Interface Device Research Articles

State‐of‐the‐Art Electronic Materials for Thin Films in Bioelectronics

AbstractThis review is dedicated to electronics materials enabling thin‐film‐based neural interface and bioelectronics devices. First‐generation bioelectronic medicine devices feature hand‐crafted bulk interface electrodes, wires and interconnects, and insulators. This review discusses how modern materials science, especially know‐how repurposed from semiconductor and microdevice technologies, enables next‐generation bioelectronics. Those are divided into two subgroups: second and third generation. The former refers to rigid microscaled devices, while the latter is defined as soft, ultrathin, and flexible microdevices. A critical assessment of different biointerface electrodes, conductors for interconnects, and insulators for substrates, passivation, and encapsulation layers is made. The goal is not to give an exhaustive account of every use‐example of given materials, but to point out specific aspects that are relevant to making the right choices for materials for a given device or application. Unique advantages of specific materials are highlighted, while also focusing on weaker points and caveats that those materials may have. The goal is to have an up‐to‐date handbook for persons entering the field which also points out tips and tricks as well as challenging problems that researchers can be inspired to confront and overcome.

Spatiotemporal Expression of RNA-Seq Identified Proteins at the Electrode Interface.

Implantation of electrodes in the brain can be used to record from or stimulate neural tissues to treat neurological disease and injury. However, the tissue response to implanted devices can limit their functional longevity. Recent RNA-seq datasets identify hundreds of genes associated with gliosis, neuronal function, myelination, and cellular metabolism that are spatiotemporally expressed in neural tissues following the insertion of microelectrodes. To validate mRNA as a predictor of protein expression, this study evaluates a sub-set of RNA-seq identified proteins (RSIP) at 24-hours, 1-week, and 6-weeks post-implantation using quantitative immunofluorescence methods. This study found that expression of RSIPs associated with glial activation (Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), Polypyrmidine tract binding protein-1 (Ptbp1)), neuronal structure (Neurofilament heavy chain (Nefh), Proteolipid protein-1 (Plp1), Myelin Basic Protein (MBP)), and iron metabolism (Transferrin (TF), Ferritin heavy chain-1 (Fth1)) reinforce transcriptional data. This study also provides additional context to the cellular distribution of RSIPs using a MATLAB-based approach to quantify immunofluorescence intensity within specific cell types. Ptbp1, TF, and Fth1 were found to be spatiotemporally distributed within neurons, astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocytes at the device interface relative to distal and contralateral tissues. The altered distribution of RSIPs relative to distal tissue is largely localized within 100µm of the device injury, which approaches the functional recording range of implanted electrodes. This study provides evidence that RNA-sequencing can be used to predict protein-level changes in cortical tissues and that RSIPs can be further investigated to identify new biomarkers of the tissue response that influence signal quality. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: : Microelectrode arrays implanted into the brain are useful tools that can be used to study neuroscience and to treat pathological conditions in a clinical setting. The tissue response to these devices, however, can severely limit their functional longevity. Transcriptomics has deepened the understandings of the tissue response by revealing numerous genes which are differentially expressed following device insertion. This manuscript provides validation for the use of transcriptomics to characterize the tissue response by evaluating a subset of known differentially expressed genes at the protein level around implanted electrodes over time. In additional to validating mRNA-to-protein relationships at the device interface, this study has identified emerging trends in the spatiotemporal distribution of proteins involved with glial activation, neuronal remodeling, and essential iron binding proteins around implanted silicon devices. This study additionally provides a new MATLAB based methodology to quantify protein distribution within discrete cell types at the device interface which may be used as biomarkers for further study or therapeutic intervention in the future.

