Low Setup Research Articles

CRISPR technology combined with isothermal amplification methods for the diagnosis of Candida albicans infection.

Since Candida albicans, a type of fungus, causes severe infections that pose a significant threat to human health, its rapid detection is critical in clinical antifungal therapy. Traditional fungal diagnostic approaches are largely based on the culture method. This method is time-consuming and laborious, taking about 48-72h, and cannot identify emerging species, making it unsuitable for critically ill patients with bloodstream infections, sepsis, and so on. Other antigen or nucleic acid amplification-based methods were also found to be unsuitable for Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) diagnosis due to various limitations. Therefore, establishing a new approach for the rapid diagnosis of Candida spp is imperative. Herein, we proposed a novel diagnostic method for invasive fungi detection. Specifically, we created a new CRISPR diagnostic platform for Candida albicans-specific Internal Transcriptional Spacer 2 (ITS2) gene by combining the DNase cleavage activity of Cas12a with Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (RPA). Furthermore, to achieve rapid on-site detection under low-resource conditions, we used a transverse lateral flow strip with a single target to visualize the Cas12a single enzyme digestion product. We designated the platform as a rapid molecular detection tool that integrates RPA and the CRISPR-Cas12a technology. The entire platform can accurately identify Candida albicans within 50 minwhile remaining unaffected by other fungi or bacteria. Furthermore, the detection limit of the platform could reach 102 CFU/ml. Moreover, this approach offers additional benefits, including easy operation, low set-up cost, and broad applicability for Candida albicans detection across medical institutions at all levels, especially in township health centers in resource-poor regions.

Carbon Asset Management Mode Selection for Capital-Constrained Enterprises

Carbon asset management has become an important way to reduce carbon costs. There are three main carbon asset management modes, including carbon quota compliance, carbon asset autonomous management, and custody. A key challenge faced by capital-constrained enterprises is how to scientifically select a carbon asset management mode based on actual needs. This paper considers the impacts of setup costs of carbon asset management departments, carbon asset appreciation, custody costs, and revenue sharing, maximizes the enterprises’ profits, develops optimization models for three modes, and provides the optimal low-carbon production strategies. This paper provides evidence for enterprises to choose optimal modes under different capital levels and carbon emissions by comparing modes. The conclusions are as follows. When setup costs are low, the carbon asset autonomous management mode is suggested for the optimal profit. With higher setup costs, either carbon asset compliance or custody mode is recommended. Under abundant capital, the carbon asset custody mode is suggested. Given a certain amount of capital and low setup costs, high-emission enterprises are encouraged to adopt the carbon asset autonomous management mode for a win–win of profits and carbon emissions. The carbon asset custody and compliance modes are suggested for medium-emission and low-emission enterprises, respectively.

Energy-efficient hierarchical cluster-based routing strategies for Internet of Nano-Things: Algorithms design and experimental evaluations

Nanodevices (NDs), which are only a few nanometers (nm) in size, need to communicate with each other to perform complex operations. In nanonetworks, this communication typically involves multiple hops, requiring efficient routing protocols. Existing protocols are not well suited for nanonetworks due to their high resource consumption and setup overhead. In this paper, we propose three novel routing protocols for nanodevices. Non-Back Flooding Routing (NBFR) and Layer-Based Flooding Routing (LBFR) aim to reduce unnecessary packet transmission by utilizing distance and layer information based on received signal power. On the other hand, Tree-Based Forwarding Routing (TBFR) is a unicast-based approach that aims to transmit the packet to the destination using the shortest and most reliable path possible through a tree structure. The performance of these proposed methods is compared to well-known methods in terms of packet transmission, energy consumption, end-to-end delay, and setup overhead. TBFR achieved a packet transmission success of 92.95% in topology with the highest density of nanorouters (NRs), while it reached up to 99.57% for fewer nanorouters. Moreover, its end-to-end delay values are much lower than those of multi-path routing protocols. It also consumed one-fifth of the energy compared to its most challenging multi-path competitor, NBFR, regarding packet transmission success. However, for dense nanosensor (NS) topologies, NBFR and LBFR achieved higher packet transmission rates of 87.04% and 86.66%, respectively. Furthermore, in addition to achieving low end-to-end delays, the energy consumption of NBFR is very close to that of TBFR. In summary, the tests show that TBFR is more suitable for communication among nanorouters due to the requirement of building the tree structure, which results in a slightly higher setup overhead. In contrast, NBFR and LBFR are more suitable for communication between nanosensors because of their simplicity and low setup overhead. But, it should be noted that NBFR requires a larger header than the other alternatives.

