Search results for "force"
showing 10 items of 3423 documents
Multi-agent Reinforcement Learning for Simulating Pedestrian Navigation
2012
In this paper we introduce a Multi-agent system that uses Reinforcement Learning (RL) techniques to learn local navigational behaviors to simulate virtual pedestrian groups. The aim of the paper is to study empirically the validity of RL to learn agent-based navigation controllers and their transfer capabilities when they are used in simulation environments with a higher number of agents than in the learned scenario. Two RL algorithms which use Vector Quantization (VQ) as the generalization method for the space state are presented. Both strategies are focused on obtaining a good vector quantizier that generalizes adequately the state space of the agents. We empirically state the convergence…
Matlab-based interface for the simultaneous acquisition of force measures and Doppler ultrasound muscular images
2012
This paper tackles the design of a graphical user interface (GUI) based on Matlab (MathWorks Inc., MA), a worldwide standard in the processing of biosignals, which allows the acquisition of muscular force signals and images from a ultrasound scanner simultaneously. Thus, it is possible to unify two key magnitudes for analyzing the evolution of muscular injuries: the force exerted by the muscle and section/length of the muscle when such force is exerted. This paper describes the modules developed to finally show its applicability with a case study to analyze the functioning capacity of the shoulder rotator cuff.
Does force-field adaptation induce after-effects on space representation?
2017
AbstractPrism adaptation is a well-known model to study sensorimotor adaptive processes. It has been shown that following prism exposure, after-effects are not only restricted to the sensorimotor level but extend as well into spatial cognition. The main purpose of the present study was to investigate in healthy individuals whether expansion to spatial cognition is restricted to adaptive processes peculiar to prism adaptation or whether it occurs as well following other forms of adaptive process such as adaptation to a novel dynamic environment during pointing movements. Representational after-effects were assessed by the perceptual line bisection task before and after adaptation to a leftwa…
A hybrid virtual–boundary element formulation for heterogeneous materials
2021
Abstract In this work, a hybrid formulation based on the conjoined use of the recently developed Virtual Element Method (VEM) and the Boundary Element Method (BEM) is proposed for the effective computational analysis of multi-region domains, representative of heterogeneous materials. VEM has been recently developed as a generalisation of the Finite Element Method (FEM) and it allows the straightforward employment of elements of general polygonal shape, maintaining a high level of accuracy. For its inherent features, it allows the use of meshes of general topology, including non-convex elements. On the other hand, BEM is an effective technique for the numerical solution of sets of boundary i…
Quantitative evaluation of muscle synergy models: a single-trial task decoding approach.
2012
Delis, Ioannis | Berret, Bastien | Pozzo, Thierry | Panzeri, Stefano; International audience; ''Muscle synergies, i.e., invariant coordinated activations of groups of muscles, have been proposed as building blocks that the central nervous system (CNS) uses to construct the patterns of muscle activity utilized for executing movements . Several efficient dimensionality reduction algorithms that extract putative synergies from electromyographic (EMG) signals have been developed. Typically, the quality of synergy decompositions is assessed by computing the Variance Accounted For (VAF). Yet, little is known about the extent to which the combination of those synergies en codes task discriminating…
Contact Estimation in Robot Interaction
2014
In the paper, safety issues are examined in a scenario in which a robot manipulator and a human perform the same task in the same workspace. During the task execution, the human should be able to physically interact with the robot, and in this case an estimation algorithm for both interaction forces and a contact point is proposed in order to guarantee safety conditions. The method, starting from residual joint torque estimation, allows both direct and adaptive computation of the contact point and force, based on a principle of equivalence of the contact forces. At the same time, all the unintended contacts must be avoided, and a suitable post-collision strategy is considered to move the r…
Stochastic Tension-Stiffening Approach for the Solution of Serviceability Problems in Reinforced Concrete: Constitutive Modeling
2015
A number of studies have indicated that the tension-stiffening law is an important input parameter in a numerical analysis of serviceability (deformations and cracking) problems of reinforced concrete (RC) structures. The stochastic nature of concrete cracking, which results in a large scatter of experimental results, renders the constitutive modeling a very difficult task. Even data obtained from short-term tests are to some degree uncertain due to time-dependent processes occurring in concrete, such as shrinkage and creep relaxation. This article provides statistical analysis tools that can be readily applied to engineering practice. Stochastic principles are applied to modeling of tensio…
A generic model of reinforcement learning combined with macroscopic cellular automata to simulate land use change
2019
Better understanding the evolution of land cover is a priority concern in the field of land use change study. This evolution can be the result of interactions between major factors. The study of land use change is included in territorial planning to inform planners and policy makers of possible developments they will face. Land use models are useful for reasonable land use management to optimize future land management decisions. In this paper we present an original theoretical model of reinforcement learning combined with macroscopic cellular automata to simulate land use change.
Information Technology Issues in Finland
2020
Information technology (IT) industry is essential in Finland because of its significant export contribution, extensive workforce, and research and innovation contributions. This chapter highlights key issues in this important industry. For instance, IT reliability and efficiency are the top issues necessary for the Finnish IT industry’s competitiveness in a global context. Furthermore, business intelligence and analytics tools, techniques and skills are central to the Finnish IT industry. The industry has a very experienced workforce that is however aging and thus there is a need for training of young personnel to join the industry. Generally, the Finnish IT workers are satisfied with their…
Seismic Performance of Earthquake-Resilient RC Frames Made with HSTC Beams and Friction Damper Devices
2021
Seismic behavior of RC frames with hybrid steel-trussed concrete beams is affected by panel zone damage due to a large amount of longitudinal reinforcement. Here the seismic efficiency of innovative frames characterized by friction damper devices (FDDs) at beam-to-column connections is compared against traditional frame. Three configurations are investigated: FDDs alone; FDDs with column-to-foundation connections having preloaded threaded bars and disk springs; FDDs with self-centering friction devices. Non-linear analyses show that FDDs alone prevent plastic hinge formation at beam ends and beam–column joint damage. FDDs with self-centering friction devices effectively limit both peak and …