A Web-Based Distributed Virtual Educational Laboratory

Evolution and cost of measurement equipment, continuous training, and distance learning make it difficult to provide a complete set of updated workbenches to every student. For a preliminary familiarization and experimentation with instrumentation and measurement procedures, the use of virtual equipment is often considered more than sufficient from the didactic point of view, while the hands-on approach with real instrumentation and measurement systems still remains necessary to complete and refine the student's practical expertise. Creation and distribution of workbenches in networked computer laboratories therefore becomes attractive and convenient. This paper describes specification and design of a geographically distributed system based on commercially standard components

A user-friendly system to measure electromyographic activity of dancers

A data acquisition system aided by virtual instrumentation was developed to measure electromyographic activity of the dancers. The system is composed of three main components: (1) Analog front-end with signal conditioning, (2) USB serial interface based A/D conversion, and (3) virtual instrumentation designed in LabView tools. The proposed system is able to accurately collect the magnitude of jump force and displayed the data using virtual instruments with alarm functions. The signal path is well-conditioned and processed, which makes the device suitable for feasibility studies for future research

2011 Strategic roadmap for Australian research infrastructure

The 2011 Roadmap articulates the priority research infrastructure areas of a national scale (capability areas) to further develop Australia’s research capacity and improve innovation and research outcomes over the next five to ten years. The capability areas have been identified through considered analysis of input provided by stakeholders, in conjunction with specialist advice from Expert Working Groups   It is intended the Strategic Framework will provide a high-level policy framework, which will include principles to guide the development of policy advice and the design of programs related to the funding of research infrastructure by the Australian Government. Roadmapping has been identified in the Strategic Framework Discussion Paper as the most appropriate prioritisation mechanism for national, collaborative research infrastructure. The strategic identification of Capability areas through a consultative roadmapping process was also validated in the report of the 2010 NCRIS Evaluation. The 2011 Roadmap is primarily concerned with medium to large-scale research infrastructure. However, any landmark infrastructure (typically involving an investment in excess of $100 million over five years from the Australian Government) requirements identified in this process will be noted. NRIC has also developed a ‘Process to identify and prioritise Australian Government landmark research infrastructure investments’ which is currently under consideration by the government as part of broader deliberations relating to research infrastructure. NRIC will have strategic oversight of the development of the 2011 Roadmap as part of its overall policy view of research infrastructure

Human motion modeling and simulation by anatomical approach

To instantly generate desired infinite realistic human motion is still a great challenge in virtual human simulation. In this paper, the novel emotion effected motion classification and anatomical motion classification are presented, as well as motion capture and parameterization methods. The framework for a novel anatomical approach to model human motion in a HTR (Hierarchical Translations and Rotations) file format is also described. This novel anatomical approach in human motion modelling has the potential to generate desired infinite human motion from a compact motion database. An architecture for the real-time generation of new motions is also propose

The benefits from publicly funded research

Research, Technological change, Government Policy

A 3D Framework for Characterizing Microstructure Evolution of Li-Ion Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are commonly found in many modern consumer devices, ranging from portable computers and mobile phones to hybrid- and fully-electric vehicles. While improving efficiencies and increasing reliabilities are of critical importance for increasing market adoption of the technology, research on these topics is, to date, largely restricted to empirical observations and computational simulations. In the present study, it is proposed to use the modern technique of X-ray microscopy to characterize a sample of commercial 18650 cylindrical Li-ion batteries in both their pristine and aged states. By coupling this approach with 3D and 4D data analysis techniques, the present study aimed to create a research framework for characterizing the microstructure evolution leading to capacity fade in a commercial battery. The results indicated the unique capabilities of the microscopy technique to observe the evolution of these batteries under aging conditions, successfully developing a workflow for future research studies

A validated computational framework to evaluate the stiffness of 3D printed ankle foot orthoses

The purpose of this study was to create and validate a standardized framework for the evaluation of the ankle stiffness of two designs of 3D printed ankle foot orthoses (AFOs). The creation of four finite element (FE) models allowed patient-specific quantification of the stiffness and stress distribution over their specific range of motion during the second rocker of the gait. Validation was performed by comparing the model outputs with the results obtained from a dedicated experimental setup, which showed an overall good agreement with a maximum relative error of 10.38% in plantarflexion and 10.66% in dorsiflexion. The combination of advanced computer modelling algorithms and 3D printing techniques clearly shows potential to further improve the manufacturing process of AFOs

XML Markup for maintenance management of critical care medical devices

Preventive maintenance of biomedical devices is of particular concern to avoid failures and breakdowns, especially for critical care and life supporting devices. Signs of potential failures are not always visible and so, they should be inspected and tested periodically using the appropriate technology. Patient simulators have become one of the essential tools for any biomedical department on every health institution, but its cost is still high to be afforded by everyone. The Labview interactive virtual instrument SIMPAC, a simple PC-based patient simulator, showed to be a low cost powerful tool for simulation of healthy and pathological conditions using signals repositories of different biomedical devices such as EEG, ECG, etc., and also to record the output signals of devices like pacemakers, defibrillators, etc. Here we present an enhancement of the tool which consists of adding a secure reporting feature using XML for presenting tests results, applying digital signature for granting report integrity, assuring this way that reports can not be altered by intentional or accidental manipulation of the data contained on it, according to the terms of the medical technology law. In addition, SIMPAC brings a low cost solution for teaching and practical purposes.Sociedad Argentina de Informática e Investigación Operativa (SADIO