An open-source combined atomic force microscope and optical microscope for mechanobiology studies

Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) has become the gold standard tool for measuring mechanical properties of biological samples including proteins, single cells and tissues. However, investment in this specialized equipment and gaining expertise in its operation are significant obstacles for non-experts looking to adopt this technique. To address this, we have designed an AFM based mechanical measurement system for measuring cell mechanical properties which is combined with a custom inverted fluorescence microscope which can be used for characterizing mechanosensitive responses. This system, through its ease of use and low setup cost, will promote interdisciplinary research leading to new insights into the role of cell mechanics and mechanosensitive responses in physiology and disease.

Insight mechanism of magnetic activated catalyst derived from recycled steel residue for black liquor degradation

The present work deals with developing a method for revalorizing steel residues to create sunlight-active photocatalysts based on iron oxides. Commercial-grade steel leftovers are oxidized under different combinations of pH and temperature (50–90 °C and 3 ≥ pH ≤ 5) in a low energy-intensive setup. The material with the highest production efficiency (yield > 12%) and magnetic susceptibility (χm = 387 × 10−6 m3/kg) was further explored and modified by diffusion of M2+ (Zn and Co) ions within the structure of the oxide using a hydrothermal method to create ZnFe2O4, CoFe2O4 and combined Co–Zn ferrite. (Co–Zn)Fe2O4 displayed a bandgap of 2.02 eV and can be activated under sunlight irradiation. Electron microscopy studies show that (Co–Zn)Fe2O4 consists of particles with diameters between 400 and 700 nm, homogeneous size, even distribution, and good dispersibility. Application of the developed materials in the sunlight catalysis of black liquors from cellulose extraction resulted in a reduction of the Chemical Oxygen Demand (− 15% on average) and an enhancement in biodegradability (> 0.57 BOD/COD) after 180 min of reaction. Since the presented process employs direct solar light, it opens the possibility to large-scale water treatment and chemical upgrading applications.

Parallel optofluidic detection of multiple cardiac biomarkers for point-of-care testing applications

Point-of-care testing (POCT), which enables personalized, accurate, affordable, and accessible medical services, is indispensable in the diagnostics, screening, and treatment of disease, especially for emergency and severe cases. Considering the complexity of disease, multiplexed point-of-care (MPOC) testing is very important for the simultaneous detection of several biomarkers to improve accuracy and increase analysis throughput. In this work, a microfiber interferometer based multiplexed optofluidic (MIMO) chip sensor is proposed for multiplexed, quantitative detection of cardiac biomarkers. Four microfiber interferometers are suspended and fixed in four separate microscale sample channels of an imprinted polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) chip. A drop of the sample is distributed into the four parallel channels automatically and reacts with the probe on the microfiber sensor surface specifically, which leads to the wavelength shift of the spectrum resulting from evanescent wave interactions with biomolecules. There microfiber interferometers are functionalized with myoglobin (Myo) antibody, cardiac troponin I (cTnI) antibody, and creatine kinase–myocardial band isoenzymes (CK–MB) antibody respectively and the rest microfiber interferometer is with no functionalization, which acts as the control channel to reduce noise. By using compact dedicated commercial optical modules, miniaturized and low cost experimental setup is organized and achieve four channel simultaneous measurement through time division multiplexing. Three cardiac biomarkers, Myo, cTnI, and CK–MB, are synchronously detected on the proposed MIMO chip sensor. In a standard buffer sample, the log-linear sensing range of CK–MB is 0.2 ∼ 200 ng/mL with detection limit of 3.7 pg/mL, the log-linear sensing range of Myo is 2 ∼ 2000 ng/mL with detection limit of 0.5 ng/mL, and the log-linear sensing range of cTnI 0.02 ∼ 20 ng/mL with detection limit of 2.6 pg/mL, which all perfectly cover the actual diagnostic limit of myocardial infarction. Furthermore, the MIMO chip sensor maintains excellent performance of both specificity and detection capabilities in more complex serum samples. In double-blind trials of multiple biomarker detection, the MIMO chip sensor exhibits comparable detection ability with a commercial kit and good resistance to environmental disturbance. The proposed MIMO chip sensor sensing system offers a low-cost, portable, self-driven, and miniaturized scheme for a multiplexed point-of-care testing device, promoting the feasibility and accessibility of personalized medical services and paving the way for clinical application and industrialization.

