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Purpose: Enriching learners' motor repertoires in a complex pluri-articular task, such as climbing, could help learners' adaptation to various sets of task constraints. Promoting exploration with variable practice conditions is one solution recurrently proposed. However, recent studies have shown that a too elevated exploration-exploitation ratio during practice could impair learning. A proposed solution is to give learners some control over their practice schedule, which appeared to better respect the individual learning dynamic in comparison to the usual experimenter-imposed practice schedule. Thus, the aim of this study is to investigate whether giving learners the possibility of controlling when to confront to new climbing routes would result in greater flexibility in their motor repertoire compared to giving them an imposed schedule of climbing routes or a constant practice condition. Method: Participants were assigned to either a constant practice group (CPG), an imposed-variability group (IVG) or a self-controlled variability group (SVG) to carry out a climbing task. To assess participants' behavioral flexibility, a scanning procedure was conceived by manipulating the route design and the instructions. Results: Participants showed an initial lack of flexibility as they strongly relied on a single coordination pattern. At posttest and retention, the three groups more frequently used a new hand coordination pattern and more often showed coordination patterns associated with high climbing fluency. Results suggest that the individualized rate of exploration in the self-controlled practice condition may have helped the learners improve their flexibility, whereas forcing exploration did not seem more beneficial than constant practice in this complex pluri-articular task. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People with homonymous hemianopia (HH) benefit from applying compensatory scanning behaviour that limits the consequences of HH in a specific task. The aim of the study is to (i) review the current literature on task-specific scanning behaviour that improves performance and (ii) identify differences between this performance-enhancing scanning behaviour and scanning behaviour that is spontaneously adopted or acquired through training. The databases PsycInfo, Medline, and Web of Science were searched for articles on scanning behaviour in people with HH. The final sample contained 60 articles, reporting on three main tasks, i.e., search (N = 17), reading (N = 16) and mobility (N = 14), and other tasks (N = 18). Five articles reported on two different tasks. Specific scanning behaviour related to task performance in search, reading, and mobility tasks. In search and reading tasks, spontaneous adaptations differed from this performance-enhancing scanning behaviour. Training could induce adaptations in scanning behaviour, enhancing performance in these two tasks. For mobility tasks, limited to no information was found on spontaneous and training-induced adaptations to scanning behaviour. Performance-enhancing scanning behaviour is mainly task-specific. Spontaneous development of such scanning behaviour is rare. Luckily, current compensatory scanning training programs can induce such scanning behaviour, which confirms that providing scanning training is important. Scanning behaviour that improves performance in people with homonymous hemianopia (HH) is task-specific. Most people with HH do not spontaneously adopt scanning behaviour that improves performance. Compensatory scanning training can induce performance-enhancing scanning behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aims at non-destructive detection of surface and subsurface defects in metallic specimens (e.g. railway track components) via pulsed inductive thermography in a moving setup. A new approach for scanning with changing speed has been developed to enable manual scanning of components in track. A steel specimen is heated with an inductor, and the surface temperature, including its variation over time, is recorded with an infrared camera. The infrared sequence is evaluated by Fourier transform to phase image, in order to increase the image quality. The proposed method uses a referencing object with AprilTags visible in each frame, allowing an adjustment by image registration. Changes in velocity during the scanning process are possible, as demonstrated by a manually performed scan of the specimen and the corresponding evaluation. Results obtained with different infrared cameras and scanning speeds were condensed into an estimation of the maximum scanning speed for a given camera specification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In contrast to the traditional grid-based display, visual scene displays (VSDs) offer a new paradigm for aided communication. For individuals who cannot select items from an AAC display by direct selection due to physical impairments, AAC access can be supported via methods such as item scanning. Item scanning sequentially highlights items on a display until the individual signals for selection. How items are highlighted or scanned for AAC access can impact performance outcomes. Further, the effectiveness of a VSD interface may be enhanced through consultation with experts in visual communication. Therefore, to support AAC access for those with physical impairments, the aim of this study was to evaluate the perspectives of experts in visual communication regarding effective methods for highlighting VSD elements. Thirteen participants with expertise related to visual communication (e.g., photographers, artists) completed semi-structured interviews regarding techniques for item highlighting. Study findings identified four main themes to inform how AAC items may be highlighted or scanned, including (1) use of contrast related to light and dark, (2) use of contrast as it relates to colour, (3) outline highlighting, and (4) use of scale and motion. By identifying how compositional techniques can be utilized to highlight VSD elements, study findings may inform current practice for scanning-based AAC access, along with other selection techniques where feedback or highlighting is used (e.g., eye-gaze, brain-computer interface). Further, avenues for just-in-time programming are discussed to support effective implementation for those with physical impairments. Findings identify multiple potential techniques to improve scanning through items in a photograph for individuals with severe motor impairments using alternative access strategies. Study findings inform current practice for scanning-based AAC access, along with other selection techniques where feedback or highlighting is used (e.g., eye-gaze, brain-computer interface). Avenues for just in time programming of AAC displays are discussed to decrease programming demands and support effective implementation of study findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individuals with severe motor impairments often require alternative means to access computers and communication technology. A range of alternative access devices exist; however, most rely on use of a single access modality. While this approach works for some individuals, it can be limiting for others. This study explored the use of a multi-modal prototype (eye-tracking + switch-scanning) on typing performance with a range of individuals with motor impairments. The multi-modal prototype