We consider an optimal control problem for a model of a Stirling engine that is actively controlled through its displacer piston motion. The framework of optimal periodic control (OPC) is used as the setting for this active control problem. We use the idealized isothermal Schmidt model for the system dynamics and formulate the control problem so as to maximize mechanical power output while trad...

during the past decades, attempts have been made to develop an early warning system for coming destructive earthquakes a few seconds before the ongoing ground motion. in this paper, a practical method for the early warning of earthquakes in south iran is presented. this region is selected for study because it has high potential for generating earthquakes and has a more complete strong ground mo...

Inspired by the properties of the humam visual system, a new active vision system called ESCHeR (Etl Stereo Compact Head For Robot Vision) has been recently implemented with foveated wide-angle lenses. The lenses exhibit a wide eld of view along with a space-varying resolution for facilitating both detection and close observation. However, to handle such optical properties and achieve basic eye...

tendon transfers in hand patients are a commonly performed procedure after extensor tendon rupture. however, the standard side to side technique is not applicable in every patient. we present a case of a musician with unique demands to demonstrate the option to customize surgical technique and therapy regimen to the unique needs of each patient. an extensor indicis proprius to extensor digitoru...

BACKGROUND Clinical data suggest that active limb movements may be associated with early lumbopelvic motion and increased symptoms in people with low back pain. METHODS Forty-one people without low back pain who did not play rotation-related sports and 50 people with low back pain who played rotation-related sports were examined. Angular measures of limb movement and lumbopelvic motion were c...

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the activity of wrist extensor muscle, correlating with wrist motion during gripping after flexor tendon repair. DESIGN Cross-sectional clinical measurement study. SETTING Laboratory for biomechanics and rehabilitation. SUBJECTS A total of 11 patients submitted to rehabilitation by early passive motion of the fingers with wrist flexion position were evaluated after 8...

BACKGROUND In a majority of patients with left bundle-branch block (LBBB), there is abnormal leftward motion of the interventricular septum during the preejection phase. This motion was considered to be passive, caused by early rise in right ventricular (RV) pressure, and has therefore been excluded from most indices of left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony. If considered active, however, the left...