Tuesday, February 4, 2014

University of Coimbra is developing robot that detects mines

Leave a Comment
A team at the Institute for systems and Robotics (ISR) at the University of Coimbra is developing a mine detection robot, to assist in the task of removing million active land mines around the world.

The team members are currently submitting the robot to a series of tests and working to the optimize and automate the dangerous manual effort that is needed in removing mines, it tells an article on Gizmag, quoted by Green Savers Angola.

The project began in 2012, when, as part of the Partnerbot scholarship program that supports the development of robotics research, the Canadian company Clearpath Robotics provided the Portuguese Institute a mobile robotics base known as Husky Unmanned Ground Vehicle.

After having received the Husky, the research team has equipped it with navigation and location sensors, a ground-penetrating radar and a custom robotic arm with a metal detector. This equipment was installed in the robot for the same notice the characteristics of the terrain, navigating through the ground, and detect and locate land mines.

The first series of tests, in 2013, had to be interrupted due to complications with the custom robotic arm. The team is now make adjustments to the machine, with the desire to perform more tests in mid-2014.

"Mine detection is a very dangerous and time-consuming process," said Lino Marques, professor at the University of Coimbra and researcher in the ISR. "Robots don't get tired; can be extremely thorough in performing its work and its cost is under less of a human life. For these reasons, the robots are the perfect solution to the problem of removal of mines ".

If the team's vision is fulfilled, the robot will be an additional effort among other mine detection robots that are already in use, such as the MineWolf and DIGGER DTR D-3. The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) estimates that there are 110 million landmines, which claim 800 lives a month. Any attempt to help minimize this damage would be welcome.

Read More

Monday, February 3, 2014

United Kingdom: City holds Christmas tree until the birds to abandon

Leave a Comment
It's been over a month since Christmas, but the spirit and the main symbol of the season â€" the Christmas tree â€" are still present in a rural town in the United Kingdom.

The city officials of Cramlington were about to throw the Christmas tree below,-the tree was already without lighting and decorations â€" then, when they found a Blackbird had installed on it. The bird, which arrived pretty early this year to the region, had already built a nest, where there were three eggs.

According to the Telegraph, the municipal authorities contacted the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds to knowing how to proceed. The advice given by the entity was to leave the tree up until the family of Blackbirds abandon the tree â€" which means that Christmas, this year, will extend beyond the normal in this locality.

Despite the fact that they have to keep the tree for so long has caused some embarrassment to the inhabitants of Cramlington, residents seem pleased in being able to help this bird.

Foto:  James Bowe / Creative Commons

 .fancybox-wrap { position: absolute; top:0; left: 0; z-index: 8020; } .fancybox-skin { position: relative; /*margin-top:20px !important;*/ background: #222222; color: #74b32e; text-shadow: none; -webkit-border-radius: 2px; -moz-border-radius: 2px; border-radius: 2px; } .fancybox-opened { z-index: 8030; } .fancybox-opened .fancybox-skin { -webkit-box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); -moz-box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); } .fancybox-outer, .fancybox-inner { position: relative; } .fancybox-inner { overflow: hidden; } .fancybox-type-iframe .fancybox-inner { -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch; } .fancybox-close{ background: url('wp-content/themes/codistage/styles/fancybox/exit.png') no-repeat; width:25px; height:25px; float:right; margin-top:10px; margin-right:5px; } /*.ngg-gallery-image img{width:565px; height:393px;}*/Cramlington, Reino Unido1of 5jQuery(document).ready(function($) { var thumbContainerWidth = 0, thumbs = Array(), selectedIndex = 1, thumbIndex = 1, imageOffset = 7; $('.ngg-gallery-thumbnail-box').each(function() { thumbs.push($(this)); }); /*thumbnail navigation */ $('.ngg-greensavers-thumb-next').unbind().bind('click', function(e) { e.preventDefault(); if(thumbIndex<= (thumbs.length-imageOffset)) { $('.ngg-thumbnails-container').stop().animate({ left : -$(thumbs[thumbIndex]).position().left }); thumbIndex++; } }); $('.ngg-greensavers-thumb-prev').unbind().bind('click', function(e) { e.preventDefault(); if(thumbIndex >1) { $('.ngg-thumbnails-container').stop().animate({ left : $('.ngg-thumbnails-container').position().left + ( $(thumbs[thumbIndex-1]).position().left - $(thumbs[thumbIndex-2]).position().left ) }); thumbIndex--; } }); $(window).load(function() { /* set thumbnail container width */ $('.ngg-gallery-thumbnail').each(function() { thumbContainerWidth = thumbContainerWidth + $(this).width() + 10; }); $('.ngg-thumbnails-container').width(thumbContainerWidth); }); });