Improving trace synthesis by utilizing computer vision for user action emulation

Forensic analyses are performed by skilled forensic practitioners who require reliable, state-of-the-art tooling and ongoing training. To provide both, education and academia rely on realistic training datasets. Those datasets are crucial to teaching investigators, validating forensic tools, advancing algorithms, and pursuing research. At the same time, the forensic community faces a shortcoming of realistic datasets, mainly due to ethical and legal reasons. To overcome this challenge, prior work introduced several frameworks aiming to create unproblematic replications of real evidence. Those frameworks generate synthetic datasets by populating disk images with traces of emulated user behavior. However, it is general consent that existing frameworks have some drawbacks concerning the quality of generated datasets, particularly due to the incorporation of unrealistic traces in GUI-based environments. Reviewing the implementation details of common frameworks, we found that current solutions miss realistic trace synthesis, reducing the quality and usefulness of synthesized datasets.By leveraging computer vision, this paper introduces a novel approach aiming to enhance the quality of synthetic datasets. We propose an architecture and provide an open-source implementation utilizing a hypervisor for creating Human Interface Device (HID) input, which is controlled by computer vision algorithms to imitate human-like user actions. In this way, we provide external GUI automation capabilities that enable more realistic trace synthesis than existing solutions and open up the applicability to a wide range of GUI-based operating systems. In contrast to previous research results, our approach is independent of software running in virtual machines, further optimizing the quality of generated datasets by omitting automation artifacts. Our experiments indicate that using external GUI automation for user action emulation results in a greater amount and a more widespread distribution of traces. Therefore our approach may refine the quality of datasets in this field.

Flexible and recoverable ion-conductive hydrogels with cross-linked triple network for highly sensitive wearable Motion-monitoring sensors

The practical applications of hydrogel-based sensors are limited by their low mechanical strength, insufficient sensitivity and machining difficulties caused by electrically conductive fillers. It is of great practical importance for facile preparation of hydrogel sensor combined with excellent mechanical properties and conductive sensitivity. In this work, a series of ion-conductive hybrid hydrogels based on in-situ polymerized polyacrylamide with double and triple network structures have been fabricated via both chemical and physical cross-linking. The triple network structured hydrogels achieve the tensile strength of 2.105 MPa and compression strength of 57.56 MPa, which are much higher than those of hydrogels with double network due to the established energy dissipation gradient. The reversible non-covalent cross-linking in the network also leads a relatively fast recovery in tensile cycle tests and double compression tests, enabling the excellent stability of strain sensing in the durability test. The hydrogels show the tensile resistance sensitivity factor of 0.9352 at 0–120% strain and a high pressure sensitivity factor of 5.134 kPa−1 with the pressure ranged from 0 to 6 kPa. The hydrogels are also assembled as flexible sensors for human motion monitoring, and the signals of motions can be distinguished by different resistance variation values and certain curve shape, showing the potential of applications on flexible device and human-machine interface.

AR AND CHAMBER MUSIC: MUSICAL KALEIDOSCOPE

Abstract. DIGI-ORCH is a research project with objectives, on one hand, to design and develop "smart" brochures for concerts and educational programs of the State Conservatory of Thessaloniki (Greece), and, on the other, to develop an innovative system for the visualization of information on smart mobile devices (smartphones and tablets). The application of Augmented Reality (AR) provides free access to the information and content of the above concerts and educational programs, combining the information of a robust data server and an easy-to-use user interface of the smart device in real-time.The pilot implementation of the system in real conditions took place at the beginning of December 2022, in an event held at the facilities of the State Conservatory of Thessaloniki. The event was an evening of Chamber Music entitled Musical Kaleidoscope, with the internationally acclaimed artists Simos Papanas (violin), Dimos Goundaroulis (violoncello), and Vassilis Varvaresos (piano). They performed the Piano Trio no. 3 in G minor, Robert Schumann's opus 110, and the Piano Trio no. 2 in E flat major, Op. 100 D. 929 by Franz Schubert. The concert was attended by over 150 attendees.The paper will present the chaîne-operatoire of the development of the system, from the acquisition of raw data (text, video, image, and sound) to the methodology used to produce the "smart" event brochure and the AR application for the above concert. Essentially, this large amount of information that cannot be assessed by a regular printed concert brochure is included in the smart system and displayed on the mobile device when the user locates the appropriate AR patterns on the surface of the analog concert poster and/or on the pages of the brochure.This information comprised of ie. additional text and images about the composers and their musical projects, about the musicians of the concert (e.g. biographies), their interviews and rehearsals (video) before the concert, information about the State Conservatory of Thessaloniki (text, video, image, and sound), 3D models of musical instruments, 360° of the concert space, etc. diverse multimedia material.

