Electronic Balancing Research Articles

Computerized voltage reversal prevention in second and third year 1000-liter microbial fuel cell

Large-scale microbial fuel cells treat wastewater while generating electricity, saving electricity and preventing air pollution. Long term use is difficult and hardly realized what is done in this work for more than three years. To prolong the time of service significantly a novel electronic control device was developed. It blocked the notorious and growing voltage reversals over time and balanced the 1000 L microbial fuel cell. It prevented voltage reversals in 64 units in a serial/parallel microbial fuel cell stack setup. This electronic voltage regulator worked in conjunction with maximum power point tracking. Both electronic tools individually optimized 16 microbial fuel cell units simultaneously to achieve stack balance and heal defiant units. To understand the applicability of this computational voltage reversal prevention controller, blocking experiments were performed with variable thresholds set at: +50, +25, 0, −25, −50 mV. The two best blocking thresholds were 50 mV and zero volts. The electronic balancing tool even revived the end-of-life 1000-L microbial fuel cell stack by resolving voltage reversals in the third year of constant operation. The voltage reversal blocker allowed to generate 1.7 to 2.7 times more power than without electronic control. The voltage balancing technique developed is expected to be useful for larger multi-unit microbial fuel cell stacks.

Diffusion Kinetics in Multi-Phase K-Ion Cathodes

Prussian blue analogues (PBAs) are a framework material that are of great interest for use as cathode materials in Na- and K-ion batteries. Na-ion PBA batteries have been commercialized for use in stationary storage and are now in development for use in electric vehicles. The high operating potential of K-ion PBAs and their compatibility with pre-existing graphite anodes offer the exciting prospect of use in electric vehicles where high specific energy density is necessary [1].The leading cathode material is the Manganese/Iron PBA – K x Mn[Fe(CN)6] y (0<x<2, 0.67<y<1.00). Attempts to maximise the specific capacity of PBA cathodes have been made by eliminating [Fe(CN)6] vacancies (y=1) which incorporates a full x = 2 formula units of K+ ions in the structure through electronic balancing [2]. Whilst making these low-vacancy materials has been made possible by altering the synthesis, optimising the electrochemical performance has proved more challenging [3]. Accessing the full capacity with high retention on cycling is one problem, and achieving the same excellent rate capability of the previously studied high-vacancy PBAs is also non-trivial [3,4] .High-vacancy PBAs have an apparent simple cubic structure, and cycle electrochemically in a solid-solution [4]. Conversely, the low-vacancy PBAs with high K-ion content have coherent structural distortions and undergo phase transitions on cycling [3,5]. The phase transitions are believed to be responsible for poor capacity retention and rate capability [2]. There is also the theory that vacancies provide additional diffusion pathways for K+ ions [Fig. 1] [2]. For the development of this material as a cathode for K-ion batteries to be successful, it is vital that the diffusion kinetics and structural changes on electrochemical cycling are well-understood from a fundamental perspective.For the first time we report diffusion coefficients by using Potentiostatic Intermittent Titration across multiple states of charge of a PBA cathode [6]. Linking the ionic diffusion in the material with the structural phase(s) present from operando X-ray diffraction gives us a mechanistic insight into the cathode’s charge/discharge behaviour. This informs materials design for tuning the structure of the pristine material to optimise its electrochemical performance in a K-ion battery.

Evaluation of Marginal Adaptation and Wear Resistance of Nanohybrid and Alkasite Restorative Resins

