Computer-based Data Acquisition Research Articles

Computational Literacy as an Important Element of a Digitized Science Teacher Education—A Systematic Review of Curriculum Patterns in Physics Teacher Education Degrees in Germany

Computational literacy (CL) has become indispensable for teachers and learners as part of 21st-century skills. Therefore, corresponding models for teacher education are being further developed internationally from a scientific perspective. In parallel, content and competencies are being enhanced in the respective subjects at the curricular level of teacher training. In this context, we consider it important to examine the current status of this development. Since, to our knowledge, there are no comparable scientific studies, we have taken Germany as a representative example of the international education system and systematically analyzed the module handbooks of the physics teacher training courses at methodically selected universities. For this analysis, we used three research questions focusing on CL: In which physics content does CL play a role? Which computer science competencies or knowledge can be identified or derived? Are they described implicitly or explicitly? Our results suggest that CL is integrated very differently in terms of quantity and depth of content among the universities we examined. For example, there is often a very strong focus on computer-based data acquisition, but few programs also have specialized courses addressing CL more explicitly or integrate additional computer science competencies. CL is primarily taught in laboratory courses and frequently in subject-didactic courses. Nevertheless, the depictions presented in the purely subject-oriented and basic lectures lack specific computational literacy skills or knowledge. Furthermore, the fact that many programs only offer implicit descriptions of CL skills indicates that the integration of these skills has not progressed very far in practice.

Implementation of FPGA based real-time digital DAQ for high resolution, and high count rate nuclear spectroscopy application

This paper investigates a digital system for real-time nuclear data (pulse) analysis based on a field programmable gate array and a computer-based data acquisition software for high count rate and high-resolution spectroscopy applications. A novel FPGA-based design is proposed with enhanced universality for real-time energy spectroscopy applications encompassing gamma and charged particles in noisy environments. This design implements an adaptive digital pre-filter for noise reduction without distorting the preamplifier pulse shape for improvement in energy resolution. This adaptive approach can be used for a wide range of input pulses with varying rise and fall times without deteriorating the signal-to-noise ratio. The design incorporates a digital trapezoidal filter with a triggerless peak detection algorithm for improvement in energy resolution. A high-speed dual clock first-in-first-out memory is implemented for handling high data rates. The real-time analysis of the FPGA internal signals and nuclear spectroscopy experiments with high count rate have been carried out with random nuclear pulses using an emulator. The results have been compared with conventional VERSA-Module Euro data acquisition system and CR_RC based digital pulse processing approaches.

Design and Validation of an Accurate Low-Cost Data Acquisition System for Structural Health Monitoring of a Pedestrian Bridge

Structural health monitoring (SHM) is an effective operating technique devoted to enhance the robustness of an infrastructure, and to validate its safety requirements. The aim of SHM is to determine a structure’s reaction when subjected to any type of excitation, by means of identifying modifications in basic vibration measurements and modal parameters such as natural frequencies, damping and mode shapes. Consequently, sensors are mounted on a structure intending to record data on equal time intervals basis prior to, during and after an induced stimulation. Therefore, the necessity to adopt a computer-based data acquisition (DAQ) technique is required in this analytical approach in order to evaluate vibrational signals collected by sensors placed on a structure. In this work an accurate microcontroller-based DAQ system is proposed to monitor a pedestrian bridge located in Athens Greece for the purpose of characterizing the system state and evaluate the modal properties of the investigated structure. Four low-cost yet accurate triaxial accelerometers were systematically placed along the bridge intending to report the system response toward different generated perturbations. The proposed monitoring and computational system was tested in laboratory conditions prior to the bridge assessment. Three triaxial accelerometer were installed on a steel cantilever beam. A comparative analysis between the results of the suggested DAQ system and that of the standard laboratory DAQ system National Instrument DAQ was performed to test the accuracy of the suggested framework.

The Functional Effects of Visfatin on Human Left Internal Mammary Artery.