Read More

Scientists are preparing genetically modified version of fish oil

Leave a Comment
A group of researchers from the United Kingdom wants to produce a genetically modified version of fish oil without having to resort to this animal product. Scientists have made a request for conducting the first field test genetically modified the last three years, in the United Kingdom.

If the application is approved and the study carried out in the next few years may be developed cod liver oil synthetic, which may be on supermarket shelves in 2020.

The test will be only the fifth carried out in the United Kingdom in the last decade, since the prospect of transgenic foods has been viewed with concern by the British â€" and with good reason. Opponents of genetic manipulation were already against the request of investigators, indicating that the request was a worrisome development and raised questions about the potential hidden risks to health.

In turn, scientists argue that a modified form of Camelina â€" a plant that normally is grown to feed the animals or for biofuel â€" can produce the same amount of fatty acids, especially the Omega-3 fish oils, which contain. To obtain the form through a vegetable acids, fish stocks would no longer be so pressured.

This team of researchers has developed this genetically modified plant, by "cutting and pasting" of genes from algae. "We are interested in the production of fish oils through plants because these oils and Omega-3 fatty acids are very important for nutrition and human health," says Johnathan Napier, investigator who is leading the study. Recent studies indicate that fatty acids present in fish oil may help prevent Alzheimer 's.

Read More

Sunday, February 2, 2014

The American who makes temporary constructions on the beach

Leave a Comment
There's Latin name but was born in San Francisco, California, United States in 1971. If you still do not know the work of Andrés Amador, so stay tuned to this gallery news and let yourself be carried away by links that your site sharing.

Amateur uses a rake to draw shapes in the sand, when the beach is with low tide â€" many of these illustrations come to 10 thousand square meters. The artist spent several hours in these drawings knowing that sooner or later, the sea will erase all your work â€" is an illustration.

See some pictures of Amateur work and visit your site.

 .fancybox-wrap { position: absolute; top:0; left: 0; z-index: 8020; } .fancybox-skin { position: relative; /*margin-top:20px !important;*/ background: #222222; color: #74b32e; text-shadow: none; -webkit-border-radius: 2px; -moz-border-radius: 2px; border-radius: 2px; } .fancybox-opened { z-index: 8030; } .fancybox-opened .fancybox-skin { -webkit-box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); -moz-box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); } .fancybox-outer, .fancybox-inner { position: relative; } .fancybox-inner { overflow: hidden; } .fancybox-type-iframe .fancybox-inner { -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch; } .fancybox-close{ background: url('wp-content/themes/codistage/styles/fancybox/exit.png') no-repeat; width:25px; height:25px; float:right; margin-top:10px; margin-right:5px; } /*.ngg-gallery-image img{width:565px; height:393px;}*/Os desenhor temporários de Andrés Amador1of 17jQuery(document).ready(function($) { var thumbContainerWidth = 0, thumbs = Array(), selectedIndex = 1, thumbIndex = 1, imageOffset = 7; $('.ngg-gallery-thumbnail-box').each(function() { thumbs.push($(this)); }); /*thumbnail navigation */ $('.ngg-greensavers-thumb-next').unbind().bind('click', function(e) { e.preventDefault(); if(thumbIndex<= (thumbs.length-imageOffset)) { $('.ngg-thumbnails-container').stop().animate({ left : -$(thumbs[thumbIndex]).position().left }); thumbIndex++; } }); $('.ngg-greensavers-thumb-prev').unbind().bind('click', function(e) { e.preventDefault(); if(thumbIndex >1) { $('.ngg-thumbnails-container').stop().animate({ left : $('.ngg-thumbnails-container').position().left + ( $(thumbs[thumbIndex-1]).position().left - $(thumbs[thumbIndex-2]).position().left ) }); thumbIndex--; } }); $(window).load(function() { /* set thumbnail container width */ $('.ngg-gallery-thumbnail').each(function() { thumbContainerWidth = thumbContainerWidth + $(this).width() + 10; }); $('.ngg-thumbnails-container').width(thumbContainerWidth); }); });

Read More

10 endangered professions

Leave a Comment
For several centuries, the human force has been replaced by the strength of the machine. With the constant advancement of technology, the machines become more and more perfect and able to perform the work formerly performed by the human species.

