Generic Thermodynamic Template for Expander Performance

As emissions regulations become more stringent, automakers must improve fuel consumption in their vehicles to meet performance targets. An Organic Rankine Cycle is a technology with substantial fuel savings potential. As the power producing device in the system, the expander is a critical component with a large impact on overall cycle efficiency. The choice of expander type can significantlly affect system design choices. In order to decrease development time, a modeling tool which can evaluate the performance of various expander types is necessary to simulate expander performance without the need for costly prototyping and testing. This thesis will examine the development of a generic Matlab expander model which can replicate expander performance through a thermodynamic analysis. A modular approach to modeling allows for differentiation between expander types and sizes through modification of user defined modules. Thermal behaviour of the device is examined with an emphasis on heat transfer and its effect on expander performance. Results of the model and applications including the system response to thermal conditions are examined in detail

Seamless connectivity architecture and methods for IoT and wearable devices

Wearable and Internet of Things (IoT) devices have the potential to improve lifestyle, personalize receiving treatments or introduce assisted living for elderly people. However, service delivery depends on maintaining and troubleshooting device connectivity to smartphones, where user engagement and technology proficiency represent a possible barrier that prevents a wider adoption, especially in the elderly and disabled population. Low-cost and low-power wearable and IoT devices face challenges when operating out of range of known home networks or pared devices. We propose an architecture and methods to provide seamless connectivity (Se-Co) between devices and wireless networks while maintaining low-power, low-cost and standards compatibility. Through Se-Co, the devices connect without user interaction both in home and in unknown roaming networks while maintaining anonymity, privacy and security. Roaming networks approve data limited connectivity to unknown devices that are able to provide a valid anonymized certificate of compliance and no harm through a home provider. Se-Co enables shifting data processing, such as pattern processing using artificial intelligence, from a wearable device or smartphone towards the cloud. The proposed Se-Co architecture could provide solutions to increase usability of wearable devices and improve their wider adoption, while keeping low the costs of devices, development and services

Hepatoregenerative role of bone morphogenetic protein-9

Bone morphogenetic protein-9 (BMP-9) is a member of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) superfamily of cytokines, which regulate cell growth and differentiation during embryogenesis. Apart of that, the hypoglycemic potential of BMP-9 is of great interest. It has been confirmed that BMP-9, like insulin, improves glycemia in diabetic mice and regulates directional glucose metabolism in hepatocytes; therefore it is proposed to be a candidate hepatic insulin-sensitizing substance (HISS). In liver fibrosis, due to the portocaval shunt, insulin bypasses the organ and the liver undergoes atrophy. Parenteral administration of insulin reverses atrophy by stimulating mitogenic activity of the hepatocytes. Because BMP-9 has a signaling pathway similar to other BMPs and insulin, it is to be expected that BMP-9 has a certain regenerative role in the liver, supporting the above-mentioned is evidence of BMP-9 expression in Dissè’s spaces and BMP-7’s mitogenic activity in mucosal cells. However, further studies are needed to confirm the possible regenerative role of BMP-9