Introduction: Polymerisation shrinkage stresses developed during curing of adhesive resin cements may cause debonding at the margins of cavity leading to microgap formation with secondary caries and consequently restorative failure. Thus, a restoration should have good marginal integrity and wear resistance to obtain high success with clinical longevity. Aim: To compare the influence of thermo-mechanical stresses on marginal quality and wear of class II Mesio-Occluso-Distal (MOD) restorations filled with Solare Sculpt or Cention N. Materials and Methods: An in vitro study was conducted at GITAM Dental College and Hospital, Visakhapatnam on 80 human extracted mandibular molars by preparing mesio-occlusal-distal class two cavities that restored either with Solare Sculpt or Cention N resin composites. Baseline evaluations were recorded for marginal gaps (in μm) through Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and the weights of the samples were recorded by an electronic balancing instrument to measure the amount of wear (in grams). Following thermo-mechanical cyclic loading, all the restored teeth were evaluated again to record the same parameters. The statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) programme for windows version 22.0 (IBM, NY) software. An independent t-test for intergroup comparison and a dependent t-test for intragroup comparisons were done to analyse the tested parameters with the significance level established at (p≤0.05). Results: In intergroup comparison, no difference in marginal adaptation was observed before thermo-mechanical loading between two materials with a p-value of 0.3625, but after therm-omechanical loading Cention N exhibited significantly superior marginal adaptation with a p-value of 0.0374. Both the materials have shown a significant difference in the marginal adaptation after thermo-mechanical loading in the intragroup comparison with Cention N (0.0002) and Solare sculpt (0.0001) p-values. The wear rate was not different statistically between the materials with a p-value of 0.7144 before thermo-mechanical loading and 0.2285 after thermo-mechanical loading. Conclusion: Marginal adaptation of Cention N was superior to Solare Sculpt, whereas both the materials exhibited a similar wear rate.

Development of an Algorithm to Suppress Frequency Splitting of an Axisymmetric Resonator of a Wave Solid-State Gyroscope with Optical Detection

This paper describes a mode of functioning of a wave solid-state gyroscope with a quartz resonator used as a sensing element. The components of the gyroscope errors are considered, associated with mass distribution inhomogeneity in the resonator with an axisymmetric structure, vibrations of the gyroscope base, defects in resonator excitation systems, and inaccuracies in the installation of electrodes to receive information about the resonator micromotion. Sources of these errors cause the splitting of the natural frequency of the resonator. The greatest influence on the gyroscope accuracy is exerted by an error due to inhomogeneity of the mass distribution in the resonator. To reduce this error, we propose to use compensatory impact on the gyroscope, produced in the electronic balancing unit and based on the analysis of the gyroscope output signals. An algorithm to operate this unit has been developed and studied, which enables us to increase the accuracy of gyroscope measurements.

The Learning Curve by Operative Time for Soft Tissue Balancing in Total Knee Arthroplasty Using Electronic Sensor Technology

BackgroundElectronic sensor devices can provide an objective assessment of soft tissue balancing in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) which may potentially decrease postoperative pain. We aim to quantify the learning curve for operative time (OT) for this technology. MethodsConsecutive TKA cases balanced with an electronic sensor balancing device by one senior surgeon from 2013 to 2017 were included in this study. The OT (in minutes) was analyzed using the cumulative sum analysis to evaluate the learning curve for this technology. Further analysis was done by splitting the 287 patients into 7 cohorts, 41 patients each. ResultsTwo hundred eighty-seven patients balanced with sensor technology were available for analysis. The cumulative sum OT learning curve estimated that this technology’s learning curve was 41 cases. This curve consisted of 2 phases: phase 1 which includes the first 41 cases and phase 2 which includes the remaining 246 patients. The mean OT for the first and last sensor-assisted cohorts was 120.4 and 108.9 minutes (P = .021). The mean OT for the first sensor-assisted cohort and the control cohort was 120.4 versus 109 minutes (P = .023). The mean OT for the last sensor-assisted cohort and the control cohort was 108.9 versus 109 minutes (P = .94). ConclusionOur findings suggest that it takes approximately 41 cases of sensor-assisted TKA cases to achieve OTs identical to manually balanced TKA cases. This is a relatively shallow learning curve for the sensor technology, and allows arthroplasty surgeons to objectively achieve soft tissue balancing without adding OT to the surgery.