In this way, the machines are gaining ground in the very near future and may even jeopardize the jobs of many people. According to Mashable, which refers to a study by the University of Oxford, in 2033, the operator shall be responsible for performing 47% of the total existing professions. If you are planning a career that expands beyond the next decade learn professions that may be facing extinction.



When was the last time you went to a Bank and trade counters needed help from employees of the box? Unless you need to make complicated transactions or require any other type of financial service, an ATM is enough to respond to their needs. According to Mark Gilder, director of distribution strategy of Citibank, "at least 85% of the operations that can be, in person, in commercial counters are also possible to be carried out in the ATMs."

2. box Empregado

The profession is box employee of the lighter examples that can be replaced by a machine. In fact, the vending machines are already present in supermarkets and the number has been increasing. It is estimated that there are about 430 thousand automatic payment boxes worldwide, more than quadruple than in 2008.

3.Recepcionista

Currently, it is possible for companies and law firms avoid hiring someone to answer the phones and receive customers, thanks to software that play virtually the role of receptionist. In Japan there are already even robots to play the profession.

Phone 4.Operador

Telephone operators â€" by definition people who answer phones in large companies and forward calls or provide customer support through cal centers â€" might be out of a job, as the outsourcing and automation become ubiquitous.

5.Correio

Within a few years, the person who leaves the mail in the mailbox may no longer do so. Email and electronic invoices allow reduction of correspondence in movement and, with the increased use of this means of correspondence over the next few years, the profession of mail may come to an end.

6. travel agent

A few years ago, to book a plane trip was necessary to resort to a travel agency, which would indicate the dates and prices and all the possible options. Currently, it is possible to see all this information online, in the pages of airlines, and there are sites that allow you to compare the prices of all the options available and make your reservations online.

7.Dactilógrafo

Can you imagine the director of a company to dictate a letter to your desk today? Maybe. However, the profession of typist is in disuse, since most of the professionals you know to use computers and there are voice recognition software that allow professionals with little time to write dictate what need to be written.

8.Jornalista

With the advent of technology and the increased use of online media, such as blogs and aggregators, fewer and fewer people buy newspapers. As a consequence, the role of newspapers in circulation has been declining and the advertising investment, responsible in large part by profits from the newspaper, also is less. At the same time, there are already software that create news and replace almost flawlessly a human journalist. For example, the New York Times uses this semantic technology to write the wedding announcements. But are the journalists in danger of extinction? Here the Mashable have exaggerated.

9. database Operator

Also there is already software that draws up the databases and with the amount of information that circulates on the internet, gathering information has become a lot simpler.

10.Telemarketing

Will be few who will miss these professionals who call constantly advertise and trying to sell products. However, there is reason for joy since the telemarketers are being replaced by intelligent robots that will keep calling and trying to sell products.

Foto:  Made By Bees / Creative Commons

Read More

Saturday, February 1, 2014

The largest graveyard of ships in the world

Leave a Comment
Extended on the West coast of Africa lies the small peninsula of Cap Blanc, Nouadhibou, Mauritania's city where inhabit almost 100,000 people. Economic Capital of the region, the city also holds another title: is home to the largest graveyard of ships in the world.

Financial difficulties led the local authorities to allow the owners of boats offer bribes to dumping their ships used the port. After nearly three decades of this practice, the coastline of Nouadhibou has become a unique landscape with more than 300 ships in decay.

Nouadhibou's economy has long been based on fishing and trade, but the location on the peninsula has proven to be ideal for maritime trade. The city began to process and distribute iron ore extracted from the depths of Mauritania.

