Search

The present book includes a set of selected papers from the 5th "International Conference on Informatics in Control Automation and Robotics" (ICINCO 2008), held in Funchal-Madeira, Portugal, 11-15 May 2008. The conference was organized in three simultaneous tracks: "Intelligent Control Systems and Optimization", "Robotics and Automation" and "Systems Modeling, Signal Processing and Control". The book is based on the same structure. The purpose of this conference is to bring together researchers, engineers and practitioners interested in the application of informatics to Control, Automation and Robotics.

The present book includes a set of selected papers from the fourth “International Conference on Informatics in Control Automation and Robotics” (ICINCO 2007), held at the University of Angers, France, from 9 to 12 May 2007. The conference was organized in three simultaneous tracks: “Intelligent Control Systems and Optimization”, “Robotics and Automation” and “Systems Modeling, Signal Processing and Control”. The book is based on the same structure.

Retrieving information from heterogeneous data sources in a flexible manner and within a single (database) framework is still a challenge. In this paper we present several extensions of our prototype database system TIJAH developed for structured retrieval. The extensions are aimed at modeling vague selection of XML elements and image retrieval. All three levels (conceptual, logical, and physical) of the TIJAH system are enhanced to support the extensions. Additionally, we analyze different ways of removing overlap and explain how structural information can be used for relevance feedback.

Retrieving information from heterogeneous data sources in a flexible manner and within a single (database) framework is still a challenge. In this paper we present several extensions of our prototype database system TIJAH developed for structured retrieval. The extensions are aimed at modeling vague selection of XML elements and image retrieval. All three levels (conceptual, logical, and physical) of the TIJAH system are enhanced to support the extensions. Additionally, we analyze different ways of removing overlap and explain how structural information can be used for relevance feedback.

As synthetic biology develops into a promising science and engineering field, we need to have clear ideas and priorities regarding its safety, security, ethical and public dialogue implications. Based on an extensive literature search, interviews with scientists, social scientists, a 4 week long public e-forum, and consultation with several stakeholders from science, industry and civil society organisations, we compiled a list of priority topics regarding societal issues of synthetic biology for the years ahead. The points presented here are intended to encourage all stakeholders to engage in the prioritisation of these issues and to participate in a continuous dialogue, with the ultimate goal of providing a basis for a multi-stakeholder governance in synthetic biology. Here we show possible ways to solve the challenges to synthetic biology in the field of safety, security, ethics and the science-public interface.

Different model lipids—alkanes, fatty alcohols, fatty acids, resin acids, free sterols, sterol esters, and triglycerides—were treated with Pycnoporus cinnabarinus laccase in the presence of 1-hydroxybenzotriazole as mediator, and the products were analyzed by gas chromatography. The laccase alone decreased the concentration of some unsaturated lipids. However, the most extensive lipid modification was obtained with the laccase–mediator system. Unsaturated lipids were largely oxidized and the dominant products detected were epoxy and hydroxy fatty acids from fatty acids and free and esterified 7-ketosterols and steroid ketones from sterols and sterol esters. The former compounds suggested unsaturated lipid attack via the corresponding hydroperoxides. The enzymatic reaction on sterol esters largely depended on the nature of the fatty acyl moiety, i.e., oxidation of saturated fatty acid esters started at the sterol moiety, whereas the initial attack of unsaturated fatty acid esters was produced on the fatty acid double bonds. In contrast, saturated lipids were not modified, although some of them decreased when the laccase–mediator reactions were carried out in the presence of unsaturated lipids suggesting participation of lipid peroxidation radicals. These results are discussed in the context of enzymatic control of pitch to explain the removal of lipid mixtures during laccase–mediator treatment of different pulp types.

no abstract

Board-shaped composites with medium density (MDF) were prepared from isolated lignins and waste newspaper, in addition to preparation of the composites with high density (HB). The board properties of both composites concerning bending strength and water resistance were improved by the addition of hardwood acetic acid lignin (HAL). The internal bond strength and water resistance of MDF, in particular the degree of thickness swelling (TS), were also improved by prolonged molding time. Adding inorganic salts contributed to the improvement of TS. The effect depended on the charge of the cation. Considering practical utilization of lignin-based MDF as a structural material, its performance was evaluated by combination of the single-shear test of nailed joints and the modulus of rigidity. As a result, this MDF had sufficient strength to be utilized as an internal shear wall material. Therefore, lignin can be considered as an alternative to conventional adhesives for the production of boards such as HB and MDF.

