Remote Applications Research Articles

A day-night solar thermoelectric generator enabled by phase change material and forced water cooling

Solar thermoelectric generators (STEGs), which are capable of directly converting solar energy to electricity, are essential to many potential applications in addition to photovoltaics. It is of great importance to advance the design of STEGs to significantly boost the output performance by combining solar selective absorbers, cooling technologies and phase change materials. In this work, a novel day-night STEG integrated with transparent phase change materials of methyl palmitate and forced water cooling (PCM-STEG-WC) is proposed. The fabricated solar selective absorber exhibits a high solar absorption of 96.05 %, leading to its surface temperature up to 100 °C under 1-sun illumination (1 kW m−2), while the surface temperature of conventional thermoelectric module is only about 44.4 °C. Consequently, the temperature difference between hot and cold ends can be significantly increased to 5.6 °C from 2 °C, about 2.8 times higher than the conventional thermoelectric module. Moreover, this unconcentrated PCM-STEG-WC can realize a power level of 6.42 mW associated with output voltage of 307.3 mV at a solar density of 1 kW m−2, which is about 9 times higher than that of conventional thermoelectric module (35.5 mV). Additionally, the hot end temperature of PCM-STEG-WC only decays by 17 % in 100 s without solar radiation. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the PCM-STEG-WC in power generation at night, a single red LED is completely powered. Finally, this study may provide a promising strategy to develop high-performance STEGs for remote applications.

Performance improvement of DC servo motor using sliding mode controller

<p>Sliding mode control has emerged as a valuable technique for enhancing dynamic response in various fields, including load frequency regulation and remote vehicle applications. While the widely adopted PID controller has proven effective for optimizing control tasks in industries, sliding mode control offers distinct advantages. By controlling the slope of the dynamical trends of state variable behavior, it enables rapid dynamic response with minimal or no overshoot, as well as negligible steady-state error. The robustness of sliding mode control, which makes it highly resilient to changes in plant parameters and outside disturbances, is one of its main advantages. A digital computer simulation was run using Simulink in the MATLAB software, concentrating on a position control system using an armature voltage-controlled D.C. servo motor to assess how well it performed. To learn more about the operation of sliding mode control, several control laws were used and state trajectories were examined. When compared to the conventional tuned PID control, the findings and discussion conclusively show sliding mode control to be more successful. The sliding mode technique has exceptional effectiveness, including enhanced dynamic response, less overshoot, and almost no steady-state error. Furthermore, its robust nature ensures consistent operation even in the face of parameter fluctuations and external disturbances. This study underscores the immense potential of sliding mode control as a powerful alternative to conventional control methods. Its ability to enhance system performance, coupled with its inherent robustness, makes it a compelling choice for various industrial applications where precise control and resilient operation are crucial.</p>

Development of a radiation tolerant laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy system using a single crystal micro-chip laser for remote elemental analysis

ABSTRACT For the development of the remote elemental analysis method in a radiation environment based on the laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), the radiation effects on the laser oscillation properties of the single crystal (SC) Nd:YAG microchip laser (MCL) were investigated and compared with those of ceramic Nd:YAG MCL. The laser oscillation properties were measured under gamma ray irradiation as a function of dose rate. The effects on the SC MCL properties were very small compared to those on the ceramics, indicating minimal radiation effects on the LIBS signal when using SC MCL. Pulse energy and oscillating build-up time (BUT) were measured for cumulative dose exceeding 1400 kGy. The pulse energy remained stable under irradiation. The BUT also remained stable, demonstrating negligible optical loss accumulation that could affect laser properties even at the demonstrated cumulative dose. The results indicate that the effects of dose rate and cumulative dose on SC MCL laser properties are minimal. The SC MCL was then integrated into the LIBS system, and the gadolinium signal was successfully measured at a dose rate of 5 kGy/hr. These findings highlight the radiation tolerance of SC MCL for remote LIBS applications in harsh radiation environments.