was compared to eye-tracking alone for this study. Results indicated that the multi-modal prototype had significantly slower typing rate but significantly lower total errors compared to eye-tracking alone. Analysis of individual data revealed four subgroups of clinical relevance including individuals that 1) benefit from multi-modal, 2) benefit from eye-tracking, 3) demonstrate learning and 4) demonstrate fluctuating performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Visual exploration (scanning) of one's environment is a key aspect in team sports. Based on Gibson's (1979) ecological approach of visual perception, this study aims to advance the understanding of scanning by focusing on the direction of head movements in football and its implications for subsequent on-ball actions. The video-based data analysis consisted of nine selected matches and 162 players of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) U17 and U21 European Championship 2019. The results indicate that the direction of the last scan prior to receiving the ball is related to the foot used for the first ball contact. This relationship was further analysed in view of the game context (direction of play and opponent pressure) and with information about the player's dominant foot. The findings reveal a relationship between the direction of the last scan before receiving the ball and the direction the game is proceeded in. Further, when a player performs the last scan to the side of their dominant foot, the probability increases that their dominant foot is used for the subsequent first ball contact. Depending on the direction of the last scan, opponent pressure had various effects on the foot used for the first contact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Duplex-2205 is a dual-phase stainless steel having high mechanical strength and excellent corrosion resistance properties. Large spring back and high heat sensitivity are major problems in duplex-2205 during cold and hot working, respectively. Laser bending process is an advanced manufacturing process that is used for difficult to form materials with minimum heat-affected zone, negligible spring back, and high precision. Forced cooling (FC) has improved the efficiency during multiscan laser bending by reducing the waiting time. This study is focused on the analysis of the effectiveness of FC at the lower surface during single scan laser bending of duplex-2205 stainless steel. Worksheet geometry (thickness and width) and laser parameters (beam diameter, scanning speed and power) are varied to analyze the temperature profile, bend angle, mechanical and metallurgical properties during FC and compared with natural cooling condition. The results showed that a higher bend angle is observed in FC compared to natural cooling. Furthermore, tensile strength and hardness are improved whereas ductility is reduced due to change in phase distribution in the scanning region. Moreover, FC is found to be more effective at higher laser power, lower scanning speed, intermediate beam diameter, lower sheet thickness, and longer width of the worksheet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spark-assisted chemical engraving (SACE) is suitable to machine hard and brittle insulating materials such as quartz glass; however, the processing efficiency is quite low for achieving good machining quality. In this research, a scanning process of ultrasonic vibration-assisted SACE (UV-SACE) is proposed for high-efficiency processing on quartz glass without surface microcracks. For revealing the microscope mechanism under different vibration amplitudes, a high-speed camera is used to observe the motion of micro bubbles, morphology of gas films, and instantaneous discharges. Then through the processing experiments with two-factor coupling effect of feed rate and vibration amplitude, it is found that the cutting depth is significantly affected by feed rate due to the effect of ultrasonic vibration. The optimal input conditions are obtained by using the NSGA-II optimization method. Furthermore, the removal mechanism of UV-SACE scanning process on quartz is analyzed and applied: Lower feed rate (scanning speed) as the fully discharging case can improve the material removal rate (MRR), while higher feed rate as the insufficient discharging case can improve the processing accuracy and surface quality. Machining experiments verified the proposed mechanism and the optimized process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current BCI-AAC systems largely utilize custom-made software and displays that may be unfamiliar to AAC stakeholders. Further, there is limited information available exploring the heterogenous profiles of individuals who may use BCI-AAC. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to evaluate how individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) learned to control a motor-based BCI switch in a row-column AAC scanning pattern, and person-centered factors associated with BCI-AAC performance. Four individuals with ALS completed 12 BCI-AAC training sessions, and three individuals without neurological impairment completed 3 BCI-AAC training sessions. To assess person-centered factors associated with BCI-AAC performance, participants completed both initial and recurring assessment measures including levels of cognition, motor ability, fatigue, and motivation. Three of four participants demonstrated either BCI-AAC performance in the range of neurotypical peers, or an improving BCI-AAC learning trajectory. However, BCI-AAC learning trajectories were variable. Assessment measures revealed that two participants presented with a suspicion for cognitive impairment yet achieved the highest levels of BCI-AAC accuracy with their increased levels of performance being possibly supported by largely unimpaired motor skills. Motor-based BCI switch access to a commercial AAC row-column scanning may be feasible for individuals with ALS and possibly supported by timely intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three-dimensional impressions are typically photographed and cast for further comparison when reference items become available to investigators. Three-dimensional scanning has been proposed as a more time-efficient and objective, less destructive method for footwear impression analysis. This project sought to acquire repeat scans of outsole footwear impressions and corresponding shoes at high resolutions to investigate the precision and accuracy of 3D scanning on footwear and impressions. Impressions were created using three footwear types representative of footwear encountered in casework. Scans of impressions were created using the Artec Spider structured-light scanner. Calculations of the statistical variability between scans were carried out using the CloudCompare software package. The distance between corresponding points within the impression tested for precision (n = 6) averaged 0.45 mm, σ 0.29 mm. When comparing the impression to the reference shoe, the distance between corresponding points averaged 2.41 mm, σ 1.98 mm. The maximal differences within the scans were at the toe of the shoe and may be due to flexion, as well as damage to the soil around the edges of the impression. This research has validated the hardware and software used to acquire data from a 3D impression and from the reference item that produced the trace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last couple of