Pair Of Electrodes Research Articles

Robust Flexible Electret Tactile Sensor for Identification on Mushy Material in Harsh Environment

AbstractIn traditional food industry, the assessment of mushy materials plays an important role in high‐quality food production, which still relies heavily on human tactile perception. In this work, to address this issue for enhancing food production efficiency, a flexible electret tactile sensor that can mimic expert touch is developed. The sensor consists of a pair of electrodes, a microstructural spacer, and a pre‐charged electret. Benefiting from the electrostatic induction‐based working mechanism, the sensor attains high sensitivity and is ideal for precise sensing in actions similar to those of skilled Baijiu distillers. Due to its hermetic and electromagnetic interference‐resistant encapsulation with polypropylene/aluminum/parylene films, the sensor remained durable in vinasse in the real distillery, with its high water and alcohol content, for over 21 days. This demonstrates its long‐term stability in harsh environment. Based on the proposed flexible electret tactile sensor, an automated and intelligent vinasse identification system is built, mimicking the actions of Baijiu distillers in vinasse assessment. Combining tactile sensing data with machine learning, the system can distinguish 8 kinds of vinasses with different ingredient ratios, achieving an accuracy of 98%. This work significantly demonstrates the practical potential of the sensor in the food industry.

Ultrahigh energy efficiency from a supersonic underwater ultrasound source

The present work is dedicated to an experimental and theoretical study of an innovative underwater ultrasound source. The source works using a technique in which a pulsed power generator using the impedance mismatch of a long high-voltage coaxial cable generates a train of voltage impulses with a very high pulse repetition frequency of the order of a few MHz. Applying this train of voltage impulses to a pair of underwater electrodes generates a streamer-initiated breakdown of water and, subsequently, a plasma column connecting the electrodes over a very large inter-electrode gap of 55 mm. The interaction of the long plasma column thus formed with the surrounding water produces a rapidly expanding vapor bubble, an “instrument” producing a strong pressure wave with an overall energy efficiency of 24%, an order of magnitude higher than most underwater pressure sources reported in the literature.

Sensitivity of an electrical impedance-based sensor for the liquid fraction estimation during melting and solidification inside a vertical rectangular enclosure

Monitoring the liquid fraction in latent thermal energy storages (LTESs) can enable the implementation of smart control strategies for improved performance and increased utilization of renewable energy sources. However, measuring the liquid fraction is challenging because solid-liquid phase change processes occur at nearly constant temperature. The present study explores an electrical impedance-based sensing technique that could become a non-intrusive and accurate alternative to determine the liquid fraction. The study examines the melting and solidification of a phase change material (PCM) inside a vertical rectangular enclosure with an isothermal wall. Two sets of electrodes are located on each of the side walls of the enclosure. Initially, numerical simulations of melting and solidification are performed to generate physically meaningful solid and liquid phase distributions. Then, these phase distributions are used as input for electrical simulations to estimate the response to changes in the liquid fraction of the electrical impedance between electrode pairs in in-line, front-facing and crosswise configurations. Also, the effect of the contrast ratios between the electrical conductivity of the solid and liquid phase on the sensitivity is assessed. The front-facing electrodes are found to have the best performance across a large range of conductivity ratios. The in-line electrodes perform the lowest because the sensitivity drastically decreases as a layer of the more conductive phase starts forming on the wall where the electrodes are located. An improvement in the performance of in-line electrodes is observed when the conductivity ratio is decreased.

A Bifunctional Electrocatalyst of Flower-Like Cr-Doped CoP/Fe2P Microsphere for Efficient Overall Water Splitting

Developing efficient, low-price non-noble metal-based electrocatalysts for overall water splitting in alkaline medium remains a formidable challenge. In our work, Cr-doped CoP/Fe2P (Cr-CoP/Fe2P) flower-like microsphere was synthesized through a simple hydrothermal and phosphating process. The resulting Cr-CoP/Fe2P electrocatalyst shows significantly enhanced oxygen evolution reaction performance (262 mV @ 10 mA cm−2) and has a satisfactory hydrogen evolution reaction performance (114 mV @ 10 mA cm−2), coupled with favorable stability in an alkaline medium. Furthermore, when assembling Cr-CoP/Fe2P into an electrolytic cell, the two-electrode system can provide a current density of 10 mA cm−2 at a voltage of 1.61 V. At high current density, the performance of the electrolytic cell composed of Cr-CoP/Fe2P is superior to that of noble metal catalyst electrode pair. Electronic structure analysis and various characterizations confirm that Cr doping and the formation of CoP/Fe2P heterogeneous interfaces redistribute the electron densities of the active sites, enlarge the specific surface area, and enhance the aerophobicity of the catalysts, thereby improving the electrocatalytic property. This work provides a referable method for engineering highly efficient and stable non-noble polymetallic phosphides, which serve as bifunctional electrocatalyst for overall water splitting.