Second-Generation Electronic Ligament Balancing for Knee Arthroplasty: A Cadaver Study

BackgroundKnee instability is emerging as a major complication after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), with ligament laxity and component alignment listed as important contributory factors. Knee balancing remains an art and is largely dependent on the surgeon's subjective “feel.” The objectives were to measure the accuracy of an electronic balancing device to document the magnitude of correction in knee balance after soft-tissue releases and measure change in knee laxity after medial release. MethodsThe accuracy of a second-generation electronic ligament-balancing device was compared with that of 2 mechanical balancing instruments. TKA was performed in 12 cadaver knees. Soft-tissue balance was measured sequentially before TKA, after mounting a trial femoral component, after medial release, and after resecting the posterior cruciate ligament. Coronal laxity of the knee under a 10 Nm valgus moment was measured before and after medial release. ResultsThe electronic balancing instrument was more accurate than mechanical instruments in measuring distracted gap and distraction force. On average, before TKA, the flexion gap was wider than the extension gap, and the medial gap was tighter than the lateral gap. Medial release increased the medial gap in flexion and increased passive knee valgus laxity. Posterior cruciate ligament release increased the tibiofemoral gap in both flexion and extension with a greater increase in the lateral gap. ConclusionThe second-generation electronic balancing device was significantly more accurate than mechanical instruments and could record knee balance over the entire range of flexion. More accurate soft-tissue balance may enhance outcomes after TKA.

Pravna regulativa i korišćenje elektronske trgovine u Republici Srbiji

The topic of the research is examination of the extent to which legal regulative impacts over the level of usage of electronic trade in Republic of Serbia. The main goal of this paper is to determine the impact of legal regulation through safety and privacy over the level of use of electronic trade, as well as identifying areas which should be improved and advanced in order to increase usage of electronic trade in Republic of Serbia. Authors strive to indicate the importance of further research of the area of electronic trade in order to induce creation of adequate legal regulation above all for contracts signed via electronic signature, where expected results should contribute not only to development of electronic trade and balancing of regulatory framework with countries of European Union, as well as other scientific disciplines in researches which are directly and indirectly related to this matter. In this paper for the need of arrangement and grouping the data is also used statistical method. All gathered data were processed in statistical software 'SPSS'. The result of the research demonstrated that there was positive impact of legal regulative over safety and privacy in use of electronic trade, as well as positive impact of safety and privacy on intensity of electronic trade's use.

Dynamic balance in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and its relationship with cognitive functions and cerebellum.

BackgroundAttention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is linked to the presence of motor deficiencies, including balance deficits. The cerebellum serves as an integrative structure for balance control and is also involved in cognition, including timing and anticipatory regulation. Cerebellar development may be delayed in children and adolescents with ADHD, and inconsistent reaction time is commonly seen in ADHD. We hypothesized that dynamic balance deficits would be present in children with ADHD and they would correlate with attention and cerebellar functions.MethodsSixty-two children with ADHD and no other neurological conditions and 62 typically developing (TD) children were examined with five trials of the Phyaction Balance Board, an electronic balancing platform. Cerebellar clinical symptoms were evaluated using an international ataxia rating scale. Conners’ Continuous Performance Test was used to evaluate patterns of reaction.ResultsChildren with ADHD had poorer performance on balancing tasks, compared to TD children (P<0.001). They exhibited significantly greater sway amplitudes than TD children (P<0.001) in all of the five balancing trials. The effect size of the difference between the groups increased continuously from the first to the last trial. Balance score in both groups was related to the variation in the reaction time, including reaction time standard error (r =0.25; P=0.0409, respectively, r =0.31; P=0.0131) and Variability of Standard Error (r =0.28; P=0.0252, respectively, r =0.41; P<0.001). The burden of cerebellar symptoms was strongly related to balance performance in both groups (r =0.50, P<0.001; r =0.49, P=0.001).ConclusionThis study showed that ADHD may be associated with poor dynamic balance control. Furthermore, we showed that maintaining balance correlates with neuropsychological measures of consistency of reaction time. Balance deficits and impaired cognitive functioning could reflect a common cerebellar dysfunction in ADHD children.

Intraoperative Measurements and Tools to Assess Stability.

