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Stirling J. Open instrumentation, like open data, is key to reproducible science. Yet, without incentives it won't thrive. PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS. SERIES A, MATHEMATICAL, PHYSICAL, AND ENGINEERING SCIENCES 2024; 382:20230215. [PMID: 38826049 DOI: 10.1098/rsta.2023.0215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
There is far more to open science than simply not shutting away your work. For example, a significant time investment must be made to collate, curate, explain and document precisely how an experiment can be reproduced or data can be reused. This time investment is currently poorly rewarded in our current model of open science where a bare minimum of openness is mandated, but further work is not recognized. As the open science movement looks beyond open access publications and open data towards ongoing detailed work such as open source software and open source hardware, it needs to consider how to properly encourage the extra work that is needed to properly document these projects. Without detailed documentation, the work cannot be replicated, reused and continually improved. If the work cannot be replicated or reused, is it really even open? This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue 'Open, reproducible hardware for microscopy'.
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Winter L, Periquito J, Kolbitsch C, Pellicer-Guridi R, Nunes RG, Häuer M, Broche L, O'Reilly T. Open-source magnetic resonance imaging: Improving access, science, and education through global collaboration. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2024; 37:e5052. [PMID: 37986655 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.5052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Open-source practices and resources in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have increased substantially in recent years. This trend started with software and data being published open-source and, more recently, open-source hardware designs have become increasingly available. These developments towards a culture of sharing and establishing nonexclusive global collaborations have already improved the reproducibility and reusability of code and designs, while providing a more inclusive approach, especially for low-income settings. Community-driven standardization and documentation efforts are further strengthening and expanding these milestones. The future of open-source MRI is bright and we have just started to discover its full collaborative potential. In this review we will give an overview of open-source software and open-source hardware projects in human MRI research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Winter
- Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Braunschweig and Berlin, Germany
| | - João Periquito
- Department of Infection, Immunity & Cardiovascular Disease, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Christoph Kolbitsch
- Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Braunschweig and Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Rita G Nunes
- Institute for Systems and Robotics and Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Martin Häuer
- Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Braunschweig and Berlin, Germany
- Open Source Ecology Germany e.V. (nonprofit), Berlin, Germany
| | - Lionel Broche
- Biomedical Physics, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Tom O'Reilly
- Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, The Netherlands
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3
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Sheard JK, Adriaens T, Bowler DE, Büermann A, Callaghan CT, Camprasse ECM, Chowdhury S, Engel T, Finch EA, von Gönner J, Hsing PY, Mikula P, Rachel Oh RY, Peters B, Phartyal SS, Pocock MJO, Wäldchen J, Bonn A. Emerging technologies in citizen science and potential for insect monitoring. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2024; 379:20230106. [PMID: 38705194 PMCID: PMC11070260 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2023.0106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Emerging technologies are increasingly employed in environmental citizen science projects. This integration offers benefits and opportunities for scientists and participants alike. Citizen science can support large-scale, long-term monitoring of species occurrences, behaviour and interactions. At the same time, technologies can foster participant engagement, regardless of pre-existing taxonomic expertise or experience, and permit new types of data to be collected. Yet, technologies may also create challenges by potentially increasing financial costs, necessitating technological expertise or demanding training of participants. Technology could also reduce people's direct involvement and engagement with nature. In this perspective, we discuss how current technologies have spurred an increase in citizen science projects and how the implementation of emerging technologies in citizen science may enhance scientific impact and public engagement. We show how technology can act as (i) a facilitator of current citizen science and monitoring efforts, (ii) an enabler of new research opportunities, and (iii) a transformer of science, policy and public participation, but could also become (iv) an inhibitor of participation, equity and scientific rigour. Technology is developing fast and promises to provide many exciting opportunities for citizen science and insect monitoring, but while we seize these opportunities, we must remain vigilant against potential risks. This article is part of the theme issue 'Towards a toolkit for global insect biodiversity monitoring'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Koch Sheard
- Department of Ecosystem Services, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Biodiversity, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Dornburger Straße 159, 07743 Jena, Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Puschstraße 4, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Tim Adriaens
- Research Institute for Nature and Forest (INBO), Havenlaan 88 bus 73, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Diana E. Bowler
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 8BB, UK
| | - Andrea Büermann
- Department of Ecosystem Services, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Puschstraße 4, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Corey T. Callaghan
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, University of Florida, FL 33314, USA
| | - Elodie C. M. Camprasse
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Melbourne Burwood Campus, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, Victoria 3125, Australia
| | - Shawan Chowdhury
- Department of Ecosystem Services, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Biodiversity, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Dornburger Straße 159, 07743 Jena, Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Puschstraße 4, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Thore Engel
- Department of Ecosystem Services, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Biodiversity, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Dornburger Straße 159, 07743 Jena, Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Puschstraße 4, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Elizabeth A. Finch
- Department of Ecosystem Services, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Biodiversity, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Dornburger Straße 159, 07743 Jena, Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Puschstraße 4, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Julia von Gönner
- Department of Ecosystem Services, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Biodiversity, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Dornburger Straße 159, 07743 Jena, Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Puschstraße 4, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Pen-Yuan Hsing
- Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bristol, 12a Priory Road, Bristol BS8 1TU, UK
| | - Peter Mikula
- TUM School of Life Sciences, Ecoclimatology, Technical University of Munich, Hans-Carl-von-Carlowitz-Platz 2, 85354 Freising, Germany
- Institute for Advanced Study, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstraße 2a, 85748 Garching, Germany
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 16500 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Rui Ying Rachel Oh
- Department of Ecosystem Services, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Puschstraße 4, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Birte Peters
- Department of Ecosystem Services, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Puschstraße 4, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Shyam S. Phartyal
- School of Ecology and Environment Studies, Nalanda University, Rajgir 803116, India
| | | | - Jana Wäldchen
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Puschstraße 4, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Biogeochemical Integration, Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry, Hans-Knöll-Straße 10, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Aletta Bonn
- Department of Ecosystem Services, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Biodiversity, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Dornburger Straße 159, 07743 Jena, Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Puschstraße 4, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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4
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Tejada Martinez LV, Witz JF, Najjar D, Boidin X, Lesaffre F, Martin V, Badin S, Berte E. Hybrid FFF/CNC: An open source hardware & software system. HARDWAREX 2024; 18:e00536. [PMID: 38872810 PMCID: PMC11170475 DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2024.e00536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
This paper presents a low-cost milling system composed of spindle mountable on a multi tool 3D printer equipped with maxwell kinematic coupling (E3D "ToolChanger" in this article) as well as two open-source software solutions for implementing a hybrid FFF/CNC manufacturing process. The first solution is the use of a traditional CAM software (FreeCad) for machining programming through the development of a dedicated post-processor. The second is an automatic layer-by-layer hybridization enabled by the software "SuperSlicer". This method requires no machining knowledge but only allows contouring operations. Results of experiments show that the spindle presented in this work is capable of successfully carrying out a hybrid process that significantly improves the surface roughness parameters, with an improvement factor of 10 for most parameters. An uniformization of surface roughness parameters was also observed in the construction direction and in the deposition/machining direction. The layer-by-layer hybridization yields the better results in terms of surface roughness. This is because the reduced depth of cut (equivalent to a printed layer) minimizes stress and temperature rise, resulting in highly favorable cutting conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Denis Najjar
- CNRS: UMR 9013 - LaMcube - Laboratoire de Mécanique, Multiphysique, Multiéchelle, Lille, France
- Centrale Lille, Cité Scientifique, 59650 Villeneuve-d’Ascq, France
- Polytech Lille, Av. Paul Langevin, 59655 Villeneuve-d’Ascq, France
| | - Xavier Boidin
- CNRS: UMR 9013 - LaMcube - Laboratoire de Mécanique, Multiphysique, Multiéchelle, Lille, France
- Centrale Lille, Cité Scientifique, 59650 Villeneuve-d’Ascq, France
- Polytech Lille, Av. Paul Langevin, 59655 Villeneuve-d’Ascq, France
| | - François Lesaffre
- CNRS: UMR 9013 - LaMcube - Laboratoire de Mécanique, Multiphysique, Multiéchelle, Lille, France
- Centrale Lille, Cité Scientifique, 59650 Villeneuve-d’Ascq, France
- Polytech Lille, Av. Paul Langevin, 59655 Villeneuve-d’Ascq, France
| | - Vincent Martin
- CNRS: UMR 9013 - LaMcube - Laboratoire de Mécanique, Multiphysique, Multiéchelle, Lille, France
- Centrale Lille, Cité Scientifique, 59650 Villeneuve-d’Ascq, France
- Polytech Lille, Av. Paul Langevin, 59655 Villeneuve-d’Ascq, France
| | - Sophie Badin
- CNRS: UMR 9013 - LaMcube - Laboratoire de Mécanique, Multiphysique, Multiéchelle, Lille, France
- Centrale Lille, Cité Scientifique, 59650 Villeneuve-d’Ascq, France
- Polytech Lille, Av. Paul Langevin, 59655 Villeneuve-d’Ascq, France
| | - Emmanuel Berte
- CNRS: UMR 9013 - LaMcube - Laboratoire de Mécanique, Multiphysique, Multiéchelle, Lille, France
- Centrale Lille, Cité Scientifique, 59650 Villeneuve-d’Ascq, France
- Polytech Lille, Av. Paul Langevin, 59655 Villeneuve-d’Ascq, France
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5
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Ohlsson JA, Leong JX, Elander PH, Ballhaus F, Holla S, Dauphinee AN, Johansson J, Lommel M, Hofmann G, Betnér S, Sandgren M, Schumacher K, Bozhkov PV, Minina EA. SPIRO - the automated Petri plate imaging platform designed by biologists, for biologists. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 118:584-600. [PMID: 38141174 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.16587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
Phenotyping of model organisms grown on Petri plates is often carried out manually, despite the procedures being time-consuming and laborious. The main reason for this is the limited availability of automated phenotyping facilities, whereas constructing a custom automated solution can be a daunting task for biologists. Here, we describe SPIRO, the Smart Plate Imaging Robot, an automated platform that acquires time-lapse photographs of up to four vertically oriented Petri plates in a single experiment, corresponding to 192 seedlings for a typical root growth assay and up to 2500 seeds for a germination assay. SPIRO is catered specifically to biologists' needs, requiring no engineering or programming expertise for assembly and operation. Its small footprint is optimized for standard incubators, the inbuilt green LED enables imaging under dark conditions, and remote control provides access to the data without interfering with sample growth. SPIRO's excellent image quality is suitable for automated image processing, which we demonstrate on the example of seed germination and root growth assays. Furthermore, the robot can be easily customized for specific uses, as all information about SPIRO is released under open-source licenses. Importantly, uninterrupted imaging allows considerably more precise assessment of seed germination parameters and root growth rates compared with manual assays. Moreover, SPIRO enables previously technically challenging assays such as phenotyping in the dark. We illustrate the benefits of SPIRO in proof-of-concept experiments which yielded a novel insight on the interplay between autophagy, nitrogen sensing, and photoblastic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas A Ohlsson
