Compatible Computer Research Articles

DEVELOPMENT AND TESTING OF AN AUTOMATED INFRARED GAS ANALYSIS SYSTEM FOR POSTHARVEST RESPIRATION STUDY

This article reports the development and testing of an automated infrared gas analysis system (IRGA) for postharvest respiration studies. The system consists of 24 storage containers, an automatic sampling sequence, a portable infrared gas analyzer, and an IBM compatible personal computer (PC). The containers were arranged inside a walk–in cold room and connected to the sampling sequencer that was located outside the room using a 1/4–in. OD rigged tubing network. The sequencer automatically sampled from the containers and samples were analyzed for CO2 and O2 percentages with the data logged to a PC. Performance of the IRGA system was tested against an existing gas chromatography system (GC) that has been commonly used as a standard method for respiration studies. Both systems were compared by measuring the respiration rate of potatoes at 10.C over a period of 10 days. No significant difference between CO2 and O2 percentages determined by the two systems were recorded. But the IRGA system was much faster and more convenient than the GC system. In addition virtually no sample preparation time was required; the analysis time needed by the IRGA system to analyze a container was 1 min, while that for the GC system exceeded 18 min. The IRGA system can be used with confidence for a multi–container system in long–term respiration studies.

Spatial distribution of cesium-137 in surface soils on the Araya and Paria Peninsulas (Venezuela)

The activity of cesium-137 (Bq/kg) in surface soils between 2-5 cm was determined for more than ninety sample sites on the Araya Peninsula, the Paria Peninsula and the isthmus in between them in the state of Sucre (Venezuela). The measurements were performed by high-resolution gamma-ray spectroscopy, employing a compatible IBM computer with a Nucleus analog to digital interface card. In general, the values for the 137Cs activities were much greater on the Paria Peninsula than the Araya Peninsula and slightly lower on the isthmus. Even though the peninsulas are only separated by a small isthmus, their environmental characteristics are very different. The large difference in the annual rainfall of the peninsulas could have resulted in a greater amount of deposition of 137Cs on the Paria Peninsula, as well as other environmental characteristics, such as altitude and vegetation. The difference of the environmental characteristics could also affect the degree of disturbances of the soils by natural processes on the peninsulas and the isthmus, which could also have affected the 137Cs activity distribution. Finally, an anomalous high 137Cs activity distribution was found at the farthest southeastern sample sites and one of lesser extent at the most northern sample sites. These anomalies are possibly due the direct affect of the northeasterly winds which transported the 137Cs fallout from the nuclear weapon test sites.

Radar Target Extractor에 의한 선박운동정보의 추출에 관한 연구

This paper describes on the extraction of ship`s real-time movement information using a combination full-function ARPA radar and ECS system that displays radar images and an electronic chart together on a single PC screen. The radar target extractor(RTX) board, developed by Marine Electronics Corporation of Korea, receives radar video, trigger, antenna bearing pulse and heading pulse signals from a radar unit and processes these signals to extract target information. The target data extracted from each pulse repetition interval in DSPs of RTX that installed in 16 bit ISA slot of a IBM PC compatible computer is formatted into a series of radar target messages. These messages are then transmitted to the host PC and displayed on a single screen. The position data of target in range and azimuth direction are stored and used for determining the center of the distributed target by arithmetic averaging after the detection of the target end. In this system, the electronic chart or radar screens can be displayed separately or simulaneously and in radar mode all information of radar targets can be recorded and replayed In spite of a PC based radar system, all essential information required for safe and efficient navigation of ship can be provided

Development of computerized Kana Pick-out Test for the neuropsychological examination

The Kana Pick-out Test, which was developed in Japan and done with paper and pencil, is said to be suitable for inspecting higher-order brain function and to be a good method for screening persons with mild or slight dementia. We have developed a computerized version of the Kana Pick-out Test, which runs on a stand-alone computer, intended to be utilized for mass screening and self-administration. The program was developed with Microsoft Visual Basic 6.0 and runs under the Windows operating system on any IBM PC compatible computer. In this study, all subjects could use the system by interacting with the computer and it was found that the system seemed to have the capability of detecting cognitive status equal to the paper-based Kana Pick-out Test. Besides this, we developed a network-based Kana Pick-out game software which was intended to attract user's notice. The game program was written in java language and runs on a web-browser supporting java on any operating system. The program, a so called applet, is located on our web site ( http://environ.med.tottori-u.ac.jp) and anyone can use the applet by accessing our homepage.

