Simulation of driver fatigue monitoring via blink rate detection,using 65 nm CMOS technology

This paper proposes a system to detect and measure blink rate to determine fatigue levels. The method involved analysing specific frames to determine that a blink occurred, and then monitoring the time between successive blinks. The program was simulated in python using a Raspberry Pi Zero and a standard USB camera. For the blink rate detection block, a gate level schematic was implemented in Cadence software using 65 nm CMOS technology. The design was based around an asynchronous 6-bit based edge counter which was designed using D-flip-flops. The simulation calculated the average blink rate and compared this to the most recent blink rate. The outcome would determine if an alarm signal should be sent to the alarm. The system consumed 130 μA from a 1.2 V power supply.     

2D and 3D numerical simulation of the wind-rotor/nacelle interaction in an atmospheric boundary layer

Two-dimensional axisymmetric and three-dimensional steady turbulent flow computations around two horizontal-axis wind turbines (Nordex N80 and Jeumont J48) are carried out to investigate the wind-rotor/nacelle interaction and quantify its effects on the wind speed at the nacelle anemometry. The actuator disk concept has been used to model the action of the blades. For both turbines, the geometry of the nacelle was reproduced as faithfully as possible. The terrain was represented by an appropriate law of the wall to account for roughness with particular attention paid to the boundary conditions in order to reproduce the neutral atmospheric boundary layer. The calculated velocity field in the vicinity of the nacelle exhibits good agreement with available experimental data. The results also show that for a complex nacelle geometry, like that of the N80, a three-dimensional calculation is necessary to obtain a good prediction of the velocity field in the near wake. The hub height effect is evaluated for the J48 by raising the nacelle from a height of 36 to 60 m. No significant impact is noted on the ratio nacelle wind speed/freestream wind speed.     

Experimental study on the compressive resistance of stress-relieved solid round steel members

The Canadian Standard for Antenna Towers and Antenna Supporting Structures, CSA-S37-01, specifies expressions for the compressive resistance of solid rounds based on the Structural Stability Research Council (SSRC) Column Curves for non-solid-round members and the results from experimental investigations on the compressive resistance of solid rounds carried out back to 1965. Similar Standard in USA (TIA/EIA-222-G.0) specifies design criteria for such members as derived from the superseded AISC-LRFD-94 Standard, which is independent of the shape of the member cross-section. The European Standard, Eurocode 3, provides column curves for the compressive resistance of various structural steel members, and assumes the applicability of one of them to solid rounds. As such, it is necessary to conduct an experimental study on solid round stress-relieved steel members to refine the available design equations for such members. This paper provides a summary of the literature review on solid rounds as well as a recent test program conducted on stress-relieved steel solid rounds. Correlation between the results from these tests and the current practice for the design of solid rounds is investigated. The paper concludes with a proposed compressive resistance equation for economical design of such members.     

Estimated daily intake of pesticide residues exposure by vegetables grown in greenhouses in Al-Qassim region,Saudi Arabia

Residues of 23 pesticides (13 insecticides, 3 fungicides, 3 herbicides, 2 acaricides, 1 rodenticide and 1 nematicide) in 160 different vegetable samples cultivated under greenhouse conditions and collected from 4 major supermarkets located in Al-Qassim region, Saudi Arabia were monitored. A multiresidue method was carried out by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Residues were found in 89 samples. Fifty four samples were found above the maximum residue levels (MRLs). The most frequently found pesticides were carbaryl followed by biphenyl and then carbofuran. MRL values exceeded most often in cabbage (11 samples) followed by squash, green pepper and carrot (7 samples each) followed by cucumber and lettuce (6 samples each), egg-plant (5 samples) and then tomato (4 samples). Also, cabbage showed the highest contamination rates (16 samples), followed by carrot, cucumber and green pepper (12 samples each), squash (11 samples), lettuce and tomato (9 samples each) and egg-plant (8 samples). The highest concentrations were determined in lettuce followed by squash, cabbage and carrot. Al-Qassim region population’s average daily intake (EDI) has been estimated between 2 × 10^?5 and 0.597 μg/kg body weight/day and the hazard index (EDI/acceptable daily intake (ADI)) less than the unity for the tested compounds. The data illustrated that the intakes are much lower than the ADIs and the exposure level to whole pesticides was below the level to produce health risk. The data indicated also the need for regular monitoring programs for pesticide residues in vegetables cultivated under greenhouse conditions, at the national level, to protect consumers’ health.     

Distributed Construction of Connected Dominating Set in Wireless Ad Hoc Networks

Connected dominating set (CDS) has been proposed as virtual backbone or spine of wireless ad hoc networks. Three distributed approximation algorithms have been proposed in the literature for minimum CDS. In this paper, we first reinvestigate their performances. None of these algorithms have constant approximation factors. Thus these algorithms cannot guarantee to generate a CDS of small size. Their message complexities can be as high as O(n ²), and their time complexities may also be as large as O(n ²) and O(n ³). We then present our own distributed algorithm that outperforms the existing algorithms. This algorithm has an approximation factor of at most 8, O(n) time complexity and O(nlogn) message complexity. By establishing the (nlogn) lower bound on the message complexity of any distributed algorithm for nontrivial CDS, our algorithm is thus message-optimal.     