decades, libraries, archives, museums and other cultural institutions have begun to scan archival documents and develop digital collections of analog-born materials. Theories of the archive politicize archival practices and highlight the mediating role of both archivists and preservation technologies, and recent accounts of the digital archive underscore both its pervasiveness and its algorithmic post-humanism. Both strands, however, ignore scanning – a human–computer interaction that shapes the ways in which archival sources will be preserved. Drawing on STS, HCI and HMC scholarship, this ethnography opens the black box of scanning at the National Library of Israel. The analysis focuses on three "breakdowns" that involve the handling of a torn photo, an ancient map and a scan robot. We show that instead of an automated process in which machines convert materials into copies, archival scanning is a symbolic human–computer interaction that produces digital objects with varying relationships to the analog originals. We discuss the ramifications of these insights to the social study of archival technology and future memory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The visual exploratory actions (i.e., scanning head movements) used by football players to perceive their surrounding environment have recently gained interest. While this has resulted in important findings relating to visual exploration during natural match-play, often the study designs lacked the experimental control of laboratory-based experimental settings. We aimed to investigate whether visual exploratory action is associated with passing performance for high-level U13 and U23 players in a controlled skill assessment setting. Methods: Fourteen U13 and 13 U23 football players from a Bundesliga club completed a standardised 32-trial sequence in the Footbonaut. Exploratory head movements were recorded with a head-worn inertial sensor, from which the count, frequency and excursion of head movements were extracted before and during ball possession. Ball reception and disposal were coded for each trial, and performance was operationalised as the time taken to complete each trial. Results: Across all players, visual exploratory action was associated with passing performance. The variables that best explained faster performance were 1) a higher number of head turns before receiving the ball, 2) a lower number of head turns when in possession of the ball, and 3) being an U23 player. However, different combinations of variables explained performance for U13 and U23 players. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate the value of scanning before receiving the ball to prospectively control passing actions in the Footbonaut. Future research should investigate the shared and contrasting characteristics of scanning actions, as they are observed by players in skill assessment tasks such as the Footbonaut, during training and during match-play. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experimental investigation on the joining process of 6061 aluminum alloy and carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastics composite (CFRTP) has been carried out with swing laser. The application of the swing laser is beneficial to obtain a larger bonding area. The effects of scanning speed are investigated on the interface formation and fracture load of the hybrid joint. In addition, the formation mechanism of the interface and the fracture mode of the hybrid joint are further elucidated. The results indicate that maximum failure load is obtained with appropriate process parameters (scanning speed: 20 mm/s, laser power: 2000 W), whereas the interface morphology under this process parameter demonstrates that the structurally sound connection between CFRTP and aluminum alloy is realized by the mechanical interlocking effect. At a higher scanning speed, the gaps in the interface caused by insufficient heat input per unit length result in a lower failure load, while at a lower scanning speed, the bubbles and gaps at the interface are observed as a result of resin decomposition and trapped pyrolysis gases in the interface, ultimately reducing the failure load of the joint. Moreover, the fracture mode of the hybrid joint is a mixed failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a non-traditional machining process, spark assisted chemical engraving (SACE) can machine hard, brittle, and non-conducting materials. The spark discharges on tool-electrode sidewall result in energy loss and overcut edges. A tool electrode covered with an insulating film on its sidewall is usually used to constrain the discharges to the tool-electrode end. However, not only the preparation of the insulating film is cautious and fussy, but also it is easy to split away under the high temperature and pressure action of SACE. In this research, a novel method constraining the micro-SACE discharges to the tool-electrode end was proposed by changing surface roughness of the tool electrode. The special micro-tool electrode with rough end and smooth sidewall was fabricated on-machine. The constraint effect was experimented by observing the distribution of SACE bubbles and discharges around the tool-electrode end, and the optimal parameters were obtained by evaluating the bubble aspect ratio. Furthermore, machining experiments of the micro-SACE scanning process by constraining discharges to tool-electrode end were verified on ZrO2 ceramics as a kind of difficult-to-machine material. Micro-circular grooves without micro cracks were successfully machined by the use of a Φ300 μm tool electrode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Visual exploratory action, in which football players turn their head to perceive their environment, improves prospective performance with the ball during match-play. This scanning action, however, is relevant for players throughout the entire match, as the information perceived through visual exploration is needed to guide movement around the pitch during both offensive and defensive play. This study aimed to understand how a player's on-pitch position, playing role and phase of play influenced the visual exploratory head movements of players during 11v11 match-play. Twenty-two competitive-elite youth footballers (M = 16.25 years) played a total of 1,623 minutes (M = 73.8). Inertial measurement units, global positioning system units and notational analysis were used to quantify relevant variables. Analyses revealed that players explored more extensively when they were in possession of the ball, and less extensively during transition phases, as compared to team ball-possession and opposition ball-possession phases of play. Players explored most extensively when in the back third of the pitch, and least when they were in the middle third of the pitch. Playing role, pitch position and phase of play should be considered as constraints on visual exploratory actions when developing training situations aimed at improving the scanning actions of players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heritage tourism products and experiences can generate substantial economic and social contribution to local communities. Yet, significant challenges face heritage tourism destinations, including heritage preservation and the subsequent transition into viable tourism experiences. This paper aims to employ innovative heritage preservation methods that can be utilised to develop tourism experiences at heritage