Visfatin may play a role in vascular dysfunction in metabolic disorders. Apart from its insulin-mimetic actions, it has divergent actions in the cardiovascular system with discordant results in the literature. Thus, we aimed to study the effects of visfatin on vascular responses of the human left internal mammary artery. Sections of redundant human left internal mammary artery were cut into 3-mm wide rings and hung in 20-mL organ baths containing physiologic salt solution and attached to an isometric force transducer connected to a computer-based data acquisition system. Removing endothelium caused an increase in pD2 values for visfatin-induced relaxation responses (10 -12 -10 -7 M) (9.06 ± 0.21 and 11.08 ± 0.92, respectively). Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase inhibitor FK866 (10 µM) reversed the visfatin-induced relaxations (10 -12 -10 -7 M) ( P = 0.024). Incubations with nitric oxide synthase inhibitor nitro- l -arginine methylester and guanylate cyclase inhibitor 1H-[1,2,4] oxadiazolo [4,3-a] quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) caused significant reductions in relaxation responses of visfatin ( P = 0.011 and 0.008, respectively). Visfatin incubations decreased relaxation responses to acetylcholine but not to sodium nitroprusside. Incubations with visfatin did not change contractile responses to angiotensin II, endothelin-1, noradrenalin, and phenylephrine. In this study, visfatin caused endothelium-dependent relaxations mediated by nitric oxide-cyclic guanosine monophosphate pathway and nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase activity. Furthermore, visfatin-induced decreases in relaxation responses were also related to endothelium-derived nitric oxide.

PowerLab system enhances Physiology experimentation and learning in pre-clinical medical students

Objective: Data acquisition systems (DAQ) such as PowerLab system find wide applications in teaching and research. The aim of this study is to evaluate how the use of PowerLab system enhances physiology experimentation and learning in pre-clinical medical students. Methods: This study was carried out among 55 pre-clinical medical students of Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja. A pre-tested self-administered questionnaire was used to investigate their awareness and perceptions on the use of PowerLab system in teaching and conducting Physiology experiments. The data were entered and analyzed using Microsoft Excel version 2016 for Windows. Frequency distribution and summary statistics were analyzed by descriptive analysis. Results: Fifty-five (n=55) out of 90 pre-clinical students participated in this study, with an overall response rate of 61.1%. Fifteen (27.3%) respondents were males and 40 (72.7%) were females, with a mean age of 18.5 years. More than 90% (≥50) of the respondents agreed to be aware of PowerLab system, and that it has been used to teach and demonstrate several experiments to them. On the perceptions of respondents to the use of the system; majority affirmed that it enhanced their understanding of the experiments (n=43; 78%), stimulated imagination and critical thinking skills (n=35; 64%) and helped them learn physiological concepts better than conventional methods (n=47; 86%). Conclusion: The use and application of computer-based data acquisition devices such as PowerLab system provide students with hands-on and state of the art exposure to current research trends in medical sciences and are now indispensable tools for medical education.

Dynamics of a Spool-Block Atwood System

For many years, Atwood’s machine has been used to demonstrate, illustrate, or verify Newton’s laws in introductory physics courses. It consists of two objects of different mass that are fastened to the ends of a string that hangs over a pulley. In an idealized situation, one assumes that pulley friction, the string’s mass, and changes in the string’s length are negligible. Cases in which the pulley’s mass is non-negligible may be considered. Advanced students can investigate non-ideal cases in which the string’s mass or friction is not negligible or cases in which the masses swing. Computer-based data acquisition tools allow quick and accurate measurements of the acceleration of the objects in the Atwood machine. They enable an instructor to ask probing questions regarding this apparatus while quickly verifying its prevailing physical principles through simple measurements. Two interesting questions that one can ask are: Question (1): “What is the acceleration of the objects in an Atwood machine when both objects are of equal mass with one being an unraveling spool?”Question (2): “Is it possible to determine a mass ratio in which the acceleration of the spool is non-zero while the acceleration of the other object is zero?”

