POPCORN: a Supervisory Control Simulation for Workload and Performance Research

A multi-task simulation of a semi-automatic supervisory control system was developed to provide an environment in which training, operator strategy development, failure detection and resolution, levels of automation, and operator workload can be investigated. The goal was to develop a well-defined, but realistically complex, task that would lend itself to model-based analysis. The name of the task (POPCORN) reflects the visual display that depicts different task elements milling around waiting to be released and pop out to be performed. The operator's task was to complete each of 100 task elements that ere represented by different symbols, by selecting a target task and entering the desired a command. The simulated automatic system then completed the selected function automatically. Highly significant differences in performance, strategy, and rated workload were found as a function of all experimental manipulations (except reward/penalty)

Continuum limit in abelian projected SU(2) lattice gauge theory

We study the continuum limit of the abelian string tension and the density of abelian monopoles calculated after carefully fixing the maximal abelian gauge by employing the simulated annealing algorithm. We present the evidence that the abelian string tension converges to the nonabelian one in the continuum limit. For the monopole density we confirm earlier findings that the density of the properly defined infrared monopoles has correct scaling while the total density seems divergent in the continuum limit due to ultraviolate contributions. We also compare with results obtained with the usual iterative gauge fixing algorithm.Comment: Lattice2001(confinement), 3 page

The Scottish Mental Survey 1932 linked to the Midspan studies: a prospective investigation of childhood intelligence and future health

The Scottish Mental Survey of 1932 (SMS1932) recorded mental ability test scores for nearly all of the age group of children born in 1921 and at school in Scotland on 1st June 1932. The Collaborative and Renfrew/Paisley studies, two of the Midspan studies, obtained health and social data by questionnaire and a physical examination in the 1970s. Some Midspan participants were born in 1921 and may have taken part in the SMS1932, so might have mental ability data available from childhood. The 1921-born Midspan participants were matched with the computerised SMS1932 database. The total numbers successfully matched were 1032 out of 1251 people (82.5%). Of those matched, 938 (90.9%) had a mental ability test score recorded. The mean score of the matched sample was 37.2 (standard deviation [SD] 13.9) out of a possible score of 76. The mean (SD) for the boys and girls respectively was 38.3 (14.2) and 35.7 (13.9). This compared with 38.6 (15.7) and 37.2 (14.3) for boys and girls in all of Scotland. Graded relationships were found between mental ability in childhood, and social class and deprivation category of residence in adulthood. Being in a higher social class or in a more affluent deprivation category was associated with higher childhood mental ability scores and the scores reduced with increasing deprivation. Future plans for the matched data include examining associations between childhood mental ability and other childhood and adult risk factors for disease in adulthood, and modelling childhood mental ability, alongside other factors available in the Midspan database, as a risk factor for specific illnesses, admission to hospital and mortality

Testing of ISM band at remotes for unlocking vehicles

ArticleEvery modern car has a remote control for wireless unlocking. Wireless drivers for unlocking the vehicle using frequency in the ISM bands. ISM bands are unlicensed bands. They are usually used for industrial, medical and scientific purposes. The question is whether wireless transmission parameters are sufficient and do not violate defined range of ISM band. Another important aspect is the security of the wireless transmissions and any other signal interference. The problem of interference plays an important role in ensuring the quality and safety of wireless communications, especially when wireless networks can be found everywhere. The issues of remote control vehicles is very important due to the resulting security of a guarded vehicle. One of the major risks that may occur are data transmission that the signal is blocked by another signal and the end user does not notice. In this case, does not lock the vehicle nor ensuring its securing security system. Tests which were performed accurately determined the bandwidth of broadcast remote control for each vehicle. Vehicles for which the tests were conducted are standard vehicles used to frequent occurrence. These are the following types: Alfa Romeo, Hyundai, Mercedes, Škoda and Toyota. Subsequently, the analysis was performed of transmission compared with standard broadcast of jammers. All test drivers worked in the band ISM433. These tests clearly demonstrated that not every manufacturer strictly observes ranges of ISM band. This may affect traffic on surrounding licensed bands

Measurements of wireless detectors used to monitor animal movements in livestock farms

ArticleAt present, there is a great interest in monitoring and automating farm animals and livestock farming. There are many systems and methods to check the movement of animals in certain areas. One option is to use motion detectors. However, some installations are so specific that they require the use of wireless motion detectors. They not only have to fulfill their functional part but also have a sufficiently strong signal that should not interfere outside the defined ISM bands. Due to the frequent deployment of different types of these detectors, research has been carried out to monitor shortcomings in frequently used types of wireless detectors. This research defines which tested detectors are fully usable according to the standards and which need to be modified by the manufacturer. Also, based on measurements, the basic risks and recommendations for the use of individual types of tested detectors are defined

Improvement of monitoring of cattle in outdoor enclosure using IQRF technology

ArticleMonitoring of cattle in the outdoor enclosure is a very important issue. Currently, the increasingly stealing cows and other cattle from the pasture. For businesses that manage it, this is a very lossy business. For thieves, the electric fences, which are currently the most widespread, are easily surmountly. And the owner does not have a chance early on to learn the fact theft of catt le. For this reason, a system for monitoring cattle on outdoor enclosure using IQRF (intelligent local network topology ) technology has been developed. We have been dealing with this issue for a long time and the biggest problem was the monitoring of only the inner part of the enclosure. Previously, there was an overlap of monitoring in the area beyond grazing. This problem has been solved by using a shielded base for mounting IQRF receivers

Development of new elements to automatized greenhouses

ArticleDevelopment of new elements to automatized of greenhouses is always needed and be it is to improve the current situation because of the increase effectivity in greenh ouses or their control. Czech University of Life Sciences Prague was to increase efficiency in greenhouses and therefore, devices designed to improve the automation in greenhouses have been designed and patented. The aim was to propose new improvements for automated greenhouses based on demand. This is primarily about solving the problem of lack of daylight and regularly occurring moss on the roof. This research and development are guided primarily because it is a agriculture branch in the stage of expansio n, and it is essential that there is a continuous innovation and research in this field of science. New automatic features or upgrades to existing features in greenhouses, was solved on the basis of the current state of development curent technology. When designet new technologies also help us grants, personal experience with a real installation and cooperation with manufacturers (or with distributors) greenhouses systems. Designs for a light routing system and a system for removing moss from the roof were made

Detection reliability for passive infrared detectors in intrusion and hold-up alarm systems and their ergonomics

ArticleCurrently it is highly important for detectors to be able to achieve efficiency, reliability, and faultless operation, and to be ergonomic thanks to their assembly and being easy-to-fit. In the case of a proposal for the placement of detectors it is naturally important to determine position of the detector and the type of detector being used, but also to guarantee their capability to be able to detect anything when in use and their user and installation-friendliness. The problem of passive infrared (PIR) detectors affects a large proportion of intrusion and hold-up alarm systems (I&HAS). In a time of increasing property crime, it is highly important for PIR detector to actually be able to detect break-in attempts within the guarded area on a reliable basis and free of error. In the case of the installation of PIR detectors, it is naturally important not only to ensure correct installation, to gauge the external influences which may impact upon the detector and to ensure proper maintenance, but also to guarantee the capability of detection under more arduous conditions. The tests and comparisons which have been conducted examine both the normal operation of the PIR detectors and the ergonomics of these detectors. These tests are important both from an informative perspective and due to the opportunities to be able to develop potential counter-measures which could lead to their improvement