Coordination components for collaborative virtual environments

This paper deals with the behavior of virtual environments from the collaboration point-of-view, in which actors (human or virtual beings) interact and collaborate by means of interdependent tasks. In this sense, actors may realize tasks that are dependent on tasks performed by other actors, while the interdependencies between tasks (through resource management and temporal relations) delineate the overall behavior of a virtual environment. Our main goal is to propose an approach for the coordination of those behaviors. Initially a generic study of possible interdependencies between collaborative tasks is presented, followed by the formal modeling (using Petri Nets) of coordination mechanisms for those dependencies. In order to implement such mechanisms, an architecture of reusable and pluggable coordination components is also introduced. These components are used in an implementation of a multi-user videogame. The presented approach is a concrete step to create virtual societies of actors that collaborate to reach common goals without the risk of getting involved in conflicting or repetitive tasks.     

认真深入做好前期工作确保三峡工程顺利兴建

三峡工程建设,无论是防洪,发电、航运其工程规模极其巨大,而且工程建设地处我国人口密集、经济相对较发达的长江干流上游最下部河段上;为此,工程建设的前期工作更应较全面深入周密细致,充分考虑方方面面的利害得失,正确地反映工程建设的经济效益。在开发性移民方针下,做好水库淹没损失的合理补偿和移民安置,不留后患。长江上游年年发生洪水造成灾害,工程设计应考虑在水库调洪运行中给上游带来的洪涝灾害淹没损失应得到相应的赔偿。执行《水法)对水资源的有偿使用经济收益的分配是一个有待探讨的问题。     

Dynamics of Flexible Multibody Systems Using Virtual Work and Linear Graph Theory

By combining linear graph theory with the principle of virtualwork, a dynamic formulation is obtained that extends graph-theoreticmodelling methods to the analysis of flexible multibody systems. Thesystem is represented by a linear graph, in which nodes representreference frames on rigid and flexible bodies, and edges representcomponents that connect these frames. By selecting a spanning tree forthe graph, the analyst can choose the set of coordinates appearing inthe final system of equations. This set can include absolute, joint, orelastic coordinates, or some combination thereof. If desired, allnon-working constraint forces and torques can be automaticallyeliminated from the dynamic equations by exploiting the properties ofvirtual work. The formulation has been implemented in a computerprogram, DynaFlex, that generates the equations of motion in symbolicform. Three examples are presented to demonstrate the application of theformulation, and to validate the symbolic computer implementation.     

Estimation of energy expenditure in a work environment: Comparison of accelerometry and oxygen consumption/heart rate regression

The aim of this study was to compare estimation of energy expenditure (EE) in working environments, either from accelerometry or from an individual oxygen consumption/heart rate ([Vdot]O₂/HR) regression curve. The study participants were 46 volunteer workers aged 27±6 years old. A significant correlation between EE predicted by the [Vdot]O₂/HR curve and the accelerometer was observed (r=0.78, p <0.01). However, more disparities were observed between the two methods when the mean job intensity was not within 16% and 23% higher than resting HR. The accelerometer overestimated by a mean of 34.4% the prediction by [Vdot]O₂/HR regression if the intensity of the task was lower than a total of 1000 kcal/shift and underestimated the prediction by a mean of –24.9% if EE estimation of the work shift was higher than a total of 1500 kcal/shift. Despite a high correlation between both methods in the whole group, EE evaluated by accelerometry does not correspond to EE predicted by the [Vdot]O₂/HR regression curves when evaluated individually.     

Standardized task strain and system response times in human-computer interaction

Abstract

Involuntary delays in human-computer interaction, for example, system response times (SRTs) can increase stress. In the present study, 40 college-age subjects were randomly divided into an “incentive” and a “non-incentive” group”. Subjects performed a computer task with SRTs of 0-5, 15, and 4-5 s. Physiological, subjective, and performance data were collected during the task. The computer task was designed to individually set difficulty level (i.e., mental strain), thus standardizing the task for all subjects. By using this procedure, changes resulting from SRT duration can be separated from the effects related to task difficulty. The results indicate that both short and long SRTs produced differential psychophysiological changes consistent with different types of stress responses. Short SRTs resulted in higher autonomic and somatic activity, increased positive self-reported emotional states but poorer performance. Long SRTs resulted in increased electrodermal activity, negative self-reported emotional states and better performance.     

实施流域水功能区限制纳污制度细部工作

文章就当前如何深入落实和有效实施流域水功能区限制纳污制度,在流域执行层面怎样做好谋划整体、做实载体和求真具体3个重要环节的细部工作,进行了深度分析思考,切合实际地提出了有针对性的思路对策和具体做法,有助于实践中的借鉴和运用。     

Physiological and cognitive responses when riding an electrically assisted bicycle versus a classical bicycle

The present study compared the physiological responses and the subsequent cognitive performance when riding an electrically assisted (EB) versus a classical (CB) bicycle. Oxygen uptake, heart rate and leg extensor muscles electromyographic (EMG) activity were recorded in 10 subjects during a 30-min intermittent cycling exercise performed with EB versus CB. Cognitive performance was evaluated by a mail sorting test, performed at rest and after each cycling session. Averaged oxygen uptake and heat rate were significantly (P < 0.05) lower during EB cycling than during CB cycling. The EMG activities of the vastus lateralis, rectus femoris and gastrocnemius medialis muscles were significantly (P < 0.001) greater during CB cycling than during EB cycling. The time to complete the mail sorting test was significantly (P < 0.05) shorter after EB cycling than after CB cycling. Because EB cycling reduced muscle strains and physiological stress, it might offer benefits for those using bicycles in their work, such as postal workers and police officers. STATEMENT OF RELEVANCE: This study compared physiological and cognitive responses when riding an electrically assisted versus a classical bicycle. The results showed that the electrically assisted bicycle led to reduced muscle strains and physiological stress and, therefore, might offer benefits for those using bicycles in their work, such as postal workers and police officers.     

树立职业价值观 做好读者服务工作

明确图书馆读者服务工作的内涵以及图书馆读者服务工作存在的问题,了解正确职业价值观对图书馆工作的重要作用,探讨如何以正确的职业价值观来更好地为读者服务,这对图书馆馆员提高自身的读者服务工作水平具有重要的现实意义。     

基于虚拟实训基地（车间）的工学结合人才培养模式研究

为了寻求适合自身的人才培养模式,分析了当前国内高等职业教育人才培养模式的现状,提出了基于虚拟实训基地（车间）的工学结合人才培养模式;从校内实训基地建设、课程体系与学习领域开发、教学模式和＂双师型＂教师培养等四个方面阐述了该人才培养模式的具体内容和切实可行性。     

基于单片机的家用电器远程电话控制系统的实现

通过对“家用电器远程电话控制系统”的介绍,系统阐述一种基于AT89C51单片机的远程控制系统的设计、应用思路,将它推荐给各位同行、学生参考。同时,将芯片MT8870和ISD1400的关键功能以及应用做一些简明扼要的介绍。