BACKGROUND Small biological samples obtained from biopsies or laser microdissection often do not yield sufficient RNA for successful microarray hybridization; therefore, RNA amplification is performed before microarray experiments. We compared 2 commonly used techniques for RNA amplification. METHODS We compared 2 commercially available methods, Arcturus RiboAmp for in vitro transcription (IV...

Ubiquitous computing (or ambient intelligence) has been the subject of research in the mobile telecommunications field for many years. Developments such as the Internet of Services and Grid computing have complemented and strengthened this work. The ubiquitous computing paradigm integrates information processing into the objects that surround us in our environment. One particular focus has been...

For century, there has been no change in the fundamental structure of the electrical power grid and vehicle networks. Current hierarchical, centrally controlled grid of the electrical grid is not best for growing demand. To address the challenges of the existing power grid, the new concept of smart grid and smarter planet are under research. The smart grid can be considered as a modern electric...

A multiphysics micromechanics model is developed to predict the effective properties as well as the local fields of periodic smart materials responsive to fully coupled electric, magnetic, thermal and mechanical fields. This work is based on the framework of the variational asymptotic method for unit cell homogenization (VAMUCH), a recently developed micromechanics modeling scheme. To treat the...

Performing daily activities without assistance is important to maintaining an independent functional lifestyle. As a result, automated activity prompting systems can potentially extend the period of time that adults can age in place. In this paper we introduce AP, an algorithm to automate activity prompting based on smart home technology. AP learns prompt rules based on the time when activities...

This paper presents a procedure used to calibrate a smart antenna array to compensate for channel amplitude and phase mismatch as well as mutual coupling effects between antenna array elements. A theoretical basis for this calibration procedure in terms of the smart antenna mathematical model is given. Direction of Arrival (DOA) analysis of data collected using the Smart Antenna Testbed at the ...

Over recent years there have been several initiatives around the world that aim to roll out smart metering systems, especially within North America and member states of the European Union. Smart metering systems, giving essential conditions for smart grids in the energy sector, can offer services aimed at achieving many different goals beyond the main task of metering electricity consumption of...

As smart phones have become widely adopted, they have brought about changes in individual lifestyles, as well as significant changes in the industry. As the mobile technology of smart phones has become associated with all areas of industry, it is not only accelerating innovation in other industries such as shopping, healthcare service, education, and finance, but is also creating new markets an...

A smart city is a growing phenomenon of the last years with a lot of researches as well as implementation activities. A smart city is an interdisciplinary field that requires a high level of cooperation among experts from different fields and a contribution of the latest technologies in order to achieve the best results in six key areas. The six key areas cover economy, environment, mobility, p...

The Smart Grid, generally referred to as the next-generation power system, is considered as a revolutionary and evolutionary regime of existing power grids. More importantly, with the integration of advanced computing and communication technologies, the Smart Grid is expected to greatly enhance efficiency and reliability of future power systems with renewable energy resources, as well as distri...