Real-time simulation of camera errors and their effect on some basic robotic vision algorithms

We present a real-time approximate simulation of some camera errors and the effects these errors have on some common computer vision algorithms for robots. The simulation uses a software framework for real-time post processing of image data. We analyse the performance of some basic algorithms for robotic vision when adding modifications to images due to camera errors. The result of each algorithm / error combination is presented. This simulation is useful to tune robotic algorithms to make them more robust to imperfections of real cameras. © 2013 IEEE

Disease development of Dothistroma needle blight in seedlings of Pinus sylvestris and Pinus contorta under Nordic conditions

Dothistroma needle blight (DNB), caused by Dothistroma septosporum, was observed for the first time in the Nordic countries during the 21st century, and the dynamics of the disease under Nordic conditions are still poorly explored. In this study, we followed the development of DNB on seedlings of Pinus sylvestris and Pinus contorta, planted at two forest sites in central Sweden. PCR with species-specific primers was used to detect infections of D. septosporum in needle samples collected over a two-year period. The seedlings were also examined for typical red bands and fruit bodies (conidiomata). One-year-old needles that were present on the seedlings at the time of planting became infected during the first summer. The first conidiomata appeared on P. sylvestris in autumn the same year and on P. contorta in spring the following year. The first infections of the current-year needles of both host species occurred in summer, as they were starting to elongate, and the following spring the first conidiomata appeared. On one of the sites, many seedlings carried latent infections without any symptom development. At some time points, infections of D. septosporum were detected in more than 50% of the seedlings, but red bands and conidiomata were only observed on a small number of the seedlings throughout the study period. No clear difference was observed in the susceptibility of infection between the two host species; nonetheless, at the same site, the mortality of P. sylvestris was higher than that of P. contorta, and this is likely primarily due to other stresses and the presence of another needle pathogen, Lophodermium seditiosum

Students\u27 learning as the focus for shared involvement between universities and clinical practice: a didactic model for postgraduate degree projects.

In an academic programme, completion of a postgraduate degree project could be a significant means of promoting student learning in evidence- and experience-based practice. In specialist nursing education, which through the European Bologna process would be raised to the master\u27s level, there is no tradition of including a postgraduate degree project. The aim was to develop a didactic model for specialist nursing students\u27 postgraduate degree projects within the second cycle of higher education (master\u27s level) and with a specific focus on nurturing shared involvement between universities and healthcare settings. This study embodies a participatory action research and theory-generating design founded on empirically practical try-outs. The 3-year project included five Swedish universities and related healthcare settings. A series of activities was performed and a number of data sources secured. Constant comparative analysis was applied. A didactic model is proposed for postgraduate degree projects in specialist nursing education aimed at nurturing shared involvement between universities and healthcare settings. The focus of the model is student learning in order to prepare the students for participation as specialist nurses in clinical knowledge development. The model is developed for the specialist nursing education, but it is general and could be applicable to various education programmes

Verksamhetsf\uf6rlagd utbildning p\ue5 avancerad niv\ue5 – ny utmaning f\uf6r specialistutbildningar f\uf6r sjuksk\uf6terskor

The aim of this article is to discuss challenges in the development of Specialist Nursing Educations as a result of the 2007 Swedish Higher EducationReform: the implementation of the so-called Bologna process. Certain challenges follow this reform, particularly since the specialist nursingprogrammes will be part of the second cycle of the higher education system, and it will be possible to combine the professional degree witha masters degree (one year). Possible strategies in four areas related to the Specialist Nursing Education are discussed: integration of researchbasedknowledge, experienced-based knowledge, improvement knowledge, and strategies for collaboration between university institutions andclinics. Specific didactical issues are raised