Wireless sensor integration for bridge model health monitoring

An integrated hardware and software system for a scalable wireless sensor network (WSN) is designed and developed for structural health monitoring. An extension sensor board is designed, developed, and calibrated to meet the requirements for structural vibration monitoring and modal identification. The extension sensor board has 3 axes of accelerometers in three directions and a temperature sensor. Software components have been implemented within the TinyOS operating system to provide a flexible software platform and scalable performance for structural health monitoring applications. The prototype WSN is deployed on a reduced-scale bridge model with 3 nodes in a single-hop network for performing dynamic monitoring civil engineering structures. Two output-only time-domain system identification methods are employed namely, the Frequency Domain Decomposition (FDD) method and the Natural Excitation Technique (NExT) combined with the Eigensystem Realization Algorithm (ERA). Testing results show that the WSN provides accurate vibration data for identifying vibration modes of a bridge

High-Power and Ultralong-Life Aqueous Zinc-Ion Hybrid Capacitors Based on Pseudocapacitive Charge Storage

© 2019, © 2019, The Author(s). Rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion hybrid capacitors and zinc-ion batteries are promising safe energy storage systems. In this study, amorphous RuO2·H2O for the first time was employed to achieve fast and ultralong-life Zn2+ storage based on a pseudocapacitive storage mechanism. In the RuO2·H2O||Zn zinc-ion hybrid capacitors with Zn(CF3SO3)2 aqueous electrolyte, the RuO2·H2O cathode can reversibly store Zn2+ in a voltage window of 0.4–1.6 V (vs. Zn/Zn2+), delivering a high discharge capacity of 122 mAh g−1. In particular, the zinc-ion hybrid capacitors can be rapidly charged/discharged within 36 s with a very high power density of 16.74 kW kg−1 and a high energy density of 82 Wh kg−1. Besides, the zinc-ion hybrid capacitors demonstrate an ultralong cycle life (over 10,000 charge/discharge cycles). The kinetic analysis elucidates that the ultrafast Zn2+ storage in the RuO2·H2O cathode originates from redox pseudocapacitive reactions. This work could greatly facilitate the development of high-power and safe electrochemical energy storage.[Figure not available: see fulltext.]

Associations of Lifestyle, Ambient Air Pollution With Progression of Asthma in Adults: A Comprehensive Analysis of UK Biobank Cohort

ObjectivesWe aim to investigate the associations between lifestyle, ambient air pollution with crucial outcomes in the progression of adult asthma, including asthma new-onset and asthma hospitalisation.Methods176,800 participants were included to assess the prospective association between baseline risk exposures and the subsequent asthma onset, 17,387 participants were used to evaluate asthma hospitalisation. Cox regression models were employed to examine the associations.ResultsIn terms of lifestyle factors, the HRs (95% CIs) of the least healthy lifestyle categories for asthma incidence and hospitalization were 1.099 (1.017–1.187) and 1.064 (1.008–1.123), respectively. For pollutants, PM2.5, especially the traffic-related PM2.5 component, was consistently recognized as a significant risk factor for asthma onset (HR = 1.064, 95% CI: 1.034–1.094) and hospitalisation (HR = 1.031, 95% CI: 1.010–1.052) under various model adjustments. Low socioeconomic status also played a major role in the progression of adult asthma.ConclusionOur study provides crucial insights into factors influencing the progression of adult asthma. Monitoring and reducing exposure to air pollution, particularly PM2.5, promoting healthier lifestyle, and addressing socioeconomic inequity are important in preventing and managing asthma

Identification of a novel SPTB gene splicing mutation in hereditary spherocytosis: a case report and diagnostic insights

BackgroundHereditary spherocytosis (HS) is a group of genetically heterogeneous hereditary hemolytic disorders characterized by anemia, splenomegaly, jaundice, reticulocytosis, and spherical red blood cells on peripheral blood smears. Mutations in key genes, including SPTB, ANK1, SLC4A1, SPTA1, and EPB42, are commonly implicated in HS.Case PresentationWe report the case of a 22-year-old female presenting with anemia, jaundice, and a family history of splenectomy. Laboratory investigations revealed hemolytic anemia, elevated bilirubin levels, and peripheral blood smear findings consistent with HS. Genetic testing identified a novel SPTB gene splicing mutation (NM_001355436.2: c.1645-1G>A), inherited maternally, which is predicted to disrupt normal RNA splicing and protein synthesis.DiscussionThe identified SPTB mutation expands the known mutation spectrum of the SPTB gene and highlights its role in the pathogenesis of HS. Clinical findings, combined with genetic analysis, confirmed the diagnosis of HS and underscored the importance of comprehensive molecular testing for accurate diagnosis, especially in patients with a strong family history.ConclusionThis case emphasizes the utility of genetic testing in diagnosing hereditary spherocytosis, particularly for novel gene mutations. Early and accurate molecular diagnosis facilitates better clinical management, family counseling, and treatment decisions for patients with HS

Orthogonal-Frequency Simultaneous Wireless Power and Data Transfer for High-Power Wireless EV Charging

In a simultaneous wireless power and data transfer (SWPDT) system using common coils, achieving high-speed communication in high-power wireless charging systems is challenging due to power transfer interference on communication. Based on high-frequency data carrier-based SWPDT (HFDC-SWPDT) technology, this paper proposes an orthogonal-frequency simultaneous wireless power and data transfer (OF-SWPDT) method to minimize interference where the data carrier frequency is orthogonal to the power carrier frequency and its harmonics. In addition, a guard band is inserted between the spectra of power harmonics and data in order to further separate the power and data spectra. Thus, a high-power, high-speed SWPDT system is achieved. Finally, an 11 kW prototype with 64.125 kbps full-duplex communication is developed to validate the proposed method