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The modeling and measurement of the biodynamic response of the seated human body has recently been an active research topic, with major applications to ergonomics and automotive suspension control system technologies. This paper presents a holistic literature survey of topics including the latest research in the area of vibration signal processing and modeling of the biodynamic response of the seated human to vibrations. This paper reviews recent sensing systems that are reported to measure the motion of the seated body. The data processing techniques that are currently accepted are surveyed and these include impedance, transmissibility measures, frequency response function estimation, and model development. A review of applications of biodynamic response analysis and modeling to seating vibration isolation technologies and vibration monitoring systems is presented within this paper. This survey paper provides a discussion on the direction that the future research in this field will aim toward based on the trends in the recent research and the introduction and application of new technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract-Harmonic monitoring has become an important tool for harmonic management in distribution system. A comprehensive harmonic monitoring program has been designed and implemented on a typical electrical medium-voltage distribution system in Australia. The monitoring program involved measurements of the three-phase harmonic currents and voltages from the residential, commercial, and industrial load sectors. Data over a three year period have been downloaded and available for analysis. The large amount of acquired data makes it difficult to identify operational events that significantly impact the harmonics generated on the system. More sophisticated analysis methods are required to automatically determine which part of the measurement data are of importance. Based on this information, a closer inspection of smaller data sets can then be carried out to determine the reasons for its detection. In this paper, we classify the measurement data using unsupervised learning based on clustering techniques using the minimum message length technique, which can provide the engineers with a rapid, visually oriented method of evaluating the underlying operational information contained within the clusters. Supervised learning is then used to describe the generated clusters and to predict the occurrences of unusual clusters in future measurement data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The laboratory plays an important role in teaching engineering skills. An Electrical Engineering department at an Australian University implemented a reform to monitor and improve student satisfaction with the teaching laboratories. A Laboratory Manager was employed to oversee the quality of 27 courses containing instructional laboratories. Student satisfaction surveys were carried out on all relevant laboratories every year, and the data were used for continuous improvement. This paper will investigate the reforms that were implemented and outline a number of the improvements made. It also examines the program's overall impact on: 1) overall satisfaction; 2) laboratory notes; 3) learning experiences; 4) computer facilities; 5) engineering equipment; and 6) condition of the laboratory. Student satisfaction with the laboratories increased by 32% between 2007 and 2013. The results show that the laboratory notes (activity and clarity) and the quality of the equipment used are among the most influential factors on student satisfaction. In particular, it is important to have notes or resources that explain in some detail how to use and troubleshoot equipment and software used in the laboratory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes in detail a successful training program developed for sessional (part-time or nonpermanent) laboratory demonstrators employed in the Electrical Engineering Department of an Australian university. Such demonstrators play an important role in teaching practical concepts and skills in engineering. The success of the program relies on a centralized approach coordinated by a carefully selected Laboratory Manager responsible for the recruitment, allocation, training, and development of sessional teachers, and for assessing student satisfaction with them. The paper examines the overall impact of the program on these teachers': 1) introducing laboratory material; 2) preparation; 3) communication; 4) interest in student learning; 5) ability to respond to questions; and 6) overall effectiveness. Sessional teacher satisfaction with the training program is also examined, and the data were used to inform the program's further development. The results show that the training program successfully improved the demonstrators' teaching skills and thus led to greater satisfaction and hence learning experience of both students and demonstrators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]