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Abstract. This article reviews different kinds of models for the electric power grid that can be used to understand the modern power system, the smart grid. From the physical network to abstract energy markets, we identify in the literature different aspects that co-determine the spatio-temporal multilayer dynamics of power system. We start our review by showing how the generation, transmission and distribution characteristics of the traditional power grids are already subject to complex behaviour appearing as a result of the the interplay between dynamics of the nodes and topology, namely synchronisation and cascade effects. When dealing with smart grids, the system complexity increases even more: on top of the physical network of power lines and controllable sources of electricity, the modernisation brings information networks, renewable intermittent generation, market liberalisation, prosumers, among other aspects. In this case, we forecast a dynamical co-evolution of the smart grid and other kind of networked systems that cannot be understood isolated. This review compiles recent results that model electric power grids as complex systems, going beyond pure technological aspects. From this perspective, we then indicate possible ways to incorporate the diverse co-evolving systems into the smart grid model using, for example, network theory and multi-agent simulation.

At Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne we have developed ETCS 101-Introduction to Engineering, Technology, and Computer Science, a freshman success course for students in the School of Engineering, Technology, and Computer Science. The main objective of this course is to increase retention. The course aims to provide students with sufficient computer and personal development skills and to help them develop the right mental attitude conducive for academic success. Features of the course include projects of software and hardware nature, extensive use of the Internet and Web software tools, and a team-teaching format. As the main project of this course, small teams of students design, build, program, and test an autonomous mobile robot using LEGO® parts, sensors, and the Robotic Command eXplorer (RCX) controller. This is a multidisciplinary, project-driven learning process that encourages students to develop problem solving and teamwork skills and fosters their creativity and logic.

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This paper presents a study on the power distribution within the tissues for abdominal monitoring and implant communications systems. This study is carried out using finite integration technique based simulations with an anatomical voxel model as well as with recently introduced directive on-body antennas designed for in-body communications. The investigation is conducted by evaluating 2D power flow on the cross-cut of the abdomen area to illustrate the propagation inside the different abdominal tissues. Additionally, power values in different parts of the abdomen area, such as in different parts of the small intestine (SI), colon, stomach etc., are calculated. The main purpose is to examine power distribution in the abdominal area with different antenna location options suitable for abdomen monitoring systems. Furthermore, channel characteristics between an endoscope capsule and an on-body antenna are evaluated in two different areas of the SI tract: close to the on-body antenna and further from the on-body antenna. Power distribution information is useful when designing the medical and health monitoring devices for the abdomen area, such as capsule endoscope, gastrointestinal activity monitoring systems, etc.

A novel UWB antenna working in the 805.15.6 Low-UWB region is proposed in this paper. The antenna is targeted for Wireless Capsule Endoscopy (WCE) localization. Simulation results show that the antenna performs well at 4 GHz with a 500 MHz bandwidth which is complaint with the IEEE 802.15.6 standard for Body Area Networks (BAN). A preliminary study on the single antenna performance is presented first, followed by the introduction of the boxshaped cavity version of the antenna structure. Both types of antenna are directional with high gain. To investigate WCE applications, the cavity antenna in proximity of a multi-layer model emulating human body tissues properties at 4 GHz was also simulated.

Ultra wideband (UWB) communications is a promising technology for wireless body area networks (WBAN) due to its very low power emission and robustness against multipath fading characteristics. The use of WBANs in the areas of healthcare and telemedicine is being seriously considered as a way of increasing the quality of medical services and of keeping under control the associated costs. Because the human body has a complex shape and consists of different tissues it is expected that the propagation of electromagnetic signals will have different characteristics than the ones found in other environments, e.g., offices, streets, etc. The contribution of the work described in this paper is to expand the knowledge of the UWB channel, for WBAN applications, in the frequency range of 3-11 GHz under scenarios expected to be found in the medical care field. The experimental measurements are used to develop UWB channel models which can then be applied to the design of efficient communications protocols.Keywords: wireless medical communications; wearable computing; medical wireless sensors; health monitoring.Reference to this paper should be made as follows: Taparugssanagorn, A., Pomalaza-Ráez, C., Isola, A., Tesi, R., Hämäläinen, M. and Iinatti, J. (2011) 'Preliminary UWB channel study for wireless body area networks in medical applications', Int. J. Ultra Wideband Communications and Systems, Vol. 2, No. 1, pp.14-22. Preliminary UWB channel study for wireless body area networks in medical applications15 Matti Hämäläinen received his MSc, LicTech and DrTech in Electrical Engineering from the

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