Displacement prediction of precast concrete under vibrationusing artificial neural networks

This paper intends to progress models to accurately estimate the behavior of fresh concrete under vibration using artificial neural networks (ANNs). To this end, behavior of a full scale precast concrete mold was investigated numerically. Experimental study was carried out under vibration with the use of a computer-based data acquisition system. In this study measurements were taken at three points using two vibrators. Transducers were used to measure time-dependent lateral displacements at these points on mold while both mold is empty and full of fresh concrete. Modeling of empty and full mold was made using ANNs. Benefiting ANNs used in this study for modeling fresh concrete, mold design can be performed. For the modeling of ANNs: Experimental data were divided randomly into two parts such as training set and testing set. Training set was used for ANN\'s learning stage. And the remaining part was used for testing the ANNs. Finally, ANN modeling was compared with measured data. The comparisons show that the experimental data and ANN results are compatible.

Development of Low Cost Miniature USB Based Data Acquisition System for Biomedical Instrumentation

In biomedical instrumentation, computer based data acquisition system is required for recording of physiological parameters and bioelectric signals, which allows signal processing, display, analysis and storage in digital media. However, Most of the commercially available PC based Data Acquisition systems are of very high cost and requires specific commercial software, again at a very high cost. Moreover, if the data is not stored in raw binary or known format, it is not possible for the user to use the data in other system or software of their own choice. Therefore, a low cost, simple and open source PC based data acquisition system for biomedical application would be very useful for biomedical instrument developers and researchers in the low resource countries. In this work, we present such development of data acquisition system. The developed system utilizes an 8-bit ordinary low cost microcontroller and some electronic circuit component to develop the data acquisition system and implementation of USB 1.1 (Universal Serial Bus) interface to PC. The onboard 10-bit ADC of the microcontroller was used for analog data sampling. Two sampling and data transfer mode is implemented, (i) Continuous mode with low sampling rate (800 sample/sec) and practically real time plotting and (ii) Batch mode, with high sampling rate (76.9 k sample/sec) but with batch type plotting. To evaluate the system, PC side GUI (Graphical User Interface) software was also developed. The GUI of system shows that a test sinusoidal signal is reproduced very nicely without any amplitude and phase distortion within the frequency band of 1 to 10 KHz. The system is suitable for low frequency bioelectric signals like ECG, EEG etc. and as well as high frequency signal like EMG, NCV etc. The system is low cost, miniature, simple, and efficient and being used in several indigenously developed medical devices like ECG, EMG, NCV and FIM [Rabbani et al, 1999] at the authors’ department with excellent satisfactory results.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Physics Vol.10 No.1 2017 1-11

APPLICATION OF SELF ORGANIZING MAP FOR CORRELATION HUNTING BETWEEN ALPHA BAND POWER OF EEG SIGNALS AND OTHER PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS DURING MUSLIM PRAYER (SALAT)

This study investigates a new approach to determine the correlations between alpha ([Formula: see text]) electroencephalography (EEG) and other physiological parameters during Muslim prayer (Salat) utilizing the self organizing map (SOM). The powerfulness of SOM in visualizing, understanding, and exploring the complexity in multivariable data can be used to determine the relationships between the input variables. Thirty healthy Muslim male subjects were recruited in the study. Their electroencephalogram (EEG), electrocardiogram (ECG), respiration rate (RSP), and oxygen saturation (SPO2) were continuously recorded using computer-based data acquisition system (MP150, BIOPAC Systems Inc., Camino Goleta, California). Three maps were constructed to determine the correlations in pre-baseline, during Salat, and post-baseline conditions utilizing SOM. The visualized results during Salat indicated that, alpha power (P[Formula: see text]) showed significant positive correlation in the occipital and parietal electrodes with the normalized unit of high-frequency HF (n.u.) power of heart rate variability (HRV) components (as a parasympathetic index), heart rate (HR), and RSP. Significant negative correlation was also observed between P[Formula: see text] with the normalized unit of low-frequency LF (n.u.) power and LF/HF of HRV (as sympathetic indices). SPO2 showed no correlation with P[Formula: see text]. While the results in pre-baseline and post-baseline conditions also did not show any correlation between the variables. The SOM proves that it can be successfully employed as a powerful technique in correlation analysis. The results were presented and compared with a previous study. Thus, it can be applied successfully in various biomedical engineering applications.

