scholarly journals HYDRA: Introducing a Low-Cost Framework for STEM Education Using Open Tools

Electronics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (24) ◽  
pp. 3056
Author(s):  
Georgios Tsalmpouris ◽  
George Tsinarakis ◽  
Nikolaos Gertsakis ◽  
Savvas A. Chatzichristofis ◽  
Lefteris Doitsidis
Keyword(s):  
Stem Education ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Low Complexity ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Modular System ◽  
Sensors And Actuators ◽  
Embedded Devices ◽  
Self Confidence ◽  
Educational Framework ◽  
The Cost

STEM education is of paramount importance, especially in the lower levels of education, and it has been proven beneficial for students in many ways. Although there are various tools available, there are significant drawbacks mainly related to the cost and the ease of use. In this study, we introduce a new low-cost educational framework oriented toward elementary and secondary educational needs. The proposed system exploits open tools and low-cost devices. The system’s core is based on the popular Arduino microcontroller, a low-cost device supported by a large community. The overall system was designed and developed, providing an expandable, modular system of low complexity suitable for students with no or low prior knowledge in related subjects, among others, to programming, embedded devices, sensors and actuators, as well as robotics. Our scope was to provide a system with a small learning curve. Practically, this makes it possible in a short amount of time for the students to perform appealing yet straightforward tasks which will boost their self-confidence and creativity, improve their technical skills and simultaneously provide a system with several capabilities usable in different kinds of projects. The introduced system was tested through a preliminary study using flow theory in a team of 68 students of the three last grades in an elementary school in Greece.

A comparative study of qualitative immunochemical screening assays for the combined measurement of T-2/HT-2 in cereals and cereal-based products

2011 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 385-394 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Meneely ◽  
F. Ricci ◽  
S. Vesco ◽  
M. Abouzied ◽  
M. Sulyok ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sample Preparation ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
The Other ◽  
Accuracy And Precision ◽  
Cost Implications ◽  
Electrochemical Array ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Preparation Techniques ◽  
Speed Of Analysis

Many different immunochemical platforms exist for the screening of naturally occurring contaminants in food from the low cost enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) to the expensive instruments such as optical biosensors based on the phenomenon of surface plasmon resonance (SPR). The primary aim of this study was to evaluate and compare a number of these platforms to assess their accuracy and precision when applied to naturally contaminated samples containing HT-2/T-2 mycotoxins. Other important factors considered were the speed of analysis, ease of use (sample preparation techniques and use of the equipment) and ultimately the cost implications. The three screening procedures compared included an SPR biosensor assay, a commercially available ELISA and an enzymelinked immunomagnetic electrochemical array (ELIME array). The qualitative data for all methods demonstrated very good overall agreements with each other, however on comparison with mass spectrometry confirmatory results, the ELISA and SPR assay performed slightly better than the ELIME array, exhibiting an overall agreement of 95.8% compared to 91.7%. Currently, SPR is more costly than the other two platforms and can only be used in the laboratory whereas in theory both the ELISA and ELIME array are portable and can be used in the field, but ultimately this is dependent on the sample preparation techniques employed. Sample preparative techniques varied for all methods evaluated, the ELISA was the most simple to perform followed by that of the SPR method. The ELIME array involved an additional clean-up step thereby increasing both the time and cost of analysis. Therefore in the current format, field use would not be an option for the ELIME array. In relation to speed of analysis, the ELISA outperformed the other methods.

scholarly journals An IoT Smart Broiler Farming Model for Low Income Farmers

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 95
Author(s):  
Hazael Phiri ◽  
Douglas Kunda ◽  
Jackson Phiri
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Cost Model ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Climate Control ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Zigbee Protocol ◽  
Gsm Network ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Broiler House

