基于视觉测量的挖掘机工作装置姿态测量系统

提出了一种基于视觉测量的挖掘机工作装置姿态测量方法。使用工业相机获取工作装置侧视图像,采用鞍点检测方法快速捕捉工作臂上的人工靶标;将靶标间的固定几何尺寸关系作为约束条件筛选出靶标中的鞍点并计算相应工作臂的姿态角;通过预判靶标的运动范围以缩小图像检测区域,提高算法处理速度。试验表明,与挖掘机上原有的拉线传感器测量系统相比较,动臂和斗杆姿态角动态测量偏差分别小于1°和2°,处理每帧工作装置运动图像平均用时在100 ms以内,验证了该方法对挖掘机工作装置姿态测量的可行性。     

2011年7月11日泰州中北部地区暴雨过程分析

2011年7月11～-18日江苏出现了连续降水天气,其中伴随着多次暴雨到大暴雨过程。利用micaps常规观测资料、卫星云图等资料,对这次过程初7月11日在江苏中部出现的区域性暴雨进行分析,通过对大尺度环流场、物理量场和中尺度系统的分析,得出本次暴雨是在鞍形场的稳定环流背景下,受850 hPa和700 hPa切变线和地面倒槽的共同影响造成的,水汽条件和热力条件都有利于暴雨的发生和持续,地面中小尺度辐合系统是这次暴雨的触发机制。     

质子辐射诱变玉米M2代形态变异与RAPD分析

[目的]研究不同剂量质子辐射(PR)的白马牙玉米M2代的生长发育、形态和基因组DNA水平上的变异情况。[方法]对白马牙玉米干种子进行5种不同剂量的辐射处理,研究M2代玉米生长状况,采用RAPD分子标记技术研究M2代损伤和变异。[结果]发芽率随着剂量的增加先升高后降低,20、30 Gy处理的发芽率均高于对照,20 Gy处理最高;空秆率随着剂量的增加呈先升高后降低再升高再降低的马鞍型曲线,其中20 Gy和50 Gy处理最低,40 Gy处理空秆率最高,达29.4%;光合速率PR组显著低于对照,随着剂量的增加呈马鞍形曲线;籽粒千粒重随着剂量的增加呈马鞍形曲线,10、20和40 Gy处理显著高于对照,50 Gy处理低于对照。综合考虑发芽率、空秆率、千粒重,对白马牙玉米M2代产量的有益变异多的辐射剂量依次为20、10和30 Gy。RAPD试验分析中16条随机引物扩增出142条条带,其中多态性条带71条,多态性比例达57.3%,各PR组变异率为20.2%~32.3%;各组在遗传相似度0.73附近处聚为2类,10Gy组与50 Gy组聚为1类,表明其变异程度较大,其他组与对照聚为1类。[结论]该研究可为今后辐射诱变玉米产生有益变异和培育新品种提供辐射剂量的指导和参考,也为拓展玉米种质奠定一定的基础。     

Investigation of Myofascial Trigger Points in Equine Pectoral Muscles and Girth-Aversion Behavior

Horses displaying aversion to fastening of the girth may be expressing pain from myofascial trigger points (MTrPs). The location of MTrPs in the pectoral region of horses has not been previously described. The objectives of this study were as follows: (1) to locate and map MTrPs in the transverse and ascending pectoral muscles; (2) to score the severity of the MTrPs by behavioral reaction to palpation; and (3) to look for associations between these findings and girth-aversion behavior. Thirty-eight horses were recruited in a cross-sectional clinical study. Taut bands were identified on palpation of horses undergoing physiotherapy assessment and then scored for behavioral reaction to palpation as normal (0), mild (1), moderate (2), or severe (3) and mapped. Owner-reported history of girth-aversion behavior was compared with the severity score using chi-squared analysis. Myofascial trigger points were identified in all horses (average severity: mild n = 6, moderate n = 24, and severe n = 8) with the most common regions of ascending pectoral muscles being the axillary and along the region usually covered by the girth. Horses with an owner-reported history of girth-aversion behavior (n = 13) had higher severity scores than horses without a history of girth-aversion behavior (n = 25; P = .014). Knowledge of the presence and location of MTrPs could assist in the development of prevention and management strategies to improve comfort, optimize performance, and reduce girth-aversion behavior.     

Reducing Peak Pressures Under the Saddle Panel at the Level of the 10th to 13th Thoracic Vertebrae May Be Associated With Improved Gait Features,Even When Saddles Are Fitted to Published Guidelines

