This paper describes the work that is done by a group of I3 students at Philips CFT in Eindhoven, Netherlands. I3 is an initiative of Fontys University of Professional Education also located in Eindhoven. The work focuses on the use of computer vision in motion control. Experiments are done with several techniques for object recognition and tracking, and with the guidance of a robot movement by means of computer vision. These experiments involve detection of coloured objects, object detection based on specific features, template matching with automatically generated templates, and interaction of a robot with a physical object that is viewed by a camera mounted on the robot.
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Abstract Long-haul travel does not constitute an obstacle for tourists to travel and is fast gaining the attention of tourists in new and unique experiences. This study was conducted to identify the long-haul travel motivation by international tourists to Penang. A total of 400 respondents participated in this survey, conducted around the tourist attractions in Penang, using cluster random sampling. However, only 370 questionnaires were only used for this research. Data were analysed using SPSS software 22 version. The findings, ‘knowledge and novelty seeking’ were the main push factors that drove long-haul travel by international tourists to Penang. Meanwhile, the main pull factor that attracts long- haul travel by international tourists to Penang was its ‘culture and history’. Additionally, there were partly direct and significant relationships between socio-demographic, trip characteristics and travel motivation (push factors and pull factors). Overall, this study identified the long-haul travel motivations by international tourists to Penang based on socio-demographic, trip characteristics and travel motivation and has indirectly helped in understanding the long-haul travel market particularly for Penang and Southeast Asia. This research also suggested for an effective marketing and promotion strategy in pro- viding useful information that is the key to attract international tourists to travel long distances. Keywords:
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The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a strong rope-like tissue which connects the femur to the tibia in the knee joint. Its function is to provide structural stability to the knee while preventing unnatural forward movement of the tibia relative to the femur. Acute complete ACL ruptures during movements like knee hyperextension or sudden changes of direction (pivoting) damage two entities: the ligament itself and its nerve connections to the posterior tibial nerve (PTN). PTN innervation in the ACL is essential for: a) proprioception (e.g. perception of position and movement/acceleration experienced by the ligament), and b) stability of the knee joint. Upon ACL rupture, the orthopedic surgeon reconstructs the ACL with a graft from the hamstring, patellar or quadriceps tendon. After the surgery, the goal is to regain neuromuscular control and dynamic stabilization during rehabilitation as soon as possible for a quick return to sports and daily activities. However, surgeons are not able to reconstruct the nerve gap between the PTN and the grafted ligament due to the microscopic size of the innervation in the ACL. Not linking the PTN to the graft creates a disconnection between the knee joint and the spinal cord. To mitigate these disadvantages in ACL surgery, this study focuses on activating the growth of proprioception nerve endings using a ligament loaded with growth factors (neurotrophins). We hypothesize that neurotrophins will activate proprioceptive fibers of neurons close to the ACL. We describe graft fabrication steps and in vitro experiments to expand on the regeneration capacity of a commercially available ACL-like synthetic ligament called LARS. The results will bring the ACL regeneration field closer to having a graft that can aid patients in regaining mobility and stability during locomotion and running, confidence in the strength of the knee joint, and quick return to sports.
Cell-based production processes in bioreactors and fermenters need to be carefully monitored due to the complexity of the biological systems and the growth processes of the cells. Critical parameters are identified and monitored over time to guarantee product quality and consistency and to minimize over-processing and batch rejections. Sensors are already available for monitoring parameters such as temperature, glucose, pH, and CO2, but not yet for low-concentration substances like proteins and nucleic acids (DNA). An interesting critical parameter to monitor is host cell DNA (HCD), as it is considered an impurity in the final product (downstream process) and its concentration indicates the cell status (upstream process). The Molecular Biosensing group at the Eindhoven University of Technology and Helia Biomonitoring are developing a sensor for continuous biomarker monitoring, based on Biosensing by Particle Motion. With this consortium, we want to explore whether the sensor is suitable for the continuous measurement of HCD. Therefore, we need to set-up a joint laboratory infrastructure to develop HCD assays. Knowledge of how cells respond to environmental changes and how this is reflected in the DNA concentration profile in the cell medium needs to be explored. This KIEM study will enable us to set the first steps towards continuous HCD sensing from cell culture conditions controlling cell production processes. It eventually generates input for machine learning to be able to automate processes in bioreactors and fermenters e.g. for the production of biopharmaceuticals. The project entails collaboration with new partners and will set a strong basis for subsequent research projects leading to scientific and economic growth, and will also contribute to the human capital agenda.
DOK4CT (in Dutch: Digitale Onderwijsmiddelen en Kennisontsluiting for Control Towers)In this project the practical applied knowledge, derived from innovative projects within the “Topsector logistiek”, is made accessible by Breda University and Deltago. This online Control Tower Course is specifically meant for logistic professionals and students in logistic orientated education. The project was made accesible and supported by the NWO, Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research. The scope of this project is limited to the area of Cross Chain Control Centers (4C) / Control Towers. The educational valorisation will be executed by the development of digital materials. These are used for student education as well as dissemination towards professionals in the logistics sector. Hereby, the interaction between students and professionals is an important additional benefit under the name of “social learning”. For example the interviews that Marcel Wouterse (Deltago and lecturer at Breda University of Applied Sciences) has created with key partners in the logistics sector were recorded and edited by students. By the use of digital educational tools and serious games, the benefits of Control Towers are now visible for students and professionals. The next phase is to introduce the gained knowledge in future organisations in order to support the Netherlands in the top of the logistics sector.Project goalThe goal of this project is to improve the exploitation of fundamental- and applied knowledge in the expertise area of Cross Chain Control Centers (4C) and Control Towers (CT).The tasks are divided in five subprojects:1. Preparations to transfer existing materials in digital learning tools;2. Shape digital education material (Webinars, online platform, knowledge clips and e-learnings)3. Develop and/or use several serious games (Convoy game / Synchromania)4. Promotion of the course to specified target groups (professionals / international students)5. Project managementExcising knowledge regarding Cross Chain Control Centers and Control Towers is used in this project. New knowledge will not be generated. The project focus lies on the disclosure of acquired knowledge by digital learning tools.