sites. This research details how cutting-edge 3D scanning and modelling can be used to assist with the virtual presentation of heritage. Using a case study of a WWII US Airforce base in Charleville, Australia, this paper will detail how new 3D scanning methods can assist with the accuracy of digital preservation, as well as assist in the delivery of memorable tourism experiences by connecting and expanding to conceptually related areas, such as serious gaming. Findings revealed that by implementing 3D multi-layered scanning a simulation of an WWII Hanger and Norden bombsight was created, with scanning completed to within two millimetres of accuracy. A key contribution of this research is to provide lessons learned for scholars and practitioners considering the application of advanced methods for heritage preservation and memorable tourism experiences. In turn, this can be used as a key economic driver as well as instil social pride, especially for regional communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) is a well-known material used in fused filament fabrication (FFF) for industrial and research applications. However, it has poor thermal stability due to the thermo-oxidative degradation of butadiene monomers. This makes ABS unsuitable for high-temperature structural applications. This research reports a novel FFF blend of ABS with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) in the presence of polyethylene graft maleic anhydride (PE-g-MAH) to improve the thermal stability. A 33 full factorial ANOVA analysis is used to analyze the tensile, flexural, and compressive strength of the blend. The novel FFF blend reveals one of the highest mechanical properties in its class in FFF. The thermal stability is significantly enhanced due to the chemical grafting. The results are discussed with the help of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A gap exists in law and practice with respect to calibrating terrestrial laser scanners (TLS) for legal boundary surveying. Laws, calibration infrastructure and calibration procedures have long existed for electronic distance measurement units used for boundary surveys, but laser scanners present new challenges. The aim of this paper is to present a practical, inexpensive procedure for validating laser scanner calibration and for verifying surface information extracted from terrestrial laser scanner data. The methodology verifies the TLS calibration parameters and extracted surfaces using total station measurements. The results indicate that total stations and TLS are complimentary tools and should both be used where complicated 3D boundaries exist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Visual-spatial processing can be affected in people with cervical dystonia (CD). These impairments have almost exclusively been observed in laboratory studies, but the impact of visuo-spatial impairments on daily activities is unclear. Here, we investigated how people living with CD visually explore the environment. Method: 21 participants (10 patients and 11 controls) walked a designated course searching for targets while their eye movements were tracked by the means of eye tracking glasses. In addition, all participants performed an extensive battery of spatial neglect tests. Results: People with CD visually compensated for their lateral head position. That is, they made more eye movements towards the side opposite their lateral head position. No evidence for or against spatial asymmetries were detected in a range of behavioral measures (target detection, standard neglect battery tests) on a group level. Yet, single patients showed a neglect-like pattern. One patient with a right torticollis failed to detect most left-sided targets when walking. Conclusion: In general, participants seem to adequately compensate for the deviated head posture when judging spatial stimuli. However, the insufficient spatial exploration in one patient with a valid driving license should raise awareness in clinicians to potential visuo-spatial problems in people living with CD. An interesting question arising from our findings is whether people with CD and marked visuo-spatial deficits would benefit from scanning training, as is employed in stroke rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nickel alloys including Inconel 718 are considered as challenging materials for machining. Laser beam machining could be a promising choice to deal with such materials for simple to complex machining features. The machining accuracy is mainly dependent on the rate of material removal per laser scan. Because of the involvement of many laser parameters and complexity of the machining mechanism it is not always simple to achieve machining with desired accuracy. Actual machining depth extremely varies from very low to aggressively high values with reference to the designed depth. Thus, a research is needed to be carried out to control the process parameters to get actual material removal rate (MRRact) equals to the theoretical material removal rate (MRRth) with minimum surface roughness (SR) of the machined surfaces. In this study, five important laser parameters have been used to investigate their effects on MRR and SR. Statistical analysis are performed to identify the significant parameters with their strength of effects. Mathematical models have been developed and validated to predict the machining responses. Optimal set of laser parameters have also been proposed and confirmed to achieve the actual MRR close to the designed MRR (MRR% = 100.1%) with minimum surface roughness (Ra = 2.67 µm). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polylactic acid (PLA) is one of the most widely used open source fused filament fabrication materials due to its ease of extrusion, biodegradability, and mechanical strength. The mechanical strength of PLA largely depends on the proper growth of its semi-crystalline structure, which can be severely impaired by a low rate of crystallization, particularly in open source printers. This can be further aggravated by the non-uniform thermal distribution of heat that causes improper curing among the extruded beads of the printing material. As a result, PLA printed on open source printers does not achieve the best mechanical properties. This research, for the first time, proposes an additive-free solution implemented through a detailed set of experimentation to improve the curing rate through in-process temperature variations to cure the joints among the beads. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is used to confirm the improvements in the bead joints. This work is conducted in two phases of experiments. In the first phase, a full factorial ANOVA is used to investigate various process parameters and the important variables are used in the second phase to print test specimens in four different sets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acceptable footwear fit, particularly width, is subjective and vaguely quantified. Proper shoe fit is important because it affects both comfort and the potential to prevent injury. Although mismatches between the feet of underground coal miners and their internal boot dimensions are known, no research has been undertaken to determine the impact of these mismatches on worker perceptions of fit, comfort and pain. This study aimed to quantitatively assess mining work boot fit relative to underground coal miners' subjectively rated work boot fit and comfort, reported foot problems, lower limb pain and lower back pain in order to develop evidence-based work boot fit recommendations. Traditional footwear fitting methods based predominantly on foot length are insufficient for underground coal mining-specific footwear. Instead, fit at the heel, instep and forefoot must be considered when fitting underground coal mining work boots, in conjunction with the traditional length measurement.Practitioner summary: Underground coal miners report their work boots fit but are uncomfortable. This study assessed actual fit relative to perceived fit, comfort, foot problems, lower limb pain and lower back pain of 197 miners. Fit at the heel, instep and forefoot must be considered when fitting mining work boots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drilling holes in carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates are more prone to incur damage during machining. Surface damage could be considerably minimized through the adoption of cryogenic assisted machining. The economic and safety implications associated with cryogenic technology necessitate the exploration of alternate technologies. In this research work, the effects of cutting velocity (100, 125, and 150 m/min) and feed rate (0.03, 0.06, and 0.09 mm/rev) on thrust force, surface roughness, delamination, and acoustic emissions are studied during the drilling of CFRP laminates under chilled air environment and compared with dry drilling. The output parameters are found to be much influenced by feed rate than cutting velocity. Under high feed rate and cutting velocity, the delamination factor, surface roughness, and acoustic emissions are, respectively, reduced by 13.2, 10.5, and 7.4% for the drilling performed under chilled air environment over dry condition. About 9.9% increased thrust force is observed for chilled air-assisted drilling under the identical machining condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cap-dependent translation initiation begins by assembly of a pre-initiation ribosomal complex that scans the 5ʹ Untranslated Region in order to localise the start codon. During this process, RNA secondary structures are melted by RNA helicases. Guenther et al reported that the yeast helicase Ded1, an orthologue of the mammalian DDX3 helicase, is responsible for this activity. When Ded1 is non-functional, RNA structures in the 5ʹUTR promote translation initiation on Alternative Translation Initiation Sites (ATIS) lead to uORF translation and consequently down-regulation of the main ORF. This mechanism is driven by the sole presence of RNA secondary structures located downstream of ATIS. Translation initiation mediated by RNA structures is found in other messenger RNAs. We propose to name this novel mechanism STructure-Assisted-RNA-Translation or START. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a novel alignment system based on the measurement of optical path using a light beam scanning mode in a transmissometer. The system controls both the probe beam and the receiving field of view while scanning in two vertical directions. The system then calculates the azimuth angle of the transmitter and the receiver to determine the precise alignment of the optical path. Experiments show that this method can determine the alignment angles in less than 10 min with errors smaller than 66 ;rad in the azimuth. This system also features high collimation precision, process automation and simple installation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mining work boots provide an interface between the foot and the ground, protecting and supporting miners’ feet during lengthy coal mining shifts. Although underground coal miners report the fit of their work boots as reasonable to good, they frequently rate their boots as uncomfortable, suggesting that there is a mismatch between the shape of their feet and their boots. This study aimed to identify whether dimensions derived from the three-dimensional scans of 208 underground coal miners’ feet (age 38.3 ± 9.8 years) differed from the internal dimensions of their work boots. The results revealed underground coal miners wore boots that were substantially longer than their feet, possibly because boots available in their correct length were too narrow. It is recommended boot manufacturers reassess the algorithms used to create boot lasts, focusing on adjusting boot circumference at the instep and heel relative to increases in foot length. Practitioner Summary:Fit and comfort ratings suggest a mismatch between the shape of underground coal miners’ feet and their boots exists. This study examined whether three-dimensional scans of 208 miners’ feet differed from their boot internal dimensions. Miners wore boots substantially longer than their feet, possibly due to inadequate width. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study aimed to evaluate the mechanical properties of self-adhesive resin cements mixed with hydroxyapatite, as a function of the polymerization activation mode among a variety of commercial self-adhesive cements. Four cements (MaxCem Elite, Bifix SE, G-Cem, and RelyX U200) were mixed, combined with hydroxyapatite, dispensed into molds, and distributed into three groups, according to polymerization protocols: IP (immediate photoactivation for 40 s); DP (delayed photoactivation, 10 min self-curing plus 40 s light-activated); and CA (chemical activation, no light exposure). After polymerization, the specimens were stored at 37 °C for 24 h. After storage, a three-point bending test was performed at 0.5 mm/min. Flexural strength (S) and flexural modulus (E) were calculated. The fractured surfaces were analyzed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA/Tukey’s test (5%). The tested parameters varied according with the resin cements and polymerization protocols. Regarding theSmeans, MaxCem Elite, G-Cem, and RelyX U200 demonstrated dependence on photoactivation (immediate or delayed), whereas Bifix SE exhibited no dependence on the polymerization protocol. The same was observed for Bifix SE for theEmeans, which presented the best balanced formulation, irrespective of the activation protocol. SEM analysis exhibited the presence of bubbles and porosities in all of the fractured surfaces. Chemical activation is not a guarantee of a complete polymerization for most of the cements tested. Only one of the cements maintained its mechanical properties when chemically activated, important characteristic in clinical situations in which the curing light penetrating the bulk material can be attenuated or scattered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primitive aspect of hyperspectral imagery is its inherent spatial and spectral correlation. This correlation is exploited by subjecting the imaging cube to compression. A new approach to accomplish lossless hyperspectral image compression has been proposed. The imaging cube is subjected to pre-processing stage prior to entropy coding. Pre-processing stage comprises band normalization, ordering of bands followed by image scanning. A new sorting technique entitled Greedy Heap Sorting is suggested. The proposed strategy yields an average compression ratio (CR) of 4.93 and average bits per pixel (bpp) of 3.08. The proficiency of the system is on par with the existing contemporary algorithms for lossless hyperspectral image compression in terms of CR, bpp and reduced complexity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compression