic travelled distance of individuals coexists with a high degree of predictability of their future locations. Here we shed light on this surprising coexistence by systematically investigating the impact of recurrent mobility on the characteristic distance travelled by individuals. Using both mobile phone and GPS data, we discover the existence of two distinct classes of individuals: returners and explorers. As existing models of human mobility cannot explain the existence of these two classes, we develop more realistic models able to capture the empirical findings. Finally, we show that returners and explorers play a distinct quantifiable role in spreading phenomena and that a correlation exists between their mobility patterns and social interactions. PMID:26349016

Influence of acceptor on charge mobility in stacked π-conjugated polymers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Shih-Jye; Menšík, Miroslav; Toman, Petr; Gagliardi, Alessio; Král, Karel

2018-02-01

We present a quantum molecular model to calculate mobility of π-stacked P3HT polymer layers with electron acceptor dopants coupled next to side groups in random position with respect to the linear chain. The hole density, the acceptor LUMO energy and the hybridization transfer integral between the acceptor and polymer were found to be very critical factors to the final hole mobility. For a dopant LUMO energy close and high above the top of the polymer valence band we have found a significant mobility increase with the hole concentration and with the dopant LUMO energy approaching the top of the polymer valence band. Higher mobility was achieved for small values of hybridization transfer integral between polymer and the acceptor, corresponding to the case of weakly bound acceptor. Strong couplings between the polymer and the acceptor with Coulomb repulsion interactions induced from the electron localizations was found to suppress the hole mobility.

A case of conflicting norms? Mobilizing and accountability information in newspaper coverage of the autism-vaccine controversy.

PubMed

Clarke, Christopher E

2011-09-01

When reporting health risks, the news media are often criticized for omitting "mobilizing" information that allows readers to act on existing attitudes. Using American and British newspaper coverage of the autism-vaccine controversy as a case study, this article takes a "behind the scenes" look at normative pressures that may influence whether such information appears in coverage. In particular, can holding health officials accountable for their actions potentially "crowd out" mobilizing information? A content analysis suggests that mobilizing information (at least one of four examples) was present in only 16% of articles, compared to 38% that mentioned accountability messages (at least one of two examples). US newspapers were significantly more likely to mention at least one mobilization example. Finally, although only 11% discussed both, articles were more likely to discuss certain mobilizing and accountability examples together. Implications for journalism ethics and vaccine risk communication are discussed.

Report on the Audit of the Use of Mobile Computers -- Air Force

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-02-15

We are providing this final report on the Audit of the Use of Mobile Computers--Air Force for your review and comments. The audit was conducted from...November 1989 through August 1990. The audit was part of our review of the use of mobile computers throughout DoD. Our overall objectives were to...operate, and maintain. The audit showed that the Air Force needed to retain no more than 5 of the 18 TSS’s. This would save the Air Force $27.3 million (Enclosure 2).

Integrating technology readiness into the expectation-confirmation model: an empirical study of mobile services.

PubMed

Chen, Shih-Chih; Liu, Ming-Ling; Lin, Chieh-Peng

2013-08-01

The aim of this study was to integrate technology readiness into the expectation-confirmation model (ECM) for explaining individuals' continuance of mobile data service usage. After reviewing the ECM and technology readiness, an integrated model was demonstrated via empirical data. Compared with the original ECM, the findings of this study show that the integrated model may offer an ameliorated way to clarify what factors and how they influence the continuous intention toward mobile services. Finally, the major findings are summarized, and future research directions are suggested.

An overview on real-time control schemes for wheeled mobile robot

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Radzak, M. S. A.; Ali, M. A. H.; Sha’amri, S.; Azwan, A. R.

2018-04-01

The purpose of this paper is to review real-time control motion algorithms for wheeled mobile robot (WMR) when navigating in environment such as road. Its need a good controller to avoid collision with any disturbance and maintain a track error at zero level. The controllers are used with other aiding sensors to measure the WMR’s velocities, posture, and interference to estimate the required torque to be applied on the wheels of mobile robot. Four main categories for wheeled mobile robot control systems have been found in literature which are namely: Kinematic based controller, Dynamic based controllers, artificial intelligence based control system, and Active Force control. A MATLAB/Simulink software is the main software to simulate and implement the control system. The real-time toolbox in MATLAB/SIMULINK are used to receive/send data from sensors/to actuator with presence of disturbances, however others software such C, C++ and visual basic are rare to be used.

Sit-to-stand movement changes in preschool-aged children with spastic diplegia following one neurodevelopmental treatment session--a pilot study.

PubMed

Yonetsu, Ryo; Iwata, Akira; Surya, John; Unase, Kazunori; Shimizu, Junichi

2015-01-01

This study was designed to provide a better understanding of how a single neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT) session affects sit-to-stand (STS) movements in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Eight children with spastic diplegia and five typically developing children, aged 4-6 years, participated in this study. The CP participants performed STS movements immediately before and after a 40-min NDT session. Using a three-dimensional, four-camera analysis system, angular movements involving the hip, knee and ankle joints of the participants were obtained. During forward tilt of the trunk, the maximum and final angles after the NDT session significantly decreased compared with those before the session (p < 0.05, p < 0.01). Moreover, the final hip flexion after the session also significantly decreased compared with that before the session (p < 0.01). On the other hand, the initial, maximum and final ankle dorsiflexion angles after the session were significantly greater (p < 0.05, p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively) than before the session. These findings suggest that a single NDT session enables children with CP to stand from a seated position without using some atypical movement patterns. Preschool-aged children with spastic diplegia, with limited ability to independently transfer from a sitting position, and dependent on a wheelchair for mobility experience obstacles to enhanced activities of daily life and social participation. A single neurodevelopmental treatment session would enable children with spastic diplegia to perform sit-to-stand movements more efficiently, with selective muscle control. Understanding how a single neurodevelopmental treatment session affects sit-to-stand movements in children with spastic diplegia is invaluable for therapists planning more efficient therapeutic programs and may enable children with spastic diplegia to develop improved mobility.

Mobile Language Study

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-08-18

Language Study 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 5d. PROJECT NUMBER 5d. TASK NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S) Professor Mads Dam, Pablo Giambiagi 5e...Standard Form 298 (Rev. 8/98) Prescribed by ANSI Std. Z39-18 SPC 01-4025 Mobile Language Study Final...smart card applications. Smart cards can be programmed using general-purpose languages ; but because of their limited resources, smart card programs

Arsenic Removal from Drinking Water by Adsorptive Media U.S. EPA Demonstration Project at Spring Brook Mobile Home Park in Wales, ME Final Performance Evaluation Report

EPA Science Inventory

This report documents the activities performed and the results obtained for the arsenic removal treatment technology demonstration project at Spring Brook Mobile Home Park (SBMHP) in Wales, Maine. The objectives of the project were to evaluate: 1) the effectiveness of an arsenic...

ARSENIC REMOVAL FROM DRINKING WATER BY ADSORPTIVE MEDIA U.S. EPA DEMONSTRATION PROJECT AT CHATEAU ESTATES MOBILE HOME PARK IN SPRINGFIELD, OH. FINAL PERFORMANCE EVALUATION REPORT

EPA Science Inventory

This report documents the activities performed for and the results obtained from the first six months of the arsenic removal treatment technology demonstration project at the Chateau Estates Mobile Home Park at Springfield, OH. The objectives of the project are to evaluate the ef...

Analysis, Modeling, and Simulation (AMS) Testbed Development and Evaluation to Support Dynamic Mobility Applications (DMA) and Active Transportation and Demand Management (ATDM) Programs - calibration Report for Phoenix Testbed : Final Report. [supporting datasets - Phoenix Testbed

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2017-07-26

The datasets in this zip file are in support of FHWA-JPO-16-379, Analysis, Modeling, and Simulation (AMS) Testbed Development and Evaluation to Support Dynamic Mobility Applications (DMA) and Active Transportation and Demand Management (ATDM) Program...

Verification hybrid control of a wheeled mobile robot and manipulator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muszynska, Magdalena; Burghardt, Andrzej; Kurc, Krzysztof; Szybicki, Dariusz

2016-04-01

In this article, innovative approaches to realization of the wheeled mobile robots and manipulator tracking are presented. Conceptions include application of the neural-fuzzy systems to compensation of the controlled system's nonlinearities in the tracking control task. Proposed control algorithms work on-line, contain structure, that adapt to the changeable work conditions of the controlled systems, and do not require the preliminary learning. The algorithm was verification on the real object which was a Scorbot - ER 4pc robotic manipulator and a Pioneer - 2DX mobile robot.

Distributed Finite-Time Cooperative Control of Multiple High-Order Nonholonomic Mobile Robots.

PubMed

Du, Haibo; Wen, Guanghui; Cheng, Yingying; He, Yigang; Jia, Ruting

2017-12-01

The consensus problem of multiple nonholonomic mobile robots in the form of high-order chained structure is considered in this paper. Based on the model features and the finite-time control technique, a finite-time cooperative controller is explicitly constructed which guarantees that the states consensus is achieved in a finite time. As an application of the proposed results, finite-time formation control of multiple wheeled mobile robots is studied and a finite-time formation control algorithm is proposed. To show effectiveness of the proposed approach, a simulation example is given.

Mobile phones and malaria: modeling human and parasite travel

PubMed Central

Buckee, Caroline O.; Wesolowski, Amy; Eagle, Nathan; Hansen, Elsa; Snow, Robert W.

2013-01-01

Human mobility plays an important role in the dissemination of malaria parasites between regions of variable transmission intensity. Asymptomatic individuals can unknowingly carry parasites to regions where mosquito vectors are available, for example, undermining control programs and contributing to transmission when they travel. Understanding how parasites are imported between regions in this way is therefore an important goal for elimination planning and the control of transmission, and would enable control programs to target the principal sources of malaria. Measuring human mobility has traditionally been difficult to do on a population scale, but the widespread adoption of mobile phones in low-income settings presents a unique opportunity to directly measure human movements that are relevant to the spread of malaria. Here, we discuss the opportunities for measuring human mobility using data from mobile phones, as well as some of the issues associated with combining mobility estimates with malaria infection risk maps to meaningfully estimate routes of parasite importation. PMID:23478045

Final Research Performance Report - Small Molecular Associative Carbon Dioxide (CO 2) Thickeners for Improved Mobility Control

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Enick, Robert M.

The initial objective of this project was to promote the application of a CO 2 thickener for improved mobility control during CO 2 EOR based on solubility tests, viscosity tests, and core floods. Ultimately, it was demonstrated that the CO 2-soluble polymeric thickeners are much better suited for use a CO 2-soluble conformance control agents for diverting the flow of CO 2 away from thief zones. Our team generated several effective small molecule CO 2 thickeners with ARPA-e funding. Unfortunately, none of these small molecule thickeners could dissolve in CO 2 without the addition of unacceptably large amounts of hexanemore » or toluene as a co-solvent Therefore none were viable candidates for the core flooding studies associated with NETL award. Therefore during the entire core flood testing program associated with this NETL award, our team used only the most promising polymeric CO 2 thickener, a polyfluoroacrylate (PFA). In order to produce an environmentally benign polymer, the monomer used to make the new polymers used in this study was a fluoroacrylate that contains only six fluorinated carbons. We verified CO 2 solubility with a phase behavior cell. The thickening potential of all polymer samples was substantiated with a falling ball viscometer and a falling cylinder viscometer at Pitt. Two different viscometers were used to determine the increase in CO 2 viscosity that could be achieved via the dissolution of PFA. Praxair, which has an interest in thickening CO 2 for pilot EOR projects and for waterless hydraulic fracturing, agreed to measure the viscosity of CO 2-PFA solutions at no cost to the project. Falling cylinder viscometery was conducted at Pitt in our windowed high pressure phase behavior cell. Both apparatuses indicated that at very low shear rates the CO 2 viscosity increased by a factor of roughly 3.5 when 1wt% PFA was dissolved in the CO 22. Our team also planned thickener concentrations and compositions at Pitt for the core tests that were conducted at Special Core Analysis Laboratories, Inc., (SCAL) in Midland, TX, where the ability for PFA to reduce CO 2 mobility in a core was then tested. During the beginning of these tests, the PFA polymer was then shown to impart reasonable improvements in mobility control during the SCAL core tests; as the CO 2-PFA solution displaced CO 2 from the core at a constant volumetric flow rate, the pressure drop increased as expected. However, as the test progressed, there was clear and surprising evidence of dramatic reductions in core permeability due to PFA adsorption, especially for sandstones. For example, as the CO 2-PFA solution displaced pure CO 2 from sandstone and limestone cores, the pressure drop increased by factors of multiple hundreds to over a thousand. It was subsequently demonstrated that the PFA injected into the core either (a) adsorbed strongly and irreversibly onto the rock surfaces, (b) deposited/precipitated within the rock, thereby blocking pores in a manner that could be dislodged by large changes in flow rate or flow direction, or (c) remained in solution and passed completely through the core. The loss of PFA to the porous media and the unacceptably large increases in pressure drop both indicated that PFA was inappropriate for CO 2 EOR mobility control, where thickener adsorption must be minimized and mobility reductions of only 10-100-fold are typically required. However, we realized that because the CO 2-PFA solution could greatly reduce the permeability of porous media, it could serve as a near wellbore conformance control agent for blocking “thief zones”, where adsorption is acceptable and dramatic increases in pressure drop are desirable. These effects were more dramatic for sandstone than for limestone. Therefore, these PFA fluoroacrylate polymers can serve as a CO 2-soluble conformance control agent for CO 2-EOR, especially in sandstone formations. This injection of a single phase solution of CO 2-PFA for permeability reduction is (to the best of our knowledge) the first report of a CO 2-soluble conformance control additive. We also demonstrated that the optimal strategy for using CO 2-PFA solutions for conformance control is analogous to the application of water-based polymeric gels; the CO 2-PFA solution should first be injected only in an isolated thief zone to induce dramatic reductions in permeability only in that thief zone, and then CO 2 should be injected into all of the zones. Finally, it was noted that given the propensity of PFA to adsorb onto sandstone, the adsorption of PFA from CO 2-PFA solutions onto cement surfaces promote the sealing of extremely fine cracks in casing cement.« less

Diversity and dialogue in immunity to helminths.

PubMed

Allen, Judith E; Maizels, Rick M

2011-06-01

The vertebrate immune system has evolved in concert with a broad range of infectious agents, including ubiquitous helminth (worm) parasites. The constant pressure of helminth infections has been a powerful force in shaping not only how immunity is initiated and maintained, but also how the body self-regulates and controls untoward immune responses to minimize overall harm. In this Review, we discuss recent advances in defining the immune cell types and molecules that are mobilized in response to helminth infection. Finally, we more broadly consider how these immunological players are blended and regulated in order to accommodate persistent infection or to mount a vigorous protective response and achieve sterile immunity.

Strategies to predict metal mobility in surficial mining environments

USGS Publications Warehouse

Smith, Kathleen S.

2007-01-01

This report presents some strategies to predict metal mobility at mining sites. These strategies are based on chemical, physical, and geochemical information about metals and their interactions with the environment. An overview of conceptual models, metal sources, and relative mobility of metals under different geochemical conditions is presented, followed by a discussion of some important physical and chemical properties of metals that affect their mobility, bioavailability, and toxicity. The physical and chemical properties lead into a discussion of the importance of the chemical speciation of metals. Finally, environmental and geochemical processes and geochemical barriers that affect metal speciation are discussed. Some additional concepts and applications are briefly presented at the end of this report.

First satellite mobile communication trials using BLQS-CDMA

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Luzdemateo, Maria; Johns, Simon; Dothey, Michel; Vanhimbeeck, Carl; Deman, Ivan; Wery, Bruno

1993-01-01

In this paper, technical results obtained in the first MSBN Land mobile technical trial are reported. MSBN (Mobile Satellite Business Network) is a new program undertaken by the European Space Agency (ESA) to promote mobile satellite communication in Europe, in particular voice capability. The first phase of the MSBN system implementation plan is an experimental phase. Its purpose is to evaluate through field experiments the performance of the MSBN system prior to finalization of its specifications. Particularly, the objective is to verify in the field and possibly improve the performance of the novel satellite access technique BLQS-CDMA (Band Limited Quasi-Synchronous-Code Division Multiple Access), which is proposed as baseline for the MSBN.

A numerical study of mobility in thin films of fullerene derivatives.

PubMed

Mackenzie, Roderick C I; Frost, Jarvist M; Nelson, Jenny

2010-02-14

The effect of functional group size on the electron mobility in films of fullerene derivatives is investigated numerically. A series of four C(60) derivatives are formed by attaching saturated hydrocarbon chains to the C(60) cage via a methano bridge. For each of the derivatives investigated, molecular dynamics is used to generate a realistic material morphology. Quantum chemical methods are then used to calculate intermolecular charge transfer rates. Finally, Monte Carlo methods are used to simulate time-of-flight experiments and thus calculate the electron mobility. It is found that as the length of the aliphatic side chain increases, the configurational disorder increases and thus the mobility decreases.

47 CFR 90.545 - TV/DTV interference protection criteria.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

..., control, and mobile transmitters in the 769-775 MHz and 799-805 MHz frequency bands must be operated only in accordance with the rules in this section, to reduce the potential for interference to public... land mobile base station, the associated control station, and the mobile transmitters shall be...

40 CFR 81.68 - Mobile (Alabama)-Pensacola-Panama City (Florida)-Southern Mississippi Interstate Air Quality...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 17 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Mobile (Alabama)-Pensacola-Panama City...-Panama City (Florida)-Southern Mississippi Interstate Air Quality Control Region. The Mobile (Alabama)-Pensacola-Panama City (Florida)-Gulfport (Mississippi) Interstate Air Quality Control Region has been...

40 CFR 81.68 - Mobile (Alabama)-Pensacola-Panama City (Florida)-Southern Mississippi Interstate Air Quality...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 17 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Mobile (Alabama)-Pensacola-Panama City...-Panama City (Florida)-Southern Mississippi Interstate Air Quality Control Region. The Mobile (Alabama)-Pensacola-Panama City (Florida)-Gulfport (Mississippi) Interstate Air Quality Control Region has been...

Dimensions for hearing-impaired mobile application usability model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nathan, Shelena Soosay; Hussain, Azham; Hashim, Nor Laily; Omar, Mohd Adan

2017-10-01

This paper discuss on the dimensions that has been derived for the hearing-impaired mobile applications usability model. General usability model consist of general dimension for evaluating mobile application however requirements for the hearing-impaired are overlooked and often scanted. This led towards mobile application developed for the hearing-impaired are left unused. It is also apparent that these usability models do not consider accessibility dimensions according to the requirement of the special users. This complicates the work of usability practitioners as well as academician that practices research usability when application are developed for the specific user needs. To overcome this issue, dimension chosen for the hearing-impaired are ensured to be align with the real need of the hearing-impaired mobile application. Besides literature studies, requirements for the hearing-impaired mobile application have been identified through interview conducted with hearing-impaired mobile application users that were recorded as video outputs and analyzed using Nvivo. Finally total of 6 out of 15 dimensions gathered are chosen for the proposed model and presented.

A Simple Interface for 3D Position Estimation of a Mobile Robot with Single Camera

PubMed Central

Chao, Chun-Tang; Chung, Ming-Hsuan; Chiou, Juing-Shian; Wang, Chi-Jo

2016-01-01

In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of mobile robots controlled by a smart phone or tablet. This paper proposes a visual control interface for a mobile robot with a single camera to easily control the robot actions and estimate the 3D position of a target. In this proposal, the mobile robot employed an Arduino Yun as the core processor and was remote-controlled by a tablet with an Android operating system. In addition, the robot was fitted with a three-axis robotic arm for grasping. Both the real-time control signal and video transmission are transmitted via Wi-Fi. We show that with a properly calibrated camera and the proposed prototype procedures, the users can click on a desired position or object on the touchscreen and estimate its 3D coordinates in the real world by simple analytic geometry instead of a complicated algorithm. The results of the measurement verification demonstrates that this approach has great potential for mobile robots. PMID:27023556

Reactive navigation for autonomous guided vehicle using neuro-fuzzy techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Jin; Liao, Xiaoqun; Hall, Ernest L.

1999-08-01

A Neuro-fuzzy control method for navigation of an Autonomous Guided Vehicle robot is described. Robot navigation is defined as the guiding of a mobile robot to a desired destination or along a desired path in an environment characterized by as terrain and a set of distinct objects, such as obstacles and landmarks. The autonomous navigate ability and road following precision are mainly influenced by its control strategy and real-time control performance. Neural network and fuzzy logic control techniques can improve real-time control performance for mobile robot due to its high robustness and error-tolerance ability. For a mobile robot to navigate automatically and rapidly, an important factor is to identify and classify mobile robots' currently perceptual environment. In this paper, a new approach of the current perceptual environment feature identification and classification, which are based on the analysis of the classifying neural network and the Neuro- fuzzy algorithm, is presented. The significance of this work lies in the development of a new method for mobile robot navigation.

A Simple Interface for 3D Position Estimation of a Mobile Robot with Single Camera.

PubMed

Chao, Chun-Tang; Chung, Ming-Hsuan; Chiou, Juing-Shian; Wang, Chi-Jo

2016-03-25

In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of mobile robots controlled by a smart phone or tablet. This paper proposes a visual control interface for a mobile robot with a single camera to easily control the robot actions and estimate the 3D position of a target. In this proposal, the mobile robot employed an Arduino Yun as the core processor and was remote-controlled by a tablet with an Android operating system. In addition, the robot was fitted with a three-axis robotic arm for grasping. Both the real-time control signal and video transmission are transmitted via Wi-Fi. We show that with a properly calibrated camera and the proposed prototype procedures, the users can click on a desired position or object on the touchscreen and estimate its 3D coordinates in the real world by simple analytic geometry instead of a complicated algorithm. The results of the measurement verification demonstrates that this approach has great potential for mobile robots.

75 FR 33729 - Facilitating the Provision of Fixed and Mobile Broadband Access, Educational and Other Advanced...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-15

... 2150-2162 and 2500-2690 MHz Bands AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Final rule..., demonstrate substantial service by combining licenses. Finally, on its own motion, the Commission corrects a... actions clarify the requirements necessary for BRS and EBS licensees to demonstrate substantial service...

Application of neural models as controllers in mobile robot velocity control loop

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cerkala, Jakub; Jadlovska, Anna

2017-01-01

This paper presents the application of an inverse neural models used as controllers in comparison to classical PI controllers for velocity tracking control task used in two-wheel, differentially driven mobile robot. The PI controller synthesis is based on linear approximation of actuators with equivalent load. In order to obtain relevant datasets for training of feed-forward multi-layer perceptron based neural network used as neural model, the mathematical model of mobile robot, that combines its kinematic and dynamic properties such as chassis dimensions, center of gravity offset, friction and actuator parameters is used. Neural models are trained off-line to act as an inverse dynamics of DC motors with particular load using data collected in simulation experiment for motor input voltage step changes within bounded operating area. The performances of PI controllers versus inverse neural models in mobile robot internal velocity control loops are demonstrated and compared in simulation experiment of navigation control task for line segment motion in plane.

Mobile technology habits: patterns of association among device usage, intertemporal preference, impulse control, and reward sensitivity.

PubMed

Wilmer, Henry H; Chein, Jason M

2016-10-01

Mobile electronic devices are playing an increasingly pervasive role in our daily activities. Yet, there has been very little empirical research investigating how mobile technology habits might relate to individual differences in cognition and affect. The research presented in this paper provides evidence that heavier investment in mobile devices is correlated with a relatively weaker tendency to delay gratification (as measured by a delay discounting task) and a greater inclination toward impulsive behavior (i.e., weaker impulse control, assessed behaviorally and through self-report) but is not related to individual differences in sensitivity to reward. Analyses further demonstrated that individual variation in impulse control mediates the relationship between mobile technology usage and delay of gratification. Although based on correlational results, these findings lend some backing to concerns that increased use of portable electronic devices could have negative impacts on impulse control and the ability to appropriately valuate delayed rewards.

SDN-controlled topology-reconfigurable optical mobile fronthaul architecture for bidirectional CoMP and low latency inter-cell D2D in the 5G mobile era.

PubMed

Cvijetic, Neda; Tanaka, Akihiro; Kanonakis, Konstantinos; Wang, Ting

2014-08-25

We demonstrate the first SDN-controlled optical topology-reconfigurable mobile fronthaul (MFH) architecture for bidirectional coordinated multipoint (CoMP) and low latency inter-cell device-to-device (D2D) connectivity in the 5G mobile networking era. SDN-based OpenFlow control is used to dynamically instantiate the CoMP and inter-cell D2D features as match/action combinations in control plane flow tables of software-defined optical and electrical switching elements. Dynamic re-configurability is thereby introduced into the optical MFH topology, while maintaining back-compatibility with legacy fiber deployments. 10 Gb/s peak rates with <7 μs back-to-back transmission latency and 29.6 dB total power budget are experimentally demonstrated, confirming the attractiveness of the new approach for optical MFH of future 5G mobile systems.

Designing and Developing a Mobile Smartphone Application for Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Followed-Up at Diabetes Outpatient Clinics in Norway

PubMed Central

Garnweidner-Holme, Lisa Maria; Borgen, Iren; Garitano, Iñaki; Noll, Josef; Lukasse, Mirjam

2015-01-01

The prevalence of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is increasing worldwide. Controlling blood sugar levels is fundamental to the management of GDM. Current practice in Norway includes patients registering blood sugar levels in a booklet and receiving verbal and/or written health information. A smartphone application may provide patients individually targeted and easily available advice to control blood sugar levels. The aim of this paper is to document the process of designing and developing a smartphone application (the Pregnant+ app) that automatically transfers blood sugar levels from the glucometer and has information about healthy eating and physical activity. This formative research included expert-group discussions among health professionals, researchers and experts in data privacy and security. User-involvement studies were conducted to discuss prototypes of the app. Results indicated that the content of the application should be easy to understand given the varying degree of patients’ literacy and in line with the information they receive at clinics. The final version of the app incorporated behavior change techniques such as self-monitoring and cues to action. Results from the first round of interactions show the importance of involving expert groups and patients when developing a mobile health-care device. PMID:27417764

Proximity induced ferromagnetism, superconductivity, and finite-size effects on the surface states of topological insulator nanostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sengupta, Parijat; Kubis, Tillmann; Tan, Yaohua; Klimeck, Gerhard

2015-01-01

Bi2Te3 and Bi2Se3 are well known 3D-topological insulators (TI). Films made of these materials exhibit metal-like surface states with a Dirac dispersion and possess high mobility. The high mobility metal-like surface states can serve as building blocks for a variety of applications that involve tuning their dispersion relationship and opening a band gap. A band gap can be opened either by breaking time reversal symmetry, the proximity effect of a superconductor or ferromagnet or adjusting the dimensionality of the TI material. In this work, methods that can be employed to easily open a band gap for the TI surface states are assessed. Two approaches are described: (1) Coating the surface states with a ferromagnet which has a controllable magnetization axis. The magnetization strength of the ferromagnet is incorporated as an exchange interaction term in the Hamiltonian. (2) An s-wave superconductor, because of the proximity effect, when coupled to a 3D-TI opens a band gap on the surface. Finally, the hybridization of the surface Dirac cones can be controlled by reducing the thickness of the topological insulator film. It is shown that this alters the band gap significantly.

A haptic sensing upgrade for the current EOD robotic fleet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rowe, Patrick

2014-06-01

The past decade and a half has seen a tremendous rise in the use of mobile manipulator robotic platforms for bomb inspection and disposal, explosive ordnance disposal, and other extremely hazardous tasks in both military and civilian settings. Skilled operators are able to control these robotic vehicles in amazing ways given the very limited situational awareness obtained from a few on-board camera views. Future generations of robotic platforms will, no doubt, provide some sort of additional force or haptic sensor feedback to further enhance the operator's interaction with the robot, especially when dealing with fragile, unstable, and explosive objects. Unfortunately, the robot operators need this capability today. This paper discusses an approach to provide existing (and future) robotic mobile manipulator platforms, with which trained operators are already familiar and highly proficient, this desired haptic and force feedback capability. The goals of this technology are to be rugged, reliable, and affordable. It should also be able to be applied to a wide range of existing robots with a wide variety of manipulator/gripper sizes and styles. Finally, the presentation of the haptic information to the operator is discussed, given the fact that control devices that physically interact with the operators are not widely available and still in the research stages.

Application of the remote microphone method to active noise control in a mobile phone.

PubMed

Cheer, Jordan; Elliott, Stephen J; Oh, Eunmi; Jeong, Jonghoon

2018-04-01

Mobile phones are used in a variety of situations where environmental noise may interfere with the ability of the near-end user to communicate with the far-end user. To overcome this problem, it might be possible to use active noise control technology to reduce the noise experienced by the near-end user. This paper initially demonstrates that when an active noise control system is used in a practical mobile phone configuration to minimise the noise measured by an error microphone mounted on the mobile phone, the attenuation achieved at the user's ear depends strongly on the position of the source generating the acoustic interference. To help overcome this problem, a remote microphone processing strategy is investigated that estimates the pressure at the user's ear from the pressure measured by the microphone on the mobile phone. Through an experimental implementation, it is demonstrated that this arrangement achieves a significant improvement in the attenuation measured at the ear of the user, compared to the standard active control strategy. The robustness of the active control system to changes in both the interfering sound field and the position of the mobile device relative to the ear of the user is also investigated experimentally.