Remote Patient Activity Monitoring System by Integrating IoT Sensors and Artificial Intelligence Techniques.

Even with the most cutting-edge tools, treating and monitoring patients-including children, elders, and suspected COVID-19 patients-remains a challenging activity. This study aimed to track multiple COVID-19-related vital indicators using a wearable monitoring device with an Internet of Things (IOT) focus. Additionally, the technology automatically alerts the appropriate medical authorities about any breaches of confinement for potentially contagious patients by tracking patients' real-time GPS data. The wearable sensor is connected to a network edge in the Internet of Things cloud, where data are processed and analyzed to ascertain the state of body function. The proposed system is built with three tiers of functionalities: a cloud layer using an Application Peripheral Interface (API) for mobile devices, a layer of wearable IOT sensors, and a layer of Android web for mobile devices. Each layer performs a certain purpose. Data from the IoT perception layer are initially collected in order to identify the ailments. The following layer is used to store the information in the cloud database for preventative actions, notifications, and quick reactions. The Android mobile application layer notifies and alerts the families of the potentially impacted patients. In order to recognize human activities, this work suggests a novel integrated deep neural network model called CNN-UUGRU which mixes convolutional and updated gated recurrent subunits. The efficiency of this model, which was successfully evaluated on the Kaggle dataset, is significantly higher than that of other cutting-edge deep neural models and it surpassed existing products in local and public datasets, achieving accuracy of 97.7%, precision of 96.8%, and an F-measure of 97.75%.

Scheduling Algorithm for Wireless Network Using FIFO – A Study

Since the network is managed by no fixed infrastructure, the MANET does indeed have a number of issues, including frequent link failures, hidden nodes, a changing topology because of mobility, increased interference and constrained bandwidth because of the shared medium, and rapid power consumption on the mobile nodes. Due to these and other factors, it has developed into a difficult study subject. The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) MANET group has suggested several design principles for MANET routing protocols. Many different technologies, including satellite systems, television remote controls, computer interface devices, and GPS systems, can use wireless networks. "Faulty nodes" are nodes that act improperly as a result of an error or accident. The other category is referred to as "malicious nodes," and it includes those that have been taken advantage of by an attacker. FIFO queuing is used in the NS2 simulator's scheduling method. In order to achieve Quality of Service (QoS), the performance of the First in First out (FIFO) scheduling method is assessed in this paper.

Electrode potential, inflammatory solution chemistry and temperature alter Ti-6Al-4V oxide film properties

Post implantation, a thin TiO2 film protects Ti-6Al-4V in vivo. Mechanically and chemically destructive conditions may disrupt this oxide film and promote corrosion at the device interface. While tribocorrosion has been explored in vitro, pre-clinical tests fail to fully reproduce the damage documented on retrievals. A gap persists in our fundamental knowledge of the oxide film and its response to adverse electrochemical events. In this study, we first characterized the TiO2 oxide film structure after inducing β phase selective dissolution. Next, we used electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and Mott-Schottky analysis to investigate the oxide film on freshly prepared surfaces following negative potential excursions. We systematically increased electrode potential from -1 V vs. Ag/AgCl in 0.1 V steps to +0.5 V. Various H2O2 concentrations (0.1 M to 0.001 M) in phosphate buffered saline and temperatures ranging from 24 °C to 55 °C were investigated. Atomic force microscopy showed morphological changes to oxide domes over the α phase following β phase selective dissolution. Below the Ti-6Al-4V open circuit potential (ca. -0.3 V), we identified systematic variations in polarization resistance (Rp) and capacitance (C) with potential, solution chemistry, and temperature. The combined effect of cathodic activation and H2O2 solution concentration synergistically and systematically decreased Rp by orders of magnitude (p = 0.000). Increased solution temperatures decreased Rp (p = 0.000). At high concentrations of ROS (0.1 M), we documented changes in constant phase element capacitance, from n-type to p-type. Finally, we developed empirical equations to predict Rp for a given concentration, temperature, and potential. In totality, these experiments help to further elucidate the complex interactions at the oxide-biology interface in vivo and provide guidance for in vitro testing methods development.

