Homogeneous analysis of a sample of Open Clusters in the context of the BOCCE project and the Gaia-ESO Survey

The open clusters (OC) are gravitationally bound systems of a few tens or hundreds of stars. In our Galaxy, the Milky Way, we know about 3000 open clusters, of very different ages in the range of a few millions years to about 9 Gyr. OCs are mainly located in the Galactic thin disc, with distances from the Galactic centre in the range 4-22 kpc and a height scale on the disc of about 200 pc. Their chemical properties trace those of the environment in which they formed and the metallicity is in the range -0.5<[Fe/H]<+0.5 dex. Through photometry and spectroscopy it is possible to study relatively easily the properties of the OCs and estimate their age, distance, and chemistry. For these reasons they are considered primary tracers of the chemical properties and chemical evolution of the Galactic disc. The main subject of this thesis is the comprehensive study of several OCs. The research embraces two different projects: the Bologna Open Cluster Chemical Evolution project (BOCCE) and the Gaia-ESO Survey. The first is a long-term programme, aiming at studying the chemical evolution of the Milky Way disc by means of a homogeneous sample of OCs. The latter is a large public spectroscopy survey, conducted with the high-resolution spectrograph FLAMES@VLT and targeting about 10^5 stars in different part of the Galaxy and 10^4 stars in about 100 OCs. The common ground between the two projects is the study of the properties of the OCs as tracers of the disc's characteristics. The impressive scientific outcome of the Gaia-ESO Survey and the unique framework of homogeneity of the BOCCE project can propose, especially once combined together, a much more accurate description of the properties of the OCs. In turn, this will give fundamental constraints for the interpretation of the properties of the Galactic disc.

DEVELOPMENT OF A HUMANOID ROBOT ARM FOR USE IN URBAN ENVIRONMENTS

The Bucknell Humanoid Robot Arm project was developed in order toprovide a lightweight robotic arm for the IHMC / Bucknell University bipedal robot that will provide a means of manipulation and facilitate operations in urban environments. The resulting fabricated arm described in this thesis weighs only 13 pounds, and is capable of holding 11 pounds fully outstretched, lifting objects such as tools, and it can open doors. It is also capable of being easily integrated with the IHMC / Bucknell University biped. This thesis provides an introduction to robots themselves, discusses the goals of the Bucknell Humanoid Robot Arm project, provides a background on some of the existing robots, and shows how the Bucknell Humanoid Robot Arm fits in with the studies that have been completed. After reading these studies, important items such as design trees and operational scenarios were completed. The completion of these items led to measurable specifications and later the design requirements and specifications. A significant contribution of this thesis to the robotics discipline involves the design of the actuator itself. The arm uses of individual, lightweight, compactly designed actuators to achieve desired capabilities and performance requirements. Many iterations were completed to get to the final design of each actuator. After completing the actuators, the design of the intermediate links and brackets was finalized. Completion of the design led to the development of a complex controls system which used a combination of Clanguage and Java.

Structured training in intraosseous infusion to improve potentially life saving skills in pediatric emergencies - Results of an open prospective national quality development project over 3 years

BACKGROUND: Children in emergencies need peripheral intravenous (IV) access in order to receive drugs or fluids. The success of IV access is associated with the age of patients and fails in up to 50% of children younger than 6 years. In such situations, it is essential that physicians and paramedics have a tool and easily learnable skills with a high chance of success. According to international guidelines intraosseous (IO) access would be the next step after failed IV access. Our hypothesis was that the success rate in IO puncturing can be improved by standardizing the training; so we developed an IO workshop. METHODS: Twenty-eight hospitals and ambulance services participated in an evaluation process over 3 years. IO workshops and the distribution of standardized IO sets were coordinated by the study group of the University Hospital of Berne. Any attempted or successful IO punctures were evaluated with a standardized interview. RESULTS: We investigated 35 applications in 30 patients (a total of 49 punctures) between November 2001 and December 2004. IO puncture was not successful in 5 patients. The success rate depended neither on the occupation nor the experience of users. Attendance at a standardized IO workshop increased the overall success rate from 77% to 100%, which was statistically not significant (P = 0.074). CONCLUSIONS: Standardized training in IO puncturing seems to improve success more than previous experience and occupation of providers. However, we could not show a significant increase in success rate after this training. Larger supranational studies are needed to show a significant impact of teaching on rarely used emergency skills.