Neutron Flux Signal Acquisition from Plant Instrumentation Channel of Research Reactor for Reactivity Calculation

A design for instantaneous neutron flux signal acquisition system is being carried out for reactivity measurement of the nuclear research reactor. It is a computer-based digital data acquisition system that can perform continuous monitor and measurement of reactivity inserted into or removed from the research reactor. The acquisition system accomplishes with two major parts. The first part is an interfacing PCI based data acquisition card and the corresponding driver software intending to on-line acquisition of neutron flux signals from plant instrumentation channel. The second part incorporates the high-level Visual Basic real time program, indigenously developed for computation of reactivity by the solution of neutron point kinetic equations and other relevant functional modules like input file logging, reactivity calculation, graphics demonstration etc.

Prediction of behavior of fresh concrete exposed to vibration using artificial neural networks and regression model

This paper aims to develop models to accurately predict the behavior of fresh concrete exposed to vibration using artificial neural networks (ANNs) model and regression model (RM). For this purpose, behavior of a full scale precast concrete mold was investigated experimentally and numerically. Experiment was performed under vibration with the use of a computer-based data acquisition system. Transducers were used to measure time-dependent lateral displacements at some points on mold while both mold is empty and full of fresh concrete. Modeling of empty and full mold was made using both ANNs and RM. For the modeling of ANNs: Experimental data were divided randomly into two parts. One of them was used for training of the ANNs and the remaining part was used for testing the ANNs. For the modeling of RM: Sinusoidal regression model equation was determined and the predicted data was compared with measured data. Finally, both models were compared with each other. The comparisons of both models show that the measured and testing results are compatible. Regression analysis is a traditional method that can be used for modeling with simple methods. However, this study also showed that ANN modeling can be used as an alternative method for behavior of fresh concrete exposed to vibration in precast concrete structures.

Sistema integral para el diseño e implementación de control asistido por computadora

In this paper, the development of a highly interactive, low-cost, and personal computer based data acquisition and control system is presented. The system includes an embedded microcontroller based hardware and an open-standards software. The software uses block diagram programming as the base for the theoretical design and implementation of the control system, which makes the programming simple and fast. An important feature of this system is that it can execute an embedded control without the personal computer intervention, which facilitates the implementation of real-time control. Additionally, the system has the capacity to expand in order to create a distributed monitoring and control system by using a CAN bus as a communication interface. It is also shown in this paper the implementation of the developed system in different plants.

Investigation of fresh concrete behavior under vibration using mass-spring model

This paper deals with the behavior of fresh concrete that is under vibration using mass-spring model (MSM). To this end, behaviors of two different full scale precast concrete molds were investigated experimentally and theoretically. Experiments were performed under vibration with the use of a computer-based data acquisition system. Transducers were used to measure time-dependent lateral displacements at some points on mold while mold is empty and full of fresh concrete. Analytical modeling of molds used in experiments were prepared by three dimensional finite element method (3D FEM) using software. Modeling of full mold, using MSM, was made to solve the problem of dynamic interaction between fresh concrete and mold. Numerical displacement histories obtained from time history analysis were compared with experimental results. The comparisons show that the measured and computed results are compatible.