Simple software solution for N2 diversion when measuring δ18O values of nitrogen-rich samples materials using a Thermo Scientific EA-IRMS System

This method is a simple, cost-free, and reliable approach for the removal of N2 interference on a CO analyte when analysing nitrogen-rich (>0.5% w/w) samples by Elemental Analysis Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry. Specifically, the isobaric interference on m/z 30 is eliminated using only the open split of the Thermo Scientific ConFlo IV Universal Interface Device, improving the analytical workflow when using a static temperature Gas Chromatography (GC) column. It simplifies the N2 diversion methods described in recent decades. When applied, the method described here:•Provides sufficient baseline resolution between the N2 and CO analytes, to permit quantitative N2 diversion, using an extended length packed GC column;•Quantitatively eliminates all N2 analyte from the analytical gas stream ensuring that no N2 enters the ion source and therefore no isobaric interference is produced on m/z 30 ion trace of the CO analyte;•Allows reproducible measurement of δ18O values from nitrogen-rich sample materials without a N2 isobaric interference, where the CO analyte is measured on the analytical baseline that it was produced on in the reactor (i.e., no addition make-up helium or new baseline of pure helium for the CO analyte).

All Electrohydrodynamic Printed Flexible Organic Thin Film Transistors

AbstractThe demand of cost‐effective fabrication of printed flexible transistors has dramatically increased in recent years due to the need for flexible interface devices for various application including e‐skins, wearables, and medical patches. In this study, electrohydrodynamic (EHD) printing processes are developed to fabricate all the components of polymer‐based organic thin film transistors (OTFTs), including source/drain and gate electrodes, semiconductor channel, and gate dielectrics, which streamline the fabrication procedure for flexible OTFTs. The flexible transistors with top‐gate‐bottom‐contact configuration are fabricated by integrating organic semiconductor (i.e., poly(3‐hexylthiophene‐2,5‐diyl) blended with small molecule 2,7‐dioctyl[1]benzothieno[3,2‐b][1]benzothiophene), conductive polymer (i.e., poly (3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate), and ion‐gel dielectric. These functional inks are carefully designed with orthogonal solvents to enable their compatible printing into multilayered flexible OTFTs. The EHD printing process of each functional component is experimentally characterized and optimized. The fully EHD‐printed OTFTs show good electrical performance with mobility of 2.86 × 10−1 cm2 V−1 s−1 and on/off ratio of 104, and great mechanical flexibility with small mobility change at bending radius of 6 mm and stable transistor response under hundreds of bending cycles. The demonstrated all printing‐based fabrication process provides a cost‐effective route toward flexible electronics with OTFTs.

Pro-myelinating clemastine administration improves recording performance of chronically implanted microelectrodes and nearby neuronal health

Intracortical microelectrodes have become a useful tool in neuroprosthetic applications in the clinic and to understand neurological disorders in basic neurosciences. Many of these brain-machine interface technology applications require successful long-term implantation with high stability and sensitivity. However, the intrinsic tissue reaction caused by implantation remains a major failure mechanism causing loss of recorded signal quality over time. Oligodendrocytes remain an underappreciated intervention target to improve chronic recording performance. These cells can accelerate action potential propagation and provides direct metabolic support for neuronal health and functionality. However, implantation injury causes oligodendrocyte degeneration and leads to progressive demyelination in surrounding brain tissue. Previous work highlighted that healthy oligodendrocytes are necessary for greater electrophysiological recording performance and the prevention of neuronal silencing around implanted microelectrodes over the chronic implantation period. Thus, we hypothesize that enhancing oligodendrocyte activity with a pharmaceutical drug, Clemastine, will prevent the chronic decline of microelectrode recording performance. Electrophysiological evaluation showed that the promyelination Clemastine treatment significantly elevated the signal detectability and quality, rescued the loss of multi-unit activity, and increased functional interlaminar connectivity over 16-weeks of implantation. Additionally, post-mortem immunohistochemistry showed that increased oligodendrocyte density and myelination coincided with increased survival of both excitatory and inhibitory neurons near the implant. Overall, we showed a positive relationship between enhanced oligodendrocyte activity and neuronal health and functionality near the chronically implanted microelectrode. This study shows that therapeutic strategy that enhance oligodendrocyte activity is effective for integrating the functional device interface with brain tissue over chronic implantation period.