Like so many other border cities, the anarchy of business conducted their first times. From the years 20, merchants found that Nouadhibou was willing to ignore the ecological dangers of old ships and dump to forgive any appropriate dismantling processes â€" for a price.

With the passage of time, the economic difficulties of the city worsened and in early 80 the frequency with which the abandoned ships were appearing in the Bay of Nouadhibou has increased dramatically. Since then the numbers have been growing and boat owners all over the world began to send their old ships on a last trip to Mauritania.

See some of the photos of bleak Nouadhibou.

 .fancybox-wrap { position: absolute; top:0; left: 0; z-index: 8020; } .fancybox-skin { position: relative; /*margin-top:20px !important;*/ background: #222222; color: #74b32e; text-shadow: none; -webkit-border-radius: 2px; -moz-border-radius: 2px; border-radius: 2px; } .fancybox-opened { z-index: 8030; } .fancybox-opened .fancybox-skin { -webkit-box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); -moz-box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); } .fancybox-outer, .fancybox-inner { position: relative; } .fancybox-inner { overflow: hidden; } .fancybox-type-iframe .fancybox-inner { -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch; } .fancybox-close{ background: url('wp-content/themes/codistage/styles/fancybox/exit.png') no-repeat; width:25px; height:25px; float:right; margin-top:10px; margin-right:5px; } /*.ngg-gallery-image img{width:565px; height:393px;}*/O cemitério de navios de Nouadhibou1of 20jQuery(document).ready(function($) { var thumbContainerWidth = 0, thumbs = Array(), selectedIndex = 1, thumbIndex = 1, imageOffset = 7; $('.ngg-gallery-thumbnail-box').each(function() { thumbs.push($(this)); }); /*thumbnail navigation */ $('.ngg-greensavers-thumb-next').unbind().bind('click', function(e) { e.preventDefault(); if(thumbIndex<= (thumbs.length-imageOffset)) { $('.ngg-thumbnails-container').stop().animate({ left : -$(thumbs[thumbIndex]).position().left }); thumbIndex++; } }); $('.ngg-greensavers-thumb-prev').unbind().bind('click', function(e) { e.preventDefault(); if(thumbIndex >1) { $('.ngg-thumbnails-container').stop().animate({ left : $('.ngg-thumbnails-container').position().left + ( $(thumbs[thumbIndex-1]).position().left - $(thumbs[thumbIndex-2]).position().left ) }); thumbIndex--; } }); $(window).load(function() { /* set thumbnail container width */ $('.ngg-gallery-thumbnail').each(function() { thumbContainerWidth = thumbContainerWidth + $(this).width() + 10; }); $('.ngg-thumbnails-container').width(thumbContainerWidth); }); });

Read More

The Portuguese company which exports vertical gardens for everyone (with video)

Leave a Comment
Vertical gardens are finally in fashion. It is already possible to see in some of the largest cities in the world, dozens of buildings that use this method to beautify and become, literally, greener â€" whether in its interior or exterior walls.

In Portugal, however, vertical gardens hasn't took off â€" except rare exceptions. One of the companies that fight against this scenario â€" for obvious reasons and of business â€" is the Minigarden, which sells systems that allow you to create domestic and vertical green spaces.

One square metre of Minigardem structure allows planting of 27 plants â€" which turns out to be an interesting number of occupation of space.

"When you consider that the city has minimum cultivation conditions, since the entire space is paved, empedrado or built, the space available is vertical, the walls. And this space is often superior to the solo space, "explained to the green economy Minigarden's product manager, Mario Edwards.

This system, built with modules, allows the cultivation of all types of decorative plants, aromatic herbs and vegetables, inside and outside of buildings. "It is a way of bringing the exceptional green for the city" continues the responsible, which argues. "Whether by proximity issues of growing production, aesthetic or functional. Have a green wall has an extraordinary psychological and aesthetic effect, in a city, this system allows you to refresh the air.

The drip system gives each plant nutrition necessary and avoids the excessive spending of water and energy. Minigarden was born in 2007 and currently exports about 90% of its products â€" these vertical gardens are already in several Portuguese cities on the planet.

All the company's products are patented worldwide and can cost from € 20 per module, or online store dozens of outlets in Portugal.

See the episode 194 of the green economy.

Foto:  Lauren Manning / Creative Commons



Read More