582 research outputs found

    Path-building and localization system for mobile robotic platforms based on Raspberry Pi

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    The paper demonstrates a system for detection of location of robotic platform FESTO Robotino and optimal route building. It processes data from the camera and transmits control signals to the control system of the robot. The whole system is based on Raspberry Pi. It detects robot's current coordinates, current angular rotation, angular difference (difference between current and previous angular rotation) and displacement of the robot in its own coordinate system. It uses an ArUco marker, placed on the top of the mobile robot for that. System also builds an optimal path, when moving from one point of the surface to another, according to the permeability of the surface. The authors set the permeability of testing surfaces. Using that, a weighted graph is built through the centers of particular surfaces, which are detected via an algorithm on Raspberry Pi. The optimal path is constructed through the edges of the graph via modified Dijkstra algorithm

    Advanced electrically conductive adhesives for high complexity PCB assembly

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    Electronic packaging, or assembly of packed electronic components on printed circuit boards, present challenges that require innovative solder pastes and electrically conductive adhesives to face the increasing complexity of PCB assembly, with denser board occupation and demanding thermal management during assembly. Our aim is to prepare carbon particle based conductive adhesives. The first step to achieve this goal was to prepare composites with epoxy resin and a variety of nano to micron scale carbon particle, produced by mixing on a three roll mill. The percolation threshold for each particle type was determined as well as the conductivity level reached after percolation.This research is sponsored by the Portugal Incentive System for Research and Technological Development. Project in co-promotion nº 002814/2015 (iFACTORY 2015-2018)

    Estrus Cycle Monitoring in Wild Mammals: Challenges and Perspectives

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    The knowledge of reproductive physiology is of paramount importance to guide reproductive management and to make possible future application of assisted reproduction techniques (ARTs) aiming ex situ conservation of wild mammals. Nevertheless, information on the basic reproductive aspects of wild mammals remain scarce, and appropriate management practices have not yet been developed for all the species. This chapter discusses the methods most currently used for reproductive monitoring in wild females. Additionally, the difficulties regarding their use in different species and the possibilities of these procedures in captivity or in free-living mammals are addressed

    Assessment of Constructed Wetlands’ Potential for the Removal of Cyanobacteria and Microcystins (MC-LR)

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    Microcystis blooms and the subsequent release of hepatotoxic microcystins (MCs) pose a serious threat to the safety of water for human and livestock consumption, agriculture irrigation, and aquaculture worldwide. Microcystin-LR (MC-LR), the most toxic variant of MCs, has been widely detected in a variety of environments such as water, sediments, plants, and many aquatic organisms.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

    The ovine hepatic mitochondrial proteome: understanding seasonal weight loss tolerance in two distinct breeds

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    Research ArticleSeasonal weight loss (SWL) is a primary constraint for farmers in the Mediterranean and tropics. One cost-effective solution to SWL is utilizing breeds like the Damara sheep that have adapted to deal with nutritional stress. Previous studies concluded that one of the adaptation mechanisms of SWL is a specialized fatty acid metabolism. Accordingly, hepatic-mitochondrial proteomes were compared across two different breeds (24 sheep total, Merino, n = 12 and Damara, n = 12) and two different diets (restricted vs unrestricted diet, 6 per breed, per diet, 24 total). Mitochondrial-proteins were isolated and relatively quantified using Blue native PAGE / 2D-electrophoresis and then analyzed via mass spectrometry. The tool ReviGO summarized the proteomes’ gene-ontology terms. A total of 50 proteins were identified with 7 changing significantly in abundance (ANOVA p-value<0.05). Specific abundance patterns of corticosteroid and inflammatory response-associated proteins such as annexin and glutamate dehydrogenase suggests that the Damara has an unusual inflammation response when subjected to SWL in addition to its unique metabolism. All significant proteins warrant further study; Annexin in particular shows promise as a potentially useful biomarkerinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

    Evolutionary Comparison Provides Evidence for Pathogenicity of RMRP Mutations

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    Cartilage-hair hypoplasia (CHH) is a pleiotropic disease caused by recessive mutations in the RMRP gene that result in a wide spectrum of manifestations including short stature, sparse hair, metaphyseal dysplasia, anemia, immune deficiency, and increased incidence of cancer. Molecular diagnosis of CHH has implications for management, prognosis, follow-up, and genetic counseling of affected patients and their families. We report 20 novel mutations in 36 patients with CHH and describe the associated phenotypic spectrum. Given the high mutational heterogeneity (62 mutations reported to date), the high frequency of variations in the region (eight single nucleotide polymorphisms in and around RMRP), and the fact that RMRP is not translated into protein, prediction of mutation pathogenicity is difficult. We addressed this issue by a comparative genomic approach and aligned the genomic sequences of RMRP gene in the entire class of mammals. We found that putative pathogenic mutations are located in highly conserved nucleotides, whereas polymorphisms are located in non-conserved positions. We conclude that the abundance of variations in this small gene is remarkable and at odds with its high conservation through species; it is unclear whether these variations are caused by a high local mutation rate, a failure of repair mechanisms, or a relaxed selective pressure. The marked diversity of mutations in RMRP and the low homozygosity rate in our patient population indicate that CHH is more common than previously estimated, but may go unrecognized because of its variable clinical presentation. Thus, RMRP molecular testing may be indicated in individuals with isolated metaphyseal dysplasia, anemia, or immune dysregulation
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