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Uppsala BioCenter, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Linnean Center for Plant Biology, Uppsala, SE-750 07, Sweden
| | - Jia Xuan Leong
- Department of Algal Development and Evolution, Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen, Tübingen, 72076, Germany
- Centre for Organismal Studies (COS), Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 230, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
- Center for Plant Molecular Biology (ZMBP), University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 32, Tübingen, D-72076, Germany
| | - Pernilla H Elander
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Uppsala BioCenter, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Linnean Center for Plant Biology, Uppsala, SE-750 07, Sweden
| | - Florentine Ballhaus
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Uppsala BioCenter, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Linnean Center for Plant Biology, Uppsala, SE-750 07, Sweden
| | - Sanjana Holla
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Uppsala BioCenter, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Linnean Center for Plant Biology, Uppsala, SE-750 07, Sweden
| | - Adrian N Dauphinee
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Uppsala BioCenter, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Linnean Center for Plant Biology, Uppsala, SE-750 07, Sweden
| | | | - Mark Lommel
- Centre for Organismal Studies (COS), Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 230, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
- Department of Microbiology, Saarland University, Campus A1.5, Saarbrücken, 66123, Germany
| | - Gero Hofmann
- Centre for Organismal Studies (COS), Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 230, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
| | - Staffan Betnér
- Northern Registry Centre, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, 90187, Sweden
| | - Mats Sandgren
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Uppsala BioCenter, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Linnean Center for Plant Biology, Uppsala, SE-750 07, Sweden
| | - Karin Schumacher
- Centre for Organismal Studies (COS), Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 230, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
| | - Peter V Bozhkov
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Uppsala BioCenter, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Linnean Center for Plant Biology, Uppsala, SE-750 07, Sweden
| | - Elena A Minina
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Uppsala BioCenter, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Linnean Center for Plant Biology, Uppsala, SE-750 07, Sweden
- Centre for Organismal Studies (COS), Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 230, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
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6
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Branning JM, Faughnan KA, Tomson AA, Bell GJ, Isbell SM, DeGroot A, Jameson L, Kilroy K, Smith M, Smith R, Mottel L, Branning EG, Worrall Z, Anderson F, Panditaradyula A, Yang W, Abdelmalek J, Brake J, Cash KJ. Multifunction fluorescence open source in vivo/in vitro imaging system (openIVIS). PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299875. [PMID: 38498588 PMCID: PMC10947658 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The widespread availability and diversity of open-source microcontrollers paired with off-the-shelf electronics and 3D printed technology has led to the creation of a wide range of low-cost scientific instruments, including microscopes, spectrometers, sensors, data loggers, and other tools that can be used for research, education, and experimentation. These devices can be used to explore a wide range of scientific topics, from biology and chemistry to physics and engineering. In this study, we designed and built a multifunction fluorescent open source in vivo/in vitro imaging system (openIVIS) system that integrates a Raspberry Pi with commercial cameras and LEDs with 3D printed structures combined with an acrylic housing. Our openIVIS provides three excitation wavelengths of 460 nm, 520 nm, and 630 nm integrated with Python control software to enable fluorescent measurements across the full visible light spectrum. To demonstrate the potential applications of our system, we tested its performance against a diverse set of experiments including laboratory assays (measuring fluorescent dyes, using optical nanosensors, and DNA gel electrophoresis) to potentially fieldable applications (plant and mineral imaging). We also tested the potential use for a high school biology environment by imaging small animals and tracking their development over the course of ten days. Our system demonstrated its ability to measure a wide dynamic range fluorescent response from millimolar to picomolar concentrations in the same sample while measuring responses across visible wavelengths. These results demonstrate the power and flexibility of open-source hardware and software and how it can be integrated with customizable manufacturing to create low-cost scientific instruments with a wide range of applications. Our study provides a promising model for the development of low-cost instruments that can be used in both research and education.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M. Branning
- Quantitative Biosciences and Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado, United States of America
- The MITRE Corporation, Bedford, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Kealy A. Faughnan
- Chemical and Biological Engineering Department, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Austin A. Tomson
- Mechanical Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Grant J. Bell
- Quantitative Biosciences and Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Sydney M. Isbell
- Chemical and Biological Engineering Department, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Allen DeGroot
- Electrical Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Lydia Jameson
- Electrical Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Kramer Kilroy
- Mechanical Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Michael Smith
- Mechanical Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Robert Smith
- Electrical Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Landon Mottel
- Arvada West High School, Arvada, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth G. Branning
- Colorado Early Colleges Castle Rock, Castle Rock, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Zoe Worrall
- Department of Engineering, Harvey Mudd College, Claremont, California, United States of America
| | - Frances Anderson
- Department of Engineering, Harvey Mudd College, Claremont, California, United States of America
| | - Ashrit Panditaradyula
- Department of Engineering, Harvey Mudd College, Claremont, California, United States of America
| | - William Yang
- Department of Engineering, Harvey Mudd College, Claremont, California, United States of America
| | - Joseph Abdelmalek
- Department of Engineering, Harvey Mudd College, Claremont, California, United States of America
| | - Joshua Brake
- Department of Engineering, Harvey Mudd College, Claremont, California, United States of America
| | - Kevin J. Cash
- Quantitative Biosciences and Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado, United States of America
- Chemical and Biological Engineering Department, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado, United States of America
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Kappas I, Promponas VJ, Ouzounis CA. A choice, not an obligation : Releasing scientific software as open source should be the responsibility of the authors. EMBO Rep 2024; 25:464-466. [PMID: 38177919 PMCID: PMC10897218 DOI: 10.1038/s44319-023-00039-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The timing of making software open source should not be dictated by journal guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Kappas
- School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessalonica, Thessalonica, Greece.
| | - V J Promponas
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus.
| | - C A Ouzounis
- School of Informatics, Aristotle University of Thessalonica, Thessalonica, Greece.
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8
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McNair MC, Cocioba SC, Pietrzyk P, Rife TW. Toward an open-source 3D-printable laboratory. APPLICATIONS IN PLANT SCIENCES 2024; 12:e11562. [PMID: 38369980 PMCID: PMC10873812 DOI: 10.1002/aps3.11562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Premise Low-cost, repairable lab equipment is rare within the biological sciences. By lowering the costs of entry using 3D printing and open-source hardware, our goal is to empower both amateur and professional scientists to conduct research. Methods We developed a modular system of 3D-printable designs called COBLE (Collection of Bespoke Laboratory Equipment), including novel and remixed 3D-printable lab equipment that can be inexpensively printed, assembled, and repaired for a fraction of the cost of retail equivalents. Results Here we present novel tools that utilize 3D printing to enable a wide range of scientific experiments. We include additional resources for scientists and labs that are interested in utilizing 3D printing for their research. Discussion By describing the broad potential that 3D-printed designs can have in the biological sciences, we hope to inspire others to implement and improve upon these designs, improving accessibility and enabling science for all.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mason C. McNair
- Plant and Environmental Sciences, Pee Dee Research and Education CenterClemson University2200 Pocket RoadFlorenceSouth Carolina29506USA
| | - Sebastian C. Cocioba
- Binomica Labs4301 22nd Street, Floor 3, Studio 342, Long Island CityNew York11101USA
| | - Peter Pietrzyk
- Department of Plant BiologyUniversity of Georgia120 Carlton StreetAthensGeorgia30602USA
| | - Trevor W. Rife
- Plant and Environmental Sciences, Pee Dee Research and Education CenterClemson University2200 Pocket RoadFlorenceSouth Carolina29506USA
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9
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Botero-Valencia J, Barrantes-Toro C, Marquez-Viloria D, Pearce JM. Low-cost air, noise, and light pollution measuring station with wireless communication and tinyML. HARDWAREX 2023; 16:e00477. [PMID: 37822753 PMCID: PMC10562912 DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2023.e00477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Different types of environmental pollution cause negative consequences to ecosystems throughout the globe, which humanity is now trying to mitigate. It is necessary to know the level of pollution problems in the immediate environment, to evaluate the impact of human activities, and mitigation strategies necessary to ensure habitability. For this reason, in this work, a low-cost pollution measurement station for outdoor or indoor use is proposed and developed that measures air pollution (particulate matter and CO2 ), noise (level and direction), light pollution (power and multispectral), and also relative humidity and ambient temperature. The system stores the data in an SD memory or transmits data in real-time to the internet via WiFi. The purposes of the system are to be used in environmental studies, to deploy monitoring networks, or to ensure the habitability of a living or working space. The prototype integrates the measurement of the different sources of contamination in a single compact device at USD$ 628.12 without sacrificing measurement accuracy. The system is validated for each variable with reference equipment, obtaining an average error of approximately 2.67% in the measurement of all the variables measured. The system is easy to assemble and has an option for power supply using solar photovoltaic devices and an alternative for connection to 2G/3G mobile networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- J.S. Botero-Valencia
- Grupo de Sistemas de Control y Robótica, Engineering Faculty, Instituto Tecnológico Metropolitano, Medellín, Colombia
| | - C. Barrantes-Toro
- Grupo de Sistemas de Control y Robótica, Engineering Faculty, Instituto Tecnológico Metropolitano, Medellín, Colombia
| | - D. Marquez-Viloria
- Grupo de Sistemas de Control y Robótica, Engineering Faculty, Instituto Tecnológico Metropolitano, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Joshua M. Pearce
- Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Ivey Business School, Western University, London, ON, Canada
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10
