University of Lincoln

About: University of Lincoln is a education organization based out in Lincoln, Lincolnshire, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Higher education. The organization has 2341 authors who have published 7025 publications receiving 124797 citations.

Downstream processing of lignin derived feedstock into end products.

Abstract: Despite the enormous research efforts in recent years regarding lignin depolymerisation and functionalisation, few commercial products are available. This review provides a summary and viewpoint of extensive research in the lignin-to-product valorisation chain, with an emphasis on downstream processing of lignin derived feedstock into end products. It starts with an introduction of available platform chemicals and polymeric derivatives generated from lignin via existing depolymerisation and functionalisation technologies. Following that, detailed analyses of various strategies for the downstream processing of lignin derived platform chemicals and materials into fuels, valued-added chemicals and functional polymers are provided. A concise techno-economic analysis of various downstream processes is conducted based on the market demand of the end product, economic potential and technological readiness, enabling the identification of processes that are potentially both economically competitive and commercially feasible, and shedding light on processes which deserve further technological development. We wish this review will stimulate further advances in the sustainable production of value-added products from lignin to integrate this invaluable “bio-waste” into the chemical/materials supply chain.

A Practical Multirobot Localization System

Abstract: We present a fast and precise vision-based software intended for multiple robot localization. The core component of the software is a novel and efficient algorithm for black and white pattern detection. The method is robust to variable lighting conditions, achieves sub-pixel precision and its computational complexity is independent of the processed image size. With off-the-shelf computational equipment and low-cost cameras, the core algorithm is able to process hundreds of images per second while tracking hundreds of objects with millimeter precision. In addition, we present the method's mathematical model, which allows to estimate the expected localization precision, area of coverage, and processing speed from the camera's intrinsic parameters and hardware's processing capacity. The correctness of the presented model and performance of the algorithm in real-world conditions is verified in several experiments. Apart from the method description, we also make its source code public at http://purl.org/robotics/whycon ; so, it can be used as an enabling technology for various mobile robotic problems.

The Motivational Atmosphere in Youth Sport: Coach, Parent, and Peer Influences on Motivation in Specializing Sport Participants

Abstract: This study qualitatively examined the motivationally relevant behaviors of key social agents in specializing sport participants. Seventy-nine participants (9–18 years old) from 26 sports participated in semi-structured focus groups investigating how coaches, parents, and peers may influence motivation. Using a critical-realist perspective, an inductive content analysis indicated that specializing athletes perceived a multitude of motivationally relevant social cues. Coaches’ and parents’ influences were related to their specific roles: instruction/assessment for coaches, support-and-facilitation for parents. Peers influenced motivation through competitive behaviors, collaborative behaviors, evaluative communications, and through their social relationships. The results help to delineate different roles for social agents in influencing athletes’ motivation.