Penetration Depth of a Soil Moisture Profile Probe Working in Time-Domain Transmission Mode

Soil moisture is one of the most important soil parameters. Knowledge of volumetric water content (VWC) of the root zone as well as the VWC dynamics in the soil profile is especially important for agriculture. Monitoring VWC at several depths in the soil profile can be performed using several soil moisture sensors placed at various depths. However, the use of a profile probe is more convenient, because the installation of a single probe is less disturbing to the soil, as well as less laborious and more cost-effective. The objective of the paper is to present the design and performance of a novel profile probe working in the time-domain transmission mode (P-TDT probe) with emphasis put on the penetration depth and sensitivity zone. The performance of the probe was assessed with the use of finite element method (FEM) simulations in the frequency domain, transient simulations in the time domain and laboratory experiments with the use of a vector network analyzer (VNA) working in the 10 MHz–10 GHz frequency range. It was concluded that the effective soil volume measured by the profile probe of a given geometry is equivalent to a soil thickness of about 20 mm around the tested probe. The internal part of the probe body had a negligible effect on the measurement results, as it does not change with soil moisture. Moreover, the transmitted signal amplitude was related to the soil electrical conductivity

Comparison of resting masticatory muscle activity among women of different ages

Background: Surface electromyography is one of the test methods allowing to evaluate the bioelectric activity of muscles using the excitability of some tissues. One of the components of the electromyographic study is the recording of resting muscle activity, referred to as passive skeletal muscle tension. The main function of resting tension is to maintain posture with minimal energy costs. The aim of this study was to compare resting masticatory muscle activity between women of different ages. Materials and methods: 75 women were invited to the study, 27 women were admitted after applying the exclusion criteria (average age 22 years ± 2 years). Qualified women were divided into three groups depending on their age: 1st group - 20-year-olds, the 2nd group - twenty-two-year-olds and 3rd group - twenty-four-year-olds. The study involved an 8-channel BioEMG IIITM surface electromyography apparatus with BioPak Measurement System (BioResearch Associates, Inc. Milwaukee, WI, USA). The surface electrodes were distributed bilaterally to the muscle fibre direction of temporal and masseter muscles. The nonparametric U Mann-Whitney test was used for statistical calculations. Statistical significance was determined at 5%. Results: An increase in the resting activity of temporal muscle and a decrease in the resting activity of masseter muscles depending on age were observed. Differences in resting activity were not statistically significant p> 0.05. Conclusions: The results suggest that there are no significant relationships between age and masticatory muscle activity among healthy young women. However, due to the small research group, we recommend further research in this direction

Influence of the quality of sleep on the masticatory muscle activity - a pilot study

Introduction: Modern literature indicates an uptrend in the occurrence of sleep disorders. Currently, about 30-40% of adults are suffering from sleep disorders, which makes them one of the most common health problems of the population. The aim of the study: The determination of the quality of sleep on the muscle tension of the masticatory apparatus. Methods and materials: 27 adults volunteered to take part in the study. After the application of the exclusion criteria, 12 women (with an average age of 23 ± 1 year) have qualified. They were subsequently divided into two equal groups, in accordance with the guidelines of the Pittsburgh questionnaire: six women with a below 6 point result - high quality of sleep and six women with an over 6 point result (or higher) - low quality of sleep. Electromyographic activity of the anterior temporalis (TA) and masseter muscle (MM) was evaluated in resting mandibular position. Based on the electromyographic results, the values of the asymmetry indexes of the muscles of the masticatory apparatus muscles were calculated. The U Mann-Whitney test has been used for the statistical analysis, with the significance level of 0,05. Results: There were no significant differences in resting activity of the anterior temporalis, masseter muscles and the asymmetry index of the anterior temporalis between groups (p>0,05). There was the significant difference in the asymmetry index of masseter muscles between groups (

Model of a sliding gate controlled by a PLC driver

Due to low costs, PLC controllers are used not only in technological processes but also in everyday life. The article presents the possibility of using a PLC controller to control the operation of a sliding gate. For this purpose, a design was created and a sliding gate model made controlled with a Siemens S7-1200 PLC controller. This model is used to develop various gate control algorithms, especially for appropriate gate protection against crushing or uncontrolled closing. In addition, this model is connected via the Internet to a stand equipped with the SCADA application. The iFix 5.8 PL application was used to visualise the operation of the door, which, by means of a communication driver, allows the elevator operation to be controlled remotely. In addition, elements are shown in a graphic way, whereby it is possible to assess the position of the gate

Application of a Monopole Antenna Probe with an Optimized Flange Diameter for TDR Soil Moisture Measurement