Knee stability is the ability for the joint to maintain an appropriate functional position throughout its range of motion. Knee instability can be defined as excessive laxity during activities of daily living. Intraoperative knee laxity can be affected by implant design, alignment of components, and soft-tissue balancing. Soft-tissue balance is a major contributor to knee instability. Mechanical balancing instruments can be classified as spacer blocks or joint-distraction devices. Conventional wisdom favors rectangular and equal flexion-extension gaps. However, knee balance is elusive even with mechanical balancing instruments. First-generation electronic balancing devices are equivalent in concept to spacer blocks instrumented with force sensors. Second-generation electronic balancing devices are equivalent in concept to mechanical distraction devices instrumented with pressure and displacement sensors. Electronic ligament balancers can be useful in documenting intraoperative knee laxity for quantifiable correlation with postoperative outcomes, thus directly relating postoperative stability to surgical balance, and may predict outcomes and knee stability.

Combination of Accelerometer-Based Navigation and Force Sensor for Precise Bone Resection and Appropriate Soft Tissue Balancing in Total Knee Arthroplasty

Background: Precise bone resection and appropriate soft tissue balancing are considered indispensable in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, in most TKAs, only the experienced-based subjective physical “feel” of the surgeon, or either a computer-based navigation system or a soft tissue balancing system are applied to improve the results. In the present study, a combination of both an accelerometer-based navigation system and an electronic knee balancing force sensor were applied to attempt to obtain optimal outcomes.Materials and Methods: An accelerometer-based navigation system and an electronic knee balancing force sensor were applied in combination in 5 TKAs. Thereafter, the incidence of radiographical outliers of the lower-extremity mechanical axis and the alignments of femoral and tibial components, and the incidence of intraoperative lateral retinacular release were evaluated and compared against those of 5 TKAs performed with the force sensor alone as a control.Results: The posterior slope of the tibia was significantly improved in the TKAs performed with the combination of both devices (P=0.004). No lateral release was performed in any TKAs of either group.Conclusion: TKAs performed under the combination of an accelerometer-based navigation system and an electronic knee balancing force sensor can obtain greater the accuracy of bone resection and appropriate soft tissue balancing.

Vliv SM-systému cvičení na úroveň posturální stability

The main aim of this study was to find out if exercise with elastic cord improved postural stability in a experimental group. Postural stability was measured by electronic balancing board with variable radius and integrated feedback. The exercise regimen was undertaken twice a week for 3 months. All participants were measured at the beginning of the study and then after 3 months. Participants had to stand on the electronic balance board during 30 seconds with open eyes and kept the board balanced using feedback from the screen. The results were expressed by number from 0 to 100. Twenty-nine elite gymnasts volunteered for this study. Participants did not report any neuromusculoskeletal injuries or other diseases that may affect balance performance. Before participating in the study, all parents of gymnasts read and signed the informed consent form. The participants were assigned to a control group (15 girls; mean age = 13.78±1.62 years; mean height = 1.57±0.09 m; mean mass = 46.16±8.71 kg) and experimental group (14 girls; mean age =14.1±2.0 years; mean height =1.56±0.08 m; mean mass = 45.6±10.55 kg). The total number of time spending in training was 18 hours per week. Experimental group performed 2 hours plus of exercise with elastic cord. One of the aims of the study was to decide if the differences between pre-test and post-test in experimental group will occur. The paired samples t-test was used (p=0.006578; the significance level 95%). The intervention programme with elastic cord improved postural stability in a group of elite gymnasts.

The Application and Study of Work Study in Electronic Production Packaging Line Balancing

Due to non-balance among some workstations in a electronic production packaging line, according to the application of work study, 5W1H and ECRS principles, combined with the principles of line balancing the bottle-neck section of packaging line was studied and a new scheme was put forward, which makes the rate of two production line balance upgrade 22% and 15%, and 5standard manpower was saved.

