An observer design for active suspension system

The purpose of this paper is to construct an active suspension for a quarter car model with observer design. The proportional-integral sliding mode is chosen as a control strategy, and the road profile is estimated by using an observer design. The performance of the proposed controller will be compared with the linear quadratic regulator by performing extensive computer simulation

Sliding mode control of active suspension system

The purpose of this paper is to present a new approach in controlling an active suspension system. This approach utilized the proportional integral sliding mode control scheme. Using this type of sliding surface, the asymptotic stability of the system during sliding mode is assured compared to the conventional sliding surface. The proposed control scheme is applied in designing an automotive active suspension system for a quarter-car model and its performance is compared with the existing passive suspension system. A simulation study is performed to prove the effectiveness of this control design

High-stakes remote-access open-book examinations

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to unprecedented challenges in medical school assessments. Final year high-stakes assessments have classically used closed book examinations (CBEs). Alternative methods of assessment such as open book examinations (OBEs) are emerging but are not routinely used in final year medical school exams. OBEs encourage the use of problem-solving skills more akin to those used in real-life. There is currently limited data comparing OBEs with CBEs. A systematic review showed there was insufficient evidence to support the exclusive use of either CBEs or OBEs in assessment, however the studies conducted to date have rarely looked at high-stakes assessments due to concerns about the validity of OBEs1

The intra- and extra-telomeric role of TRF2 in the DNA damage response

Telomere repeat binding factor 2 (TRF2) has a well-known function at the telomeres, which acts to protect the telomere end from being recognized as a DNA break or from unwanted recombination. This protection mechanism prevents DNA instability from mutation and subsequent severe diseases caused by the changes in DNA, such as cancer. Since TRF2 actively inhibits the DNA damage response factors from recognizing the telomere end as a DNA break, many more studies have also shown its interactions outside of the telomeres. However, very little has been discovered on the mechanisms involved in these interactions. This review aims to discuss the known function of TRF2 and its interaction with the DNA damage response (DDR) factors at both telomeric and non-telomeric regions. In this review, we will summarize recent progress and findings on the interactions between TRF2 and DDR factors at telomeres and outside of telomeres

Vegetation cover and grasslands in the vicinity accelerate development of carabid beetle assemblages on restored landfill sites

There is increasing evidence that rare and scarce carabid species of conservation importance are frequent in brownfield sites such as restored landfill. However, this potential has largely been unexplored and was investigated here by examining carabid species composition, richness, and abundance in relation to habitat quality and landscape structure on landfill sites in comparison to paired reference sites of existing wildlife value. Sampling was conducted by collecting carabids in ten pitfall traps set along two 100 m transects on each of nine restored landfill and their paired reference sites in the East Midlands region of the UK. A total of 1014 individuals representing thirty seven carabid species were found during April to September in 2007 and 2008. On the landfill sites, generalist species were common, while no nationally rare or scarce species were found. Neither species richness nor diversity of carabid species was found to be different from that of the reference sites. Seeding during restoration was found to have a strong positive effect on richness and diversity, with seeded landfill sites tending to be similar to reference sites in terms of carabid species composition. Marked differences in diversity and richness were also attributed to variation in the amount of local vegetation cover, with presence of grassland in the surrounding landscape having a positive effect on carabid assemblages. We suggest that initial seeding may be an appropriate conservation strategy to improve beetle diversity and richness, coupled with management in terms of cutting to increase the potential of these sites for carabid conservation at the landscape scale

Factors that influence consumer purchasing behaviour towards green product: a case on cocoa / Mohamad Saifullah Md Sam

Cocoa is one of major crop in Malaysia after oil palm, rubber and paddy. In 2014, the total cultivated by region and sector is 16,070 ha. The land cultivated by this species has been reduced in large amount of hectare. Cocoa industry of import and export show the good development in cocoa processing from raw material into product form. However, development and marketing of cocoa green product still lack and need improvement. Therefore, survey study has been developed to find the factors that influence consumer to purchase green product. Merlimau is the place for survey purpose. Green product is product that has been produced without affecting the environmental surrounding. The study wants to investigate the consumer purchasing behaviour by explaining the relation of four factors; environmental concern, health, social influence and price. The primary data need to be collected from respondents by using self-administered survey. All data from respondents will be analyzed by descriptive analysis, reliability analysis, correlation analysis and regression analysis to achieve the objectives in this study. The result shows that price is the most factor influence consumer purchasing behaviour. It is hope that government and other agencies take the action in improvement of green product especially on cocoa