Search results for "DEVICES"
showing 10 items of 615 documents
Ultra-fast direct growth of metallic micro- and nano-structures by focused ion beam irradiation
2019
An ultra-fast method to directly grow metallic micro- and nano-structures is introduced. It relies on a Focused Ion Beam (FIB) and a condensed layer of suitable precursor material formed on the substrate under cryogenic conditions. The technique implies cooling the substrate below the condensation temperature of the gaseous precursor material, subsequently irradiating with ions according to the wanted pattern, and posteriorly heating the substrate above the condensation temperature. Here, using W(CO)6 as the precursor material, a Ga+ FIB, and a substrate temperature of -100 °C, W-C metallic layers and nanowires with resolution down to 38 nm have been grown by Cryogenic Focused Ion Beam Indu…
Dorsal root ganglia neurite outgrowth measured as a function of changes in microelectrode array resistance
2017
Current research in prosthetic device design aims to mimic natural movements using a feedback system that connects to the patient's own nerves to control the device. The first step in using neurons to control motion is to make and maintain contact between neurons and the feedback sensors. Therefore, the goal of this project was to determine if changes in electrode resistance could be detected when a neuron extended a neurite to contact a sensor. Dorsal root ganglia (DRG) were harvested from chick embryos and cultured on a collagen-coated carbon nanotube microelectrode array for two days. The DRG were seeded along one side of the array so the processes extended across the array, contacting a…
Smart interface devices for distributed generation in smart grids: The case of islanding
2017
With the increasing presence of distributed generators (DGs), the implementation of a smart sensors and actuators network in distribution grids has become crucial for different monitoring, management and protection functionalities. For DGs monitoring and control, sensors and actuators are usually embedded in so-called interface devices (IDs) or interface protection systems (IPSs). Existing IDs lack in communication interfaces both to the electrical energy Distribution System Operators (DSOs) and to the DGs inverter. In this framework, the authors have developed a new ID solution and a proper communication architecture, which allow implementing new smart functionalities based on the interact…
An Overview on Solar Shading Systems for Buildings
2014
Abstract In recent years, different types of solar shading devices have been proposed, depending on building orientation, location, window characteristics, etc. They can contribute to improve or worsen building thermal and lighting performances both from an energy and comfort point of view. The present paper reports a critical analysis of some studies that investigate shading devices’ effects on building thermal and/or lighting performances. This article points out the difficulty in comparing the different results given the lack of uniformity between the studies, since they analysed buildings with different characteristics, locations and using various indices. Therefore a protocol to carry …
Seismic response of braced frames with and without friction dampers
1995
Abstract The dynamic response of friction damped bracing systems and ordinary cross-bracing systems inserted into surrounding frames without lateral stiffness is analysed in order to compare the typical behaviour of the two different bracing systems. The cyclic force-displacement relationship in the two cases is accurately modelled on the basis of experimental and related numerical models which are available in the literature, and the structural dimensionless parameters defining the shapes of the cycles are stressed. Systems having the same average period of vibration in the elastic phase of the response are assumed to be comparable with one another, which leads to a relationship linking th…
A microcontroller-based portable electrocardiograph recorder.
2004
We describe a low cost portable Holler design that can be implemented with off-the-shelf components. The recorder is battery powered and includes a graphical display and keyboard. The recorder is capable of acquiring up to 48 hours of continuous electrocardiogram data at a sample rate of up to 250 Hz.
Quasi-digital conversion for resistive devices: application in GMR-based IC current sensors
2013
Resistive devices, including sensors, are used in a huge range of applications within different scenarios. When a complete system is considered, a quasi-digital output is often recommendable. If the conversion is operated at device level, some problems such as noise disturbs, insertion losses and so on, can be reduced. In this work, we describe a resistance-tofrequency (R-f) converter with a suggested application in low current monitoring by means of GiantMagnetoResistance (GMR) sensors. Specific devices have been designed and microfabricated. The system has been tested by means of discrete components with a PCB. The complete microsystem monolithic integration in a standard CMOS technology …
HybridPLAY: A New Technology to Foster Outdoors Physical Activity, Verbal Communication and Teamwork
2015
This paper presents HybridPLAY, a novel technology composed of a sensor and mobile-based video games that transforms urban playgrounds into game scenarios. With this technology we aim to stimulate physical activity and playful learning by creating an entertaining environment in which users can actively participate and collaborate. HybridPLAY is different from other existing technologies that enhance playgrounds, as it is not integrated in them but can be attached to the different elements of the playgrounds, making its use more ubiquitous (i.e., not restricted to the playgrounds). HybridPLAY was born in 2007 as an artistic concept, and evolved after different phases of research and testing …
Electrical characterization of CIGSSe photovoltaic modules
2017
This work describes the electrical characterization of CIG(S,Se) 2 sub-modules in order to compare the related performances with those obtained from traditional silicon photovoltaic modules. This characterization has been performed through means of a test bench, mainly composed by a solar simulator equipment, allowing the determination of the parameters of the prototypes under test at different irradiances and temperatures.
Occupational hygiene in a waste incineration plant
2003
Abstract The Turku incineration plant was renovated in 1995 to meet the emission requirements of modern waste combustion facilities. It treats presorted municipal waste from 170,000 residents in the Turku area. In the plant, the incineration process produces several types of by-products having importance in terms of occupational hygiene. Although not obligated by the law, the management of the plant has a keen interest in occupational hygiene at the plant, which was studied from 1998 to 2001. Concentrations of microbes, endotoxins, and dust and the noise level were investigated in three different working areas. Microbe measurements were conducted with a six-stage impactor and using the CAMN…