<p class="Abstract"><span lang="EN-US">The coming of Internet of things (IoT) brings opportunities for the deploying of wireless sensor networks. One area of deployment is smart poultry farming to improve the quality and security of chicken varieties that include broilers. The quality of broilers produced is dependent on the environment in which the broilers are kept. In addition, the revenue of the farmer is guaranteed if theft of stock is prevented. The current methods farmers use are labour intensive and time consuming as they are manual. Leveraging the features of IoT and sensors can help to monitor the environment and ensure adverse conditions are reported for farmers to take action before they harm the livestock. Incorporating intruder detection when monitoring conditions in the environment can also prevent stock theft and that can increase the income obtained by farmers. For such a system to be widely adopted by low income farmers, the cost should be low compared commercially available climate control systems that are meant for commercial farmers. The system should also provide ease of use for less technically skilled farmers, reduce the time taken by farmers to take action in controlling theft and conditions in the environment and be accessible from any location other than the broiler house. In this paper, we propose a low-cost model that can be used to monitor conditions in the environment of a broiler house and send the values to the farmer in real-time. The proposed model is based on open source microcontrollers, ZigBee protocol, GSM network, mobile applications and cloud computing. </span></p>

scholarly journals Design of a Low Cost Switching Board Enabling a Reconfigurable Remote Experiment

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
pp. 32
Author(s):  
Abderrahmane Adda Benattia ◽  
Mohamed Moussa ◽  
Abdelhalim Benachenhou ◽  
Abdelhamid Mebrouka
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Practical Work ◽  
Circuit Board ◽  
Raspberry Pi ◽  
Measurement Instruments ◽  
Hardware Platform ◽  
Hardware Configuration ◽  
Spi Bus ◽  
The Cost

<p class="0abstract">Most of currently remote laboratories implementations include interactive experimentation. In this case, students use real devices and equipment to perform real experiments, which need some flexibility of interaction with the hardware platform. The hardware platform is composed of a Raspberry Pi as a lab server, a switching board (SB), a practical work circuit board and some measurement instruments. The SB is used to make configuration of experimentation by establishing connection between the practical work circuit and measurement instruments. During the experimentation process, students change the setup using a web page. In the background, the hardware configuration is realized using SB, which is controlled by the lab server. The purpose of this work is to develop a new SB in order to provide more possibilities, interaction flexibility with the hardware platform, ease of use, improve performance in response time and finally reduce the cost of the hardware. The SB is based on switches instead of relays. This board can be plugged directly on a Raspberry Pi to facilitate the assembly. It extends the “SPI” bus in order to control some electronic components such as digital potentiometers. Its use is illustrated with a circuit with multiple combinations.</p>

scholarly journals Portable and Low-Cost Respirometric Microsystem for the Static and Dynamic Respirometry Monitoring of Compost

Sensors ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (19) ◽  
pp. 4132 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliette F. Bermudez ◽  
Juan F. Saldarriaga ◽  
Johann F. Osma
Keyword(s):  
Laboratory Test ◽  
Organic Waste ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Electronic System ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Hierarchical Analysis ◽  
Standard Laboratory ◽  
The Cost

Composting is considered an option for the disposal of organic waste; however, the development of portable and low-cost systems for its monitoring is of high interest. Therefore, in this study, respirometric microsystems were designed and tested including two integrated oxygen sensors for the measurement of compost samples under static and dynamic conditions with high portability and ease of use. The cost of each sensor was calculated as 2 USD, while the cost of the whole respirometric microsystem was calculated as 6 USD. The electronic system for real-time monitoring was also designed and implemented. The designed systems were tested for over 6 weeks for the determination of compost quality using real samples. The respirometric microsystem was compared to a commercial respirometry system and a standard laboratory test using hierarchical analysis which included costs, portability accuracy, analysis time, and integration of new technologies. The analysis showed a global score of 6.87 for the respirometric microsystem compared to 6.70 for the standard laboratory test and 3.26 for the commercial system.

scholarly journals Evaluation of the Major Steps in the Conventional Protocol for the Alkaline Comet Assay

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (23) ◽  
pp. 6072 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahsa Karbaschi ◽  
Yunhee Ji ◽  
Abdulhadi Mohammed S. Abdulwahed ◽  
Alhanoof Alohaly ◽  
Juan F. Bedoya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Comet Assay ◽  
Common Core ◽  
Damage Assessment ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Scientific Basis ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Effect Of Temperature ◽  
Key Steps ◽  
The Cost