VladBot. Robot para posicionamiento de medida

VladBot es un robot autónomo diseñado para posicionar en interiores un micrófono de medida. Este prototipo puede valorar la idea de automatizar medidas acústicas en interiores mediante un robot autónomo. Posee dos ruedas motrices y una rueda loca. Ésta rueda loca aporta maniobrabilidad al robot. Un soporte extensible hecho de aluminio sostiene el micrófono de medida. VladBot ha sido diseñado con tecnologías de bajo coste y bajo una plataforma abierta, Arduino. Arduino es una plataforma electrónica libre. Esto quiere decir que los usuarios tienen libre acceso a toda la información referente a los micro-controladores (hardware) y referente al software. Ofrece un IDE (Integrated Development Environment, en español, Entorno de Desarrollo Integrado) de forma gratuita y con un sencillo lenguaje de programación, con el que se pueden realizar proyectos de cualquier tipo. Además, los usuarios disponen de un foro donde encontrar ayuda, “Arduino Forum”. VladBot se comunica con el usuario a través de Bluetooth, creando un enlace fiable y con un alcance suficiente (aproximadamente 100 metros) para que controlar a VladBot desde una sala contigua. Hoy en día, Bluetooth es una tecnología implantada en casi todos los ordenadores, por lo que no necesario ningún sistema adicional para crear dicho enlace. Esta comunicación utiliza un protocolo de comunicaciones, JSON (JavaScript Object Notation). JSON hace que la comunicación sea más fiable, ya que sólo un tipo de mensajes preestablecidos son reconocidos. Gracias a este protocolo es posible la comunicación con otro software, permitiendo crear itinerarios en otro programa externo. El diseño de VladBot favorece su evolución hasta un sistema más preciso ya que el usuario puede realizar modificaciones en el robot. El código que se proporciona puede ser modificado, aumentando las funcionalidades de VladBot o mejorándolas. Sus componentes pueden ser cambiados también (incluso añadir nuevos dispositivos) para aumentar sus capacidades. Vladbot es por tanto, un sistema de transporte (de bajo coste) para un micrófono de medida que se puede comunicar inalámbricamente con el usuario de manera fiable. ABSTRACT. VladBot is an autonomous robot designed to indoor positioning of a measurement microphone. This prototype can value the idea of making automatic acoustic measurements indoor with an autonomous robot. It has two drive wheels and a caster ball. This caster ball provides manoeuvrability to the robot. An extendible stand made in aluminium holds the measurement microphone. VladBot has been designed with low cost technologies and under an open-source platform, Arduino. Arduino is a freeFsource electronics platform. This means that users have free access to all the information about micro-controllers (hardware) and about the software. Arduino offers a free IDE (Integrated Development Environment) with an easy programming language, which any kind of project can be made with. Besides, users have a forum where find help, “Arduino Forum”. VladBot communicates with the user by Bluetooth, creating a reliable link with enough range (100 meters approximately) for controlling VladBot in the next room. Nowadays, Bluetooth is a technology embedded in almost laptops, so it is not necessary any additional system for create this link. This communication uses a communication protocol, JSON (JavaScript Object Notation). JSON makes the communication more reliable, since only a preFestablished kind of messages are recognised. Thanks to this protocol is possible the communication with another software, allowing to create routes in an external program. VladBot´s design favours its evolution to an accurate system since the user can make modifications in the robot. The code given can be changed, increasing VladBot´s uses or improving these uses. Their components can be changed too (even new devices can be added) for increasing its abilities. So, VladBot is a (low cost) transport system for a measurement microphone, which can communicate with the user in a reliable way.

A Reliable Open-Source System Architecture for the Fast Designing and Prototyping of Autonomous Multi-UAV Systems: Simulation and Experimentation

During the process of design and development of an autonomous Multi-UAV System, two main problems appear. The first one is the difficulty of designing all the modules and behaviors of the aerial multi-robot system. The second one is the difficulty of having an autonomous prototype of the system for the developers that allows to test the performance of each module even in an early stage of the project. These two problems motivate this paper. A multipurpose system architecture for autonomous multi-UAV platforms is presented. This versatile system architecture can be used by the system designers as a template when developing their own systems. The proposed system architecture is general enough to be used in a wide range of applications, as demonstrated in the paper. This system architecture aims to be a reference for all designers. Additionally, to allow for the fast prototyping of autonomous multi-aerial systems, an Open Source framework based on the previously defined system architecture is introduced. It allows developers to have a flight proven multi-aerial system ready to use, so that they can test their algorithms even in an early stage of the project. The implementation of this framework, introduced in the paper with the name of “CVG Quadrotor Swarm”, which has also the advantages of being modular and compatible with different aerial platforms, can be found at https://​github.​com/​Vision4UAV/​cvg_​quadrotor_​swarm with a consistent catalog of available modules. The good performance of this framework is demonstrated in the paper by choosing a basic instance of it and carrying out simulation and experimental tests whose results are summarized and discussed in this paper.

An experimental project appraising the effectiveness of a program series on reading instruction using open-circuit television.

Mode of access: Internet.