Towards rapid modeling and prototyping of indoor and outdoor monitoring applications

Nowadays, the capability to remotely monitor indoor and outdoor environments would allow to reduce energy consumption and improve the overall management and users’ experience of network application systems. The most known solutions adopting remote control are related to domotics (e.g., smart homes and industry 4.0 applications). An important stimulus for the development of such smart approaches is the growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) technologies and the increasing investment in the development of green houses, buildings, and, in general, heterogeneous environments. While the benefits for the humans and the environment are evident, a pervasive adoption and distribution of remote monitoring solutions are hindered by the following issue: modeling, designing, prototyping, and further developing the remote applications and underlying architecture require a certain amount of time. Moreover, such systems must be often customized on the basis of the need of the specific domain and involved entities. For such reasons, in this paper, we provide the experience made in addressing some relevant indoor and outdoor case studies through IoT-targeted tools, technologies and protocols, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of the considered solutions as well as insights that can be useful for future practitioners.

Real-time carotid plaque recognition from dynamic ultrasound videos based on artificial neural network.

Carotid ultrasound allows noninvasive assessment of vascular anatomy and function with real-time display. Based on the transfer learning method, a series of research results have been obtained on the optimal image recognition and analysis of static images. However, for carotid plaque recognition, there are high requirements for self-developed algorithms in real-time ultrasound detection. This study aims to establish an automatic recognition system, Be Easy to Use (BETU), for the real-time and synchronous diagnosis of carotid plaque from ultrasound videos based on an artificial neural network. 445 participants (mean age, 54.6±7.8 years; 227 men) were evaluated. Radiologists labeled a total of 3259 segmented ultrasound images from 445 videos with the diagnosis of carotid plaque, 2725 images were collected as a training dataset, and 554 images as a testing dataset. The automatic plaque recognition system BETU was established based on an artificial neural network, and remote application on a 5G environment was performed to test its diagnostic performance. The diagnostic accuracy of BETU (98.5%) was consistent with the radiologist's (Kappa = 0.967, P < 0.001). Remote diagnostic feedback based on BETU-processed ultrasound videos could be obtained in 150ms across a distance of 1023 km between the ultrasound/BETU station and the consultation workstation. Based on the good performance of BETU in real-time plaque recognition from ultrasound videos, 5G plus Artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted ultrasound real-time carotid plaque screening was achieved, and the diagnosis was made.

Design and Implementation of Drive and Control System for Ultrasonic Motor over Power Line Communication

In this study, remote control application of an ultrasonic motor (USM) has been achieved over the power line communication (PLC) system. Fast, practical, affordable and effective operating mode is essential for the USM. This study aimed to develop an original, efficient, effective and economical method. Drive and control of USM control has been succeeded with the developed PLC control system. A two-phase high-frequency inverter, a power line transmitter, and a power line receiver circuits have been designed to drive and control of the ultrasonic motor. Required measurements are acquired from the power line to select the most suitable communication frequency and coupling circuit impedance for the PLC system. For the communication frequency and impedance value measurements the receiver and the transmitter circuits have been designed. The PLC-controlled system has been tested for different operating conditions of the ultrasonic motor. USM control has been accomplished over the existing power line without using extra cables and interfaces for communication. The obtained results show that the PLC-controlled system is practical, reliable, cost-effective, and feasible for the remote control of the USM. This research contributes a new and essential perspective for the PLC-based remote control studies in addition to the USM drive and control strategies.

Multispectral Remote Sensing Data Application in Modelling Non-Extensive Tsallis Thermodynamics for Mountain Forests in Northern Mongolia.

The imminent threat of Mongolian montane forests facing extinction due to climate change emphasizes the pressing need to study these ecosystems for sustainable development. Leveraging multispectral remote sensing data from Landsat 8 OLI TIRS (2013-2021), we apply Tsallis non-extensive thermodynamics to assess spatiotemporal fluctuations in the absorbed solar energy budget (exergy, bound energy, internal energy increment) and organizational parameters (entropy, information increment, q-index) within the mountain taiga-meadow landscape. Using the principal component method, we discern three functional subsystems: evapotranspiration, heat dissipation, and a structural-informational component linked to bioproductivity. The interplay among these subsystems delineates distinct landscape cover states. By categorizing ecosystems (pixels) based on these processes, discrete states and transitional areas (boundaries and potential disturbances) emerge. Examining the temporal dynamics of ecosystems (pixels) within this three-dimensional coordinate space facilitates predictions of future landscape states. Our findings indicate that northern Mongolian montane forests utilize a smaller proportion of received energy for productivity compared to alpine meadows, which results in their heightened vulnerability to climate change. This approach deepens our understanding of ecosystem functioning and landscape dynamics, serving as a basis for evaluating their resilience amid ongoing climate challenges.