Constructing of efficient interface solar evaporator: In-situ colloid foaming strategy for solar desalination and visible light response sewage purification

The shortage of drinking water has become a global problem, coastal cities can make full use of abundant seawater resources by desalination technology to ease the contradiction between supply and demand. However, fossil energy consumption contradicts the goal of reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Currently, researchers favor interfacial solar desalination devices relying only on clean solar energy. Based on the structure optimization of the evaporator, a kind of device composed of a superhydrophobic BiOI (BiOI-FD) floating layer and CuO polyurethane sponge (CuO sponge) is constructed in this paper, with its design advantages presented in the following two aspects: 1. The novel BiOI-FD photocatalyst in the floating layer reduces the surface tension and realizes the degradation of the enriched pollutants, ensuring the device to achieve solar desalination and inland sewage purification; 2. CuO sponge can inhibit salt crystallization and realize the combination of the water transport and photothermal layers. Particularly, the photothermal evaporation rate of the interface device reached 2.37 kg m−2 h−1.The novel interface evaporator design will bring a new solution for solar desalination, sewage treatment and large-scale application.

Design and Implementation of Hardware in the Loop Simulation Test Platform for Photovoltaic Inverter

In order to ensure the performance and safety of photovoltaic grid connected inverter, based on hardware in the loop simulation technology, the design and implementation of photovoltaic grid connected inverter simulation and test platform are discussed. The system structure, principle and main functions of the platform are introduced. The simulation and test platform is composed of simulation and monitoring computer, simulation and measurement interface device, programmable power supply and test instruments. In the platform, the programmable DC power supply, the programmable AC power supply and RLC load is used to simulate the characteristics of solar panels, power grid and load respectively. The test process is controlled by LabWindows/CVI software interface, and the test data collection is completed through power quality analyser, power analyser, oscilloscope and simulation and measurement interface device. The simulation test software completes the data analysis and realizes the full-automatic detection of the grid connected inverter. The established hardware in the loop simulation test platform of photovoltaic grid connected inverter has the ability to conduct comprehensive test and detection of photovoltaic grid connected system, which can be used to verify and evaluate the photovoltaic inverter before it is connected to the power grid.

Comparing Intubation Rates in the Delivery Room by Interface.

Positive pressure ventilation (PPV) is crucial to the resuscitation of newborns. Although neonates often require PPV at birth, the optimal interface has not been determined. Both binasal prongs and face masks were deemed acceptable by the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation in 2010 and have been utilized at our center since 2016; however, the choice is by provider preference. Previous studies have suggested that binasal prongs may be more effective than face masks at avoiding intubation in the delivery room. The objective of this study is to compare intubation rates of binasal prongs versus face masks for delivery room resuscitation of neonates born < 30 weeks' gestation. This retrospective study compares delivery room intubation rates by interface for neonates < 30 weeks' gestation born between August 2016 and April 2021 at our level IV neonatal intensive care unit. Exclusion criteria included diagnosis of congenital diaphragmatic hernia, no PPV required, or no resuscitation attempted. Data collected included interface device, demographics, maternal data, delivery room data, admission data, and discharge outcomes. The three interface groups (binasal prongs, face mask, face mask, and binasal prongs) were compared utilizing chi-square, analysis of variance with post hoc analysis, and logistic regression. Mean gestational ages and birth weights for the groups were 27.6 weeks and 1,126 g, 25.7 weeks and 839 g, and 27.1 weeks and 1,028 g, respectively. Neonates resuscitated with face masks were 9.9 times more likely to be intubated in the delivery room and 10.8 times more likely to be intubated at 6 hours of life compared with those resuscitated with binasal prongs after logistic regression analysis. The findings in our study support delivery room resuscitation with binasal prongs as a useful method in reducing the need for intubation both in the delivery room and at 6 hours of life. Further prospective studies are warranted. · The International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation recommends multiple interface options for neonatal resuscitation.. · Vermont Oxford Network endorses nasal interface for premature infants.. · Binasal prongs are associated with lower intubation rates..