Social network structure as a critical success condition for open source software project communities

In recent years, a surprising new phenomenon has emerged in which globally-distributed online communities collaborate to create useful and sophisticated computer software. These open source software groups are comprised of generally unaffiliated individuals and organizations who work in a seemingly chaotic fashion and who participate on a voluntary basis without direct financial incentive. ^ The purpose of this research is to investigate the relationship between the social network structure of these intriguing groups and their level of output and activity, where social network structure is defined as (1) closure or connectedness within the group, (2) bridging ties which extend outside of the group, and (3) leader centrality within the group. Based on well-tested theories of social capital and centrality in teams, propositions were formulated which suggest that social network structures associated with successful open source software project communities will exhibit high levels of bridging and moderate levels of closure and leader centrality. ^ The research setting was the SourceForge hosting organization and a study population of 143 project communities was identified. Independent variables included measures of closure and leader centrality defined over conversational ties, along with measures of bridging defined over membership ties. Dependent variables included source code commits and software releases for community output, and software downloads and project site page views for community activity. A cross-sectional study design was used and archival data were extracted and aggregated for the two-year period following the first release of project software. The resulting compiled variables were analyzed using multiple linear and quadratic regressions, controlling for group size and conversational volume. ^ Contrary to theory-based expectations, the surprising results showed that successful project groups exhibited low levels of closure and that the levels of bridging and leader centrality were not important factors of success. These findings suggest that the creation and use of open source software may represent a fundamentally new socio-technical development process which disrupts the team paradigm and which triggers the need for building new theories of collaborative development. These new theories could point towards the broader application of open source methods for the creation of knowledge-based products other than software. ^

Social Network Structure as a Critical Success Condition for Open Source Software Project Communities

In recent years, a surprising new phenomenon has emerged in which globally-distributed online communities collaborate to create useful and sophisticated computer software. These open source software groups are comprised of generally unaffiliated individuals and organizations who work in a seemingly chaotic fashion and who participate on a voluntary basis without direct financial incentive. The purpose of this research is to investigate the relationship between the social network structure of these intriguing groups and their level of output and activity, where social network structure is defined as 1) closure or connectedness within the group, 2) bridging ties which extend outside of the group, and 3) leader centrality within the group. Based on well-tested theories of social capital and centrality in teams, propositions were formulated which suggest that social network structures associated with successful open source software project communities will exhibit high levels of bridging and moderate levels of closure and leader centrality. The research setting was the SourceForge hosting organization and a study population of 143 project communities was identified. Independent variables included measures of closure and leader centrality defined over conversational ties, along with measures of bridging defined over membership ties. Dependent variables included source code commits and software releases for community output, and software downloads and project site page views for community activity. A cross-sectional study design was used and archival data were extracted and aggregated for the two-year period following the first release of project software. The resulting compiled variables were analyzed using multiple linear and quadratic regressions, controlling for group size and conversational volume. Contrary to theory-based expectations, the surprising results showed that successful project groups exhibited low levels of closure and that the levels of bridging and leader centrality were not important factors of success. These findings suggest that the creation and use of open source software may represent a fundamentally new socio-technical development process which disrupts the team paradigm and which triggers the need for building new theories of collaborative development. These new theories could point towards the broader application of open source methods for the creation of knowledge-based products other than software.

Pose estimation of a humanoid robot using images from a mobile external camera

NOGUEIRA, Marcelo B. ; MEDEIROS, Adelardo A. D. ; ALSINA, Pablo J. Pose Estimation of a Humanoid Robot Using Images from an Mobile Extern Camera. In: IFAC WORKSHOP ON MULTIVEHICLE SYSTEMS, 2006, Salvador, BA. Anais... Salvador: MVS 2006, 2006.

Pose estimation of a humanoid robot using images from a mobile external camera

NOGUEIRA, Marcelo B. ; MEDEIROS, Adelardo A. D. ; ALSINA, Pablo J. Pose Estimation of a Humanoid Robot Using Images from an Mobile Extern Camera. In: IFAC WORKSHOP ON MULTIVEHICLE SYSTEMS, 2006, Salvador, BA. Anais... Salvador: MVS 2006, 2006.