AN AUTOMATIC SYSTEM FOR DETECTING AND CLASSIFYING THE VOCALISATIONS OF HARBOUR PORPOISES

ABSTRACT A system for automatically detecting the vocalisations of Harbour Porpoises Phocoena phocoena is described. The system consists of a high frequency hydrophone, an analogue electronics module and software running on a laptop computer. The analogue electronics module uses band-pass filters to split signals from the hydrophone into three frequency bands. Envelope tracing circuitry then converts the high frequency signals in these bands to lower frequencies, which are digitised and then analysed on the computer. Decisions as to which clicks are from porpoises and which are from some other source are made automatically, based on the relative amplitudes of the signal in the three frequency bands and also on the shape of each detected pulse. If two hydrophones are used, it is possible to measure bearings (subject to a rotational ambiguity about the array axis) to detected clicks based on the difference in arrival time of the signal at each hydrophone. The system has been implemented in a practical package that can be deployed easily from almost any type of vessel or mooring, giving it a wide range of applications. The software, which is designed to run on a PC compatible laptop computer, contains a number of displays to present the data and to facilitate analysis. Properties of individual detected clicks are stored on the computer's hard drive to give a permanent record of detections and to facilitate off-line analysis of data collected in the field.

Signal Recording in Computer-Based Electroanalytical Studies Using an Analog-to-Digital Converter

A simple method was proposed for signal recording in electroanalytical studies using an IBM compatible computer integrated with a universal analog-to-digital converter. The program provides data acquisition, experimental control (potential sweep), storage and processing of the results (calculation of kinetic parameters), modeling of kinetic curves, and solution of specified inverse problems. Applications of the system used for ionic chromatography and electrochemical and electroluminescence measurements were described.

Total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometers for multielement analysis: status of equipment

Multielement analysis by total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry has evolved during two decades. At present commercial equipment is available for chemical analysis of all types of biological and mineral samples. The electronic industry has also benefited from scientific and technological developments in this field due to new instrumentation to determine contamination on the surface of silicon wafers (the equipment will not be covered in this paper). The basic components of the spectrometers can be summarized as follows: (a) excitation source; (b) geometric arrangement (optics) for collimation and monochromatization of the primary radiation; (c) X-ray detector; and (d) software for operation of the instrument, data acquisition and spectral deconvolution to determine the concentrations of the elements (quantitative analysis). As an optional feature one manufacturer offers a conventional 45° geometry for direct excitation. Personal communications of the author and commercial brochures available have allowed us to list the components used in TXRF for multielement analysis. Excitation source: high-power sealed X-ray tubes, output from 1300 to 3000 W, different mixed alloy anodes Mo/W are used but molybdenum, tungsten and copper are common; single anode metal ceramic low power X-ray tubes, output up to 40 W. Excitation systems can be customized according to the requirements of the laboratory. Detector: silicon–lithium drifted semiconductor detector liquid nitrogen cooled; or silicon solid state thermoelectrically cooled detector (silicon drift detector SDD and silicon-PIN diode detector). Optics: multilayer monochromator of silicon–tungsten, nickel–carbon or double multilayer monochromator. Electronics: spectroscopy amplifier, analog to digital converter adapted to a PC compatible computer with software in a Windows environment for the whole operation of the spectrometer and for qualitative/quantitative analysis of samples are standard features in the production of this instrument. The detection limits reported in the literature are presented; pricing, analytical capability, ease of operation, calibration and optical alignment as well as technical support are also discussed.