Advances on the Application of Wide Band-Gap Insulating Materials in Perovskite Solar Cells.

In recent years, the development of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is advancing rapidly with their recorded photoelectric conversion efficiency reaching 25.8%. However, for the commercialization of PSCs, it is also necessary to solve their stability issue. In order to improve the device performance, various additives and interface modification strategies have been proposed. While, in many cases, they can guarantee a significant increase in efficiency, but not ensure improved stability. Therefore, materials that improve the device efficiency and stability simultaneously are urgently needed. Some wide band-gap insulating materials with stable physical and chemical properties are promising alternative materials. In this review, the application of wide band-gap insulating materials in PSCs, including their preparation methods, working roles, and mechanisms are described, which will promote the commercial application of PSCs.

Comprehensive Review on Thin Film Homojunction Solar Cells: Technologies, Progress and Challenges

With the aim of achieving high efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and reliability of solar cells, several technologies have been studied. Recently, emerging materials have appeared to replace Si-based cells, seeking economic fabrication of solar cells. Thin-film solar cells (TFSCs) are considered strong candidates for this mission, specifically perovskite-based solar cells, reporting competitive power convergence efficiencies reaching up to 25.7%. Substantial efforts have been invested in experimental and research work to surpass the Si-based cells performance. Simulation analysis is a major tool in achieving this target by detecting design problems and providing possible solutions. Usually, a TFSC adopts p-i-n heterojunction architecture by employing carrier transport materials along with the absorber material in order to extract the photogenerated electrons and holes by realizing a built-in electric field. Eventually, this dependency of conventional heterojunction TFSCs on carrier transport layers results in cost-ineffective cells and increases the possibility of device instability and interface problems. Thus, the design of p-n homojunction TFSCs is highly desirable as an essential direction of structural innovation to realize efficient solar cell operation. In this review, a summary of the fundamentals of TFSC materials, recent design and technology progress, and methodologies for improving the device performance using experimental research studies will be discussed. Further, simulation analysis will be provided by demonstrating the latest research work outcomes, highlighting the major achievements and the most common challenges facing thin film homojunction solar cell structures and the methods to improve them.

A Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled Study of the Breast Biopsy and Circumferential Excision System for Breast Lesions

BackgroundThis study aimed to verify the effectiveness, safety, and reliability of the breast biopsy and circumferential excision system. MethodsIt was designed as a multicenter, randomized, open-label, positive control, noninferiority trial. A total of 168 subjects who met the breast lesion screening requirements of the clinical trial protocol were randomly divided into a breast biopsy and circumferential excision dual cutting system test group or Mammotome control group. The main outcome was the successful removal rate of suspected lumps during surgery. Secondary outcomes included the operative times for individual lumps, weight of removed cord tissue, and several indicators of device performance. Safety indicators, including routine blood, blood biochemical and electrocardiogram examinations, were measured at baseline and 24 hours and 48 hours after the operation. Postoperative complications and combined medication use were observed and recorded until 7 days after the operation. ResultsThe results showed no significant differences in efficacy and safety between the 2 groups (main efficacy, P = .7463; all secondary efficacy indicators, P > .05, except weight of removed cord tissue [P = .0070] and touch sensitivity of the device interface [P = .0275]; all safety indicators, P > .05). The results suggested that the test device is effective and is acceptable safe for use in breast lesion biopsy. ConclusionFor patients with a high incidence of breast lesions, the results of this study provide a safe, effective, sensitive and accessible option for the removal of breast mass biopsies at a price much lower than that of imported devices.

