The Design and Development of a Multi-Disciplinary Project in Embedded Systems Design

As has been noted over the past ten years, “The wall between computer science and electrical engineering has kept the potential of embedded systems at bay. It is time to build a new scientific foundation with embedded systems design as the cornerstone, which will ensure a systematic and even-handed integration of the two fields.”[1] In Baylor University’s School of Engineering & Computer Science, the Embedded Systems course in the Department of Computer Science, and the Embedded Systems Design course in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have been offered independent of each other in the recent past. In the past year, however, this is beginning to change, with plans developing to combine the project portion of the two courses into one multi-disciplinary group project. This paper will document the two courses – scope and sequence, as well as emphasis, equipment used, and delivery style – highlighting the need for a new and innovative approach at the systematic integration of software and hardware in the design and development of a mutli-disciplinary group project. The beta test of this group project is occurring in the fall 2017 semester, with full first-time full-scale deployment during the spring 2018 semester. The results of this beta test will be discussed, and the lessons learned and planned modifications to the course will be considered.Cockrell School of Engineerin

Green-Technology Automobiles: Can modern innovations save the environment and consumers\u27 pockets

Cars of the past are notorious for poor fuel efficiency and high carbon emissions. With the presence of hybrid technology, along with a variety of other green innovations, many of these negative side effects can be mitigated. The purpose of this study is to answer the question: how do green technology vehicles compare with similar models that exclude such innovations in relation to efficiency and price? A total of 47 green-tech vehicles were identified and compared against their base model counterparts. Vehicle weight, horsepower, fuel efficiency and other variables were matched within pairs (green-tech vs. base) and between car types (sedans, SUVs and trucks). Regardless of vehicle type and green-tech, weight proved to be an influential factor, showing that as curb weight increased, fuel efficiency decreased. Compared to the base models, green-tech luxury vehicles also exhibited few improvements in fuel efficiency with disproportionately high growth in price. Non-luxury green-tech sedans ranging from 2500lbs to 4000lbs showed the largest improvements in efficiency while also maintaining an average MSRP of $28996±1089, producing a green-tech vehicle that is economically affordable. The impressive results from this category of vehicles suggest that consumer investment in non-luxury green sedans may not only help to save money in fuel consumption, but also save the environment

Improving the accuracy of simple runoff estimates : the role of parameter resolution and data collection

This research project collected, compared, and analyzed rainfall and runoff data from two similar small watersheds within Knoxville\u27s Second Creek drainage area. The primary reason for the study was to determine the most efficient way to increase the accuracy of two well known and simple runoff estimation models: the Rational and SCS Curve Number Methods. This was accomplished by investigating the impact that incorporating different amounts and types of information had on the accuracy of the models. An important component of this investigation was to examine the relative cost-benefit ratios of the different techniques that were attempted. To optimize the models, the investigation took a three-pronged approach. First, the a priori model parameters and the parameter selection methods were optimized by using increasingly higher-resolution data to characterize the watersheds. The second step of the research was to see by what degree collecting rain and/or runoff data improved model estimations on that watershed. The process began by using the least possible data and incrementally increasing it. The final approach was to investigate whether the measured rainfall-runoff records from one watershed enhanced the estimates on another similar, nearby watershed. Once those steps had been accomplished, a benefit-cost analysis was performed to determine which techniques and data most efficiently improved the models. For the peak flow estimates, the results showed that fine-tuning the parameters with high-resolution data did not result in better estimates. In fact, for these watersheds the highest resolution parameters produced some of the poorest estimates. Using observed runoff data, however, substantially decreased the estimate errors. Errors were reduced up to 90% using data collected within the watershed. Using data collected from a similar watershed to cross-calibrate the model reduced errors by up to 70%. In addition, the results indicated that more data further improved the estimates. However, the larger amounts of data tended to have a lower benefit to cost ratio. The results from the volume estimates were not as clear-cut. While all the techniques appeared to work, the evaluation was hampered by the limited observations of storm events. Thus, the first two techniques, the a priori and the calibrated estimates were unreliable. Even so, the third technique, which used data from the similar watershed to calibrate the model, reduced errors by approximately 60 %. This research provides engineers, hydrologists, and others needing quick and simple runoff estimates with techniques that increase the models\u27 accuracy. This should aid in the sizing of stormwater conveyances, determining mass contaminant loads, making land management decisions, and other actions requiring accurate runoff volumes and peak flows. Because these techniques allow more accurate estimations while maintaining the simplicity and cost effectiveness of the models, it is expected to primarily benefit those in smaller communities, suburban, and rural areas. However, anyone who uses the Rational and SCS Curve Number Methods should find the techniques applicable. Keywords: Surface Runoff Estimations, Rational Method, SCS Curve Number Method, Representative Watershed, Paired Watershed, Data Collection and Accuracy, Calibration Techniques, A Priori Parameter Resolution, Rainfall and Runoff Data, Calibration Data from a Similar Watershed , Peak Flow, Volumes, Cross-watershed Calibrations, Time of Concentration, Benefit-Cost Ratio