Soil volumetric water content (θ) is a parameter describing one of the most important factors conditioning proper plant growth. Monitoring soil moisture is of particular importance in the rational use of water resources for irrigation, especially during periods of water scarcity. This paper presents a method of measuring soil moisture in the vicinity of the plant root system by means of a probe designed to be mounted on a mobile device used for precise plant irrigation. Due to the specific field conditions of the measurement, the design of the probe was proposed as a monopole antenna. Electromagnetic simulations of the probe were carried out with Ansys HFSS software to optimise its dimensions. Then a prototype of the probe was manufactured to conduct laboratory measurements with the use of a vector network analyser (VNA) working in the 20 kHz to 8 GHz frequency range. The VNA analyser was configured to work in the time-domain reflectometry (TDR) mode. From measurements of the time distance between reflections from the probe’s elements it is possible to calculate the bulk dielectric permittivity of the soil surrounding the probe. Next, based on commonly used soil moisture dielectric calibrations one can determine θ of the soil sample. The paper presents simulation results and laboratory tests of an antenna probe. Due to its tough and durable design, this type of probe gives the possibility of easy application in field conditions, which makes it especially suitable for mechanically demanding measurement systems. As the sensitivity zone is comparatively large, this probe is well-suited to measuring soil moisture in the vicinity of the plant root system

A teaching stand for controlling building automation with Raspberry Pi

Building automation is a rapidly growing branch of electronics in recent years. This is due to the ever wider range of devices available on the market, as well as their decreasing prices. In addition to systems dedicated to the control of intelligent buildings such as KNX or LCN, new manufacturers are increasingly emerging to offer interesting solutions at an affordable price. As a rule, these devices are based on existing solutions, and individual manufacturers add new elements in hardware or software form. This paper presents a project of building automation controlled by Raspberry Pi. This microcomputer controls individual installations to provide functionality similar to that offered by dedicated systems

APPLICATION OF CLOUD COMPUTING IN PROGRAMMING INTELLIGENT ELECTRIC NETWORKS IN PROSUMERS’ HOUSEHOLDS

Currently, cloud computing models are provided with increasing a number of new functionalities. The paper describes a laboratory model of intelligent KNX system which makes it possible to test the practical use of cloud computing in components programming for this system. The cloud computing elements were used for this purpose. Innovatory features of services transferred to the cloud computing models consists in the integration of advanced IT techniques and Internet technologies based systems with the users services, in this case with the management of an intelligent building system. The software ETS5 installed on workstation is another important component of the station being discussed

Effects of Different Techniques of Malolactic Fermentation Induction on Diacetyl Metabolism and Biosynthesis of Selected Aromatic Esters in Cool-Climate Grape Wines

The effects of different malolactic bacteria fermentation techniques on the bioconversion of aromatic compounds in cool-climate grape wines were examined. During three wine seasons, red and white grape wines were produced using various malolactic fermentation induction techniques: Coinoculation, sequential inoculation, and spontaneous process. Volatile compounds (diacetyl and the products of its metabolism, and selected ethyl fatty acid esters) were extracted by solid phase microextraction. Compounds were identified with a multidimensional gas chromatograph—GC × GC-ToFMS with ZOEX cryogenic (N2) modulator. Sensory evaluation of the wines was also performed. It was found that the fermentation-derived metabolites studied were affected by the malolactic bacteria inoculation regime. Quantitatively, ethyl lactate, diethyl succinate, and ethyl acetate dominated as esters with the largest increase in content. The total concentration of ethyl esters was highest for the coinoculation technique, while the highest concentration of diacetyl was noted for the spontaneous technique. Controlled malolactic fermentation, especially using the coinoculation technique, can be proposed as a safe and efficient enological practice for producing quality cool-climate grape wines enriched with fruity, fresh, and floral aromas

Electromyographic Patterns of Masticatory Muscles in Relation to Active Myofascial Trigger Points of the Upper Trapezius and Temporomandibular Disorders

The presented study aimed to analyze and compare the electromyographic patterns of masticatory muscles in subjects with active myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) within upper trapezius, patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and healthy adults. Based on the diagnostic criteria of MTrPs according to Travell & Simons and the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders, 167 people were qualified for the study. Subjects were divided into 3 groups: with active MTrPs in the upper trapezius, with diagnosed temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and healthy adults. Measurements of the bioelectric activity of the temporalis anterior (TA) and masseter muscle (MM) were carried out using the BioEMG III ™. Based on statistical analysis, significantly lower values of TA resting activity were observed among controls in comparison to MTrPs (1.49 μV vs. 2.81 μV, p = 0.00) and TMDs (1.49 μV vs. 2.97 μV, p = 0.01). The POC index values at rest differed significantly between MTrPs and TMDs (86.61% vs. 105%, p = 0.04). Controls presented different electromyographic patterns within AcI in comparison to both MTrPs (4.90 vs. −15.51, p = 0.00) and TMDs (4.90 vs. −16.49, p = 0.00). During clenching, the difference between MTrPs and TMDs was observed within MVC TA (91.82% vs. 116.98%, p = 0.02). TMDs showed differences within AcI in comparison to both MTrPs group (−42.52 vs. 20.42, p = 0.01) and controls (−42.52 vs. 3.07, p = 0.00). During maximum mouth opening, differences between MTrPs and TMDs were observed within the bioelectric activity of masseter muscle (16.45 μV vs. 10.73 μV, p = 0.01), AsI MM (0.67 vs. 11.12, p = 0.04) and AcI (13.04 vs. −3.89, p = 0.01). Both the presence of MTrPs in the upper trapezius and TMDs are related to changes in electromyographic patterns of masticatory muscles