Simulation and Design of an Orientation Mechanism for Assembly Systems

The article focuses on methods for designing modular cable-driven orientation mechanisms that can be attached to robot systems that lack on rotational degrees of freedom. The approach yields assembly systems for high speed handling applications by reducing moving masses. For this purpose, a classification of feasible kinematic structures are given and resulting characteristics, like the orientation workspace, dexterity or its homogeneity, are analyzed. The mechanical design of a first prototype is subsequently presented along with a universal simulation tool for determining task-adapted powertrains using cables. Finally, results of first tests and possibilities for future developments are presented. © 2016 The Authors

Toward an mHealth Intervention for Smoking Cessation

The prevalence of tobacco dependence in the United States (US) remains alarming. Invariably, smoke-related health problems are the leading preventable causes of death in the US. Research has shown that a culturally tailored cessation counseling program can help reduce smoking and other tobacco usage. In this paper, we present a mobile health (mHealth) solution that leverages the Short Message Service (SMS) or text messaging feature of mobile devices to motivate behavior change among tobacco users. Our approach implements the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and a phase-based framework. We make contributions to improving previous mHealth intervention approaches by delivering personalized and evidence-based motivational SMS messages to participants. Our proposed solution implements machine learning algorithms that take the participant\u27s demographic profile and previous smoking behavior into account. We discuss our preliminary evaluation of the system against a couple of pseudo-scenarios and our observation of the system\u27s performance

Building a Tailored Text Messaging System for Smoking Cessation in Native American Populations

When starting new and healthy habits or encouraging vigilance against returning to poor habits, a simple text message can be beneficial. Text messages also have the advantage of being easily accessible for lower-income populations spread over a rural area, who may not be able to afford smartphones with apps or data plans. Users benefit the most from text messages that are customized for them, but personalization requires time and effort on part of the user and the counselor. However, personalization that focuses on the cultural background of a pool of recipients, in addition to general personal preferences, can be a low-cost method of ensuring the best experience for patients interested in taking up new habits. In this paper, we discuss the development of a system for motivating users to quit smoking designed for Native American users in South Dakota, using text messaging as a daily intervention method for patients. Our results show that focusing on modular message customization options and messages with a conversational tone best helps our goal of providing users with customization options that help motivate them to live happy and healthy lifestyles

Evidence for Decline in the Unionidae of the East Branch Rocky River, Ohio

A survey of freshwater mussels (Mollusca: Bivalvia: Unionidae) was conducted for the East Branch Rocky River, Ohio, during the summer of 2006. Development in this watershed is moderate though rapidly expanding, particularly in the upstream reaches. Perhaps as a consequence, a preliminary search failed to reveal any live mussels in the river in 2003 . The present report is of an extensive survey covering 21 two-hour timed searches for live mussels and shells combined with visual assessments of disturbance and tests for water quality at each site. All searches were visual or by feeling for mussels embedded in the stream bottom where visibili ty was poor. These surveys produced only 34 live animals and 287 empty shells, which included live specimens of Lampsilis radiata /uteo/a, Lasmigona costata, Lasmigona compressa, and Strophitus undulatus as well as fresh shells of Pyganodon grandis. The few sites that contained live animals and fresh shells were isolated, while worn shells were distributed more evenly throughout the river, suggesting a wider distribution of mussels in the past. Present water quality appeared good, and, therefore, the relatively low density and spatial isolation of unionids may reflect local geomorphologic factors combined with historic and current land usage

Georg Trakl : les poèmes du non–retour

De mai à juin 1914 Georg Trakl entreprend, sur les voies du souvenir, un « retour » vers l’enfance, demeure perdue d’une pureté originelle de l’être ; cette remémoration que jalonnent trois poèmes (Heimkehr, Herbslliche Heimkehr, Die Heimkehr) constitue une des figures de l’expérience caractéristique du déclin. Le repère utopique de l’absolu retour (Ein Winterabend) donne la mesure du délabrement progressif de l’espoir en une grâce qui se refuse. Ce phénomène de dégradation, souvent signalé dans l’écriture de Trakl, se manifeste ici dans la corruption accélérée d’un groupe de textes organiquement apparentés. D’un poème à l’autre l’ombre gagne avec l’évidence d’un irrémédiable déclin dont l’exploration mnémonique relève la trace. Ainsi se dessine un iti­néraire destructeur – métaphore de l’œuvre entière – qui poursuit l’objet dans son absence, l’espoir dans la désespérance, l’être jusqu’au plus profond de sa négation. Abordé sur les pentes d’une complaisante mélancolie, le chemin du retour débouche sur le gouffre d’où monte la vision d’une « dernière demeure » signalant le néant comme ultime refuge de l’être: c’est le retour enfin accompli au bout du non-retour.Mai-Juni 1914: drei Gedichte G. Trakls zeugen von einer «Heimkehr», die auf dem Weg der Erinnerung in Richtung der Kindheit führt - auf der Suche nach einer verlorenen ursprünglichen Reinheit. Die Trilogie (Heimkehr, Herbstliche Heimkehr, Die Heimkehr) fügt sich somit in den Rahmen des für Trakl charakteristischen Untergangsmotivs ein. Am utopischen Entwurf der absoluten Heimkehr (Ein Winterabend) kann der progressive Hoffnungsschwund ermessen werden, der sich in dieser Textreihe kundgibt. Das Phänomen der Zersetzung, das öfters in Verbindung mit Werk und Schreibart des Autors erwähnt wird, läßt sich in verkleinertem Maßstab an dieser Gruppe organisch zusammengewachsener Gedichte aufzeigen. Mit der Aufdeckung eines unverrückbaren Untergangs verdunkelt sich das Bild von einem Text zurn anderen. So zeichnet sich – als Metapher für das Gesamtwerk – ein Weg ab, der die Hoffnung in der Hoffnungslosigkeit, das Wesen bis in seine letzte Negierung sucht. Dieser Weg, der zunächst mit nur leichter Melancholie angetreten wurde, mündet jäh in den Abgrund mit der Vision des «Fried» –hofes als letzter Behausung des Seins, als endgültiger Heimkehr