Model Predictive Control considering Reachable Range of Wheels for Leg / Wheel Mobile Robots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suzuki, Naito; Nonaka, Kenichiro; Sekiguchi, Kazuma

2016-09-01

Obstacle avoidance is one of the important tasks for mobile robots. In this paper, we study obstacle avoidance control for mobile robots equipped with four legs comprised of three DoF SCARA leg/wheel mechanism, which enables the robot to change its shape adapting to environments. Our previous method achieves obstacle avoidance by model predictive control (MPC) considering obstacle size and lateral wheel positions. However, this method does not ensure existence of joint angles which achieves reference wheel positions calculated by MPC. In this study, we propose a model predictive control considering reachable mobile ranges of wheels positions by combining multiple linear constraints, where each reachable mobile range is approximated as a convex trapezoid. Thus, we achieve to formulate a MPC as a quadratic problem with linear constraints for nonlinear problem of longitudinal and lateral wheel position control. By optimization of MPC, the reference wheel positions are calculated, while each joint angle is determined by inverse kinematics. Considering reachable mobile ranges explicitly, the optimal joint angles are calculated, which enables wheels to reach the reference wheel positions. We verify its advantages by comparing the proposed method with the previous method through numerical simulations.

Distributed and Modular CAN-Based Architecture for Hardware Control and Sensor Data Integration

PubMed Central

Losada, Diego P.; Fernández, Joaquín L.; Paz, Enrique; Sanz, Rafael

2017-01-01

In this article, we present a CAN-based (Controller Area Network) distributed system to integrate sensors, actuators and hardware controllers in a mobile robot platform. With this work, we provide a robust, simple, flexible and open system to make hardware elements or subsystems communicate, that can be applied to different robots or mobile platforms. Hardware modules can be connected to or disconnected from the CAN bus while the system is working. It has been tested in our mobile robot Rato, based on a RWI (Real World Interface) mobile platform, to replace the old sensor and motor controllers. It has also been used in the design of two new robots: BellBot and WatchBot. Currently, our hardware integration architecture supports different sensors, actuators and control subsystems, such as motor controllers and inertial measurement units. The integration architecture was tested and compared with other solutions through a performance analysis of relevant parameters such as transmission efficiency and bandwidth usage. The results conclude that the proposed solution implements a lightweight communication protocol for mobile robot applications that avoids transmission delays and overhead. PMID:28467381

Distributed and Modular CAN-Based Architecture for Hardware Control and Sensor Data Integration.

PubMed

Losada, Diego P; Fernández, Joaquín L; Paz, Enrique; Sanz, Rafael

2017-05-03

In this article, we present a CAN-based (Controller Area Network) distributed system to integrate sensors, actuators and hardware controllers in a mobile robot platform. With this work, we provide a robust, simple, flexible and open system to make hardware elements or subsystems communicate, that can be applied to different robots or mobile platforms. Hardware modules can be connected to or disconnected from the CAN bus while the system is working. It has been tested in our mobile robot Rato, based on a RWI (Real World Interface) mobile platform, to replace the old sensor and motor controllers. It has also been used in the design of two new robots: BellBot and WatchBot. Currently, our hardware integration architecture supports different sensors, actuators and control subsystems, such as motor controllers and inertial measurement units. The integration architecture was tested and compared with other solutions through a performance analysis of relevant parameters such as transmission efficiency and bandwidth usage. The results conclude that the proposed solution implements a lightweight communication protocol for mobile robot applications that avoids transmission delays and overhead.

Salmon Spawning Effects on Streambed Stability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buxton, T. H.; Buffington, J. M.; Yager, E.; Fremier, A. K.; Hassan, M. A.

2014-12-01

Female salmon build nests ("redds") in streambeds to protect their eggs from predation and damage by bed scour. During spawning, streambed material is mixed, fine sediment is winnowed downstream, and sediment is moved into a tailspill mound resembling the shape of a dune. Redd surfaces are coarser and better sorted than unspawned beds, which is thought to increase redd stability because larger grains are heavier and harder to move and sorting leads to higher friction angles for grain mobility. However, spawning also loosens sediment and creates topography that accelerates flow, both of which may increase particle mobility. We address factors controlling the relative stability of redds and unspawned beds using simulated salmon redds and water worked ("unspawned") beds composed of mixed-grain surfaces in a laboratory flume. Results show that simulated spawning lowered packing resistance to particle mobility on redds by an average of 32-39% compared to unspawned beds. Reductions in packing were sufficient to counter the higher inherent stability of relatively coarse, well sorted grains on redds, overall reducing critical shear stress by 8-20% relative to unspawned beds. In addition, boundary shear stress was 13-41% higher on redds due to flow convergence over the tailspill structure. Finally, redd instability relative to unspawned beds was observed in visual measurements of grain mobility, where bed-averaged shear stress was 22% lower at incipient motion and 29% lower at the discharge that mobilized all grain sizes on redds. Results of these complementary observations, along with sediment mass transport rates being nearly five times higher on a redd than an unspawned bed, indicate that redds are unstable compared to unspawned beds. Given these findings, further research is needed to investigate linkages between spawning disturbance and streambed mobility that may affect salmon reproduction in streams, and to assess whether a certain level of bed disturbance from spawning is required to restore ecosystem functions in streams with threatened populations of salmon.

GPU-based Parallel Application Design for Emerging Mobile Devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gupta, Kshitij

A revolution is underway in the computing world that is causing a fundamental paradigm shift in device capabilities and form-factor, with a move from well-established legacy desktop/laptop computers to mobile devices in varying sizes and shapes. Amongst all the tasks these devices must support, graphics has emerged as the 'killer app' for providing a fluid user interface and high-fidelity game rendering, effectively making the graphics processor (GPU) one of the key components in (present and future) mobile systems. By utilizing the GPU as a general-purpose parallel processor, this dissertation explores the GPU computing design space from an applications standpoint, in the mobile context, by focusing on key challenges presented by these devices---limited compute, memory bandwidth, and stringent power consumption requirements---while improving the overall application efficiency of the increasingly important speech recognition workload for mobile user interaction. We broadly partition trends in GPU computing into four major categories. We analyze hardware and programming model limitations in current-generation GPUs and detail an alternate programming style called Persistent Threads, identify four use case patterns, and propose minimal modifications that would be required for extending native support. We show how by manually extracting data locality and altering the speech recognition pipeline, we are able to achieve significant savings in memory bandwidth while simultaneously reducing the compute burden on GPU-like parallel processors. As we foresee GPU computing to evolve from its current 'co-processor' model into an independent 'applications processor' that is capable of executing complex work independently, we create an alternate application framework that enables the GPU to handle all control-flow dependencies autonomously at run-time while minimizing host involvement to just issuing commands, that facilitates an efficient application implementation. Finally, as compute and communication capabilities of mobile devices improve, we analyze energy implications of processing speech recognition locally (on-chip) and offloading it to servers (in-cloud).

Learning-based traffic signal control algorithms with neighborhood information sharing: An application for sustainable mobility

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Aziz, H. M. Abdul; Zhu, Feng; Ukkusuri, Satish V.

Here, this research applies R-Markov Average Reward Technique based reinforcement learning (RL) algorithm, namely RMART, for vehicular signal control problem leveraging information sharing among signal controllers in connected vehicle environment. We implemented the algorithm in a network of 18 signalized intersections and compare the performance of RMART with fixed, adaptive, and variants of the RL schemes. Results show significant improvement in system performance for RMART algorithm with information sharing over both traditional fixed signal timing plans and real time adaptive control schemes. Additionally, the comparison with reinforcement learning algorithms including Q learning and SARSA indicate that RMART performs better atmore » higher congestion levels. Further, a multi-reward structure is proposed that dynamically adjusts the reward function with varying congestion states at the intersection. Finally, the results from test networks show significant reduction in emissions (CO, CO 2, NO x, VOC, PM 10) when RL algorithms are implemented compared to fixed signal timings and adaptive schemes.« less

Controlling Oxygen Mobility in Ruddlesden–Popper Oxides

PubMed Central

Lee, Dongkyu; Lee, Ho Nyung

2017-01-01

Discovering new energy materials is a key step toward satisfying the needs for next-generation energy conversion and storage devices. Among the various types of oxides, Ruddlesden–Popper (RP) oxides (A2BO4) are promising candidates for electrochemical energy devices, such as solid oxide fuel cells, owing to their attractive physicochemical properties, including the anisotropic nature of oxygen migration and controllable stoichiometry from oxygen excess to oxygen deficiency. Thus, understanding and controlling the kinetics of oxygen transport are essential for designing optimized materials to use in electrochemical energy devices. In this review, we first discuss the basic mechanisms of oxygen migration in RP oxides depending on oxygen nonstoichiometry. We then focus on the effect of changes in the defect concentration, crystallographic orientation, and strain on the oxygen migration in RP oxides. We also briefly review their thermal and chemical stability. Finally, we conclude with a perspective on potential research directions for future investigation to facilitate controlling oxygen ion migration in RP oxides. PMID:28772732

A mobile mapping system for spatial information based on DGPS/EGIS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pei, Ling; Wang, Qing; Gu, Juan

2007-11-01

With the rapid developments of mobile device and wireless communication, it brings a new challenge for acquiring the spatial information. A mobile mapping system based on differential global position system (DGPS) integrated with embedded geographic information system (EGIS) is designed. A mobile terminal adapts to various GPS differential environments such as single base mode and network GPS mode like Virtual Reference Station (VRS) and Master- Auxiliary Concept (MAC) by the mobile communication technology. The spatial information collected through DGPS is organized in an EGIS running in the embedded device. A set of mobile terminal in real-time DGPS based on GPRS adopting multithreading technique of serial port in manner of simulating overlapped I/O operating is developed, further more, the GPS message analysis and checkout based on Strategy Pattern for various receivers are included in the process of development. A mobile terminal accesses to the GPS network successfully by NTRIP (Networked Transport of RTCM via Internet Protocol) compliance. Finally, the accuracy and reliability of the mobile mapping system are proved by a lot of testing in 9 provinces all over the country.

Feedback control of acoustic musical instruments: collocated control using physical analogs.

PubMed

Berdahl, Edgar; Smith, Julius O; Niemeyer, Günter

2012-01-01

Traditionally, the average professional musician has owned numerous acoustic musical instruments, many of them having distinctive acoustic qualities. However, a modern musician could prefer to have a single musical instrument whose acoustics are programmable by feedback control, where acoustic variables are estimated from sensor measurements in real time and then fed back in order to influence the controlled variables. In this paper, theory is presented that describes stable feedback control of an acoustic musical instrument. The presentation should be accessible to members of the musical acoustics community who may have limited or no experience with feedback control. First, the only control strategy guaranteed to be stable subject to any musical instrument mobility is described: the sensors and actuators must be collocated, and the controller must emulate a physical analog system. Next, the most fundamental feedback controllers and the corresponding physical analog systems are presented. The effects that these controllers have on acoustic musical instruments are described. Finally, practical design challenges are discussed. A proof explains why changing the resonance frequency of a musical resonance requires much more control power than changing the decay time of the resonance. © 2012 Acoustical Society of America.

Electromagnetic Radiofrequency Radiation Emitted from GSM Mobile Phones Decreases the Accuracy of Home Blood Glucose Monitors

PubMed Central

Mortazavi, SMJ; Gholampour, M; Haghani, M; Mortazavi, G; Mortazavi, AR

2014-01-01

Mobile phones are two-way radios that emit electromagnetic radiation in microwave range. As the number of mobile phone users has reached 6 billion, the bioeffects of exposure to mobile phone radiation and mobile phone electromagnetic interference with electronic equipment have received more attention, globally. As self-monitoring of blood glucose can be a beneficial part of diabetes control, home blood glucose testing kits are very popular. The main goal of this study was to investigate if radiofrequency radiation emitted from a common GSM mobile phone can alter the accuracy of home blood glucose monitors. Forty five female nondiabetic students aged 17-20 years old participated in this study. For Control-EMF group (30 students), blood glucose concentration for each individual was measured in presence and absence of radiofrequency radiation emitted by a common GSM mobile phone (HTC touch, Diamond 2) while the phone was ringing. For Control- Repeat group (15 students), two repeated measurements were performed for each participant in the absence of electromagnetic fields. The magnitude of the changes between glucose levels in two repeated measurements (|ΔC|) in Control-Repeat group was 1.07 ± 0.88 mg/dl while this magnitude for Control-EMF group was 7.53 ± 4.76 mg/dl (P < 0.001, two-tailed test). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to assess the electromagnetic interference in home blood glucose monitors. It can be concluded that electromagnetic interference from mobile phones has an adverse effect on the accuracy of home blood glucose monitors. We suggest that mobile phones should be used at least 50 cm away from home blood glucose monitors. PMID:25505778

Electromagnetic Radiofrequency Radiation Emitted from GSM Mobile Phones Decreases the Accuracy of Home Blood Glucose Monitors.

PubMed

Mortazavi, Smj; Gholampour, M; Haghani, M; Mortazavi, G; Mortazavi, Ar

2014-09-01

Mobile phones are two-way radios that emit electromagnetic radiation in microwave range. As the number of mobile phone users has reached 6 billion, the bioeffects of exposure to mobile phone radiation and mobile phone electromagnetic interference with electronic equipment have received more attention, globally. As self-monitoring of blood glucose can be a beneficial part of diabetes control, home blood glucose testing kits are very popular. The main goal of this study was to investigate if radiofrequency radiation emitted from a common GSM mobile phone can alter the accuracy of home blood glucose monitors. Forty five female nondiabetic students aged 17-20 years old participated in this study. For Control-EMF group (30 students), blood glucose concentration for each individual was measured in presence and absence of radiofrequency radiation emitted by a common GSM mobile phone (HTC touch, Diamond 2) while the phone was ringing. For Control- Repeat group (15 students), two repeated measurements were performed for each participant in the absence of electromagnetic fields. The magnitude of the changes between glucose levels in two repeated measurements (|ΔC|) in Control-Repeat group was 1.07 ± 0.88 mg/dl while this magnitude for Control-EMF group was 7.53 ± 4.76 mg/dl (P < 0.001, two-tailed test). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to assess the electromagnetic interference in home blood glucose monitors. It can be concluded that electromagnetic interference from mobile phones has an adverse effect on the accuracy of home blood glucose monitors. We suggest that mobile phones should be used at least 50 cm away from home blood glucose monitors.

Active case-finding for tuberculosis by mobile teams in Myanmar: yield and treatment outcomes.

PubMed

Myint, Ohnmar; Saw, Saw; Isaakidis, Petros; Khogali, Mohammed; Reid, Anthony; Hoa, Nguyen Binh; Kyaw, Thi Thi; Zaw, Ko Ko; Khaing, Tin Mi Mi; Aung, Si Thu

2017-06-02

Since 2005, the Myanmar National Tuberculosis Programme (NTP) has been implementing active case finding (ACF) activities involving mobile teams in hard-to-reach areas. This study revealed the contribution of mobile team activities to total tuberculosis (TB) case detection, characteristics of TB patients detected by mobile teams and their treatment outcomes. This was a descriptive study using routine programme data between October 2014 and December 2014. Mobile team activities were a one-stop service and included portable digital chest radiography (CXR) and microscopy of two sputum samples. The algorithm of the case detection included screening patients by symptoms, then by CXR followed by sputum microscopy for confirmation. Diagnosed patients were started on treatment and followed until a final outcome was ascertained. A total of 9 349 people with symptoms suggestive of TB were screened by CXR, with an uptake of 96.6%. Of those who were meant to undergo sputum smear microscopy, 51.4% had sputum examinations. Finally, 504 TB patients were identified by the mobile teams and the overall contribution to total TB case detection in the respective townships was 25.3%. Among total cases examined by microscopy, 6.4% were sputum smear positive TB. Treatment success rate was high as 91.8% in study townships compared to national rate 85% (2014 cohort). This study confirmed the feasibility and acceptability of ACF by mobile teams in hard-to-reach contexts, especially when equipped with portable, digital CXR machines that provided immediate results. However, the follow-up process of sputum examination created a significant barrier to confirmation of the diagnosis. In order to optimize the ACF through mobile team activity, future ACF activities were needed to be strengthened one stop service including molecular diagnostics or provision of sputum cups to all presumptive TB cases prior to CXR and testing if CXR suggestive of TB.

Finite-time tracking control for multiple non-holonomic mobile robots based on visual servoing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ou, Meiying; Li, Shihua; Wang, Chaoli

2013-12-01

This paper investigates finite-time tracking control problem of multiple non-holonomic mobile robots via visual servoing. It is assumed that the pinhole camera is fixed to the ceiling, and camera parameters are unknown. The desired reference trajectory is represented by a virtual leader whose states are available to only a subset of the followers, and the followers have only interaction. First, the camera-objective visual kinematic model is introduced by utilising the pinhole camera model for each mobile robot. Second, a unified tracking error system between camera-objective visual servoing model and desired reference trajectory is introduced. Third, based on the neighbour rule and by using finite-time control method, continuous distributed cooperative finite-time tracking control laws are designed for each mobile robot with unknown camera parameters, where the communication topology among the multiple mobile robots is assumed to be a directed graph. Rigorous proof shows that the group of mobile robots converges to the desired reference trajectory in finite time. Simulation example illustrates the effectiveness of our method.

Control and Non-Payload Communications (CNPC) Prototype Radio - Generation 2 Security Architecture Lab Test Report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Iannicca, Dennis C.; McKim, James H.; Stewart, David H.; Thadhani, Suresh K.; Young, Daniel P.

2015-01-01

NASA Glenn Research Center, in cooperation with Rockwell Collins, is working to develop a prototype Control and Non-Payload Communications (CNPC) radio platform as part of NASA Integrated Systems Research Program's (ISRP) Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Integration in the National Airspace System (NAS) project. A primary focus of the project is to work with the FAA and industry standards bodies to build and demonstrate a safe, secure, and efficient CNPC architecture that can be used by industry to evaluate the feasibility of deploying a system using these technologies in an operational capacity. GRC has been working in conjunction with these groups to assess threats, identify security requirements, and to develop a system of standards-based security controls that can be applied to the current GRC prototype CNPC architecture as a demonstration platform. The security controls were integrated into a lab test bed mock-up of the Mobile IPv6 architecture currently being used for NASA flight testing, and a series of network tests were conducted to evaluate the security overhead of the controls compared to the baseline CNPC link without any security. The aim of testing was to evaluate the performance impact of the additional security control overhead when added to the Mobile IPv6 architecture in various modes of operation. The statistics collected included packet captures at points along the path to gauge packet size as the sample data traversed the CNPC network, round trip latency, jitter, and throughput. The effort involved a series of tests of the baseline link, a link with Robust Header Compression (ROHC) and without security controls, a link with security controls and without ROHC, and finally a link with both ROHC and security controls enabled. The effort demonstrated that ROHC is both desirable and necessary to offset the additional expected overhead of applying security controls to the CNPC link.

Connection adaption for control of networked mobile chaotic agents.

PubMed

Zhou, Jie; Zou, Yong; Guan, Shuguang; Liu, Zonghua; Xiao, Gaoxi; Boccaletti, S

2017-11-22

In this paper, we propose a strategy for the control of mobile chaotic oscillators by adaptively rewiring connections between nearby agents with local information. In contrast to the dominant adaptive control schemes where coupling strength is adjusted continuously according to the states of the oscillators, our method does not request adaption of coupling strength. As the resulting interaction structure generated by this proposed strategy is strongly related to unidirectional chains, by investigating synchronization property of unidirectional chains, we reveal that there exists a certain coupling range in which the agents could be controlled regardless of the length of the chain. This feature enables the adaptive strategy to control the mobile oscillators regardless of their moving speed. Compared with existing adaptive control strategies for networked mobile agents, our proposed strategy is simpler for implementation where the resulting interaction networks are kept unweighted at all time.

How the distance between regional and human mobility behavior affect the epidemic spreading

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Minna; Han, She; Sun, Mei; Han, Dun

2018-02-01

The distance between different regions has a lot of impact on the individuals' mobility behavior. Meanwhile, the individuals' mobility could greatly affect the epidemic propagation way. By researching the individuals' mobility behavior, we establish the coupled dynamic model for individual mobility and transmission of infectious disease. The basic reproduction number is theoretically obtained according to the next-generation matrix method. Through this study, we may get that the stability state of the epidemic system will be prolonged under a higher commuting level. The infection density is almost the same in different regions over a sufficiently long time. The results show that, due to the individual movement, the origin of virus can only speed up or delay the outbreak of infectious diseases, however, it have little impact on the final infection size.

Working in Partnership: Enabling Social Mobility in Higher Education. The Final Report of the Social Mobility Advisory Group

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Universities UK, 2016

2016-01-01

Universities transform lives. Going to university leads to new ways of seeing the world, to new horizons and networks, and to significantly enhanced job opportunities, but not everyone benefits in the same way. Fewer students from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds go to university, and when they do they tend not to do as well as…

Arsenic Removal from Drinking Water by Iron Removal - U.S. EPA Demonstration Project at Big Sauk Lake Mobile Home Park in Sauk Centre, MN Final Performance Evaluation Report

EPA Science Inventory

This report documents the activities performed and the results obtained from the one-year arsenic removal treatment technology demonstration project at the Big Sauk Lake Mobile Home Park (BSLMHP) in Sauk Centre, MN. The objectives of the project are to evaluate (1) the effective...

Acoustic Communications and Navigation for Mobile Under-Ice Sensors

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-02-04

From- To) 04/02/2017 Final Report 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER Acoustic Communications and Navigation for Mobile Under-Ice Sensors...development and fielding of a new acoustic communications and navigation system for use on autonomous platforms (gliders and profiling floats) under the...contact below the ice. 15. SUBJECT TERMS Arctic Ocean, Undersea Workstations & Vehicles, Signal Processing, Navigation, Underwater Acoustics 16

The Pedagogical Use of Mobile Speech Synthesis (TTS): Focus on French Liaison

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Liakin, Denis; Cardoso, Walcir; Liakina, Natallia

2017-01-01

We examine the impact of the pedagogical use of mobile TTS on the L2 acquisition of French liaison, a process by which a word-final consonant is pronounced at the beginning of the following word if the latter is vowel-initial (e.g. peti/t.a/mi = > peti[ta]mi "boyfriend"). The study compares three groups of L2 French students learning…

Respiratory Muscle Strength Predicts Decline in Mobility in Older Persons

PubMed Central

Buchman, A.S.; Boyle, P.A.; Wilson, R.S.; Leurgans, S.; Shah, R.C.; Bennett, D.A.

2008-01-01

Objectives To test the hypothesis that respiratory muscle strength is associated with the rate of change in mobility even after controlling for leg strength and physical activity. Methods Prospective study of 890 ambulatory older persons without dementia who underwent annual clinical evaluations to examine change in the rate of mobility over time. Results In a linear mixed-effect model adjusted for age, sex, and education, mobility declined about 0.12 unit/year, and higher levels of respiratory muscle strength were associated with a slower rate of mobility decline (estimate 0.043, SE 0.012, p < 0.001). Respiratory muscle strength remained associated with the rate of change in mobility even after controlling for lower extremity strength (estimate 0.036, SE 0.012, p = 0.004). In a model that included terms for respiratory muscle strength, lower extremity strength and physical activity together, all three were independent predictors of mobility decline in older persons. These associations remained significant even after controlling for body composition, global cognition, the development of dementia, parkinsonian signs, possible pulmonary disease, smoking, joint pain and chronic diseases. Conclusion Respiratory muscle strength is associated with mobility decline in older persons independent of lower extremity strength and physical activity. Clinical interventions to improve respiratory muscle strength may decrease the burden of mobility impairment in the elderly. PMID:18784416

The sound of a mobile phone ringing affects the complex reaction time of its owner

PubMed Central

Zajdel, Justyna; Zwolińska, Anna; Śmigielski, Janusz; Beling, Piotr; Cegliński, Tomasz; Nowak, Dariusz

2012-01-01

Introduction Mobile phone conversation decreases the ability to concentrate and impairs the attention necessary to perform complex activities, such as driving a car. Does the ringing sound of a mobile phone affect the driver's ability to perform complex sensory-motor activities? We compared a subject's reaction time while performing a test either with a mobile phone ringing or without. Material and methods The examination was performed on a PC-based reaction time self-constructed system Reactor. The study group consisted of 42 healthy students. The protocol included instruction, control without phone and a proper session with subject's mobile phone ringing. The terms of the study were standardised. Results There were significant differences (p < 0.001) in reaction time in control (597 ms), mobile (633 ms) and instruction session (673 ms). The differences in female subpopulation were also significant (p < 0.01). Women revealed the longest reaction time in instruction session (707 ms), were significantly quicker in mobile (657 ms, p < 0.01) and in control session (612 ms, p < 0.001). In men, the significant difference was recorded only between instruction (622 ms) and control session (573 ms, p < 0.01). The other differences were not significant (p > 0.08). Men proofed to complete significantly quicker than women in instruction (p < 0.01) and in mobile session (p < 0.05). Differences amongst the genders in control session was not significant (p > 0.05). Conclusions The results obtained proofed the ringing of a phone exerts a significant influence on complex reaction time and quality of performed task. PMID:23185201

The role of donor characteristics and post-granulocyte colony-stimulating factor white blood cell counts in predicting the adverse events and yields of stem cell mobilization.

PubMed

Chen, Shu-Huey; Yang, Shang-Hsien; Chu, Sung-Chao; Su, Yu-Chieh; Chang, Chu-Yu; Chiu, Ya-Wen; Kao, Ruey-Ho; Li, Dian-Kun; Yang, Kuo-Liang; Wang, Tso-Fu

2011-05-01

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is now widely used for stem cell mobilization. We evaluated the role of post-G-CSF white blood cell (WBC) counts and donor factors in predicting adverse events and yields associated with mobilization. WBC counts were determined at baseline, after the third and the fifth dose of G-CSF in 476 healthy donors. Donors with WBC ≥ 50 × 10(3)/μL post the third dose of G-CSF experienced more fatigue, myalgia/arthralgia, and chills, but final post-G-CSF CD34(+) cell counts were similar. Although the final CD34(+) cell count was higher in donors with WBC ≥ 50 × 10(3)/μL post the fifth G-CSF, the incidence of side effects was similar. Females more frequently experienced headache, nausea/anorexia, vomiting, fever, and lower final CD34(+) cell count than did males. Donors with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 showed higher incidences of sweat and insomnia as well as higher final CD34(+) cell counts. Donor receiving G-CSF ≥ 10 μg/kg tended to experience bone pain, headache and chills more frequently. Multivariate analysis indicated that female gender is an independent factor predictive of the occurrence of most side effects, except for ECOG > 1 and chills. Higher BMI was also an independent predictor for fatigue, myalgia/arthralgia, and sweat. Higher G-CSF dose was associated with bone pain, while the WBC count post the third G-CSF was associated with fatigue only. In addition, one donor in the study period did not complete the mobilization due to suspected anaphylactoid reaction. Observation for 1 h after the first injection of G-CSF is required to prevent complications from unpredictable side effects.

Employing Omnidirectional Visual Control for Mobile Robotics.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wright, J. R., Jr.; Jung, S.; Steplight, S.; Wright, J. R., Sr.; Das, A.

2000-01-01

Describes projects using conventional technologies--incorporation of relatively inexpensive visual control with mobile robots using a simple remote control vehicle platform, a camera, a mirror, and a computer. Explains how technology teachers can apply them in the classroom. (JOW)

Decentralised consensus-based formation tracking of multiple differential drive robots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chu, Xing; Peng, Zhaoxia; Wen, Guoguang; Rahmani, Ahmed

2017-11-01

This article investigates the control problem for formation tracking of multiple nonholonomic robots under distributed manner which means each robot only needs local information exchange. A class of general state and input transform is introduced to convert the formation-tracking issue of multi-robot systems into the consensus-like problem with time-varying reference. The distributed observer-based protocol with nonlinear dynamics is developed for each robot to achieve the consensus tracking of the new system, which namely means a group of nonholonomic mobile robots can form the desired formation configuration with its centroid moving along the predefined reference trajectory. The finite-time stability of observer and control law is analysed rigorously by using the Lyapunov direct method, algebraic graph theory and matrix analysis. Numerical examples are finally provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the theory results proposed in this paper.

Promoting autonomy in a smart home environment with a smarter interface.

PubMed

Brennan, C P; McCullagh, P J; Galway, L; Lightbody, G

2015-01-01

In the not too distant future, the median population age will tend towards 65; an age at which the need for dependency increases. Most older people want to remain autonomous and self-sufficient for as long as possible. As environments become smarter home automation solutions can be provided to support this aspiration. The technology discussed within this paper focuses on providing a home automation system that can be controlled by most users regardless of mobility restrictions, and hence it may be applicable to older people. It comprises a hybrid Brain-Computer Interface, home automation user interface and actuators. In the first instance, our system is controlled with conventional computer input, which is then replaced with eye tracking and finally a BCI and eye tracking collaboration. The systems have been assessed in terms of information throughput; benefits and limitations are evaluated.

Accelerometry is associated with walking mobility, not physical activity, in persons with multiple sclerosis.

PubMed

Weikert, Madeline; Suh, Yoojin; Lane, Abbi; Sandroff, Brian; Dlugonski, Deirdre; Fernhall, Bo; Motl, Robert W

2012-06-01

Accelerometers are seemingly a criterion standard of real-life walking mobility and this is supported by assumptions and empirical data. This application would be strengthened by including objective measures of walking mobility along with a matched control sample for verifying specificity versus generality in accelerometer output. We compared associations among accelerometer output, walking mobility, and physical activity between persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) and controls without a neurological disorder. Sixty-six persons (33 MS, 33 matched controls) completed a battery of questionnaires, performed the six-minute walk (6MW) and timed-up-and-go (TUG), and wore an accelerometer for a 7-day period. After this period, participants completed the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ) and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Accelerometer output was significantly correlated with only mobility measures (6MW, ρ=.78; TUG, ρ=-.68) in MS, whereas it correlated with both mobility (6MW, ρ=.58; TUG, ρ=-.49) and physical activity (GLTEQ, ρ=.56; IPAQ, ρ=.53) measures in controls. Regression analysis indicated that only 6MW explained variance in accelerometer output in MS (β=.65, R(2)=.43). These findings support the possibility that accelerometers primarily and specifically measure real-life walking mobility, not physical activity, in persons with MS. Copyright © 2011 IPEM. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

NeuroMind: Past, present, and future.

