3D path planning for a biomass processing robot via motion simulation

Six motion strategies for a Cartesian 4-degrees-of-freedom (4-DOF) biomass processing robot were developed. Each of the corresponding trajectories consists of more than 1300 three-dimensional coordinate points. The motion strategies were evaluated due to their efficiency to select the most promising one for being embedded into the control system of the robot. For evaluation, an algorithm was developed calculating different evaluation parameters such as total cycle time, covered distance and no-load time. The best strategy was able to perform the task within 23 h. The total covered distance within this time period amounts to 33 km. The efficiency of the motion strategy in terms of load- and no-load time phases was ε=57% and has to be enhanced during further research. By doubling maximum velocity to 60 m min⁻¹ in longitudinal direction (x) and to 20 m min⁻¹ in transverse direction (y) the total cycle time would be reduced additionally by maximum 20%.     

Modeling multimodal human-computer interaction

Incorporating the well-known Unified Modeling Language into a generic modeling framework makes research on multimodal human-computer interaction accessible to a wide range off software engineers. Multimodal interaction is part of everyday human discourse: We speak, move, gesture, and shift our gaze in an effective flow of communication. Recent initiatives such as perceptual and attentive user interfaces put these natural human behaviors in the center of the human-computer interaction (HCI). We've designed a generic modeling framework for specifying multimodal HCI using the Object Management Group's Unified Modeling Language. Because it's a well-known and widely supported standard - computer science departments typically cover it in undergraduate courses, and many books, training courses, and tools support it - UML makes it easier for software engineers unfamiliar with multimodal research to apply HCI knowledge, resulting in broader and more practical effects. Standardization provides a significant driving force for further progress because it codifies best practices, enables and encourages reuse, and facilitates interworking between complementary tools.     

Recovery of flavonoids from grape skins by enzyme-assisted extraction

Grape skin contains large amounts of different flavonoids so it can be used for their recovery. Optimization of enzyme-assisted extraction of flavonoids was conducted using oenological enzyme preparations with respect to enzyme dosage, temperature, extraction time, pH, and enzyme preparation. Optimal conditions were obtained using enzyme preparation Lallzyme EX-V, at the temperature of 45°C, time of 3 h, pH 2.0, and enzyme dosage of 10.52 mg/g. The new optimized extraction method is less expensive, simple, accurate, and selective for the recovery of simple flavonoids. It is based on an environmentally-friendly extraction solvent which may provide a valuable alternative to conventional methods.     

Influence of Ultrasonic Oscillation on Static and Sliding Friction

Vibrations of varying frequency and amplitude are used in many technological areas to control and reduce friction. In this study we report the results of systematic high-precision measurements of the static and sliding friction under the influence of ultrasonic oscillations. We investigate the effect of ultrasonic oscillations for in-plane and out-of-plane oscillations in the completely relevant interval of oscillation amplitudes and sliding velocities and for various material pairings. The experimental results are interpreted on the basis of both macroscopic and microscopic models. There are two main effects which are of interest for tribological applications. Firstly, the frictional force typically decreases with increasing oscillation amplitude, with an oscillation amplitude of about 0.1???m typically being sufficient for a significant decrease of frictional force. Secondly, the decrease of force is larger at smaller sliding velocities; therefore, at sufficiently large oscillation amplitudes, the frictional force always increases with sliding velocity. This effect can be used to suppress frictionally induced vibrations.     

A model-driven approach to content repurposing

The multimedia metamodel defines platform-independent multimedia concepts, opening the way for novel approaches to designing content repurposing solutions. Designers can use the metamodel to create content and add metadata to existing content, simplifying content analysis and repurposing. This model-driven approach and proposed design solutions are useful not only for many multimedia designers and researchers, where the model-driven tools can help them create better multimedia interfaces, but also for lecturers and students of multimedia courses. In the latter case, the unified multimedia metamodel offers context for sometimes subtle relationships between multimedia concepts. The metamodel can also facilitate the collaborative creation of broader knowledge about multimedia phenomena. In our future work, we plan to extend the proposed metamodel and include domains from related fields, such as user modeling and intelligent tutoring systems that deal with high-level user models. We are also designing multimodal test environments, reusable multimedia components, and data mining tools for evaluating various aspects of multimedia and multimodal communication.     

Antioxidant and antilisterial activity of olive oil,cocoa and rosemary extract polyphenols

Antibacterial and antioxidant activity of polyphenols from olive oil, cocoa, and rosemary extract was tested. Antimicrobial activity against Listeria strains was assessed using broth dilution and time-kill curve methods. The 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydracyl hydrate (DPPH) radical scavenging method, Folin–Ciocalteu method, and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were used for phenolics identification and determination of antioxidants level. Antibacterial and antioxidant activity of main pure phenolic compounds, such as hydroxytyrosol in olive oil, epicatechin in cocoa and carnosic acid in rosemary was each compared with their extracts.