Perceptions of the Effect of Information and Communication Technology on the Quality of Care Delivered in Emergency Departments: A Cross-Site Qualitative Study

We identify and describe emergency physicians' and nurses' perceptions of the effect of an integrated emergency department (ED) information system on the quality of care delivered in the ED. A qualitative study was conducted in 4 urban EDs, with each site using the same ED information system. Participants (n=97) were physicians and nurses with data collected by 69 detailed interviews, 5 focus groups (28 participants), and 26 hours of structured observations. Results revealed new perspectives on how an integrated ED information system was perceived to affect incentives for use, awareness of colleagues' activities, and workflow. A key incentive was related to the positive effect of the ED information system on clinical decisionmaking because of improved and quicker access to patient-specific and knowledge-base information compared with the previous stand-alone ED information system. Synchronous access to patient data was perceived to lead to enhanced awareness by individual physicians and nurses of what others were doing within and outside the ED, which participants claimed contributed to improved care coordination, communication, clinical documentation, and the consultation process. There was difficulty incorporating the use of the ED information system with clinicians' work, particularly in relation to increased task complexity; duplicate documentation, and computer issues related to system usability, hardware, and individuals' computer skills and knowledge. Physicians and nurses perceived that the integrated ED information system contributed to improvements in the delivery of patient care, enabling faster and better-informed decisionmaking and specialty consultations. The challenge of electronic clinical documentation and balancing data entry demands with system benefits necessitates that new methods of data capture, suited to busy clinical environments, be developed.

Sliding wear behavior of plasma nitrided Austenitic Stainless Steel Type AISI 316LN in the temperature range from 25 to 400 °C at 10−4 bar

There is a research knowledge gap for the dry wear data of nitride treated Stainless Steel in high temperature and high vacuum environment. In order to fill this gap, plasma nitriding was done on austenitic Stainless Steel type AISI 316LN (316LN SS) and dry sliding wear tests have been conducted at 25°C, 200°C and 400°C in high vacuum of 1.6×10−4bar. The two different slider material (316LN SS and Colmonoy) and two different sliding speeds (0.0576m/s and 0.167m/s) have been used. The tribological parameters such as friction coefficient, wear mechanism and volume of metal loss have been evaluated. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used to study the surface morphology of the worn pins and rings. Electronic balancing machine was used to record the mass of metal loss during wear tests. The 2D optical profilometer was used to measure the depth of the wear track. The Plasma Nitride treated 316LN SS rings (PN rings) exhibit excellent wear resistance against 316LN SS pin and Colmonoy pin at all temperatures. However, PN ring vs. Colmonoy pin Pair shows better wear resistance than PN ring vs. 316LN SS pin Pair at higher temperature.

Modular Design of Li-Ion and Li-Polymer Batteries for Undersea Environments

AbstractLi-Ion chemistry is ideal for undersea environments. The cells are sealed and do not outgas, and the polymer versions can withstand pressures greater than 10,000 psi. This combination results in a battery that is easier and safer to use and one that does not require heavy, expensive pressure vessels.Recent advances in electronic control of the Li-Ion battery and new modular design concepts for construction of complex battery systems have resulted in battery systems that are more robust, more flexible, longer lived, easier to charge and maintain, and safer than their lower density counterparts. These new Li-Ion battery systems can be designed to deliver this energy at high voltages and high currents. Electronic charge control within the battery system allows charging by direct connection to power supplies or constant power sources such as fuel cells and solar panels.The modular design concept for Li-Ion and Li-Polymer battery systems are presented with an emphasis on construction for undersea applications. Key to the modular battery system design concept is the ability to electronically balance all the cells within the battery system automatically without operator intervention. Two different methods are described, which show how electronic balancing of all the cells within the battery system is accomplished. Examples of production battery systems already in service are shown, and systems under development are provided.

Polarization Modulation Using Wave Plates to Enhance Foveal Fixation Detection in Retinal Birefringence Scanning for Strabismus Screening Purposes