Speckle tracking phase-contrast computed tomography at an inverse Compton X-ray source.

Speckle-based X-ray imaging (SBI) is a phase-contrast method developed at and for highly coherent X-ray sources, such as synchrotrons, to increase the contrast of weakly absorbing objects. Consequently, it complements the conventional attenuation-based X-ray imaging. Meanwhile, attempts to establish SBI at less coherent laboratory sources have been performed, ranging from liquid metal-jet X-ray sources to microfocus X-ray tubes. However, their lack of coherence results in interference fringes not being resolved. Therefore, algorithms were developed which neglect the interference effects. Here, we demonstrate phase-contrast computed tomography employing SBI in a laboratory-setting with an inverse Compton X-ray source. In this context, we investigate and compare also the performance of the at synchrotron conventionally used phase-retrieval algorithms for SBI, unified modulated pattern analysis (UMPA) with a phase-retrieval method developed for low coherence systems (LCS). We successfully retrieve a full computed tomography in a phantom as well as in biological specimens, such as larvae of the greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella), a model system for studies of pathogens and infections. In this context, we additionally demonstrate quantitative phase-contrast computed tomography using SBI at a low coherent set-up.

Running sprint force-velocity-power profile obtained with a low-cost and low frame rate acquisition video technique: reliability and concurrent validity

ABSTRACT The Force-velocity (F-v) and Power-velocity (P-v) relationships quantify athlete’s horizontal force production capacities during sprinting. Efforts are underway to enhance ecological validity for practitioners and sports coaches. This study provides detailed data comparison of a low frames per second setup (30 Hz; FPSlow) with splits from a high FPS camera to derive F-v and P-v relationships. Sixty-six sprints performed by 11 university track and field athletes (6 male, 5 female) were evaluated. Data were recorded using FPSlow, photocells, and a high-speed camera (240 Hz; MySprint). In the FPSlow setup, bias was 0.17s, and Limits of agreement was 0.09s compared to photocells. ICC was 1.00, and the coefficient of variation (CV) was 1.0% [0.8–1.1%]. Time acquisition comparison between MySprint and FPSlow setups revealed high consistency (ICC = 0.99) and low CV (2.9% [2.8–3.1%]). F-v profile variables exhibited biases from trivial to small, with ICC ranging from moderate to nearly perfect. CV ranged from 2.7% to 11.8%, and improved using the average of three sprints (CV between 1.8% and 8.6%). The ‘simple method’ applied to data from the low FPS video setup yielded kinetic and kinematic parameters comparable to those obtained by the validated previous method and photocells.

Carrier-Gas free arc igniter microplasma optical emission spectrometry for the determination of arsenic in soil

Rapid on-site assessment of arsenic contamination in soils is crucial for environmental protection and human health. In order to build an effective and affordable device for the determination of arsenic, the use of carrier gas supplies and high power energy consumption largely limit the miniaturization of microplasma-based optical emission spectrometry (OES). An arc igniter microplasma (AIM) can be powered by a low DC power supply and operated in the atmosphere of air without gas infusion, which is beneficial to construct a carrier-gas free and low power supply setup. Hydride generation (HG) can improve sample transport efficiency and reduce matrix effects, but the generated by-product hydrogen has not been explored as a sole working gas for plasma excitation. In this work, a hydride generation arc igniter microplasma optical emission spectrometer (HG-AIM-OES) was fabricated for detecting arsenic in soils. H2 derived from HG was served as a working gas to transport AsH3 to excite, eliminating the use of a carrier gas unit. Under the optimized operating conditions, the limit of detection (LOD) for arsenic was 164 μg/L (the analytical line at 234.98 nm), and good linearity of the method was achieved in the range of 0.5–20 mg/L with a precision of 3.14 % (the concentration of arsenic at 1 mg/L). In addition, the influence of H2 on AIM physical properties was carefully studied in the air and Ar discharge atmospheres. The accuracy of the proposed device was validated by the analysis of certified reference materials (CRMs) and a real soil sample, resulting in good agreement with the obtained results by air and Ar as working gas. This HG-AIM-OES system provides a miniaturized, carrier gas-free and low power consuming tool for monitoring and assessment of arsenic-contaminated soils.