MLISO, a computer simulation of experiments to illustrate the cellular basis of intestinal muscle activity

An interactive program illustrating a number of concepts on the cellular basis of the intestinal peristaltis and the regulatory actions of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) on the duodenal contractile activity is presented. The program shows the isometric mechanical responses elicited by the duodenum to a number of experimental conditions and pharmacological drugs in a way that is consistent with real laboratory practicals. A selection of experiments demonstrates the dependence of extracellular calcium for the smooth muscle activity, the effects of membrane potential changes, the effects of ANS receptor agonists and antagonists, the role of the Na+-K+-ATPase and the effects of temperature or oxygen changes on the myogenic muscle activity. The software was developed to run on IBM compatible computers under DOS and Windows environments and makes use of high-resolution graphic simulations derived from real experiments which are displayed on a simulated oscilloscope and the students are expected to make qualitative assessments and to draw conclusions from the data collected directly from the screen oscilloscope. The cognitive aspects of the software makes it is suitable for undergraduate and graduate students from an assortment of biomedical sciences and have been designed to be used under a tutored framework but also as learning resource for individual study by the students.

Trajectory and drift velocity of a sounding instrument in the field of nonuniform currents

We present a method for the determination of the trajectory of a sounding instrument and its drift velocity in the field of currents nonuniform in depth and develop special software for IBM/PC compatible computers. The proposed method and software are checked by using the well-known analytic solution of a similar problem given by Academician A. N. Krylov. We also consider some special examples of application of the developed method to the processing of the data of an OLT profilometer.

The effect of interocclusal appliances on temporomandibular joints as assessed by 3D reconstruction of MRI scans

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enables simultaneous visualization of hard and soft tissues. The aims of the present study were to computer generate three-dimensional (3D) images, reconstructed from MRI scans of normal temporomandibular joints (TMJ), to assess the relative positions of the disc, condyle and articular surface of the temporal bone and to study the effect of two mandibular group function interocclusal appliances (IOAs). Bilateral MRI scans of 2 mm slice thickness were generated for the TMJs of 12 asymptomatic subjects with the image acquisition coils orientated in a corrected oblique sagittal plane. MRI scans were generated for all subjects with 3 mm interincisal distance IOAs, while a subgroup (n = 4) was also scanned with a 5 mm interincisal IOA in situ. An average of 10 slices through each TMJ were generated for the closed mouth and IOA positions. Three-dimensional reconstruction was performed on a 486 IBM compatible computer using a suite of nine programs not commercially available. Three-dimensional images allowed visualization of composite images of joint relationships. Subjective assessment indicated that joint relations in 3D were more informative than multiple separate 2D MRI scans. With the 3 mm IOA in situ, the disc was positioned posteriorly and superiorly to the condyle in three of 12 cases. In four of 12 cases the condyle, and in two of 12 cases both the disc and condyle, were positioned anteriorly and inferiorly. With the 5 mm IOA changes in condyle/disc and condyle/fossa relationships were more variable. It was concluded that 3D images of TMJs enabled the assessment of the positional changes of the condyle/disc and condyle/fossa relationships as altered by IOAs. However, the role of IOAs on the internal arrangements within the TMJ remains variable and is deserving of further study.

Impact Response of a Composite Laminate Bonded to a Metal Substrate

Based on a spring-mass model developed by Pang et al. (1995) for a single-lap joint under impact load, the low-velocity impact responses of a composite laminate adhesively-bonded to a metal substrate have been studied. In this quasi-static model, the impact response is derived for a time-dependent force. The target structure is modeled as a single plate with an equivalent stiffness. Using an energy method, an analytical model has also been developed to determine the equivalent stiffness of the composite laminate/metal substrate hybrid structure. Advanced structural mechanics were used in the derivation of the governing equations of the structure. A FORTRAN program was developed on an IBM compatible personal computer to implement the solution algorithm. With the spring-mass system and the developed equivalent stiffness model, a relationship between the impact response and the impact duration has been established. Impact tests have been conducted to verify the proposed model. The analytical model results and the experimental data match reasonably well.