To enhance foveal fixation detection while bypassing the deleterious effects of corneal birefringence in binocular retinal birefringence scanning (RBS) for pediatric vision screening purposes, a new RBS design was developed incorporating a double-pass spinning half wave plate (HWP) combined with a fixed double-pass retarder into the optical system. The spinning HWP enables essential differential polarization detection with only one detector, easing constraints on optical alignment and electronic balancing, and together with a fixed wave plate, this differential RBS signal can be detected essentially independent of various corneal retardances and azimuths. Utilizing the measured corneal birefringence from a dataset of 300 human eyes, an algorithm was developed in MATLAB for optimizing the properties of both wave plates to statistically maximize the RBS signal, while having the greatest independence from left and right eye corneal birefringence. Foveal fixation detection was optimized with the HWP spun 9/16 as fast as the circular scan, with the fixed retarder having a retardance of 45 degrees and fast axis at 90 degrees. Combined with bull's-eye focus detection, this computeroptimized RBS design promises to provide an effective screening instrument for automatic identification of infants at risk for amblyopia, the leading cause of vision loss in childhood.

Multi-section electronic assembly line balancing problems: A case study

The issues of multisection line balancing problems arising in local electronic assembly plants are addressed. The assembly line consists of several different sections and operational types in each section vary in terms of flow characteristics and cost. The aspects considered in this problem may involve the decisions for workstation cycle time, total operation cost, number of workstations, burn-in duration, burn-in house capacity, buffer size, and pallet quantity in use. The aim of this study is to propose a two-stage approach to resolving this problem. In the first stage, a multiple objective mixed-integer zero-one programming model is developed. Combined with the developed mathematical programming model, an interactive procedure is devised to simultaneously minimize workstation cycle time and number of workstations while satisfying the required total operation cost. In the second stage, a visual interactive modelling system and the associated human-machine interface are built for evaluating possible combinations of burn-in duration, burn-in house capacity, buffer size, and pallet quantity in use on the achieved assembly system. Results suggest that the potential benefit of the proposed approach is significant. The manager of electronic plant can dramatically improve theirperformance using the proposed approach. Finally, guidelines are provided in this study for managers attempting to design multi-section electronic assembly problems.

Two-hole bulk high Tc squid electronic gradiometer for magnetocardiography in unshielded space

A first order electronic gradiometer has been developed to operate in liquid nitrogen. The use of two-hole bulk YBa 2Cu 3O 7 RF SQUIDs permitted optimization of the characteristic SQUID parameter, β L = 1, without compromising the noise performance. Additional bulk flux concentrators made it possible to attain a field/flux transformation coefficient of 8 × 10 −10 T Φ o −1. A mechanical fixture for electronic balancing provided a common mode suppression of 10 3. In an unshielded environment, the balanced system had a peak-to-peak noise amplitude of < 10 pT within a signal bandwidth of 2–30 Hz. Human heart beat signals (the QRS peak) could be recorded in these conditions.

Multichannel magnetography in unshielded environments

Any biomagnetic instrumentation requires a very sensitive sensor. As the strength of the magnetic field of interest ranges from about 10 fT to 50 pT, the only field sensor having the required sensitivity and small sampling volume is the superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) e.g. thin-film DC SQUIDs. For transforming the signal from the antenna to the SQUID, a thin-film coupling coil is used. The SQUID itself is shielded and therefore insensitive to external noise. In a five-channel system second-order gradiometers are used in an unshielded environment. The measuring system enables us to balance each channel by means of lead plates without removing it from liquid helium. The lead plates can be handled by a revolver system from outside the dewar. By an iterative balancing procedure inside an artificial uniform field, imbalances less than 10(-4) could be achieved. These results are confirmed by mathematical calculation of mechanical balancing. Sensitivities down to 20 fT Hz-1/2 could be achieved during 'quiet' hours. Another method for the suppression of disturbances is electronic balancing. One of the most important problems in the multichannel system is the cross talk between the single channels. With respect to the geometry of our five-channel device the cross talk coefficient was calculated to be 3.9% and measured at 3.8%.

Electronic balancing of multichannel SQUID magnetometers

An electronically balanced three-channel SQUID magnetometer is presented. The electronic balancing reduces the imbalance of the gradiometers by at least a factor of 100. The authors realised in this way an imbalance of 10-5, without the necessity of prebalancing by means of superconducting tabs. Details of the design considerations and the construction of the three-channel system are given, focusing especially on the electronic balancing unit. Some illustrating experiments are also described and the possibilities of electronic balancing discussed