3D real-time positioning for autonomous navigation using a nine-point landmark

The objective of this paper is to propose a new monocular-vision strategy for real-time positioning applications. This is an important aspect whose solution is still necessary in many autonomous landmark-based navigation systems that run in non-controlled environments. The method is based on the analysis of the properties of the projected image of a single pattern consisting of eight small dots belonging to the vertices of an octagon and one more dot in the centre of it. The paper discusses how the pose is calculated by using the parameters of the ellipse that best fits the dots of the pattern and the relative position of the dots in it. The first part of this document provides a qualitative comparison with regard to other similar approaches. The method presented here has several notable properties. Firstly, the pattern can be easily recognized in the image and, more importantly, works under occlusion and noise circumstances. Secondly, it is capable of working in real-time conditions and deals with ranges of 30–700 cm. Finally, the method can be used on different applications (mobile robots and augmented reality systems) and yields better accuracy than others. An extensive report on experiments conducted in real situations is shown at the end of the paper. In order to make our method more compelling, an experimental comparison under occlusion and noise conditions is also made with one of the most widely used pose solutions, the ARToolkit method.     

13C NMR study of presence of uron structures in amino adhesives and relation with wood‐based panels performance

The chemical structure of amino adhesives produced by the strongly acid process was investigated by ¹³C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy. This technique allowed the identification of functional groups and its quantitative determination. Concentration of cyclic polymeric structures (urons) was shown to be related with adhesive performance and with particleboard physico‐mechanical properties and formaldehyde content. Higher urons concentration presented lower viscosity and reactivity. Particleboards produced with resins with lower urons concentration presented lower formaldehyde content, but also lower internal bond strength. Wood‐based panels produced fulfilled E1 class requirements for formaldehyde emissions, indicating that strongly acid process is an alternative to the conventional alkaline–acid process. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 4500–4507, 2013     

Use of single‐wall carbon nanohorns as counter electrodes in dye‐sensitized solar cells

The catalytic activity of single‐wall carbon nanohorns (SWNH) as counter electrodes (CE) of dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSC) was studied for the iodide/triiodide redox reaction. The catalytic activities of SWNH and high surface SWNH (HS‐SWNH) obtained by partial oxidation of SWNH were assessed based on charge‐transfer resistances (R_ct) and current–voltage curves. A half‐cell configuration was used, and CE performances were compared to CEs made of carbon black (CB) and Pt. A CE assembled with HS‐SWNH and mixed with 10 wt.% of hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) ‐ HS‐SWNH/HEC was found to have the highest electrocatalytic activity (lowest R_ct) among all the carbon‐based CEs tested when annealed at 180 °C (R_ct = 141 Ω cm²); however, a very thick film (several tens of µm) would be required in order to perform comparably to a Pt CE. The annealing of such CE at higher temperatures (above 400 °C) did not improve its catalytic activity, contrary to the other studied carbonaceous CEs. The redox catalytic activity of SWNH and HS‐SWNH decorated with Pt was also studied on a half‐cell configuration and compared to that of Pt/CB and pristine Pt. The Pt/SWNH/HEC CE showed the highest electrocatalytic activity per mass of Pt, needing just 50% of Pt load to yield the same electrocatalytic activity of a DSC equipped with a Pt CE, but having half of its transparency. Additionally, applications in temperature‐sensitive substrates are envisioned for the Pt/SWNH/HEC CE due to the use of lower annealing temperatures. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Dynamic Faults in Random-Access-Memories: Concept, Fault Models and Tests

The ever increasing trend to reduce DPM levels of memories requires tests with very high fault coverage and low cost. This paper describes an important fault class, called dynamic faults, that cannot be ignored anymore. The dynamic fault behavior can take place in the absence of the static fault behavior, for which the conventional memory tests have been constructed. The concept of dynamic fault will be established and validated for both dynamic and static Random-Access-Memories. A systematic way to develop fault models for dynamic faults will be introduced. Further, it will be shown that conventional memory tests do not necessarily detect its dynamic faulty behavior, which has been shown to exist in real designs. The paper therefore also presents new memory tests to target the dynamic fault class.     