Compact high-pulse-energy ultraviolet laser source for ozone lidar measurements

An all solid-state Ti:sapphire laser differential absorption lidar transmitter was developed. This all-solid-state laser provides a compact, robust, and highly reliable laser transmitter for potential application in differential absorption lidar measurements of atmospheric ozone. Two compact, high-energy-pulsed, and injection-seeded Ti:sapphire lasers operating at a pulse repetition frequency of 30 Hz and wavelengths of 867 and 900 nm, with M2 of 1.3, have been experimentally demonstrated and their properties compared with model results. The output pulse energy was 115 mJ at 867 nm and 105 mJ at 900 nm, with a slope efficiency of 40% and 32%, respectively. At these energies, the beam quality was good enough so that we were able to achieve 30 mJ of ultraviolet laser output at 289 and 300 nm after frequency tripling with two lithium triborate nonlinear crystals.     

Disposition of the flavonoid quercetin in rats after single intravenous and oral doses

The pharmacokinetic and mean time tissue distribution parameters, after a single 50-mg/kg dose of quercetin administered as intravenous bolus, oral solution, and oral suspension, were determined using rat as an animal model. Following intravenous administration, the elimination rate constant and the elimination half-life were found to be 0.0062 min^-1 and 111 min, respectively. Examining the mean time tissue distribution parameters reflected a strong binding affinity of the drug molecules to both plasma and tissue proteins. In addition, the low permeability rate of drug molecules in the peripheral system was demonstrated. Following the oral administration of the drug, the extent of absorption was greater from solution than from suspension. Moreover, the solution showed a shorter T_max and a higher C_max than suspension. The absolute bioavailability for the solution was 0.275 and that for suspension was 0.162. The mean residence time (MRT) and the mean absorption time (MAT) were higher for suspension, reflecting the need for dissolving the drug in order to be absorbed. The mean (in-vivo) dissolution time (MDT_in-vivo) was 34.5 min. Thus, an oral quercetin formulation that can readily form a drug solution in the gastrointestinal tract may enhance the absorption of the drug.     

Analysis of deformations and stresses in balanced and unbalanced adhesively bonded single-strap joints

Adhesively bonded joints are increasingly being used in joining various structural components. Adequate understanding of the behaviour of adhesively bonded joints is necessary to ensure efficiency, safety and reliability of such joints. While several joint configurations, such as the single- and double-lap joints have received considerable consideration, the single-strap joint configuration has received little attention, partly because earlier studies have shown it to be the least efficient.

One of the objectives of this paper is to demonstrate that strap joints can be as efficient as lap joints, as long as they are properly designed. This will be done through a detailed analytical investigation into influence of the parameters that govern peak stresses in the adhesive. The next objective is to produce simple equations by which the design of strap joint could be facilitated in an effective manner. For this, the developed analytical expressions are simplified and shown to provide accurate results. The derived solutions provide better insight into understanding the parameters that most influence the edge forces.     

Modifications to bicarbonate conductivity: A way to increase phosphate removal during hemodialysis? Proof of concept

Introduction Hyperphosphatemia and cardiovascular mortality are associated particularly with end‐stage renal disease. Available therapeutic strategies (i.e., diet restriction, calcium [or not]‐based phosphate binders, calcimimetics) are associated with extrarenal blood purification. Compartmentalization of phosphate limits its depuration during hemodialysis. Several studies suggest that plasmatic pH is involved in the mobilization of phosphate from intracellular to extracellular compartments. Consequently, the efficiency of modified bicarbonate conductivity to purify blood phosphate was tested. Methods Ten hemodialysis patients with chronic hyperphosphatemia (>2.1 mmol/L) were included in the two three–sessions‐per week periods. Bicarbonate concentration was fixed at 40 mmol/L and 30 mmol/L in the first and second periods, respectively. Phosphate depuration was evaluated by phosphate mobilization clearance (K_M). Findings Although bicarbonatemia was lower during the second period (21.0 ± 2.7 vs. 24.4 ± 3.1 mmol/L, P < 0.01), no difference was observed in phosphatemia (2.4 ± 0.5 vs. 2.3 ± 0.4 mmol/L, P = NS). The in‐session variation of phosphate was lower (?1.45 ± 0.42 vs. ?1.58 ± 0.44 mmol/L, P < 0.05) and K_M was higher during the second period (82.94 ± 38.00 vs. 69.74 ± 24.48 mL/min, P < 0.05). Discussion The decrease of in‐session phosphate and the increase in K_M reflect phosphate refilling during hemodialysis. Thus, modulation of serum bicarbonate may play a role in controlling the phosphate pool. Even though correcting metabolic acidosis during hemodialysis remains important, alkaline excess can impair phosphate mobilization clearance. Clinical trials are needed to test the efficiency and relevance of a strategy where bicarbonatemia is corrected less at the beginning of sessions.     

Direct adaptive neural network controller for a class of nonlinear systems based on fuzzy estimator of the control error

A new approach of direct adaptive control of single input single output nonlinear systems in affine form using single-hidden layer neural network (NN) is introduced. In contrast to the algorithms in the literature, the weights adaptation laws are based on the control error and not on the tracking error or its filtered version. Since the control error is being expressed in terms of the NN controller, hence its weights updating laws are obtained via back-propagation concept. A fuzzy inference system (FIS) with heuristically defined rules is introduced to provide an estimate of this error based on the past history of the system behaviour. The stability of the closed loop is studied using Lyapunov theory. A fixed structure is then proposed for the FIS and the design parameters reduce to the parameters of the NN. The method is reproducible and does not require any pre-training of the network weights.