PubMed

Kubben, Pieter L

2017-01-01

This narrative report describes the underlying rationale and technical developments of NeuroMind, a mobile clinical decision support system for neurosurgery. From the perspective of a neurosurgeon - (app) developer it explains how technical progress has shaped the world's "most rated and highest rated" neurosurgical mobile application, with particular attention for operating system diversity on mobile hardware, cookbook medicine, regulatory affairs (in particular regarding software as a medical device), and new developments in the field of clinical data science, machine learning, and predictive analytics. Finally, the concept of "computational neurosurgery" is introduced as a vehicle to reach new horizons in neurosurgery.

NeuroMind: Past, present, and future

PubMed Central

Kubben, Pieter L.

2017-01-01

This narrative report describes the underlying rationale and technical developments of NeuroMind, a mobile clinical decision support system for neurosurgery. From the perspective of a neurosurgeon – (app) developer it explains how technical progress has shaped the world's “most rated and highest rated” neurosurgical mobile application, with particular attention for operating system diversity on mobile hardware, cookbook medicine, regulatory affairs (in particular regarding software as a medical device), and new developments in the field of clinical data science, machine learning, and predictive analytics. Finally, the concept of “computational neurosurgery” is introduced as a vehicle to reach new horizons in neurosurgery. PMID:28966822

A study and experiment plan for digital mobile communication via satellite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, J. J.; Craighill, E. J.; Evans, R. G.; Vincze, A. D.; Tom, N. N.

1978-01-01

The viability of mobile communications is examined within the context of a frequency division multiple access, single channel per carrier satellite system emphasizing digital techniques to serve a large population of users. The intent is to provide the mobile users with a grade of service consistant with the requirements for remote, rural (perhaps emergency) voice communications, but which approaches toll quality speech. A traffic model is derived on which to base the determination of the required maximum number of satellite channels to provide the anticipated level of service. Various voice digitalization and digital modulation schemes are reviewed along with a general link analysis of the mobile system. Demand assignment multiple access considerations and analysis tradeoffs are presented. Finally, a completed configuration is described.

Mobile Cecum in a Young Woman with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Hypermobility type: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

PubMed

Fukuda, Yoshihisa; Higuchi, Yusuke; Shinozaki, Kanae; Tanigawa, Yuji; Abe, Taro; Hanaoka, Nobuyoshi; Matsubayashi, Sunao; Yamaguchi, Tomomi; Kosho, Tomoki; Nakamichi, Koji

2017-10-15

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, hypermobility type (EDS-HT) is unexpectedly common and is associated with a high rate of gastrointestinal manifestations. We herein report the first documented case of mobile cecum associated with EDS-HT. A 21-year-old woman with repeated right lower abdominal pain was initially diagnosed with EDS-HT. Abdominal examinations performed in the supine position, such as CT and ultrasonography, showed no gross abnormalities. In contrast, oral barium gastrointestinal transit X-ray images obtained with changes in the patient's body position revealed position-dependent cecal volvulus with mobile cecum. She was finally discharged with a dramatic resolution of her symptoms after laparoscopic cecopexy for mobile cecum.

Mobile Cecum in a Young Woman with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Hypermobility type: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

PubMed Central

Fukuda, Yoshihisa; Higuchi, Yusuke; Shinozaki, Kanae; Tanigawa, Yuji; Abe, Taro; Hanaoka, Nobuyoshi; Matsubayashi, Sunao; Yamaguchi, Tomomi; Kosho, Tomoki; Nakamichi, Koji

2017-01-01

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, hypermobility type (EDS-HT) is unexpectedly common and is associated with a high rate of gastrointestinal manifestations. We herein report the first documented case of mobile cecum associated with EDS-HT. A 21-year-old woman with repeated right lower abdominal pain was initially diagnosed with EDS-HT. Abdominal examinations performed in the supine position, such as CT and ultrasonography, showed no gross abnormalities. In contrast, oral barium gastrointestinal transit X-ray images obtained with changes in the patient's body position revealed position-dependent cecal volvulus with mobile cecum. She was finally discharged with a dramatic resolution of her symptoms after laparoscopic cecopexy for mobile cecum. PMID:28924124

Mobile phone use and brain tumors in children and adolescents: a multicenter case-control study.

PubMed

Aydin, Denis; Feychting, Maria; Schüz, Joachim; Tynes, Tore; Andersen, Tina Veje; Schmidt, Lisbeth Samsø; Poulsen, Aslak Harbo; Johansen, Christoffer; Prochazka, Michaela; Lannering, Birgitta; Klæboe, Lars; Eggen, Tone; Jenni, Daniela; Grotzer, Michael; Von der Weid, Nicolas; Kuehni, Claudia E; Röösli, Martin

2011-08-17

It has been hypothesized that children and adolescents might be more vulnerable to possible health effects from mobile phone exposure than adults. We investigated whether mobile phone use is associated with brain tumor risk among children and adolescents. CEFALO is a multicenter case-control study conducted in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Switzerland that includes all children and adolescents aged 7-19 years who were diagnosed with a brain tumor between 2004 and 2008. We conducted interviews, in person, with 352 case patients (participation rate: 83%) and 646 control subjects (participation rate: 71%) and their parents. Control subjects were randomly selected from population registries and matched by age, sex, and geographical region. We asked about mobile phone use and included mobile phone operator records when available. Odds ratios (ORs) for brain tumor risk and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using conditional logistic regression models. Regular users of mobile phones were not statistically significantly more likely to have been diagnosed with brain tumors compared with nonusers (OR = 1.36; 95% CI = 0.92 to 2.02). Children who started to use mobile phones at least 5 years ago were not at increased risk compared with those who had never regularly used mobile phones (OR = 1.26, 95% CI = 0.70 to 2.28). In a subset of study participants for whom operator recorded data were available, brain tumor risk was related to the time elapsed since the mobile phone subscription was started but not to amount of use. No increased risk of brain tumors was observed for brain areas receiving the highest amount of exposure. The absence of an exposure-response relationship either in terms of the amount of mobile phone use or by localization of the brain tumor argues against a causal association.

Day-of-Surgery Mobilization Reduces the Length of Stay After Elective Hip Arthroplasty.

PubMed

Okamoto, Taro; Ridley, Ryan J; Edmondston, Stephen J; Visser, Mariet; Headford, Julie; Yates, Piers J

2016-10-01

To determine the effect of mobilization on the day of surgery on the readiness for discharge and length of stay after elective total hip arthroplasty (THA). We devised a randomized control trial with concealed allocation and intention-to-treat analysis. Overall, 126 patients who underwent THA and met the criteria for mobilization on the day of surgery were randomly allocated into 2 groups; the intervention group was mobilized on the day of surgery, n = 58 and the control group was mobilized on the day after surgery, n = 68. Apart from timing of mobilization, both groups received the same postoperative management. The primary outcome measures were length of hospital stay and time to readiness for discharge. The early mobilization group was ready for discharge 63 hours (standard deviation [SD] = 15 hours) after surgery, compared to 70 hours (SD = 18 hours) for the control group (P = .03, 95% CI, 0.7-12.8). There was no significant difference in hospital stay in the early mobilization group (77 hours [SD = 30 hours]), compared to the control group (87 hours [SD = 35 hours]; P = .11, 95% CI, -2.1 to 21.6). Despite this at any point in time after the surgery, the intervention group was 1.8 times (P = .003, 95% CI, = 1.2-2.7) more likely to have been discharged. Mobilization on the day of THA surgery significantly increases the probability of discharge at any singular point in time compared with mobilization on the day after surgery and decreases the time to readiness for discharge. Crown Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

47 CFR 90.421 - Operation of mobile station units not under the control of the licensee.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... (CONTINUED) SAFETY AND SPECIAL RADIO SERVICES PRIVATE LAND MOBILE RADIO SERVICES Operating Requirements § 90... unauthorized operation of such units not under its control. (a) Public Safety Pool. (1) Mobile units licensed in the Public Safety Pool may be installed in any vehicle which in an emergency would require...

Web Environment for Programming and Control of a Mobile Robot in a Remote Laboratory

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

dos Santos Lopes, Maísa Soares; Gomes, Iago Pacheco; Trindade, Roque M. P.; da Silva, Alzira F.; de C. Lima, Antonio C.

2017-01-01

Remote robotics laboratories have been successfully used for engineering education. However, few of them use mobile robots to to teach computer science. This article describes a mobile robot Control and Programming Environment (CPE) and its pedagogical applications. The system comprises a remote laboratory for robotics, an online programming tool,…

Modeling charge transport in organic photovoltaic materials.

PubMed

Nelson, Jenny; Kwiatkowski, Joe J; Kirkpatrick, James; Frost, Jarvist M

2009-11-17

The performance of an organic photovoltaic cell depends critically on the mobility of charge carriers within the constituent molecular semiconductor materials. However, a complex combination of phenomena that span a range of length and time scales control charge transport in disordered organic semiconductors. As a result, it is difficult to rationalize charge transport properties in terms of material parameters. Until now, efforts to improve charge mobilities in molecular semiconductors have proceeded largely by trial and error rather than through systematic design. However, recent developments have enabled the first predictive simulation studies of charge transport in disordered organic semiconductors. This Account describes a set of computational methods, specifically molecular modeling methods, to simulate molecular packing, quantum chemical calculations of charge transfer rates, and Monte Carlo simulations of charge transport. Using case studies, we show how this combination of methods can reproduce experimental mobilities with few or no fitting parameters. Although currently applied to material systems of high symmetry or well-defined structure, further developments of this approach could address more complex systems such anisotropic or multicomponent solids and conjugated polymers. Even with an approximate treatment of packing disorder, these computational methods simulate experimental mobilities within an order of magnitude at high electric fields. We can both reproduce the relative values of electron and hole mobility in a conjugated small molecule and rationalize those values based on the symmetry of frontier orbitals. Using fully atomistic molecular dynamics simulations of molecular packing, we can quantitatively replicate vertical charge transport along stacks of discotic liquid crystals which vary only in the structure of their side chains. We can reproduce the trends in mobility with molecular weight for self-organizing polymers using a cheap, coarse-grained structural simulation method. Finally, we quantitatively reproduce the field-effect mobility in disordered C60 films. On the basis of these results, we conclude that all of the necessary building blocks are in place for the predictive simulation of charge transport in macromolecular electronic materials and that such methods can be used as a tool toward the future rational design of functional organic electronic materials.

Predictors of older adults' personal and community mobility: using a comprehensive theoretical mobility framework.

PubMed

Umstattd Meyer, M Renée; Janke, Megan C; Beaujean, A Alexander

2014-06-01

Forty-six percent of older adults report limitations in their mobility, and maintaining mobility is considered an important factor in keeping adults independent and active in later life. This study tests a comprehensive theoretical framework of mobility (Webber, S. C., Porter, M. M., & Menec, V. H. [2010]. Mobility in older adults: A comprehensive framework. The Gerontologist, 50[4], 443-450. doi:10.1093/geront/gnq013) identifying multiple determinants that additively influence mobility (financial, psychosocial, environmental, physical, and cognitive), as well as cross-cutting influences of gender, culture, and biography. Structural equation modeling was used to examine several models of mobility using data from 6,112 respondents in the Health and Retirement Study (mean age: 74.74, 85% white, 41% male, 57% married). The original measurement model fit the data well. When both personal and community mobility were simultaneously predicted, only the physical, cognitive, psychosocial, and environmental determinants were retained in the independent models. Age and marital status also predicted personal and community mobility. Although most of these relationships were in the expected direction, interestingly when both forms of mobility were included in the model, poorer cognitive ability was associated with greater personal mobility in the final model. Results indicate the importance of accounting for and examining comprehensive models of mobility. The factors affecting older adults' mobility are complex, and these relationships need to be explored in more depth to ensure the maintenance of individuals' independence and quality of life.

Root Exploit Detection and Features Optimization: Mobile Device and Blockchain Based Medical Data Management.

PubMed

Firdaus, Ahmad; Anuar, Nor Badrul; Razak, Mohd Faizal Ab; Hashem, Ibrahim Abaker Targio; Bachok, Syafiq; Sangaiah, Arun Kumar

2018-05-04

The increasing demand for Android mobile devices and blockchain has motivated malware creators to develop mobile malware to compromise the blockchain. Although the blockchain is secure, attackers have managed to gain access into the blockchain as legal users, thereby comprising important and crucial information. Examples of mobile malware include root exploit, botnets, and Trojans and root exploit is one of the most dangerous malware. It compromises the operating system kernel in order to gain root privileges which are then used by attackers to bypass the security mechanisms, to gain complete control of the operating system, to install other possible types of malware to the devices, and finally, to steal victims' private keys linked to the blockchain. For the purpose of maximizing the security of the blockchain-based medical data management (BMDM), it is crucial to investigate the novel features and approaches contained in root exploit malware. This study proposes to use the bio-inspired method of practical swarm optimization (PSO) which automatically select the exclusive features that contain the novel android debug bridge (ADB). This study also adopts boosting (adaboost, realadaboost, logitboost, and multiboost) to enhance the machine learning prediction that detects unknown root exploit, and scrutinized three categories of features including (1) system command, (2) directory path and (3) code-based. The evaluation gathered from this study suggests a marked accuracy value of 93% with Logitboost in the simulation. Logitboost also helped to predicted all the root exploit samples in our developed system, the root exploit detection system (RODS).

Study on the initial value for the exterior orientation of the mobile version

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Zhi-jing; Li, Shi-liang

2011-10-01

Single mobile vision coordinate measurement system is in the measurement site using a single camera body and a notebook computer to achieve three-dimensional coordinates. To obtain more accurate approximate values of exterior orientation calculation in the follow-up is very important in the measurement process. The problem is a typical one for the space resection, and now studies on this topic have been widely conducted in research. Single-phase space resection mainly focuses on two aspects: of co-angular constraint based on the method, its representatives are camera co-angular constraint pose estimation algorithm and the cone angle law; the other is a direct linear transformation (DLT). One common drawback for both methods is that the CCD lens distortion is not considered. When the initial value was calculated with the direct linear transformation method, the distribution and abundance of control points is required relatively high, the need that control points can not be distributed in the same plane must be met, and there are at least six non- coplanar control points. However, its usefulness is limited. Initial value will directly influence the convergence and convergence speed of the ways of calculation. This paper will make the nonlinear of the total linear equations linearized by using the total linear equations containing distorted items and Taylor series expansion, calculating the initial value of the camera exterior orientation. Finally, the initial value is proved to be better through experiments.

Impact of random and systematic recall errors and selection bias in case--control studies on mobile phone use and brain tumors in adolescents (CEFALO study).

PubMed

Aydin, Denis; Feychting, Maria; Schüz, Joachim; Andersen, Tina Veje; Poulsen, Aslak Harbo; Prochazka, Michaela; Klaeboe, Lars; Kuehni, Claudia E; Tynes, Tore; Röösli, Martin

2011-07-01

Whether the use of mobile phones is a risk factor for brain tumors in adolescents is currently being studied. Case--control studies investigating this possible relationship are prone to recall error and selection bias. We assessed the potential impact of random and systematic recall error and selection bias on odds ratios (ORs) by performing simulations based on real data from an ongoing case--control study of mobile phones and brain tumor risk in children and adolescents (CEFALO study). Simulations were conducted for two mobile phone exposure categories: regular and heavy use. Our choice of levels of recall error was guided by a validation study that compared objective network operator data with the self-reported amount of mobile phone use in CEFALO. In our validation study, cases overestimated their number of calls by 9% on average and controls by 34%. Cases also overestimated their duration of calls by 52% on average and controls by 163%. The participation rates in CEFALO were 83% for cases and 71% for controls. In a variety of scenarios, the combined impact of recall error and selection bias on the estimated ORs was complex. These simulations are useful for the interpretation of previous case-control studies on brain tumor and mobile phone use in adults as well as for the interpretation of future studies on adolescents. Copyright © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Selection bias due to differential participation in a case-control study of mobile phone use and brain tumors.

PubMed

Lahkola, Anna; Salminen, Tiina; Auvinen, Anssi

2005-05-01

To evaluate the possible selection bias related to the differential participation of mobile phone users and non-users in a Finnish case-control study on mobile phone use and brain tumors. Mobile phone use was investigated among 777 controls and 726 cases participating in the full personal interview (full participants), and 321 controls and 103 cases giving only a brief phone interview (incomplete participants). To assess selection bias, the Mantel-Haenszel estimate of odds ratio was calculated for three different groups: full study participants, incomplete participants, and a combined group consisting of both full and incomplete participants. Among controls, 83% of the full participants and 73% of the incomplete participants had regularly used a mobile phone. Among cases, the figures were 76% and 64%, respectively. The odds ratio for brain tumor based on the combined group of full and incomplete participants was slightly closer to unity than that based only on the full participants. Selection bias tends to distort the effect estimates below unity, while analyses based on more comprehensive material gave results close to unity.

Recall bias in the assessment of exposure to mobile phones.

PubMed

Vrijheid, Martine; Armstrong, Bruce K; Bédard, Daniel; Brown, Julianne; Deltour, Isabelle; Iavarone, Ivano; Krewski, Daniel; Lagorio, Susanna; Moore, Stephen; Richardson, Lesley; Giles, Graham G; McBride, Mary; Parent, Marie-Elise; Siemiatycki, Jack; Cardis, Elisabeth

2009-05-01

Most studies of mobile phone use are case-control studies that rely on participants' reports of past phone use for their exposure assessment. Differential errors in recalled phone use are a major concern in such studies. INTERPHONE, a multinational case-control study of brain tumour risk and mobile phone use, included validation studies to quantify such errors and evaluate the potential for recall bias. Mobile phone records of 212 cases and 296 controls were collected from network operators in three INTERPHONE countries over an average of 2 years, and compared with mobile phone use reported at interview. The ratio of reported to recorded phone use was analysed as measure of agreement. Mean ratios were virtually the same for cases and controls: both underestimated number of calls by a factor of 0.81 and overestimated call duration by a factor of 1.4. For cases, but not controls, ratios increased with increasing time before the interview; however, these trends were based on few subjects with long-term data. Ratios increased by level of use. Random recall errors were large. In conclusion, there was little evidence for differential recall errors overall or in recent time periods. However, apparent overestimation by cases in more distant time periods could cause positive bias in estimates of disease risk associated with mobile phone use.

A Context-Aware Mobile User Behavior-Based Neighbor Finding Approach for Preference Profile Construction †

PubMed Central

Gao, Qian; Fu, Deqian; Dong, Xiangjun

2016-01-01

In this paper, a new approach is adopted to update the user preference profile by seeking users with similar interests based on the context obtainable for a mobile network instead of from desktop networks. The trust degree between mobile users is calculated by analyzing their behavior based on the context, and then the approximate neighbors are chosen by combining the similarity of the mobile user preference and the trust degree. The approach first considers the communication behaviors between mobile users, the mobile network services they use as well as the corresponding context information. Then a similarity degree of the preference between users is calculated with the evaluation score of a certain mobile web service provided by a mobile user. Finally, based on the time attenuation function, the users with similar preference are found, through which we can dynamically update the target user’s preference profile. Experiments are then conducted to test the effect of the context on the credibility among mobile users, the effect of time decay factors and trust degree thresholds. Simulation shows that the proposed approach outperforms two other methods in terms of Recall Ratio, Precision Ratio and Mean Absolute Error, because neither of them consider the context mobile information. PMID:26805852

A systematic review and meta-analysis of mobile devices and weight loss with an intervention content analysis.

PubMed

Lyzwinski, Lynnette Nathalie

2014-06-30

Overweight and obesity constitute leading global public health challenges. Tackling overweight and obesity by influencing human behaviour is a complex task, requiring novel emerging health psychology interventions. The aims of this review will be to determine whether mobile devices induce weight loss and improvements in diet and physical activity levels when compared with standard controls without a weight loss intervention or controls allocated to non-mobile device weight loss interventions. A systematic review on mobile devices and weight loss was conducted. The inclusion criteria were all randomized controlled trials with baseline and post-intervention weight measures in adult subjects >18 years of age without pre-specified co-morbidities. Mobile device specifications included modern, portable devices in the form of smartphones, PDAs, iPods, and Mp3 players. Cohen's d for standardized differences in mean weight loss was calculated. A random effects meta-analysis was generated using Comprehensive meta-analysis software. Theories and intervention content were coded and analysed. A total of 17 studies were identified, of which 12 were primary trials and 5 were secondary analyses. The meta-analysis generated a medium significant effect size of 0.430 (95% CI 0.252-0.609) (p-value ≤ 0.01), favouring mobile interventions. Throughout the systematic review, mobile devices were found to induce weight loss relative to baseline weight. When comparing them with standard no intervention controls as well as controls receiving non-mobile weight loss interventions, results favoured mobile devices for weight loss. Reductions in Body mass index, waist circumference, and percentage body fat were also found in the review. Improvements in the determinants of weight loss in the form of improved dietary intake and physical activity levels were also found. Theory appears to largely inform intervention design, with the most common theories being Social Cognitive Theory, Elaboration Likelihood Theory, Control Theory, and Goal Theory. The use of behavioural change techniques was widespread across the studies, with a minimum of five per intervention. Mobile devices appear to induce positive changes in the behavioural determinants of weight and subsequently are associated with weight loss. Mobile device interventions are heavily informed by theory and behaviour change techniques. The use of theory appears to effectively enhance levels of constructs targeted by interventions.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Mobile Devices and Weight Loss with an Intervention Content Analysis

PubMed Central

Lyzwinski, Lynnette Nathalie

2014-01-01

Introduction: Overweight and obesity constitute leading global public health challenges. Tackling overweight and obesity by influencing human behaviour is a complex task, requiring novel emerging health psychology interventions. The aims of this review will be to determine whether mobile devices induce weight loss and improvements in diet and physical activity levels when compared with standard controls without a weight loss intervention or controls allocated to non-mobile device weight loss interventions. Methods: A systematic review on mobile devices and weight loss was conducted. The inclusion criteria were all randomized controlled trials with baseline and post-intervention weight measures in adult subjects >18 years of age without pre-specified co-morbidities. Mobile device specifications included modern, portable devices in the form of smartphones, PDAs, iPods, and Mp3 players. Cohen’s d for standardized differences in mean weight loss was calculated. A random effects meta-analysis was generated using Comprehensive meta-analysis software. Theories and intervention content were coded and analysed. Results: A total of 17 studies were identified, of which 12 were primary trials and 5 were secondary analyses. The meta-analysis generated a medium significant effect size of 0.430 (95% CI 0.252–0.609) (p-value ≤ 0.01), favouring mobile interventions. Throughout the systematic review, mobile devices were found to induce weight loss relative to baseline weight. When comparing them with standard no intervention controls as well as controls receiving non-mobile weight loss interventions, results favoured mobile devices for weight loss. Reductions in Body mass index, waist circumference, and percentage body fat were also found in the review. Improvements in the determinants of weight loss in the form of improved dietary intake and physical activity levels were also found. Theory appears to largely inform intervention design, with the most common theories being Social Cognitive Theory, Elaboration Likelihood Theory, Control Theory, and Goal Theory. The use of behavioural change techniques was widespread across the studies, with a minimum of five per intervention. Conclusion: Mobile devices appear to induce positive changes in the behavioural determinants of weight and subsequently are associated with weight loss. Mobile device interventions are heavily informed by theory and behaviour change techniques. The use of theory appears to effectively enhance levels of constructs targeted by interventions. PMID:25563356

K- and Ka-band mobile-vehicular satellite-tracking reflector antenna system for the NASA ACTS mobile terminal

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Densmore, Art; Jamnejad, Vahraz; Wu, T. K.; Woo, Ken

1993-01-01

This paper describes the development of the K- and Ka-band mobile-vehicular satellite-tracking reflector antenna system for NASA's ACTS Mobile Terminal (AMT) project. ACTS is NASA's Advanced Communications Technology Satellites. The AMT project will make the first experimental use of ACTS soon after the satellite is operational, to demonstrate mobile communications via the satellite from a van on the road. The AMT antenna system consists of a mechanically steered small reflector antenna, using a shared aperture for both frequency bands and fitting under a radome of 23 cm diameter and 10 cm height, and a microprocessor controlled antenna controller that tracks the satellite as the vehicle moves about. The RF and mechanical characteristics of the antenna and the antenna tracking control system are discussed. Measurements of the antenna performance are presented.

Automatic control of a mobile Viking lander on the surface of Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moore, J.; Scofield, W.; Tobey, W.

1976-01-01

A mobile lander system is being considered for use in a possible follow-on mission to the Viking '75 landings on Mars. A mobile Viking lander, which could be launched as early as the 1979 opportunity, would be capable of traversing 100 m to 1 km per day on a commanded heading while sensing hazards and performing avoidance maneuvers. The degree of autonomous control, and consequently the daily traverse range, is still under study. The mobility concept requires the addition of: (1) track-laying or wheel units in place of the Viking Lander footpads, (2) a set of hazard and navigation sensors, and (3) a mobility control computer capability. The technology required to develop these three subsystems is available today. The principal objective of current design studies, as described in this paper, is to define a mobile lander system that will demonstrate high reliability and fail-safe hazard avoidance while achieving range- and terrain-handling capabilities which satisfy the Mars exploration science requirements.

[The federal politics of basic sanitation and the initiatives of participation, mobilization, social control, health and environmental education].

PubMed

Moisés, Márcia; Kligerman, Débora Cynamon; Cohen, Simone Cynamon; Monteiro, Sandra Conceição Ferreira

2010-08-01

The purpose of this article is to accomplish a critical analysis of two governmental important programs in health and environmental education - Health Education and Social Mobilization Program (PESMS) and Environmental Education and Sanitation Social Mobilization Program (PEAMSS), aiming at stimulate participative educational actions and social mobilization in sanitation projects. The methodology was based on reading and analysis of documents and observation in Workshops, Meetings, Seminars, Conventions, Congresses and Interviews. The authors describe the process of Program creation - PESMS and PEAMSS. They promoted a reflection and thought about Participation, Mobilization, Social Control, Health Education and Environmental Education. They also made considerations about the difficulties, facilities, advances and challenges in the implantation and implementation of PESMS and PEAMSS in the fundament for the realization of the public services of basic sanitation. They conclude that the creation of conditions by means of initiatives of Participation, Mobilization, Social Control, Health Education and Environmental Education become necessary for the development of Federal Policies of Basic Sanitation.

Development of the multiple sclerosis (MS) early mobility impairment questionnaire (EMIQ).

PubMed

Ziemssen, Tjalf; Phillips, Glenn; Shah, Ruchit; Mathias, Adam; Foley, Catherine; Coon, Cheryl; Sen, Rohini; Lee, Andrew; Agarwal, Sonalee

2016-10-01

The Early Mobility Impairment Questionnaire (EMIQ) was developed to facilitate early identification of mobility impairments in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. We describe the initial development of the EMIQ with a focus on the psychometric evaluation of the questionnaire using classical and item response theory methods. The initial 20-item EMIQ was constructed by clinical specialists and qualitatively tested among people with MS and physicians via cognitive interviews. Data from an observational study was used to make additional updates to the instrument based on exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and item response theory (IRT) analysis, and psychometric analyses were performed to evaluate the reliability and validity of the final instrument's scores and screening properties (i.e., sensitivity and specificity). Based on qualitative interview analyses, a revised 15-item EMIQ was included in the observational study. EFA, IRT and item-to-item correlation analyses revealed redundant items which were removed leading to the final nine-item EMIQ. The nine-item EMIQ performed well with respect to: test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.858); internal consistency (α = 0.893); convergent validity; and known-groups methods for construct validity. A cut-point of 41 on the 0-to-100 scale resulted in sufficient sensitivity and specificity statistics for viably identifying patients with mobility impairment. The EMIQ is a content valid and psychometrically sound instrument for capturing MS patients' experience with mobility impairments in a clinical practice setting. Additional research is suggested to further confirm the EMIQ's screening properties over time.

The relationship between grain boundary structure, defect mobility, and grain boundary sink efficiency

PubMed Central

Uberuaga, Blas Pedro; Vernon, Louis J.; Martinez, Enrique; Voter, Arthur F.

2015-01-01

Nanocrystalline materials have received great attention due to their potential for improved functionality and have been proposed for extreme environments where the interfaces are expected to promote radiation tolerance. However, the precise role of the interfaces in modifying defect behavior is unclear. Using long-time simulations methods, we determine the mobility of defects and defect clusters at grain boundaries in Cu. We find that mobilities vary significantly with boundary structure and cluster size, with larger clusters exhibiting reduced mobility, and that interface sink efficiency depends on the kinetics of defects within the interface via the in-boundary annihilation rate of defects. Thus, sink efficiency is a strong function of defect mobility, which depends on boundary structure, a property that evolves with time. Further, defect mobility at boundaries can be slower than in the bulk, which has general implications for the properties of polycrystalline materials. Finally, we correlate defect energetics with the volumes of atomic sites at the boundary. PMID:25766999

The relationship between grain boundary structure, defect mobility, and grain boundary sink efficiency

DOE PAGES

Uberuaga, Blas Pedro; Vernon, Louis J.; Martinez, Enrique; ...