of hyperspectral images on-board is being pursued diligently for the past decade due to the exhaustive applications in the arena of remote sensing. Compression algorithms have to be designed in the interest of using minimum number of bits to represent a pixel at the cost of maintaining the quality of the reconstructed signal. Referring to the above context, compression algorithm has been proposed based on multi-stage vector quantisation affirming a bit rate as low as possible, meanwhile preserving the quality of the signal. The spectral redundancy is well exploited in the pre-processing stage, the occurrence of which aids the functioning of vector quantisation, resulting in the lower bit rate in the subsequent stages of decorrelation. The proposed algorithm reforms the vector quantisation in terms of spectral distortion, complexity and memory requirements. The proposed strategy divulges with a peak signal to noise ratio of 82.55 dB and signal to distortion noise ratio of 92.23 dB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Geoscience Information Society (GIS, later GSIS) was established at the 1965 meeting of the Geological Society of America (GSA) as an associated society of GSA and is dedicated to improving the exchange of information among geosciences librarians and other professionals. GSIS meetings from 1966 to 2012 have generated forty-three proceedings volumes. An agreement between GSIS and Texas Digital Libraries member Texas A&M University Libraries established that all of theGSIS Proceedingswould be hosted on the Libraries’ Institutional Repository, OakTrust, as open access. All digital and scanned proceedings volumes PDFs were carefully deposited with standardized metadata into OakTrust, with all futureGSIS Proceedingsvolumes to follow. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The present research deals with the investigation of morphological characteristics after mechanical alloying of Ni–50 at. %Ti in a high-energy planetary ball mill at various milling times (i.e., 4, 8, 30, 40, 50, and 60 h). Crystallite size was observed to be decreased with the increase of milling time, entire titanium fused in the nickel trellis, and results of intermetallic NiTi. The shape of particle also changed from lamella to globular. Steatite-ceramic and hardened balls were separately used for the ball milling. The observations of morphologies revealed that steatite balls are more durable and wear resistant as compared to steel ball. This research shows that ball milling with steatite-ceramic balls is a cost-effective, high purity, and productive step toward the formation of NiTi intermetallic compound with homogeneous composition and desired particle size. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Current scanning access methods for text generation in AAC devices are limited to relatively few options, most notably row/column variations within a matrix. We present Huffman scanning, a new method for applying statistical language models to binary-switch, static-grid typing AAC interfaces, and compare it to other scanning options under a variety of conditions. We present results for 16 adults without disabilities and one 36-year-old man with locked-in syndrome who presents with complex communication needs and uses AAC scanning devices for writing. Huffman scanning with a statistical language model yielded significant typing speedups for the 16 participants without disabilities versus any of the other methods tested, including two row/column scanning methods. A similar pattern of results was found with the individual with locked-in syndrome. Interestingly, faster typing speeds were obtained with Huffman scanning using a more leisurely scan rate than relatively fast individually calibrated scan rates. Overall, the results reported here demonstrate great promise for the usability of Huffman scanning as a faster alternative to row/column scanning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present article, influence of manganese on the size and shape of the precipitated TiC crystals by in-situ reaction with varying amounts of manganese in hypoeutectoid steel are presented. Manganese was added up to 6.0% in steps of 1.5%, titanium was fixed at 4%, and carbon at 1.84%. The obtained specimens were examined by using optical, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Tensile properties were evaluated using the ASTM E8 M standard. The microstructure results showed that the in-situ TiC carbides are homogeneously distributed in the metal matrix. Based on the microstructure and XRD pattern, in-situ TiC carbides were identified. The precipitated in-situ TiC in molten Fe-Mn-C alloy is explained by constructing three-dimensional iron rich Fe-Mn-TiC phase diagram. In Fe-Mn-TiC composite, varying manganese content increases the Young's modulus, ultimate tensile strength, and percentage elongation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Electron microscopy (EM) has been an indispensable tool for kidney research since its inception more than half a century ago. Much of the substantial advances were propelled by the need to find methods to best visualize and analyze the kidney's structure deduced from the fundamental principle that has structure and function intimately related. The result of 3 decades of experimental kidney work between 1950 and 1980 coincided with remarkable advances in nephrology that marked a renaissance era for renal pathology and resulted in the morphologic classification of medical kidney diseases. In the era of genetics and molecular medicine TEM continues to contribute significant clinical and pathogenetic insights in kidney disease. The basic principles as applied to kidney disease experimental models are discussed with emphasis on crescent formation in Col4A3-deficient mice and a mouse model of experimental oxalosis (CaOx). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to assess the suitability of the Microsoft Kinect depth camera as a tool in segment scanning, segment tracking and player tracking. A mannequin was scanned with the Kinect and a laser scanner. The geometries were truncated to create torso ‘segments’ and compared. Separate shoulder abduction ( − 100° to 50°) and flexion motions (0°–100°) were recorded by the Kinect (using free and commercial software) and a Motion Analysis Corporation (MAC) system. Segment angles were compared. A participant's centre of mass (COM) was tracked over a 6 ×  3 m floor area using the Kinect and a MAC system and compared. Mean errors with uncertainty of the mass, COM position and principal moments of inertia were − 1.9 ± 1.6%, 0.5 ± 0.4% and 3 ± 2.6%, respectively. The commercial software gave the highest accuracy, in which the maximum and root mean square errors (RMSEs) were 13.85° and 7.59° in abduction and 21.57° and 12.00° in flexion. RMSEs inX,YandZCOM positions were 0.12, 0.14 and 0.08 m, respectively, although vertical position (Y) was subject to a large systematic bias of 405 mm. The Kinect's low cost and depth camera are an advantage for sports biomechanics and motion analysis. Although segment tracking accuracy is low, the Kinect could potentially be used in coaching and education for all three application areas in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death worldwide. Surgical resection has played a major role in the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC); however, the disease is often detected in a progressive and