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    Wireless sensors network based physiological parameters monitoring system : a project report [i.e. thesis] submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Engineering in Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering, School of Engineering and Advanced Technology, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2010) Malhi, Karandeep
    Continuous technological innovation in research and development in the last two decades has resulted in development of different smart systems for heath monitoring for individuals at their home with wireless technology. A wearable non-invasive device has been developed to monitor physiological parameters (such as body-temperature, heart rate, detection of fall) of a human subject. The system consists of an electronic device which is worn on the wrist and finger, by the person to be monitored. The system can be used by elderly or the person at risk or even by a normal person for the monitoring of physiological parameters. Using several sensors to measure different vital signs, the person can be wirelessly monitored within his own home, may be defined as a smart home. A heart-rate sensor has been developed to monitor the heart rate continuously. An accelerometer has been used to detect falls. The device has the capability to determine the stressed condition of the person and may be used to send an alarm signal to a receiver unit that is connected to a computer. This sets off an alarm which can go to a care-giver, allowing help to be provided to the person. Since no vision sensors (camera or infra-red) are used, the system is non-invasive, respects privacy and it is expected that it will find wide acceptance. The system can be used in combination with the bed sensor (part of the home monitoring system) to monitor the person during the night. The complete system will help to monitor the person during day and night and will be suitable to an elderly living alone at home.
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    Evaluation of Kahne rumen sensors in fistulated sheep and cattle under contrasting feeding conditions : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Agriculture at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2009) Lin, Xiaoxiao
    The Kahne rumen sensor (bolus) is a device developed to measure temperature, pressure and pH in non-fistulated animals. This bolus allows real-time monitoring of the rumen environment, which could help preventing health problems such as rumen acidosis in cows. It is less invasive to use boluses compared to other technologies that measure the ruminal pH (e.g. rumenocentesis). Kahne boluses and transceivers are commercially available in the market. Several studies on the relationships between data recorded by the bolus and actual data recorded by independent devices were conducted. The bolus temperature and pressure were compared with actual temperature and pressure under controlled conditions. The pH drift was studied by comparing the difference between bolus and direct measurement over time. The capture of the data was calculated for each bolus in various experiments to examine the factors affecting the data capture rate of the boluses. Animal to animal variation was studied using boluses in a group of cows fed and managed under uniform conditions. An animal experiment involving fistulated cows eating two different diets was performed using boluses to monitor the changes of ruminal pH. There was no apparent interruption to normal animal behaviour as a result of using boluses. Regression relationships between bolus measurements and actual data for both temperature and pressure were developed and used for calibration of bolus data. The pH drift was a problem, as the regression relation between the pH difference and the time for one bolus from one experiment could not represent this bolus on other experiment. The data capture rate on the hourly basis ranged from 0 to 100%, but was usually between 30 to 70%. The data capture rate was affected by many factors and further studies to identify these factors are needed. A study of animal to animal variation suggests that in a comparison of 2 treatments, a minimum 3 cows per group would be required to detect the standard deviation of 0.11 for a pH difference of 5% of the mean (approximately 0.35 pH units). Seventeen cows per group would be required to detect the standard deviation of 0.33 for the same difference. The boluses effectively monitored the ruminal pH change in cows easting two different diets and the profile of change of pH was successfully analysed. Feeding 7.6 kg baleage twice a day cause pH to decrease at 0.009 pH units per minute during feeding, while offering a similar quantity of grass and hay once a day resulted in a decrease of 0.0009 pH units per minute during feeding. The beginning of pH increase was about 1 hour following feeding and continuous during resting and rumination. The level of pH increase did not differ significantly for two diets.. The Kahne devices appear to have advantages compared to other technologies for the measurement of parameters of the rumen environment on a real-time basis. Boluses are especially good at intensively monitoring the temperature, pressure, and pH in the rumen. The major limitations of this technology to be used are the data capture rate and the pH drift. By improving the limitations found in the experiment, the Kahne rumen sensor could become very useful for both scientific research and under commercial conditions for monitoring animal health.
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    Wireless vehicle presence detection using self-harvested energy : a thesis in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Engineering in Mechatronics, Massey University, Albany, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2009) Noble, Frazer K.
    Rising from the “excess demand” modern societies and economies place on limited road resources, congestion causes increased vehicle emissions, decreases national efficiency, and wastes time (Downs, 2004). In order to minimise congestion’s impacts, traffic management systems gather traffic data and use it to implement efficient management algorithms (Downs, 2004). This dissertation’s purpose has been the development of a distributable vehicle presence detection sensor, which will wirelessly provide vehicle presence information in real time. To address the sensor’s wireless power requirements, the feasibility of self-powering the device via harvested energy has been investigated. Piezoelectric, electrostatic, and electromagnetic energy harvesting devices’ principles of operation and underlying theory has been investigated in detail and an overview presented alongside a literature review of previous vibration energy harvesting research. An electromagnetic energy harvesting device was designed, which consists of: a nylon reinforced rubber bladder, hydraulic piston, neodymium magnets, and wire-wound coil housing. Preliminary testing demonstrated a harvested energy between 100mJ and 205mJ per axle. This amount is able to be transferred to a 100O load when driven over at speeds between 10km/h and 50km/h. Combined with an embedded circuit, the energy harvester facilitated the development of a passive sensor, which is able to wirelessly transmit a vehicle’s presence signal to a host computer. The vehicle detected event is displayed via a graphical user interface. Energy harvesting’s ability to power the embedded circuit’s wireless transmission, demonstrated the feasibility of developing systems capable of harvesting energy from their environment and using it to power discrete electronic components. The ability to wirelessly transmit a vehicle’s presence facilitates the development of distributable traffic monitoring systems, allowing for remote traffic monitoring and management.