Board-shaped composites with medium density (MDF) were prepared from isolated lignins and waste newspaper, in addition to preparation of the composites with high density (HB). The board properties of both composites concerning bending strength and water resistance were improved by the addition of hardwood acetic acid lignin (HAL). The internal bond strength and water resistance of MDF, in particular the degree of thickness swelling (TS), were also improved by prolonged molding time. Adding inorganic salts contributed to the improvement of TS. The effect depended on the charge of the cation. Considering practical utilization of lignin-based MDF as a structural material, its performance was evaluated by combination of the single-shear test of nailed joints and the modulus of rigidity. As a result, this MDF had sufficient strength to be utilized as an internal shear wall material. Therefore, lignin can be considered as an alternative to conventional adhesives for the production of boards such as HB and MDF.

Multi-Scale Physics, Applied Sciences

Multi-Scale Physics, Applied Sciences

info:eu-repo/semantics/published

Specifying policies doesn't occur in splendid isolation but as part of refining an enterprise specification. The roles, the tasks, and the business processes of an ODP community provide the basic alphabet over which we write our policies. We illustrate this through exploring a conference programme committee case study. We discuss how we might formulate policies and show how policies are refined alongside the refinement of the overall system specification, developing notions of sufficiency and necessity. Policy delegation is also discussed and we categorise different forms of delegating an obligation.

Antarctic subglacial lakes have, over the past few years, been hypothesised to house unique forms of life and hold detailed sedimentary records of past climate change. Testing this hypothesis requires in situ examinations. The direct measurement of subglacial lakes has been considered ever since the largest and best-known lake, named Lake Vostok, was identified as having a deep water-column. The Subglacial Antarctic Lake Environments (SALE)programme, set up by the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) to oversee subglacial lakes research, state that prior exploration of smaller lakes would be a ‘‘prudent way forward’’. Over 145 subglacial lakes are known to exist in Antarctica, but one lake in West Antarctica, officially named Ellsworth Subglacial Lake (referred to hereafter as Lake Ellsworth), stands out as a candidate for early exploration. A consortium of over 20 scientists from seven countries and 14 institutions has been assembled to plan the exploration of Lake Ellsworth. An eight-year programme is envisaged: 3 years for a geophysical survey, 2 years for equipment development and testing, 1 year for field planning and operation, and 2 years for sample analysis and data interpretation. The science experiment is simple in concept but complex in execution. Lake Ellsworth will be accessed using hot water drilling. Once lake access is achieved, a probe will be lowered down the borehole and into the lake. The probe will contain a series of instruments to measure biological, chemical and physical characteristics of the lake water and sediments, and will utilise a tether to the ice surface through which power, communication anddata will be transmitted. The probe will pass through the water column to the lake floor. The probe will then be pulled up and out of the lake, measuring its environment continually as this is done. Once at the ice surface, any water samples collected will be taken from the probe for laboratory analysis (to take place over subsequent

Antarctic subglacial lakes have, over the past few years, been hypothesised to house unique forms of life and hold detailed sedimentary records of past climate change. Testing this hypothesis requires in situ examinations. The direct measurement of subglacial lakes has been considered ever since the largest and best-known lake, named Lake Vostok, was identified as having a deep water-column. The Subglacial Antarctic Lake Environments (SALE)programme, set up by the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) to oversee subglacial lakes research, state that prior exploration of smaller lakes would be a ‘‘prudent way forward’’. Over 145 subglacial lakes are known to exist in Antarctica, but one lake in West Antarctica, officially named Ellsworth Subglacial Lake (referred to hereafter as Lake Ellsworth), stands out as a candidate for early exploration. A consortium of over 20 scientists from seven countries and 14 institutions has been assembled to plan the exploration of Lake Ellsworth. An eight-year programme is envisaged: 3 years for a geophysical survey, 2 years for equipment development and testing, 1 year for field planning and operation, and 2 years for sample analysis and data interpretation. The science experiment is simple in concept but complex in execution. Lake Ellsworth will be accessed using hot water drilling. Once lake access is achieved, a probe will be lowered down the borehole and into the lake. The probe will contain a series of instruments to measure biological, chemical and physical characteristics of the lake water and sediments, and will utilise a tether to the ice surface through which power, communication anddata will be transmitted. The probe will pass through the water column to the lake floor. The probe will then be pulled up and out of the lake, measuring its environment continually as this is done. Once at the ice surface, any water samples collected will be taken from the probe for laboratory analysis (to take place over subsequent