Experimental confirmation for the validity of Ritz method in structural dynamic analysis

The issue of Ritz vectors and their advantages is well-known in the field of structural engineering. This study deals with Ritz analysis and its experimental support. To that end, two different precast concrete molds were handled. Experiments were performed under vibration with the use of a computer-based data acquisition system. Transducers were used to measure displacement histories on the mold. Three dimensional finite element (3D FEM) simulation modeling of the concrete mold was carried out to obtain deflection histories on the mold. The computed displacement histories were compared with the experimental testing results. The comparisons show that the experimental and numerical results are compatible.

Synergism of ochratoxin B and calcium-channel antagonist verapamil caused mitochondrial dysfunction

We examined the mechanism by which the ochratoxin B induced interaction with calcium-channel antagonist verapamil and mitochondrial dysfunction of the rat trachea in vitro experiment. The tracheas were cut into 2–3 mm wide rings and suspended in a tissue bath. Isometric tension was continuously measured with an isometric force transducer connected to a computer-based data acquisition system. Verapamil (1 × 10−6 M) produced a concentration-dependent contraction response in rat’s tracheal rings pre-contracted by acetylcholine. Incubation of rat’s tracheal rings with the ochratoxin B significantly potentiated the contraction responses of verapamil. Verapamil and OTB accelerate the overloading of Ca2+ in tracheal smooth muscle contributes the tissue toxicity as shown in electron microscopy and mitochondrial enzymes, through a mechanism that could involve perturbations of Ca2+ homeostasis. These results proved that ochratoxin B is a potential vasoconstrictor mycotoxin with the presence of calcium-channel antagonist. In conclusion, disturbance of Ca2+ homeostasis caused by OTA and plays a significant role in produces toxicity through mitochondrial enzyme inhibition.

Low-cost open-source multifunction data acquisition system for accurate measurements

Engineers and scientists commonly use data acquisition hardware and software to research unknown characteristics through measurement and analysis. Computer-based data acquisition systems are a powerful, flexible, and cost-effective measurement solution. This paper presents the hardware and firmware design of a low-cost computer-based data acquisition system that can be very interesting for conducting laboratory experiments and industrial applications. Its open-source philosophy opens the door for free software users and developers that would be interested in contributing with the project.

Effect of Muslim prayer (Salat) on α electroencephalography and its relationship with autonomic nervous system activity.

This study investigated the effect of Muslim prayer (salat) on the α relative power (RPα) of electroencephalography (EEG) and autonomic nervous activity and the relationship between them by using spectral analysis of EEG and heart rate variability (HRV). Thirty healthy Muslim men participated in the study. Their electrocardiograms and EEGs were continuously recorded before, during, and after salat practice with a computer-based data acquisition system (MP150, BIOPAC Systems Inc., Camino Goleta, California). Power spectral analysis was conducted to extract the RPα and HRV components. During salat, a significant increase (p<.05) was observed in the mean RPα in the occipital and parietal regions and in the normalized unit of high-frequency (nuHF) power of HRV (as a parasympathetic index). Meanwhile, the normalized unit of low-frequency (nuLF) power and LF/HF of HRV (as sympathetic indices) decreased according to HRV analyses. RPα showed a significant positive correlation in the occipital and parietal electrodes with nuHF and significant negative correlations with nuLF and LF/HF. During salat, parasympathetic activity increased and sympathetic activity decreased. Therefore, regular salat practices may help promote relaxation, minimize anxiety, and reduce cardiovascular risk.

