scholarly journals Wearable E-Textile and CNT Sensor Wireless Measurement System for Real-Time Penile Erection Monitoring

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 231
Author(s):  
Yongki Heo ◽  
Jinhyung Kim ◽  
Cheolung Cha ◽  
Kyusik Shin ◽  
Jihyoung Roh ◽  
...  

Erection measurements are the most important indicator of male urological disease diagnosis, treatment, and results. Rigiscan has been used widely in studies and diagnoses for nocturnal penile tumescence for evaluating erectile dysfunction by measuring the number and timing of erectile dysfunctions during sleep. However, this device has limitations such as the weight and bulk of the device and has been questioned for its role as a standard for ED Erectile Dysfunction (ED) diagnosis. In this study, we propose a real-time wearable monitoring system that can quantitatively measure the length and circumference of the penis using electronic textiles (E-textile) and carbon nanotube (CNT) sensors. The E-textile sensor is used to measure the length, circumference, and gradient with portability, convenience, and comfort. Sensors were created by coating CNTs on latex for flexibility. The CNT-based latex condom-type sensor in our proposed system shows the length, circumference, and curvature measurements with changes in resistance, and the E-textile performance shows a 1.44% error rate and a cavity radius of 110 to 300. The results of this conceptual study are for supplementary sensor development with a combination of new technologies with alternatives or existing methods for measuring erection function.

Author(s):  
Margarita Martínez-Díaz ◽  
Francesc Soriguera Martí ◽  
Ignacio Pérez Pérez

Travel time is probably the most important indicator of the level of service of a highway, and it is also the most appreciated information for its users. Administrations and private companies make increasing efforts to improve its real time estimation. The appearance of new technologies makes the precise measurement of travel times easier than never before. However, direct measurements of travel time are, by nature, outdated in real time, and lack of the desired forecasting capabilities. This paper introduces a new methodology to improve the real time estimation of travel times by using the equipment usually present in most highways, i.e., loop detectors, in combination with Automatic Vehicle Identification or Tracking Technologies. One of the most important features of the method is the usage of cumulative counts at detectors as an input, avoiding the drawbacks of common spot-speed methodologies. Cumulative count curves have great potential for freeway travel time information systems, as they provide spatial measurements and thus allow the calculation of instantaneous travel times. In addition, they exhibit predictive capabilities. Nevertheless, they have not been used extensively mainly because of the error introduced by the accumulation of the detector drift. The proposed methodology solves this problem by correcting the deviations using direct travel time measurements. The method results highly beneficial for its accuracy as well as for its low implementation cost.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4995/CIT2016.2016.3209 


2014 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 279-287 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefan Hey ◽  
Panagiota Anastasopoulou ◽  
André Bideaux ◽  
Wilhelm Stork

Ambulatory assessment of emotional states as well as psychophysiological, cognitive and behavioral reactions constitutes an approach, which is increasingly being used in psychological research. Due to new developments in the field of information and communication technologies and an improved application of mobile physiological sensors, various new systems have been introduced. Methods of experience sampling allow to assess dynamic changes of subjective evaluations in real time and new sensor technologies permit a measurement of physiological responses. In addition, new technologies facilitate the interactive assessment of subjective, physiological, and behavioral data in real-time. Here, we describe these recent developments from the perspective of engineering science and discuss potential applications in the field of neuropsychology.


2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. iii461-iii461
Author(s):  
Andrea Carai ◽  
Angela Mastronuzzi ◽  
Giovanna Stefania Colafati ◽  
Paul Voicu ◽  
Nicola Onorini ◽  
...  

Abstract Tridimensional (3D) rendering of volumetric neuroimaging is increasingly been used to assist surgical management of brain tumors. New technologies allowing immersive virtual reality (VR) visualization of obtained models offer the opportunity to appreciate neuroanatomical details and spatial relationship between the tumor and normal neuroanatomical structures to a level never seen before. We present our preliminary experience with the Surgical Theatre, a commercially available 3D VR system, in 60 consecutive neurosurgical oncology cases. 3D models were developed from volumetric CT scans and MR standard and advanced sequences. The system allows the loading of 6 different layers at the same time, with the possibility to modulate opacity and threshold in real time. Use of the 3D VR was used during preoperative planning allowing a better definition of surgical strategy. A tailored craniotomy and brain dissection can be simulated in advanced and precisely performed in the OR, connecting the system to intraoperative neuronavigation. Smaller blood vessels are generally not included in the 3D rendering, however, real-time intraoperative threshold modulation of the 3D model assisted in their identification improving surgical confidence and safety during the procedure. VR was also used offline, both before and after surgery, in the setting of case discussion within the neurosurgical team and during MDT discussion. Finally, 3D VR was used during informed consent, improving communication with families and young patients. 3D VR allows to tailor surgical strategies to the single patient, contributing to procedural safety and efficacy and to the global improvement of neurosurgical oncology care.