Saddle–horse interaction is increasingly linked with back pain, performance, and welfare issues. Saddle fit and work quality influence alterations in back shape with exercise at thoracic vertebra 13 level (T13) with exercise. The objectives of experiments were to: determine a repeatable zone and stride point of peak pressure under saddles fitted to industry guidelines; compare peak pressure in this zone and limb kinematics in collected trot between horses own saddles (S) and a saddle designed to reduce pressure at T10–T13 (F); compare thoracolumbar width change after exercise between S and F and with F after 3 months use. Elite dressage (n = 13) horses/riders with no lameness/performance problem had pressure mat data acquired under S, fitted by four qualified saddle fitters, to determine zones of peak pressure. Pressure mat data at T10–T13, forelimb/hindlimb protraction, and carpal/tarsal flexion acquired using simultaneous high-speed motion capture, and difference in thoracolumbar dimensions (T8, T18 at 3, 15 cm) between before and after exercise was compared between S and F. Peak pressures were consistently detected axially around T10–T13 (sensors A4–A7, H4–H7). Peak pressures were significantly less with F than S for each cell and pooled (55%–68% difference. P = .01 to <.0001). Saddle F was associated with 13% greater forelimb and 22.7% hindlimb protraction, 3.5° greater carpal and 4.3° tarsal flexion (P = .02 to .0001), and greater increase in thoracolumbar dimensions after exercise (P = .01 to <.0001). Saddles fitted to published guidelines may still have a nonideal interface with horses. Reducing peak pressures around T10–T13 was associated with improved limb kinematics in trot and greater thoracolumbar expansion after exercise.     

Usability of normal force distribution measurements to evaluate asymmetrical loading of the back of the horse and different rider positions on a standing horse

Pressure measurement devices in equine sports have primarily focused on tack (saddle pads and saddle fitting methods). However, saddle pressure devices may also be useful in evaluating the interaction and distribution of normal forces between the horse and rider, including rider position and riding technique. This study examined the validity, reliability, repeatability and possibilities of using a saddle pressure device to evaluate rider position. All measurements were performed using a standing horse. Validity was tested by calculating the correlation coefficient between measured normal force and the weight of the rider. Repeatability was tested by calculating intra-class correlation coefficients. The use of normal force measurements to evaluate horse–rider interaction was tested by adding a known weight to saddle or rider and collecting measurements with the rider sitting in four different positions.The device was found to be valid and reliable for force measurements when the measurement device was not replaced. The system could be used to determine the expected differences with added weight and in different rider positions. The normal force distribution measurement device proved to be a valid and reliable tool for studying the interaction between a rider and a static horse provided it is positioned carefully and consistently relative to both the horse and the saddle.     

The Effect That Induced Rider Asymmetry Has on Equine Locomotion and the Range of Motion of the Thoracolumbar Spine When Ridden in Rising Trot

There is a paucity of evidence on the effect that rider asymmetry has on equine locomotion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of rider asymmetry on equine locomotion by using a novel approach to induce rider asymmetry. Ten nonlame horses were recruited for this study. Joint center markers were used to capture 2D kinematics (Quintic Biomechanics) of the horse and rider and horses were equipped with seven inertial sensors positioned at the fifth (T5) and eighteenth (T18) thoracic vertebrae, third lumbar (L3) vertebra, tubera sacrale (TS), and left and right tubera coxae. Rider asymmetry was induced by shortening the ventral aspect of one stirrup by 5 cm. Kinematic data were compared between conditions using a mixed model with the horse defined as a random factor and stirrup condition (symmetrical stirrups and asymmetrical stirrups) and direction (inside and outside) defined as fixed factors. Data from riders where the right stirrup was shortened were mirrored to reflect a left stirrup being shortened. To determine differences between conditions, a significance of P ≤ .05 was set. On the rein with the shortened stirrup on the outside: an increase in lateral bending range of motion (ROM) at T5 (P = .003), L3 (P = .04), and TS (P = .02), an increase in mediolateral displacement at T5 (P = .04), T18 (P = .04), and L3 (0.03) were found. An increase in maximum fetlock extension was apparent for both the front (P = .01) and hind limb (P = .04) on the contralateral side to the shortened stirrup; for the asymmetrical stirrup condition on the rein with the shortened stirrup on the inside: an increase in flexion-extension ROM at T5 (P = .03) and L3 (P = .04), axial rotation at T5 (P = .05), and lateral bending of T5 (P = .03), L3 (P = .04), and TS (P = .02). Asymmetric rider position appears to have an effect on the kinematics of the thoracolumbar spine. These findings warrant further investigation to understand the long-term impact this may have on equine locomotor health.     

Force and pressure distribution beneath a conventional dressage saddle and a treeless dressage saddle with panels

The objective of this study was to compare forces and pressure profiles beneath a conventional dressage saddle with a beechwood spring tree and a treeless dressage saddle without a rigid internal support and incorporating large panels and a gullet. The null hypothesis was that there is no difference in the force and pressure variables for the two saddles. Six horses were ridden by the same rider using the conventional dressage saddle and the treeless dressage saddle in random order and pressure data were recorded using an electronic pressure mat as the horses trotted in a straight line. The data strings were divided into strides with ten strides analyzed per horse–saddle combination. Variables describing the loaded area, total force, force distribution and pressure distribution were calculated and compared between saddles using a three-factor ANOVA (P < 0.05).Contact area and force variables did not differ between saddles but maximal pressure, mean pressure and area with pressure >11 kPa were higher for the treeless dressage saddle. The panels of the treeless dressage saddle provided contact area and force distribution comparable to a conventional treed saddle but high pressure areas were a consequence of a narrow gullet and highly-sloped panels. It was concluded that, even with a treeless saddle, the size, shape, angulation, and position of the panels must fit the individual horse.