Ce:LuAG transparent ceramics for high-brightness solid-state lighting: Fabrication and effect of Ce concentration

Compared to phosphor and phosphor in glass, phosphor ceramics have higher thermal properties, and are less prone to thermal quenching. (Ce,Lu)3Al5O12 (Ce:LuAG) has better thermal stability than most of the phosphors, such as (Ce,Y)3Al5O12 (Ce:YAG). However, the high melting point of Lu3Al5O12 (LuAG; up to 2010 °C) presents a great challenge in producing transparent ceramics (TCs), so a series of Ce:LuAG nanopowders with high sintering activity were prepared by the co-precipitation method and then used as initial materials to obtain x at.% Ce:LuAG (x = 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7) TCs by vacuum sintering at 1775 °C for 10 h. Moreover, the luminous properties of typical Ce-doped LuAG phosphors were systematically investigated using excitation by light-emitting diodes or laser diodes (LEDs/LDs). The emission intensity of 0.4 at.% Ce doped sample is the highest among all TCs with Ce amount ranging from 0.05 to 0.7 at.% at room temperature. The photoluminescence intensity of 0.4 at.% Ce:LuAG only decreases by 12.5% from 25 to 225 °C. The 0.4 at.% Ce:LuAG based on 0.8 W LEDs and 1.1 W LDs has the optimum luminous flux of 71.5 and 113.7 lm and the luminous efficiency of 89.3 and 101.4 lm∙W−1, respectively. As Ce concentration increases, a decrease in the luminescence saturation threshold of TCs is observed with a blue laser power density of 2.5–36.9 W∙mm−2. A high-flux yellow-green light of 1166.9 lm is obtained from 0.1 at.% Ce:LuAG when excited with a high-power LD with an energy density of 36.9 W∙mm−2. This work explored the best Ce doping level in Ce:LuAG TCs, as well as the luminescence saturation threshold in remote laser lighting applications.

The Chinese Zodiac-in-Noise Test: An Internet-Based Speech-in-Noise Test for Large-Scale Hearing Screening.

Motivated by the growing need for hearing screening in China, the present study has two objectives. First, to develop and validate a new test, called the Chinese Zodiac-in-noise (ZIN) test, for large-scale hearing screening in China. Second, to conduct a large-scale remote hearing screening in China, using the ZIN test developed. The ZIN test was developed following a similar procedure as the digits-in-noise test but emphasizes the importance of consonant recognition by employing the 12 zodiac animals in traditional Chinese culture as speech materials. It measures the speech reception threshold (SRT) using triplets of Chinese zodiac animals in speech-shaped noise with an adaptive procedure. Normative data of the test were obtained in a group of 140 normal-hearing listeners, and the performance of the test was validated by comparisons with pure-tone audiometry in 116 listeners with various hearing abilities. The ZIN test has a reference SRT of -11.0 ± 1.6 dB in normal-hearing listeners with a test-retest variability of 1.7 dB and can be completed in 3 minutes. The ZIN SRT is highly correlated with the better-ear pure-tone threshold ( r = 0.82). With a cutoff value of -7.7 dB, the ZIN test has a sensitivity of 0.85 and a specificity of 0.94 for detecting a hearing loss of 25 dB HL or more at the better ear.A large-scale remote hearing screening involving 30,552 participants was performed using the ZIN test. The large-scale study found a hearing loss proportion of 21.0% across the study sample, with a high proportion of 57.1% in the elderly study sample aged over 60 years. Age and gender were also observed to have associations with hearing loss, with older individuals and males being more likely to have hearing loss. The Chinese ZIN test is a valid and efficient solution for large-scale hearing screening in China. Its remote applications may improve access to hearing screening and enhance public awareness of hearing health.