Analysis of programs and procedures designed to mitigate F/A-18 mishaps caused by Out of Control Flight

In 1983 the F/A-18 \u27Hornet\u27 was introduced into the United States Navy fleet. Since that time, Out-of-Control Flight (OOCF) has been the number three cause of F/A- 18 losses, third only to Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT) and midair collisions. To mitigate crashes due to sustained OOCF modes, a pilot training program was developed and new recovery procedures were implemented. Begun in 2000, the Full Aft Stick Recovery Controls flight test program began-evaluating alternate recovery procedures for the most common OOCF mode, falling leaf. This program resulted in improved OOCF recovery procedures for the fleet and suggested a technique that has the potential of substantially reducing altitude loss. One year later, the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Departure Training Program was formally introduced to provide academic lectures, a simulation session, and in-flight OOCF training to F/A-18 fleet pilots. The effectiveness of these programs is attributed to the quality of instructional materials, the hands-on instructional techniques, and the exploration of radically altered emergency procedures. These programs and procedures are likely to substantially reduce the number of aircraft lost to OOCF

Changes in the gene expression programs of renal mesangial cells during diabetic nephropathy

BACKGROUND: Diabetic nephropathy is the leading cause of end stage renal disease. All three cell types of the glomerulus, podocytes, endothelial cells and mesangial cells, play important roles in diabetic nephropathy. In this report we used Meis1-GFP transgenic mice to purify mesangial cells from normal mice and from db/db mice, which suffer diabetic nephropathy. The purpose of the study is to better define the unique character of normal mesangial cells, and to characterize their pathogenic and protective responses during diabetic nephropathy. METHODS: Comprehensive gene expression states of the normal and diseased mesangial cells were defined with microarrays. By comparing the gene expression profiles of mesangial cells with those of multiple other renal cell types, including podocytes, endothelial cells and renal vesicles, it was possible to better define their exceptional nature, which includes smooth muscle, phagocytic and neuronal traits. RESULTS: The complete set of mesangial cell expressed transcription factors, growth factors and receptors were identified. In addition, the analysis of the mesangial cells from diabetic nephropathy mice characterized their changes in gene expression. Molecular functions and biological processes specific to diseased mesangial cells were characterized, identifying genes involved in extracellular matrix, cell division, vasculogenesis, and growth factor modulation. Selected gene changes considered of particular importance to the disease process were validated and localized within the glomuerulus by immunostaining. For example, thrombospondin, a key mediator of TGFβ signaling, was upregulated in the diabetic nephropathy mesangial cells, likely contributing to fibrosis. On the other hand the decorin gene was also upregulated, and expression of this gene has been strongly implicated in the reduction of TGFβ induced fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS: The results provide an important complement to previous studies examining mesangial cells grown in culture. The remarkable qualities of the mesangial cell are more fully defined in both the normal and diabetic nephropathy diseased state. New gene expression changes and biological pathways are discovered, yielding a deeper understanding of the diabetic nephropathy pathogenic process, and identifying candidate targets for the development of novel therapies

Available seat counting in public rail transport

Surveillance cameras are found almost everywhere today, including vehicles for public transport. A lot of research has already been done on video analysis in open spaces. However, the conditions in a vehicle for public transport differ from these in open spaces, as described in detail in this paper. A use case described in this paper is on counting the available seats in a vehicle using surveillance cameras. We propose an algorithm based on Laplace edge detection, combined with background subtraction