2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (2-3) ◽  
pp. 109-132 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donatella Della Ratta

In this essay, I reflect on the aesthetic, political and material implications of filming as a continuous life activity since the beginning of the 2011 uprising in Syria. I argue that the blurry, shaky and pixelated aesthetics of Syrian user-generated videos serve to construct an ethical discourse (Ranciére 2009a; 2013) to address the genesis and the goal of the images produced, and to shape a political commitment to the evidence-image (Didi-Huberman 2008). However, while the unstable visuals of the handheld camera powerfully reconnect, both at a symbolic and aesthetic level, to the truthfulness of the moment of crisis in which they are generated, they fail to produce a clearer understanding of the situation and a counter-hegemonic narrative. In this article, I explore how new technologies have impacted this process of bearing witness and documenting events in real time, and how they have shaped a new understanding of the image as a networked, multiple object connected with the living archive of history, in a permanent dialogue with the seemingly endless flow of data nurtured by the web 2.0.


Electronics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1043
Author(s):  
Abdallah A. Smadi ◽  
Babatunde Tobi Ajao ◽  
Brian K. Johnson ◽  
Hangtian Lei ◽  
Yacine Chakhchoukh ◽  
...  

The integration of improved control techniques with advanced information technologies enables the rapid development of smart grids. The necessity of having an efficient, reliable, and flexible communication infrastructure is achieved by enabling real-time data exchange between numerous intelligent and traditional electrical grid elements. The performance and efficiency of the power grid are enhanced with the incorporation of communication networks, intelligent automation, advanced sensors, and information technologies. Although smart grid technologies bring about valuable economic, social, and environmental benefits, testing the combination of heterogeneous and co-existing Cyber-Physical-Smart Grids (CP-SGs) with conventional technologies presents many challenges. The examination for both hardware and software components of the Smart Grid (SG) system is essential prior to the deployment in real-time systems. This can take place by developing a prototype to mimic the real operational circumstances with adequate configurations and precision. Therefore, it is essential to summarize state-of-the-art technologies of industrial control system testbeds and evaluate new technologies and vulnerabilities with the motivation of stimulating discoveries and designs. In this paper, a comprehensive review of the advancement of CP-SGs with their corresponding testbeds including diverse testing paradigms has been performed. In particular, we broadly discuss CP-SG testbed architectures along with the associated functions and main vulnerabilities. The testbed requirements, constraints, and applications are also discussed. Finally, the trends and future research directions are highlighted and specified.


2021 ◽  
Vol 156 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S134-S135
Author(s):  
T Berent ◽  
T Rothstein ◽  
S Buckwalter ◽  
R Patel

Abstract Introduction/Objective Molecular assays for Bartonella species are important in diagnosing infection and expediting patient treatment. Real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using fluorescent resonance energy transfer (FRET) hybridization probes can be used to detect Bartonella species in blood and fresh/fixed tissue biopsies in RT-PCR instruments. Over time, new technologies and reagents are introduced and existing PCR primers and FRET probes must be re-validated on new platforms. This study aimed to compare the performance of a Bartonella RT-PCR assay using the sunsetting Roche LightCycler® 2.0 (Roche Diagnostics, Indianapolis, IN) and newer LightCycler® 480 RT- PCR instruments. Methods/Case Report DNA was extracted from 132 historically positive, whole organism spiked, and historically negative whole blood and formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) samples. Samples were run on the LightCycler® 2.0 using instrument specific LightCycler® FastStart DNA Master HybProbe enzyme and compared to results generated using the LightCycler® 480 and its instrument specific LightCycler® 480 Genotyping Master enzyme. During optimization, MgCl2 concentrations and thermocycling profiles were adjusted. Accuracy, specificity, inclusivity, and limit of detection studies were performed. Crossing point (Cp), melting temperature (Tm), fluorescent peak and fluorescent background values were compared between the two instruments. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) The agreement in accuracy between the LightCycler® 2.0 and the LightCycler® 480 was 100% for whole blood samples. For historically positive FFPE samples, LightCycler® 2.0 sensitivity and LightCycler® 480 sensitivity were 86% and 100%, respectively. Specificity and inclusivity of the assay were identical between the two instruments. The limit of detection in whole blood was 5-fold lower on the LightCycler® 480 (50 copies/µL) compared to the LightCycler® 2.0 (250 copies/µL). Mean Cp and fluorescent peak intensity values increased by 5.1% and 65-fold, respectively. Conclusion The study demonstrates similar performance and improved limit of detection for the Bartonella FRET hybridization probe RT-PCR assay on the LightCycler® 480 compared to the LightCycler® 2.0.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jinming You ◽  
Shouen Fang ◽  
Lanfang Zhang ◽  
John Taplin ◽  
Jingqiu Guo

New technologies and traffic data sources provide great potential to extend advanced strategies in freeway safety research. The High Definition Monitoring System (HDMS) data contribute comprehensive and precise individual vehicle information. This paper proposes an innovative Variable Speed Limit (VSL) based approach to manage crash risks by intervening in traffic flow dynamics on freeways using HDMS data. We first conducted an empirical analysis on real-time crash risk estimation using a binary logistic regression model. Then, intensive microscopic simulations based on AIMSUN were carried out to explore the effects of various intervention strategies with respect to a 3-lane freeway stretch in China. Different speed limits with distinct compliance rates under specified traffic conditions have been simulated. By taking into account the trade-off between safety benefits and delay in travel time, the speed limit strategies were optimized under various traffic conditions and the model with gradient feedback produces more satisfactory performance in controlling real-time crash risks. Last, the results were integrated into lane management strategies. This research can provide new ideas and methods to reveal the freeway crash risk evolution and active traffic management.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caibing Liu ◽  
Fang Li ◽  
Guohao Chen ◽  
Xin Huang