Open Specification for BIM : Sydney Opera House Case Study

Executive Summary The objective of this report was to use the Sydney Opera House as a case study of the application of Building Information Modelling (BIM). The Sydney opera House is a complex, large building with very irregular building configuration, that makes it a challenging test. A number of key concerns are evident at SOH: • the building structure is complex, and building service systems - already the major cost of ongoing maintenance - are undergoing technology change, with new computer based services becoming increasingly important. • the current “documentation” of the facility is comprised of several independent systems, some overlapping and is inadequate to service current and future services required • the building has reached a milestone age in terms of the condition and maintainability of key public areas and service systems, functionality of spaces and longer term strategic management. • many business functions such as space or event management require up-to-date information of the facility that are currently inadequately delivered, expensive and time consuming to update and deliver to customers. • major building upgrades are being planned that will put considerable strain on existing Facilities Portfolio services, and their capacity to manage them effectively While some of these concerns are unique to the House, many will be common to larger commercial and institutional portfolios. The work described here supported a complementary task which sought to identify if a building information model – an integrated building database – could be created, that would support asset & facility management functions (see Sydney Opera House – FM Exemplar Project, Report Number: 2005-001-C-4 Building Information Modelling for FM at Sydney Opera House), a business strategy that has been well demonstrated. The development of the BIMSS - Open Specification for BIM has been surprisingly straightforward. The lack of technical difficulties in converting the House’s existing conventions and standards to the new model based environment can be related to three key factors: • SOH Facilities Portfolio – the internal group responsible for asset and facility management - have already well established building and documentation policies in place. The setting and adherence to well thought out operational standards has been based on the need to create an environment that is understood by all users and that addresses the major business needs of the House. • The second factor is the nature of the IFC Model Specification used to define the BIM protocol. The IFC standard is based on building practice and nomenclature, widely used in the construction industries across the globe. For example the nomenclature of building parts – eg ifcWall, corresponds to our normal terminology, but extends the traditional drawing environment currently used for design and documentation. This demonstrates that the international IFC model accurately represents local practice for building data representation and management. • a BIM environment sets up opportunities for innovative processes that can exploit the rich data in the model and improve services and functions for the House: for example several high-level processes have been identified that could benefit from standardized Building Information Models such as maintenance processes using engineering data, business processes using scheduling, venue access, security data and benchmarking processes using building performance data. The new technology matches business needs for current and new services. The adoption of IFC compliant applications opens the way forward for shared building model collaboration and new processes, a significant new focus of the BIM standards. In summary, SOH current building standards have been successfully drafted for a BIM environment and are confidently expected to be fully developed when BIM is adopted operationally by SOH. These BIM standards and their application to the Opera House are intended as a template for other organisations to adopt for the own procurement and facility management activities. Appendices provide an overview of the IFC Integrated Object Model and an understanding IFC Model Data.

Sydney Opera House : facilities management exemplar project

The paper presents an interim summary of research and case studies being undertaken in the Sydney Opera House FM Exemplar Project covering procurement, benchmarking and building information models. The final outcomes of the FM Exemplar Project will be presented through various forums open to all FM practitioners and published in Australia and elsewhere through relevant journals. Sydney Opera House is an Australian icon, attracting some 4.5 million visitors per year who admire its built form and enjoy an evening of theatre. The building is the attraction, part of the experience. Therefore, facilities management is critical to the success of the Sydney Opera House enterprise and an ideal subject for the study of facilities management. Significantly the three research themes are heavily intertwined – effective risk sharing in procurement requires historic information and benchmarks for future performance, benchmarking gathers vast quantities of data that can only be exploited if properly related to one another and a building information model provides the means to manage such data. The case studies are emerging as real-life examples of how one organisation is addressing FM issues common to many, and will provide useful lessons for practitioners pursing similar strategies in their own organisations.

Defining reference service life : an open innovation approach

The endeavour to obtain estimates of durability of components for use in lifecycle assessment or costing and infrastructure and maintenance planning systems is large. The factor method and the reference service life concept provide a very valuable structure, but do not resolve the central dilemma of the need to derive an extensive database of service life. Traditional methods of estimating service life, such as dose functions or degradation models, can play a role in developing this database, however the scale of the problem clearly indicates that individual dose functions cannot be derived for each component in each different local and geographic setting. Thus, a wider range of techniques is required in order to devise reference service life. This paper outlines the approaches being taken in the Cooperative Research Centre for Construction Innovation project to predict reference service life. Approaches include the development of fundamental degradation and microclimate models, the development of a situation-based reasoning ‘engine’ to vary the ‘estimator’ of service life, and the development of a database on expert performance (Delphi study). These methods should be viewed as complementary rather than as discrete alternatives. As discussed in the paper, the situation-based reasoning approach in fact has the possibility of encompassing all other methods.

Data mining on prices of highway project main material based on WEB

The management of main material prices of provincial highway project quota has problems of lag and blindness. Framework of provincial highway project quota data MIS and main material price data warehouse were established based on WEB firstly. Then concrete processes of provincial highway project main material prices were brought forward based on BP neural network algorithmic. After that standard BP algorithmic, additional momentum modify BP network algorithmic, self-adaptive study speed improved BP network algorithmic were compared in predicting highway project main prices. The result indicated that it is feasible to predict highway main material prices using BP NN, and using self-adaptive study speed improved BP network algorithmic is the relatively best one.