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One of the major reasons of road related accidents is driver distraction. The aim of this study is to classify driver attention level which can be extended to improving driver warning systems by generating adaptive driver alert warning systems. In this paper logistic regression (LR) and support vector machine (SVM) classifiers are used to classify driver attention level. The performance of mentioned classifiers is illustrated and compared via the figures of predicted decision boundaries. Also, in comparison to LR, higher accuracy of SVM has been verified.

Bidirectional ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a rare ventricular dysrhythmia with a limited differential diagnosis that includes digitalis toxicity, catecholaminergic polymorphic VT, aconite poisoning, and genetic channelopathy syndromes, specifically, Andersen–Tawil syndrome (ATS). We present a case of a young female with palpitations found to have bidirectional VT on cardiac event monitor and strong family history of cardiac dysrhythmias. Her physical examination findings included minor dysmorphic features of mandibular hypoplasia, hypertelorism, and clinodactyly. The patient was clinically diagnosed with ATS and started on a beta-blocker for control of ectopy. A second Holter review demonstrated markedly decreased burden of ventricular ectopy compared to the initial monitoring. She was referred for genetic testing, which revealed a KCNJ2 mutation. Bidirectional VT is an uncommon ventricular dysrhythmia that has a limited differential diagnosis, one of which is ATS—a rare genetic disorder that results from mutations in the KCNJ2 gene. The condition is frequently associated with developmental, skeletal, and cardiac abnormalities. Although there are no strong recommendations that exist for treatment of ventricular dysrhythmias associated with this genetic disorder, we demonstrate a case of clinical improvement in a patient with ATS by using the beta-blocker metoprolol succinate. Furthermore, we propose that ATS patients may not need exercise restrictions as overall ventricular ectopy burden decreased with exercise and there was no prolongation of the QT interval. This patient will continue to follow up in our clinic to reassess symptom burden and for continued monitoring for the development of any new features.

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Path planning is a key factor that determines how well a robotic vehicle performs in executing automated formations and maneuvers as in multi-vehicle platooning and self- organizing leader following with safe and graceful movements. Many types of path- planning schemes have been employed in the autonomous robotics and driving systems. In this paper, we will focus on the application of a smooth path-planning (SPP) algorithm that produces simple-to-implement robotic maneuvers. The algorithm is derived from using a well-established Lyapunov stability criterion and a clever dynamical control synthesis. We show that the SPP can be adapted to many autonomous guidance scenarios. Simulations show that the SPP resulted in autonomous behaviors similar to that parallel those of human or animal actions. The paper presents results using Matlab simulations as well as Gazebo animation. The results will provide a foundation for an implementation of SPP on actual robotic vehicles.

Electronic Brake System (EBS) is considered as one of the most complicated systems whose performance depends on the subsystems parameters. Usually these parameters are difficult to predict. Based on the task to improve the EBS performance, this article presents a mathematical modeling approach based on neuro-fuzzy network method to model a subsystem of EBS. For the model parameters identification, a neuro-fuzzy network has been implemented based on Least Square Error (LSE) and Levenberg- Marquardt Algorithm (LMA) as the optimization algorithms. Finally, the performance of identified model has been evaluated.

Building girth is important in building economics and mostly used in quantities take-off of various cost items. Literature suggests that the use of conceptual quantities can improve the accuracy of cost models. Girth or perimeter of a building can be used to estimate conceptual quantities. Hence, the current paper aims to model the perimeter-area function of buildings shapes for use at the conceptual design stage. A detailed literature review on existing building shape indexes was carried out. An empirical approach was used to study the relationship between area and the shortest length of a four-sided orthogonal polygon. Finally, a mathematical approach was used to establish the observed relationships. The empirical results obtained were in agreement with the mathematical model developed. A new equation termed "conceptual perimeter equation" is proposed. 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Graphical abstract, The reaction mechanism of DNA topoisomerase II (TOP2) involves a covalent double-strand break intermediate in which the enzyme is coupled to DNA via a 5′-phosphotyrosyl bond. This normally transient enzyme-bridged break is stabilised by drugs such as mitoxantrone, mAMSA, etoposide, doxorubicin, epirubicin and idarubicin, which are referred to as TOP2 poisons. Removal of topoisomerase II by the proteasome is involved in the repair of these lesions. In K562 cells, inhibiting the proteasome with MG132 significantly potentiated the growth inhibition by these six drugs that target topoisomerase II, and the highest level of potentiation was observed with mitoxantrone. Mitoxantrone also showed the greatest potentiation by MG132 in three Nalm 6 cell lines with differing levels of TOP2A or TOP2B. Mitoxantrone was also potentiated by the clinically used proteasome inhibitor PS341 (Velcade). We have also shown that proteasome inhibition with MG132 in K562 cells reduces the rate of removal of mitoxantrone or etoposide stabilised topoisomerase complexes from DNA, suggesting a possible mechanism for the potentiation of topoisomerase II drugs by proteasomal inhibition.

The pole placement (PP) technique for design of a linear state feedback control system requires specification of all the closed-loop pole locations even though only a few poles dominate the system's transient response characteristics. The linear quadratic regulator (LQR) method, on the other hand, optimizes the system transient response and does not directly impose the location of the dominant poles. This paper presents a new optimal linear quadratic pole placement (LQPP) technique that simultaneously assigns some poles to exact desired dominant locations (partial pole placement) and adjusts the rest of the poles to optimize an LQ performance index (parametric optimization). As a result, a designer can fashion his control design to benefit from the PP and LQ techniques. The paper only addresses the LQPP technique for a single-input full-state feedback control system.