2015-03-13

Nanocrystalline materials have received great attention due to their potential for improved functionality and have been proposed for extreme environments where the interfaces are expected to promote radiation tolerance. However, the precise role of the interfaces in modifying defect behavior is unclear. Using long-time simulations methods, we determine the mobility of defects and defect clusters at grain boundaries in Cu. We find that mobilities vary significantly with boundary structure and cluster size, with larger clusters exhibiting reduced mobility, and that interface sink efficiency depends on the kinetics of defects within the interface via the in-boundary annihilation rate of defects. Thus,more » sink efficiency is a strong function of defect mobility, which depends on boundary structure, a property that evolves with time. Further, defect mobility at boundaries can be slower than in the bulk, which has general implications for the properties of polycrystalline materials. Finally, we correlate defect energetics with the volumes of atomic sites at the boundary.« less

Effects of joint mobilization on chronic ankle instability: a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Cruz-Díaz, David; Lomas Vega, Rafael; Osuna-Pérez, Maria Catalina; Hita-Contreras, Fidel; Martínez-Amat, Antonio

2015-01-01

To evaluate the effects of joint mobilization, in which movement is applied to the ankle's dorsiflexion range of motion, on dynamic postural control and on the self-reported instability of patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI). A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial with repeated measures and a follow-up period. Ninety patients with a history of recurrent ankle sprain, self-reported instability, and a limited dorsiflexion range of motion, were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (Joint Mobilizations, 3 weeks, two sessions per week) the placebo group (Sham Mobilizations, same duration as joint mobilization) or the control group, with a 6 months follow-up. Dorsiflexion Range of Motion (DFROM), Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) and CAI Tool (CAIT) were outcome measures. A separate 3 × 4 mixed model analysis of variance was performed to examine the effect of treatment conditions and time, and intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis was applied to evaluate the effect of the independent variable. The application of joint mobilization resulted in better scores of DFROM, CAIT, and SEBTs in the intervention group when compared with the placebo or the control groups (p < 0.001). The effect sizes of group-by-time interaction, measured with eta-squared, oscillated between 0.954 for DFROM and 0.288 for SEBT posteromedial distance. In within-group analysis, the manipulation group showed an improvement at 6 months follow-up in CAIT [mean = 5.23, CI 95% (4.63-5.84)], DFROM [mean = 6.77, CI 95% (6.45-7.08)], anterior SEBT [mean = 7.35, CI 95% (6.59-8.12)], posteromedial SEBT [mean = 3.32, CI 95% (0.95-5.69)], and posterolateral SEBT [mean = 2.55, CI 95% (2.20-2.89)]. Joint mobilization techniques applied to subjects suffering from CAI were able to improve ankle DFROM, postural control, and self-reported instability. These results suggest that joint mobilization could be applied to patients with recurrent ankle sprain to help restore their functional stability. Implications for Rehabilitation Functional instability is a very common sequela in patients with CAI, resulting in reduced quality of living due to the limitations it imposes on daily life activities. The mobilization with movement technique presented by Mulligan, and based on the joint mobilization accompanied by active movement, appears as a valuable tool to be employed by physical therapists to restore ankle function after a recurrent ankle sprain history. ROM restriction, subjective feeling of instability and dynamic postural control are benefiting from the joint mobilization application.

The Control of Storage Xyloglucan Mobilization in Cotyledons of Hymenaea courbaril1

PubMed Central

dos Santos, Henrique Pessoa; Purgatto, Eduardo; Mercier, Helenice; Buckeridge, Marcos Silveira

2004-01-01

Hymenaea courbaril is a leguminous tree species from the neotropical rain forests. Its cotyledons are largely enriched with a storage cell wall polysaccharide (xyloglucan). Studies of cell wall storage polymers have been focused mostly on the mechanisms of their disassembly, whereas the control of their mobilization and the relationship between their metabolism and seedling development is not well understood. Here, we show that xyloglucan mobilization is strictly controlled by the development of first leaves of the seedling, with the start of its degradation occurring after the beginning of eophyll (first leaves) expansion. During the period of storage mobilization, an increase in the levels of xyloglucan hydrolases, starch, and free sugars were observed in the cotyledons. Xyloglucan mobilization was inhibited by shoot excision, darkness, and by treatment with the auxin-transport inhibitor N-1-naphthylphthalamic acid. Analyses of endogenous indole-3-acetic acid in the cotyledons revealed that its increase in concentration is followed by the rise in xyloglucan hydrolase activities, indicating that auxin is directly related to xyloglucan mobilization. Cotyledons detached during xyloglucan mobilization and treated with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid showed a similar mobilization rate as in attached cotyledons. This hormonal control is probably essential for the ecophysiological performance of this species in their natural environment since it is the main factor responsible for promoting synchronism between shoot growth and reserve degradation. This is likely to increase the efficiency of carbon reserves utilization by the growing seedling in the understorey light conditions of the rain forest. PMID:15133152

The control of storage xyloglucan mobilization in cotyledons of Hymenaea courbaril.

PubMed

dos Santos, Henrique Pessoa; Purgatto, Eduardo; Mercier, Helenice; Buckeridge, Marcos Silveira

2004-05-01

Hymenaea courbaril is a leguminous tree species from the neotropical rain forests. Its cotyledons are largely enriched with a storage cell wall polysaccharide (xyloglucan). Studies of cell wall storage polymers have been focused mostly on the mechanisms of their disassembly, whereas the control of their mobilization and the relationship between their metabolism and seedling development is not well understood. Here, we show that xyloglucan mobilization is strictly controlled by the development of first leaves of the seedling, with the start of its degradation occurring after the beginning of eophyll (first leaves) expansion. During the period of storage mobilization, an increase in the levels of xyloglucan hydrolases, starch, and free sugars were observed in the cotyledons. Xyloglucan mobilization was inhibited by shoot excision, darkness, and by treatment with the auxin-transport inhibitor N-1-naphthylphthalamic acid. Analyses of endogenous indole-3-acetic acid in the cotyledons revealed that its increase in concentration is followed by the rise in xyloglucan hydrolase activities, indicating that auxin is directly related to xyloglucan mobilization. Cotyledons detached during xyloglucan mobilization and treated with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid showed a similar mobilization rate as in attached cotyledons. This hormonal control is probably essential for the ecophysiological performance of this species in their natural environment since it is the main factor responsible for promoting synchronism between shoot growth and reserve degradation. This is likely to increase the efficiency of carbon reserves utilization by the growing seedling in the understorey light conditions of the rain forest.

Efficient Deployment of Key Nodes for Optimal Coverage of Industrial Mobile Wireless Networks

PubMed Central

Li, Xiaomin; Li, Di; Dong, Zhijie; Hu, Yage; Liu, Chengliang

2018-01-01

In recent years, industrial wireless networks (IWNs) have been transformed by the introduction of mobile nodes, and they now offer increased extensibility, mobility, and flexibility. Nevertheless, mobile nodes pose efficiency and reliability challenges. Efficient node deployment and management of channel interference directly affect network system performance, particularly for key node placement in clustered wireless networks. This study analyzes this system model, considering both industrial properties of wireless networks and their mobility. Then, static and mobile node coverage problems are unified and simplified to target coverage problems. We propose a novel strategy for the deployment of clustered heads in grouped industrial mobile wireless networks (IMWNs) based on the improved maximal clique model and the iterative computation of new candidate cluster head positions. The maximal cliques are obtained via a double-layer Tabu search. Each cluster head updates its new position via an improved virtual force while moving with full coverage to find the minimal inter-cluster interference. Finally, we develop a simulation environment. The simulation results, based on a performance comparison, show the efficacy of the proposed strategies and their superiority over current approaches. PMID:29439439

Strategies for mHealth research: lessons from 3 mobile intervention studies.

PubMed

Ben-Zeev, Dror; Schueller, Stephen M; Begale, Mark; Duffecy, Jennifer; Kane, John M; Mohr, David C

2015-03-01

The capacity of Mobile Health (mHealth) technologies to propel healthcare forward is directly linked to the quality of mobile interventions developed through careful mHealth research. mHealth research entails several unique characteristics, including collaboration with technologists at all phases of a project, reliance on regional telecommunication infrastructure and commercial mobile service providers, and deployment and evaluation of interventions "in the wild", with participants using mobile tools in uncontrolled environments. In the current paper, we summarize the lessons our multi-institutional/multi-disciplinary team has learned conducting a range of mHealth projects using mobile phones with diverse clinical populations. First, we describe three ongoing projects that we draw from to illustrate throughout the paper. We then provide an example for multidisciplinary teamwork and conceptual mHealth intervention development that we found to be particularly useful. Finally, we discuss mHealth research challenges (i.e. evolving technology, mobile phone selection, user characteristics, the deployment environment, and mHealth system "bugs and glitches"), and provide recommendations for identifying and resolving barriers, or preventing their occurrence altogether.

Strategies for mHealth research: lessons from 3 mobile intervention studies

PubMed Central

Ben-Zeev, Dror; Schueller, Stephen M.; Begale, Mark; Duffecy, Jennifer; Kane, John M.; Mohr, David C.

2014-01-01

The capacity of Mobile Health (mHealth) technologies to propel healthcare forward is directly linked to the quality of mobile interventions developed through careful mHealth research. mHealth research entails several unique characteristics, including collaboration with technologists at all phases of a project, reliance on regional telecommunication infrastructure and commercial mobile service providers, and deployment and evaluation of interventions “in the wild”, with participants using mobile tools in uncontrolled environments. In the current paper, we summarize the lessons our multi-institutional/multi-disciplinary team has learned conducting a range of mHealth projects using mobile phones with diverse clinical populations. First, we describe three ongoing projects that we draw from to illustrate throughout the paper. We then provide an example for multidisciplinary teamwork and conceptual mHealth intervention development that we found to be particularly useful. Finally, we discuss mHealth research challenges (i.e. evolving technology, mobile phone selection, user characteristics, the deployment environment, and mHealth system “bugs and glitches”), and provide recommendations for identifying and resolving barriers, or preventing their occurrence altogether. PMID:24824311

Parental physical activity, safety perceptions and children’s independent mobility

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Parents are likely to be a basic influence on their children's behavior. There is an absence of information about the associations between parents' physical activity and perception of neighborhood environment with children’s independent mobility. The purpose of this study is to examine the contribution of parental physical activity and perception of neighborhood safety to children’s independent mobility. Methods In this cross-sectional study of 354 pupils and their parents, independent mobility, perceptions of neighborhood safety and physical activity were evaluated by questionnaire. Categorical principal components analyses were used to determine the underlying dimensions of both independent mobility and perceptions of neighborhood safety items. Results The strongest predictor of independent mobility was the parental perception of sidewalk and street safety (ß = 0.132). Parent’s physical activity was also a significant predictor. The final model accounted for 13.0% of the variance. Conclusions Parental perception of neighborhood safety and parents’ self reported physical activity might be associated with children’s independent mobility. Further research in this topic is needed to explore this possible association. PMID:23767778

Contributions of mobile technologies to addiction research.

PubMed

Swendsen, Joel

2016-06-01

Mobile technologies are revolutionizing the field of mental health, and particular progress has been made in their application to addiction research and treatment. The use of smartphones and other mobile devices has been shown to be feasible with individuals addicted to any of a wide range of substances, with few biases being observed concerning the repeated monitoring of daily life experiences, craving, or substance use. From a methodological point of view, the use of mobile technologies overcomes longstanding limitations of traditional clinical research protocols, including the more accurate assessment of temporal relationships among variables, as well as the reduction in both contextual constraints and discipline-specific methodological isolation. The present article presents a conceptual review of these advances while using illustrations of research applications that are capable of overcoming specific methodological barriers. Finally, a brief review of both the benefits and risks of mobile technology use for the treatment of patients will be addressed.

[Study of the Application of Mobile Medical Technology in Construction of Grading Diagnosis and Treatment System].

PubMed

Zhu, Wenwu; Shen, Yihong; Zhen, Hui; Yang, Xiaohe; Hu, Kai

2018-02-08

The combination of mobile medical technology and the grading diagnosis and treatment system (GDTS) can stimulate the allocation of medical resources, reduce medical cost and improve public health significantly. Firstly we summarize development features of mobile medical technology in foreign and domestic market, then we study the application model of mobile medical application in GDTS with field research data and analyzes its advantage and shortage. Finally, we propose four measures for further developing mobile medical application in the GDTS:the government departments should formulate policies and industry standards of products as soon as possible to meet requirement of market; service providers should take the hospitals as core role to achieve mutual benefit and win-win situation; take the daily monitoring of chronic diseases as an entry point to build profitable business model; enhance publicity to promote public health awareness.

Using mobile technology to improve healthcare service quality.

PubMed

Chao, Chia Chen; Jen, Wen Yuan; Li, Yu-Chuan; Chi, Y P; Chen, Chang-I; Feng, Chen Chjeh

2005-01-01

Improving healthcare service quality for illness of treatment, illness prevention and patient service is difficult for most hospitals because the hospitals are lack adequate resources and labor. In order to provide better healthcare service quality for patients, mobile technology can be used to manage healthcare in a way that provides the optimal healthcare service for patients. Pursuing utilization of mobile technology for better patient service, Taipei Medical University Municipal W. F. Teaching Hospital has implemented a mobile healthcare service (m-HS) system to increase healthcare service quality. The m-HS system improves the quality of medical care as well as healthcare service. The m-HS is a multi-functional healthcare management agent, meets the mobile tendency of the present society. This study seeks to discuss the m-HS architecture and workflow processes. We believe the m-HS does have the potential to improve healthcare service quality. Finally, the conclusions and suggestions for the m-HS are given.

Contributions of mobile technologies to addiction research

PubMed Central

Swendsen, Joel

2016-01-01

Mobile technologies are revolutionizing the field of mental health, and particular progress has been made in their application to addiction research and treatment. The use of smartphones and other mobile devices has been shown to be feasible with individuals addicted to any of a wide range of substances, with few biases being observed concerning the repeated monitoring of daily life experiences, craving, or substance use. From a methodological point of view, the use of mobile technologies overcomes longstanding limitations of traditional clinical research protocols, including the more accurate assessment of temporal relationships among variables, as well as the reduction in both contextual constraints and discipline-specific methodological isolation. The present article presents a conceptual review of these advances while using illustrations of research applications that are capable of overcoming specific methodological barriers. Finally, a brief review of both the benefits and risks of mobile technology use for the treatment of patients will be addressed. PMID:27489461

NASA Computational Mobility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2004-01-01

This blue sky study was conducted in order to study the feasibility and scope of the notion of Computational Mobility to potential NASA applications such as control of multiple robotic platforms. The study was started on July lst, 2003 and concluded on September 30th, 2004. During the course of that period, four meetings were held for the participants to meet and discuss the concept, its viability, and potential applications. The study involved, at various stages, the following personnel: James Allen (IHMC), Albert0 Canas (IHMC), Daniel Cooke (Texas Tech), Kenneth Ford (IHMC - PI), Patrick Hayes (IHMC), Butler Hine (NASA), Robert Morris (NASA), Liam Pedersen (NASA), Jerry Pratt (IHMC), Raul Saavedra (IHMC), Niranjan Suri (IHMC), and Milind Tambe (USC). A white paper describing the notion of a Process Integrated Mechanism (PIM) was generated as a result of this study. The white paper is attached to this report. In addition, a number of presentations were generated during the four meetings, which are included in this report. Finally, an execution platform and a simulation environment were developed, which are available upon request from Niranjan Suri (nsuri@,ihmc.us).

Quality of life technology: the state of personal transportation.

PubMed

van Roosmalen, Linda; Paquin, Gregory J; Steinfeld, Aaron M

2010-02-01

Motor vehicles are a technology that has been embedded in the built environment since the early 1900s. Personal transportation is important for the quality of life of individuals who have disabilities because it gives a feeling of freedom and enables individuals who have mobility impairments to participate in the community. This article describes the evaluation of individuals and their cognitive, sensory, and physical abilities that are important for (safe) driving. A case is made for independent mobility for individuals who have disabilities and elderly individuals by first giving an overview of the functional, cognitive, and sensory abilities that are critical for driving. Second, the types of vehicle modifications and state-of-the-art controls that are available and on the horizon are described and the way in which these technologies are selected to meet driver needs is explained. Requirements for driver safety systems for drivers who remain in their wheelchairs are then discussed. Finally, emerging and innovative driving enhancement systems, such as obstacle avoidance and navigation, are discussed, as are their benefits in helping drivers who have disabilities and elderly drivers to experience safe and independent driving.

All-IP wireless sensor networks for real-time patient monitoring.

PubMed

Wang, Xiaonan; Le, Deguang; Cheng, Hongbin; Xie, Conghua

2014-12-01

This paper proposes the all-IP WSNs (wireless sensor networks) for real-time patient monitoring. In this paper, the all-IP WSN architecture based on gateway trees is proposed and the hierarchical address structure is presented. Based on this architecture, the all-IP WSN can perform routing without route discovery. Moreover, a mobile node is always identified by a home address and it does not need to be configured with a care-of address during the mobility process, so the communication disruption caused by the address change is avoided. Through the proposed scheme, a physician can monitor the vital signs of a patient at any time and at any places, and according to the IPv6 address he can also obtain the location information of the patient in order to perform effective and timely treatment. Finally, the proposed scheme is evaluated based on the simulation, and the simulation data indicate that the proposed scheme might effectively reduce the communication delay and control cost, and lower the packet loss rate. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

An integrated optical sensor for GMAW feedback control

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Taylor, P.L.; Watkins, A.D.; Larsen, E.D.

1992-08-01

The integrated optical sensor (IOS) is a multifunction feedback control sensor for arc welding, that is computer automated and independent of significant operator interaction. It is based on three major ``off-the-shelf`` components: a charged coupled device (CCD) camera, a diode laser, and a processing computer. The sensor head is compact and lightweight to avoid interference with weld head mobility, hardened to survive the harsh operating environment, and free of specialized cooling and power requirements. The sensor is positioned behind the GMAW torch and measures weld pool position and width, standoff distance, and postweld centerline cooling rate. Weld pool position andmore » width are used in a feedback loop, by the weld controller, to track the weld pool relative to the weld joint, thus allowing compensation for such phenomena as arc blow. Sensor stand off distance is used in a feedback loop to control the contact tip to base metal distance during the welding process. Cooling rate information is used to infer the final metallurgical state of the weld bead and heat affected zone, thereby providing a means of controlling post weld mechanical properties.« less

An integrated optical sensor for GMAW feedback control

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Taylor, P.L.; Watkins, A.D.; Larsen, E.D.

1992-01-01

The integrated optical sensor (IOS) is a multifunction feedback control sensor for arc welding, that is computer automated and independent of significant operator interaction. It is based on three major off-the-shelf'' components: a charged coupled device (CCD) camera, a diode laser, and a processing computer. The sensor head is compact and lightweight to avoid interference with weld head mobility, hardened to survive the harsh operating environment, and free of specialized cooling and power requirements. The sensor is positioned behind the GMAW torch and measures weld pool position and width, standoff distance, and postweld centerline cooling rate. Weld pool position andmore » width are used in a feedback loop, by the weld controller, to track the weld pool relative to the weld joint, thus allowing compensation for such phenomena as arc blow. Sensor stand off distance is used in a feedback loop to control the contact tip to base metal distance during the welding process. Cooling rate information is used to infer the final metallurgical state of the weld bead and heat affected zone, thereby providing a means of controlling post weld mechanical properties.« less

Modeling and control of a self-sensing polymer metal composite actuator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nam, Doan Ngoc Chi; Ahn, Kyoung Kwan

2014-02-01

An ion polymer metal composite (IPMC) is an electro-active polymer (EAP) that bends in response to a small applied electrical field as a result of mobility of cations in the polymer network and vice versa. One drawback in the use of an IPMC is the sensing problem for such a small size actuator. The aim of this paper is to develop a physical model for a self-sensing IPMC actuator and to verify its applicability for practical position control. Firstly, ion dynamics inside a polymer membrane is investigated with an asymmetric solution in the presence of distributed surface resistance. Based on this analysis, a modified equivalent circuit and a simple configuration to realize the self-sensing IPMC actuator are proposed. Mathematical modelling and experimental evaluation indicate that the bending curvature can be obtained accurately using several feedback voltage signals along with the IPMC length. Finally, the controllability of the developed self-sensing IPMC actuator is investigated using a robust position control. Experimental results prove that the self-sensing characteristics can be applied in engineering control problems to provide a more convenient sensing method for IPMC actuating systems.

Construction of a WMR for trajectory tracking control: experimental results.

PubMed

Silva-Ortigoza, R; Márquez-Sánchez, C; Marcelino-Aranda, M; Marciano-Melchor, M; Silva-Ortigoza, G; Bautista-Quintero, R; Ramos-Silvestre, E R; Rivera-Díaz, J C; Muñoz-Carrillo, D

2013-01-01

This paper reports a solution for trajectory tracking control of a differential drive wheeled mobile robot (WMR) based on a hierarchical approach. The general design and construction of the WMR are described. The hierarchical controller proposed has two components: a high-level control and a low-level control. The high-level control law is based on an input-output linearization scheme for the robot kinematic model, which provides the desired angular velocity profiles that the WMR has to track in order to achieve the desired position (x∗, y∗) and orientation (φ∗). Then, a low-level control law, based on a proportional integral (PI) approach, is designed to control the velocity of the WMR wheels to ensure those tracking features. Regarding the trajectories, this paper provides the solution or the following cases: (1) time-varying parametric trajectories such as straight lines and parabolas and (2) smooth curves fitted by cubic splines which are generated by the desired data points {(x₁∗, y₁∗),..., (x(n)∗, y(n)∗)}. A straightforward algorithm is developed for constructing the cubic splines. Finally, this paper includes an experimental validation of the proposed technique by employing a DS1104 dSPACE electronic board along with MATLAB/Simulink software.

Construction of a WMR for Trajectory Tracking Control: Experimental Results

PubMed Central

Silva-Ortigoza, R.; Márquez-Sánchez, C.; Marcelino-Aranda, M.; Marciano-Melchor, M.; Silva-Ortigoza, G.; Bautista-Quintero, R.; Ramos-Silvestre, E. R.; Rivera-Díaz, J. C.; Muñoz-Carrillo, D.

2013-01-01

This paper reports a solution for trajectory tracking control of a differential drive wheeled mobile robot (WMR) based on a hierarchical approach. The general design and construction of the WMR are described. The hierarchical controller proposed has two components: a high-level control and a low-level control. The high-level control law is based on an input-output linearization scheme for the robot kinematic model, which provides the desired angular velocity profiles that the WMR has to track in order to achieve the desired position (x∗, y∗) and orientation (φ∗). Then, a low-level control law, based on a proportional integral (PI) approach, is designed to control the velocity of the WMR wheels to ensure those tracking features. Regarding the trajectories, this paper provides the solution or the following cases: (1) time-varying parametric trajectories such as straight lines and parabolas and (2) smooth curves fitted by cubic splines which are generated by the desired data points {(x1∗, y1∗),..., (xn∗, yn∗)}. A straightforward algorithm is developed for constructing the cubic splines. Finally, this paper includes an experimental validation of the proposed technique by employing a DS1104 dSPACE electronic board along with MATLAB/Simulink software. PMID:23997679

Do the Psychological Constructs of Attitude, Perceived Norm, and Perceived Behavioral Control Explain a Woman's Intention to Use Mobile Business Applications, across Cultures?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bradley, Deirdre Elyse

2015-01-01

A reasoned action approach (RAA) was used to assess the importance of psychological factors (attitude, perceived norm, and perceived behavioral control) in forming a woman's intention to use mobile technology, specifically mobile business applications. This study also examined whether the significance of these factors varied across cultures. An…

Mobile-Based Video Learning Outcomes in Clinical Nursing Skill Education: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Lee, Nam-Ju; Chae, Sun-Mi; Kim, Haejin; Lee, Ji-Hye; Min, Hyojin Jennifer; Park, Da-Eun

2016-01-01

Mobile devices are a regular part of daily life among the younger generations. Thus, now is the time to apply mobile device use to nursing education. The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of a mobile-based video clip on learning motivation, competence, and class satisfaction in nursing students using a randomized controlled trial with a pretest and posttest design. A total of 71 nursing students participated in this study: 36 in the intervention group and 35 in the control group. A video clip of how to perform a urinary catheterization was developed, and the intervention group was able to download it to their own mobile devices for unlimited viewing throughout 1 week. All of the students participated in a practice laboratory to learn urinary catheterization and were blindly tested for their performance skills after participation in the laboratory. The intervention group showed significantly higher levels of learning motivation and class satisfaction than did the control. Of the fundamental nursing competencies, the intervention group was more confident in practicing catheterization than their counterparts. Our findings suggest that video clips using mobile devices are useful tools that educate student nurses on relevant clinical skills and improve learning outcomes.

An adaptive actuator failure compensation scheme for two linked 2WD mobile robots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Yajie; Al-Dujaili, Ayad; Cocquempot, Vincent; El Badaoui El Najjar, Maan

2017-01-01

This paper develops a new adaptive compensation control scheme for two linked mobile robots with actuator failurs. A configuration with two linked two-wheel drive (2WD) mobile robots is proposed, and the modelling of its kinematics and dynamics are given. An adaptive failure compensation scheme is developed to compensate actuator failures, consisting of a kinematic controller and a multi-design integration based dynamic controller. The kinematic controller is a virtual one, and based on which, multiple adaptive dynamic control signals are designed which covers all possible failure cases. By combing these dynamic control signals, the dynamic controller is designed, which ensures system stability and asymptotic tracking properties. Simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed adaptive failure compensation scheme.

The Effects of an Interactive Nursing Skills Mobile Application on Nursing Students' Knowledge, Self-efficacy, and Skills Performance: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Kim, Hyunsun; Suh, Eunyoung E

2018-03-01

Clinical nursing practice is important because it helps nursing students experience realities of clinical nursing that cannot be learned through theoretical education. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of an interactive nursing skills mobile application for nursing students. Sixty-six senior nursing students were randomly assigned to experimental or control groups. The experimental group used an interactive nursing skills mobile application for 1 week. The control group was provided with a mobile application containing noninteractive nursing video contents for 1 week. Before (pre-test) and 1 week after (post-test) using the mobile application, participants' knowledge of clinical nursing skills, self-efficacy of nursing practice, and nursing skills performance were assessed. The experimental group showed a significantly higher value for knowledge after 1 week of treatment via their mobile application than the control group (t = 3.34, p = .001). In addition, they showed significantly improved self-efficacy before and after intervention (t = 2.46, p = .017) than the control group. The experimental group's nursing skills performance was also significantly enhanced after intervention (t = 7.05, p < .001), with a significant difference in the degree of improvement (t = 4.47, p < .001). The interactive learner-centered nursing education mobile application with systematic contents was an effective method for students to experience practical nursing skills. Developing and applying a mobile application with other nursing contents that can be effectively used across all range of nursing students is recommended. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Comparison of the clinical outcomes after total knee arthroplasty with the LCS rotating platform mobile bearing knee system and the PFC Sigma RP-F mobile bearing knee system.

PubMed

Kwak, Ju-Yeong; Jeong, Jae-Heon; Lee, Sang-Hak; Jung, Ho-Joong; Jung, Young-Bok

2012-12-01

We compared clinical outcomes after total knee arthroplasty with the Low Contact Stress (LCS) rotating platform mobile bearing knee system and the Press Fit Condylar Sigma rotating platform high flexion (PFC Sigma RP-F) mobile bearing knee system. Fifty cases of total knee arthroplasty were performed with the PFC Sigma RP-F mobile bearing knee system and sixty-one cases were performed with the LCS mobile bearing total knee arthroplasty. The average duration of follow-up was 2.9 years. The mean Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score was 62.1 (range, 52 to 75) in the LCS group and 61.9 (range, 50 to 74) in the Sigma RP-F group preoperatively, and 90.1 (range, 84 to 100) in the LCS group and 89.8 (range, 83 to 100) in the Sigma RP-F group at the final follow-up. The mean preoperative flexion contracture was 6.7° (range, 0° to 10°) in the LCS group and 9.3° (range, 0° to 15°) in the Sigma RP-F group preoperatively. The mean range of motion was 124.6° (range, 105° to 150°) in the LCS group and 126.1° (range, 104° to 145°) in the Sigma RP-F group at the final follow-up. After a minimum duration of follow-up of two years, we found no significant differences between the two groups with regard to the range of knee motion or the clinical or radiographic results.

A Solution on Identification and Rearing Files Insmallhold Pig Farming

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiong, Benhai; Fu, Runting; Lin, Zhaohui; Luo, Qingyao; Yang, Liang

In order to meet government supervision of pork production safety as well as consumeŕs right to know what they buy, this study adopts animal identification, mobile PDA reader, GPRS and other information technologies, and put forward a data collection method to set up rearing files of pig in smallhold pig farming, and designs related metadata structures and its mobile database, and develops a mobile PDA embedded system to collect individual information of pig and uploading into the remote central database, and finally realizes mobile links to the a specific website. The embedded PDA can identify both a special pig bar ear tag appointed by the Ministry of Agricultural and a general data matrix bar ear tag designed by this study by mobile reader, and can record all kinds of inputs data including bacterins, feed additives, animal drugs and even some forbidden medicines and submitted them to the center database through GPRS. At the same time, the remote center database can be maintained by mobile PDA and GPRS, and finally reached pork tracking from its origin to consumption and its tracing through turn-over direction. This study has suggested a feasible technology solution how to set up network pig electronic rearing files involved smallhold pig farming based on farmer and the solution is proved practical through its application in the Tianjińs pork quality traceability system construction. Although some individual techniques have some adverse effects on the system running such as GPRS transmitting speed now, these will be resolved with the development of communication technology. The full implementation of the solution around China will supply technical supports in guaranteeing the quality and safety of pork production supervision and meet consumer demand.

Global Output-Feedback Control for Simultaneous Tracking and Stabilization of Wheeled Mobile Robots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, J.; Zhang, L. J.; Xue, D.

