141,556 research outputs found
Computers from plants we never made. Speculations
We discuss possible designs and prototypes of computing systems that could be
based on morphological development of roots, interaction of roots, and analog
electrical computation with plants, and plant-derived electronic components. In
morphological plant processors data are represented by initial configuration of
roots and configurations of sources of attractants and repellents; results of
computation are represented by topology of the roots' network. Computation is
implemented by the roots following gradients of attractants and repellents, as
well as interacting with each other. Problems solvable by plant roots, in
principle, include shortest-path, minimum spanning tree, Voronoi diagram,
-shapes, convex subdivision of concave polygons. Electrical properties
of plants can be modified by loading the plants with functional nanoparticles
or coating parts of plants of conductive polymers. Thus, we are in position to
make living variable resistors, capacitors, operational amplifiers,
multipliers, potentiometers and fixed-function generators. The electrically
modified plants can implement summation, integration with respect to time,
inversion, multiplication, exponentiation, logarithm, division. Mathematical
and engineering problems to be solved can be represented in plant root networks
of resistive or reaction elements. Developments in plant-based computing
architectures will trigger emergence of a unique community of biologists,
electronic engineering and computer scientists working together to produce
living electronic devices which future green computers will be made of.Comment: The chapter will be published in "Inspired by Nature. Computing
inspired by physics, chemistry and biology. Essays presented to Julian Miller
on the occasion of his 60th birthday", Editors: Susan Stepney and Andrew
Adamatzky (Springer, 2017
Review of sensors for remote patient monitoring
Remote patient monitoring (RPM) of physiological
measurements can provide an efficient method and high
quality care to patients. The physiological signals
measurement is the initial and the most important factor
in RPM. This paper discusses the characteristics of the
most popular sensors, which are used to obtain vital
clinical signals in prevalent RPM systems.
The sensors discussed in this paper are used to measure
ECG, heart sound, pulse rate, oxygen saturation, blood
pressure and respiration rate, which are treated as the
most important vital data in patient monitoring and
medical examination
Processing waste printed circuit boards for material recovery
PURPOSE
We have investigated the use of pyrolysis for the processing of waste printed circuit boards (PCBs). The aim was to make the process of separating the organic, metallic, and glass fibre fractions of PCBs much easier and therefore make recycling of each PCB fraction more viable.
DESIGN / METHODOLOGY / APPROACH
The PCBs were pyrolysed in a fixed bed reactor at 850°C. The organic fraction released by the boards was analysed by a variety of gas chromatography techniques. The residue that remained after pyrolysis was analysed by ICP-MS to determine the type of metals that were present.
FINDINGS
When PCBs were heated to 800°C in an oxygen free atmosphere, the organic fraction decomposed to form volatile oils and gases leaving behind the metal and glass fibre fraction of the boards. The pyrolysed boards were very friable and the different fractions (metal components, copper power boards, glass fibre, etc) could be easily separated. The recovered metals could then be recycled by traditional routes with particular emphasis being placed on the recovery and recycling of rare and precious metals. The organic oils and gases which are produced during pyrolysis of PCBs can either be used as a chemical feedstock or as a fuel.
RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS
The research was only carried out on a very small scale so an investigation into scale-up must be performed.
PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS
By using pyrolysis, the organic and metallic fraction of printed circuit boards can be separated and recycled.
ORIGINALITY/VALUE
This paper presents a novel method for resource recovery from PCBs
IMPROVING SMART GRID SECURITY USING MERKLE TREES
Abstract—Presently nations worldwide are starting to convert their aging electrical power infrastructures into modern, dynamic power grids. Smart Grid offers much in the way of efficiencies and robustness to the electrical power grid, however its heavy reliance on communication networks will leave it more vulnerable to attack than present day grids. This paper looks at the threat to public key cryptography systems from a fully realized quantum computer and how this could impact the Smart Grid. We argue for the use of Merkle Trees in place of public key cryptography for authentication of devices in wireless mesh networks that are used in Smart Grid applications
A community small-scale wind generation project in Peru
Electrification systems based on renewable energy have proven to be suitable for providing
decentralized electricity to isolated communities. Electricity generated through wind power
is one of the technical options available, although infrequently used to date. This article aims
to describe the main aspects of technical design, implementation and management of the
first small-scale community wind generation project for rural electrification in Peru. This
project took place in the community of El Alumbre, in the region of Cajamarca, which is a
mountainous area characterized by low to medium wind speeds. This project, implemented
by
Soluciones Prácticas – Practical Action (Peru), brought electric power to the 33
households (a total of 150 inhabitants) as well as the school and health center of the
community.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version
NASA guidelines on report literature
NASA seeks for inclusion in its Scientific and Technical Information System research reports, conference proceedings, meeting papers, monographs, and doctoral and post graduate theses which relate to the NASA mission and objectives. Topics of interest to NASA are presented
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