Remote User Interface for ABB IRB120 Robot Using TCP/IP Communication

Abstract This paper presents the development and implementation of a remote user interface for the ABB robot using the TCP/IP protocol. The study focuses on building a user-friendly interface in Matlab environment that enables precise and secure control of the robot’s operation with an educational support role in teaching the basics of robotics. The remote application offers a simple and intuitive controlling mode, providing users with a firsthand experience of the robot’s capabilities through predetermined actions. Additionally, the advanced mode allows users to test the robot’s functionality and perform simple tasks. The use of asynchronous communication contributes to the stability and performance of the remote control application.

Is Remote Working Effective in the Public Utility Sector? The Perspective of Resource Allocation in Administrative and Civil Services

Abstract Objectives (1) assessing the effectiveness of resource allocation in the public utility sector groups during remote work, (2) examining the efficiency of remote work compared to stationary work from the entire public utility organization point of view. Methodology To operationalize the research aim, ten research questions (RQ1-RQ9) and a research hypothesis (H1) were prepared for the identification of the effectiveness of resource allocation (Table 1). H1. If remote work improves time management effectiveness for daily tasks, employees are willing to invest their resources to work remotely. Research question RQ10 was prepared to achieve this goal, and the second hypothesis (H2) was formulated. H2. Remote working reduces public utility sector institutions’ resource consumption (utility expenses). Findings (1) remote work requirements do not occupy a significant portion of annual budgets for public utility services, (2) remote work allows reducing the fixed costs of maintaining stationary working in the short term, (3) even if remote work is a cost-effective method for public utility services and decreases indirect employee costs, it has yet to be incorporated successfully. Value added: Consequently, remote work saves resources and is cost-effective for employers. It lowers indirect employee costs (real tax deductible costs) in terms of utility expenses because employees work out of their institutions’ premises in civil and administrative services. In addition, the employer does not finance the psychological and physiological needs of employees adapting to remote work in both services. Recommendations Future research will be essential to assess whether remote work applications have improved in the public utility sector in this regard. Additionally, it would be best practice to conduct a study with a similar research concept in the private sector to compare findings and implementation strategies and offer solutions to the challenges caused by remote work.

Long-Range Remote Control Based on LoRa Transceivers

Abstract Within this paper, the possibility of using advanced LoRa technology in the field of long-range remote control was considered. For testing purposes, a one-way point-to-point LoRa remote control link was implemented based on the LoRa Ra-02 SX1278 transceiver and the corresponding 32-bit Cortex-M3 microcontroller. The remote control application software is developed in the Arduino development environment. The implemented link was tested experimentally to check the range, data transfer speed and link stability. Test results show that LoRa transceiver modules can be used in the field of long-range remote control.

Remote ECG Monitoring System via Internet

Electrocardiography (ECG) is a non-invasive diagnostic tool that records the electrical activity of the heart. It is a valuable tool for diagnosing a variety of heart conditions, including arrhythmias, heart failure, and myocardial infarction. This review paper explores the landscape of Real-time Electrocardiogram (ECG) Monitoring Systems via the Internet, analyzing advancements, challenges, and future prospects in this domain. The study investigates the integration of ECG monitoring systems with internet connectivity, enabling real- time data transmission and analysis for remote healthcare applications. Examining the utilization of IoT frameworks, particularly Raspberry Pi and Arduino, the review elucidates their role in establishing connectivity and data transmission protocols. It assesses the impact of IoT-enabled ECG systems on enhancing patient care, enabling telemedicine, and improving healthcare accessibility. Keywords— Internet of Things (IoT), Raspberry Pi R3, Arduino UNO, Remote Monitoring, Electrocardigraphy (ECG), Internet connected Medical Devices, Remote Healthcare

Exploring the Remote Work Revolution: A Managerial View of the Tech Sector’s Response to the New Normal

Abstract Background The global work landscape has undergone a significant transformation in the aftermath of the pandemic in 2019, resulting in the widespread adoption of remote working or working from home (WFH) practices. This paradigm shift has necessitated the adaptation of business strategies and the implementation of novel remote work policies by human resources (HR) and management departments within technology companies. Nevertheless, this rapid transition in the work model has introduced a range of benefits and drawbacks that warrant careful examination in terms of their impact on efficiency, challenges, recruitment processes, training, and psychological well-being. Research aims The primary objective of this study is to investigate and comprehend the impact of remote work applications within technology companies, specifically focusing on the changes experienced by management departments, challenges, recruitment practices, communication and engagement strategies, performance evaluation methods, and training programs. Methodology The study sample comprised of nine executives/managers who were currently employed in five distinct multinational technology companies. The research approach employed was qualitative in nature, utilizing a combination of interview, document review, and observation techniques. Findings The findings reveal varied impacts of remote work on organizational functioning in technology companies. Challenges in functions, responsibilities, and employee engagement were observed. Online evaluation systems and meetings were commonly adopted. The research supports the hypothesis and emphasizes the need for adaptation and tailored approaches in remote work environments.

