Microprocessor-based data acquisition system for respiratory signals

Microprocessors are having an increasing role in online measurements in the medical field instead of large computers because of their compactness, low cost and ease of operation. This paper describes a microprocessor-based data acquisition system representing the primary stage in designing a larger online acquisition and processing system for measurement and correlation of respiratory signals. The system designed has the features of easy communication, flexibility of operation and system's software and hardware. The system uses a mass storage unit for permanent data storage. A detailed discussion of the hardware and software is presented.     

Linking assembly code to PASCAL programs for microprocessors

High level languages used for programming microprocessors still need some assembly code to cover all the programming requirements and aspects. Using assembly code in a high level language program introduces certain difficulties and disadvantages. Practical suggestions to minimise the use of assembly code procedures in a high level language program is presented. (The high level language discussed is pascal/64000.)     

Development of tubular hybrid direct carbon fuel cell

The hybrid direct carbon fuel cell is a direct carbon fuel cell concept that combines a solid oxide fuel cell with a molten carbonate fuel cell electrode. This offers efficient conversion of coal or biomass derived carbons to electricity. In this study we aim to improve the electrical performance of this cell by using gadolinia doped ceria (GDC) as either a protection layer over a YSZ electrolyte or as the electrolyte itself. In our study, the electrical performance of several tubular cell geometries were investigated using impedance spectroscopy both with and without gas flows of carbon dioxide or nitrogen. Integrity of microstructure including possible layer delamination effects were investigated by SEM. Promising values of power and resistance were observed using a GDC material as electrolyte at intermediate temperature reducing the operation temperature compared to YSZ, doubling the power of each cell.     

Role of strain induced crystallization and oxidative crosslinking in fracture properties of rubbers

Tensile properties and crack propagation properties, especially critical strain energy release rate in mode I, G_IC, have been used to investigate fracture properties of elastomers and their relationships with microstructure. These investigations were mainly based on a series of comparisons: first, the behaviour of polychloroprene rubber (CR), undergoing stress hardening due to strain induced crystallization (SIC) and oxidative crosslinking (OCL) was compared with that of chlorinated polyethylene (CPE), which undergoes SIC but not OCL, and with a polyurethane based on hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene (PU) which undergoes OCL but not SIC. Comparisons were also made on CR between fracture behaviour at ambient temperature, where SIC occurs and at 100 °C where there is no SIC. Finally, oxidative crosslinking was used to vary in a continuous way the crosslink density in CR and PU, in order to evaluate the role of crosslinking in fracture behaviour.     

Self-organization of colloidal particles during drying of a droplet: Modeling and experimental study

Formation of structurized micro/nanoparticle aggregates in spray drying process is analyzed theoretically and experimentally. Colloids of mono- and bimodal particle size distribution are used as the precursors to demonstrate different patterns of particle self-organization inside the drying droplet. In case of monodisperse primary particles their self-organization in the final aggregate results in either a hollow or a full (packed) spherical structure. For primary particles with bimodal size distribution, either the layered structure of aggregates is formed (with smaller particles forming outer layer and the bigger particles captured inside) or the ordering of bigger particles on the aggregate surface is observed, depending on process parameters. Numerical investigations allow to predict and explain the conditions at which self-assembling of particles within powder aggregates takes place.     

Problems in the hygienic rationalization of the therapeutic and prophylactic nutrition of industrial workers

Based on generalization and analysis of instructions and guidelines for therapeutical and prophylactic diets of workers, ways of its optimization were proposed, by using bifide-containing acid dairy products as a preventive agent against possible occupational diseases caused by occupational factors.