Single cell gel electrophoresis, also known as the comet assay, has become a widespread DNA damage assessment tool due to its sensitivity, adaptability, low cost, ease of use, and reliability. Despite these benefits, this assay has shortcomings, such as long assay running time, the manipulation of multiple slides, individually, through numerous process steps, the challenge of working in a darkened environment, and reportedly considerable inter- and intra-laboratory variation. All researchers typically perform the comet assay based upon a common core approach; however, it appears that some steps in this core have little proven basis, and may exist, partly, out of convenience, or dogma. The aim of this study was to critically re-evaluate key steps in the comet assay, using our laboratory’s protocol as a model, firstly to understand the scientific basis for why certain steps in the protocol are performed in a particular manner, and secondly to simplify the assay, and decrease the cost and run time. Here, the shelf life of the lysis and neutralization buffers, the effect of temperature and incubation period during the lysis step, the necessity for drying the slides between the electrophoresis and staining step, and the need to perform the sample workup and electrophoresis steps under subdued light were all evaluated.

Advance Protection for Three Phase Induction Motor using Microcontroller Atmega32

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 172
Author(s):  
Karan S Belsare ◽  
Gajanan D Patil
Keyword(s):  
Induction Motor ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Short Circuit ◽  
Cost Factor ◽  
Protection Scheme ◽  
Three Phase ◽  
The Cost

A low cost and reliable protection scheme has been designed for a three phase induction motor against unbalance voltages, under voltage, over voltage, short circuit and overheating protection. Taking the cost factor into consideration the design has been proposed using microcontroller Atmega32, MOSFETs, relays, small CTs and PTs. However the sensitivity of the protection scheme has been not compromised. The design has been tested online in the laboratory for small motors and the same can be implemented for larger motors by replacing the i-v converters and relays of suitable ratings.

Janus – A New Approach to Air Combat Pilot Training

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 (4) ◽  
pp. 7-22
Author(s):  
Georges Bridel ◽  
Zdobyslaw Goraj ◽  
Lukasz Kiszkowiak ◽  
Jean-Georges Brévot ◽  
Jean-Pierre Devaux ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Training System ◽  
Embedded Sensors ◽  
Pilot Training ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Combat Aircraft ◽  
Air Combat ◽  
The Cost

Abstract Advanced jet training still relies on old concepts and solutions that are no longer efficient when considering the current and forthcoming changes in air combat. The cost of those old solutions to develop and maintain combat pilot skills are important, adding even more constraints to the training limitations. The requirement of having a trainer aircraft able to perform also light combat aircraft operational mission is adding unnecessary complexity and cost without any real operational advantages to air combat mission training. Thanks to emerging technologies, the JANUS project will study the feasibility of a brand-new concept of agile manoeuvrable training aircraft and an integrated training system, able to provide a live, virtual and constructive environment. The JANUS concept is based on a lightweight, low-cost, high energy aircraft associated to a ground based Integrated Training System providing simulated and emulated signals, simulated and real opponents, combined with real-time feedback on pilot’s physiological characteristics: traditionally embedded sensors are replaced with emulated signals, simulated opponents are proposed to the pilot, enabling out of sight engagement. JANUS is also providing new cost effective and more realistic solutions for “Red air aircraft” missions, organised in so-called “Aggressor Squadrons”.

scholarly journals Recurrent Neural Network for Human Activity Recognition in Embedded Systems Using PPG and Accelerometer Data

Electronics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (14) ◽  
pp. 1715
Author(s):  
Michele Alessandrini ◽  
Giorgio Biagetti ◽  
Paolo Crippa ◽  
Laura Falaschetti ◽  
Claudio Turchetti
Keyword(s):  
Neural Network ◽  
Embedded System ◽  
Activity Recognition ◽  
Human Activity ◽  
Recurrent Neural Network ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Low Complexity ◽  
Human Activity Recognition ◽  
Motion Artifacts ◽  
Accelerometer Data

