A phenomenological approach to multisource data integration: Analysing infrared and visible data

A new method is described for combining multisensory data for remote sensing applications. The approach uses phenomenological models which allow the specification of discriminatory features that are based on intrinsic physical properties of imaged surfaces. Thermal and visual images of scenes are analyzed to estimate surface heat fluxes. Such analysis makes available a discriminatory feature that is closely related to the thermal capacitance of the imaged objects. This feature provides a method for labelling image regions based on physical properties of imaged objects. This approach is different from existing approaches which use the signal intensities in each channel (or an arbitrary linear or nonlinear combination of signal intensities) as features - which are then classified by a statistical or evident approach

Positional estimation techniques for an autonomous mobile robot

Techniques for positional estimation of a mobile robot navigation in an indoor environment are described. A comprehensive review of the various positional estimation techniques studied in the literature is first presented. The techniques are divided into four different types and each of them is discussed briefly. Two different kinds of environments are considered for positional estimation; mountainous natural terrain and an urban, man-made environment with polyhedral buildings. In both cases, the robot is assumed to be equipped with single visual camera that can be panned and tilted and also a 3-D description (world model) of the environment is given. Such a description could be obtained from a stereo pair of aerial images or from the architectural plans of the buildings. Techniques for positional estimation using the camera input and the world model are presented

The Social Shaping of Internet Based Information Systems in Global Organizations: An Interpretive Study

This paper examines multiple interpretations organizational members have of Internet-based information systems (IS) by carrying out an interpretive investigation into the evolution of such systems in a large organization. The findings indicate that exploring interpretive schemes relating to the nature and application of Internet-based IS offers a better understanding of the choices made regarding the design and use of Internet-based IS. This paper illustrates that differences in the interpretive schemes of social groups may lead to differences in actions around Internet-based technologies and were also seen as a source of innovation. The implications of the findings for theory and practice are discussed

Growing Up in a Digital World: Benefits and Risks

Digital technologies have profoundly changed childhood and adolescence. The internet and the means to access it, such as tablets and smart phones, along with social media platforms and messaging apps, have become integral to the lives of youth around the world. They have transformed their education and learning, the way they make and maintain friendships, how they spend their leisure time, and their engagement with wider society

In vitro Antioxidant Activities of Methanol and Aqueous Extract of Annona squamosa (L.) Fruit Pulp

AbstractThe present study evaluated the antioxidant activity of the fruit of Annona squamosa by means of in vitro studies involving two different solvent extracts: methanol and aqueous. The antioxidant properties of the extract were determined by scavenging 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH), lipid peroxidation (LPO), nitric oxide (NO), superoxide anion (O2−), hydroxyl radical (OH•), reducing power and total antioxidant. The results showed that, compared to aqueous extract, a methanolic fruit extract of A squamosa has a higher percentage of inhibition of DPPH radical scavenging activity (97.99%), LPO (94.15%), NO scavenging activity (70.96%), O2− scavenging activity and OH• scavenging activity (78.68% and 85.25%, respectively), total antioxidant activity (206 μg α-tocopherol/g) and reducing power (56.0 μg of ascorbic acid/g). The results obtained in the in vitro models clearly suggest that methanol extract has higher antioxidant activity than the aqueous extract due to a higher presence of phenolic and flavonodal constituents in the methanol extract

Organizational work with enterprise systems: a double agency perspective

Enterprise Systems are used by most large, and also by some small-medium enterprises, as tools to streamline internal and external activities. Installation of an Enterprise System usually entails changes in the organization, in terms of updating or rewriting business processes to match the ones inscribed in the Enterprise System. Consequently, the work of managers and employees in the organization changes accordingly. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the nature of work that is afforded by an Enterprise System, according to the intentions of managers and users. In particular, the way that managers and employees interact with the Enterprise System and the issues that arise from this interaction are explored. The paper proposes a theoretical conceptualisation for the dynamic interaction between users, management, and the Enterprise System

Dealing With Ambiguous and Fluctuating Requirements of Embedded System Development: A Case-Study

This paper presents the findings of a case study that investigates how developers and managers deal with ambiguous and fluctuating requirements during an embedded system development in a structured process management environment. In particular, this paper focuses on improvisation and bricolage actions as a coping strategy by software developers and managers. This research adopts an interpretive approach that involves the collection and analysis of qualitative data. In this study, we observed a turbulent environment with situated improvisational and bricolage responses from developers and managers. The organizational structured process management framework was not sophisticated enough to deal with the existing challenges. Moreover, some improvisational and bricolage activities became institutionalized and, hence, became organizational routines of developers and managers. This paper indicates the value of reflexive practices as vital issues for strategic conduct in the event that improvisational and bricolage activities were deployed as a coping strategy

High density p-type Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 nanowires by electrochemical templating through ion-track lithography

High density p-type Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 nanowire arrays are produced by a combination of electrodeposition and ion-track lithography technology. Initially, the electrodeposition of p-type wBi(0.5)Sb(1.5)Te(3) films is investigated to find out the optimal conditions for the deposition of nanowires. Polyimide-based Kapton foils are chosen as a polymer for ion track irradiation and nanotemplating Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 nanowires. The obtained nanowires have average diameters of 80 nm and lengths of 20 mu m, which are equivalent to the pore size and thickness of Kapton foils. The nanowires exhibit a preferential orientation along the {110} plane with a composition of 11.26 at.% Bi, 26.23 at.% Sb, and 62.51 at.% Te. Temperature dependence studies of the electrical resistance show the semiconducting nature of the nanowires with a negative temperature coefficient of resistance and band gap energy of 0.089 +/- 0.006 eV