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Cabello MKE, De Guzman JE. Utilization of accessible resources in the fabrication of an affordable, portable, high-resolution, 3D printed, digital microscope for Philippine diagnostic applications. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0002070. [PMID: 37988332 PMCID: PMC10662710 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Philippine clinical laboratory licensing requirements mandate that diagnostic microscopy for Tuberculosis (TB) sputum microscopy, urinalysis, pap smears, wet smears, an option for complete blood count, stool exams, and malaria thick and thin smears should be accessible and available in health facilities including primary care centers. However, access to these essential diagnostics is hampered by the lack of trained personnel, relatively high costs for supplies and equipment especially in rural and underserved areas. This served as motivation for our team to utilize accessible resources in the form of affordable 3D printers, available CAD software, and components to build our low-cost Openflexure microscope (OFM) prototype. We successfully fabricated our prototype for a total of 310$ with a weight of 525g. We used pathology teaching slides from the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health and examined the OFM prototype imaging capabilities. The calculated image resolution was 13% higher compared to an LED light microscope sample captured by a mobile phone at 40x and 15% for 100x. The sampled slide images had adequate clarity with some identifiable cellular features for Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD), Tuberculosis in soft tissue, and Ascariasis. We were able to correct the color aberrations of the OFM we built and was able to scan images up to 1000x magnification without using oil. Given the features and cost, the OFM prototype can be an attractive and affordable option as an alternative or augmentation to diagnostic microscopy in Philippine primary care. Moreover, it may enable telepathology to support diagnostic microscopy in frontline care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Kristan Espejo Cabello
- Research Faculty, Ateneo de Manila University School of Medicine and Public Health, Center for Research and Innovation, Pasig City, National Capital Region, Philippines
| | - Jeremie E. De Guzman
- Research Faculty, Ateneo de Manila University School of Medicine and Public Health, Center for Research and Innovation, Pasig City, National Capital Region, Philippines
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11
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Wright HC, Lawrence FA, Ryan AJ, Cameron DD. Free and open-source software for object detection, size, and colour determination for use in plant phenotyping. PLANT METHODS 2023; 19:126. [PMID: 37964366 PMCID: PMC10647133 DOI: 10.1186/s13007-023-01103-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Object detection, size determination, and colour detection of images are tools commonly used in plant science. Key examples of this include identification of ripening stages of fruit such as tomatoes and the determination of chlorophyll content as an indicator of plant health. While methods exist for determining these important phenotypes, they often require proprietary software or require coding knowledge to adapt existing code. RESULTS We provide a set of free and open-source Python scripts that, without any adaptation, are able to perform background correction and colour correction on images using a ColourChecker chart. Further scripts identify objects, use an object of known size to calibrate for size, and extract the average colour of objects in RGB, Lab, and YUV colour spaces. We use two examples to demonstrate the use of these scripts. We show the consistency of these scripts by imaging in four different lighting conditions, and then we use two examples to show how the scripts can be used. In the first example, we estimate the lycopene content in tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) var. Tiny Tim using fruit images and an exponential model to predict lycopene content. We demonstrate that three different cameras (a DSLR camera and two separate mobile phones) are all able to model lycopene content. The models that predict lycopene or chlorophyll need to be adjusted depending on the camera used. In the second example, we estimate the chlorophyll content of basil (Ocimum basilicum) using leaf images and an exponential model to predict chlorophyll content. CONCLUSION A fast, cheap, non-destructive, and inexpensive method is provided for the determination of the size and colour of plant materials using a rig consisting of a lightbox, camera, and colour checker card and using free and open-source scripts that run in Python 3.8. This method accurately predicted the lycopene content in tomato fruit and the chlorophyll content in basil leaves.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Anthony John Ryan
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S3 7HF, UK
| | - Duncan Drummond Cameron
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences and Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester, John Garside Building, Manchester, M1 7DN, UK.
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12
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Sarıyer RM, Gill K, Needs SH, Hodge D, Reis NM, Jones CI, Edwards AD. Time- and distance-resolved robotic imaging of fluid flow in vertical microfluidic strips: a new technique for quantitative, multiparameter measurement of global haemostasis. SENSORS & DIAGNOSTICS 2023; 2:1623-1637. [PMID: 38013763 PMCID: PMC10633108 DOI: 10.1039/d3sd00162h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Measuring the complex processes of blood coagulation, haemostasis and thrombosis that are central to cardiovascular health and disease typically requires a choice between high-resolution low-throughput laboratory assays, or simpler less quantitative tests. We propose combining mass-produced microfluidic devices with open-source robotic instrumentation to enable rapid development of affordable and portable, yet high-throughput and performance haematological testing. A time- and distance-resolved fluid flow analysis by Raspberry Pi imaging integrated with controlled sample addition and illumination, enabled simultaneous tracking of capillary rise in 120 individual capillaries (∼160, 200 or 270 μm internal diameter), in 12 parallel disposable devices. We found time-resolved tracking of capillary rise in each individual microcapillary provides quantitative information about fluid properties and most importantly enables quantitation of dynamic changes in these properties following stimulation. Fluid properties were derived from flow kinetics using a pressure balance model validated with glycerol-water mixtures and blood components. Time-resolved imaging revealed fluid properties that were harder to determine from a single endpoint image or equilibrium analysis alone. Surprisingly, instantaneous superficial fluid velocity during capillary rise was found to be largely independent of capillary diameter at initial time points. We tested if blood function could be measured dynamically by stimulating blood with thrombin to trigger activation of global haemostasis. Thrombin stimulation slowed vertical fluid velocity consistent with a dynamic increase in viscosity. The dynamics were concentration-dependent, with highest doses reducing flow velocity faster (within 10 s) than lower doses (10-30 s). This open-source imaging instrumentation expands the capability of affordable microfluidic devices for haematological testing, towards high-throughput multi-parameter blood analysis needed to understand and improve cardiovascular health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rüya Meltem Sarıyer
- Reading School of Pharmacy, University of Reading Whiteknights Reading RG6 6UB UK +44 (0)118 378 4253
| | - Kirandeep Gill
- Reading School of Pharmacy, University of Reading Whiteknights Reading RG6 6UB UK +44 (0)118 378 4253
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Centre for Biosensors, Bioelectronics and Biodevices (CBio), University of Bath Bath BA2 7AY UK
| | - Sarah H Needs
- Reading School of Pharmacy, University of Reading Whiteknights Reading RG6 6UB UK +44 (0)118 378 4253
| | - Daniel Hodge
- Reading School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading Whiteknights Reading UK
| | - Nuno M Reis
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Centre for Biosensors, Bioelectronics and Biodevices (CBio), University of Bath Bath BA2 7AY UK
| | - Chris I Jones
- Reading School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading Whiteknights Reading UK
| | - Alexander D Edwards
- Reading School of Pharmacy, University of Reading Whiteknights Reading RG6 6UB UK +44 (0)118 378 4253
- School of Electronics and Computer Science, University of Southampton Highfield Southampton SO17 1BJ UK
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13
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Brewster RCL, Wu A, Carroll RW. Open source approaches for pediatric global health technologies. J Med Eng Technol 2023; 47:371-375. [PMID: 38717814 DOI: 10.1080/03091902.2024.2343682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Access to medical technologies is a critical component of universal access to care; however, the advancement of technologies for children has historically lagged behind those for adults. The small market size, anatomic and physiologic variability, and legal and ethical implications pose unique barriers to developing and commercialising paediatric biomedical innovations. These challenges are magnified in low-resource settings (LRS), which often lack appropriate regulatory oversight, support for service contracts, and supply chain capacity. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed shortcomings in the traditional industry model for medical technologies, while also catalysing open-source approaches to technology development and dissemination. Open-source pathways - where products are freely licenced to be distributed and modified - addressed key shortages in critical equipment. Relatedly, we argue that open-source approaches can accelerate paediatric global health technology development. Open-source approaches can be tailored to clinical challenges independent of economic factors, embrace low-cost manufacturing techniques, and can be highly customisable. Furthermore, diverse stakeholders, including families and patients, are empowered to participate in collaborative communities of practice. How to regulate the development, manufacture, and distribution of open-source technologies remains an ongoing area of exploration. The need for democratised innovation must be carefully balanced against the imperatives of safety and quality for paediatric-specific solutions. This can be achieved, in part, through close coordination between national regulatory agencies and decentralised networks where products can be peer-reviewed and tested. Altogether, there is significant potential for open source to advance more equitable and sustainable medical innovations for all children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan C L Brewster
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andrew Wu
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ryan W Carroll
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, USA
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14
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Wersényi G, Scheper V, Spagnol S, Eixelberger T, Wittenberg T. Cost-effective 3D scanning and printing technologies for outer ear reconstruction: current status. Head Face Med 2023; 19:46. [PMID: 37891625 PMCID: PMC10612312 DOI: 10.1186/s13005-023-00394-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Current 3D scanning and printing technologies offer not only state-of-the-art developments in the field of medical imaging and bio-engineering, but also cost and time effective solutions for surgical reconstruction procedures. Besides tissue engineering, where living cells are used, bio-compatible polymers or synthetic resin can be applied. The combination of 3D handheld scanning devices or volumetric imaging, (open-source) image processing packages, and 3D printers form a complete workflow chain that is capable of effective rapid prototyping of outer ear replicas. This paper reviews current possibilities and latest use cases for 3D-scanning, data processing and printing of outer ear replicas with a focus on low-cost solutions for rehabilitation engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Verena Scheper
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, D-30625, Germany
| | | | - Thomas Eixelberger
- Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg & Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS, Erlangen, D-91058, Germany
| | - Thomas Wittenberg
- Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg & Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS, Erlangen, D-91058, Germany
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15
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Sarıyer RM, Edwards AD, Needs SH. Open Hardware for Microfluidics: Exploiting Raspberry Pi Singleboard Computer and Camera Systems for Customisable Laboratory Instrumentation. BIOSENSORS 2023; 13:948. [PMID: 37887141 PMCID: PMC10605846 DOI: 10.3390/bios13100948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
The integration of Raspberry Pi miniature computer systems with microfluidics has revolutionised the development of low-cost and customizable analytical systems in life science laboratories. This review explores the applications of Raspberry Pi in microfluidics, with a focus on imaging, including microscopy and automated image capture. By leveraging the low cost, flexibility and accessibility of Raspberry Pi components, high-resolution imaging and analysis have been achieved in direct mammalian and bacterial cellular imaging and a plethora of image-based biochemical and molecular assays, from immunoassays, through microbial growth, to nucleic acid methods such as real-time-qPCR. The control of image capture permitted by Raspberry Pi hardware can also be combined with onboard image analysis. Open-source hardware offers an opportunity to develop complex laboratory instrumentation systems at a fraction of the cost of commercial equipment and, importantly, offers an opportunity for complete customisation to meet the users' needs. However, these benefits come with a trade-off: challenges remain for those wishing to incorporate open-source hardware equipment in their own work, including requirements for construction and operator skill, the need for good documentation and the availability of rapid prototyping such as 3D printing plus other components. These advances in open-source hardware have the potential to improve the efficiency, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness of microfluidic-based experiments and applications.
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16
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Oberloier S, Whisman NG, Hafting F, Pearce JM. Open source framework for a Broadly Expandable and Reconfigurable data acquisition and automation device (BREAD). HARDWAREX 2023; 15:e00467. [PMID: 37711733 PMCID: PMC10498007 DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2023.e00467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Though open source data acquisition (DAQ) systems have been published, closed source proprietary systems are the standard despite often being prohibitively expensive. High costs, however, limit access to high-quality DAQ in low-resource settings. In many cases the functions executed by the closed source and proprietary DAQ cards could be carried out by an open source alternative; however, as desired function count increases, the simplicity of integrating the designs decreases substantially. Although the global library of open source electronic designs is expanding rapidly, and there is clear evidence they can reduce costs for scientists one device at a time, they are generally made to carry a function well, but are often not capable of scaling up or easily being integrated with other designs. Just as other open source projects have found success by having modular frameworks and clearly documented specifications, a framework to unify and enable interoperation of these open source electronics systems would be greatly beneficial to the scientific community. To meet these needs and ensure greater accessibility to high-quality electronics sensing and DAQ systems, this article shares and tests a news framework where new open source electronics can be developed and have plug-and-play functionality. The Broadly Reconfigurable and Expandable Automation Device (BREAD), consists of a basic set of guidelines and requirements to which others can contribute. Here 7 slices (boards) are provided, demonstrated, and validated: 1) Amplified Analog Input, 2) Audio Analysis / Fourier Transform, 3) +/- 10A Current Sensor, 4) 4-Channel Relay Controller 5) 4 Channel Stepper Motor Controller, 6) 4 Channel Type-K Thermocouple Reader and 7) 2 Channel USB Port. Implementing systems using BREAD rather than closed source and proprietary alternatives can result in cost savings of up to 93%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane Oberloier
- Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton MI 49931 USA
| | - Nicholas G. Whisman
- Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton MI 49931 USA
| | - Finn Hafting
- Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Joshua M. Pearce
- Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Western University, London, ON, Canada
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17
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Liu D, Kulkarni A, Jaqua VF, Cole CA, Pearce JM. Distributed manufacturing of an open-source tourniquet testing system. HARDWAREX 2023; 15:e00442. [PMID: 37457304 PMCID: PMC10338363 DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2023.e00442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Tourniquets are effective for casualty-prevention in emergency situations. The use of centrally-manufactured commercial tourniquets, however, is not always possible due to supply chain disruptions. The open-source hardware model has been applied to overcome these disruptions in humanitarian crises and several low-cost digitally manufacturable open-source tourniquets have been developed. With the low reliability of improvised tourniquets, it is important to ensure that distributed manufacturing of tourniquets is effective and safe. Tourniquets can be tested, but existing tourniquet testers are expensive, bulky, and complex to operate, which limits their accessibility to an even greater extent than tourniquets in extreme settings. This article fulfills a need by providing a small, transportable, open-source additive-manufactured tourniquet tester that enables inexpensive and accurate testing of tourniquets against known clinical parameters. The <$100 tourniquet tester is validated and tested for operating force of tourniquets in the field or in distributed manufacturing facilities. The tourniquet tester has a significant economic and operational advantage compared to proprietary counterparts available on the market. Once calibrated with a blood pressure monitor, the built-in LCD displays the measuring range of the tester as 0 to 200 N, which is enough to test the validation of all tourniquets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawei Liu
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Apoorv Kulkarni
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Western University, London, Canada
| | | | | | - Joshua M. Pearce
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Western University, London, Canada
- Ivey Business School, Western University, London, Canada
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18
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Dezord C, Micolau G, Abbas C, Mesgouez A, Borgo EPD. Reliable, versatile and remotely controlled instrumentation of an hectometric loop antenna using appropriate technologies. HARDWAREX 2023; 15:e00463. [PMID: 37700786 PMCID: PMC10494265 DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2023.e00463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
The instrumentation of a giant loop antenna dedicated to environmental measurement, on a unique scientific site and intended to be open to the scientific community is presented. An open-source, low-cost electronic system has been designed, developed, and deployed in order to meet the need for reliability and flexibility imposed respectively by the harsh environment and the scientific objectives. The system's architecture is based on the simultaneous association of five Arduino boards piloted together by a Raspberry Pi which also controls the measurement devices. The setup is therefore automated, pilotable, and remotely reprogrammable. Special attention was paid to its hardware and software reliability. These have been proven efficient over more than two years of operation. Several scientific conference publications have already proven the feasibility of the measurement principle (Dezord et al., 2021; Dezord et al., 2022; Dezord et al., 2022). This article gives previously unpublished details regarding the electronic setup.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clément Dezord
- UMR 1114 EMMAH, AU - INRAE, 301 rue Baruch de Spinoza, BP 21239, 84911 Avignon cedex 9, France
- UAR 3538 Laboratoire Souterrain à Bas Bruit (CNRS), 84400 Rustrel, France
| | - Gilles Micolau
- UMR 1114 EMMAH, AU - INRAE, 301 rue Baruch de Spinoza, BP 21239, 84911 Avignon cedex 9, France
- UAR 3538 Laboratoire Souterrain à Bas Bruit (CNRS), 84400 Rustrel, France
| | - Chahine Abbas
- UMR 1114 EMMAH, AU - INRAE, 301 rue Baruch de Spinoza, BP 21239, 84911 Avignon cedex 9, France
| | - Arnaud Mesgouez
- UMR 1114 EMMAH, AU - INRAE, 301 rue Baruch de Spinoza, BP 21239, 84911 Avignon cedex 9, France
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19
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Mottaghi M, Bai Y, Kulkarni A, Pearce JM. Open source scientific bottle roller. HARDWAREX 2023; 15:e00445. [PMID: 37795342 PMCID: PMC10545937 DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2023.e00445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Proprietary bottle rolling systems automate some laboratory applications, however, their high costs limit accessibility. This study provides designs of an open source bottle roller that is compatible with distributed digital manufacturing using 3-D printed parts and readily-available commercial components. The experimental results show that the open source bottle roller can be fabricated for CAD$210 (about USD$150) in materials, which is 86% less expensive than the most affordable proprietary bottle roller on the market. The design, however, is more robust with enhanced capabilities. The design can be adapted to the user's needs, but is already compatible with incubators with a low profile (dimensions 50 cm x46 cm x8.8 cm) and capable of being operated at elevated temperatures. The systems can be adjusted to revolves from 1 to 200 RPM, exceeding the rotational speed of most commercial systems. The open source bottle roller as tested has a capacity greater than 1.2 kg and can roll twelve 100 mL bottles simultaneously. Validation testing showed that it can operate for days at 80 RPM without human intervention or monitoring for days at both room temperature and elevated temperatures (50 °C). Future work includes adapting the designs for different sizes and for different fabrication techniques to further reduce costs and increase flexibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Mottaghi
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Western University, 1151 Richmond St., London, Ontario N6A 5B9 Canada
| | - Yuntian Bai
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Western University, 1151 Richmond St., London, Ontario N6A 5B9 Canada
| | - Apoorv Kulkarni
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Western University, 1151 Richmond St. London, Ontario N6A 5B9 Canada
| | - Joshua M. Pearce
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Ivey Business School, Western University, 1151 Richmond St. London, Ontario N6A 5B9 Canada
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20
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Schulz AK, Shriver C, Stathatos S, Seleb B, Weigel EG, Chang YH, Saad Bhamla M, Hu DL, Mendelson JR. Conservation tools: the next generation of engineering-biology collaborations. J R Soc Interface 2023; 20:20230232. [PMID: 37582407 PMCID: PMC10427197 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2023.0232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The recent increase in public and academic interest in preserving biodiversity has led to the growth of the field of conservation technology. This field involves designing and constructing tools that use technology to aid in the conservation of wildlife. In this review, we present five case studies and infer a framework for designing conservation tools (CT) based on human-wildlife interaction. Successful CT range in complexity from cat collars to machine learning and game theory methodologies and do not require technological expertise to contribute to conservation tool creation. Our goal is to introduce researchers to the field of conservation technology and provide references for guiding the next generation of conservation technologists. Conservation technology not only has the potential to benefit biodiversity but also has broader impacts on fields such as sustainability and environmental protection. By using innovative technologies to address conservation challenges, we can find more effective and efficient solutions to protect and preserve our planet's resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew K. Schulz
- Haptic Ingelligence Department, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, Stuttgart 70569, Germany
- Schools of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Cassie Shriver
- Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Suzanne Stathatos
- Division of Engineering and Applied Science, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Benjamin Seleb
- Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Emily G. Weigel
- Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Young-Hui Chang
- Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - M. Saad Bhamla
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - David L. Hu
- Schools of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Joseph R. Mendelson
- Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- Zoo Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30315, USA
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21
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Selvaraj A, Kulkarni A, Pearce JM. Open-source 3-D printable autoinjector: Design, testing, and regulatory limitations. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288696. [PMID: 37450496 PMCID: PMC10348544 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoinjectors have become popular modern injectable medical devices used as drug delivery systems. Due to their ease, capability and reliability compared to other conventional injectable medical devices, the market and manufacturing demand for autoinjector devices are increasing rapidly and expected to reach a market of $37.5 billion globally by 2025. Although autoinjectors can offset healthcare treatment costs through self-administered medication, they can be expensive for consumers, which limit their accessibility. This study describes the design and manufacture of a spring-driven and 3-D printed autoinjector to overcome this economic accessibility challenge. The digitally replicable device is released as open-source hardware to enable low-cost distributed manufacturing. The bill of materials and assembly instructions are detailed, and the effectiveness of the autoinjector is tested against the current standard (ISO 11608-1:2022) for needle-based injection systems. The safety and dosing accuracy was tested by measuring the weight of 100% ethyl alcohol expelled from six BD Insulin syringes with varying capacities or needle lengths. A one-way analysis assessed the variability between the dose delivery efficiency of 1mL, 0.5mL, and 0.3mL syringes. Testing indicated that the entire dose was delivered over 97.5% of the time for 1mL and 0.5mL syringes, but the autoinjector's loaded spring force and size exceeded structural limitations of 0.3mL or smaller syringes. Components can be manufactured in about twelve hours using an open-source desktop RepRap-class fused filament 3-D printer. The construction requires two compression springs and 3-D printed parts. The total material cost of CAD$6.83 is less than a tenth of comparable commercial autoinjectors, which makes this approach promising. The autoinjector, however, is a class two medical device and must be approved by regulators. Future work is needed to make distributed manufacturing of such medical devices feasible and reliable to support individuals burdened by healthcare costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjutha Selvaraj
- Faculty of Science, Medical Sciences and Environmental Sciences, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Apoorv Kulkarni
- Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - J. M. Pearce
- Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Ivey Business School, Western University, London, ON, Canada
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22
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Mottaghi M, Rahman M, Kulkarni A, Pearce JM. AC/off-grid photovoltaic powered open-source ball mill. HARDWAREX 2023; 14:e00423. [PMID: 37188059 PMCID: PMC10176261 DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2023.e00423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Ball milling is used for comminution by rotating a drum to grind materials using balls with specific diameters. Ball milling advantages include the potential for high capacity, predicted fineness in a specific amount of time, reliability, safety, and simplicity, but has disadvantages of high weight, energy consumption and costs, which limit accessibility. To overcome these limitations this study applies the free and open source hardware approach coupled to distributed digital manufacturing to fabricate a ball mill with a simple, customizable design that can be used in a wide range of scientific applications and circumstances including those without access to reliable grid electricity. The highly-customizable design reduces the cost to <US$130 for an AC powered version and <US$315 for a switchable power that enables off-grid operation with a solar module and battery. Using a solar photovoltaic energy source not only improves the power reliability, but also makes it easier to move the ball mill for use in field environments. The open source ball mill is capable of reducing silicon particle sizes from the millimeter scale down to the nanometer scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Mottaghi
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Motakabbir Rahman
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Apoorv Kulkarni
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Ivey Business School, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Joshua M. Pearce
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Ivey Business School, Western University, London, Canada
- Corresponding author.
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Peplinski JE, Pearce JM. Economic Efficiency of an Open-Source National Medical Lab Software in Canada. J Med Syst 2023; 47:50. [PMID: 37081312 PMCID: PMC10119013 DOI: 10.1007/s10916-023-01949-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Although the Canada federal government has invested over $3.1 billion developing health information technology (HIT), all 10 provinces still have their own separate HIT systems, which are non-interoperable, expensive, and inconsistent. After first reviewing how these systems operate, this paper analyzes the costs and savings of integrating the common billing, lab results, and diagnostic imaging (BLD) functions of these separate systems using free and open-source software and proposes a system for this, HermesAPI. Currently, 8 provincial governments representing over 95% of Canada's population allow private companies to create their own electronic medical records (EMR) system and integrate with provincial BLD systems. This study found the cost to develop and maintain HermesAPI would be between CAD$610,000 to CAD$740,000, but would prevent CAD$120,000 per company per province in development costs for a total savings of $6.4 million. HermesAPI would lower barriers to entry for the HIT industry to increase competition, improve the quality of HIT products, and ultimately patient care. The proposed open-source approach of the HermesAPI is one option towards building a more interoperable, less expensive, and more consistent HIT system for Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack E. Peplinski
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Ivey Business School, Western University, London, ON Canada
| | - Joshua M. Pearce
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Ivey Business School, Western University, London, ON Canada
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24
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Balaji KV, Bhutoria S, Nayak S, PR AK, Velayudhan S. Printability Assessment of modified Filament Deposition Modelling Three Dimensional Bioprinter Printer using Polymeric Formulations. BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING ADVANCES 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bea.2023.100083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
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Abstract
Open hardware solutions are increasingly being chosen by researchers as a strategy to improve access to technology for cutting-edge biology research. The use of DIY technology is already widespread, particularly in countries with limited access to science funding, and is catalyzing the development of open-source technologies. Beyond financial accessibility, open hardware can be transformational for the access of laboratories to equipment by reducing dependence on import logistics and enabling direct knowledge transfer. Central drivers to the adoption of appropriate open-source technologies in biology laboratories around the world are open sharing, digital fabrication, local production, the use of standard parts, and detailed documentation. This Essay examines the global spread of open hardware and discusses which kinds of open-source technologies are the most beneficial in scientific environments with economic and infrastructural constraints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Wenzel
- Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering, Schools of Engineering, Medicine and Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Macul, Región Metropolitana, Chile
- * E-mail:
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26
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Pecly JOG. Strategies to obtain a better quality of environmental data gathered by low cost systems. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:289. [PMID: 36627503 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-022-10805-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Monitoring systems are ubiquitous in many environmental science fields due to the technological advances in the last decades, which contributed to the migration from conventional to automated observing networks. However, the cost of acquisition and operation of sensor networks is still a limiting factor for their wide use. Under this scenario, low-cost and affordable open-source sensors and systems emerge as an alternative to research-grade instruments. To fulfill the quality requirements defined by international organizations, sensor calibration has to be performed and shall be considered as a basic requirement. Best monitoring practices including established quality control procedures should be implemented for gathering environmental data. With a focus on data gathering, this paper reviews basic concepts on open source technologies, calibration methods, quality control procedures, applications and trends, and possibilities for improving the hardware of low-cost and affordable systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Otávio Goulart Pecly
- Ocean Engineering Program/COPPE, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Centro de Tecnologia, Bloco C sala 209, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, 21941-914, Brazil.
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27
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Dos Santos Rocha A, Albrecht E, El-Boghdadly K. Open science should be a pleonasm. Anaesthesia 2023; 78:551-556. [PMID: 36625412 DOI: 10.1111/anae.15962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A Dos Santos Rocha
- Department of Anaesthesia, University Hospital of Lausanne and University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - E Albrecht
- Department of Anaesthesia, University Hospital of Lausanne and University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - K El-Boghdadly
- Department of Anaesthesia and Peri-operative Medicine, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,King's College London, UK
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28
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Carvalho MC. Automated weighing in the stable isotope lab: When less is more. MethodsX 2023; 10:102207. [PMID: 37213434 PMCID: PMC10193001 DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2023.102207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Automated powder weighing is an elusive goal in scientific laboratories. The main problem is that powders are much more heterogeneous than liquids, making difficult the development of a unified automation solution for their handling. A compromise has been presented with miau, a low-cost, open-source autosampler for microbalance. Miau was demonstrably useful to perform the automated weighing of some powders, as long as the same powder is weighed repeatedly, which is useful for preparing standards to be measured along samples. However, in stable-isotope laboratories it is also necessary to weigh samples, which are often very heterogeneous, and thus not amenable for miau. Here it is demonstrated how miau can be adapted to handle not only standards, but also samples, using the "less is more" philosophy:•Miau is simplified to perform only the manipulation of weighing capsules, becoming "miau redux"•Miau redux can be used not only for standards, but for a variety of samples as well•Miau redux saves 64% of operator time when using a microbalance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matheus C. Carvalho
- Southern Cross Analytical Research Services, Southern Cross University, Australia
- Centre for Coastal Biogeochemistry, Southern Cross University, Australia
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Peplinski J, Velis E, Pearce JM. Towards open source patents: Semi-automated open hardware certification from MediaWiki websites. WORLD PATENT INFORMATION 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wpi.2022.102150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Botero-Valencia J, Mejia-Herrera M, Pearce JM. Design of a low-cost mobile multispectral albedometer with geopositioning and absolute orientation. HARDWAREX 2022; 12:e00324. [PMID: 35734380 PMCID: PMC9207679 DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2022.e00324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Albedo is the percentage of radiation that a given surface reflects. Its study is important to evaluate thermal effects in buildings, generation capacity with bifacial panels, among others. In this work, the design and validation of a low-cost mobile albedometer is presented, which measures the reflection in 8 spectral bands in the visible, additionally the system is equipped with a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver, to reference its position and an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) to know its absolute orientation, make corrections in real time or detect errors. The purpose of designing the mobile device is to measure a larger area and, since it is georeferenced, it is to feed GIS tools that allow designers to use the information.
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Affiliation(s)
- J.S. Botero-Valencia
- Grupo de Sistemas de Control y Robótica, Engineering Faculty, Instituto Tecnológico Metropolitano, Medellín, Colombia
| | - M. Mejia-Herrera
- Grupo de Sistemas de Control y Robótica, Engineering Faculty, Instituto Tecnológico Metropolitano, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Joshua M. Pearce
- Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Ivey Business School, Western University, London, ON, Canada
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Lay KS, Li L, Okutsu M. High altitude balloon testing of Arduino and environmental sensors for CubeSat prototype. HARDWAREX 2022; 12:e00329. [PMID: 35770241 PMCID: PMC9234348 DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2022.e00329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
CubeSats were conceived with an aim to provide students with hands-on, design, build, and test experiences on spacecraft. Many education-class CubeSats keep the cost of the projects low with the use of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products. But using parts not designed for space missions often means a compromise in performance (e.g., low sensor accuracy, low power efficiency) and reliability, which makes component testing a necessary part of the development process. Unfortunately, there is no single lab equipment that can test the integrated features of CubeSats, including the radio communication over ranges of altitudes and distances. It has been pointed out that a high altitude reached by a weather balloon offers an environment similar to the space environment. This paper describes a balloon flight testing of Arduino and sensors for a CubeSat "prototype"-a preliminary mock-up model used for hardware selection and validation during the initial building phase. Atmospheric pressures and temperatures were measured throughout the balloon flight. The measured pressures were validated by comparing Arduino's pressure altitudes against the GPS altitudes, and the measured temperatures were assessed against the standard atmosphere model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenjiro S. Lay
- Penn State University, 201 Old Main, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Lingqi Li
- Penn State University, 201 Old Main, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Masataka Okutsu
- Penn State Abington, 1600 Woodland Rd, Abington, PA 19001, USA
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Professors want to share: preliminary survey results on establishing open-source-endowed professorships. SN SOCIAL SCIENCES 2022; 2:203. [PMID: 36158180 PMCID: PMC9490681 DOI: 10.1007/s43545-022-00524-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 10/30/2022]
Abstract
This study proposes a novel policy to provide incentives for open science: to offer open-source (OS)-endowed professorships. To hold an open-source-endowed chair, in addition to demonstrated excellence in their field, professors would need to agree to (1) ensuring all of their writing is distributed via open access in some way and (2) releasing all of their intellectual property in the public domain or under appropriate open-source licenses. The results of this survey study of university professors in the U.S. show that a super majority (86.7%) of faculty respondents indicated willingness to accept an OS-endowed professorship, while only 13.3% of respondents would not be willing to accept the terms of an OS-endowed professorship. The terms of accepting an OS-endowed professorship that were the most popular among respondents were increased salary, annual discretionary budget, as a term of tenure and annual RA or TA lines. More than a quarter of responding professors declared that no additional compensation would be needed for them to accept the terms of an OS-endowed professorship. The results demonstrate a clear willingness of academics to expand open access to science, which would hasten scientific progress while also making science more just and inclusive. It is clear that science funders have a large opportunity to move towards open science by offering open–source-endowed chairs.
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Farré R, Gozal D, Nguyen VN, Pearce JM, Dinh-Xuan AT. Open-Source Hardware May Address the Shortage in Medical Devices for Patients with Low-Income and Chronic Respiratory Diseases in Low-Resource Countries. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12091498. [PMID: 36143283 PMCID: PMC9502622 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12091498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Respiratory diseases pose an increasing socio-economic burden worldwide given their high prevalence and their elevated morbidity and mortality. Medical devices play an important role in managing acute and chronic respiratory failure, including diagnosis, monitoring, and providing artificial ventilation. Current commercially available respiratory devices are very effective but, given their cost, are unaffordable for most patients in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Herein, we focus on a relatively new design option—the open-source hardware approach—that, if implemented, will contribute to providing low-cost respiratory medical devices for many patients in LMICs, particularly those without full medical insurance coverage. Open source reflects a set of approaches to conceive and distribute the comprehensive technical information required for building devices. The open-source approach enables free and unrestricted use of the know-how to replicate and manufacture the device or modify its design for improvements or adaptation to different clinical settings or personalized treatments. We describe recent examples of open-source devices for diagnosis/monitoring (measuring inspiratory/expiratory pressures or flow and volume in mechanical ventilators) and for therapy (non-invasive ventilators for adults and continuous positive airway pressure support for infants) that enable building simple, low-cost (hence, affordable), and high-performance solutions for patients in LMICs. Finally, we argue that the common practice of approving clinical trials by the local hospital ethics board can be expanded to ensure patient safety by reviewing, inspecting, and approving open hardware for medical application to maximize the innovation and deployment rate of medical technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramon Farré
- Unitat de Biofísica i Bioenginyeria, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Institut Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - David Gozal
- Department of Child Health, The University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
| | - Viet-Nhung Nguyen
- National Tuberculosis Program, 463 Hoang Hoa Tham, Vinh Phu, Ba Dinh, Hanoi 118000, Vietnam
| | - Joshua M. Pearce
- Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Ivey Business School, Western University, London, ON N6A 5B9, Canada
| | - Anh Tuan Dinh-Xuan
- Service de Physiologie-Explorations Fonctionnelles, Hôpital Cochin, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), 75014 Paris, France
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Leveraging Intellectual Property to Prevent Nuclear War. SAFETY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/safety8030055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Although international law forbids nuclear attacks, only nine states have mutually assured destruction available to prevent direct attacks against themselves, while non-nuclear states have few substantive options to deter a nuclear attack. This study analyzes the economic impacts of a theoretical international agreement that eliminates patent rights for any nuclear aggressor (i.e., free global compulsory licensing of all intellectual property (IP) for a nuclear aggressor). The results found that all but one of the nuclear states would have a significant economic disincentive to start a nuclear attack if the proposal was put into force. Payback times ranged from 1.2 to 40 years, where the entire GDP of a nuclear aggressor would be needed to offset the loss for aggression, indicate such a mechanism as a whole would be an effective nuclear deterrent. This method would not be universally effective without ensuring all nuclear states are members of the international economy and IP processes. With the growth of open-source products and reduced value of patents, this mechanism does have a limited effectiveness time. Currently it appears to be a policy trajectory worthy of future work that can enhance safety from nuclear threat without causing harm to countries of goodwill.
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Oury V, Leroux T, Turc O, Chapuis R, Palaffre C, Tardieu F, Prado SA, Welcker C, Lacube S. Earbox, an open tool for high-throughput measurement of the spatial organization of maize ears and inference of novel traits. PLANT METHODS 2022; 18:96. [PMID: 35902871 PMCID: PMC9331584 DOI: 10.1186/s13007-022-00925-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Characterizing plant genetic resources and their response to the environment through accurate measurement of relevant traits is crucial to genetics and breeding. Spatial organization of the maize ear provides insights into the response of grain yield to environmental conditions. Current automated methods for phenotyping the maize ear do not capture these spatial features. RESULTS We developed EARBOX, a low-cost, open-source system for automated phenotyping of maize ears. EARBOX integrates open-source technologies for both software and hardware that facilitate its deployment and improvement for specific research questions. The imaging platform consists of a customized box in which ears are repeatedly imaged as they rotate via motorized rollers. With deep learning based on convolutional neural networks, the image analysis algorithm uses a two-step procedure: ear-specific grain masks are first created and subsequently used to extract a range of trait data per ear, including ear shape and dimensions, the number of grains and their spatial organisation, and the distribution of grain dimensions along the ear. The reliability of each trait was validated against ground-truth data from manual measurements. Moreover, EARBOX derives novel traits, inaccessible through conventional methods, especially the distribution of grain dimensions along grain cohorts, relevant for ear morphogenesis, and the distribution of abortion frequency along the ear, relevant for plant response to stress, especially soil water deficit. CONCLUSIONS The proposed system provides robust and accurate measurements of maize ear traits including spatial features. Future developments include grain type and colour categorisation. This method opens avenues for high-throughput genetic or functional studies in the context of plant adaptation to a changing environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Oury
- Phymea Systems, 453 Rue de l'Espinouse, Montpellier, France
| | - T Leroux
- Phymea Systems, 453 Rue de l'Espinouse, Montpellier, France
| | - O Turc
- LEPSE, Univ Montpellier, INRAE, Institut Agro, Montpellier, France
| | - R Chapuis
- MELGUEIL, Univ Montpellier, INRAE, Montpellier, France
| | - C Palaffre
- UE Maïs, INRAE, Univ. Bordeaux, Bordeaux, Saint Martin de Hinx, France
| | - F Tardieu
- LEPSE, Univ Montpellier, INRAE, Institut Agro, Montpellier, France
| | - S Alvarez Prado
- Facultad de Agronomía, IFEVA-CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Av. San Martín 4453 (C1417DSE), Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Cátedra de Sistemas de Cultivos Extensivos-GIMUCE, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Campo Experimental Villarino S/N, S21125ZAA, Zavalla, Prov. de Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - C Welcker
- LEPSE, Univ Montpellier, INRAE, Institut Agro, Montpellier, France
| | - S Lacube
- Phymea Systems, 453 Rue de l'Espinouse, Montpellier, France.
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Rapid deployment of inexpensive open-source orbital shakers in support of high-throughput screening. SLAS Technol 2022; 27:180-186. [DOI: 10.1016/j.slast.2022.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Abstract
Free and open-source hardware (FOSH) development has been shown to increase innovation and reduce economic costs. This article reviews the opportunity to use FOSH as a sanction to undercut imports and exports from a target criminal country. A formal methodology is presented for selecting strategic national investments in FOSH development to improve both national security and global safety. In this methodology, first the target country that is threatening national security or safety is identified. Next, the top imports from the target country as well as potentially other importing countries (allies) are quantified. Hardware is identified that could undercut imports/exports from the target country. Finally, methods to support the FOSH development are enumerated to support production in a commons-based peer production strategy. To demonstrate how this theoretical method works in practice, it is applied as a case study to a current criminal military aggressor nation, who is also a fossil-fuel exporter. The results show that there are numerous existing FOSH and opportunities to develop new FOSH for energy conservation and renewable energy to reduce fossil-fuel-energy demand. Widespread deployment would reduce the concomitant pollution, human health impacts, and environmental desecration as well as cut financing of military operations.
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Botero-Valencia J, Mejia-Herrera M, Pearce JM. Low cost climate station for smart agriculture applications with photovoltaic energy and wireless communication. HARDWAREX 2022; 11:e00296. [PMID: 35509914 PMCID: PMC9058848 DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2022.e00296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Measuring climatic conditions is a fundamental task for a wide array of scientific and practical fields. Weather variables change depending on position and time, especially in tropical zones without seasons. Additionally, the increasing development of precision or smart agriculture makes it necessary to improve the measurement systems while widely distributing them at the location of crops. For these reasons, in this work, the design, construction and fabrication of an adaptable autonomous solar-powered climatic station with wireless 3G or WiFi communication is presented. The station measures relative humidity, temperature, atmospheric pressure, precipitation, wind speed, and light radiation. In addition, the system monitors the charge state of the main battery and the energy generated by the photovoltaic module to act as a reference cell for solar energy generation capability and agrivoltaic potential in the installation area. The station can be remotely controlled and reconfigured. The collected data from all sensors can be uploaded to the cloud in real-time. This initiative aims at enhancing the development of free and open source hardware that can be used by the agricultural sector and that allows professionals in the area to improve harvest yield and production conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- J.S. Botero-Valencia
- Grupo de Sistemas de Control y Robótica, Instituto Tecnológico Metropolitano, Medellín, Colombia
| | - M. Mejia-Herrera
- Grupo de Sistemas de Control y Robótica, Instituto Tecnológico Metropolitano, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Joshua M. Pearce
- Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Ivey Business School, Western University, London, ON, Canada
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Botero-Valencia J, Mejia-Herrera M, Pearce JM. Design and implementation of 3-D printed radiation shields for environmental sensors. HARDWAREX 2022; 11:e00267. [PMID: 35509928 PMCID: PMC9058705 DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2022.e00267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The measurement of outdoor environmental and climatic variables is needed for many applications such as precision agriculture, environmental pollution monitoring, and the study of ecosystems. Some sensors deployed for these purposes such as temperature, relative humidity, atmospheric pressure, and carbon dioxide sensors require protection from climate factors to avoid bias. Radiation shields hold and protect sensors to avoid this bias, but commercial systems are limited, often expensive, and difficult to implement in low-cost contexts or large deployments for collaborative sensing. To overcome these challenges, this work presents an open source, easily adapted and customized design of a radiation shield. The device can be fabricated with inexpensive off-the-shelf parts and 3-D printed components and can be adapted to protect and isolate different types of sensors. Two material approaches are tested here: polylactic acid (PLA), the most common 3-D printing filament, and acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA), which is known to offer better resistance against UV radiation, greater hardness, and generally higher resistance to degradation. To validate the designs, the two prototypes were installed on a custom outdoor meteorological system and temperature and humidity measurements were made in several locations for one month and compared against a proprietary system and a system with no shield. The 3-D printed materials were also both tested multiple times for one month for UV stability of their mechanical properties, their optical transmission and deformation under outdoor high-heat conditions. The results showed that ASA is the preferred material for this design and that the open source radiation shield could match the performance of proprietary systems. The open source system can be constructed for about nine US dollars, which enables mass development of flexible weather stations for monitoring needed in smart agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- J.S. Botero-Valencia
- Grupo de Sistemas de Control y Robótica, Instituto Tecnológico Metropolitano, Medellín, Colombia
- Corresponding author.
| | - M. Mejia-Herrera
- Grupo de Sistemas de Control y Robótica, Instituto Tecnológico Metropolitano, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Joshua M. Pearce
- Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Ivey Business School, Western University, London, ON, Canada
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Habib K, Saad MHM, Hussain A, Sarker MR, Alaghbari KA. An Aggregated Data Integration Approach to the Web and Cloud Platforms through a Modular REST-Based OPC UA Middleware. SENSORS 2022; 22:s22051952. [PMID: 35271099 PMCID: PMC8914680 DOI: 10.3390/s22051952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The Internet of Things (IoT) empowers the development of heterogeneous systems for various application domains using embedded devices and diverse data transmission protocols. Collaborative integration of these systems in the industrial domain leads to incompatibility and interoperability at different automation levels, requiring unified coordination to exchange information efficiently. The hardware specifications of these devices are resource-constrained, limiting their performance in resource allocation, data management, and remote process supervision. Hence, unlocking network capabilities with other domains such as cloud and web services is required. This study proposed a platform-independent middleware module incorporating the Open Platform Communication Unified Architecture (OPC UA) and Representational State Transfer (REST) paradigms. The object-oriented structure of this middleware allows information contextualization to address interoperability issues and offers aggregated data integration with other domains. RESTful web and cloud platforms were implemented to collect this middleware data, provide remote application support, and enable aggregated resource allocation in a database server. Several performance assessments were conducted on the developed system deployed in Raspberry Pi and Intel NUC PC, which showed acceptable platform resource utilization regarding CPU, bandwidth, and power consumption, with low service, update, and response time requirements. This integrated approach demonstrates an excellent cost-effective prospect for interoperable Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication, enables remote process supervision, and offers aggregated bulk data management with wider domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiser Habib
- Department of Electrical, Electronic and Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Malaysia; or (A.H.)
| | - Mohamad Hanif Md Saad
- Institute of IR 4.0, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Malaysia; (M.R.S.); (K.A.A.)
- Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Malaysia
- Correspondence:
| | - Aini Hussain
- Department of Electrical, Electronic and Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Malaysia; or (A.H.)
| | - Mahidur R. Sarker
- Institute of IR 4.0, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Malaysia; (M.R.S.); (K.A.A.)
| | - Khaled A. Alaghbari
- Institute of IR 4.0, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Malaysia; (M.R.S.); (K.A.A.)
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Santos ML, Zacharias LR, Cota VR. Open-source hardware to face COVID-19 pandemic: the need to do more and better. RESEARCH ON BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2022. [PMCID: PMC7854879 DOI: 10.1007/s42600-020-00123-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Maikon Lorran Santos
- Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Neuroengenharia e Neurociências, Departamento de Engenharia Elétrica, Universidade Federal de São João Del-Rei, Pça. Frei Orlando, 170 (DEPEL, sl. 4.19) - Centro, São João Del-Rei, MG CEP 36307-352 Brazil
| | - Leonardo Rakauskas Zacharias
- Laboratório de Investigação em Epilepsia, Departamento de Neurociências e Ciências do Comportamento, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Open Science Brasil, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Vinícius Rosa Cota
- Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Neuroengenharia e Neurociências, Departamento de Engenharia Elétrica, Universidade Federal de São João Del-Rei, Pça. Frei Orlando, 170 (DEPEL, sl. 4.19) - Centro, São João Del-Rei, MG CEP 36307-352 Brazil
- Open Science Brasil, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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Configurable IoT Open-Source Hardware and Software I-V Curve Tracer for Photovoltaic Generators. SENSORS 2021; 21:s21227650. [PMID: 34833725 PMCID: PMC8620002 DOI: 10.3390/s21227650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Photovoltaic (PV) energy is a renewable energy resource which is being widely integrated in intelligent power grids, smart grids, and microgrids. To characterize and monitor the behavior of PV modules, current-voltage (I-V) curves are essential. In this regard, Internet of Things (IoT) technologies provide versatile and powerful tools, constituting a modern trend in the design of sensing and data acquisition systems for I-V curve tracing. This paper presents a novel I-V curve tracer based on IoT open-source hardware and software. Namely, a Raspberry Pi microcomputer composes the hardware level, whilst the applied software comprises mariaDB, Python, and Grafana. All the tasks required for curve tracing are automated: load sweep, data acquisition, data storage, communications, and real-time visualization. Modern and legacy communication protocols are handled for seamless data exchange with a programmable logic controller and a programmable load. The development of the system is expounded, and experimental results are reported to prove the suitability and validity of the proposal. In particular, I-V curve tracing of a monocrystalline PV generator under real operating conditions is successfully conducted.
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Dieck-Assad G, Rodríguez-Delgado JM, González Peña OI. Excel Methods to Design and Validate in Microelectronics (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor, CMOS) for Biomedical Instrumentation Application. SENSORS 2021; 21:s21227486. [PMID: 34833561 PMCID: PMC8618810 DOI: 10.3390/s21227486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
CMOS microelectronics design has evolved tremendously during the last two decades. The evolution of CMOS devices to short channel designs where the feature size is below 1000 nm brings a great deal of uncertainty in the way the microelectronics design cycle is completed. After the conceptual idea, developing a thinking model to understand the operation of the device requires a good “ballpark” evaluation of transistor sizes, decision making, and assumptions to fulfill the specifications. This design process has iterations to meet specifications that exceed in number of the available degrees of freedom to maneuver the design. Once the thinking model is developed, the simulation validation follows to test if the design has a good possibility of delivering a successful prototype. If the simulation provides a good match between specifications and results, then the layout is developed. This paper shows a useful open science strategy, using the Excel software, to develop CMOS microelectronics hand calculations to verify a design, before performing the computer simulation and layout of CMOS analog integrated circuits. The full methodology is described to develop designs of passive components, as well as CMOS amplifiers. The methods are used in teaching CMOS microelectronics to students of electronic engineering with industrial partner participation. This paper describes an exhaustive example of a low-voltage operational transconductance amplifier (OTA) design which is used to design an instrumentation amplifier. Finally, a test is performed using this instrumentation amplifier to implement a front-end signal conditioning device for CMOS-MEMS biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graciano Dieck-Assad
- Tecnológico de Monterrey, School of Engineering and Science, Av. Eugenio Garza Sada Sur No. 2501, col. Tecnológico, Monterrey 64849, Mexico; (G.D.-A.); (J.M.R.-D.)
| | - José Manuel Rodríguez-Delgado
- Tecnológico de Monterrey, School of Engineering and Science, Av. Eugenio Garza Sada Sur No. 2501, col. Tecnológico, Monterrey 64849, Mexico; (G.D.-A.); (J.M.R.-D.)
| | - Omar Israel González Peña
- Tecnológico de Monterrey, School of Engineering and Science, Av. Eugenio Garza Sada Sur No. 2501, col. Tecnológico, Monterrey 64849, Mexico; (G.D.-A.); (J.M.R.-D.)
- Tecnológico de Monterrey, Institute for the Future of Education, Av. Eugenio Garza Sada Sur No. 2501, col. Tecnológico, Monterrey 64849, Mexico
- Correspondence:
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Vázquez M, Anfossi L, Ben-Yoav H, Diéguez L, Karopka T, Della Ventura B, Abalde-Cela S, Minopoli A, Di Nardo F, Shukla VK, Teixeira A, Tvarijonaviciute A, Franco-Martínez L. Use of some cost-effective technologies for a routine clinical pathology laboratory. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:4330-4351. [PMID: 34664599 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc00658d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Classically, the need for highly sophisticated instruments with important economic costs has been a major limiting factor for clinical pathology laboratories, especially in developing countries. With the aim of making clinical pathology more accessible, a wide variety of free or economical technologies have been developed worldwide in the last few years. 3D printing and Arduino approaches can provide up to 94% economical savings in hardware and instrumentation in comparison to commercial alternatives. The vast selection of point-of-care-tests (POCT) currently available also limits the need for specific instruments or personnel, as they can be used almost anywhere and by anyone. Lastly, there are dozens of free and libre digital tools available in health informatics. This review provides an overview of the state-of-the-art on cost-effective alternatives with applications in routine clinical pathology laboratories. In this context, a variety of technologies including 3D printing and Arduino, lateral flow assays, plasmonic biosensors, and microfluidics, as well as laboratory information systems, are discussed. This review aims to serve as an introduction to different technologies that can make clinical pathology more accessible and, therefore, contribute to achieve universal health coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercedes Vázquez
- National Centre For Sensor Research, School of Chemical Sciences, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Laura Anfossi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Turin, Via Giuria, 5, I-10125 Turin, Italy
| | - Hadar Ben-Yoav
- Nanobioelectronics Laboratory (NBEL), Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ilse Katz Institute of Nanoscale Science and Technology, Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Lorena Diéguez
- Medical Devices Research Group, International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory - INL, 4715-330 Braga, Portugal
| | | | - Bartolomeo Della Ventura
- Department of Physics "E. Pancini", University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 26, I-80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Sara Abalde-Cela
- Medical Devices Research Group, International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory - INL, 4715-330 Braga, Portugal
| | - Antonio Minopoli
- Department of Physics "E. Pancini", University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 26, I-80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Fabio Di Nardo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Turin, Via Giuria, 5, I-10125 Turin, Italy
| | - Vikas Kumar Shukla
- Nanobioelectronics Laboratory (NBEL), Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ilse Katz Institute of Nanoscale Science and Technology, Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Alexandra Teixeira
- Medical Devices Research Group, International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory - INL, 4715-330 Braga, Portugal
| | - Asta Tvarijonaviciute
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Pathology, Interlab-UMU, Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain.
| | - Lorena Franco-Martínez
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Pathology, Interlab-UMU, Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain.