TEMLOPI/V.2: a computer program for estimation of fully transient temperatures in geothermal wells during circulation and shut-in

This paper describes the development, validation and application of the TEMLOPI/V.2 computer program. This program is a useful tool for estimating in-situ the transient temperature distribution of the fluids employed for drilling geothermal wells. TEMLOPI/V.2 is based on a mathematical model which is developed to consider two-dimensional transient heat transfer during drilling and shut-in conditions in and around a geothermal well. The solution of the partial differential equations is based on the finite-difference technique with an implicit scheme. This scheme serves to demonstrate the numerical solution procedure. Each radial grid node is placed in a different thermal region: flow inside the pipe, metal pipe wall, flow inside annulus, and the surrounding formation. The program was written in FORTRAN 77 using modular programming and runs on most IBM compatible personal computers. The software code, its architecture, input and output files, the solution algorithm, flow diagrams and source programs are described in detail. From validation tests, computed temperatures differ by less than 5°C from analytically obtained temperatures. Comparison of results from the fully transient TEMLOPI/V.2 simulator and the pseudo-transient version, TEMLOPI/V.1, with measured data shows that the fully transient model provides better results. Application of TEMLOPI/V.2 is demonstrated in a practical application study of well EAZ-2 from Los Azufres Mexican geothermal field.

Anomalously high values of cesium-137 in soils on the Península de Paraguana (Venezuela)

The activity of 137 Cs in surface soils (2-5 cm) was determined at twenty-one sampling sites along the northwestern and eastern coast of the Paraguana peninsula (Venezuela), as well as, at nine locations, between 95 and 535 m.a.s.l. on Cerro Santa Ana. The measurements were performed by high-resolution gamma-ray spectroscopy employing a compatible IBM computer. Most of the values were much higher than those found along the coastline of the mainland; four sites were found to be anomalously high, with 137 Cs values greater than 10 Bq/kg. It is difficult to explain these anomalous 137 Cs values by geographical or climatological factors since there is little rainfall here and the clouds and fog are rarely if never present along the coast of the peninsula. Possibly, some mechanism of the mist that is blown ashore could explain these anomalies. The values of the 137 Cs versus altitude on the Cerro Santa Ana show an increase of two or three times at 500 m.a.s.l. level, thus we have concluded that the base of the clouds was at this height when the fallout was directly deposited by condensation in this cloud forest. These results in the Cerro Santa Ana cloud forest are similar to those of other cloud forests along the Venezuelan coast, but the altitude (m.a.s.l.) of the base of the clouds here are much lower.

Design and Implementation of a Low Cost Multi-Fingered Robotic Hand Using a Method of Blocks

The control of a mechanical robotic hand is plagued by an inability to derive accurate dynamic models of such a mechanism. The aspects of static and kinetic friction are major obstacles in the control of a mechanical hand. This paper presents a fuzzy-like based controller and its implementation for a low cost robotic hand. The controller has the ability to automatically regenerate the member set during the translation of any arbitrary joint in a robotic hand. A series of simulations has been conducted that illustrate the effectiveness of this controller for providing smooth translation independent of frictional forces. The implementation of the controller used here is based on an IBM compatible computer using a custom designed acquisition/conversion interface and a mechanical hand assembly. A hand with a progressively linked finger structure has been used for simplicity. The acquisition system used here allows bidirectional communication with the sensors and actuators of the hand. A series of experiments have been conducted which verify that the method of blocks was successful for controlling joint position. The simulation results include both fine movements, needed for dexterity, and gross movements that can be used for grasping. This robotic hand produces good results in a low cost implementation.

A newly developed spinal simulator

A number of studies indicate poor intra-therapist and inter-therapist reliability in the performance of graded, passive oscillatory movements to the lumbar spine. However, it has been suggested that therapists can be trained to be more consistent in their performance of these techniques if given reliable quantitative feedback. The intention of this study was to develop equipment, analogous to the lumbar spine that could be used for both teaching and research purposes. Equipment has been updated and connected to a personal IBM compatible computer. Custom designed software allows concurrent and accurate feedback to students on their performance and in a form suitable for advanced data analysis using statistical packages. The uses and implications of this equipment are discussed.

Remote infrared acoustically triggered video monitoring unit

A remotely operable, infrared system for recording digital video and audio information immediately before, during, and after an acoustical event was developed. The primary application of this system to date has been the recording and documentation of effects of noise on wildlife, including Peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus), Mexican spotted owls (Strix occidentalis lucida), and brown pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis). The system triggers, records, and stores digital video and audio data on an IBM compatible computer running win9x. Serial communication with a Larson Davis sound-level meter allows a field video camera to store video and audible sound data on the computer. The need for field crew collection of bioacoustical effects data at sites with video acquisition systems is minimized. The video information reduces observation or interpretation bias in the data collection procedures. The systems can be maintained from remote locations using cellular modem technology and can be operated without being visited for extended periods. It is low powered and can be operated by a system of batteries and solar panels for indefinite field deployment. With the correct lens the system is capable of seeing in complete darkness up to 25 ft or as far away as 200 ft in the daytime.