With the integration of new technologies such as smart technologies and cloud computing in the industrial Internet of Things, the complexity of industrial IoT applications is increasing. Real-time performance and determinism are becoming serious challenges for system implementation in these Internet of Things systems, especially in critical security areas. This paper provides a framework for a software-defined bus-based intelligent robot system and designs scheduling algorithms to make TTEthernet play the role of scheduling in the framework. Through the framework, the non-real-time and uncertainties problem of distributed robotic systems can be solved. Moreover, a fragment strategy was proposed to solve the problem of large delay caused by Rate-Constrained traffic. Experimental results indicate that the improved scheme based on fragmentation strategy proposed in this paper can improve the real-time performance of RC traffic to a certain extent. Besides, this paper made a performance test and comparison experiments of the improved scheme in the simulation software to verify the feasibility of the improved scheme. The result showed that the delay of Rate-Constrained traffic was reduced and the utilization rate of network was improved.


1999 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 301-309 ◽  
Author(s):  
PIERS ROBINSON

During the 1980s the proliferation of new technologies transformed the potential of the news media to provide a constant flow of global real-time news. Tiananmen Square and the collapse of communism symbolised by the fall of the Berlin Wall became major media events communicated to Western audiences instantaneously via TV news media. By the end of the decade the question was being asked as to what extent this ‘media pervasiveness’ had impacted upon government – particularly the process of foreign policy making. The new technologies appeared to reduce the scope for calm deliberation over policy, forcing policy-makers to respond to whatever issue journalists focused on. This perception was in turn reinforced by the end of the bipolar order and what many viewed as the collapse of the old anti-communist consensus which – it was argued – had led to the creation of an ideological bond uniting policy makers and journalists. Released from the ‘prism of the Cold War’ journalists were, it was presumed, freer not just to cover the stories they wanted but to criticise US foreign policy as well. The phrase ‘CNN effect’ encapsulated the idea that real-time communications technology could provoke major responses from domestic audiences and political elites to global events.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Tareq Abdulqader

The study's aim was to develop a non-contact, ultrasound (US) based respiration rate and respiratory signal monitor suitable for babies in incubators. Respiration rate indicates average number of breaths per minute and is higher in young children than adults. It is an important indicator of health deterioration in critically ill patients. The current incubators do not have an integrated respiration monitor due to complexities in its adaptation. Monitoring respiratory signal assists in diagnosing respiration rated problems such as central Apnoea that can affect infants. US sensors are suitable for integration into incubators as US is a harmless and cost-effective technology. US beam is focused on the chest or abdomen. Chest or abdomen movements, caused by respiration process, result in variations in their distance to the US transceiver located at a distance of about 0.5 m. These variations are recorded by measuring the time of flight from transmitting the signal and its reflection from the monitored surface. Measurement of this delay over a time interval enables a respiration signal to be produced from which respiration rate and pauses in breathing are determined. To assess the accuracy of the developed device, a platform with a moving surface was devised. The magnitude and frequency of its surface movement were accurately controlled by its signal generator. The US sensor was mounted above this surface at a distance of 0.5 m. This US signal was wirelessly transmitted to a microprocessor board to digitise. The recorded signal that simulated a respiratory signal was subsequently stored and displayed on a computer or an LCD screen. The results showed that US could be used to measure respiration rate accurately. To cater for possible movement of the infant in the incubator, four US sensors were adapted. These monitored the movements from different angles. An algorithm to interpret the output from the four US sensors was devised and evaluated. The algorithm interpreted which US sensor best detected the chest movements. An IoMT system was devised that incorporated NodeMcu to capture signals from the US sensor. The detected data were transmitted to the ThingSpeak channel and processed in real-time by ThingSpeak’s add-on Matlab© feature. The data were processed on the cloud and then the results were displayed in real-time on a computer screen. The respiration rate and respiration signal could be observed remotely on portable devices e.g. mobile phones and tablets. These features allow caretakers to have access to the data at any time and be alerted to respiratory complications. A method to interpret the recorded US signals to determine respiration patterns, e.g. intermittent pauses, were implemented by utilising Matlab© and ThingSpeak Server. The method successfully detected respiratory pauses by identifying lack of chest movements. The approach can be useful in diagnosing central apnoea. In central apnoea, respiratory pauses are accompanied by cessation of chest or abdominal movements. The devised system will require clinical trials and integration into an incubator by conforming to the medical devices directives. The study demonstrated the integration of IoMT-US for measuring respiration rate and respiratory signal. The US produced respiration rate readings compared well with the actual signal generator's settings of the platform that simulated chest movements.


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