A time-varying global output-feedback controller is presented that solves both tracking and stabilization for wheeled mobile robots simultaneously at the torque level. The controller synthesis is based on a coordinate transformation, Lyapunov direct method and backstepping technique. The performance of the proposed controller is demonstrated by simulation.

The mPED randomized controlled clinical trial: applying mobile persuasive technologies to increase physical activity in sedentary women protocol

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Despite the significant health benefits of regular physical activity, approximately half of American adults, particularly women and minorities, do not meet the current physical activity recommendations. Mobile phone technologies are readily available, easily accessible and may provide a potentially powerful tool for delivering physical activity interventions. However, we need to understand how to effectively apply these mobile technologies to increase and maintain physical activity in physically inactive women. The purpose of this paper is to describe the study design and protocol of the mPED (mobile phone based physical activity education) randomized controlled clinical trial that examines the efficacy of a 3-month mobile phone and pedometer based physical activity intervention and compares two different 6-month maintenance interventions. Methods A randomized controlled trial (RCT) with three arms; 1) PLUS (3-month mobile phone and pedometer based physical activity intervention and 6-month mobile phone diary maintenance intervention), 2) REGULAR (3-month mobile phone and pedometer based physical activity intervention and 6-month pedometer maintenance intervention), and 3) CONTROL (pedometer only, but no intervention will be conducted). A total of 192 physically inactive women who meet all inclusion criteria and successfully complete a 3-week run-in will be randomized into one of the three groups. The mobile phone serves as a means of delivering the physical activity intervention, setting individualized weekly physical activity goals, and providing self-monitoring (activity diary), immediate feedback and social support. The mobile phone also functions as a tool for communication and real-time data capture. The primary outcome is objectively measured physical activity. Discussion If efficacy of the intervention with a mobile phone is demonstrated, the results of this RCT will be able to provide new insights for current behavioral sciences and mHealth. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov#:NCTO1280812 PMID:22168267

The mPED randomized controlled clinical trial: applying mobile persuasive technologies to increase physical activity in sedentary women protocol.

PubMed

Fukuoka, Yoshimi; Komatsu, Judith; Suarez, Larry; Vittinghoff, Eric; Haskell, William; Noorishad, Tina; Pham, Kristin

2011-12-14

Despite the significant health benefits of regular physical activity, approximately half of American adults, particularly women and minorities, do not meet the current physical activity recommendations. Mobile phone technologies are readily available, easily accessible and may provide a potentially powerful tool for delivering physical activity interventions. However, we need to understand how to effectively apply these mobile technologies to increase and maintain physical activity in physically inactive women. The purpose of this paper is to describe the study design and protocol of the mPED (mobile phone based physical activity education) randomized controlled clinical trial that examines the efficacy of a 3-month mobile phone and pedometer based physical activity intervention and compares two different 6-month maintenance interventions. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) with three arms; 1) PLUS (3-month mobile phone and pedometer based physical activity intervention and 6-month mobile phone diary maintenance intervention), 2) REGULAR (3-month mobile phone and pedometer based physical activity intervention and 6-month pedometer maintenance intervention), and 3) CONTROL (pedometer only, but no intervention will be conducted). A total of 192 physically inactive women who meet all inclusion criteria and successfully complete a 3-week run-in will be randomized into one of the three groups. The mobile phone serves as a means of delivering the physical activity intervention, setting individualized weekly physical activity goals, and providing self-monitoring (activity diary), immediate feedback and social support. The mobile phone also functions as a tool for communication and real-time data capture. The primary outcome is objectively measured physical activity. If efficacy of the intervention with a mobile phone is demonstrated, the results of this RCT will be able to provide new insights for current behavioral sciences and mHealth. ClinicalTrials.gov#:NCTO1280812.

Development of an advanced mobile base for personal mobility and manipulation appliance generation II robotic wheelchair.

PubMed

Wang, Hongwu; Candiotti, Jorge; Shino, Motoki; Chung, Cheng-Shiu; Grindle, Garrett G; Ding, Dan; Cooper, Rory A

2013-07-01

This paper describes the development of a mobile base for the Personal Mobility and Manipulation Appliance Generation II (PerMMA Gen II robotic wheelchair), an obstacle-climbing wheelchair able to move in structured and unstructured environments, and to climb over curbs as high as 8 inches. The mechanical, electrical, and software systems of the mobile base are presented in detail, and similar devices such as the iBOT mobility system, TopChair, and 6X6 Explorer are described. The mobile base of PerMMA Gen II has two operating modes: "advanced driving mode" on flat and uneven terrain, and "automatic climbing mode" during stair climbing. The different operating modes are triggered either by local and dynamic conditions or by external commands from users. A step-climbing sequence, up to 0.2 m, is under development and to be evaluated via simulation. The mathematical model of the mobile base is introduced. A feedback and a feed-forward controller have been developed to maintain the posture of the passenger when driving over uneven surfaces or slopes. The effectiveness of the controller has been evaluated by simulation using the open dynamics engine tool. Future work for PerMMA Gen II mobile base is implementation of the simulation and control on a real system and evaluation of the system via further experimental tests.

Development of an advanced mobile base for personal mobility and manipulation appliance generation II robotic wheelchair

PubMed Central

Wang, Hongwu; Candiotti, Jorge; Shino, Motoki; Chung, Cheng-Shiu; Grindle, Garrett G.; Ding, Dan; Cooper, Rory A.

2013-01-01

Background This paper describes the development of a mobile base for the Personal Mobility and Manipulation Appliance Generation II (PerMMA Gen II robotic wheelchair), an obstacle-climbing wheelchair able to move in structured and unstructured environments, and to climb over curbs as high as 8 inches. The mechanical, electrical, and software systems of the mobile base are presented in detail, and similar devices such as the iBOT mobility system, TopChair, and 6X6 Explorer are described. Findings The mobile base of PerMMA Gen II has two operating modes: “advanced driving mode” on flat and uneven terrain, and “automatic climbing mode” during stair climbing. The different operating modes are triggered either by local and dynamic conditions or by external commands from users. A step-climbing sequence, up to 0.2 m, is under development and to be evaluated via simulation. The mathematical model of the mobile base is introduced. A feedback and a feed-forward controller have been developed to maintain the posture of the passenger when driving over uneven surfaces or slopes. The effectiveness of the controller has been evaluated by simulation using the open dynamics engine tool. Conclusion Future work for PerMMA Gen II mobile base is implementation of the simulation and control on a real system and evaluation of the system via further experimental tests. PMID:23820149

Association between vestibular schwannomas and mobile phone use.

PubMed

Moon, In Seok; Kim, Bo Gyung; Kim, Jinna; Lee, Jong Dae; Lee, Won-Sang

2014-01-01

Vestibular schwannomas (VSs) grow in the region where the energy from mobile phone use is absorbed. We examined the associations of VSs with mobile phone use. This study included 119 patients who had undergone surgical tumor removal. We used two approaches in this investigation. First, a case-control study for the association of mobile phone use and incidence of VSs was conducted. Both cases and controls were investigated with questions based on INTERPHONE guidelines. Amount of mobile phone use according to duration, daily amount, and cumulative hours were compared between two groups. We also conducted a case-case study. The location and volume of the tumors were investigated by MRI. Associations between the estimated amount of mobile phone use and tumor volume and between the laterality of phone use and tumor location were analyzed. In a case-control study, the odds ratio (OR) of tumor incidence according to mobile phone use was 0.956. In the case-case study, tumor volume and estimated cumulative hours showed a strong correlation (r(2) = 0.144, p = 0.002), and regular mobile phone users showed tumors of a markedly larger volume than those of non-regular users (p < 0.001). When the analysis was limited to regular users who had serviceable hearing, laterality showed a strong correlation with tumor side (OR = 4.5). We found that tumors may coincide with the more frequently used ear of mobile phones and tumor volume that showed strong correlation with amount of mobile phone use, thus there is a possibility that mobile phone use may affect tumor growth.

Evolution of a radio communication relay system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nguyen, Hoa G.; Pezeshkian, Narek; Hart, Abraham; Burmeister, Aaron; Holz, Kevin; Neff, Joseph; Roth, Leif

2013-05-01

Providing long-distance non-line-of-sight control for unmanned ground robots has long been recognized as a problem, considering the nature of the required high-bandwidth radio links. In the early 2000s, the DARPA Mobile Autonomous Robot Software (MARS) program funded the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center (SSC) Pacific to demonstrate a capability for autonomous mobile communication relaying on a number of Pioneer laboratory robots. This effort also resulted in the development of ad hoc networking radios and software that were later leveraged in the development of a more practical and logistically simpler system, the Automatically Deployed Communication Relays (ADCR). Funded by the Joint Ground Robotics Enterprise and internally by SSC Pacific, several generations of ADCR systems introduced increasingly more capable hardware and software for automatic maintenance of communication links through deployment of static relay nodes from mobile robots. This capability was finally tapped in 2010 to fulfill an urgent need from theater. 243 kits of ruggedized, robot-deployable communication relays were produced and sent to Afghanistan to extend the range of EOD and tactical ground robots in 2012. This paper provides a summary of the evolution of the radio relay technology at SSC Pacific, and then focuses on the latest two stages, the Manually-Deployed Communication Relays and the latest effort to automate the deployment of these ruggedized and fielded relay nodes.

Chromostereopsis in "virtual reality" adapters with electrically tuneable liquid lens oculars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ozolinsh, Maris; Muizniece, Kristine; Berzinsh, Janis

2016-10-01

Chromostereopsis can be sight and feel in "Virtual Reality" adapters, that induces the appearance of color dependant depth sense and, finally, combines this sense with the source conceived depth scenario. Present studies are devoted to investigation the induced chromastereopsis when using adapted "Virtual Reality" frame together with mobile devices as smartphones. We did observation of composite visual stimuli presented on the high spatial resolution screen of the mobile phone placed inside a portable "Virtual Reality" adapter. Separated for the left and right eyes stimuli consisted of two areas: a) identical for both eyes color chromostereopsis part, and b) additional conventional color neutral random-dot stereopsis part with a stereodisparity based on the horizontal shift of a random-dot segment in images for the left and right eyes, correspondingly. The observer task was to equalize the depth sense for neutral and colored stimuli areas. Such scheme allows to determine actual observed chromostereopsis disparity value versus eye stimuli color difference. At standard observation conditions for adapter with +2D ocular lenses for mobile red-blue stimuli, the perceptual chromostereopsis depth sensitivity on color difference was linearly approximated with a slope SChS ≈ 2.1[arcmin/(Labcolor difference)] for red-blue pairs. Additional to standard application in adapter the tuneable "Varioptic" liquid lens oculars were incorporated, that allowed stimuli eye magnification, vergence and disparity values control electrically.

Microbial Mineral Weathering for Nutrient Acquisition Releases Arsenic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mailloux, B. J.; Alexandrova, E.; Keimowitz, A.; Wovkulich, K.; Freyer, G.; Stolz, J.; Kenna, T.; Pichler, T.; Polizzotto, M.; Dong, H.; Radloff, K. A.; van Geen, A.

2008-12-01

Tens of millions of people in Southeast Asia drink groundwater contaminated with naturally occurring arsenic. The process of arsenic release from the sediment to the groundwater remains poorly understood. Experiments were performed to determine if microbial mineral weathering for nutrient acquisition can serve as a potential mechanism for arsenic mobilization. We performed microcosm experiments with Burkholderia fungorum, phosphate free artificial groundwater, and natural apatite. Controls included incubations with no cells and with killed cells. Additionally, samples were treated with two spikes - an arsenic spike, to show that arsenic release is independent of the initial arsenic concentration, and a phosphate spike to determine whether release occurs at field relevant phosphate conditions. We show in laboratory experiments that phosphate-limited cells of Burkholderia fungorum mobilize ancillary arsenic from apatite as a by-product of mineral weathering for nutrient acquisition. The released arsenic does not undergo a redox transformation but appears to be solubilized from the apatite mineral lattice as arsenate during weathering. Apatite has been shown to be commonly present in sediment samples from Bangladesh aquifers. Analysis of apatite purified from the Ganges, Brahamputra, Meghna drainage basin shows 210 mg/kg of arsenic, which is higher than the average crustal level. Finally, we demonstrate the presence of the microbial phenotype that releases arsenic from apatite in Bangladesh sediments. These results suggest that microbial weathering for nutrient acquisition could be an important mechanism for arsenic mobilization.

Lyapunov vector function method in the motion stabilisation problem for nonholonomic mobile robot

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Andreev, Aleksandr; Peregudova, Olga

2017-07-01

In this paper we propose a sampled-data control law in the stabilisation problem of nonstationary motion of nonholonomic mobile robot. We assume that the robot moves on a horizontal surface without slipping. The dynamical model of a mobile robot is considered. The robot has one front free wheel and two rear wheels which are controlled by two independent electric motors. We assume that the controls are piecewise constant signals. Controller design relies on the backstepping procedure with the use of Lyapunov vector-function method. Theoretical considerations are verified by numerical simulation.

Coupling human mobility and social ties.

PubMed

Toole, Jameson L; Herrera-Yaqüe, Carlos; Schneider, Christian M; González, Marta C

2015-04-06

Studies using massive, passively collected data from communication technologies have revealed many ubiquitous aspects of social networks, helping us understand and model social media, information diffusion and organizational dynamics. More recently, these data have come tagged with geographical information, enabling studies of human mobility patterns and the science of cities. We combine these two pursuits and uncover reproducible mobility patterns among social contacts. First, we introduce measures of mobility similarity and predictability and measure them for populations of users in three large urban areas. We find individuals' visitations patterns are far more similar to and predictable by social contacts than strangers and that these measures are positively correlated with tie strength. Unsupervised clustering of hourly variations in mobility similarity identifies three categories of social ties and suggests geography is an important feature to contextualize social relationships. We find that the composition of a user's ego network in terms of the type of contacts they keep is correlated with mobility behaviour. Finally, we extend a popular mobility model to include movement choices based on social contacts and compare its ability to reproduce empirical measurements with two additional models of mobility. © 2015 The Author(s) Published by the Royal Society. All rights reserved.

Exploiting node mobility for energy optimization in wireless sensor networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El-Moukaddem, Fatme Mohammad

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) have become increasingly available for data-intensive applications such as micro-climate monitoring, precision agriculture, and audio/video surveillance. A key challenge faced by data-intensive WSNs is to transmit the sheer amount of data generated within an application's lifetime to the base station despite the fact that sensor nodes have limited power supplies such as batteries or small solar panels. The availability of numerous low-cost robotic units (e.g. Robomote and Khepera) has made it possible to construct sensor networks consisting of mobile sensor nodes. It has been shown that the controlled mobility offered by mobile sensors can be exploited to improve the energy efficiency of a network. In this thesis, we propose schemes that use mobile sensor nodes to reduce the energy consumption of data-intensive WSNs. Our approaches differ from previous work in two main aspects. First, our approaches do not require complex motion planning of mobile nodes, and hence can be implemented on a number of low-cost mobile sensor platforms. Second, we integrate the energy consumption due to both mobility and wireless communications into a holistic optimization framework. We consider three problems arising from the limited energy in the sensor nodes. In the first problem, the network consists of mostly static nodes and contains only a few mobile nodes. In the second and third problems, we assume essentially that all nodes in the WSN are mobile. We first study a new problem called max-data mobile relay configuration (MMRC ) that finds the positions of a set of mobile sensors, referred to as relays, that maximize the total amount of data gathered by the network during its lifetime. We show that the MMRC problem is surprisingly complex even for a trivial network topology due to the joint consideration of the energy consumption of both wireless communication and mechanical locomotion. We present optimal MMRC algorithms and practical distributed implementations for several important network topologies and applications. Second, we consider the problem of minimizing the total energy consumption of a network. We design an iterative algorithm that improves a given configuration by relocating nodes to new positions. We show that this algorithm converges to the optimal configuration for the given transmission routes. Moreover, we propose an efficient distributed implementation that does not require explicit synchronization. Finally, we consider the problem of maximizing the lifetime of the network. We propose an approach that exploits the mobility of the nodes to balance the energy consumption throughout the network. We develop efficient algorithms for single and multiple round approaches. For all three problems, we evaluate the efficiency of our algorithms through simulations. Our simulation results based on realistic energy models obtained from existing mobile and static sensor platforms show that our approaches significantly improve the network's performance and outperform existing approaches.

Astronaut Story Musgrave during final stages of exercise in the WETF

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1982-01-01

Astronaut Story Musgrave, STS-6 mission specialist, checks a sequence list on his spacesuit during the final stages of suit-donning exercise in the weightless environment test facility (WETF). He is wearing the full extravehicular mobility unit (EMU), including helmet and gloves and is strapped in to the platform for movement into the water.

Smart SPHERES: A Telerobotic Free-Flyer for Intravehicular Activities in Space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fong, Terrence; Micire, Mark J.; Morse, Ted; Park, Eric; Provencher, Chris; To, Vinh; Wheeler, D. W.; Mittman, David; Torres, R. Jay; Smith, Ernest

2013-01-01

Smart SPHERES is a prototype free-flying space robot based on the SPHERES platform. Smart SPHERES can be remotely operated by astronauts inside a spacecraft, or by mission controllers on the ground. We developed Smart SPHERES to perform a variety of intravehicular activities (IVA), such as operations inside the International Space Station (ISS). These IVA tasks include environmental monitoring surveys (radiation, sound levels, etc.), inventory, and mobile camera work. In this paper, we first discuss the motivation for free-flying space robots. We then describe the development of the Smart SPHERES prototype, including avionics, software, and data communications. Finally, we present results of initial flight tests on-board the ISS.

Smart SPHERES: A Telerobotic Free-Flyer for Intravehicular Activities in Space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fong, Terrence; Micire, Mark J.; Morse, Ted; Park, Eric; Provencher, Chris

2013-01-01

Smart SPHERES is a prototype free-flying space robot based on the SPHERES platform. Smart SPHERES can be remotely operated by astronauts inside a spacecraft, or by mission controllers on the ground. We developed Smart SPHERES to perform a variety of intravehicular activities (IVA), such as operations inside the International Space Station (ISS). These IVA tasks include environmental monitoring surveys (radiation, sound levels, etc.), inventory, and mobile camera work. In this paper, we first discuss the motivation for free- flying space robots. We then describe the development of the Smart SPHERES prototype, including avionics, software, and data communications. Finally, we present results of initial flight tests on-board the ISS.

Long-term mobile phone use and brain tumor risk.

PubMed

Lönn, Stefan; Ahlbom, Anders; Hall, Per; Feychting, Maria

2005-03-15

Handheld mobile phones were introduced in Sweden during the late 1980s. The purpose of this population-based, case-control study was to test the hypothesis that long-term mobile phone use increases the risk of brain tumors. The authors identified all cases aged 20-69 years who were diagnosed with glioma or meningioma during 2000-2002 in certain parts of Sweden. Randomly selected controls were stratified on age, gender, and residential area. Detailed information about mobile phone use was collected from 371 (74%) glioma and 273 (85%) meningioma cases and 674 (71%) controls. For regular mobile phone use, the odds ratio was 0.8 (95% confidence interval: 0.6, 1.0) for glioma and 0.7 (95% confidence interval: 0.5, 0.9) for meningioma. Similar results were found for more than 10 years' duration of mobile phone use. No risk increase was found for ipsilateral phone use for tumors located in the temporal and parietal lobes. Furthermore, the odds ratio did not increase, regardless of tumor histology, type of phone, and amount of use. This study includes a large number of long-term mobile phone users, and the authors conclude that the data do not support the hypothesis that mobile phone use is related to an increased risk of glioma or meningioma.

Effect of Media Usage Selection on Social Mobilization Speed: Facebook vs E-Mail.

PubMed

Wang, Jing; Madnick, Stuart; Li, Xitong; Alstott, Jeff; Velu, Chander

2015-01-01

Social mobilization is a process that enlists a large number of people to achieve a goal within a limited time, especially through the use of social media. There is increasing interest in understanding the factors that affect the speed of social mobilization. Based on the Langley Knights competition data set, we analyzed the differences in mobilization speed between users of Facebook and e-mail. We include other factors that may influence mobilization speed (gender, age, timing, and homophily of information source) in our model as control variables in order to isolate the effect of such factors. We show that, in this experiment, although more people used e-mail to recruit, the mobilization speed of Facebook users was faster than that of those that used e-mail. We were also able to measure and show that the mobilization speed for Facebook users was on average seven times faster compared to e-mail before controlling for other factors. After controlling for other factors, we show that Facebook users were 1.84 times more likely to register compared to e-mail users in the next period if they have not done so at any point in time. This finding could provide useful insights for future social mobilization efforts.

Effect of Media Usage Selection on Social Mobilization Speed: Facebook vs E-Mail

PubMed Central

Wang, Jing; Madnick, Stuart; Li, Xitong; Alstott, Jeff; Velu, Chander

2015-01-01

Social mobilization is a process that enlists a large number of people to achieve a goal within a limited time, especially through the use of social media. There is increasing interest in understanding the factors that affect the speed of social mobilization. Based on the Langley Knights competition data set, we analyzed the differences in mobilization speed between users of Facebook and e-mail. We include other factors that may influence mobilization speed (gender, age, timing, and homophily of information source) in our model as control variables in order to isolate the effect of such factors. We show that, in this experiment, although more people used e-mail to recruit, the mobilization speed of Facebook users was faster than that of those that used e-mail. We were also able to measure and show that the mobilization speed for Facebook users was on average seven times faster compared to e-mail before controlling for other factors. After controlling for other factors, we show that Facebook users were 1.84 times more likely to register compared to e-mail users in the next period if they have not done so at any point in time. This finding could provide useful insights for future social mobilization efforts. PMID:26422171

Student use and pedagogical impact of a mobile learning application.

PubMed

Teri, Saskia; Acai, Anita; Griffith, Douglas; Mahmoud, Qusay; Ma, David W L; Newton, Genevieve

2014-01-01

Mobile learning (m-learning) is a relevant innovation in teaching and learning in higher education. A mobile app called NutriBiochem was developed for use in biochemistry and nutrition education for students in a second year Biochemistry and Metabolism course. NutriBiochem was accessed through smartphones, tablets, or computers. Students were surveyed upon completion of the final exam (n = 88). Survey questions assessed frequency of use, motivations for use, and perceptions of app usefulness. The pedagogical impact of NutriBiochem was evaluated by measuring the relationship between frequency of use and final course grade. Just over half of the students used the app, and ∼80% of users accessed the app moderately or infrequently. Smartphones were the most common device and the preferred device on which to access the app. There were no statistical differences in mean final grade between users and nonusers. Students with higher comfort levels with technology accessed the app more broadly than those with lower level of comfort with technology. Over 75% of students agreed that NutriBiochem was a useful learning tool, but fewer (∼45%) felt it helped them perform better in the course. The findings of this study are important, as they suggest that NutriBiochem is an effective study tool for students who are comfortable with technology, and access it regularly. Overall, the use of mobile applications in science education has been shown to be: 1) effective in enhancing students' learning experience; 2) relevant and important as an emergent method of learning given modern pressures facing higher education; and, 3) met with positive student attitudes and perceptions in terms of adopting and using such technology for educational purposes. © 2013 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

47 CFR 90.476 - Interconnection of fixed stations and certain mobile stations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... mobile stations. 90.476 Section 90.476 Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED) SAFETY AND SPECIAL RADIO SERVICES PRIVATE LAND MOBILE RADIO SERVICES Transmitter Control Interconnected Systems § 90.476 Interconnection of fixed stations and certain mobile stations. (a) Fixed stations and...

Pooled analysis of case-control studies on malignant brain tumours and the use of mobile and cordless phones including living and deceased subjects.

PubMed

Hardell, Lennart; Carlberg, Michael; Hansson Mild, Kjell

2011-05-01

We studied the association between use of mobile and cordless phones and malignant brain tumours. Pooled analysis was performed of two case-control studies on patients with malignant brain tumours diagnosed during 1997-2003 and matched controls alive at the time of study inclusion and one case-control study on deceased patients and controls diagnosed during the same time period. Cases and controls or relatives to deceased subjects were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Replies were obtained for 1,251 (85%) cases and 2,438 (84%) controls. The risk increased with latency period and cumulative use in hours for both mobile and cordless phones. Highest risk was found for the most common type of glioma, astrocytoma, yielding in the >10 year latency group for mobile phone use odds ratio (OR) = 2.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.9-3.7 and cordless phone use OR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.2-2.9. In a separate analysis, these phone types were independent risk factors for glioma. The risk for astrocytoma was highest in the group with first use of a wireless phone before the age of 20; mobile phone use OR = 4.9, 95% CI = 2.2-11, cordless phone use OR = 3.9, 95% CI = 1.7-8.7. In conclusion, an increased risk was found for glioma and use of mobile or cordless phone. The risk increased with latency time and cumulative use in hours and was highest in subjects with first use before the age of 20.

Fixed or mobile-bearing total knee arthroplasty

PubMed Central

Huang, Chun-Hsiung; Liau, Jiann-Jong; Cheng, Cheng-Kung

2007-01-01

Fixed and mobile-bearing in total knee arthroplasty are still discussed controversially. In this article, biomechanical and clinical aspects in both fixed and mobile-bearing designs were reviewed. In biomechanical aspect, the mobile-bearing design has proved to provide less tibiofemoral contact stresses under tibiofemoral malalignment conditions. It also provides less wear rate in in-vitro simulator test. Patients with posterior stabilized mobile-bearing knees had more axial tibiofemoral rotation than patients with posterior stabilized fixed-bearing knees during gait as well as in a deep knee-bend activity. However, in clinical aspect, the mid-term or long-term survivorship of mobile-bearing knees has no superiority over that of fixed-bearing knees. The theoretical advantages for mobile-bearing design to provide a long-term durability have not been demonstrated by any outcome studies. Finally, the fixed-bearing design with all-polyethylene tibial component is suggested for relatively inactive, elder people. The mobile-bearing design is suggested for younger or higher-demand patients due to the potential for reduced polyethylene wear and more normal kinematics response after joint replacement. For younger surgeon, the fixed-bearing design is suggested due to less demand for surgical technique. For experienced surgeon, one familiar surgical protocol and instrumentation is suggested rather than implant design, either fixed-bearing or mobile-bearing. PMID:17204165

Fixed or mobile-bearing total knee arthroplasty.

PubMed

Huang, Chun-Hsiung; Liau, Jiann-Jong; Cheng, Cheng-Kung

2007-01-05

Fixed and mobile-bearing in total knee arthroplasty are still discussed controversially. In this article, biomechanical and clinical aspects in both fixed and mobile-bearing designs were reviewed. In biomechanical aspect, the mobile-bearing design has proved to provide less tibiofemoral contact stresses under tibiofemoral malalignment conditions. It also provides less wear rate in in-vitro simulator test. Patients with posterior stabilized mobile-bearing knees had more axial tibiofemoral rotation than patients with posterior stabilized fixed-bearing knees during gait as well as in a deep knee-bend activity. However, in clinical aspect, the mid-term or long-term survivorship of mobile-bearing knees has no superiority over that of fixed-bearing knees. The theoretical advantages for mobile-bearing design to provide a long-term durability have not been demonstrated by any outcome studies. Finally, the fixed-bearing design with all-polyethylene tibial component is suggested for relatively inactive, elder people. The mobile-bearing design is suggested for younger or higher-demand patients due to the potential for reduced polyethylene wear and more normal kinematics response after joint replacement. For younger surgeon, the fixed-bearing design is suggested due to less demand for surgical technique. For experienced surgeon, one familiar surgical protocol and instrumentation is suggested rather than implant design, either fixed-bearing or mobile-bearing.

Popularity Modeling for Mobile Apps: A Sequential Approach.

PubMed

Zhu, Hengshu; Liu, Chuanren; Ge, Yong; Xiong, Hui; Chen, Enhong

2015-07-01

The popularity information in App stores, such as chart rankings, user ratings, and user reviews, provides an unprecedented opportunity to understand user experiences with mobile Apps, learn the process of adoption of mobile Apps, and thus enables better mobile App services. While the importance of popularity information is well recognized in the literature, the use of the popularity information for mobile App services is still fragmented and under-explored. To this end, in this paper, we propose a sequential approach based on hidden Markov model (HMM) for modeling the popularity information of mobile Apps toward mobile App services. Specifically, we first propose a popularity based HMM (PHMM) to model the sequences of the heterogeneous popularity observations of mobile Apps. Then, we introduce a bipartite based method to precluster the popularity observations. This can help to learn the parameters and initial values of the PHMM efficiently. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the PHMM is a general model and can be applicable for various mobile App services, such as trend based App recommendation, rating and review spam detection, and ranking fraud detection. Finally, we validate our approach on two real-world data sets collected from the Apple Appstore. Experimental results clearly validate both the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed popularity modeling approach.

The Effect of Joint Mobilization on Dynamic Postural Control in Patients With Chronic Ankle Instability: A Critically Appraised Topic.

PubMed

Kosik, Kyle B; Gribble, Phillip A

2018-01-01

Clinical Scenario: Dorsiflexion range of motion is an important factor in the performance of the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT). While patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI) commonly experience decreased reach distances on the SEBT, ankle joint mobilization has been suggested to be an effective therapeutic intervention for targeting dorsiflexion range of motion. What is the evidence to support ankle joint mobilization for improving performance on the SEBT in patients with CAI? Summary of Key Findings: The literature was searched for articles examining the effects of ankle joint mobilization on scores of the SEBT. A total of 3 peer-reviewed articles were retrieved, 2 prospective individual cohort studies and 1 randomized controlled trial. Only 2 articles demonstrated favorable results following 6 sessions of ankle joint mobilization. Clinical Bottom Line: Despite the mixed results, the majority of the available evidence suggests that ankle joint mobilization improves dynamic postural control. Strength of Recommendation: In accordance with the Centre of Evidence Based Medicine, the inconsistent results and the limited high-quality studies indicate that there is level C evidence to support the use of ankle joint mobilization to improve performance on the SEBT in patients with CAI.