Design and development of MTCA.4-based generic control and data acquisition module for CSNS-II and SAPS-TP

A new generation of domestically generic control and data acquisition AMC module has been developed to meet the requirements of the upgrade and renovation of the RCS LLRF system in the CSNS-II project, as well as the horizontal testing needs of the SAPS-TP. This module complies with the MicroTCA.4 standard and utilizes the Xilinx ZYNQ 7045 SOC as the core data processing chip. It can simultaneously run FPGA algorithms and the EPICS IOC remote control application program, serving as an autonomous control node. The module is equipped with 8 channels of 125 MSPS 16-bit ADC and 2 channels of 16-bit DAC with a maximum sampling rate of up to 500 MSPS. It also features standard expansion interface, front optical panel fiber interface, external clock interface, front panel digital IO interface, and more, catering to the needs of multiple systems in accelerator facilities such as radio-frequency, beam diagnostics, and control system. Additionally, the module can function independently for smaller-scale experimental and testing systems, such as the LLRF system for horizontal testing of SAPS-TP. To guarantee the seamless integration and proper operation of the AMC module within the MicroTCA.4 ecosystem, the MMC mezzanine card has been developed and thoroughly tested. In order to further reduce costs for small-scale systems, we optimized the software of the MMC so that the AMC board can run without the MCH module and realize self-health monitoring. For common applications, we have developed a complete software architecture and demo programs, including FPGA firmware, embedded Linux operating system, kernel driver modules, and EPICS IOC demo application programs. Detailed measurements have been conducted on hardware performance such as SNR, SFDR, channel isolation, as well as software performance including AXI DMA data bandwidth and system resources utilization, etc. The measurement results indicate that the module's performance indicators meet the design requirements.

Performance Analysis of MIMO Heterogeneous Wireless Sensor Networks

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) are widely used in remote applications related to defence and healthcare. A network with nodes having different capabilities like sensing, various computational capabilities, power-efficient communication, and a varied sensing range is called a heterogeneous wireless sensor network. Heterogeneous wireless sensor networks using MIMO wireless channels are more useful for energy-efficient multi-channel communication. MIMO applications in wireless sensor networks have the potential to enhance throughput, reduce End-to-End Delay, improve packet delivery ratios, and conserve energy in wireless sensor networks. Its implementation needs to be carefully considered in light of the specific deployment conditions and resource constraints of the network, considering proper antenna design, synchronisation mechanisms, and energy-efficient algorithms. This paper presents a comparative performance analysis of MIMO wireless sensor networks and traditional wireless sensor networks without MIMO for various Quality of Service parameters like Packet Delivery Ratio, End to End Delay, Throughput and Residual energy. The research work shows that the application of MIMO in Wireless Sensor Networks enables sensor nodes to collaborate effectively, leading to improved reliability and coverage, and also increases the network's lifetime by conserving energy in resource-constrained sensor nodes through the preservation of Residual Energy.

DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF A SMART BLUETOOTH BASED AUTOMATIC TRANSFER SWITCH CHANGEOVER FOR SMALL HOUSEHOLD GENERATORS

The necessity to develop a cost-effective, smooth, and secure method to automate switching between different power sources resulted in this study. The paper proposes the use of an automatic transfer switch, which automatically switches between the utility power supply and a backup generator, to ensure uninterrupted power supply. The study aims to develop a cost-effective and secure system that utilizes an android device for remote control and monitoring of the power-generating unit. By employing Bluetooth technology, the study eliminates the delays and errors associated with manual source switching. The research specifically focuses on creating an automatic transfer switch compatible with 5 KVA key starter power generators and developing an android application for remote control within a 10-meter Bluetooth range. The system uses electromechanical and solid-state relays for the generator's start/stop sequence and power transmission, respectively.