A pattern of admission and outcome of patients admitted to the intensive care unit of a tertiary hospital in a low resource setting: a cohort study

Background: ICU is a specialized department designed to serve critical care for severely ill patients. It needs an adequate number of highly trained and skilled human power and costly materials, which has limited its number and functionality in low resource settings. As a result, intensive care medicine or critical care services are poorly developed, or at most, still in the infancy stage. Due to the multifactorial limitations, ICU treatment outcomes were lower compared to high-income countries from the limited available literature. The objective of this study was to depict ICU treatment patterns and patient outcomes at low resources and limited setup. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients admitted to ICU from January 2017 to 31 December 2020, on a sample of 420 cases using a systematic sampling technique. Patient data were collected from the medical record and filled into a prevalidated checklist from admission to discharge or death. Data were analyzed using a statistical package for social sciences version 25.0. Result: A total of 419 patients’ data was qualified for analysis with ICU mortality being 40.8%. The majority of the admissions to the ICU were from the surgical department followed by trauma admissions. Some of the factors significantly associated with ICU mortality were: vasopressor use during the course of ICU follow up adjusted odd ratio (aOR)=4.3 with 95% CI: 1.83–10.03, P-value <0.001, patients who were put on mechanical ventilator aOR=3.6 with 95% CI: 1.90–6.63, P-value <0.001, enteral feeding aOR=0.31 at 95% CI: 0.16–0.59, P-value <0.001and admissions from internal medicine aOR=4.2, 95% CI: 1.66–10.41, P-value=0.01. Conclusion: The pattern of ICU admissions in developing countries were characterized by surgical and trauma related, younger patients, and high mortality rate. Hypotension, being on mechanical ventilator, vasopressor use, and enteral feeding were some of the factors associated with ICU outcome.

A Low Transition Temperature Mixture-based viscosupplementation complemented with celecoxib for osteoarthritis treatment

Viscosupplementation consists of hyaluronic acid (HA) intra-articular injections, commonly applied for osteoarthritis treatment while non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely administered for pain relief. Here, HA and a NSAID (celecoxib) were combined in a formulation based on a low transition temperature mixture (LTTM) of glycerol:sorbitol, reported to increase celecoxib’s solubility, thus rendering a potential alternative viscosupplement envisioning enhanced therapeutic efficiency. The inclusion of glucosamine, a cartilage precursor, was also studied. The developed formulations were assessed in terms of rheological properties, crucial for viscosupplementation: the parameters of crossover frequency, storage (G’) and loss (G’’) moduli, zero-shear-rate viscosity, stable viscosity across temperatures, and shear thinning behaviour, support viscoelastic properties suitable for viscosupplementation. Additionally, the gels biocompatibility was confirmed in chondrogenic cells (ATDC5). Regarding drug release studies, high and low clearance scenarios demonstrated an increased celecoxib (CEX) release from the gel (6 to 73-fold), compared to dissolution in PBS. The low clearance setup presented the highest and most sustained CEX release, highlighting the importance of the gel structure in CEX delivery. NMR stability studies over time demonstrated the LTTM+HA+CEX (GHA+CEX) gel as viable candidate for further in vivo evaluation. In sum, the features of GHA+CEX support its potential use as alternative viscosupplement.

An Experimental Set-up Involving Low-cost Digital Controller to Study the Magnetizing Inrush Current in a Transformer using Point-on-Wave Switching Technique

Abstract Generally in under-graduate studies, magnetizing inrush current (MIC) is discussed theoretically without giving much practical exposure. This paper presents the development of a low cost experimental set-up using a digital controller to study the MIC and the different parameters which can affect the same. This also helps to show how the inrush current can be minimized. This set-up also provides a hands-on experience of MIC and its control in under-graduate study, which can help an upcoming practitioner in industry as well as in further research. This paper presents a brief description of MIC, followed by a short analysis. Here, a pair of anti-parallel thyristors are connected in series with the primary winding of a single-phase power transformer. The turningon instant of this switch, with respect to the zero-crossing instant of the input supply voltage, may be adjusted through a firmware, in a PIC18F4620 from Microchip Technology microcontroller development board from Microchip Technology to control the transformer energisation instant. The firmware is developed in MPLABX-IDE from Microchip Technology, and the scheme is verified via simulations in Proteus simulation software. A suitable circuit to support the microcontroller development board to achieve the above function is designed and fabricated.