Method for determining asphaltene stability of a hydrocarbon-containing material

DOEpatents

Schabron, John F; Rovani, Jr., Joseph F

2013-02-05

A method for determining asphaltene stability in a hydrocarbon-containing material having solvated asphaltenes therein is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, it involves the steps of: (a) precipitating an amount of the asphaltenes from a liquid sample of the hydrocarbon-containing material with an alkane mobile phase solvent in a column; (b) dissolving a first amount and a second amount of the precipitated asphaltenes by changing the alkane mobile phase solvent to a final mobile phase solvent having a solubility parameter that is higher than the alkane mobile phase solvent; (c) monitoring the concentration of eluted fractions from the column; (d) creating a solubility profile of the dissolved asphaltenes in the hydrocarbon-containing material; and (e) determining one or more asphaltene stability parameters of the hydrocarbon-containing material.

Behavioral functionality of mobile apps in health interventions: a systematic review of the literature.

PubMed

Payne, Hannah E; Lister, Cameron; West, Joshua H; Bernhardt, Jay M

2015-02-26

Several thousand mobile phone apps are available to download to mobile phones for health and fitness. Mobile phones may provide a unique means of administering health interventions to populations. The purpose of this systematic review was to systematically search and describe the literature on mobile apps used in health behavior interventions, describe the behavioral features and focus of health apps, and to evaluate the potential of apps to disseminate health behavior interventions. We conducted a review of the literature in September 2014 using key search terms in several relevant scientific journal databases. Only English articles pertaining to health interventions using mobile phone apps were included in the final sample. The 24 studies identified for this review were primarily feasibility and pilot studies of mobile apps with small sample sizes. All studies were informed by behavioral theories or strategies, with self-monitoring as the most common construct. Acceptability of mobile phone apps was high among mobile phone users. The lack of large sample studies using mobile phone apps may signal a need for additional studies on the potential use of mobile apps to assist individuals in changing their health behaviors. Of these studies, there is early evidence that apps are well received by users. Based on available research, mobile apps may be considered a feasible and acceptable means of administering health interventions, but a greater number of studies and more rigorous research and evaluations are needed to determine efficacy and establish evidence for best practices.

The logic of communication: roles for mobile transcription factors in plants.

PubMed

Long, Yuchen; Scheres, Ben; Blilou, Ikram

2015-02-01

Mobile transcription factors play many roles in plant development. Here, we compare the use of mobile transcription factors as signals with some canonical signal transduction processes in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. After an initial survey, we focus on the SHORT-ROOT pathway in Arabidopsis roots to show that, despite the simplicity of the concept of mobile transcription factor signalling, many lines of evidence reveal a surprising complexity in control mechanisms linked to this process. We argue that these controls bestow precision, robustness, and versatility on mobile transcription factor signalling. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Experimental Biology. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Design of a wheeled articulating land rover

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stauffer, Larry; Dilorenzo, Mathew; Yandle, Barbara

1994-01-01

The WALRUS is a wheeled articulating land rover that will provide Ames Research Center with a reliable, autonomous vehicle for demonstrating and evaluating advanced technologies. The vehicle is one component of the Ames Research Center's on-going Human Exploration Demonstration Project. Ames Research Center requested a system capable of traversing a broad spectrum of surface types and obstacles. In addition, this vehicle must have an autonomous navigation and control system on board and its own source of power. The resulting design is a rover that articulates in two planes of motion to allow for increased mobility and stability. The rover is driven by six conical shaped aluminum wheels, each with an independent, internally coupled motor. Mounted on the rover are two housings and a removable remote control system. In the housings, the motor controller board, tilt sensor, navigation circuitry, and QED board are mounted. Finally, the rover's motors and electronics are powered by thirty C-cell rechargeable batteries, which are located in the rover wheels and recharged by a specially designed battery charger.

Tridodecylamine, an efficient charge control agent in non-polar media for electrophoretic inks application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Noel, Amélie; Mirbel, Déborah; Cloutet, Eric; Fleury, Guillaume; Schatz, Christophe; Navarro, Christophe; Hadziioannou, Georges; CyrilBrochon

2018-01-01

In order to obtain efficient electrophoretic inks, Tridodecylamine (Dod3N), has been studied as charge control agent (CCA) in a non-polar paraffin solvent (Isopar G) for various inorganic pigments (TiO2 and Fe2O3). All hydrophobic mineral oxides, i.e. treated with octyltrimethoxysilane (C8) or dodecyltrimethoxysilane (C12), were found to be negatively charged in presence of Dod3N. The electrophoretic mobilities of inorganic pigments seemed to be strongly dependent of their isoelectric point (IEP) and also of the concentration of dod3N with an optimum range between 10 and 20 mM depending on the pigments. Finally, an electrophoretic ink constituted of hydrophobic mineral oxides in presence of Dod3N was tested in a device. Its efficiency as charge control agent to negatively charge hydrophobic particles was confirmed through good optical properties and fast response time (220 ms at 200 kV m-1).

Understanding and Controlling the Aggregative Growth of Platinum Nanoparticles in Atomic Layer Deposition: An Avenue to Size Selection

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

We present an atomistic understanding of the evolution of the size distribution with temperature and number of cycles in atomic layer deposition (ALD) of Pt nanoparticles (NPs). Atomistic modeling of our experiments teaches us that the NPs grow mostly via NP diffusion and coalescence rather than through single-atom processes such as precursor chemisorption, atom attachment, and Ostwald ripening. In particular, our analysis shows that the NP aggregation takes place during the oxygen half-reaction and that the NP mobility exhibits a size- and temperature-dependent scaling. Finally, we show that contrary to what has been widely reported, in general, one cannot simply control the NP size by the number of cycles alone. Instead, while the amount of Pt deposited can be precisely controlled over a wide range of temperatures, ALD-like precision over the NP size requires low deposition temperatures (e.g., T < 100 °C) when growth is dominated by atom attachment. PMID:28178779

Bioinspired microrobots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Palagi, Stefano; Fischer, Peer

2018-06-01

Microorganisms can move in complex media, respond to the environment and self-organize. The field of microrobotics strives to achieve these functions in mobile robotic systems of sub-millimetre size. However, miniaturization of traditional robots and their control systems to the microscale is not a viable approach. A promising alternative strategy in developing microrobots is to implement sensing, actuation and control directly in the materials, thereby mimicking biological matter. In this Review, we discuss design principles and materials for the implementation of robotic functionalities in microrobots. We examine different biological locomotion strategies, and we discuss how they can be artificially recreated in magnetic microrobots and how soft materials improve control and performance. We show that smart, stimuli-responsive materials can act as on-board sensors and actuators and that `active matter' enables autonomous motion, navigation and collective behaviours. Finally, we provide a critical outlook for the field of microrobotics and highlight the challenges that need to be overcome to realize sophisticated microrobots, which one day might rival biological machines.

Portable control device for networked mobile robots

DOEpatents

Feddema, John T.; Byrne, Raymond H.; Bryan, Jon R.; Harrington, John J.; Gladwell, T. Scott

2002-01-01

A handheld control device provides a way for controlling one or multiple mobile robotic vehicles by incorporating a handheld computer with a radio board. The device and software use a personal data organizer as the handheld computer with an additional microprocessor and communication device on a radio board for use in controlling one robot or multiple networked robots.

Mobilization and transport of pollutants in an abandoned dump in tropical conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pelinson, Natalia; Shinzato, Marjolly; Wendland, Edson

2017-04-01

The valuation and treatment techniques of municipal solid waste (MSW) in developing countries are not sufficiently developed, and therefore, the volume of waste destined for disposal still presents significant amounts. In Brazil, the more common practice of final destination is the deposition on the soil, due to its simple operation and low cost compared to other techniques. One of the most serious negative environmental impacts in the irregular disposal of solid waste is the contamination of soil and groundwater by waste leachates. The final disposal in dumps is forbidden by Brazilian law since 2010, nevertheless, the public administration is not prepared to monitor waste disposal areas and the risk of contamination of water. In this sense, a research has been developed in an abandoned dump installed over an outcrop of the Botucatu Formation, which is part of the Guarani Aquifer System (SAG) and therefore, is an area of high water vulnerability. In this dump, an old gully was used as a final waste disposal area for urban, construction and demolition, medical and industrial waste from 1980 to 1996. Since the end of the deposition, the waste body is kept with inefficient hydraulic control. The water infiltration due to rainfall promotes the mobility of contaminant in the deposit. The present water quality in the dump has been monitored through physical and chemical analysis of samples collected in the unsaturated zone (inside the waste mass using vacuum lysimeters) and in the saturated zone (monitoring wells). The rainfall variation observed in the years 2014 (dry year) and 2015 (wet year) contributed significantly to evaluate the mobilization of pollutants within the dump. The reduction of the water volume that infiltrates the waste mass affected the quality of the leachate collected in the lysimeters. The groundwater collected in monitoring wells outside the dump area presents low turbidity values (<1.50 NTU) in relation to wells located downstream of the dump showed values greater than 10, a similar behavior was observed for the conductivity (>1000 µS.cma-1 in leachate) and chlorides values (>800 mg.L-1). Contaminated water flows through the bottom of the dump. In addition, this research also indicates amendments of surface water downstream of the dump area.

25th anniversary article: key points for high-mobility organic field-effect transistors.

PubMed

Dong, Huanli; Fu, Xiaolong; Liu, Jie; Wang, Zongrui; Hu, Wenping

2013-11-20

Remarkable progress has been made in developing high performance organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) and the mobility of OFETs has been approaching the values of polycrystalline silicon, meeting the requirements of various electronic applications from electronic papers to integrated circuits. In this review, the key points for development of high mobility OFETs are highlighted from aspects of molecular engineering, process engineering and interface engineering. The importance of other factors, such as impurities and testing conditions is also addressed. Finally, the current challenges in this field for practical applications of OFETs are further discussed. © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Enhancing emergency care in low-income countries using mobile technology-based training tools.

PubMed

Edgcombe, Hilary; Paton, Chris; English, Mike

2016-12-01

In this paper, we discuss the role of mobile technology in developing training tools for health workers, with particular reference to low-income countries (LICs). The global and technological context is outlined, followed by a summary of approaches to using and evaluating mobile technology for learning in healthcare. Finally, recommendations are made for those developing and using such tools, based on current literature and the authors' involvement in the field. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.

The Establishment of a Systematic Program of Mobility Instruction for Blind Persons in the District of Columbia. Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thompson, William W.

To train blind persons in the use of the long cane mobility technique and to reach a variety of clients, a demonstration used the trainee's home as a base of operation. Of 198 referrals during the 3-year project, 61 persons started training and 42 persons between the ages of 12 and 92 successfully completed the instruction. Trainees began to learn…

47 CFR 2.402 - Control of distress traffic.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... distress traffic. The control of distress traffic is the responsibility of the mobile station in distress or of the mobile station which, by the application of the provisions of § 2.403, has sent the...

The design of mobile robot control system for the aged and the disabled

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qiang, Wang; Lei, Shi; Xiang, Gao; Jin, Zhang

2017-01-01

This paper designs a control system of mobile robot for the aged and the disabled, which consists of two main parts: human-computer interaction and drive control module. The data of the two parts is transferred via universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter. In the former part, the speed and direction information of the mobile robot is obtained by hall joystick. In the latter part, the electronic differential algorithm is developed to implement the robot mobile function by driving two-wheel motors. In order to improve the comfort of the robot when speed or direction is changed, the least squares algorithm is used to optimize the speed characteristic curves of the two motors. Experimental results have verified the effectiveness of the designed system.

Mobile Immersion: An Experiment Using Mobile Instant Messenger to Support Second-Language Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lai, Arthur

2016-01-01

Immersion has been an acclaimed approach for second-language acquisition, but is not available to most students. The idea of this study was to create a mobile immersion environment on a smartphone using a mobile instant messenger, WhatsApp™. Forty-five Form-1 (7th grade) students divided into the Mobile Group and Control Group participated in a…

The Effectiveness of Self-Management Mobile Phone and Tablet Apps in Long-term Condition Management: A Systematic Review.

PubMed

Whitehead, Lisa; Seaton, Philippa

2016-05-16

Long-term conditions and their concomitant management place considerable pressure on patients, communities, and health care systems worldwide. International clinical guidelines on the majority of long-term conditions recommend the inclusion of self-management programs in routine management. Self-management programs have been associated with improved health outcomes; however, the successful and sustainable transfer of research programs into clinical practice has been inconsistent. Recent developments in mobile technology, such as mobile phone and tablet computer apps, could help in developing a platform for the delivery of self-management interventions that are adaptable, of low cost, and easily accessible. We conducted a systematic review to assess the effectiveness of mobile phone and tablet apps in self-management of key symptoms of long-term conditions. We searched PubMed, Embase, EBSCO databases, the Cochrane Library, and The Joanna Briggs Institute Library for randomized controlled trials that assessed the effectiveness of mobile phone and tablet apps in self-management of diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and chronic lung diseases from 2005-2016. We searched registers of current and ongoing trials, as well as the gray literature. We then checked the reference lists of all primary studies and review papers for additional references. The last search was run in February 2016. Of the 9 papers we reviewed, 6 of the interventions demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in the primary measure of clinical outcome. Where the intervention comprised an app only, 3 studies demonstrated a statistically significant improvement. Interventions to address diabetes mellitus (5/9) were the most common, followed by chronic lung disease (3/9) and cardiovascular disease (1/9). A total of 3 studies included multiple intervention groups using permutations of an intervention involving an app. The duration of the intervention ranged from 6 weeks to 1 year, and final follow-up data ranged from 3 months to 1 year. Sample size ranged from 48 to 288 participants. The evidence indicates the potential of apps in improving symptom management through self-management interventions. The use of apps in mHealth has the potential to improve health outcomes among those living with chronic diseases through enhanced symptom control. Further innovation, optimization, and rigorous research around the potential of apps in mHealth technology will move the field toward the reality of improved health care delivery and outcomes.

Large-area synthesis of WSe2 from WO3 by selenium-oxygen ion exchange

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Browning, Paul; Eichfeld, Sarah; Zhang, Kehao; Hossain, Lorraine; Lin, Yu-Chuan; Wang, Ke; Lu, Ning; Waite, A. R.; Voevodin, A. A.; Kim, Moon; Robinson, Joshua A.

2015-03-01

Few-layer tungsten diselenide (WSe2) is attractive as a next-generation electronic material as it exhibits modest carrier mobilities and energy band gap in the visible spectra, making it appealing for photovoltaic and low-powered electronic applications. Here we demonstrate the scalable synthesis of large-area, few-layer WSe2 via replacement of oxygen in hexagonally stabilized tungsten oxide films using dimethyl selenium. Cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy reveals successful control of the final WSe2 film thickness through control of initial tungsten oxide thickness, as well as development of layered films with grain sizes up to several hundred nanometers. Raman spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy confirms high crystal uniformity of the converted WSe2, and time domain thermo-reflectance provide evidence that near record low thermal conductivity is achievable in ultra-thin WSe2 using this method.

Multilayer Statistical Intrusion Detection in Wireless Networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamdi, Mohamed; Meddeb-Makhlouf, Amel; Boudriga, Noureddine

2008-12-01

The rapid proliferation of mobile applications and services has introduced new vulnerabilities that do not exist in fixed wired networks. Traditional security mechanisms, such as access control and encryption, turn out to be inefficient in modern wireless networks. Given the shortcomings of the protection mechanisms, an important research focuses in intrusion detection systems (IDSs). This paper proposes a multilayer statistical intrusion detection framework for wireless networks. The architecture is adequate to wireless networks because the underlying detection models rely on radio parameters and traffic models. Accurate correlation between radio and traffic anomalies allows enhancing the efficiency of the IDS. A radio signal fingerprinting technique based on the maximal overlap discrete wavelet transform (MODWT) is developed. Moreover, a geometric clustering algorithm is presented. Depending on the characteristics of the fingerprinting technique, the clustering algorithm permits to control the false positive and false negative rates. Finally, simulation experiments have been carried out to validate the proposed IDS.

Soft Pushing Operation with Dual Compliance Controllers Based on Estimated Torque and Visual Force

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muis, Abdul; Ohnishi, Kouhei

Sensor fusion extends robot ability to perform more complex tasks. An interesting application in such an issue is pushing operation, in which through multi-sensor, the robot moves an object by pushing it. Generally, a pushing operation consists of “approaching, touching, and pushing"(1). However, most researches in this field are dealing with how the pushed object follows the predefined trajectory. In which, the implication as the robot body or the tool-tip hits an object is neglected. Obviously on collision, the robot momentum may crash sensor, robot's surface or even the object. For that reason, this paper proposes a soft pushing operation with dual compliance controllers. Mainly, a compliance control is a control system with trajectory compensation so that the external force may be followed. In this paper, the first compliance controller is driven by estimated external force based on reaction torque observer(2), which compensates contact sensation. The other one compensates non-contact sensation. Obviously, a contact sensation, acquired from force sensor either reaction torque observer of an object, is measurable once the robot touched the object. Therefore, a non-contact sensation is introduced before touching an object, which is realized with visual sensor in this paper. Here, instead of using visual information as command reference, the visual information such as depth, is treated as virtual force for the second compliance controller. Thus, having contact and non-contact sensation, the robot will be compliant with wider sensation. This paper considers a heavy mobile manipulator and a heavy object, which have significant momentum on touching stage. A chopstick is attached on the object side to show the effectiveness of the proposed method. Here, both compliance controllers adjust the mobile manipulator command reference to provide soft pushing operation. Finally, the experimental result shows the validity of the proposed method.

A proof of concept investigation: A unique mobility spectrometer for In Situ diagnostics of positive and negative ion distributions in the mesosphere and lower ionosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Szuszczewicz, Edward P.

1996-01-01

We have carried out a proof-of-concept development and test effort that not only promises the reduction of parasitic effects of surface contamination (therefore increasing the integrity of 'in situ' measurements in the 60-130 km regime), but promises a uniquely expanded measurement set that includes electron densities, plasma conductivities, charged-particle mobilities, and mass discrimination of positive and negative ion distributions throughout the continuum to free-molecular-flow regimes. Three different sensor configurations were designed, built and tested, along with specialized driving voltage, electrometer and channeltron control electronics. The individual systems were tested in a variety of simulated space environments ranging from pressures near the continuum limit of 100 mTorr to the collisionless regime at 10(exp -6) Torr. Swept modes were initially employed to better understand ion optics and ion 'beam' losses to end walls and to control electrodes. This swept mode also helped better understand and mitigate the influences of secondary electrons on the overall performance of the PIMS design concept. Final results demonstrated the utility of the concept in dominant single-ion plasma environments. Accumulated information, including theoretical concepts and laboratory data, suggest that multi-ion diagnostics are fully within the instrument capabilities and that cold plasma tests with minimized pre-aperture sheath acceleration are the key ingredients to multi-ion success.

The advantages of combining low-density lipoproteins with glutamine for cryopreservation of canine semen.

PubMed

Bencharif, D; Amirat, L; Pascal, O; Anton, M; Schmitt, E; Desherces, S; Delhomme, G; Langlois, M-L; Barrière, P; Larrat, M; Tainturier, D

2010-04-01

Twenty sperm samples from five dogs were frozen in liquid nitrogen at -196 degrees C in 16 different media, two control media containing 20% egg yolk and 6% low-density lipoproteins (LDL); 10 test media containing 6% LDL (the active cryoprotective ingredient of chicken egg yolk) combined with 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, and 100 mmol of glutamine respectively at 4%, 5%, 7%, and 8% LDL. Following thawing, sperm mobility was assessed using an image analyser, HAMILTON THORN CERROS 12. The percentage of mobile spermatozoa was 62.05% in the 6% LDL + 20 mmol glutamine medium compared with 48.90% in the egg yolk-based medium (p < 0.05) or 57.55% for the 6% LDL medium (p < 0.05). Furthermore, in most cases, the motility parameters (average path velocity, curvilinear velocity, straight line velocity) in the 6% LDL + 20 mmol glutamine medium, were superior, to a statistically significant extent, to those in the control media. Finally, the 6% LDL + 20 mmol glutamine combination provides spermatozoa with better protection during freezing than egg yolk or the 6% LDL medium alone in terms of acrosome integrity (fluorescein isothiocyanate--Pisum sativum agglutinin test: p < 0.05), the flagellar plasma membrane (hypo-osmotic test: p < 0.05 for 6% LDL), the DNA (acridine orange test; no significant difference) and the integrity of the acrosome (Spermac test: no significant difference).

Executive function processes predict mobility outcomes in older adults.

PubMed

Gothe, Neha P; Fanning, Jason; Awick, Elizabeth; Chung, David; Wójcicki, Thomas R; Olson, Erin A; Mullen, Sean P; Voss, Michelle; Erickson, Kirk I; Kramer, Arthur F; McAuley, Edward

2014-02-01

To examine the relationship between performance on executive function measures and subsequent mobility outcomes in community-dwelling older adults. Randomized controlled clinical trial. Champaign-Urbana, Illinois. Community-dwelling older adults (N = 179; mean age 66.4). A 12-month exercise trial with two arms: an aerobic exercise group and a stretching and strengthening group. Established cognitive tests of executive function (flanker task, task switching, and a dual-task paradigm) and the Wisconsin card sort test. Mobility was assessed using the timed 8-foot up and go test and times to climb up and down a flight of stairs. Participants completed the cognitive tests at baseline and the mobility measures at baseline and after 12 months of the intervention. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to determine whether baseline executive function predicted postintervention functional performance after controlling for age, sex, education, cardiorespiratory fitness, and baseline mobility levels. Selective baseline executive function measurements, particularly performance on the flanker task (β = 0.15-0.17) and the Wisconsin card sort test (β = 0.11-0.16) consistently predicted mobility outcomes at 12 months. The estimates were in the expected direction, such that better baseline performance on the executive function measures predicted better performance on the timed mobility tests independent of intervention. Executive functions of inhibitory control, mental set shifting, and attentional flexibility were predictive of functional mobility. Given the literature associating mobility limitations with disability, morbidity, and mortality, these results are important for understanding the antecedents to poor mobility function that well-designed interventions to improve cognitive performance can attenuate. © 2014, Copyright the Authors Journal compilation © 2014, The American Geriatrics Society.

Mobile phones: Reservoirs for the transmission of nosocomial pathogens.

PubMed

Pal, Shekhar; Juyal, Deepak; Adekhandi, Shamanth; Sharma, Munesh; Prakash, Rajat; Sharma, Neelam; Rana, Amit; Parihar, Ashwin

2015-01-01

Global burden of hospital-associated infection (HAI) is on the rise and contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality of the patients. Mobile phones are indispensible part of communication among doctors and other health care workers (HCWs) in hospitals. Hands of HCWs play an important role in transmission of HAI and mobile phones which are seldom cleaned and often touched during or after the examination of patients without hand washing can act as a reservoir for transmission of potent pathogens. This study aimed to investigate the rate of bacterial contamination of mobile phones among HCWs in our tertiary care hospital and to compare it with personal mobile phones of non-HCWs (control group). The mobile phones and dominant hands of 386 participants were sampled from four different groups, hospital doctors and staff (132), college faculty and staff (54), medical students (100) and control group (100). Informed consent and questionnaire was duly signed by all the participants. Samples were processed according to standard guidelines. 316 mobile phones (81.8%) and 309 hand swab samples (80%) showed growth of bacterial pathogens. The most predominant isolates were Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter species, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas species and Enterococcus species. Hundred percent contamination was found in mobile phones and hands of HCWs indicating mobile phones can be the potential source of nosocomial pathogens. Our study results suggest that use of mobile phones in health care setup should be restricted only for emergency calls. Strict adherence to infection control policies such as proper hand hygiene practices should be followed.

Mobile phones: Reservoirs for the transmission of nosocomial pathogens

PubMed Central

Pal, Shekhar; Juyal, Deepak; Adekhandi, Shamanth; Sharma, Munesh; Prakash, Rajat; Sharma, Neelam; Rana, Amit; Parihar, Ashwin

2015-01-01

Background: Global burden of hospital-associated infection (HAI) is on the rise and contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality of the patients. Mobile phones are indispensible part of communication among doctors and other health care workers (HCWs) in hospitals. Hands of HCWs play an important role in transmission of HAI and mobile phones which are seldom cleaned and often touched during or after the examination of patients without hand washing can act as a reservoir for transmission of potent pathogens. This study aimed to investigate the rate of bacterial contamination of mobile phones among HCWs in our tertiary care hospital and to compare it with personal mobile phones of non-HCWs (control group). Materials and Methods: The mobile phones and dominant hands of 386 participants were sampled from four different groups, hospital doctors and staff (132), college faculty and staff (54), medical students (100) and control group (100). Informed consent and questionnaire was duly signed by all the participants. Samples were processed according to standard guidelines. Results: 316 mobile phones (81.8%) and 309 hand swab samples (80%) showed growth of bacterial pathogens. The most predominant isolates were Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter species, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas species and Enterococcus species. Conclusion: Hundred percent contamination was found in mobile phones and hands of HCWs indicating mobile phones can be the potential source of nosocomial pathogens. Our study results suggest that use of mobile phones in health care setup should be restricted only for emergency calls. Strict adherence to infection control policies such as proper hand hygiene practices should be followed. PMID:26322292

Mobile phone based SCADA for industrial automation.

PubMed

Ozdemir, Engin; Karacor, Mevlut

2006-01-01

SCADA is the acronym for "Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition." SCADA systems are widely used in industry for supervisory control and data acquisition of industrial processes. Conventional SCADA systems use PC, notebook, thin client, and PDA as a client. In this paper, a Java-enabled mobile phone has been used as a client in a sample SCADA application in order to display and supervise the position of a sample prototype crane. The paper presents an actual implementation of the on-line controlling of the prototype crane via mobile phone. The wireless communication between the mobile phone and the SCADA server is performed by means of a base station via general packet radio service (GPRS) and wireless application protocol (WAP). Test results have indicated that the mobile phone based SCADA integration using the GPRS or WAP transfer scheme could enhance the performance of the crane in a day without causing an increase in the response times of SCADA functions. The operator can visualize and modify the plant parameters using his mobile phone, without reaching the site. In this way maintenance costs are reduced and productivity is increased.

Bioinspired Intelligent Algorithm and Its Applications for Mobile Robot Control: A Survey.

PubMed

Ni, Jianjun; Wu, Liuying; Fan, Xinnan; Yang, Simon X

2016-01-01

Bioinspired intelligent algorithm (BIA) is a kind of intelligent computing method, which is with a more lifelike biological working mechanism than other types. BIAs have made significant progress in both understanding of the neuroscience and biological systems and applying to various fields. Mobile robot control is one of the main application fields of BIAs which has attracted more and more attention, because mobile robots can be used widely and general artificial intelligent algorithms meet a development bottleneck in this field, such as complex computing and the dependence on high-precision sensors. This paper presents a survey of recent research in BIAs, which focuses on the research in the realization of various BIAs based on different working mechanisms and the applications for mobile robot control, to help in understanding BIAs comprehensively and clearly. The survey has four primary parts: a classification of BIAs from the biomimetic mechanism, a summary of several typical BIAs from different levels, an overview of current applications of BIAs in mobile robot control, and a description of some possible future directions for research.

Bioinspired Intelligent Algorithm and Its Applications for Mobile Robot Control: A Survey

PubMed Central

Ni, Jianjun; Wu, Liuying; Fan, Xinnan; Yang, Simon X.