Regulation of particulate air pollution in Mexico City and Los Angeles

Thesis (M.C.P.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Urban Studies and Planning, 1999.Includes bibliographical references (p. 112-114).Mexico City and Los Angeles have employed very similar air pollution abatement programs yet their results have been disparate. Particulate and ozone pollution levels have been significantly reduced in Los Angeles but not in Mexico City. The reasons for this difference in effectiveness are specific to each context. The implementing agencies in Mexico City lack the requisite institutional capacity, political resources and financial resources to adequately address the particulate and ozone air pollution problem. Subsequently, any policies aimed at reducing the particulate levels in Mexico City need to be tailored towards overcoming these institutional barriers. Policies that can accommodate these constraints include creating an independent, autonomous regulatory agency, increasing environmental education and activism at a grass roots level and coupling health and environmental concerns so that air pollution abatement programs provide net fiscal benefits.by Daniel J. Krebs.M.C.P

A technique for spatially resolved wall temperature measurements in microchannel heat sinks using infrared thermography

A non-intrusive measurement technique for direct quantitative thermal visualization of channel wall temperatures in two phase microchannel flows using infrared thermography (IRT) is presented. Specifically, the measurement of top channel wall temperatures in a fractal-like branching microchannel silicon heat sink during flow boiling is demonstrated and thoroughly documented. Obtaining quantitative local temperature measurements involving IRT poses significant challenges and requires careful consideration with regard to heat sink design, fabrication and calibration as well as data acquisition, reduction and analysis procedures -- all of which are addressed and discussed in detail. Also discussed and rigorously quantified are the potentially significant measurement uncertainties associated with obtaining non-intrusive, local data of this nature. Results indicate that temperature maps of the microchannel top wall during flow boiling can be obtained with a spatial resolution of 10 μm and an uncertainty varying from 0.82°C-1.67°C at 25 °C and 0.96°C-2.80°C

Defects in amorphous phase-change materials

Understanding the physical origin of threshold switching and resistance drift phenomena is necessary for making a breakthrough in the performance of low-cost nanoscale technologies related to nonvolatile phase-change memories. Even though both phenomena of threshold switching and resistance drift are often attributed to localized states in the band gap, the distribution of defect states in amorphous phase-change materials (PCMs) has not received so far, the level of attention that it merits. This work presents an experimental study of defects in amorphous PCMs using modulated photocurrent experiments and photothermal deflection spectroscopy. This study of electrically switching alloys involving germanium (Ge), antimony (Sb) and tellurium (Te) such as amorphous germanium telluride (a-GeTe), a-Ge15Te85 and a-Ge2Sb2Te5 demonstrates that those compositions showing a high electrical threshold field also show a high defect density. This result supports a mechanism of recombination and field-induced generation driving threshold switching in amorphous chalcogenides. Furthermore, this work provides strong experimental evidence for complex trap kinetics during resistance drift. This work reports annihilation of deep states and an increase in shallow defect density accompanied by band gap widening in aged a-GeTe thin film

Slc15a4, a gene required for pDC sensing of TLR ligands, is required to control persistent viral infection

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are the major producers of type I IFN in response to viral infection and have been shown to direct both innate and adaptive immune responses in vitro. However, in vivo evidence for their role in viral infection is lacking. We evaluated the contribution of pDCs to acute and chronic virus infection using the feeble mouse model of pDC functional deficiency. We have previously demonstrated that feeble mice have a defect in TLR ligand sensing. Although pDCs were found to influence early cytokine secretion, they were not required for control of viremia in the acute phase of the infection. However, T cell priming was deficient in the absence of functional pDCs and the virus-specific immune response was hampered. Ultimately, infection persisted in feeble mice. We conclude that pDCs are likely required for efficient T cell priming and subsequent viral clearance. Our data suggest that reduced pDC functionality may lead to chronic infection

Reality Versus Grant Application Research “Plans”

This article describes the implementation of the American Indian mHealth Smoking Dependence Study focusing on the differences between what was written in the grant application compared to what happened in reality. The study was designed to evaluate a multicomponent intervention involving 256 participants randomly assigned to one of 15 groups. Participants received either a minimal or an intense level of four intervention components: (1) nicotine replacement therapy, (2) precessation counseling, (3) cessation counseling, and (4) mHealth text messaging. The project team met via biweekly webinars as well as one to two in-person meetings per year throughout the study. The project team openly shared progress and challenges and collaborated to find proactive solutions to address challenges as compared to what was planned in the original grant application. The project team used multiple strategies to overcome unanticipated intervention issues: (1) cell phone challenges, (2) making difficult staffing decisions, (3) survey lessons, (4) nicotine replacement therapy, (5) mHealth text messages, (6) motivational interviewing counseling sessions, and (7) use of e-cigarettes. Smoking cessation studies should be designed based on the grant plans. However, on the ground reality issues needed to be addressed to assure the scientific rigor and innovativeness of this study