Photoplethysmography (PPG) is a common and practical technique to detect human activity and other physiological parameters and is commonly implemented in wearable devices. However, the PPG signal is often severely corrupted by motion artifacts. The aim of this paper is to address the human activity recognition (HAR) task directly on the device, implementing a recurrent neural network (RNN) in a low cost, low power microcontroller, ensuring the required performance in terms of accuracy and low complexity. To reach this goal, (i) we first develop an RNN, which integrates PPG and tri-axial accelerometer data, where these data can be used to compensate motion artifacts in PPG in order to accurately detect human activity; (ii) then, we port the RNN to an embedded device, Cloud-JAM L4, based on an STM32 microcontroller, optimizing it to maintain an accuracy of over 95% while requiring modest computational power and memory resources. The experimental results show that such a system can be effectively implemented on a constrained-resource system, allowing the design of a fully autonomous wearable embedded system for human activity recognition and logging.

scholarly journals A low-cost wireless endoscope camera: a preliminary report

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
J. M. Lazarus ◽  
M. Ncube
Keyword(s):  
Minimally Invasive Surgery ◽  
Minimally Invasive ◽  
Video Transmission ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Battery Life ◽  
Resource Constrained ◽  
High Definition ◽  
Industry Standard ◽  
Constrained Environments ◽  
The Cost

Abstract Background Technology currently used for surgical endoscopy was developed and is manufactured in high-income economies. The cost of this equipment makes technology transfer to resource constrained environments difficult. We aimed to design an affordable wireless endoscope to aid visualisation during rigid endoscopy and minimally invasive surgery (MIS). The initial prototype aimed to replicate a 4-mm lens used in rigid cystoscopy. Methods Focus was placed on using open-source resources to develop the wireless endoscope to significantly lower the cost and make the device accessible for resource-constrained settings. An off the shelf miniature single-board computer module was used because of its low cost (US$10) and its ability to handle high-definition (720p) video. Open-source Linux software made monitor mode (“hotspot”) wireless video transmission possible. A 1280 × 720 pixel high-definition tube camera was used to generate the video signal. Video is transmitted to a standard laptop computer for display. Bench testing included latency of wireless digital video transmission. Comparison to industry standard wired cameras was made including weight and cost. The battery life was also assessed. Results In comparison with industry standard cystoscope lens, wired camera, video processing unit and light source, the prototype costs substantially less. (US$ 230 vs 28 000). The prototype is light weight (184 g), has no cables tethering and has acceptable battery life (of over 2 h, using a 1200 mAh battery). The camera transmits video wirelessly in near real time with only imperceptible latency of < 200 ms. Image quality is high definition at 30 frames per second. Colour rendering is good, and white balancing is possible. Limitations include the lack of a zoom. Conclusion The novel wireless endoscope camera described here offers equivalent high-definition video at a markedly reduced cost to contemporary industry wired units and could contribute to making minimally invasive surgery possible in resource-constrained environments.

scholarly journals Imaging in Propeller Flap Surgery

2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (03) ◽  
pp. 145-151
Author(s):  
Shimpei Ono ◽  
Hiroyuki Ohi ◽  
Rei Ogawa
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Duplex Sonography ◽  
Computed Tomographic Angiography ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Computed Tomographic ◽  
Imaging Tool ◽  
Preoperative Mapping ◽  
Flap Design ◽  
Tomographic Angiography

AbstractSince propeller flaps are elevated as island flaps and most often nourished by a single perforator nearby the defect, it is challenging to change the flap design intraoperatively when a reliable perforator cannot be found where expected to exist. Thus, accurate preoperative mapping of perforators is essential in the safe planning of propeller flaps. Various methods have been reported so far: (1) handheld acoustic Doppler sonography (ADS), (2) color duplex sonography (CDS), (3) perforator computed tomographic angiography (P-CTA), and (4) magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). To facilitate the preoperative perforator assessment, P-CTA is currently considered as the gold standard imaging tool in revealing the three-dimensional anatomical details of perforators precisely. Nevertheless, ADS remains the most widely used tool due to its low cost, faster learning, and ease of use despite an undesirable number of false-positive results. CDS can provide hemodynamic characteristics of the perforator and is a valid and safer alternative particularly in patients in whom ionizing radiation and/or contrast exposure should be limited. Although MRA is less accurate in detecting smaller perforators of caliber less than 1.0 mm and the intramuscular course of perforators at the present time, MRA is expected to improve in the future due to the recent developments in technology, making it as accurate as P-CTA. Moreover, it provides the advantage of being radiation-free with fewer contrast reactions.

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