Devices for position detection

The work deals with design and implementation of a wireless device for position sensing. Part of this work is concerned with the analysis of the measurements. This study also provides an overview of the principles of measuring accelerometers and wireless transmission of data from the sensors to the PC. Selection of appropriate components, circuit design and programming applications in the Maltab is considered as well. The paper is finalized with the testing of the equipment on a game cube and evaluation of the obtained results

Mouse Tracking Algorithm Based on the Multiple Model Kalman Filter Design and Implementation of Ophthalmological Corrector

The article deals with a software implementation of the ophthalmologic corrector. The corrector is perceived as a medical device for a correction of the amblyopia. During the exercise, children are requested to draw a template, which is placed on a metal board. This therapeutic procedure has been used in clinical practice for many years. There is a big disadvantage of using the mentioned device. There is no any manageable way for storing and archiving patient’s data. Furthermore, exercise must be performed on the clinical workplace. Due to these facts, we are interested in software design and implement the ophthalmologic corrector. The proposed corrector is based on a mouse-tracking algorithm, which is able to perform the tracking of the mouse movement in the form of continuous line. Formed line overlaps the selected template. This procedure allows the identification of the real time accuracy and distance of the generated line from a given template. Furthermore, the algorithm allows for storing the achieved results for further data processing. It is a required tool for assessment and plan of therapeutic treatment in the field of ophthalmology

Morphological Segmentation of Retinal Blood Vessels and Consequent Tortuosity Extraction

Investigation of a retinal blood vessel system is frequently discussed issue in the field of the clinical ophthalmology due to it serves as reliable indicator of retinal damage. The analysis deals with two coherent tasks regarding retinal blood vessels system. Firstly, the algorithm based on the morphological operations is proposed to be able to perform precise extraction and localization of individual blood vessels for further processing. On the base of this segmentation procedure, e obtain a segmentation model differentiating the retinal blood vessels from retinal background. The second step deals with the major output of the analysis it is tortuosity extraction as it is parameter describing curvature of blood vessels. The tortuosity allows for a description of each vessel element by level of a curvature. It is significantly beneficial for clinical practice, because on the base of blood vessel curvature, physiological or damaged retinal system can be recognized

Flexible teg on the ankle for measuring the power generated while performing activities of daily living

In this work, a commercial flexible thermoelectric generator (f-TEG) was used to harvest the body thermal energy during the execution of activities of daily living (ADL). The f-TEG was placed at the level of the ankle, and the performed activities were sitting at the desk and walking. In the first stage of measurements, tests were performed to choose the value of the resistor load that maximizes the power output. Then, while performing ADL, the values of generated power were in the range from 100 to 450 µW. Moreover, while users are walking, the pattern of the output signal of f-TEG is compatible to a sine function with frequency close to that one of human gait. This preliminary result may represent a new way to study the movement of human body to recognize ADL

Usage of geodetic materials in multistage landscape revitalization project process of Strzelce Wielkie village

Country revitalization is a long-term multistage process which needs consideration of historic and contemporary determinants. In the process of landscape revitalization in Strzelce Wielkie village (Szczurowa commune) performed within the frames of a programme based on international cooperation, Polish and German experiences in such investments realization as well as owned output in the range of theoretical elaborations were used.1 Revitalization of Młynówka stream flowing previously through the whole place was accepted as the most important project challenge and at the same time future investment purpose emphasizing among others diversity of surrounding landscape in its upper, middle and lower flow. The first research already revealed great variety of forms in the elaborated area and existence of numerous historical elements both vegetal and architectural ones. Usage of geodetic materials contributed to localize and include in documentation particular landscape forms, enabled to perform multi-range in situ researches of country landscape and even recreating of 19th century spatial solutions2 . Such  elaboration made with use of maps and geodetic plans allowed to preserve elements that are important from the cultural heritage point of view and also to use them in prepared project conception of the place’s spatial development

Catalogue of type and referred specimens of fossil corals in Field Museum of Natural History /

v.32 (1973

Carbon monoxide released by CORM-401 uncouples mitochondrial respiration and inhibits glycolysis in endothelial cells : a role for mitoBK_{Ca} channels

Abstract Carbon monoxide (CO), a product of heme degradation by heme oxygenases, plays an important role in vascular homeostasis. Recent evidence indicates that mitochondria are among a number of molecular targets that mediate the cellular actions of CO. In the present study we characterized the effects of CO released from CORM-401 on mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis in intact human endothelial cells using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) oximetry and the Seahorse XF technology. We found that CORM-401 (10-100 μM) induced a persistent increase in the oxygen consumption rate (OCR) that was accompanied by inhibition of glycolysis (extracellular acidification rate, ECAR) and a decrease in ATP-turnover. Furthermore, CORM-401 increased proton leak, diminished mitochondrial reserve capacity and enhanced non-mitochondrial respiration. Inactive CORM-401 (iCORM-401) neither induced mitochondrial uncoupling nor inhibited glycolysis, supporting a direct role of CO in the endothelial metabolic response induced by CORM-401. Interestingly, blockade of mitochondrial large-conductance calcium-regulated potassium ion channels (mitoBKCa) with paxilline abolished the increase in OCR promoted by CORM-401 without affecting ECAR; patch-clamp experiments confirmed that CO derived from CORM-401 activated mitoBKCa channels present in mitochondria. Conversely, stabilization of glycolysis by MG132 prevented CORM-401-mediated decrease in ECAR but did not modify the OCR response. In summary, we demonstrated in intact endothelial cells that CO induces a two-component metabolic response: uncoupling of mitochondrial respiration dependent on the activation of mitoBKCa channels and inhibition of glycolysis independent of mitoBKCa channels

A new approach for testing fetal heart rate monitors

In this paper, a new approach for the periodical testing and the functionality evaluation of a fetal heart rate monitor device based on ultrasound principle is proposed. The design and realization of the device are presented, together with the description of its features and functioning tests. In the designed device, a relay element, driven by an electric signal that allows switching at two specific frequencies, is used to simulate the fetus and the mother’s heartbeat. The simulator was designed to be compliant with the standard requirements for accurate assessment and measurement of medical devices. The accuracy of the simulated signals was evaluated, and it resulted to be stable and reliable. The generated frequencies show an error of about 0.5% with respect to the nominal one while the accuracy of the test equipment was within ±3% of the test signal set frequency. This value complies with the technical standard for the accuracy of fetal heart rate monitor devices. Moreover, the performed tests and measurements show the correct functionality of the developed simulator. The proposed equipment and testing respect the technical requirements for medical devices. The features of the proposed device make it simple and quick in testing a fetal heart rate monitor, thus providing an effcient way to evaluate and test the correlation capabilities of commercial apparatuses