AN IN-HOUSE COMPUTER-BASED DATA ACQUISITION AND CONTROL SYSTEM FOR ANAEROBIC FERMENTATION PROCESSES

A computer-based Data Acquisition and Control System (DACS) capable of monitoring the temperature, pH and gas production as well as maintaining a pre-determined temperature profile and feeding regime in anaerobic reactors was developed and tested. The hardware for the DACS was a series-based system consisting of a host processor which drives three modules-a digital input mode (MODULE 255), an analog input node (MODULE 254) and a digital output node (MODULE 253)-through a Serial Communication Adaptor connected to the serial asynchronous communication port of the host processor. The system was tested using two sets of laboratory model reactors maintained under two diurnally cyclic temperature ranges of 20-40°C and 15-25°C. Hydraulic retention time was varied from 10 to 25 days using the control system. The temperature and pH of the reactors were monitored at 30 sec interval. Results showed that the system was able to maintain the desired temperature to within ±2.5°C for the 20-40°C and ±1.0°C for the 15-25°C cycle. It was also able to maintain the desired feeding regime and to monitor and record the temperature, pH and gas production at the desired interval of time.

Computer-Aided Mold Design Algorithm for Precast Concrete Elements

This paper aims to determine a computer-aided mold design algorithm for precast concrete products to be produced by external vibrators. For this purpose, the behaviors of two different precast concrete molds were investigated experimentally and analytically. Experiments were performed under vibration with the use of a computer-based data acquisition system. Transducers were used to measure time-dependent lateral displacements at some points on the mold while it is empty and full of fresh concrete. Test results indicate that the difference between displacement amplitudes of empty and full molds is considerably high. Three-dimensional analytical modeling of molds used in experiments was prepared by finite element method using software. Modeling of the full mold was made to solve the problem of dynamic interaction of fresh concrete mold. In light of experimental, numerical, and literature studies, a mold design algorithm was established for precast concrete elements. Using this algorithm, a computer-aided mold design was carried out theoretically for a sample mold system.

Cardiorespiratory coupling of sympathetic outflow in humans: a comparison of respiratory and cardiac modulation of sympathetic nerve activity to skin and muscle

What is the central question of this study?Muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) is well known to be modulated by the arterial baroreceptors and respiration, but what are the magnitudes of cardiac and respiratory modulation of skin sympathetic nerve activity (SSNA), which primarily subserves thermoregulation?What is the main finding and what is its importance?Using direct microelectrode recordings of MSNA and SSNA in awake humans, we show that the magnitude of respiratory modulation of SSNA is identical to that of MSNA, the primary difference between the two sources of sympathetic outflow being the greater cardiac modulation of MSNA. This emphasises the role of the baroreceptors in entraining sympathetic outflow to muscle. It is well known that microelectrode recordings of skin sympathetic nerve activity (SSNA) in awake human subjects reveal spontaneous bursts of activity with no overt modulation by changes in blood pressure or respiration, in contrast to the clear cardiac and respiratory modulation of muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA). However, cross-correlation analysis has revealed that, like individual muscle vasoconstrictor neurones, the firing of individual cutaneous vasoconstrictor neurones is temporally coupled to both the cardiac and respiratory rhythms during cold-induced cutaneous vasoconstriction, and the same is true of single sudomotor neurones during heat-induced sweating. Here, we used cross-correlation analysis to determine whether SSNA exhibits cardiac and respiratory modulation in thermoneutral conditions and to compare respiratory and cardiac modulation of SSNA with that of MSNA. Oligounitary recordings of spontaneous SSNA (n = 20) and MSNA (n = 18) were obtained during quiet, unrestrained breathing. Respiration was recorded by a strain-gauge transducer around the chest and ECG recorded by surface electrodes. Respiratory and cardiac modulation of SSNA and MSNA were quantified by fitting polynomial equations to the cross-correlation histograms constructed between the sympathetic spikes and respiration or ECG. The amplitude of the respiratory modulation (52.5 ± 3.4%) of SSNA was not significantly different from the amplitude of the cardiac modulation (46.6 ± 3.2%). Both were comparable to the respiratory modulation of MSNA (47.7 ± 4.2%), while cardiac modulation of MSNA was significantly higher (89.8 ± 1.5%). We conclude that SSNA and MSNA share similar levels of respiratory modulation, the primary difference between the two sources of sympathetic outflow being the marked cardiac modulation of MSNA provided by the baroreceptors.