A full privacy-preserving distributed batch-based certificate-less aggregate signature authentication scheme for healthcare wearable wireless medical sensor networks (HWMSNs)

AbstractThe dynamic connectivity and functionality of sensors has revolutionized remote monitoring applications thanks to the combination of IoT and wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Wearable wireless medical sensor nodes allow continuous monitoring by amassing physiological data, which is very useful in healthcare applications. These text data are then sent to doctors via IoT devices so they can make an accurate diagnosis as soon as possible. However, the transmission of medical text data is extremely vulnerable to security and privacy assaults due to the open nature of the underlying communication medium. Therefore, a certificate-less aggregation-based signature system has been proposed as a solution to the issue by using elliptic curve public key cryptography (ECC) which allows for a highly effective technique. The cost of computing has been reduced by 93% due to the incorporation of aggregation technology. The communication cost is 400 bits which is a significant reduction when compared with its counterparts. The results of the security analysis show that the scheme is robust against forging, tampering, and man-in-the-middle attacks. The primary innovation is that the time required for signature verification can be reduced by using point addition and aggregation. In addition, it does away with the reliance on a centralized medical server in order to do verification. By taking a distributed approach, it is able to fully preserve user privacy, proving its superiority.

Integrating Virtual, Mixed, and Augmented Reality into Remote Robotic Applications: A Brief Review of Extended Reality-Enhanced Robotic Systems for Intuitive Telemanipulation and Telemanufacturing Tasks in Hazardous Conditions

There is an increasingly urgent need for humans to interactively control robotic systems to perform increasingly precise remote operations, concomitant with the rapid development of space exploration, deep-sea discovery, nuclear rehabilitation and management, and robotic-assisted medical devices. The potential high value of medical telerobotic applications was also evident during the recent coronavirus pandemic and will grow in future. Robotic teleoperation satisfies the demands of the scenarios in which human access carries measurable risk, but human intelligence is required. An effective teleoperation system not only enables intuitive human-robot interaction (HRI) but ensures the robot can also be operated in a way that allows the operator to experience the “feel” of the robot working on the remote side, gaining a “sense of presence”. Extended reality (XR) technology integrates real-world information with computer-generated graphics and has the potential to enhance the effectiveness and performance of HRI by providing depth perception and enabling judgment and decision making while operating the robot in a dynamic environment. This review examines novel approaches to the development and evaluation of an XR-enhanced telerobotic platform for intuitive remote teleoperation applications in dangerous and difficult working conditions. It presents a strong review of XR-enhanced telerobotics for remote robotic applications; a particular focus of the review includes the use of integrated 2D/3D mixed reality with haptic interfaces to perform intuitive remote operations to remove humans from dangerous conditions. This review also covers primary studies proposing Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR) solutions where humans can better control or interact with real robotic platforms using these devices and systems to extend the user’s reality and provide a more intuitive interface. The objective of this article is to present recent, relevant, common, and accessible frameworks implemented in research articles published on XR-enhanced telerobotics for industrial applications. Finally, we present and classify the application context of the reviewed articles in two groups: mixed reality–enhanced robotic telemanipulation and mixed reality–enhanced robotic tele-welding. The review thus addresses all elements in the state of the art for these systems and ends with recommended research areas and targets. The application range of these systems and the resulting recommendations is readily extensible to other application areas, such as remote robotic surgery in telemedicine, where surgeons are scarce and need is high, and other potentially high-risk/high-need scenarios.

Taking Wireless Underground: A Comprehensive Summary

The tremendous potential of sensing and communication technologies has been explored and implemented for different remote event monitoring applications over the past two decades. However, the applicability of sensing and communication technologies is not necessarily limited to aboveground environments—it is also implementable and applicable for subterranean, underground scenarios. However, as opposed to air medium, underground communication medium is quite harsh due to the presence of heterogeneous underground materials along with underground aqueous components. In this article, we provide a technical overview of different underground wireless communication technologies, namely radio, acoustic, magnetic, and visible light, along with their potentials and challenges for several underground applications. We also lay out a detailed comparison among these technologies along with their pros and cons using detailed experimental results.