The ability to determine an accurate global position of a vehicle has many useful commercial and military applications. The differential global positioning system (DGPS) is one of the practical navigation tools used for this purpose. However, the DGPS has limitations arising from slow updates, signal interference, and limited accuracy. This paper describes how vehicle rate sensors ran be used to help a DGPS overcome these limitations. The theoretical background for the sensor fusion is based on the principle of Kalman filtering and a fuzzy logic scheme. Validity of the method was verified by using experimental data from an actual automobile navigating around an urban area. The results demonstrated that the path of the automobile can be continuously traced with high accuracy and repeatability, in spite of the limitations of the DGPS.

In this paper, a review of mechatronics is presented with emphasis on the desired qualities of university graduates as viewed by industry. A detailed description of a sequence of two new courses on automotive mechatronic systems and a specialized laboratory are discussed. The new coursework has been added to the curriculum towards the degree of systems engineer at Oakland University and will be first offered in Fall '97. The development of the courses and the laboratory has been supported by Ford Motor Company.

This paper describes a fuzzy logic (FL) approach for incorporating an expert knowledge-based Traction Control System (TCS) for a four-wheel drive vehicle. The knowledge base is provided by a survey of existing TCS methods, understanding of the TCS hardware components and tyre adhesion characteristics, evaluation of applicable control methods, computer simulation studies, and feedback information from experienced traction test drivers in the automotive industry. The developed FL-bascd TCS was implemented on a Pentium PC system- level traction controller computer installed on a 4x4 pickup truck. Extensive experiments for traction control was conducted at available test facilities and proving grounds. The system-level fuzzy logic approach readily permits modification of old and incorporation of new ideas. The success of this fuzzy logic-based design approach was demonstrated to the government sponsor and industrial partners.

The chapter presents an approach to control the biped humanoid robot to ambulate through human imitation. For this purpose a human body motion capturing system is developed using tri-axis accelerometers (attached to human legs and torso). The tilt angle patterns information from the human is transformed to control and teach various ambulatory skills for humanoid robot bipedalism. Lyapunov stability based model reference adaptive controller (MRAC) technique is implemented to address unpredictable variations of the biped system.

Today’s advanced microcomputers offer extremely fast processing speed and vibrant high-resolution color graphics capabilities at affordable cost. By using carefully developed courseware (software used for coursework), these technologies can be used to strengthen engineering course delivery and provide laboratory innovation. This paper describes an interactive computer visualization environment in which real-time simulation and animation (RTSA) is used to significantly enhance control engineering curricula. Presented is the potential impact of the proposed environment on control engineering education with illustrative examples. The roles of this new interactive computer learning experience in control engineering curriculum are two-fold: 1) To provide a new method for delivering classroom material whereby real-world control system engineering concepts are introduced via interative RTSA, and 2) To provide an opportunity innovative laboratory assignments where students can analyze, design and modify control engineering systems via interactive RTSA. Positive acceptance and reactions have been widely received from users and audiences of RTSA programs which were incorporated in research projects and control curricula at Oakland University.

A model reference adaptive control (MRAC) technique for vehicle active suspension subsystems is presented. The MRAC automatically self-tunes the active suspension so that disturbance and vibration of a vehicle is reduced to a level determined by an ideal conceptual suspension reference model. The Lyapunov stability method was used in the design of the MRAC. It is shown that the MRAC suspension can accommodate large variances in sprung load and suspension component characteristics and achieves significant improvements over the passive suspension. Real-time simulation and animation (RTSA) software was developed to provide a visual aid for understanding and interpreting the performance of the MRAC suspension. >

Susceptibility to tuberculosis (TB) may be affected by host genetic factors. Elevated levels of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta(1)) were found in plasma of patients with active TB compared with those of healthy contacts. To investigate the association of TGF-beta(1) gene polymorphisms (C-509T and T869C) and plasma levels with the risk of TB in Hong Kong Chinese adults, a case-control study was carried out on 174 active TB patients and 174 healthy controls matched for age, gender and smoking. Blood samples from 180 blood donors served as another control group. Genotyping was carried out on genomic DNA using polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Plasma TGF-beta(1) was measured by commercially available ELISA kit. We found no differences in the distribution of genotypes or alleles of TGF-beta(1) gene polymorphisms at C-509T and T869C between patients and either group of healthy controls. Patients with TB had elevated plasma TGF-beta(1) levels compared with healthy controls irrespective of their genotypes (p0.001). In conclusion, TGF-beta(1) gene polymorphism at C-509T and T869C is not associated with TB susceptibility in Hong Kong Chinese adults, but elevated plasma TGF-beta(1) levels suggests that this cytokine may play a role in the pathogenesis of tuberculosis.

This chapter offers approaches for gauging the intelligence of a mobile robot and case studies as illustrations. The meaning of “Intelligence” varies greatly depending on the context in which the word is used. A general discussion on various perspectives for intelligence is provided. A framework consisting of an agent, an environment and a goal is provided for viewing intelligent behaviors. Three possible means of gauging performance of intelligent mobile robots are suggested. The first is a qualitative perception that is based on an extension of the Turing test for perceiving an unsuspecting UVS behavior as that of a person. The second is a quantitative measure where taskspecific intelligence performance of a smart system is evaluated. The third is the comparative scale that gauges the difficulty of challenges against the intelligent skills of humans. Two case studies, one involving a commercially available robotic floor vacuum cleaner and the other autonomous competition mobile robots, are gauged using the suggested measures. Included in this chapter is a description of a key experiment which revealed that it requires the mind of at least a four-year-old child to successfully navigate an autonomous navigation course.

Gauging Intelligence of Mobile Robots