Liquid metal-based plant electronic tattoos for in-situ monitoring of plant physiology

Flexible plant sensors, as a noninvasive and real-time monitoring method for plant physiology, are becoming crucial for precision agriculture. However, integrating flexible devices with plants are challenging due to their fragility and complex surfaces. In this study, we introduce a liquid metal-based plant electronic tattoo (LM-PET) that can harmlessly and continuously monitor the loss of water content and plant electrical signals, which are critical parameters for analyzing plant physiological status. The LM-PET achieves double-sided conductivity through soluble electrostatic spinning films and transferring technology, effectively addressing the issue of mismatch between the rigid interface of electronic devices and the surface of delicate plants. The fabricated tattoo electrode can adhere tightly to the leaf surface for a long time and can significantly broaden the scope of moisture monitoring, even in cases of severe wrinkling caused by water loss. At the optimum operating frequency of 100 kHz, the sensitivity of LM-PET can reach 25.4 kΩ%−1. Thus, LM-PETs can record the electrical signals generated when abiotic stresses threaten plants. They are also significant in providing a deeper understanding of the drought adaptation mechanisms of plants and developing drought-resistant varieties. They offer data-driven crop management and decision-making guidance, which is imperative for advancing precision agriculture. Overall, our findings provide valuable insights into the performance of agricultural inputs and facilitate real-time monitoring of plant growth and development.

Study of protein encapsulated manganite nanoparticles for magnetic Hyperthermia

Used in the past as an efficient drug-delivery carrier, the natural protein Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) has been tried in the present study to coat Lanthanum Strontium Manganese Oxide (LSMO) nanoparticles (NPs) called manganite, for magnetic Hyperthermia applications. LSMO NPs generate heat when subjected to a radiofrequency magnetic field and as a novel attempt; they were functionalized with BSA by its “denaturation” at 80°C. This was done to probe the effect of protein bonding with nanoparticles by “unfold” of its molecular structure and to enhance the biocompatibility of LSMO. Presence of BSA on NPs was assessed through electron microscopy (HRTEM), Fourier transform (IR) spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA); that showed successful outcomes. The magnetization was analyzed by super quantum interface device (SQUID). For Hyperthermia studies, BSA coated NPs were dispersed in phosphate buffer saline and attained an appreciable specific absorption rate of 126.9 W/g showing their potential for future applications.

Translating spatial navigation evaluation from experimental to clinical settings: The virtual environments navigation assessment (VIENNA)

Spatial navigation abilities are frequently impaired in neurological disorders and they also decline with normal aging. Researchers and clinicians therefore need valid and easy-to-use spatial navigation assessment tools to study the impact of different neuropathologies and prevent relevant cognitive impairments from going undetected. However, current experimental paradigms rarely address which cognitive processes they recruit, often have resource-intensive setups, and usually require active navigation, e.g., using a joystick or keyboard, thus confounding cognitive performance with fine motor skills. Yet, for clinical feasibility, time-efficient paradigms are needed that are informative and easy to administer in participants with limited technical experience and diverging impairments. Here, we introduce the virtual environments navigation assessment (VIENNA), a virtual adaptation of a brief, standardized, and intuitive spatial navigation paradigm (https://osf.io/kp4c5/). VIENNA is designed to assess spatial navigation without episodic memory demands, requires no interface device, and takes about 16 min to complete. We evaluated VIENNA in 79 healthy middle-aged to older participants (50–85 years) and provide evidence for its feasibility and construct validity. Tests of visuospatial and executive functions, but not episodic memory or selective attention, were identified as cognitive correlates of VIENNA, even when controlling for participant age and overall cognitive performance. Furthermore, VIENNA scores correlated with subjective navigation ability and age, but not with depressiveness, cognitive complaints, or education. The straightforward administration of VIENNA allows for its integration into routine neuropsychological assessments and enables differentiated evaluation of spatial navigation performance in patients with motor impairments and episodic memory deficits.