Development of a Critical Edge-Based Adaptive Toolpath Strategy to Improve Geometrical Accuracy of Incrementally Formed Titanium Implants

Incremental sheet forming has become increasingly popular due to its advantages over traditional metal forming processes, including flexibility, low setup cost, and enhanced formability. It holds great potential for manufacturing asymmetrical components, particularly biomedical implants like cranio-facial implants. However, a significant drawback of this technique is a lack of geometrical accuracy in the produced parts. This research aims to enhance the geometric accuracy of a patient-specific frontal cranial implant by introducing a novel tool path strategy called the adaptive tool path strategy (ATP). The ATP dynamically adjusts step sizes by selectively removing slices based on local curvature requirements. The proposed strategy begins with slicing a CAD model at an extremely fine step depth (0.01 mm) to generate the initial dataset. Subsequently, slices are strategically eliminated to conform to desired curvature specifications. The manufacturing process utilizes commercially pure titanium grade 2 alloy, which is incrementally formed into the desired implant shape using both the traditional constant step depth method and the new adaptive tool path strategy. The produced parts are then scanned using high resolution 3D scanners and a detailed comparison is made between the final geometries and the design geometry. The assessment includes evaluating the forming depth, analysing bending due to spring back, and measuring geometric deviations. Furthermore, numerical simulations are conducted to assess the estimation capabilities of finite element analysis in predicting the forming process. The results demonstrate that the ATP tool path strategy significantly reduces spring back, indicated by a nearly 30 % decrease in the angle of bend along the critical edge. Moreover, the root mean square deviation is reduced by 11 %. Importantly, the experimental results aligned with the patterns observed in the numerical simulations, validating the findings obtained through the study.

A microfluidic scanning flow cytometer with superior signal-to-noise-ratio for label-free characterization of small particles

Single-cell analysis without immune-specific labelling is essential across research fields, but conventional flow cytometers (FCMs) struggle with label-free analysis. We introduce a novel microfluidic scanning flow cytometer (μSFC) designed for label-free analysis within a simple microfluidic chip. Our system outperforms traditional FCMs for label-free analysis but its signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) limits the minimum detectable size. We present three modifications to enhance SNR and improve the smallest detectable particle size: additional neutral optical density filtering, a lower noise-equivalent-power photoreceiver, and laser spot size reduction. These improvements enable reliable characterization of particles as small as 3 μm. Experimental results validate the correlation between angular profile oscillations and particle size. While reliable detection down to 1 μm is achieved, further refinement is needed. The simplicity and low setup of the μSFC make it promising for integration into multi-parametric single-cell analysis systems, facilitating comprehensive cellular characterization for diagnostic and point-of-care applications.

EFFECT OF LOW-VELOCITY IMPACT DAMAGE ON THE ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE SHIELDING EFFECTIVENESS OF CFRP COMPOSITES

Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites are widely used engineering materials in aerospace technologies. These electrically conductive carbon-based materials, due to the lightness advantages, are preferred as shields against electromagnetic radiation, especially in aircraft and satellites. However, the performance losses caused by damage because of flying object collision such as bird, hail, or projectile contain significant uncertainty. Herein, the CFRP composite material was structurally damaged by low velocity impact test set-up at various energy levels between 2.5 to 10 joules, and then its electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding performance was investigated. In addition, the electrical properties of the material were also examined, and the occurred damage status was evaluated by microscopy studies. Intrinsically, the increase in impact energy increases the grade of damage on body of the material. This results in a drastic decrease in electrical conductivity and EMI performance. In experiments, where 5 joule energy is detected as a threshold level, it has been observed that irreparable damage occurs at energy levels above this value.

Spectroscopic performance evaluation and modeling of a low background HPGe detector using GEANT4

Low background gamma spectrometry employing HPGe detectors is a sensitive technique for measuring low-level radioactivity in environmental applications, material screening, and for rare decay searches. This work presents spectroscopic performance evaluation and modeling of a low background measurement setup developed at IIT Ropar in Punjab, India, to measure trace natural radioactive elements, with a particular interest in studying low-level radioactivity in soil and/or rock samples to generate specific inputs for low background experiments. The performance test and characterization of a low background cryocooled HPGe detector with relative efficiency of ∼33% have been carried out. An effective detector model has been developed using GEANT4 Monte Carlo simulation to determine the response of the detector over an energy range of 80.9–1408 keV and compared with the experimental performance of the detector. The response of the detector obtained using Monte Carlo simulations agrees reasonably well within 93% level of confidence, indicating only 7% deviation in the comparison. The present setup offers improved detection limits of primordial radionuclides (U/Th and K) to measure radioactive contamination in environmental matrices, which has been used elsewhere (Thakur, 2023).