2016-01-01

Bioinspired intelligent algorithm (BIA) is a kind of intelligent computing method, which is with a more lifelike biological working mechanism than other types. BIAs have made significant progress in both understanding of the neuroscience and biological systems and applying to various fields. Mobile robot control is one of the main application fields of BIAs which has attracted more and more attention, because mobile robots can be used widely and general artificial intelligent algorithms meet a development bottleneck in this field, such as complex computing and the dependence on high-precision sensors. This paper presents a survey of recent research in BIAs, which focuses on the research in the realization of various BIAs based on different working mechanisms and the applications for mobile robot control, to help in understanding BIAs comprehensively and clearly. The survey has four primary parts: a classification of BIAs from the biomimetic mechanism, a summary of several typical BIAs from different levels, an overview of current applications of BIAs in mobile robot control, and a description of some possible future directions for research. PMID:26819582

Executive Function Processes Predict Mobility Outcomes in Older Adults

PubMed Central

Gothe, Neha P.; Fanning, Jason; Awick, Elizabeth; Chung, David; Wójcicki, Thomas R.; Olson, Erin A.; Mullen, Sean P.; Voss, Michelle; Erickson, Kirk I.; Kramer, Arthur F.; McAuley, Edward

2013-01-01

BACKGROUND: There is growing evidence suggesting an association between cognitive function and physical performance in late life. This study examined the relationship between performance on executive function measures and subsequent mobility outcomes among community dwelling older adults across a 12-month randomized controlled exercise trial. DESIGN: Randomized controlled clinical trial SETTING: Champaign-Urbana, Illinois PARTICIPANTS: Community dwelling older adults (N = 179; Mage = 66.4) INTERVENTION: A 12-month exercise trial with two arms: an aerobic exercise group and a stretching and strengthening group MEASUREMENTS: Established cognitive tests of executive function including the flanker task, task switching and a dual task paradigm, and the Wisconsin card sort test. Mobility was assessed using the timed 8-foot up and go test and times to climb up and down a flight of stairs. METHODS: Participants completed the cognitive measures at baseline and the mobility measures at baseline and after 12 months of the intervention. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to determine whether baseline executive function predicted post-intervention functional performance after controlling for age, sex, education, cardiorespiratory fitness and baseline mobility levels. RESULTS: Our analyses revealed that selective baseline executive function measures, particularly performance on the flanker task (β’s =.15 to .17) and the Wisconsin card sort test (β’s =.11 to .16) consistently predicted mobility outcomes at month 12. The estimates were in the expected direction, such that better baseline performance on the executive function measures predicted better performance on the timed mobility tests independent of the intervention group. CONCLUSION: Executive functions of inhibitory control, mental set shifting and attentional flexibility were predictive of functional mobility. Given the literature associating mobility limitations with disability, morbidity, and mortality, these results are important for understanding the antecedents to poor mobility function that can be attenuated by well-designed interventions to improve cognitive performance. PMID:24521364

Multidirectional mobilities: Advanced measurement techniques and applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ivarsson, Lars Holger

Today high noise-and-vibration comfort has become a quality sign of products in sectors such as the automotive industry, aircraft, components, households and manufacturing. Consequently, already in the design phase of products, tools are required to predict the final vibration and noise levels. These tools have to be applicable over a wide frequency range with sufficient accuracy. During recent decades a variety of tools have been developed such as transfer path analysis (TPA), input force estimation, substructuring, coupling by frequency response functions (FRF) and hybrid modelling. While these methods have a well-developed theoretical basis, their application combined with experimental data often suffers from a lack of information concerning rotational DOFs. In order to measure response in all 6 DOFs (including rotation), a sensor has been developed, whose special features are discussed in the thesis. This transducer simplifies the response measurements, although in practice the excitation of moments appears to be more difficult. Several excitation techniques have been developed to enable measurement of multidirectional mobilities. For rapid and simple measurement of the loaded mobility matrix, a MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) technique is used. The technique has been tested and validated on several structures of different complexity. A second technique for measuring the loaded 6-by-6 mobility matrix has been developed. This technique employs a model of the excitation set-up, and with this model the mobility matrix is determined from sequential measurements. Measurements on ``real'' structures show that both techniques give results of similar quality, and both are recommended for practical use. As a further step, a technique for measuring the unloaded mobilities is presented. It employs the measured loaded mobility matrix in order to calculate compensation forces and moments, which are later applied in order to compensate for the loading of the measurement equipment. The developed measurement techniques have been used in a hybrid coupling of a plate-and-beam structure to study different aspects of the coupling technique. Results show that RDOFs are crucial and have to be included in this case. The importance of stiffness residuals when mobilities are estimated from modal superposition is demonstrated. Finally it is shown that proper curve fitting can correct errors from inconsistently measured data.

Feasibility of Gamified Mobile Service Aimed at Physical Activation in Young Men: Population-Based Randomized Controlled Study (MOPO)

PubMed Central

Pyky, Riitta; Ahola, Riikka; Kangas, Maarit; Siirtola, Pekka; Luoto, Tim; Enwald, Heidi; Ikäheimo, Tiina M; Röning, Juha; Keinänen-Kiukaanniemi, Sirkka; Mäntysaari, Matti; Korpelainen, Raija; Jämsä, Timo

2017-01-01

Background The majority of young people do not meet the recommendations on physical activity for health. New innovative ways to motivate young people to adopt a physically active lifestyle are needed. Objective The study aimed to study the feasibility of an automated, gamified, tailored Web-based mobile service aimed at physical and social activation among young men. Methods A population-based sample of 496 young men (mean age 17.8 years [standard deviation 0.6]) participated in a 6-month randomized controlled trial (MOPO study). Participants were randomized to an intervention (n=250) and a control group (n=246). The intervention group was given a wrist-worn physical activity monitor (Polar Active) with physical activity feedback and access to a gamified Web-based mobile service, providing fitness guidelines, tailored health information, advice of youth services, social networking, and feedback on physical activity. Through the trial, the physical activity of the men in the control group was measured continuously with an otherwise similar monitor but providing only the time of day and no feedback. The primary outcome was the feasibility of the service based on log data and questionnaires. Among completers, we also analyzed the change in anthropometry and fitness between baseline and 6 months and the change over time in weekly time spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity. Results Mobile service users considered the various functionalities related to physical activity important. However, compliance of the service was limited, with 161 (64.4%, 161/250) participants visiting the service, 118 (47.2%, 118/250) logging in more than once, and 41 (16.4%, 41/250) more than 5 times. Baseline sedentary time was higher in those who uploaded physical activity data until the end of the trial (P=.02). A total of 187 (74.8%, 187/250) participants in the intervention and 167 (67.9%, 167/246) in the control group participated in the final measurements. There were no differences in the change in anthropometry and fitness from baseline between the groups, whereas waist circumference was reduced in the most inactive men within the intervention group (P=.01). Among completers with valid physical activity data (n=167), there was a borderline difference in the change in mean daily time spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity between the groups (11.9 min vs −9.1 min, P=.055, linear mixed model). Within the intervention group (n=87), baseline vigorous physical activity was inversely associated with change in moderate to vigorous physical activity during the trial (R=−.382, P=.01). Conclusions The various functionalities related to physical activity of the gamified tailored mobile service were considered important. However, the compliance was limited. Within the current setup, the mobile service had no effect on anthropometry or fitness, except reduced waist circumference in the most inactive men. Among completers with valid physical activity data, the trial had a borderline positive effect on moderate to vigorous physical activity. Further development is needed to improve the feasibility and adherence of an integrated multifunctional service. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01376986; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01376986 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6tjdmIroA) PMID:29017991

Feasibility of Gamified Mobile Service Aimed at Physical Activation in Young Men: Population-Based Randomized Controlled Study (MOPO).

PubMed

Leinonen, Anna-Maiju; Pyky, Riitta; Ahola, Riikka; Kangas, Maarit; Siirtola, Pekka; Luoto, Tim; Enwald, Heidi; Ikäheimo, Tiina M; Röning, Juha; Keinänen-Kiukaanniemi, Sirkka; Mäntysaari, Matti; Korpelainen, Raija; Jämsä, Timo

2017-10-10

The majority of young people do not meet the recommendations on physical activity for health. New innovative ways to motivate young people to adopt a physically active lifestyle are needed. The study aimed to study the feasibility of an automated, gamified, tailored Web-based mobile service aimed at physical and social activation among young men. A population-based sample of 496 young men (mean age 17.8 years [standard deviation 0.6]) participated in a 6-month randomized controlled trial (MOPO study). Participants were randomized to an intervention (n=250) and a control group (n=246). The intervention group was given a wrist-worn physical activity monitor (Polar Active) with physical activity feedback and access to a gamified Web-based mobile service, providing fitness guidelines, tailored health information, advice of youth services, social networking, and feedback on physical activity. Through the trial, the physical activity of the men in the control group was measured continuously with an otherwise similar monitor but providing only the time of day and no feedback. The primary outcome was the feasibility of the service based on log data and questionnaires. Among completers, we also analyzed the change in anthropometry and fitness between baseline and 6 months and the change over time in weekly time spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity. Mobile service users considered the various functionalities related to physical activity important. However, compliance of the service was limited, with 161 (64.4%, 161/250) participants visiting the service, 118 (47.2%, 118/250) logging in more than once, and 41 (16.4%, 41/250) more than 5 times. Baseline sedentary time was higher in those who uploaded physical activity data until the end of the trial (P=.02). A total of 187 (74.8%, 187/250) participants in the intervention and 167 (67.9%, 167/246) in the control group participated in the final measurements. There were no differences in the change in anthropometry and fitness from baseline between the groups, whereas waist circumference was reduced in the most inactive men within the intervention group (P=.01). Among completers with valid physical activity data (n=167), there was a borderline difference in the change in mean daily time spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity between the groups (11.9 min vs -9.1 min, P=.055, linear mixed model). Within the intervention group (n=87), baseline vigorous physical activity was inversely associated with change in moderate to vigorous physical activity during the trial (R=-.382, P=.01). The various functionalities related to physical activity of the gamified tailored mobile service were considered important. However, the compliance was limited. Within the current setup, the mobile service had no effect on anthropometry or fitness, except reduced waist circumference in the most inactive men. Among completers with valid physical activity data, the trial had a borderline positive effect on moderate to vigorous physical activity. Further development is needed to improve the feasibility and adherence of an integrated multifunctional service. Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01376986; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01376986 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6tjdmIroA). ©Anna-Maiju Leinonen, Riitta Pyky, Riikka Ahola, Maarit Kangas, Pekka Siirtola, Tim Luoto, Heidi Enwald, Tiina M Ikäheimo, Juha Röning, Sirkka Keinänen-Kiukaanniemi, Matti Mäntysaari, Raija Korpelainen, Timo Jämsä. Originally published in JMIR Mhealth and Uhealth (http://mhealth.jmir.org), 10.10.2017.

143. MOBILE HIGH PRESSURE NITROGEN CART STORED IN CONTROL ROOM ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

143. MOBILE HIGH PRESSURE NITROGEN CART STORED IN CONTROL ROOM (214), LSB (BLDG. 751) - Vandenberg Air Force Base, Space Launch Complex 3, Launch Pad 3 East, Napa & Alden Roads, Lompoc, Santa Barbara County, CA

An Optimal Mobile Service for Telecare Data Synchronization using a Role-based Access Control Model and Mobile Peer-to-Peer Technology.

PubMed

Ke, Chih-Kun; Lin, Zheng-Hua

2015-09-01

The progress of information and communication technologies (ICT) has promoted the development of healthcare which has enabled the exchange of resources and services between organizations. Organizations want to integrate mobile devices into their hospital information systems (HIS) due to the convenience to employees who are then able to perform specific healthcare processes from any location. The collection and merage of healthcare data from discrete mobile devices are worth exploring possible ways for further use, especially in remote districts without public data network (PDN) to connect the HIS. In this study, we propose an optimal mobile service which automatically synchronizes the telecare file resources among discrete mobile devices. The proposed service enforces some technical methods. The role-based access control model defines the telecare file resources accessing mechanism; the symmetric data encryption method protects telecare file resources transmitted over a mobile peer-to-peer network. The multi-criteria decision analysis method, ELECTRE (Elimination Et Choice Translating Reality), evaluates multiple criteria of the candidates' mobile devices to determine a ranking order. This optimizes the synchronization of telecare file resources among discrete mobile devices. A prototype system is implemented to examine the proposed mobile service. The results of the experiment show that the proposed mobile service can automatically and effectively synchronize telecare file resources among discrete mobile devices. The contribution of this experiment is to provide an optimal mobile service that enhances the security of telecare file resource synchronization and strengthens an organization's mobility.

Dual adaptive dynamic control of mobile robots using neural networks.

PubMed

Bugeja, Marvin K; Fabri, Simon G; Camilleri, Liberato

2009-02-01

This paper proposes two novel dual adaptive neural control schemes for the dynamic control of nonholonomic mobile robots. The two schemes are developed in discrete time, and the robot's nonlinear dynamic functions are assumed to be unknown. Gaussian radial basis function and sigmoidal multilayer perceptron neural networks are used for function approximation. In each scheme, the unknown network parameters are estimated stochastically in real time, and no preliminary offline neural network training is used. In contrast to other adaptive techniques hitherto proposed in the literature on mobile robots, the dual control laws presented in this paper do not rely on the heuristic certainty equivalence property but account for the uncertainty in the estimates. This results in a major improvement in tracking performance, despite the plant uncertainty and unmodeled dynamics. Monte Carlo simulation and statistical hypothesis testing are used to illustrate the effectiveness of the two proposed stochastic controllers as applied to the trajectory-tracking problem of a differentially driven wheeled mobile robot.

Online Variational Bayesian Filtering-Based Mobile Target Tracking in Wireless Sensor Networks

PubMed Central

Zhou, Bingpeng; Chen, Qingchun; Li, Tiffany Jing; Xiao, Pei

2014-01-01

The received signal strength (RSS)-based online tracking for a mobile node in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) is investigated in this paper. Firstly, a multi-layer dynamic Bayesian network (MDBN) is introduced to characterize the target mobility with either directional or undirected movement. In particular, it is proposed to employ the Wishart distribution to approximate the time-varying RSS measurement precision's randomness due to the target movement. It is shown that the proposed MDBN offers a more general analysis model via incorporating the underlying statistical information of both the target movement and observations, which can be utilized to improve the online tracking capability by exploiting the Bayesian statistics. Secondly, based on the MDBN model, a mean-field variational Bayesian filtering (VBF) algorithm is developed to realize the online tracking of a mobile target in the presence of nonlinear observations and time-varying RSS precision, wherein the traditional Bayesian filtering scheme cannot be directly employed. Thirdly, a joint optimization between the real-time velocity and its prior expectation is proposed to enable online velocity tracking in the proposed online tacking scheme. Finally, the associated Bayesian Cramer–Rao Lower Bound (BCRLB) analysis and numerical simulations are conducted. Our analysis unveils that, by exploiting the potential state information via the general MDBN model, the proposed VBF algorithm provides a promising solution to the online tracking of a mobile node in WSNs. In addition, it is shown that the final tracking accuracy linearly scales with its expectation when the RSS measurement precision is time-varying. PMID:25393784

The Mobile Phone Affinity Scale: Enhancement and Refinement

PubMed Central

Rosen, Rochelle K

2016-01-01

Background Existing instruments that assess individuals’ relationships with mobile phones tend to focus on negative constructs such as addiction or dependence, and appear to assume that high mobile phone use reflects pathology. Mobile phones can be beneficial for health behavior change, disease management, work productivity, and social connections, so there is a need for an instrument that provides a more balanced assessment of the various aspects of individuals’ relationships with mobile phones. Objective The purpose of this research was to develop, revise, and validate the Mobile Phone Affinity Scale, a multi-scale instrument designed to assess key factors associated with mobile phone use. Methods Participants (N=1058, mean age 33) were recruited from Amazon Mechanical Turk between March and April of 2016 to complete a survey that assessed participants’ mobile phone attitudes and use, anxious and depressive symptoms, and resilience. Results Confirmatory factor analysis supported a 6-factor model. The final measure consisted of 24 items, with 4 items on each of 6 factors: Connectedness, Productivity, Empowerment, Anxious Attachment, Addiction, and Continuous Use. The subscales demonstrated strong internal consistency (Cronbach alpha range=0.76-0.88, mean 0.83), and high item factor loadings (range=0.57-0.87, mean 0.75). Tests for validity further demonstrated support for the individual subscales. Conclusions Mobile phone affinity may have an important impact in the development and effectiveness of mobile health interventions, and continued research is needed to assess its predictive ability in health behavior change interventions delivered via mobile phones. PMID:27979792

Mobilizing your medications: an automated medication reminder application for mobile phones and hypertension medication adherence in a high-risk urban population.

PubMed

Patel, Samir; Jacobus-Kantor, Laura; Marshall, Lorraine; Ritchie, Clark; Kaplinski, Michelle; Khurana, Parvinder S; Katz, Richard J

2013-05-01

Hypertension frequently accompanies diabetes mellitus, worsening prognosis and complicating medical care for patients. Low medication adherence with multiple medications is a major factor in the inadequate achievement of blood pressure treatment goals. Widespread access to mobile phones offers a new opportunity to communicate with patients and enhance disease self-management. We recruited 50 high-risk urban patients with hypertension, who are using at least two prescription medications for hypertension, into an open-label trial using medication reminder software on a mobile phone. Medication adherence was assessed by review of pharmacy refill rates before, during, and after availability of the medication reminder software (pre-activation, activation, and post-activation phase, respectively). Forty-eight patients completed the study. All subjects were insured by Medicaid, 96% were African-American, and the majority had diabetes mellitus. The proportion of days covered for each study phase was as follows: pre-activation phase = 0.54, activation phase = 0.58, and post-activation phase = 0.46. A significant difference was found between the activation and post-activation phases (p = .001). The increase in measured adherence between the pre-activation and activation phases approached significance (p = .057). Forty-six patients completed the pre- and post-Morisky medication adherence survey. The median score rose from 2.0 at baseline to 3.0 at study completion (p < .001). Average blood pressure and level of control during study period improved significantly after initiation of the study and remained improved from baseline through the course of the study. The 48 subjects who completed the study reported a high level of satisfaction with the medication reminder application at the final study visit. A mobile-phone-based automated medication reminder system shows promise in improving medication adherence and blood pressure in high-cardiovascular-risk individuals. © 2013 Diabetes Technology Society.

Mobilizing Your Medications: An Automated Medication Reminder Application for Mobile Phones and Hypertension Medication Adherence in a High-Risk Urban Population

PubMed Central

Patel, Samir; Jacobus-Kantor, Laura; Marshall, Lorraine; Ritchie, Clark; Kaplinski, Michelle; Khurana, Parvinder S.; Katz, Richard J.

2013-01-01

Background Hypertension frequently accompanies diabetes mellitus, worsening prognosis and complicating medical care for patients. Low medication adherence with multiple medications is a major factor in the inadequate achievement of blood pressure treatment goals. Widespread access to mobile phones offers a new opportunity to communicate with patients and enhance disease self-management. Methods We recruited 50 high-risk urban patients with hypertension, who are using at least two prescription medications for hypertension, into an open-label trial using medication reminder software on a mobile phone. Medication adherence was assessed by review of pharmacy refill rates before, during, and after availability of the medication reminder software (pre-activation, activation, and post-activation phase, respectively). Results Forty-eight patients completed the study. All subjects were insured by Medicaid, 96% were African-American, and the majority had diabetes mellitus. The proportion of days covered for each study phase was as follows: pre-activation phase = 0.54, activation phase = 0.58, and post-activation phase = 0.46. A significant difference was found between the activation and post-activation phases (p = .001). The increase in measured adherence between the pre-activation and activation phases approached significance (p =.057). Forty-six patients completed the pre- and post-Morisky medication adherence survey. The median score rose from 2.0 at baseline to 3.0 at study completion (p <.001). Average blood pressure and level of control during study period improved significantly after initiation of the study and remained improved from baseline through the course of the study. The 48 subjects who completed the study reported a high level of satisfaction with the medication reminder application at the final study visit. Conclusions A mobile-phone-based automated medication reminder system shows promise in improving medication adherence and blood pressure in high-cardiovascular-risk individuals. PMID:23759395

Factors affecting mobile diabetes monitoring adoption among physicians: questionnaire study and path model.

PubMed

Okazaki, Shintaro; Castañeda, José Alberto; Sanz, Silvia; Henseler, Jörg

2012-12-21

Patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes often find it difficult to control their blood glucose level on a daily basis because of distance or physical incapacity. With the increase in Internet-enabled smartphone use, this problem can be resolved by adopting a mobile diabetes monitoring system. Most existing studies have focused on patients' usability perceptions, whereas little attention has been paid to physicians' intentions to adopt this technology. The aim of the study was to evaluate the perceptions and user acceptance of mobile diabetes monitoring among Japanese physicians. A questionnaire survey of physicians was conducted in Japan. The structured questionnaire was prepared in a context of a mobile diabetes monitoring system that controls blood glucose, weight, physical activity, diet, insulin and medication, and blood pressure. Following a thorough description of mobile diabetes monitoring with a graphical image, questions were asked relating to system quality, information quality, service quality, health improvement, ubiquitous control, privacy and security concerns, perceived value, subjective norms, and intention to use mobile diabetes monitoring. The data were analyzed by partial least squares (PLS) path modeling. In total, 471 physicians participated from 47 prefectures across Japan, of whom 134 were specialized in internal and gastrointestinal medicine. Nine hypotheses were tested with both the total sample and the specialist subsample; results were similar for both samples in terms of statistical significance and the strength of path coefficients. We found that system quality, information quality, and service quality significantly affect overall quality. Overall quality determines the extent to which physicians perceive the value of mobile health monitoring. However, in contrast to our initial predictions, overall quality does not have a significant direct effect on the intention to use mobile diabetes monitoring. With regard to net benefits, both ubiquitous control and health improvement are significant predictors. Net benefits in turn significantly motivate physicians to use mobile health monitoring, and has a strong influence on perceived value. Perceived value and subjective norms are predictors of intention to use. In our sample, concerns over privacy and security risk have no significant effects on intention to use mobile diabetes monitoring. Among the 3 control variables, only age significantly affected intention to use mobile diabetes monitoring, whereas experience and gender were not significant predictors of intention. Physicians consider perceived value and net benefits as the most important motivators to use mobile diabetes monitoring. Overall quality assessment does affect their intention to use this technology, but only indirectly through perceived value. Net benefits seem to be a strong driver in both a direct and indirect manner, implying that physicians may perceive health improvement with ubiquitous control as a true utility by enhancing cost-effective monitoring, and simultaneously recognize it as a way to create value for their clinical practices.

A pilot study to assess the utility of a freely downloadable mobile application simulator for undergraduate clinical skills training: a single-blinded, randomised controlled trial.

PubMed

Bartlett, Richard D; Radenkovic, Dina; Mitrasinovic, Stefan; Cole, Andrew; Pavkovic, Iva; Denn, Peyton Cheong Phey; Hussain, Mahrukh; Kogler, Magdalena; Koutsopodioti, Natalia; Uddin, Wasima; Beckley, Ivan; Abubakar, Hana; Gill, Deborah; Smith, Daron

2017-12-11

Medical simulators offer an invaluable educational resource for medical trainees. However, owing to cost and portability restrictions, they have traditionally been limited to simulation centres. With the advent of sophisticated mobile technology, simulators have become cheaper and more accessible. Touch Surgery is one such freely downloadable mobile application simulator (MAS) used by over one million healthcare professionals worldwide. Nevertheless, to date, it has never been formally validated as an adjunct in undergraduate medical education. Medical students in the final 3 years of their programme were recruited and randomised to one of three revision interventions: 1) no formal revision resources, 2) traditional revision resources, or 3) MAS. Students completed pre-test questionnaires and were then assessed on their ability to complete an undisclosed male urinary catheterisation scenario. Following a one-hour quarantined revision period, all students repeated the scenario. Both attempts were scored by allocation-blinded examiners against an objective 46-point mark scheme. A total of 27 medical students were randomised (n = 9 per group). Mean scores improved between baseline and post-revision attempts by 8.7% (p = 0.003), 19.8% (p = 0.0001), and 15.9% (p = 0.001) for no resources, traditional resources, and MAS, respectively. However, when comparing mean score improvements between groups there were no significant differences. Mobile simulators offer an unconventional, yet potentially useful adjunct to enhance undergraduate clinical skills education. Our results indicate that MAS's perform comparably to current gold-standard revision resources; however, they may confer significant advantages in terms of cost-effectiveness and practice flexibility. Not applicable.

Mobile phone base station radiation does not affect neoplastic transformation in BALB/3T3 cells.

PubMed

Hirose, H; Suhara, T; Kaji, N; Sakuma, N; Sekijima, M; Nojima, T; Miyakoshi, J

2008-01-01

A large-scale in vitro study focusing on low-level radiofrequency (RF) fields from mobile radio base stations employing the International Mobile Telecommunication 2000 (IMT-2000) cellular system was conducted to test the hypothesis that modulated RF fields affect malignant transformation or other cellular stress responses. Our group previously reported that DNA strand breaks were not induced in human cells exposed to 2.1425 GHz Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA) radiation up to 800 mW/kg from mobile radio base stations employing the IMT-2000 cellular system. In the current study, BALB/3T3 cells were continuously exposed to 2.1425 GHz W-CDMA RF fields at specific absorption rates (SARs) of 80 and 800 mW/kg for 6 weeks and malignant cell transformation was assessed. In addition, 3-methylcholanthrene (MCA)-treated cells were exposed to RF fields in a similar fashion, to assess for effects on tumor promotion. Finally, the effect of RF fields on tumor co-promotion was assessed in BALB/3T3 cells initiated with MCA and co-exposed to 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). At the end of the incubation period, transformation dishes were fixed, stained with Giemsa, and scored for morphologically transformed foci. No significant differences in transformation frequency were observed between the test groups exposed to RF signals and the sham-exposed negative controls in the non-, MCA-, or MCA plus TPA-treated cells. Our studies found no evidence to support the hypothesis that RF fields may affect malignant transformation. Our results suggest that exposure to low-level RF radiation of up to 800 mW/kg does not induce cell transformation, which causes tumor formation. (c) 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Mobilization and Manipulation of the Cervical Spine in Patients with Cervicogenic Headache: Any Scientific Evidence?

PubMed

Garcia, Jodan D; Arnold, Stephen; Tetley, Kylie; Voight, Kiel; Frank, Rachael Anne

2016-01-01

Cervical mobilization and manipulation are frequently used to treat patients diagnosed with cervicogenic headache (CEH); however, there is conflicting evidence on the efficacy of these manual therapy techniques. The purpose of this review is to investigate the effects of cervical mobilization and manipulation on pain intensity and headache frequency, compared to traditional physical therapy interventions in patients diagnosed with CEH. A total of 66 relevant studies were originally identified through a review of the literature, and the 25 most suitable articles were fully evaluated via a careful review of the text. Ultimately, 10 studies met the inclusion criteria: (1) randomized controlled trial (RCT) or open RCT; the study contained at least two separate groups of subjects that were randomly assigned either to a cervical spine mobilization or manipulation or a group that served as a comparison; (2) subjects must have had a diagnosis of CEH; (3) the treatment group received either spinal mobilization or spinal manipulation, while the control group received another physical therapy intervention or placebo control; and (4) the study included headache pain and frequency as outcome measurements. Seven of the 10 studies had statistically significant findings that subjects who received mobilization or manipulation interventions experienced improved outcomes or reported fewer symptoms than control subjects. These results suggest that mobilization or manipulation of the cervical spine may be beneficial for individuals who suffer from CEH, although heterogeneity of the studies makes it difficult to generalize the findings.

High-performance multilayer WSe 2 field-effect transistors with carrier type control

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pudasaini, Pushpa Raj; Oyedele, Akinola; Zhang, Cheng

In this paper, high-performance multilayer WSe 2 field-effect transistor (FET) devices with carrier type control are demonstrated via thickness modulation and a remote oxygen plasma surface treatment. Carrier type control in multilayer WSe 2 FET devices with Cr/Au contacts is initially demonstrated by modulating the WSe 2 thickness. The carrier type evolves with increasing WSe 2 channel thickness, being p-type, ambipolar, and n-type at thicknesses <3, ~4, and >5 nm, respectively. The thickness-dependent carrier type is attributed to changes in the bandgap of WSe 2 as a function of the thickness and the carrier band offsets relative to the metalmore » contacts. Furthermore, we present a strong hole carrier doping effect via remote oxygen plasma treatment. It non-degenerately converts n-type characteristics into p-type and enhances field-effect hole mobility by three orders of magnitude. Finally, this work demonstrates progress towards the realization of high-performance multilayer WSe 2 FETs with carrier type control, potentially extendable to other transition metal dichalcogenides, for future electronic and optoelectronic applications.« less

High-performance multilayer WSe 2 field-effect transistors with carrier type control

DOE PAGES

Pudasaini, Pushpa Raj; Oyedele, Akinola; Zhang, Cheng; ...

2017-07-06

In this paper, high-performance multilayer WSe 2 field-effect transistor (FET) devices with carrier type control are demonstrated via thickness modulation and a remote oxygen plasma surface treatment. Carrier type control in multilayer WSe 2 FET devices with Cr/Au contacts is initially demonstrated by modulating the WSe 2 thickness. The carrier type evolves with increasing WSe 2 channel thickness, being p-type, ambipolar, and n-type at thicknesses <3, ~4, and >5 nm, respectively. The thickness-dependent carrier type is attributed to changes in the bandgap of WSe 2 as a function of the thickness and the carrier band offsets relative to the metalmore » contacts. Furthermore, we present a strong hole carrier doping effect via remote oxygen plasma treatment. It non-degenerately converts n-type characteristics into p-type and enhances field-effect hole mobility by three orders of magnitude. Finally, this work demonstrates progress towards the realization of high-performance multilayer WSe 2 FETs with carrier type control, potentially extendable to other transition metal dichalcogenides, for future electronic and optoelectronic applications.« less

Validation of self-reported start year of mobile phone use in a Swedish case-control study on radiofrequency fields and acoustic neuroma risk.

PubMed

Pettersson, David; Bottai, Matteo; Mathiesen, Tiit; Prochazka, Michaela; Feychting, Maria

2015-01-01

The possible effect of radiofrequency exposure from mobile phones on tumor risk has been studied since the late 1990s. Yet, empirical information about recall of the start of mobile phone use among adult cases and controls has never been reported. Limited knowledge about recall errors hampers interpretations of the epidemiological evidence. We used network operator data to validate the self-reported start year of mobile phone use in a case-control study of mobile phone use and acoustic neuroma risk. The answers of 96 (29%) cases and 111 (22%) controls could be included in the validation. The larger proportion of cases reflects a more complete and detailed reporting of subscription history. Misclassification was substantial, with large random errors, small systematic errors, and no significant differences between cases and controls. The average difference between self-reported and operator start year was -0.62 (95% confidence interval: -1.42, 0.17) years for cases and -0.71 (-1.50, 0.07) years for controls, standard deviations were 3.92 and 4.17 years, respectively. Agreement between self-reported and operator-recorded data categorized into short, intermediate and long-term use was moderate (kappa statistic: 0.42). Should an association exist, dilution of risk estimates and distortion of exposure-response patterns for time since first mobile phone use could result from the large random errors in self-reported start year. Retrospective collection of operator data likely leads to a selection of "good reporters", with a higher proportion of cases. Thus, differential recall cannot be entirely excluded.

Mobile Telemetry Van Remote Control Upgrade

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-05-17

Advantages of Remote Control System Upgrade • Summary Overview • Remote control of Telemetry Mobile Ground Support ( TMGS ) Van proposed to allow...NWC) personnel provided valuable data for full-function remote control of telemetry tracking vans Background • TMGS Vans support Flight Test...control capability from main TM site at Building 5790 currently allows support via TMGS Van at nearby C- 15 Site, Plant 42 in Palmdale, and as far

Tandem mobile robot system

DOEpatents

Buttz, James H.; Shirey, David L.; Hayward, David R.

