A second-order conic optimization-based method for visual servoing

This work presents a novel method for the visual servoing control problem based on second-order conic optimization. Special cases of the proposed method provide similar results as those obtained by the position-based and image-based visual servoing methods. The goal in our approach is to minimize both the end-effector trajectory in the Cartesian space and image feature trajectories simultaneously. For this purpose, a series of second-order conic optimization problems is solved. Each problem starts from the current camera pose and finds the camera velocity as well as the next camera pose such that (1) the next camera pose is as close as possible to the line connecting the initial and desired camera poses, and (2) the next feature points are as close as possible to the corresponding lines connecting the initial and desired feature points. To validate our approach, we provide simulations and experimental results for several different camera configurations.     

Analysis of Social Interactions Through Mobile Phones

Equipment of mobile phones with various kinds of sensors is transforming these devices from mere capabilities of voice and internet access to devices capable of sensing a number of phenomena pertaining to their users. In this paper we make use of these capabilities of phones to detect social interactions between people and analyze social context by using embedded sensors found in typical smart phones. Work carried out in this area has typically used dedicated hardware to establish social interactions, and we contend on the suitability of mobile phone, since additional devices that user is not familiar with influence natural user behavior and thus their social interaction patterns. Our work shows that two parameters that can be detected through mobile phone sensing, namely interpersonal distance and relative body orientation, provide a solid basis for inferring social interactions. We describe how these factors are acquired using smart phones and describe our analysis. The experiments demonstrate that we can recognize not only whether a social interaction is taking place, but also the type of social interaction, distinguishing between formal and informal social settings.     

Multicenter Collaborative Trial Evaluation of a Method for Detection of Human Adenoviruses in Berry Fruit

The qualitative performance characteristics of a qPCR-based method to detect human adenoviruses in raspberries were determined through a collaborative trial involving 11 European laboratories. The method incorporated a sample process control (murine norovirus) and an internal amplification control. Trial sensitivity or correct identification of 25-g raspberry samples artificially contaminated with between 5?×?10² and 5?×?10⁴?PFU was 98.5%; the accordance and concordance were 97.0%. The positive predictive value was 94.2%. The trial specificity or percentage correct identification of non-artificially contaminated samples was 69.7%; the accordance was 80.0% and the concordance was 61.7%. The negative predictive value was 100%. Application of a method for the detection of human adenoviruses in food samples could be useful for routine monitoring for food safety management. It would help to determine if a route of contamination exists from human source to food supply chain which pathogenic viruses such as norovirus and hepatitis A virus could follow.     

Quantifying electrochemical nucleation and growth of nanoscale clusters using real-time kinetic data

Electrochemical techniques are used widely for the fabrication of nanostructured materials, yet a quantitative understanding of nucleation and growth remains elusive. Here we probe electrochemical nucleation and growth of individual nanoclusters in real time by combining current-time measurements with simultaneous video imaging. We show discrepancies between the growth kinetics measured for individual nanoclusters and the predictions of models, and we describe a significant revision to conventional models that can explain the results. This improved understanding of nucleation and growth allows a more quantitative approach to the electrochemical fabrication of nanoscale structures.     

Objective image fusion performance measure

A measure for objectively assessing the pixel level fusion performance is defined. The proposed metric reflects the quality of visual information obtained from the fusion of input images and can be used to compare the performance of different image fusion algorithms. Experimental results clearly indicate that this metric is perceptually meaningful     

BRISK: a portable and flexible distributed instrumentation system

Researchers and practitioners in the area of parallel and distributed computing have been lacking a portable, flexible and robust distributed instrumentation system. This paper presents the reference implementation of Baseline Reduced Instrumentation System Kernel (BRISK). BRISK was developed as a part of a realtime system instrumentation and performance visualization project. The design is based on a simple distributed instrumentation system model for flexibility and extensibility. The basic implementation poses minimalistic system requirements and achieves high performance. The paper also shows evaluations of BRISK on both basic and advanced configurations. The first evaluation emphasizes local, simple performance metrics; and the second highlights aggregate performance, built‐in clock synchronization and dynamic on‐line sorting. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Polymer-Lipid Matrices based on Carboxymethyl Cellulose/Solagum and Liposomes for Controlled Release of Folic Acid

Liposome-encapsulated folic acid is incorporated into the films made from sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) (2 mas%) and a mixture of CMC and solagum (9:1 w/w) using the film-forming cast solution method. Histidine is used to increase solubility for folic acid in liposomes (1–5 mg mL⁻¹), and propylene glycol is used as a film plasticizer (2.6 mas%). The obtained films (50–60 µm tick) containing 3.12–20.19 mg of folic acid per gram of film are envisaged to be used as patches for transdermal delivery of folic acid. Therefore, some physical, mechanical, release and structural attributes of the films are scrutinized. Folic acid gives yellow color to the films and contributes to stronger chemical bonds which result in improved strength of the film. Liposomes prolong the release of folic acid from films to 24 h without adverse effects on mechanical properties of the films, but degrade homogeneity of the films, which can be ascribed to its agglomeration within the film matrix as revealed by atomic force microscopy. According to the release at pH 5.5, the film formulation based on a blend of CMC and solagum containing 3 mg mL⁻¹ liposome-encapsulated folic acid is recommended. Practical Application: Folic acid is effective in reducing oxidative stress levels in the skin and neutralizing the harmful free radicals and is also essential for various metabolic reactions in the body. However, the limited solubility of folic acid linked with its poor absorption in an organism, low storage stability, short half-life upon oral consumption, specific food preferences of some people, extensive liver metabolism, and pregnancy-induced vomiting point to a large potential in transdermal usage of folic acid. This has motivated us to design new multicomponent polymer-lipid systems as an alternative solution to overcome some of these drawbacks. The results obtained for these multicomponent films pointed to their potential for prolonged release of folic acid to 24 h, which can also be useful for scientists interested in encapsulating similar poorly soluble compounds in CMC patches. The finding can be also valuable information for pharmaceutical manufacturers and scientists worldwide.