inoperable form. Surgical resection may also be impossible for early-stage NSCLC due to medical conditions, such as pulmonary or cardiovascular disease and old age. Radiotherapy plays an important role for these patients. Proton-beam therapy is a particle radiotherapy with an excellent dose localization that permits treatment of lung cancer by administering a high dose to the tumor while minimizing damage to the surrounding normal tissues. Thus, proton beams are increasingly being used for lung cancer. In this context, the authors review the current knowledge on proton-beam therapy for the treatment of NSCLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microstructure, texture, and syneresis of Streblus asper leaf extract, calf rennet, and Fromase made milk coagula were investigated. Microstructure of the milk coagulum was assessed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Milk coagulum produced with Streblus asper showed a sponge-like structural network and a denser casein network compared with calf rennet and Fromase produced coagula. Streblus asper made coagulum displayed low porosity, low strength, and low syneresis than those of calf rennet and Fromase made coagula. The spong-like structure, low porosity, and low syneresis were attributed to the high proteolytic nature of Streblus asper leaf extact and to interactions of its phenolic compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Prolonged exposure to ambient particles is associated with premature mortality due to cardio-respiratory diseases and lung cancer. The size and composition of these particles determine their toxicity, which is aggravated by their long-term retention in the lungs. Objective: To compare the elemental profile of particles retained along the bronchial tree and lymph nodes by combining laser capture microdissection (LCM) and elemental composition analysis through energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Material and methods: Twenty-four right lung middle lobes from autopsied cases were obtained from two cities with different pollution backgrounds. Lung samples were collected from three distinct sites within the lung at the time of autopsy: peribronchial tissue, peripheral parenchyma and hilar lymph nodes. Areas of potentially increased particle deposition were microdissected using LCM and analyzed for elemental composition through EDX ''allied'' with SEM. Results: Elemental analyses of the particles retained along the bronchial tree showed two groups of distribution: peribronchiolar or lymph node deposition. The elemental profile of peribronchial areas were significantly different between the two cities and were better discriminators of past air pollution exposure. Conclusion: Our data suggest that particle uptake varies along the bronchial tree and human lung tissue retains particles indicative of regional air pollution background. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors examine, based on a survey of users, the electronic document delivery methods currently in place as well as changes in the recent past and future developments. Interlibrary loan and document delivery staff from institutions across the United States were surveyed in order to ascertain what document delivery mechanisms are currently in place, how they are being used, and why. Findings from this study should lead to an increased awareness of electronic delivery options in libraries across the country and elucidate the dynamics involved at individual sites. This, in turn, will assist librarians in making decisions, based not only on their individual circumstances but on the experiences and trends found across a broad sampling of institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional optical telescopes can obtain high resolution images, but only over a narrow field of view. To image over a large field, the typical approach is to move the entire telescope to point to a particular area of interest. In this article, we consider a scanning telescope that only moves one of the optical elements in the telescope. Moving the lower inertia of a single optical element instead of the entire telescope means faster scanning, reduced vibration, and more accurate pointing. Inherent in the design is the introduction of optical aberrations due to off-axis imaging. This article presents simulation and experimental results of using deformable mirrors to correct for the off-axis aberrations. Two different types of deformable mirrors are considered: electrostatic and electromagnetic. The mirror apertures are similar in size, but the electromagnetic mirror has about twice the actuator displacement range than the electrostatic mirror. Through simulation and experiments, we demonstrated that the static field of view may be increased by 40 times with the electrostatic mirror and 80 times with the electromagnetic mirror. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three-dimensional point cloud data of a foot are used to determine the critical dimensions for making custom footwear. However, automatic and accurate measurement of dimensions, especially girths, is an issue of concern to many designers and footwear developers. Existing methods for measuring girths are primarily based on points or generated triangles, but their accuracy is heavily dependent on the density of the point cloud data. In this paper we present the use of the Radial Basis Function (RBF) surface modelling technique for measuring girths as it has the advantage of being able to operate on unorganised three-dimensional points, so that the generated surface passes through every scanned point, while repairing incomplete meshes. To overcome the high computational expense of the RBF method, local surface recovery, octree division and combination, inverse power method and improved Cholesky factorisation are used. The girth measurements obtained from adopting these approaches are compared against the existing measurement methods. Experimental results demonstrate that the local RBF implicit surface can provide more stable and accurate measurements using relatively less time, proving its value in custom footwear manufacture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A collaboration between the University of Louisville's Dwight Anderson Music Library and Digital Initiatives Department has resulted in the digitization of the University of Louisville School of Music Guest Book. Begun in 1949, the book contains signatures and handwritten messages from many of the most well-known musicians of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. This article describes the approach to scanning, cataloging, indexing, and providing full-text searchable online access to the Guest Book using CONTENTdm digital media management software. It addresses resource and technical challenges encountered and overcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The BBC television programme Right Hand, Left Hand, broadcast in August 1953, showed a version of the duck-rabbit figure and asked viewers to say what they could see in the “puzzle picture”. Nearly 4,000 viewers described the image, and the answers to those questions have recently been found and analysed. The programme probably used the same version of the figure as appeared in Wittgenstein's Philosophical Investigations, which had been published a month or two previously. Although Dr Jacob Bronowski, the presenter of the programme, had suspected that left- and right-handers