2003-01-01

A robotic vehicle system for terrain navigation mobility provides a way to climb stairs, cross crevices, and navigate across difficult terrain by coupling two or more mobile robots with a coupling device and controlling the robots cooperatively in tandem.

Distributed cooperating processes in a mobile robot control system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Skillman, Thomas L., Jr.

1988-01-01

A mobile inspection robot has been proposed for the NASA Space Station. It will be a free flying autonomous vehicle that will leave a berthing unit to accomplish a variety of inspection tasks around the Space Station, and then return to its berth to recharge, refuel, and transfer information. The Flying Eye robot will receive voice communication to change its attitude, move at a constant velocity, and move to a predefined location along a self generated path. This mobile robot control system requires integration of traditional command and control techniques with a number of AI technologies. Speech recognition, natural language understanding, task and path planning, sensory abstraction and pattern recognition are all required for successful implementation. The interface between the traditional numeric control techniques and the symbolic processing to the AI technologies must be developed, and a distributed computing approach will be needed to meet the real time computing requirements. To study the integration of the elements of this project, a novel mobile robot control architecture and simulation based on the blackboard architecture was developed. The control system operation and structure is discussed.

Reassessment of Atomic Mobilities in fcc Cu-Ag-Sn System Aiming at Establishment of an Atomic Mobility Database in Sn-Ag-Cu-In-Sb-Bi-Pb Solder Alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Huixia; Zhang, Lijun; Cheng, Kaiming; Chen, Weimin; Du, Yong

2017-04-01

To establish an accurate atomic mobility database in solder alloys, a reassessment of atomic mobilities in the fcc (face centered cubic) Cu-Ag-Sn system was performed as reported in the present work. The work entailed initial preparation of three fcc Cu-Sn diffusion couples, which were used to determine the composition-dependent interdiffusivities at 873 K, 923 K, and 973 K, to validate the literature data and provide new experimental data at low temperatures. Then, atomic mobilities in three boundary binaries, fcc Cu-Sn, fcc Ag-Sn, and fcc Cu-Ag, were updated based on the data for various experimental diffusivities obtained from the literature and the present work, together with the available thermodynamic database for solder alloys. Finally, based on the large number of interdiffusivities recently measured from the present authors, atomic mobilities in the fcc Cu-Ag-Sn ternary system were carefully evaluated. A comprehensive comparison between various calculated/model-predicted diffusion properties and the experimental data was used to validate the reliability of the obtained atomic mobilities in ternary fcc Cu-Ag-Sn alloys.

NASA's mobile satellite communications program; ground and space segment technologies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Naderi, F.; Weber, W. J.; Knouse, G. H.

1984-01-01

This paper describes the Mobile Satellite Communications Program of the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The program's objectives are to facilitate the deployment of the first generation commercial mobile satellite by the private sector, and to technologically enable future generations by developing advanced and high risk ground and space segment technologies. These technologies are aimed at mitigating severe shortages of spectrum, orbital slot, and spacecraft EIRP which are expected to plague the high capacity mobile satellite systems of the future. After a brief introduction of the concept of mobile satellite systems and their expected evolution, this paper outlines the critical ground and space segment technologies. Next, the Mobile Satellite Experiment (MSAT-X) is described. MSAT-X is the framework through which NASA will develop advanced ground segment technologies. An approach is outlined for the development of conformal vehicle antennas, spectrum and power-efficient speech codecs, and modulation techniques for use in the non-linear faded channels and efficient multiple access schemes. Finally, the paper concludes with a description of the current and planned NASA activities aimed at developing complex large multibeam spacecraft antennas needed for future generation mobile satellite systems.

Perception for mobile robot navigation: A survey of the state of the art

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kortenkamp, David

1994-01-01

In order for mobile robots to navigate safely in unmapped and dynamic environments they must perceive their environment and decide on actions based on those perceptions. There are many different sensing modalities that can be used for mobile robot perception; the two most popular are ultrasonic sonar sensors and vision sensors. This paper examines the state-of-the-art in sensory-based mobile robot navigation. The first issue in mobile robot navigation is safety. This paper summarizes several competing sonar-based obstacle avoidance techniques and compares them. Another issue in mobile robot navigation is determining the robot's position and orientation (sometimes called the robot's pose) in the environment. This paper examines several different classes of vision-based approaches to pose determination. One class of approaches uses detailed, a prior models of the robot's environment. Another class of approaches triangulates using fixed, artificial landmarks. A third class of approaches builds maps using natural landmarks. Example implementations from each of these three classes are described and compared. Finally, the paper presents a completely implemented mobile robot system that integrates sonar-based obstacle avoidance with vision-based pose determination to perform a simple task.

Transcendence, ethics, and Mobil Oil: a rhetorical investigation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Williamson, L.A.

1982-01-01

Since 1970 the Mobil Oil Corporation has been widely recognized as the self-appointed champion of corporate America's right to advocate. Corporate advocacy, as distinguished from other forms of external corporate communication, is concerned with the modification of corporate images and those social and political issues directly linked to the well-being of the corporation. Kenneth Burke's theory of transcendence serves as the central critical referent in the critique of Mobil's advocacy. By evoking elaborate transcendent frames of reference, Mobil seeks to identify its actions with higher syntheses that allow them to transcend the guilt produced by identifications with lesser orders. Mobilmore » evokes two ultimate frames which are recurrent in their transcendent identifications: American energy independence and freedom of expression. In the latter part of this investigation, Sidney Hook's ethics of controversy was offered as an ethical referent. Two levels of analysis were conducted: first, three major types of arguments against Mobil's advocacy were evaluated; second, Mobil's discourse was evaluated. The conclusion was reached that Mobil's advocacy is largely an ethical form of American democratic discourse. In the final section of this investigation, the heuristic values of this critique were discussed.« less

Migrating Department of Defense (DoD) Web Service Based Applications to Mobile Computing Platforms

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-03-01

World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) Geolocation API to identify the device’s location and then center the map on the device. Finally, we modify the entry...THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK xii List of Acronyms and Abbreviations API Application Programming Interface CSS Cascading Style Sheets CLIMO...Java API for XML Web Services Reference Implementation JS JavaScript JSNI JavaScript Native Interface METOC Meteorological and Oceanographic MAA Mobile

OceanRoute: Vessel Mobility Data Processing and Analyzing Model Based on MapReduce

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Chao; Liu, Yingjian; Guo, Zhongwen; Jing, Wei

2018-06-01

The network coverage is a big problem in ocean communication, and there is no low-cost solution in the short term. Based on the knowledge of Mobile Delay Tolerant Network (MDTN), the mobility of vessels can create the chances of end-to-end communication. The mobility pattern of vessel is one of the key metrics on ocean MDTN network. Because of the high cost, few experiments have focused on research of vessel mobility pattern for the moment. In this paper, we study the traces of more than 4000 fishing and freight vessels. Firstly, to solve the data noise and sparsity problem, we design two algorithms to filter the noise and complement the missing data based on the vessel's turning feature. Secondly, after studying the traces of vessels, we observe that the vessel's traces are confined by invisible boundary. Thirdly, through defining the distance between traces, we design MR-Similarity algorithm to find the mobility pattern of vessels. Finally, we realize our algorithm on cluster and evaluate the performance and accuracy. Our results can provide the guidelines on design of data routing protocols on ocean MDTN.

A patient mobility framework that travels: European and United States-Mexican comparisons.

PubMed

Laugesen, Miriam J; Vargas-Bustamante, Arturo

2010-10-01

To develop a framework that parsimoniously explains divergent patient mobility in the United States and Europe. Review of studies of patient mobility; data from the 2007 Flash Eurobarometer and the 2001 California Health Interview Survey was analyzed; and we reviewed government policies and documents in the United States and Europe. Four types of patient mobility are defined: primary, complementary, duplicative, and institutionalized. Primary exit occurs when people without comprehensive insurance travel because they cannot afford to pay for health insurance or directly finance care, as in the United States and Mexico. Second, people will exit to buy complementary services not covered, or partially covered by domestic health insurance, in both the United States and Europe. Third, in Europe, patient mobility for duplicative services provides faster or better quality treatment. Finally, governments and insurers can encourage institutionalized exit through expanded delivery options and financing. Institutionalized exit is developing in Europe, but uncoordinated and geographically limited in the United States. This parsimonious framework explains patient mobility by considering domestic health system characteristics relating to cost and quality. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Development, Construction, and Content Validation of a Questionnaire to Test Mobile Shower Commode Usability

PubMed Central

Theodoros, Deborah G.; Russell, Trevor G.

2015-01-01

Background: Usability is an emerging domain of outcomes measurement in assistive technology provision. Currently, no questionnaires exist to test the usability of mobile shower commodes (MSCs) used by adults with spinal cord injury (SCI). Objective: To describe the development, construction, and initial content validation of an electronic questionnaire to test mobile shower commode usability for this population. Methods: The questionnaire was constructed using a mixed-methods approach in 5 phases: determining user preferences for the questionnaire’s format, developing an item bank of usability indicators from the literature and judgement of experts, constructing a preliminary questionnaire, assessing content validity with a panel of experts, and constructing the final questionnaire. Results: The electronic Mobile Shower Commode Assessment Tool Version 1.0 (eMAST 1.0) questionnaire tests MSC features and performance during activities identified using a mixed-methods approach and in consultation with users. It confirms that usability is complex and multidimensional. The final questionnaire contains 25 questions in 3 sections. The eMAST 1.0 demonstrates excellent content validity as determined by a small sample of expert clinicians. Conclusion: The eMAST 1.0 tests usability of MSCs from the perspective of adults with SCI and may be used to solicit feedback during MSC design, assessment, prescription, and ongoing use. Further studies assessing the eMAST’s psychometric properties, including studies with users of MSCs, are needed. PMID:25762862

Stability of smooth and rough mini-implants: clinical and biomechanical evaluation - an in vivostudy

PubMed Central

Vilani, Giselle Naback Lemes; Ruellas, Antônio Carlos de Oliveira; Elias, Carlos Nelson; Mattos, Cláudia Trindade

2015-01-01

Objective: To compare in vivo orthodontic mini-implants (MI) of smooth (machined) and rough (acid etched) surfaces, assessing primary and secondary stability. Methods: Thirty-six (36) MI were inserted in the mandibles of six (6) dogs. Each animal received six (6) MI. In the right hemiarch, three (3) MI without surface treatment (smooth) were inserted, whereas in the left hemiarch, another three (3) MI with acid etched surfaces (rough) were inserted. The two distal MI in each hemiarch received an immediate load of 1.0 N for 16 weeks, whereas the MI in the mesial extremity was not subject to loading. Stability was measured by insertion and removal torque, initial and final mobility and by inter mini-implant distance. Results: There was no statistical behavioral difference between smooth and rough MI. High insertion torque and reduced initial mobility were observed in all groups, as well as a reduction in removal torques in comparison with insertion torque. Rough MI presented higher removal torque and lower final mobility in comparison to smooth MI. MI did not remain static, with displacement of rough MI being smaller in comparison with smooth MI, but with no statistical difference. Conclusions: MI primary stability was greater than stability measured at removal. There was no difference in stability between smooth and rough MI when assessing mobility, displacement and insertion as well as removal torques. PMID:26560819

Mobile Learning Projects--A Critical Analysis of the State of the Art

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Frohberg, D.; Goth, C.; Schwabe, G.

2009-01-01

This paper provides a critical analysis of Mobile Learning projects published before the end of 2007. The review uses a Mobile Learning framework to evaluate and categorize 102 Mobile Learning projects, and to briefly introduce exemplary projects for each category. All projects were analysed with the criteria: context, tools, control,…

A PIC microcontroller-based system for real-life interfacing of external peripherals with a mobile robot

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, N. Nirmal; Chatterjee, Amitava; Rakshit, Anjan

2010-02-01

The present article describes the development of a peripheral interface controller (PIC) microcontroller-based system for interfacing external add-on peripherals with a real mobile robot, for real life applications. This system serves as an important building block of a complete integrated vision-based mobile robot system, integrated indigenously in our laboratory. The system is composed of the KOALA mobile robot in conjunction with a personal computer (PC) and a two-camera-based vision system where the PIC microcontroller is used to drive servo motors, in interrupt-driven mode, to control additional degrees of freedom of the vision system. The performance of the developed system is tested by checking it under the control of several user-specified commands, issued from the PC end.

Real-Time Motion Tracking for Mobile Augmented/Virtual Reality Using Adaptive Visual-Inertial Fusion

PubMed Central

Fang, Wei; Zheng, Lianyu; Deng, Huanjun; Zhang, Hongbo

2017-01-01

In mobile augmented/virtual reality (AR/VR), real-time 6-Degree of Freedom (DoF) motion tracking is essential for the registration between virtual scenes and the real world. However, due to the limited computational capacity of mobile terminals today, the latency between consecutive arriving poses would damage the user experience in mobile AR/VR. Thus, a visual-inertial based real-time motion tracking for mobile AR/VR is proposed in this paper. By means of high frequency and passive outputs from the inertial sensor, the real-time performance of arriving poses for mobile AR/VR is achieved. In addition, to alleviate the jitter phenomenon during the visual-inertial fusion, an adaptive filter framework is established to cope with different motion situations automatically, enabling the real-time 6-DoF motion tracking by balancing the jitter and latency. Besides, the robustness of the traditional visual-only based motion tracking is enhanced, giving rise to a better mobile AR/VR performance when motion blur is encountered. Finally, experiments are carried out to demonstrate the proposed method, and the results show that this work is capable of providing a smooth and robust 6-DoF motion tracking for mobile AR/VR in real-time. PMID:28475145

Real-Time Motion Tracking for Mobile Augmented/Virtual Reality Using Adaptive Visual-Inertial Fusion.

PubMed

Fang, Wei; Zheng, Lianyu; Deng, Huanjun; Zhang, Hongbo

2017-05-05

In mobile augmented/virtual reality (AR/VR), real-time 6-Degree of Freedom (DoF) motion tracking is essential for the registration between virtual scenes and the real world. However, due to the limited computational capacity of mobile terminals today, the latency between consecutive arriving poses would damage the user experience in mobile AR/VR. Thus, a visual-inertial based real-time motion tracking for mobile AR/VR is proposed in this paper. By means of high frequency and passive outputs from the inertial sensor, the real-time performance of arriving poses for mobile AR/VR is achieved. In addition, to alleviate the jitter phenomenon during the visual-inertial fusion, an adaptive filter framework is established to cope with different motion situations automatically, enabling the real-time 6-DoF motion tracking by balancing the jitter and latency. Besides, the robustness of the traditional visual-only based motion tracking is enhanced, giving rise to a better mobile AR/VR performance when motion blur is encountered. Finally, experiments are carried out to demonstrate the proposed method, and the results show that this work is capable of providing a smooth and robust 6-DoF motion tracking for mobile AR/VR in real-time.

Barriers to Co-Designing Mobile Technology with Persons with Dementia and Their Carers.

PubMed

O'Connor, Siobhan; Bouamrane, Matt-Mouley; O'Donnell, Catherine A; Mair, Frances S

2016-01-01

Mobile applications can be used to help manage different aspects of long-term illnesses but many are not designed to meet the specific needs of people with dementia or their carers. This case study explores the barriers experienced when co-producing a memory and reminiscence app. A focus group and interviews were conducted with patient/carer dyads, an occupational therapist, project manager and software engineer involved in the design of the app. Data was analysed thematically using the framework approach. Several limitations such as poor technical knowledge and skills, negative attitudes and inaccurate perceptions of people with dementia slowed down or changed how the mobile app was developed. Compromises also had to be made over the final design of the app. More research to explore how mobile apps are co-designed with patients is needed.

Tracing the Attention of Moving Citizens

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Lingfei; Wang, Cheng-Jun

2016-09-01

With the widespread use of mobile computing devices in contemporary society, our trajectories in the physical space and virtual world are increasingly closely connected. Using the anonymous smartphone data of 1 × 105 users in a major city of China, we study the interplay between online and offline human behaviors by constructing the mobility network (offline) and the attention network (online). Using the network renormalization technique, we find that they belong to two different classes: the mobility network is small-world, whereas the attention network is fractal. We then divide the city into different areas based on the features of the mobility network discovered under renormalization. Interestingly, this spatial division manifests the location-based online behaviors, for example shopping, dating, and taxi-requesting. Finally, we offer a geometric network model to help us understand the relationship between small-world and fractal networks.

Clinical applicability of nursing outcomes in the evolution of orthopedic patients with Impaired Physical Mobility.

PubMed

da Silva, Marcos Barragan; Almeida, Miriam de Abreu; Panato, Bruna Paulsen; Siqueira, Ana Paula de Oliveira; da Silva, Mariana Palma; Reisderfer, Letícia

2015-01-01

to evaluate the clinical applicability of outcomes, according to the Nursing Outcomes Classification (NOC) in the evolution of orthopedic patients with Impaired Physical Mobility longitudinal study conducted in 2012 in a university hospital, with 21 patients undergoing Total Hip Arthroplasty, evaluated daily by pairs of trained data collectors. Data were collected using an instrument containing five Nursing Outcomes, 16 clinical indicators and a five point Likert scale, and statistically analyzed. The outcomes Body Positioning: self-initiated, Mobility, Knowledge: prescribed activity, and Fall Prevention Behavior presented significant increases in mean scores when comparing the first and final evaluations (p<0.001) and (p=0.035). the use of the NOC outcomes makes it possible to demonstrate the clinical progression of orthopedic patients with Impaired Physical Mobility, as well as its applicability in this context.

The effect of sacroiliac joint mobilization on pelvic deformation and the static balance ability of female university students with si joint dysfunction.

PubMed

Son, Jeong-Hyun; Park, Gi Duck; Park, Hoo Sung

2014-06-01

[Purpose] The present study aimed to determine the effect of an 8-week program of joint mobilization on changes in pelvic obliquity and pain level in seventeen female university students aged in their 20's with sacroiliac joint dysfunction by dividing them into two groups: a joint mobilization group (MWM) and a control group. [Subjects] Seventeen subjects were selected from female university students aged in their 20's attending N University in Cheon-An City, Korea, The subjects had sacroiliac joint syndrome, but experienced no problems with daily living and had no previous experience of joint mobilization exercise. The subjects were randomly assigned to a joint mobilization group of eight and a control group of nine who performed joint mobilization exercise. [Methods] Body fat and lean body mass were measured using InBody 7.0 (Biospace, Korea). The Direct Segmental Multi-frequency Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis Method (DSM-BIA) was used for body composition measurement. A pressure footstool (Pedoscan, DIERS, Germany) and a trunk measurement system (Formetric 4D, DIERS, Germany), a 3D image processing apparatus with high resolution for vertebrae, were used to measure 3D trunk images of the vertebrae and pelvis obliquity, as well as static balance ability. [Result] The MWM group showed a significantly better Balance than the control group. In addition, the results of the left/right and the front/rear balance abilities were significantly better than those of the control group. [Conclusion] This study proved that a combination of mobilization with movement and functional training was effective in reducing pelvis malposition and pain, and improving static stability control.

The effects of recall errors and of selection bias in epidemiologic studies of mobile phone use and cancer risk.

PubMed

Vrijheid, Martine; Deltour, Isabelle; Krewski, Daniel; Sanchez, Marie; Cardis, Elisabeth

2006-07-01

This paper examines the effects of systematic and random errors in recall and of selection bias in case-control studies of mobile phone use and cancer. These sensitivity analyses are based on Monte-Carlo computer simulations and were carried out within the INTERPHONE Study, an international collaborative case-control study in 13 countries. Recall error scenarios simulated plausible values of random and systematic, non-differential and differential recall errors in amount of mobile phone use reported by study subjects. Plausible values for the recall error were obtained from validation studies. Selection bias scenarios assumed varying selection probabilities for cases and controls, mobile phone users, and non-users. Where possible these selection probabilities were based on existing information from non-respondents in INTERPHONE. Simulations used exposure distributions based on existing INTERPHONE data and assumed varying levels of the true risk of brain cancer related to mobile phone use. Results suggest that random recall errors of plausible levels can lead to a large underestimation in the risk of brain cancer associated with mobile phone use. Random errors were found to have larger impact than plausible systematic errors. Differential errors in recall had very little additional impact in the presence of large random errors. Selection bias resulting from underselection of unexposed controls led to J-shaped exposure-response patterns, with risk apparently decreasing at low to moderate exposure levels. The present results, in conjunction with those of the validation studies conducted within the INTERPHONE study, will play an important role in the interpretation of existing and future case-control studies of mobile phone use and cancer risk, including the INTERPHONE study.

Mobile learning module improves knowledge of medical shock for forward surgical team members.

PubMed

Schulman, Carl I; Garcia, George D; Wyckoff, Mary M; Duncan, Robert C; Withum, Kelly F; Graygo, Jill

2012-11-01

Acute trauma care is characterized by dynamic situations that require adequate preparation to ensure success for military health professionals. The use of mobile learning in this environment can provide a solution that standardizes education and replaces traditional didactic lectures. A comparative evaluation with a pre-post test design regarding medical shock was delivered via either a didactic lecture or a mobile learning video module to U.S. Army Forward Surgical Team (FST) members. Participants completed a pretest, were randomly assigned to treatment group by FST, and then completed the post-test and scenario assessment. One-hundred and thirteen FST members participated with 53 in the mobile learning group and 60 in the lecture group (control). The percent mean score for the mobile learning group increased from 43.6 to 70 from pretest to post-test, with a scenario mean score of M = 56.2. The percent mean score for the control group increased from 41.5 to 72.5, with a scenario mean score of M = 59.7. The two-way analysis of variance mean score difference was 26.4 for the mobile learning group and 31.0 for the control, F = 2.18, (p = 0.14). Mobile learning modules, coupled with a structured assessment, have the potential to improve educational experiences in civilian and military settings.

Geophysical monitoring of solute transport in dual-domain environments through laboratory experiments, field-scale solute tracer tests, and numerical simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Swanson, Ryan David

The advection-dispersion equation (ADE) fails to describe non-Fickian solute transport breakthrough curves (BTCs) in saturated porous media in both laboratory and field experiments, necessitating the use of other models. The dual-domain mass transfer (DDMT) model partitions the total porosity into mobile and less-mobile domains with an exchange of mass between the two domains, and this model can reproduce better fits to BTCs in many systems than ADE-based models. However, direct experimental estimation of DDMT model parameters remains elusive and model parameters are often calculated a posteriori by an optimization procedure. Here, we investigate the use of geophysical tools (direct-current resistivity, nuclear magnetic resonance, and complex conductivity) to estimate these model parameters directly. We use two different samples of the zeolite clinoptilolite, a material shown to demonstrate solute mass transfer due to a significant internal porosity, and provide the first evidence that direct-current electrical methods can track solute movement into and out of a less-mobile pore space in controlled laboratory experiments. We quantify the effects of assuming single-rate DDMT for multirate mass transfer systems. We analyze pore structures using material characterization methods (mercury porosimetry, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray computer tomography), and compare these observations to geophysical measurements. Nuclear magnetic resonance in conjunction with direct-current resistivity measurements can constrain mobile and less-mobile porosities, but complex conductivity may have little value in relation to mass transfer despite the hypothesis that mass transfer and complex conductivity lengths scales are related. Finally, we conduct a geoelectrical monitored tracer test at the Macrodispersion Experiment (MADE) site in Columbus, MS. We relate hydraulic and electrical conductivity measurements to generate a 3D hydraulic conductivity field, and compare to hydraulic conductivity fields estimated through ordinary kriging and sequential Gaussian simulation. Time-lapse electrical measurements are used to verify or dismiss aspects of breakthrough curves for different hydraulic conductivity fields. Our results quantify the potential for geophysical measurements to infer on single-rate DDMT parameters, show site-specific relations between hydraulic and electrical conductivity, and track solute exchange into and out of less-mobile domains.

Enabling Airspace Integration for High Density Urban Air Mobility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mueller, Eric Richard

2017-01-01

Aviation technologies and concepts have reached a level of maturity that may soon enable an era of on-demand mobility (ODM) fueled by quiet, efficient, and largely automated air taxis. However, successfully bringing such a system to fruition will require introducing orders of magnitude more aircraft to a given airspace volume than can be accommodated by the traditional air traffic control system, among other important technical challenges. The airspace integration problem is further compounded by requirements to set aside appropriate ground infrastructure for take-off and landing areas and ensuring these new aircraft types and their operations do not burden traditional airspace users and air traffic control. These challenge for ODM may be significantly reduced by extending the concepts and technologies developed to manage small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) at low altitude the UAS traffic management (UTM) system to higher altitudes and aircraft with humans onboard in controlled airspace, or by equipping ODM aircraft with advanced sensors, algorithms, and interfaces. The precedent of operational freedom inherent in visual flight rules and the technologies developed for large UAS and commercial aircraft automation will contribute to the evolution of an ODM system enabled by UTM. This paper describes the set of air traffic services, normally provided by the traditional air traffic system, that an ODM system would implement to achieve the high densities needed for ODMs economic viability. Finally, the paper proposes a framework for integrating, evaluating, and deploying low-, medium-, and high-density ODM concepts that build on each other to ensure operational and economic feasibility at every step.

Impact of radiofrequency radiation on DNA damage and antioxidants in peripheral blood lymphocytes of humans residing in the vicinity of mobile phone base stations.

PubMed

Zothansiama; Zosangzuali, Mary; Lalramdinpuii, Miriam; Jagetia, Ganesh Chandra

2017-01-01

Radiofrequency radiations (RFRs) emitted by mobile phone base stations have raised concerns on its adverse impact on humans residing in the vicinity of mobile phone base stations. Therefore, the present study was envisaged to evaluate the effect of RFR on the DNA damage and antioxidant status in cultured human peripheral blood lymphocytes (HPBLs) of individuals residing in the vicinity of mobile phone base stations and comparing it with healthy controls. The study groups matched for various demographic data including age, gender, dietary pattern, smoking habit, alcohol consumption, duration of mobile phone use and average daily mobile phone use. The RF power density of the exposed individuals was significantly higher (p < 0.0001) when compared to the control group. The HPBLs were cultured and the DNA damage was assessed by cytokinesis blocked micronucleus (MN) assay in the binucleate lymphocytes. The analyses of data from the exposed group (n = 40), residing within a perimeter of 80 m of mobile base stations, showed significantly (p < 0.0001) higher frequency of micronuclei when compared to the control group, residing 300 m away from the mobile base station/s. The analysis of various antioxidants in the plasma of exposed individuals revealed a significant attrition in glutathione (GSH) concentration (p < 0.01), activities of catalase (CAT) (p < 0.001) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) (p < 0.001) and rise in lipid peroxidation (LOO) when compared to controls. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed a significant association among reduced GSH concentration (p < 0.05), CAT (p < 0.001) and SOD (p < 0.001) activities and elevated MN frequency (p < 0.001) and LOO (p < 0.001) with increasing RF power density.

Recommended messages for truck-mounted changeable message signs during mobile operations.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-08-01

"The use of truck-mounted changeable message signs (TMCMSs) for mobile operations is desirable for : providing drivers with information to better prepare them for unexpected conditions. Traditionally, : temporary traffic control for mobile operations...

Recommended messages for truck-mounted changeable message signs during mobile operations.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-08-01

The use of truck-mounted changeable message signs (TMCMSs) for mobile operations is desirable for providing drivers with information to better prepare them for unexpected conditions. Traditionally, temporary traffic control for mobile operations has ...

[Design and Implementation of Intelligent Mobile ECG].

PubMed

Cao, Shaoping; Liu, Jian

2016-05-01

This paper introduces the development of intelligent mobile ECG, and internet big data sharing resources to further improve the remote diagnosis of medical service platform , to enhance the level of mobile medical standard and control medical risks.

Adding navigation, artificial audition and vital sign monitoring capabilities to a telepresence mobile robot for remote home care applications.

PubMed

Laniel, Sebastien; Letourneau, Dominic; Labbe, Mathieu; Grondin, Francois; Polgar, Janice; Michaud, Francois

2017-07-01

A telepresence mobile robot is a remote-controlled, wheeled device with wireless internet connectivity for bidirectional audio, video and data transmission. In health care, a telepresence robot could be used to have a clinician or a caregiver assist seniors in their homes without having to travel to these locations. Many mobile telepresence robotic platforms have recently been introduced on the market, bringing mobility to telecommunication and vital sign monitoring at reasonable costs. What is missing for making them effective remote telepresence systems for home care assistance are capabilities specifically needed to assist the remote operator in controlling the robot and perceiving the environment through the robot's sensors or, in other words, minimizing cognitive load and maximizing situation awareness. This paper describes our approach adding navigation, artificial audition and vital sign monitoring capabilities to a commercially available telepresence mobile robot. This requires the use of a robot control architecture to integrate the autonomous and teleoperation capabilities of the platform.

Adapting End Host Congestion Control for Mobility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eddy, Wesley M.; Swami, Yogesh P.

2005-01-01

Network layer mobility allows transport protocols to maintain connection state, despite changes in a node's physical location and point of network connectivity. However, some congestion-controlled transport protocols are not designed to deal with these rapid and potentially significant path changes. In this paper we demonstrate several distinct problems that mobility-induced path changes can create for TCP performance. Our premise is that mobility events indicate path changes that require re-initialization of congestion control state at both connection end points. We present the application of this idea to TCP in the form of a simple solution (the Lightweight Mobility Detection and Response algorithm, that has been proposed in the IETF), and examine its effectiveness. In general, we find that the deficiencies presented are both relatively easily and painlessly fixed using this solution. We also find that this solution has the counter-intuitive property of being both more friendly to competing traffic, and simultaneously more aggressive in utilizing newly available capacity than unmodified TCP.