196,177 research outputs found
Supernumerary microtubules in the cilia of two siblings causing "Immotile cilia Syndrome"
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Human-robot task distribution metrics in car battery recycling: a case study on screw removal
No full textWith the increasing manufacturing of electric vehicles, car battery recycling is crucial for environmental sustainability. The disassembly of car batteries includes critical health hazards for the operator, due to potential chemical reactions or physical injuries. These reasons make robots particularly interesting for automatic disassembly. This paper proposes a systematic approach to automation and human-robot cooperation in car battery disassembly tasks with a case study on screw removal. A novel parameter is proposed to evaluate whether a human operator or a robot is more appropriate for each specific task, considering both performance and associated risks. The proposed metrics are validated with an experimental example, in which the performance of a robot and a human on a screw-removal task is compared numerically using statistical methods. The advantages and disadvantages of both options are examined through the application and show how the new performance criterion effectively provides insights into the distribution of tasks between humans and robots
Problems and Requirements for the Robotic Disassembly of Lithium-Ion Batteries in the Automotive Industry
No full textThis paper discusses challenges behind automation and human-robot cooperation in industrial disassembly tasks with a case study on lithium-ion car batteries. To numerically characterize this application, the performance of a robot and a human on an unscrewing task are reported and compared. The advantages and disadvantages of both options are discussed by proposing and analyzing a new performance criterion that successfully gives indications on human-robot task distribution
Current status of bacterial canker spread on kiwifruit in Italy
No full textA survey of kiwifruit orchards in central and northern Italy during 20072008 consistently detected serious damage caused by bacterial canker. The causal agent, Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae, was repeatedly isolated from diseased plants, mainly Actinidia chinensis Pl. cultivars. Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae was identified by morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics as well as molecular analyses. Disease severity, varietal susceptibility, trade implications and control strategies are discussed. © 2009 Australasian Plant Pathology Society
Hepatobiliary involvement in adolescents and adults with cystic fibrosis
No full textFifty nine C.F. pts (38 males) aged 14-41 years have been considered, for all of them the following parameters were taken into account: Shwachman clinical score modified (radiological evaluation emended), steatorrhea, liver function tests (SGOT, SGPT, GT, Bilirubin, AP, Quick T.), A and B hepatitis markers and ultrasonographic scan of pancreas and hepatobiliary system. 23 pts (38%) presented well recognized hepatobiliary involvement: 2 pts (3%) evident cirrhosis, 3 pts (5%) cirrhosis with portal hypertension and esophageal varices, 5 pts (8%) were affected with signs of chronic hepatopathy, 13 pts (22%) presented gallbladder stones
High frequency of (TG)m Tn variant tracts in the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Gene in men with high semen viscosity
No full textObjective: To evaluate a possible correlation between abnormal semen consistency and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene mutations and variant tracts. Design: Study of CFTR mutations and variant tracts in men with high semen viscosity as compared with normospermic men. Setting: University-based centers for andrology, clinical biochemistry, and cystic fibrosis. Patient(s): Forty-six male partners from infertile couples with sine causa high semen viscosity compared with 72 normospermic men. Intervention(s): Semen sample collection. Main Outcome Measure(s): We obtained the (TG)mTn polymorphic tracts and a panel of 31 mutations of CFTR, semen viscosity, and semen variables. Result(s): The frequencies of the (TG)12 and T5 variant alleles were statistically significantly higher in men with high semen viscosity (17.4% and 7.6%, respectively) than in the normospermic control group (6.9% and 1.4%, respectively). The frequency of the genotypes carrying (TG)12 or T5 was statistically significantly higher in men with high semen viscosity (39.1%) than in the normospermic control group (16.7%). Four men with high semen viscosity showed the variant (TG)12T5 haplotype; one of these men presented variant tracts on both alleles. None of the normospermic controls showed a (TG)12T5 haplotype. Conclusion(s): Semen hyperviscosity could be considered a “minimal clinical expression” of cystic fibrosis; CFTR gene sequence variations may constitute the genetic basis for this disease
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