A Foliage Scatter Model to Determine Topology of Wireless Sensor Network

Abstract: 1Applications of low cost wireless sensor networks (WSN) in precision agriculture is gaining popularity because of the ability of sensors to provide site-specific data over a variable field. Wireless communication between nodes is impeded by the surrounding vegetation of the plants being monitored. To guarantee reliable communication between sensor nodes, the initial node density and topology of a WSN application has to consider the increased foliage of a mature plant. In this paper we propose a model for deployment of wireless nodes based on experimental results that takes into account the scattering effect of surrounding foliage on the wireless signal

Wireless sensor node placement due to power loss effects from surrounding vegetation

Abstract: Wireless communication in an agricultural environment is weakened by surrounding vegetation. The scattering effect on the wireless signal by the foliage surrounding plants means that sensor nodes within the application area have to be placed so that the received signal strength ensures reliable communication. We propose modeling the scattering effect of surrounding foliage with a Gaussian distribution to determine the optimum placement of sensor nodes within the application area. An algorithm to place sensor nodes at optimum positions to ensure reliable communication is presented and analyzed

Experimental evaluation of NFC reliability between an RFID tag and a smartphone

Abstract:Near Field Communication (NFC) is a short range wireless technology that enables data transfer between two NFC devices. It is derived from Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. However, NFC only operates at 13.56MHz frequency while RFID operates at both 125KHz and 13.56MHz frequencies. The success of NFC in replacing contact cards in payment systems can be duplicated in other industries. It is very critical that the operation of NFC is well understood so that future applications can make life easier for the users. The main purpose of this paper is to find out the parameters that can affect the optimal operation of passive NFC devices

The role of human milk oligosaccharides and probiotics on the neonatal microbiome and risk of necrotizing enterocolitis: A narrative review

Preterm infants are a vulnerable population at risk of intestinal dysbiosis. The newborn microbiome is dominated b

Simulation of Wireless Sensor Node Transmission Over a Multiple Access Channel

Abstract: Smart Grids are emerging as a sustainable technology that can greatly improve the quality, cost and efficiency of electrical power distribution. Wireless communication technology, in particular wireless sensor networks, are being considered as a viable solution to Smart Grid communication requirements. Homes have multiple electrical appliances that may communicate concurrently. In addition, electrical appliances induce white noise that can interfere with the wireless signal. In this paper an indoor wireless sensor multiple access communication environment is simulated based on the IEEE 802.15.4 wireless communication standard. An indoor wireless propagation model is implemented and the effects of signal interference on the wireless signal are examined

A review of Bluetooth and NFC for financial applications

Abstract: Bluetooth and near field communications (NFC) are two of the most recently emerging wireless technologies [1] [2], largely because of the integral role they play in the Internet of everything (IoE). In this paper, the security aspect is evaluated for these two wireless technologies for potential applications in financial systems. Their frame size is also analyzed. This is done by reviewing their characteristics based on the state of the art and on the standards governing their deployment. It is found that Bluetooth has good security mechanisms when compared to NFC, which requires developers to implement their own security features at application level; however, NFC’s short range and its requirement for intentional communication between devices makes it inherently secure. It is also found that NFC has a larger message size, however, the classic Bluetooth message size is not that far below that of NFC data exchange format (NDEF) short records (SR) message size

Time programmable smart devices for peak demand reduction of smart homes in a microgrid

Abstract: Increasing electricity access through Microgrids for rural areas is often faced with the challenge of increased peak demand through increased electricity demand as more electronic devices will be acquired by the consumers and more small businesses will spring up in the community. If not taken care of, this leads to additional cost of incurring higher peaker plants to meet the peak demand, and the burden of the cost of peaker plants are consequentially transferred to the consumers. Since this load is generated by the consumers, it is most desirable to control the peak demand from the consumers’ side. Therefore, a method of Time Programmable Smart Devices (TPSD) with an efficient Electricity Use Plan (EUP) is proposed in this paper by introducing appliance working knowledge and improving load shifting technique of Demand Side Management for peak demand reduction in a rural Microgrid. This method yielded lower morning and evening peaks, a lower peak-to-peak difference than those available in literature, and a peak period shift from the traditional peak period to traditional off-peak period. These lead to financial savings, reduced cost of peaker plants and a safer environment from less greenhouse gases emissions

Review of power line communications standards in Africa

The standards in power line communications (PLC) calibrate parameters such as frequencies allocation, signal level, security, topology of the network and many others parameters. The leap forward of power line communications technology is motivated by the willingness of the standardization organizations (SDO)s such as ITU, IEC, ISO, IEEE, CENELEC to define how the technologies are going to be deployed. This paper presents the different SDOs, Alliances and groups regulating the PLC sector. The interoperability and coexistence for some technologies are underlined. The process of developing PLC standards by ITU, IEEE 1901, CENELEC is described. The advantages and disadvantages of using PLC technology in Africa are discussed

Effective energy consumption scheduling in smart homes

Abstract: Monthly expenditure on electricity by most households in South Africa take beyond acceptable percentage of their income. In order to keep the household energy expenditure below the energy poverty threshold, a daily electricity optimization problem is formulated using mixed integer linear programming (MILP) method. The energy optimization scheduling was carried out by a device called the Daily Maximum Energy Scheduling (DMES) device proposed to be incorporated into smart meters of households. The DMES algorithm was tested with household data set and was shown to be capable of ensuring that households spend less than 10% of their income on electricity bill monthly. This technique therefore, would be beneficial to consumers (for better financial savings and planning), utility (for effective energy and financial savings, and energy network planning) and cleaner environments as proposed for smart grid. Also, number of households in the nation living below the energy expenditure-based poverty threshold would increase