A speech treatment algorithm based on a programmable filter bank for cochlear prostheses

In this article, a programmable stimulation algorithm developed for cochlear prostheses has been described. The algorithm was based on a speech treatment system with programmable filter-bank modeling which allowed flexible speech signal processing. With its digital system, it could be adapted to any cochlear prosthetic apparatus driven by a Digital Signal Processor (DSP). The different bands of the digital filters used in the speech-processing of this stimulation algorithm were fully programmable, and could be adjusted to the patient's pathology. This provided clinicians with the possibility of dividing up the frequency band to adapt the filtering according to the patient's audiogram and different pre- and post-operative tests. To generate stimuli in the nerve endings of the cochlea, the proposed algorithm allows the speech signal energy to be extracted by the filter bank (f1, f2, …, f N), coding of the output information to be made, and the appropriate commands to be transmitted to the internal part of the cochlea via the prosthetic modulator. In fact, the speech-signal energy (E1, E2,…, E N) extracted during the processing phase serves to estimate the stimulating pulse parameters transmitted to the inner ear (cochlea) through the implanted micro-stimulator. An IBM compatible personal computer (PC) is connected to the external part of the prosthesis to allow clinical assessments and adjustments to be made of the different parameters, especially during the first clinical experiments. On the other hand, this algorithm was developed to generate a real-time display showing the affected frequency bands as well as their relative stimulation levels. This can assist patients during the rehabilitation phase by providing a visual reference. Hence, with this visual tool, clinicians are able to carry out therapeutic experiments during the rehabilitation phase, correctly adjust the operational parameters of the hearing device, and assess the electrical charges to be injected into the cochlear biological tissue (current pulse levels). The software provided in this stimulation algorithm ensures flexibility in programming, ease of use, and different safety features that can help to satisfactorily meet individual needs.

Microcomputer program for automated action potential waveform analysis

A program for action potential waveform analysis based on a PC compatible computer is described. Single or averaged action potentials are analyzed by obtaining its first derivative and using criteria which allow automatic measurement of several action potential components, including: depolarization rate, repolarization rate, amplitude, duration, resting membrane potential and afterhyperpolarization amplitude and slope. Data can be imported from pClamp™ (Axon Instruments) and exported to other software such as Excel™, Sigmaplot™ and MatLab™ for example.

STATIC_TEMP: a useful computer code for calculating static formation temperatures in geothermal wells

The development and application of the computer code STATIC_TEMP, a useful tool for calculating static formation temperatures from actual bottomhole temperature data logged in geothermal wells is described. STATIC_TEMP is based on five analytical methods which are the most frequently used in the geothermal industry. Conductive and convective heat flow models (radial, spherical/radial and cylindrical/radial) were selected. The computer code is a useful tool that can be reliable used in situ to determine static formation temperatures before or during the completion stages of geothermal wells (drilling and cementing). Shut-in time and bottomhole temperature measurements logged during well completion activities are required as input data. Output results can include up to seven computations of the static formation temperature by each wellbore temperature data set analysed. STATIC_TEMP was written in Fortran-77 Microsoft language for MS-DOS environment using structured programming techniques. It runs on most IBM compatible personal computers. The source code and its computational architecture as well as the input and output files are described in detail. Validation and application examples on the use of this computer code with wellbore temperature data (obtained from specialised literature) and with actual bottomhole temperature data (taken from completion operations of some geothermal wells) are also presented.

A program for representing and simulating population genetic phenomena

The paper describes a computer program for representing and simulating population genetic phenomena, such as the distribution of gene and genotype frequencies under different mating systems (panmixia, inbreeding and assortative mating systems) and under influence of evolution factors (mutation, selection, gene flow and genetic drift). The program was written in Visual Basic (Microsoft, Inc.) and is able to run in any IBM-PC compatible computer running Windows 3.1 or later versions.