Problems and solutions in middle size robot soccer: a review

A review of current scientific and technological problems encountered in building and programming middle size soccer robots is made in this paper. Solutions and solution trends to the problems, as presented by different teams, are also examined. Perceptual systems of individual robots, in particular with respect to object location, communications between robot players, decision making with regard to game strategy and behaviour generation, and, finally, actuation, are the topics dealt with. This makes for a wide perspective on the actual state of the art of middle size soccer robots

Development of an anthropomorphic mobile manipulator with human, machine and environment interaction

An anthropomorphic mobile manipulator robot (CHARMIE) is being developed by the University of Minho's Automation and Robotics Laboratory (LAR). The robot gathers sensorial information and processes using neural networks, actuating in real time. The robot's two arms allow object and machine interaction. Its anthropomorphic structure is advantageous since machines are designed and optimized for human interaction. Sound output allows it to relay information to workers and provide feedback. Allying these features with communication with a database or remote operator results in establishment of a bridge between the physical environment and virtual domain. The goal is an increase in information flow and accessibility. This paper presents the current state of the project, intended features and how it can contribute to the development of Industry 4.0. Focus is given to already finished work, detailing the methodology used for two of the robot's subsystems: locomotion system; lower limbs of the robot.- This project has been supported by the ALGORITMI Research Centre of University of Minho's School of Engineering

Analysis of stock market indices through multidimensional scaling

We propose a graphical method to visualize possible time-varying correlations between fifteen stock market values. The method is useful for observing stable or emerging clusters of stock markets with similar behaviour. The graphs, originated from applying multidimensional scaling techniques (MDS), may also guide the construction of multivariate econometric models

Analysis of stock market indices with multidimensional scaling and wavelets

Stock market indices SMIs are important measures of financial and economical performance. Considerable research efforts during the last years demonstrated that these signals have a chaotic nature and require sophisticated mathematical tools for analyzing their characteristics. Classical methods, such as the Fourier transform, reveal considerable limitations in discriminating different periods of time. This paper studies the dynamics of SMI by combining the wavelet transform and the multidimensional scaling MDS . Six continuous wavelets are tested for analyzing the information content of the stock signals. In a first phase, the real Shannon wavelet is adopted for performing the evaluation of the SMI dynamics, while their comparison is visualized by means of the MDS. In a second phase, the other wavelets are also tested, and the corresponding MDS plots are analyzed

Analysis of financial data series using fractional Fourier transform and multidimensional scaling

The goal of this study is the analysis of the dynamical properties of financial data series from worldwide stock market indexes during the period 2000–2009. We analyze, under a regional criterium, ten main indexes at a daily time horizon. The methods and algorithms that have been explored for the description of dynamical phenomena become an effective background in the analysis of economical data. We start by applying the classical concepts of signal analysis, fractional Fourier transform, and methods of fractional calculus. In a second phase we adopt the multidimensional scaling approach. Stock market indexes are examples of complex interacting systems for which a huge amount of data exists. Therefore, these indexes, viewed from a different perspectives, lead to new classification patterns

Analysis of financial indices by means of the windowed Fourier transform

The goal of this study is to analyze the dynamical properties of financial data series from nineteen worldwide stock market indices (SMI) during the period 1995–2009. SMI reveal a complex behavior that can be explored since it is available a considerable volume of data. In this paper is applied the window Fourier transform and methods of fractional calculus. The results reveal classification patterns typical of fractional order systems

Power law analysis of financial index dynamics

Power law PL and fractional calculus are two faces of phenomena with long memory behavior. This paper applies PL description to analyze different periods of the business cycle. With such purpose the evolution of ten important stock market indices DAX, Dow Jones, NASDAQ, Nikkei, NYSE, S&P500, SSEC, HSI, TWII, and BSE over time is studied. An evolutionary algorithm is used for the fitting of the PL parameters. It is observed that the PL curve fitting constitutes a good tool for revealing the signal main characteristics leading to the emergence of the global financial dynamic evolution

The Effect Of 4-halogenobenzoate Ligands On Luminescent And Structural Properties Of Lanthanide Complexes: Experimental And Theoretical Approaches

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)The ligands 4-fluorobenzoate (4-fba), 4-chlorobenzoate (4-cba), 4-bromobenzoate (4-bba) and 4-iodobenzoate (4-iba) were chosen in order to synthesize europium(III), gadolinium(III) and terbium(III) complexes and compare the effect of halogens on their physical chemistry and luminescent properties. The homobimetallic complex [Eu(4-iba)(3)(H2O)(dmf)](2) crystallizes in the monoclinic P2(1)/c space group with unit cell parameters a = 8.3987(9) angstrom, b = 25.314(3) angstrom, c = 14.1255(17) angstrom, and beta = 105.347(2)degrees 1. FTIR spectroscopy indicates that the bidentate bridging mode of the carboxylato ligand was present in all complexes while bidentate chelate and a mixture of bidentate bridging and chelate modes were also found. According to emission spectra profiles and the Judd-Ofelt parameters the halogen of ligand molecules modifies the chemical environment symmetry around the europium(III) ion in their respective complexes. The complexes [Eu(4-fba)(3)(H2O)(2)] and [Eu(4-iba)(3)(H2O)(2)] have the highest symmetry around the europium(III) while the complexes [Eu(4-cba)(3)]center dot 2H(2)O, [Eu(4-bba)(3)]center dot 5/2H(2)O and [Eu(4-iba)(3)(H2O)(dmf)](2) have the lowest. The different halogens at the para position do not change the covalence degree of Eu-O bonds significantly, however they play a role in the ligand to metal charge transfer energies. The highest non-radiative energy transfer rates from ligand to europium(III) were found for the complexes [Eu(4-cba)(3)]center dot 2H(2)O and [Eu(4-bba)(3)]center dot 5/2H(2)O.39318831891Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)NSF [CHE 1363325]Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)FAPESP [2008/53868-0]FAPESP [2009/54066-7

Technological innovation in banking services: an exploratory analysis to perceptions of the front office employee

It is widely recognized that the increased intensity of competition in the banking sector has had direct implications for financial institutions’ approach to customers and how they define their business strategy. Considering that the current economic stance embraces innovation and technology as fundamental elements of strategic management and business and economic development, new approaches to the relationship between technological innovation and financial services are essential in achieving competitive advantage. Based on this premise, the purpose of this paper is to analyze the main effects of technological innovation on financial services at the bank branch level by evaluating responses from front office employees. The results show that information and communication technologies are an important lever in the modernization of the sector. Practical implications, strengths and limitations of our empirical study are also presented.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio