This thesis discusses design and realization of air temperature, pressure and relative humidity measuring device, transmission of measured data over internet and their presentation on a web site. First chapter introduces reader into principles of measuring air temperature, pressure and relative humidity and various types of sensors used for measuring . Next, the conception of designed system is described. Designed system must accomplish tasks from reading raw data from the sensor up to thein graphical presentation to the internet user. Second and third chapter describes hardware and software design of air temperature, pressure and relative humidity measuring unit. In next part one can find description of software used to transmit measured data over internet and software for generating web pages which are shown to users. The work is revieved in the final part of this thesis.

This thesis deals with the dynamic properties of electric pressure transducers. These are properties that are reflected in the measurement of rapid, time-dependent processes. They could be described in two ways. Either by using amplitude and phase frequency response characteristics, or just one particular value. Natural frequency, cutoff frequency or time constant. These parameters indicate the extreme values for the use of measuring devices in the measurement of time-dependent processes. In this work will be described procedures for determining these parameters.

Manufacturing process development is under constant pressure to achieve a good yield for stable processes. The development of new technologies, especially in the field of photomask and semiconductor development, is at its phys- ical limits. In this area, data, e.g. sensor data, has to be collected and analyzed for each process in order to ensure process quality. With increasing complexity of manufactur- ing processes, the volume of data that has to be evaluated rises accordingly. The complexity and data volume exceeds the possibility of a manual data analysis. At this point, data mining techniques become interesting. The application of current techniques is complex because most of the data is captured with sensor measurement tools. Therefore, every measured value contains a specific error. In this paper we propose an error-aware extension of the density-based al- gorithm DBSCAN. Furthermore, we present some quality measures which could be utilized for further interpretation of the determined clustering results. With this new cluster algorithm, we can ensure that masks are classified into the correct cluster with respect to the measurement errors, thus ensuring a more likely correlation between the masks.

Le décès d’une personne sur cinq à travers le monde est associé à l’hypertension artérielle (HTA). Or, près de la moitié des individus avec HTA ignorent leur condition : ils n’ont pas été dépistés. Cette thèse a pour objectif, principalement à travers la présentation de deux articles originaux, de contribuer à l’amélioration du dépistage de l’HTA. Avant la présentation des deux articles de cette thèse, les résultats d’un examen de la littérature sur les effets des démarches de dépistage de l’HTA en milieux hors hospitaliers sont exposés. On y constate notamment qu’une telle démarche permet d’identifier près d’un adulte sur trois comme ayant une pression artérielle (PA) élevée. La pratique infirmière dans la prise en charge de l’HTA est également explorée. Il en ressort que leurs interventions non pharmacologiques et leurs interventions directes sur le traitement pharmacologique permettent à la fois une amélioration des habitudes de vie ainsi qu’un abaissement de la PA au moins équivalente aux soins médicaux usuels. Le premier article de cette thèse consiste en une revue systématique effectuée en utilisant le protocole Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses - Diagnostic Test Accuracy (PRISMA-DTA). Les objectifs de cette revue systématique étaient de décrire la performance (valeur prédictive positive, taux de suivi) de la stratégie de dépistage de l’HTA qui consiste à tirer profit de la mesure de la PA effectuée d’emblée auprès des millions de personnes qui se présentent annuellement dans les départements d’urgence. Les méthodes de mesure de la PA utilisées lors de la consultation initiale à l'urgence, les moyens utilisés pour assurer un suivi, ainsi que les méthodes utilisées pour confirmer un diagnostic de l’HTA sont également décrits. À la suite d’une recension initiale de 1030 articles, 10 de ceux-ci répondaient aux critères d’inclusion. L’outil Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (Quadas-2) a été utilisé pour l’évaluation de la qualité des études. L’âge moyen des participants est de 51,6 ± 6,4 ans. Pour effectuer la mesure de la PA au département d’urgence, un appareil au mercure a été utilisé dans la moitié des études, quatre ont utilisé un appareil électronique et pour deux études, cette information n’était pas disponible. Parmi ceux ayant eu un dépistage positif, le taux de suivi moyen est de 61,9 %. Parmi eux, 50,2 % ont reçu la confirmation d’un diagnostic d’HTA à la suite d’une démarche de suivi. L’on retrouve dans seulement deux études une méthode de confirmation diagnostique correspondant aux standards des sociétés savantes en HTA. Une autre solution pour l’amélioration du dépistage de l’HTA est d’augmenter la validité de la méthode de mesure de la PA. Le second article de cette thèse avait pour objectif d’évaluer la performance (valeurs prédictives, sensibilité, spécificité, coefficient de kappa et taux de suivi) d’une nouvelle stratégie de dépistage de l’HTA au moment d’une consultation pour urgence mineure. La stratégie consiste, à la suite d’une mesure initiale de la PA dont le résultat est élevé, en l’ajout d’une seconde méthode de mesure de la PA : la mesure oscillométrique en série. Un monitorage ambulatoire de la pression artérielle (MAPA) d’une durée de 24 heures a été fait pour chaque participant afin d’évaluer la performance de la combinaison des deux méthodes de mesures cliniques. Le MAPA constitue la mesure étalon en HTA. Effectuée dans une clinique GMF de Laval, 50 des 80 participants (62,5 %) inclus ont complété l’étude en se présentant au rendez-vous de suivi pour un MAPA. L’âge moyen des participants est de 51,9 ans. À la suite d’une mesure initiale de la PA dont le résultat est élevé, l’ajout de la mesure oscillométrique en série a été associé à une valeur prédictive positive de 62,5 % et une valeur prédictive négative de 83,3 % (sensibilité, 87 %; spécificité 56 %; coefficient de kappa 0,41). Cette thèse permet d’offrir des pistes de réponses qui pourront contribuer à l’amélioration du dépistage de l’HTA. Tout d’abord, le premier article met en lumière le fait que les consultations au département d’urgence représentent une excellente opportunité pour le dépistage de l’HTA. En effet, cela permet de rejoindre un nombre très important d’individus. Une mesure de la PA est effectuée à chacun d’eux, ils sont plutôt jeunes et lorsque le résultat de la mesure est élevé, cela correspond réellement à une HTA pour la moitié des cas. Le taux de suivi se situe à environ 60 %. La démarche de dépistage à l’urgence consiste essentiellement à reconnaitre une PA élevée, puis d’effectuer une référence afin d’obtenir une prise en charge. Cela implique qu’à chaque 100 adultes avec une PA élevée à l’urgence et pour qui une démarche de dépistage serait effectuée, 30 individus pourraient avoir un diagnostic d’HTA confirmé ainsi qu’une prise en charge subséquente. Malgré cela, le défi de la validité de la mesure et du suivi demeure. La contribution originale du deuxième article s’attarde à cette question. À la suite d’une mesure initiale de la PA dont le résultat est élevé, l’ajout de la mesure oscillométrique en série permet d’augmenter la validité de la démarche de dépistage. En effet, ceux pour qui le résultat de cette mesure est normal peuvent être considérés, d’une façon sécuritaire, comme étant non hypertendus. Ainsi, les individus dirigés afin d’effectuer un examen de confirmation diagnostique seront mieux ciblés, les ressources existantes mieux utilisées. Enfin, des recommandations sont présentées relativement au dépistage de l’HTA, à sa prise en charge, mais également sur la pratique infirmière. / One out of five people worldwide dies from causes linked to hypertension (HTN). Yet, nearly half of individuals with HTN are unaware of their condition as they have not been screened. The goal of this thesis, mainly through the presentation of two original articles, is to help improve HTN screening. Before presenting the two articles, the results of a literature review on the effects of the HTN screening process in an out-of-hospital setting are outlined. In particular, it is noted that such a process helps to identify nearly one out of three adults as having elevated blood pressure (BP). The nursing practice in HTN management is also explored. It is concluded that their non-pharmacological interventions and direct interventions on the pharmacological treatment help to improve lifestyles and lower BP by at least the same amount as customary medical care. The first article of this thesis consists in a systematic review conducted with the use of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses - Diagnostic Test Accuracy (PRISMA-DTA) protocol. The purposes of this systematic review are to describe the performance (positive predictive value, follow-up rate) of the HTN screening strategy, which consists in drawing on the BP measurement taken on millions of people who show up in the emergency department (ED) annually. The BP measurement methods used during the initial ED consultation, the methods used to ensure follow-up, and the methods used to confirm an HTN diagnosis are also described. Following an initial review of 1030 articles, 10 of these met the inclusion criteria. The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (Quadas-2) tool was used to evaluate the quality of the studies. The average age of participants is 51.6 ± 6.4 years. To take a BP measurement in the ED, a mercury device was used in half of the studies, four used an electronic device and for two studies, this information was unavailable. Among those with a positive screen, the average monitoring rate is 61.9%. Among them, 50.2% received confirmation of an HTN diagnosis following the follow-up process. Only two studies mention a diagnosis confirmation method that meets the standards of learned HTN societies. Another solution to improve HTN screening is to increase the validity of the BP measurement method. The goal of the second article of this thesis was to evaluate the performance (predictive values, sensitivity, specificity, kappa coefficient and monitoring rate) of a new HTN screening strategy when consulting for a minor emergency. Following the initial high BP measurement, the strategy consists in adding a second BP measurement method: the automated office blood pressure measurement (AOBP). Each participant underwent 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) to evaluate the performance of the combination of both clinical measurement methods. ABPM is the gold standard for BP measurement. Conducted in a GMF clinic in Laval, Quebec, 50 of the 80 participants (62.5%) included completed the study by showing up to the follow-up ABPM appointment. The average age of participants is 51.9 years old. Following an initial high BP measurement, adding the AOBP is linked to a positive predictive value of 62.5% and a negative predictive value of 83.3% (sensitivity 87%, specificity 56%, kappa coefficient 0.41). This thesis offers possibilities that can help improve HTN screening. The first article highlights the fact that ED consultations are an excellent opportunity to screen for HTN. Indeed, this helps to reach many individuals: BP measurement is taken on each one, they are rather young, and when the measurement is high, this actually corresponds to an HTN for half of the cases. The follow-up rate is about 60%. The ED screening process mainly consists in recognizing high BP, and then making a referral to obtain treatment. This implies that for every 100 adults with high BP in the ED and on whom a screening process would be conducted, 30 people could have a confirmed HTN diagnosis and subsequent treatment. And yet, the validity of the measurement and follow-up remains a challenge. The original contribution of the second article examines this question. Following an initial high BP measurement, adding the AOBP helps to increase the validity of the screening process. Indeed, those for whom the result of this measurement is normal can safely be considered as non-hypertensive. As such, those referred to complete a diagnosis confirmation exam will be better targeted and the existing resources better used. Lastly, recommendations are made regarding HTN screening, its management, and the related nursing practice.

I detta arbete har ett koncept utvecklats för en flödesmätningsmetod med en intern sensorkropp samt bibehållen flödeshastighet. Denna mätmetod består av en sensorkropp i ett flödeshus där mätningen av flödet utförs med hjälp av pitotrörsberäkningar. Två olika lösningar presenteras i detta arbete, där skillnaderna grundar sig i utformningen av sensorkroppen. Sensorkroppens tvärsnitt är liknande för båda lösningarna. Den ena lösningen är rotationssymmetrisk i centrum av röret medan den andra går från vägg till vägg centrerat i röret. För att åstadkomma bibehållen flödeshastighet så utfördes beräkningar för att modellera flödeshuset, så att flödets tvärsnittsarea motsvarade arean i röret utan sensorkropp. I dessa beräkningar ingick även att kompensera för ökade solida ytor, då dessa ytor skapar gränsskikt där flödets hastighet sänks. Jämförelser mellan arbetets genererade koncept och uppdragsgivarens nuvarande produkter utfördes. Jämförelsen resulterade i flera områden där arbetets koncept skulle kunna komplettera redan befintliga produkter. / In this project a concept for flow measurement has been developed, where there is an internal sensor body as well as a constant flow speed. This measurement method consists of a sensor body in a flow housing where the flow measurement is done using conventional pitot tube calculations. Two different solutions are presented in this work, the differences between the two solutions are based on the design of the sensor body. The cross-section of the sensor body is similar for both solutions, but one solution is rotationally symmetrical while the other goes from wall to wall. Both sensor bodies are centered in the tube. To accomplish continuous flow speed, calculations were made to model the flow housing, so the cross-sectional area of the flow corresponded to the area of the tube without the sensor body. In these calculations a compensation factor for increased solid surface area were included, as this area creates a boundary layer that lowers the flow speed and changes based on the design of the sensor body. Comparisons between the concept in this project and the commissioner's current products were made. This comparison resulted in several areas where this projects concept could complement existing products.

This dissertation focused on development and utilization of numerical and experimental approaches to improve the CFD modeling of fluidization flow of cohesive micron size particles. The specific objectives of this research were: (1) Developing a cluster prediction mechanism applicable to Two-Fluid Modeling (TFM) of gas-solid systems (2) Developing more accurate drag models for Two-Fluid Modeling (TFM) of gas-solid fluidization flow with the presence of cohesive interparticle forces (3) using the developed model to explore the improvement of accuracy of TFM in simulation of fluidization flow of cohesive powders (4) Understanding the causes and influential factor which led to improvements and quantification of improvements (5) Gathering data from a fast fluidization flow and use these data for benchmark validations. Simulation results with two developed cluster-aware drag models showed that cluster prediction could effectively influence the results in both the first and second cluster-aware models. It was proven that improvement of accuracy of TFM modeling using three versions of the first hybrid model was significant and the best improvements were obtained by using the smallest values of the switch parameter which led to capturing the smallest chances of cluster prediction. In the case of the second hybrid model, dependence of critical model parameter on only Reynolds number led to the fact that improvement of accuracy was significant only in dense section of the fluidized bed. This finding may suggest that a more sophisticated particle resolved DNS model, which can span wide range of solid volume fraction, can be used in the formulation of the cluster-aware drag model. The results of experiment suing high speed imaging indicated the presence of particle clusters in the fluidization flow of FCC inside the riser of FIU-CFB facility. In addition, pressure data was successfully captured along the fluidization column of the facility and used as benchmark validation data for the second hybrid model developed in the present dissertation. It was shown the second hybrid model could predict the pressure data in the dense section of the fluidization column with better accuracy.

This thesis is concerned with the measurement of physical quantities. Thesis describes sensors in general terms and requirements, which delivers latest trends in the field of automation. The main theme of this thesis is sensors for meassuring pressure, and their connection to the automation chain. In the next part thesis describes the design of the converter for connecting SMART sensors for pressure measuring, that use HART communication protocol, to the automation systems managed by a communication protocol IO-link. First will be described in detail various communication standards by their ISO OSI model, and on this theoretical basis will be based design of converter between communication protocol HART and communication protocol IO-Link. The last part will be Designed software for this converter.

Telemedical methods enable remote patient monitoring and healthcare at a distance. Besides, fitness tracker and sport watches are currently trending electronic products to generate awareness of health parameters in daily life. Especially, the long-term and continuous measurement of electrophysiological signals such as electrocardiogramm (ECG) becomes increasingly attractive for telemedical applications. Typically used disposable Ag/AgCl wet electrodes for good skin-electrode contact can potentially cause skin irritation and rashes. This paper presents a low cost, individual and flexible substrate for skin electrodes to be applied in future consumer electronic or professional applications. It enables an alternative contact method of the electrode to the skin by applying a pressure during the measurement and hence good contact. If no measurement is needed pressure can be released and the electrode loses skin contact. The 3D printed polymer module is 4 mm thick and comprises a pressure chamber, silver electrodes and insulation layer. The airtight printed membrane of flexible filament, which expands when inflating the chamber, may be printed in different thicknesses and shapes, much thinner than the present 4mm. This enables a high individuality for various applications. Pressure up to 150 kPa was applied and leads to dilatation of 1400 μm. First tests on skin when measuring electrodermal activity (EDA) show promising results for future applications.

A recently emerging engineering design approach entails studying the brilliant design solutions found in nature with an aim to develop design strategies that mimic the remarkable efficiency found in biological systems. This novel engineering approach is referred to as bio-inspired design. In this context, the present study quantifies the structure-property relations in bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) horn keratin, qualitatively characterizes the effects of a tapered spiral geometry (the same form as in a ram’s horn) on pressure wave and impulse mitigation, describes the stress attenuation capabilities and features of a ram’s head, and compares the structures and mechanical properties of some energy absorbent natural materials. The results and ideas presented herein can be used in the development of lightweight, energy absorbent, bio-inspired material designs. Among the most notable conclusions garnered from this research include: Horn keratin behaves in an anisotropic manner similar to a long fiber composite. Moisture content dominates the material behavior of horn keratin more than anisotropy, age, and stress-state. This makes moisture content the most influential parameter on the mechanical behavior of horn keratin. Tapered geometries mitigate the impulse generated by a stress wave due to the convergent boundary and a continually decreasing cross sectional area such that greater uniaxial stresses and subsequent axial deformation arises. Furthermore, the tapered geometry introduces small shear stresses that further decrease the impulse. Spiral geometries attenuate the impulse generated by a stress wave by the introduction of shear stresses along the length of the spiral. These shear stresses introduce transverse displacements that function to lessen the impulse. When both a taper and spiral geometry are used in a design, their synergistic effects multiplicatively reduce the impulse Tough natural materials have a high porosity, which makes them light-weight, while increasing their compressive energy absorption ability. Biomaterials whose functions include protection and energy absorption feature a multiscale, hierarchical, composite structure. The constituent materials are arranged in such ways to achieve a synergistic effect, where the properties of the composite exceed the properties of its constituents. Biological materials are therefore not confined to the law of mixtures.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Peripheral arterial disease is caused by plaque buildup in the peripheral arteries. Standard treatments are available when the blockage is proximal and focal, however when distal and diffuse the same type of the treatment options are not beneficial due to the diseased locations. Restoration of blood flow and further salvaging of the limb in these patients can occur in a retrograde manner through the venous system, called retroperfusion or arteriovenous reversal. Retroperfusion has been explored over the last century, where early side to side artery to venous connections had issues with valve competency prohibiting distal flows, edema buildup, and heart failure. However, more recent clinical studies create a bypass to a foot vein to ensure distal flows, and though the results have been promising, it requires a lengthy invasive procedure. It is our belief that the concerns of both retroperfusion approaches can be overcome in a minimally invasive/catheter based approach in which the catheter is engineered to a specific resistance that avoids edema and the perfusion location allows for valves to be passable and flow to reach distally. In this approach, the pressure flow relations were characterized in the retroperfused venous system in ex-vivo canine legs to locate the optimal perfusion location followed by in-vivo validation of canines. Six canines were acutely injured for 1-3 hours by surgical ligation of the terminal aorta and both external iliac arteries. Retroperfusion was successfully performed on five of the dogs at the venous popliteal bifurcation for approximately one hour, where flow rates at peak pressures reached near half of forward flow (37±3 vs. 84±27ml/min) and from which the slope of the P/F curves displayed a retro venous vasculature resistance that was used to calculate the optimal catheter resistance. To assess differences in regional perfusion, microspheres were passed during retroperfusion and compared to baseline microspheres passed arterially prior to occlusion in which the ratio of retroperfusion and forward perfusion levels were near the ratio of reversed and forward venous flow (0.44) throughout the limb. Decreases in critical metabolites during injury trended towards normal levels post-retroperfusion. By identifying the popliteal bifurication as a perfusion site to restore blood flow in the entirety of the distal ischemic limb, showing reversal of injury, and knowing what catheter resistances to target for further chronic studies, steps towards controlled retroperfusion and thus more efficient treatment options can be made for severe PAD patients.