Merriam-Webster defines “novel” as “new and not resembling something formerly known or used” and “original or striking especially in conception …”. There is no better description for the 3D printed horn antenna final year student, Kobus Kotzé, recently designed under the supervision of Dr Jacki Gilmore at the Faculty of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Stellenbosch University. What is a waveguide? Selective Laser Melting (SLM) 3D-printing Project motivation and goal Conclusion 3D printing has been around for a number of years, yet it has only very recently been applied to the printing of waveguides and antennas. This breakthrough research has laid the foundation for a whole new field of design possibilities as in the past, waveguides were only available in limited sizes (that is, widths and heights).
Previously we wrote about the ground-breaking bio-sensors being developed to diagnose certain medical conditions. The proof-of-concept nanowire biological sensor (or nanochip) can identify any pathogen or bacteria such as e. coli, Salmonella or cholera in 10 to 15 minutes after being swallowed. This sensor can ultimately be used to accurately diagnose patients during an epidemic or outbreak using a combination of nanotechnology and microbiology. In layman’s terms, it means soon you will be able to swallow a nanochip that can diagnose a bacterial infection faster and more cost-efficient than traditional tests such as bloodwork and endoscopies and put less stress on the body’s immune system. You will be able to isolate specific bacteria to test for. For example, if your concern is water quality, you can set up the sensor to only look for e. coli.
In our previous article, we highlighted the impact of illegal poaching on the African black rhinoceros and the African white rhinoceros as well as the importance of anti-poaching initiatives as a means of curbing poaching and protecting the rhino population from extinction. Although anti-poaching initiatives resulted in a slight reduction in this illegal activity, nature conservationists and other stakeholders still lack real-time data about rhino behaviour that could provide vital information about imminent poaching activities.
The Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, specialises in the control and automation of space satellites, aircraft, and ground vehicles for many different applications. The Electronic Systems Laboratory (ESL) was founded in 1992 and developed, amongst others, SUNSAT, the first South African satellite launched and commissioned in 1999. Since 2004, the ESL department has cultivated a strong research focus on robotics and autonomous vehicles aiming to solve real-life problems. This resulted in the creation of a number of private companies.
Internationally renowned scientists, Professors Leon Dicks and Willie Perold, have joined forces to create a proof-of-concept nanowire biological sensor (or nanochip) that can identify any pathogen or bacteria, for example, e. coli, Salmonella or cholera in 10 to 15 minutes after being swallowed. The significance of this research is that it can ultimately be utilised to accurately diagnose patients during an epidemic or outbreak using a combination of nanotechnology and microbiology. It also means that “instead of prescribing a broad-based antibiotic, or waiting 48 hours for the lab tests to come back, a doctor will be able to immediately prescribe the correct antibiotic to target the pathogen, and by doing so, put less stress on the body’s immune system.”[1]
The rhinoceros has few natural predators. Yet, as a result of active poaching, the African black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) and the African white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) are nearing extinction.[1] South Africa is home to approximately 80% of the world’s rhinos and as a result, has been hardest hit. Recent poaching statistics released by the South African Department of Environmental Affairs indicated that the period 2007 to 2014 saw an increase of 9 000% in the number of rhinos killed for their horns, with more than half of these poaching incidents occurring in the Kruger National Park.[2]
Well done to our local celebrity, Dr. Herman Kamper, who discussed some of the main aspects about the group maties, Maties Machine Learning, our local Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI) interest group. This group will also be hosting the biggest AI conference in Africa in 2018 here in Stellenbosch the Deep Learning Indaba. Also learn more about the group from this SU post Watch the video here:
The 2018 edition of the biennial conference of the South African IEEE, Joint Chapter on Antennas and Propagation (AP), Microwave Theory and Techniques (MTT) and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC), will be held in Stellenbosch on August 30 and 31, at the Stias Conference Centre. This conference brings together engineers and researchers from industry and academia who work in fields related to AP, MTT, and EMC in South Africa. All conference contributions will be by invited presenters, including a few international, plenary speakers. The conference is organized by the South African IEEE Joint AP/MTT/EMC Chapter. See the conference website for further details.
The Deep Learning Indaba was formed as part of an insentive to strengthen state-of-the-art machine learning research and application in South Africa. We are very proud to announce that this year the Indaba is coming to Stellenbosch from 9-14 September. Applications are closing the 30th of April and can be made online. Hope to see you there!
