Random bounce algorithm: real-time image processing for the detection of bats and birds

Wind energy plants generate an impact on wildlife with significant fatality rates for various bat and bird species, e.g. due to a collision with the rotor blades. Monitoring approaches, such as vision-based systems, are needed to reduce their mortality by means of an optimized turbine control strategy as soon as flying animals are detected. Since manual analysis of the video data is ineffective, automatic video processing with real-time capabilities is required. In this paper, we propose the random bounce algorithm (RBA) as a novel real-time image processing method for vision-based detection of bats and birds. The RBA is combined with object tracking in order to extract flight trajectories. Its performance is compared with connected components object detection. Results from a laboratory flight tunnel as well as from a field study at a 2 MW wind energy plant in Southern Germany will be presented and discussed. We have successfully detected and tracked objects both in laboratory experiments with many animals and in field experiments with individual animals at a frame rate of 10 fps.     

Characterization of porous glass fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) implant structures: porosity and mechanical properties

The aim of this study was to characterize the microstructure and mechanical properties of porous fiber-reinforced composites (FRC). Implants made of the FRC structures are intended for cranial applications. The FRC specimens were prepared by impregnating E-glass fiber sheet with non-resorbable bifunctional bis-phenyl glycidyl dimethacrylate and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate resin matrix. Four groups of porous FRC specimens were prepared with a different amount of resin matrix. Control group contained specimens of fibers, which were bound together with sizing only. Microstructure of the specimens was analyzed using a micro computed tomography (micro-CT) based method. Mechanical properties of the specimens were measured with a tensile test. The amount of resin matrix in the specimens had an effect on the microstructure. Total porosity was 59.5 % (median) in the group with the lowest resin content and 11.2 % (median) in the group with the highest resin content. In control group, total porosity was 94.2 % (median). Correlations with resin content were obtained for all micro-CT based parameters except TbPf. The tensile strength of the composites was 21.3 MPa (median) in the group with the highest resin content and 43.4 MPa (median) in the group with the highest resin content. The tensile strength in control group was 18.9 MPa (median). There were strong correlations between the tensile strength of the specimens and most of the micro-CT based parameters. This experiment suggests that porous FRC structures may have the potential for use in implants for cranial bone reconstructions, provided further relevant in vitro and in vivo tests are performed.     

Recommendations for mass spectrometry data quality metrics for open access data (corollary to the Amsterdam principles)

Policies supporting the rapid and open sharing of proteomic data are being implemented by the leading journals in the field. The proteomics community is taking steps to ensure that data are made publicly accessible and are of high quality, a challenging task that requires the development and deployment of methods for measuring and documenting data quality metrics. On September 18, 2010, the U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI) convened the "International Workshop on Proteomic Data Quality Metrics" in Sydney, Australia, to identify and address issues facing the development and use of such methods for open access proteomics data. The stakeholders at the workshop enumerated the key principles underlying a framework for data quality assessment in mass spectrometry data that will meet the needs of the research community, journals, funding agencies, and data repositories. Attendees discussed and agreed up on two primary needs for the wide use of quality metrics: (i) an evolving list of comprehensive quality metrics and (ii) standards accompanied by software analytics. Attendees stressed the importance of increased education and training programs to promote reliable protocols in proteomics. This workshop report explores the historic precedents, key discussions, and necessary next steps to enhance the quality of open access data. By agreement, this article is published simultaneously in Proteomics, Proteomics Clinical Applications, Journal of Proteome Research, and Molecular and Cellular Proteomics, as a public service to the research community. The peer review process was a coordinated effort conducted by a panel of referees selected by the journals.     

From linear to nonlinear MPC: bridging the gap via the real-time iteration

ABSTRACT

Linear model predictive control (MPC) can be currently deployed at outstanding speeds, thanks to recent progress in algorithms for solving online the underlying structured quadratic programs. In contrast, nonlinear MPC (NMPC) requires the deployment of more elaborate algorithms, which require longer computation times than linear MPC. Nonetheless, computational speeds for NMPC comparable to those of MPC are now regularly reported, provided that the adequate algorithms are used. In this paper, we aim at clarifying the similarities and differences between linear MPC and NMPC. In particular, we focus our analysis on NMPC based on the real-time iteration (RTI) scheme, as this technique has been successfully tested and, in some applications, requires computational times that are only marginally larger than linear MPC. The goal of the paper is to promote the understanding of RTI-based NMPC within the linear MPC community.     

Cubital tunnel syndrome and the painful upper extremity

Cubital tunnel syndrome is the second-most-common compressive neuropathy. With the increasing prevalence of entrapment neuropathies, the presentation of ulnar nerve compression with a painful upper extremity appears to be more common. Although our knowledge and understanding of this disease are increasing, the principles of management remain constant. We are obliged to reach a timely and appropriate diagnosis to minimize the extent of neurologic injury and institute an appropriate treatment regimen to preserve and restore normal neural function. Although there are many ways to reach these goals, the avoidance of complications is paramount to achieve a reliable and pain-free outcome. Preventing injury to the medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve, complete release of all sites of compression, and avoidance of creating new compressive sites are the keys to this end.     

Improving neglected influenza vaccination among healthcare workers in long-term care

OBJECTIVE: To increase utilization of influenza vaccination among long-term-care health workers. DESIGN: Before-after intervention study. SETTING: A 300-bed life-care community served by 195 staff employees. INTERVENTION: An educational intervention followed by a Vaccination Fair. MEASUREMENTS: Percent receiving vaccination. A post-intervention survey was used to define staff attitudes towards vaccination. RESULTS: Use of influenza vaccination among staff increased from 8% the previous year to 46% during a Vaccination Fair and to 54% during a similar Fair the next year. CONCLUSIONS: Organized institutional efforts to promote immunization among health-care workers, such as a Vaccination Fair, improves compliance among health-care workers.