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Contact-rich manipulation tasks remain a hard problem in robotics that requires interaction with unstructured environments. Reinforcement Learning (RL) is one potential solution to such problems, as it has been successfully demonstrated on complex continuous control tasks. Nevertheless, current state-of-the-art methods require policy training in simulation to prevent undesired behavior and later d

According to conventional wisdom, improving energy efficiency is an easy way to mitigate climate change and improve energy security, though the reduction in energy intensity in developed economies is largely due to offshoring energy-intensive production to developing countries. This chapter presents a contrarian view. Theory, historical evidence, and time series analysis suggest that the economy-w

Leaders of today need to achieve well in terms of task performance, perceiving low stress, and having high levels of work engagement. One may ask whether trait-based leadership resource factors can be identified and how such resource factors might relate to task performance, perceived stress, and work engagement. Our aim was to test the hypothesis, derived from Hobfoll’s motivational Conservation

A common type of inhalation medicine uses a dry powder formulation where the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) is attached on the surface of carrier particles, often in combination with additional components. The spatial distribution of the API on the carrier particle is critical for the release into the lungs and thus for the efficacy of the drug. In this work, we use ToF-SIMS imaging in com

This paper deals with numerical investigations of cross laminated timber (CLT) beams. Previous investigations have revealed discrepancies between experimental test results and suggested design methods regarding shear force capacity of such beams. To gain further understanding of the failure behaviour and the shear force capacity, nonlinear finite element analyses have been performed, using a cohes

Background: The purpose of this paper is to explore the underlying challenges in the telehealth environment in India and Pakistan that impede the delivery of high-quality images between a patient and health care professional.Method: An exploratory study was conducted among healthcare professionals in India and Pakistan to assess their perceptions regarding image quality, which is used for the diag

We present a microchannel-based adaption of density-gradient centrifugation that allows the instantaneous, precise, and repeatable generation of a 1-dimensional mass-density gradient and determination of single-cell densities with integrated mass-density calibration.

Recent decades have seen an increased mobilization of LGBTQ rights in the creation and maintenance of national(ist) identities. One example is how Sweden has been cast as exceptionally progressive with regard to gender equality and LGBTQ rights, in line with earlier notions of ‘Swedish exceptionalism’. Simultaneously, military institutions across a number of countries have attempted to mobilize is

In this work, physical and chemical characterization of El- Lajjoun retort water from oil shale pyrolysis process has been carried out. Comparison of different treatment methods for the major components which could affect the design and operation of any set of wastewater treatment process were conducted. The removal of phenol and ammonia using activated carbon after 12 hour resident time were 93 a

The aim of this chapter is to explore the safety value of implementing Asimov's Laws of Robotics as a future general framework that humans should obey. Asimov formulated laws to make explicit the safeguards of the robots in his stories: (1) A robot may not injure or harm a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm; (2) A robot must obey the orders given to it by human b

Purpose of review Breathlessness is a common, distressing and limiting symptom in people with advanced disease, but is challenging to assess as the symptom intensity depends on the level of exertion (symptom stimulus) during the assessment. This review outlines how to use recently developed normative reference equations to evaluate breathlessness responses, accounting for level of exertion, for va

A naturalistic view should make us appreciate the rich possibilities of nature. This naturalistic point of departure, as formulated by Willem B. Drees, invites reflection on the relationship between nature and spirituality. Today, the concept of sustainability occupies a key role in what has come to be the greatest challenge ever that humankind has faced together at the same moment in history. Usu

The construction sector needs to transition toward using bio-based building materials in order to reduce its negative environmental impact. However, it is unclear how exactly such a bio-based future will look like, with different stakeholders in different geographical contexts having different visions of the sector’s future. Based on an extensive collection of expert interviews with stakeholders f