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Oliveira F, Costa DG, Silva I. On the development of flexible mobile multi-sensor units based on open-source hardware platforms and a reference framework. HARDWAREX 2021; 10:e00243. [PMID: 35607657 PMCID: PMC9123482 DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2021.e00243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
For some IoT applications, mobile entities are considered as the main source of sensed data, requiring the attachment of sensor modules on them. The endowing of sensing capabilities to such mobile entities can be performed in different ways, but the adoption of a reference hardware framework can bring a series of advantages, specially in dynamic complex scenarios. This article exploits the MSensorMob2 multi-sensor hardware framework for monitoring in areas with disconnection periods, comprising sensing, transmission and reconfiguration functions. Comprehensive analyses on multiple open-source hardware platforms are conducted, assessing their costs, deployment constraints and performance issues when implementing this development framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franklin Oliveira
- UEFS-PGCC, State University of Feira de Santana, Feira de Santana, Brazil
| | - Daniel G. Costa
- UEFS-DTEC, Department of Technology, State University of Feira de Santana, Feira de Santana, Brazil
| | - Ivanovitch Silva
- UFRN-DCA, Department of Computer Engineering and Automation, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
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46
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Carvalho MC. Miau, a microbalance autosampler. HARDWAREX 2021; 10:e00215. [PMID: 35607678 PMCID: PMC9123439 DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2021.e00215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Powder weighing is an essential but tedious activity in many branches of science. Here I describe a MIcrobalance AUtosampler (miau) that transfers solids in the sub-mg range to a microbalance. Miau is a pick-and-place machine which moves a gripper with dual function: 1) move tin capsules; 2) deliver powder from a container to tin capsules. In our laboratory we routinely use miau to prepare working standards for quality control of elemental and isotopic analyses. In a test, miau produced standards between 0.3 and 1.1 mg, which is a useful range in our laboratory. Failure to produce a weighed standard happened in 5% of the cases. A comparison with manual measurements demonstrated that obtained amounts for automated samples were as accurate and precise as manually prepared ones. Setup for daily use is simple, and the microbalance can be easily used alternately with or without miau. Miau is a low-cost device that can work with microbalances from many manufacturers, and can be readily adopted by many laboratories.
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47
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Broekman A, Gräbe PJ. A low-cost, mobile real-time kinematic geolocation service for engineering and research applications. HARDWAREX 2021; 10:e00203. [PMID: 35607668 PMCID: PMC9123378 DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2021.e00203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Centimetre accurate geolocation service is beneficial to a wide range of applications, ranging from sports engineering, civil infrastructure, autonomous vehicles, surveying to digitisation of historically significant structures. Previously, these features were confined to prohibitively expensive commercial hardware, requiring technical knowledge and experience to operate. Continued technological advancements have seen the miniaturisation of electronics and antennas, coupled with an increase in the number and performance of global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) by various nations and organisations, providing global signal coverage. This paper demonstrates a low-cost, mobile, real-time kinematic (RTK) geolocation service for engineering and research applications, fabricated from components readily available from commercial suppliers. This solution, consisting of a mobile RTK base station and RTK rover, provides centimetre-accuracy performance up to a distance of 15 km away from the base station. Correction data is transmitted over the internet using free and open software solutions. The small footprint of both the RTK base station and RTK rover, provides versatile applications even in remote locations. The performance of the geolocation service is validated using field experiments, comparing measurements against state-of-the-art photogrammetry, light detection and ranging (LiDAR) and digital level measurement technologies. The authors encourage the adoption of the RTK geolocation solution based on the calibrated results.
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Tonelli A, Mangia V, Candiani A, Pasquali F, Mangiaracina TJ, Grazioli A, Sozzi M, Gorni D, Bussolati S, Cucinotta A, Basini G, Selleri S. Sensing Optimum in the Raw: Leveraging the Raw-Data Imaging Capabilities of Raspberry Pi for Diagnostics Applications. SENSORS 2021; 21:s21103552. [PMID: 34065190 PMCID: PMC8160707 DOI: 10.3390/s21103552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Single-board computers (SBCs) and microcontroller boards (MCBs) are extensively used nowadays as prototyping platforms to accomplish innovative tasks. Very recently, implementations of these devices for diagnostics applications are rapidly gaining ground for research and educational purposes. Among the available solutions, Raspberry Pi represents one of the most used SBCs. In the present work, two setups based on Raspberry Pi and its CMOS-based camera (a 3D-printed device and an adaptation of a commercial product named We-Lab) were investigated as diagnostic instruments. Different camera elaboration processes were investigated, showing how direct access to the 10-bit raw data acquired from the sensor before downstream imaging processes could be beneficial for photometric applications. The developed solution was successfully applied to the evaluation of the oxidative stress using two commercial kits (d-ROM Fast; PAT). We suggest the analysis of raw data applied to SBC and MCB platforms in order to improve results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Tonelli
- DNAPhone S.R.L., Viale Mentana 150, 43121 Parma, Italy; (A.T.); (V.M.); (A.C.); (F.P.); (T.J.M.); (A.G.); (M.S.)
| | - Veronica Mangia
- DNAPhone S.R.L., Viale Mentana 150, 43121 Parma, Italy; (A.T.); (V.M.); (A.C.); (F.P.); (T.J.M.); (A.G.); (M.S.)
| | - Alessandro Candiani
- DNAPhone S.R.L., Viale Mentana 150, 43121 Parma, Italy; (A.T.); (V.M.); (A.C.); (F.P.); (T.J.M.); (A.G.); (M.S.)
| | - Francesco Pasquali
- DNAPhone S.R.L., Viale Mentana 150, 43121 Parma, Italy; (A.T.); (V.M.); (A.C.); (F.P.); (T.J.M.); (A.G.); (M.S.)
| | - Tiziana Jessica Mangiaracina
- DNAPhone S.R.L., Viale Mentana 150, 43121 Parma, Italy; (A.T.); (V.M.); (A.C.); (F.P.); (T.J.M.); (A.G.); (M.S.)
| | - Alessandro Grazioli
- DNAPhone S.R.L., Viale Mentana 150, 43121 Parma, Italy; (A.T.); (V.M.); (A.C.); (F.P.); (T.J.M.); (A.G.); (M.S.)
| | - Michele Sozzi
- DNAPhone S.R.L., Viale Mentana 150, 43121 Parma, Italy; (A.T.); (V.M.); (A.C.); (F.P.); (T.J.M.); (A.G.); (M.S.)
| | - Davide Gorni
- H&D S.R.L., Strada Langhirano 264/1a, 43124 Parma, Italy;
| | - Simona Bussolati
- Dipartimento di Scienze Medico-Veterinarie, Via del Taglio 10, 43126 Parma, Italy; (S.B.); (G.B.)
| | - Annamaria Cucinotta
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria e Architettura, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze, 181/A, 43124 Parma, Italy;
| | - Giuseppina Basini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Medico-Veterinarie, Via del Taglio 10, 43126 Parma, Italy; (S.B.); (G.B.)
| | - Stefano Selleri
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria e Architettura, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze, 181/A, 43124 Parma, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-052-190-5763
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Efromson JP, Li S, Lynch MD. BioSamplr: An open source, low cost automated sampling system for bioreactors. HARDWAREX 2021; 9:e00177. [PMID: 35492036 PMCID: PMC9041172 DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2021.e00177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Autosampling from bioreactors reduces error, increases reproducibility and offers improved aseptic handling when compared to manual sampling. Additionally, autosampling greatly decreases the hands-on time required for a bioreactor experiment and enables sampling 24 h a day. We have designed, built and tested a low cost, open source, automated bioreactor sampling system, the BioSamplr. The BioSamplr can take up to ten samples from a bioreactor at a desired sample interval and cools them to a desired temperature. The device, assembled from low cost and 3D printed components, is controlled wirelessly by a Raspberry Pi, and records all sampling data to a log file. The cost and accessibility of the BioSamplr make it useful for laboratories without access to more expensive and complex autosampling systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- John P. Efromson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, United States
| | - Shuai Li
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, United States
| | - Michael D. Lynch
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, United States
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50
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Mbiydzenyuy NE, Pieme CA, Brown RE, Nguemeni C. Neuroscience education and research in Cameroon: Current status and future direction. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2021; 10:216-224. [PMID: 34179870 PMCID: PMC8211920 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2021.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurological disorders comprise 20% of hospital admissions in Cameroon. The burden of neurological disorders is increasing, especially in children and the elderly. However, there are very few neurologists, psychiatrists, gerontologists and neuropsychologists trained in the treatment of neurological disorders in Cameroon and there are very few facilities for training in basic and clinical neuroscience. Although non-governmental organizations such as the International Brain Research Organization (IBRO), International Society of Neurochemistry (ISN), and Teaching and Research in Natural Sciences for Development (TReND) in Africa have stepped in to provide short training courses and workshops in neuroscience, these are neither sufficient to train African neuroscientists nor to build the capacity to train neuroscience researchers and clinicians. There has also been little support from universities and the government for such training. While some participants of these schools have managed to form collaborations with foreign researchers and have been invited to study abroad, this does not facilitate the training of neuroscientists in Cameroon. Moreover, the research infrastructure for training in neuroscience remains limited. This is reflected in the low research output from Cameroonian universities in the field. In this review, we describe the burden of neurological disorders in Cameroon and outline the outstanding efforts of local scientists to develop the discipline of neuroscience, which is still an emerging field in Cameroon. We identify key actionable steps towards the improvement of the scientific capacity in neuroscience in Cameroon: (1) develop targeted neuroscience training programs in all major universities in Cameroon; (2) implement a thriving scientific environment supported by international collaborations; (3) focus on the leadership and the mentorship of both local and senior neuroscientists; (4) develop public awareness and information of policy makers to increase governmental funding for neuroscience research. Improving scientific capacity to tackle the neurological diseases burden in Cameroon is urgent. Neuroscience schools and advocated researchers shape the future of neuroscience in Cameroon. Public-private partnerships are required for sustainable country impact of neuroscience schools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ngala Elvis Mbiydzenyuy
- Department of Basic Medical Science, School of Medicine, Copperbelt University, Ndola, Zambia
| | | | - Richard E Brown
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Carine Nguemeni
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Germany
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