Exploration of the land potential for the production of biomass for energy in the Netherlands

The energy potential for energy crops and biomass residues in the Netherlands is assessed. The analysis explores the possible use of land for biomass production in the future. Various government memorandums and analyses of the expected future land use in various sectors have served as the basis for the assessment of the supply of and the demand for land in the future. In this study the potential supply of agricultural land is based on expected productivity increments in agriculture and assumptions with respect to the future demand for agricultural products. Various future claims for infrastructure, forestry, urban areas and nature are subtracted from the expected supply. The net projected supply of land ranges from zero to 52 000 ha in 2000 to 110 000-250 000 ha in 2015. The supply of agricultural land depends however on a number of supra-national factors, such as the European agricultural policy, world market developments and the agricultural production in the countries in Eastern Europe. Uncertainties remain, therefore, and the projected supply of agricultural land should be considered as a possible scenario based on current trends. If the calculated land potential is used for energy crops like miscanthus and short rotation coppice, this land could contribute 0-10 PJ in 2000 and 27-59 PJ in 2015. Secondary biomass yields, such as those from forestry, agricultural residues, wood from prunings, etc., could contribute a further 34 PJ in 2000, decreasing to approximately 28 PJ in 2015. Taken together these potentials could satisfy 1-1.5% of the energy requirements of the Netherlands in 2000 and 1.5-2.5% in 2015, provided that energy farming is an economically feasible activity for farmers.     

Infants' perception of dynamic relations between objects: Passing through or support?

This study investigated 4-, 6-, and 9-month-old infants' ability to perceive whether the width relation between a block and the opening of a box specified passing through or support. If infants could perceive which outcome was specified by the width relation, longer looking times would be expected for an outcome that violates this specification. Six- and 9-month-olds looked significantly longer when a block wider than a box opening passed through this opening and when a block with a width smaller than the opening seemed to become supported at the level of this opening. Results indicate that around 6 months of age, infants become able to perceive relations between objects that specify the outcomes of events. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Enzyme therapy in the treatment of lymphedema in the arm after breast carcinoma surgery]

The authors evaluate the contribution of proteolytic enzymes used in the treatment of the lymphatic oedema of the arm after mastectomy and radiotherapy for breast cancer. Proteolytic enzymes were successfully administered in monotherapy of lymphatic oedema as well as supportive therapy in other therapeutically ways.     

Synthesis, characterization, UV and dielectric properties of hexagonal disklike ZnO particles embedded in polyimides

A series of novel ZnO/polyimide composite films with different ZnO contents was prepared through incorporation hexagonal disklike ZnO particles into poly(amic acid) of the pre polymer of the polyimide. The hexagonal disklike ZnO particles with a diameter of 300-500 nm were synthesized from zinc acetate and NaOH in water with citric acid. The prepared zinc oxide-polyimide composites were characterized for their structure, morphology, and thermal behavior employing Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron micrograph, X-ray diffraction and thermal analysis techniques. Thermal analyses show that the ZnO particles were successfully incorporated into the polymer matrix and these ZnO/polymer composites have a good thermal stability. Scanning electron microscopy studies indicate the ZnO particles were uniformly dispersed in the polymer and they remained at the original size (300-500 nm) before immobilization. All composite films with ZnO particle contents from 1 to 5 wt% show good transparency in the visible region and luminescent properties.     

Secondary Traumatization in Partners and Parents of Dutch Peacekeeping Soldiers.

This study examines secondary traumatization among 708 partners and 332 parents of Dutch peacekeepers (i.e., personnel who participated in military actions implemented by international organizations such as the United Nations). Partners or parents of peacekeepers with 4 levels of posttraumatic stress symptoms were compared on posttraumatic stress, health problems, the quality of the marital relationship, and social support. In comparison with partners of peacekeepers without posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, partners of peacekeepers with PTSD symptoms reported more sleeping and somatic problems, reported more negative social support, and judged the marital relationship as less favorable. No significant differences were found for parents. Thus, peacekeepers' stress reactions were related to various problems of their partners. A systemic approach to the treatment of persons with PTSD appears appropriate. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Molecular structure of the two-dimensional hexon crystalline array and of adenovirus capsid

Substantial evidence from animal research indicates that enhanced memory associated with emotional experiences involves activation of the beta-adrenergic system. This hypothesis is further supported by the finding in human subjects that blockade of beta-adrenergic receptors with propranolol selectively reduced memory for emotional events. In the present study, we compared the effects of propranolol, a lipid soluble drug which crosses the blood-brain barrier easily, with those of nadolol, a water soluble drug which crosses the blood-brain barrier to a considerably lesser extent, to determine whether the effect involved peripheral or central beta-adrenergic receptors. The effects of these drugs, taken before subjects watched a slide show that was either emotionally arousing or relatively neutral in content, were tested 1 week later with a surprise memory test. Consistent with previous results, propranolol impaired memory (recall and recognition) in the subjects who saw the emotional version of the slide show. In contrast, nadolol did not impair memory of the emotional slide show. These results indicate that the blockade of central beta-adrenergic receptors is responsible for the reduction in storage of emotional events. The results support the view that memory of a mild emotional event involves activation of central, but not necessarily peripheral beta-adrenergic receptors.