Electrical characterization of SOI pMOS device leakage

This work investigates Silicon-on-Insulator (SOI) pMOS leakage current. Temperature measurements indicates the superposition of two leakage mechanisms: band-to-band tunneling (BTBT) and Shockley-Read-Hall Field-Enhanced (SRHFE) generation recombination. Thanks to a dedicated low current measurement setup, the impact of device width (W), thickness (tsi) and polarization (back bias, drain and source) on leakage level is evaluated for both mechanisms.

“To teach or not to teach- that is the question” The educational and clinical impact of introducing an outcome based, modular curriculum in Social Emergency Medicine (SEM) at a private tertiary care center in Karachi, Pakistan

IntroductionAn enhanced knowledge of Emergency Medicine (EM) personnel regarding negative Social Determinants of Health (SDH) can impact EM service provision in a resource limited country like Pakistan. Interventions to build capacity in identifying and addressing these SDH through education in Social Emergency Medicine (SEM) can be one of the ways in which EM key performance indicators (KPIs) can be improved.MethodA SEM based curriculum was administered to the EM residents at a tertiary care center in Karachi, Pakistan. Pre, post and delayed post-test was conducted for knowledge of EM residents and analyzed using Repeated Measures ANOVA (RMANOVA). Clinical impact of this intervention was assessed through the ability of the residents to identify the patients’ SDH and determining appropriate disposition. Comparison of the bounce-back of patients in the pre-intervention (2020) and post-intervention year (2021) year was appreciated to see the clinical impact of this intervention.ResultA significant improvement was seen in post intervention (p < 0.001) and follow up knowledge (p < 0.001) of residents regarding negative SDH. Bounce-back rate was higher in the pre-SEM curriculum (43%) as compared to the post-SEM curriculum year (27.7%). Post-intervention, the residents were able to identify the unique Pakistani SDH, however appropriate patient disposition needs further reinforcement.ConclusionThe study highlights the beneficial impact of an educational intervention in SEM upon the knowledge of EM residents and the bounce-back of patients in the emergency department (ED) of a low resource setup. This educational intervention can be scaled up to other EDs across Pakistan for potential improvement in knowledge, EM process flow and KPIs.

Oxygen Sensor-Based Respirometry and the Landscape of Microbial Testing Methods as Applicable to Food and Beverage Matrices.

The current status of microbiological testing methods for the determination of viable bacteria in complex sample matrices, such as food samples, is the focus of this review. Established methods for the enumeration of microorganisms, particularly, the 'gold standard' agar plating method for the determination of total aerobic viable counts (TVC), bioluminescent detection of total ATP, selective molecular methods (immunoassays, DNA/RNA amplification, sequencing) and instrumental methods (flow cytometry, Raman spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, calorimetry), are analyzed and compared with emerging oxygen sensor-based respirometry techniques. The basic principles of optical O2 sensing and respirometry and the primary materials, detection modes and assay formats employed are described. The existing platforms for bacterial cell respirometry are then described, and examples of particular assays are provided, including the use of rapid TVC tests of food samples and swabs, the toxicological screening and profiling of cells and antimicrobial sterility testing. Overall, O2 sensor-based respirometry and TVC assays have high application potential in the food industry and related areas. They detect viable bacteria via their growth and respiration; the assay is fast (time to result is 2-8 h and dependent on TVC load), operates with complex samples (crude homogenates of food samples) in a simple mix-and-measure format, has low set-up and instrumentation costs and is inexpensive and portable.

Assessment of a 16-Channel Ambulatory Dry Electrode EEG for Remote Monitoring.

Ambulatory EEGs began emerging in the healthcare industry over the years, setting a new norm for long-term monitoring services. The present devices in the market are neither meant for remote monitoring due to their technical complexity nor for meeting clinical setting needs in epilepsy patient monitoring. In this paper, we propose an ambulatory EEG device, OptiEEG, that has low setup complexity, for the remote EEG monitoring of epilepsy patients. OptiEEG's signal quality was compared with a gold standard clinical device, Natus. The experiment between OptiEEG and Natus included three different tests: eye open/close (EOC); hyperventilation (HV); and photic stimulation (PS). Statistical and wavelet analysis of retrieved data were presented when evaluating the performance of OptiEEG. The SNR and PSNR of OptiEEG were slightly lower than Natus, but within an acceptable bound. The standard deviations of MSE for both devices were almost in a similar range for the three tests. The frequency band energy analysis is consistent between the two devices. A rhythmic slowdown of theta and delta was observed in HV, whereas photic driving was observed during PS in both devices. The results validated the performance of OptiEEG as an acceptable EEG device for remote monitoring away from clinical environments.