Construcción y modelado de un prototipo fan & plate para prácticas de control automático

En este trabajo se presenta una plataforma de prácticas de control automático robusto y de bajo coste. El trabajo describe los componentes y la arquitectura propuestos, además de presentar los modelos utilizados para describir su comportamiento. Finalmente se muestran algunos resultados experimentales.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft

AUDocker LE: A GUI for virtual screening with AUTODOCK Vina

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>AUTODOCK Vina is an open-source program which is steadfast and authentic to perform docking simulations. Though, Auto Dock Tools can help perform docking simulations with Vina, it largely remains as a platform for docking single molecule at a time.</p> <p>Findings</p> <p>"AUDocker LE" is designed with an aim to develop a software tool as a front end graphical interface with C# language to perform docking experiments in Windows based computers. It helps users to perform automated continuous docking of large ligand databases into a set of predefined protein targets. It will also help the user to analyze the results to select promising lead molecules.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>AUDocker LE provides a straight forward graphical interface which can be used in a standard personal computer with Microsoft Windows XP or Windows 7 as the operating system where Autodock Vina, Python 2.5 and .net frame work are preinstalled.</p

A Low-Cost, Wireless, Multi-Channel Deep Brain Stimulation System for Rodents

We present a small (43mm x 24mm x 15mm), off-the-shelf wireless neurostimulator for rodent deep brain stimulation research. Our device enables researchers to wirelessly configure stimulator settings, such as amplitude, pulse width, channel selection, and frequency, via a phone app. The system uses impedance-independent current-mode stimulation and steers current to a selected channel. In addition to monophasic and biphasic stimulation, the system also supports arbitrary waveform stimulation using pre-stored lookup tables. The system uses a configurable grounding phase to clear residual charge and a stimulation compliance monitor to ensure safe operation. The compliance monitor wirelessly reports the current during stimulation, the amount of passive recharge current, and the DC voltage of the electrode interface. The 400mAh battery is easy to replace and can go over 40 hours between charges. The system can be built for less than $50 using easy-to-source components to support inexpensive, highly-parallel research applications

A Lean Information Management Model for Efficient Operations of an Educational Entity at the University of Tennessee

A software based Management Information System (MIS) is designed and implemented in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at University of Tennessee to handle different types of data requests that are currently processed through multiple steps. This thesis addresses the current resource intensive data management model in educational institutions and proposes a decentralized and customized solution. The proposed software based data management system provides information to authorized sources in the requested format with minimal or no time consumption. The quantification of the new systems’ impact is done by comparing it with current data management process using Graph Theoretic Approach (GTA). A Variable Permanent Function (VPF) is utilized to determine the impact of various factors on the information flow in generating requests with current and proposed data processing techniques. The analysis indicates improvement with new departmental information system in terms of reducing process variations. There is also an increase in productivity of delivering reports on time to the requesting sources. The proposed system enables standardization of the information request handling process by increasing the ease of access to data, decreasing the number of resources, time and finally, allowing departments to customize data management

Investigation of Opuntia ficus-indica Mucilage Nanofiber Membrane Filtration for Water Systems

This work investigates the fabrication, characterization and testing of Opuntia ficus-indica mucilage nanofibers to be utilized in water filtration systems. These mucilage nanofibers are formed using different polymers through a process called electrospinning. The polymers used to promote the formation of nanofibers are poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) and polystyrene (PS). The mucilage is a jelly like substance extracted from the pads of the cactus plant. It is a mixture of proteins, complex polysaccharides and monosaccharaides. It is an inexpensive, non-toxic, biodegradable and biocompatible material which is present in abundance. The mucilage extracted from the pads is mixed with acetic acid to form the mucilage solution. The mucilage solution is then mixed by volume with co-spinning polymers, PVA and PS. PVA is a synthetic polymer that is water-soluble, and this work considers two types of PVA differentiated based upon molecular weight, such as low molecular weight PVA and high molecular weight PVA. Polystyrene is a synthetic polymer extracted from a monomer styrene, and it is inexpensive, biodegradable, and abundant. The polystyrene, in its solid form, is further decomposed using a solvent called D-Limonene. D-Limonene is a biodegradable, non-toxic solvent formed from the citrus extract of orange peelings. The PVA and PS solutions are mixed in several different volume ratios with the mucilage solutions. These solutions were electrospun and consistent nanofibers were obtained using the low molecular weight PVA solutions and the polystyrene solutions. The fibers and polymeric solutions were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), contact angle measurements, viscosity, and FTIR. Resulting mucilage nanofiber membranes were characterized by atomic fluorescence spectrometry (AFS) filtration testing. In addition, a life cycle analysis using the SimaPro software was performed to understand the environmental impact of solutions used to fabricate the mucilage nanofiber membranes. Characterization results confirm the formation of PVA:mucilage and PS:mucilage nanofibers. Filtration testing of the nanofiber membranes indicates better performance with membranes formed by PS: mucilage solutions as compared to PVA: Mucilage solutions. Overall, this work has shown that natural materials, such as cactus mucilage, can be synthesized with polymeric solutions to form environmentally friendly water filters

Hugh-Stovin syndrome: the ‘incomplete Behcet’s disease’. A case study of a young adult with recurrent pulmonary embolism and pulmonary arterial aneurysms

Hugh-Stovin Syndrome (HSS) is characterized by recurrent thrombophlebitis and multiple pulmonary and/or bronchial artery aneurysms indistinguishable from the cardiovascular features seen in Behcet’s disease (BD). Our case describes a 30-year-old male with recurrent pulmonary embolism and bilateral pulmonary aneurysms. Autoimmune, hypercoagulable, and infectious work up were negative. Elevated inflammatory markers and absence of the typical clinical findings seen in BD led to the diagnosis of Hugh-Stovin syndrome (HSS). Immunosuppression using steroids and azathioprine led to clinical response. Anticoagulation was continued based on risk/benefit ratio