Desert ants Cataglyphis spec. monitor inclination and distance covered through force-based sensing in their legs. To transfer this mechanism to legged robots, artificial neural networks are used to determine the inclination angle of an experimental ramp from the motor data of the legs of a commercial hexapod walking robot. It is possible to determine the inclination angle of the ramp based on the motor data of the robot legs read out during a run. The result is independent of the weight and orientation of the robot on the ramp and hence robust enough to serve as an independent odometer.

In this paper, we present a method for detecting objects of interest, including cars, humans, and fire, in aerial images captured by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) usually during vegetation fires. To achieve this, we use artificial neural networks and create a dataset for supervised learning. We accomplish the assisted labeling of the dataset through the implementation of an object detection pipeline that combines classic image processing techniques with pretrained neural networks. In addition, we develop a data augmentation pipeline to augment the dataset with utomatically labeled images. Finally, we evaluate the performance of different neural networks.

Mikrostrukturen auf Oberflächen bestimmen häufig deren physikalische Eigenschaften. Die üblichen Methoden zur Herstellung von mikrostrukturierten Oberflächen wie Fotolithografie sind aber teuer und aufwändig. Daher wird schon lange die schnelle und günstige Methode der Abformung genutzt, um Gegenstände mit Mikrostrukturen herzustellen [1,2]. Zur Nutzung als Positiv für die Abformung können Oberflächen zum Beispiel mit Fotolithografie hergestellt werden, oder es können mikrostrukturierte Objekte aus der Natur verwenden werden. Mittels Fotolithografie können aber keine gewölbten Oberflächen mit Mikrostrukturen versehen werden und mikrostrukturierte Oberflächen aus der Natur sind meist eher klein. In dieser Arbeit wurde daher nach sehr kleinen mikrostrukturierten Objekten gesucht, die nebeneinander auf eine (auch gewölbte) Oberfläche aufgebracht werden können, um diese anschließend abzuformen. Die besten Resultate ergaben mit Bärlappsporen beschichtete Oberflächen als Positive. Replikate dieser Oberflächen zeigen einen um 30° höheren Kontaktwinkel als das unstrukturierte Material.

Purpose So far, there are several approaches of measuring the Dark Triad traits, but still all of them are personality questionnaires with at least questionable usability for applied contexts such as Human Resource Management. The purpose of the study is the development of a structured interview with the aim of measuring the Dark Triad in a rather qualitative way that increases social validity for the respondents. Design/Methodology/Approach/Intervention In the present study, 15 executives from the telecommunications industry were interviewed on their personal evaluation of management success and derailment. Afterwards, their personality traits of the Dark Triad were measured with the help of the Short Dark Triad Scale. Subsequently, the data from qualitative and quantitative research were examined for correlations using the mixed-method approach. Results The results of the mixed-method approach showed a statistically significant correlation between the Short Dark Triad Scale and the ratings for narcissism, Machiavellianism and subclinical psychopathy in the Dark Triad interview. Limitations Replicating the results in a bigger sample and a deeper investigation of the criterion-related validity as well as an integration of multiple raters can provide more confidence in our results. Research/Practical Implications Structured interviews allow the measurement of personality traits in a more convenient way especially in personnel selection and development processes. Identifying subclinical traits in leadership candidates can, e.g. prevent management derailment. Originality/Value The present study advances the measurement methods of the Dark Triad.