might differ in their perception of the figure, since they might scan it from different sides, in fact there is no relationship in the data between six measures of lateralisation and a propensity for seeing a duck or a rabbit. However the large data set does show separate effects of both age and sex on viewing the figure, female and older viewers being more likely to report seeing a rabbit (although a clear majority of viewers reported seeing a duck). There was also a very significant tendency for female viewers to use more typical descriptions of the duck, whereas males used a wider variety of types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses the crucial need for a non-invasive method for precisely detecting the subsurface defects in wooden logs. The method utilises ground penetrating radar (GPR) technology which has the potential to be implemented in real time in saw mills in the near future. Internal defects such as knots, decays and embedded metals are of great concern for lumber production. Nondestructive scanning of logs using GPR to detect defects in logs prior to sawing can greatly increase the productivity and yield of high value defect-free lumber by optimal orientation of the saw blade, and prevent damage to saw blade from embedded metals. Also, GPR offers high speed scanning capability which is needed for future online implementation in saw mills. In this research, the scanned GPR data have been analysed to investigate the capability of GPR to detect subsurface defects such as metals, decays and knots. This paper presents the comprehensive results from GPR scanning of several wooden logs and shows comparisons with actual condition inside the log observed after sawing the log. The advantages of the GPR technique, experimental setup and data processing used for detection of subsurface defects in logs are explained in detail. This study has shown that GPR can be used to accurately identify the subsurface defects such as knots, decays and metallic nails inside the logs which are not visible from outside observations. The results show that GPR can be a very promising technique for future online implementation in saw mills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors report findings of a research study conducted at the Iowa State University Library. Data was gathered on the scanning of library materials by students working in the Interlibrary Loan (ILL) unit. The goals of the study were fourfold: (1) Develop measures of scanning productivity in ILL, (2) Determine if it is more productive to scan from the original or copy and then scan with a document feeder, (3) Determine the best method of the copy and scan approach, (4) Determine the most productive method of scanning. The authors propose an extrapolation of their findings to other libraries involved in scanning for interlibrary loan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although line copying provides a simple and direct perceptual estimate of linear extent, line bisection is the most common clinical test traditionally used to quantify visuospatial neglect. This study aimed to establish whether the two tasks tap similar aspects of linear extent and determine which approximates actual stimulus length. One hundred and forty healthy controls were tested. Misrepresentations when copying were more than double those misrepresentations when bisecting, suggesting that the task demands involved in bisection may be less demanding than those involved in copying. Moreover, bisection performance provided the best approximation to the stimulus length used. It is suggested that the (midpoint) computational requirement of bisection facilitates a more accurate representation of linear extent by engaging implicit cues within the task. The fact that line bisection provides for a more accurate measure of represented linear extent attests to its value as a clinical test for patients with visuospatial neglect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2000, Auburn University Libraries implemented a new service, named AUBlExpress, to provide desktop delivery of print materials held at its three campus libraries. AUBlExpress provides electronic PDF copies of articles and book chapters from print resources located at Draughon Library (the main campus library), the Library of Architecture, Design and Construction, and the Veterinary Medical Library. The service is available, free, to Auburn University faculty, staff, graduate students, persons with disabilities and distance education students. There is a maximum request limit of five items per person per day and an item size limit of 50 pages. Requests, submitted through an online form, are usually processed within 2-4 business days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Commingled polypropylene (PP)/banana granules were fabricated from slivers by mixing PP fibers and banana fibers by textile equipment. By twisting the sliver, the reinforcing fibers were compacted and bonded with the molten matrix material. PP/banana composites were prepared from commingled PP/banana granules by injection moulding method with special reference to the effect of maleic anhydride modified polypropylene (MAH-PP) concentration. The mechanical properties of the composites were found to depend on the concentration of MAH-PP. The tensile and flexural properties of the composites increased with the addition of MAH-PP up to 2 wt%. After 2 wt% addition of MAH-PP, these properties tend to be stabilized. On the other hand the unmodified composites showed the maximum impact strength. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic (FTIR) analysis of the MAH-PP modified composites showed evidence of a chemical bridge between the hydroxyl group of the banana fiber and maleic anhydride of the MAH-PP through an esterification reaction. The feature peak of the esterification occurred in the range ∼ 1743 cm-1. In order to confirm the esterfication reaction further, FTIR spectra of the banana microfibrils and MAH-PP modified PP/banana microfibril composites were taken and compared. The tensile fracture surfaces of the unmodified and MAH-PP modified PP/banana composites were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). An improvement in adhesion between the fiber and the matrix was observed in the case of MAH-PP modified composites. Two different processing methods, both injection and compression mouldings were performed to prepare the PP/banana composites. Tensile properties of the composites prepared by these two methods were compared. The enhancement of tensile properties for injection-moulded composites compared to the compression-moulded composites is owing to the occurrence of orientation, better mixing and interaction between the fiber and the matrix during injection moulding. Finally, experimental results of the tensile properties of the injection-moulded composites have been compared with theoretical predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The modern library is often called on to provide multimedia services such as scanning and transfer of images. To meet this demand, librarians must familiarize themselves with the properties of images and their terminology. This paper briefly presents some of the technical details inherent in scanning images and in choosing image formats. These technical details may also be applied to other imaging technologies. doi:10.1300/J383v04n03_10 [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]