Changes in interhemispheric coherence after total corpus callosotomy: a scalp EEG study in children with non-lesional generalized epilepsy.

Coherence analysis in electroencephalography (EEG) allows measurement of the degree of consistency of amplitude between pairs of electrodes. Theoretically, disconnective epilepsy surgery should decrease coherence between corresponding areas. The study aimed to evaluate postoperative changes in interhemispheric coherence values after corpus callosotomy (CC). Non-lesional, drug-resistant, generalized epilepsy patients who underwent total CC were retrospectively collected. To evaluate coherence, we divided the scalp interictal EEG into "baseline" and "discharge" states after excluding periods with artifacts. Interhemispheric coherence values were obtained between eight pairs of symmetrically opposite scalp electrodes in six different frequency bands. We analyzed both pre- and postoperative EEG sessions and calculated the percentage of difference (POD) in coherence values. We collected 13 patients and analyzed 2496 interhemispheric coherence values. Preoperative coherence values differed significantly between baseline and discharge states (p = 0.0003), but postoperative values did not (p = 0.11). For baseline state, coherence values were decreased after CC and median POD was - 22.3% (p < 0.0001). Delta frequency showed the most decreased POD (-44.3%, p = 0.0009). Median POD was lowest in the Fp1-Fp2 pair of electrodes. For discharge state, coherence values were decreased after CC and median POD was - 24.7% (p < 0.0001). Delta frequency again showed the most decreased POD (-55.9%, p = 0.0016). Median POD was lowest in the F7-F8 pair. After total CC, interhemispheric coherence decreased significantly in both baseline and discharge states. The most decreased frequency band was the delta band, which may be used as a representative frequency band in future studies.

Fabrication and Implementation of PVA Thin Film-based Relative Humidity Sensor

This paper presents the fabrication of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based relative humidity sensors using copper interdigitated electrodes (IDEs). These sensors were fabricated by patterning copper IDEs onto FR4 fiberglass substrates and coating them with a thin film of PVA. By varying the number of IDE electrode pairs and the concentration of PVA, the sensors exhibited different resistance values, demonstrating an inverse relationship with the number of IDE electrodes and PVA concentration. Additionally, the thickness of the sensing layer, controlled by spin coating speed, affected the resistance of the sensors. The fabricated sensors achieved a humidity measurement range from 50% to 99% RH based on resistance changes. Furthermore, an interface circuit was designed to integrate the fabricated sensors with an ESP8266 microcontroller, achieving accurate measurements above 74% RH.

Simulation study of the electrothermal field in a chloride electrolysis cell with 16 electrode pairs

AbstractThe spatial distribution of the electrothermal field within molten salt electrolytic cells significantly influences the efficiency of the electrolysis process, the quality of the end products, and the overall stability of the system. Enhancing the design of chloride electrolysis cells can lead to marked improvements in both process efficiency and system stability, thereby yielding increased economic benefits. This study introduces a design for a chloride electrolysis cell and examines the thermal budget under elevated electrical current intensities across 16 electrode pairs. It further analyzes the degree to which various parameters affect thermal equilibrium. The findings indicate that the electrolytic cell maintains a small thermal budget discrepancy at a current intensity of 124 kA and is less than 5%, with substantial heat dissipation observed at the surface of the top area of anode exposure and considerable energy consumption at both the anode and the electrolyte. Dimensionless treatment of the different parameterized simulation results has been conducted to develop a nondimensional equation, describing the thermal equilibrium conditions within the electrolytic cell. This foundational work paves the way for further investigations into the interactions between the electrothermal field and other physical fields, as well as for the optimization of the electrolytic cell's geometry and design.

Continuously tuneable single electrode pair liquid crystal optical vortex generators

Abstract In this work, we demonstrate the use of two-photon polymerization direct laser writing in the production of continuously tuneable optical vortex beam (OV) generators in a liquid crystal (LC) layer sandwiched between glass substrates. Results are presented that show how an OV generator can be inscribed into a 20 μm-thick LC layer and how the order of the OV beam can be tuned with the application of a voltage. Importantly, only a single pair of electrodes is needed to tune the order of the vortex as the required phase profile is generated through the 3D structuring of the polymer network using the laser writing process. Following the design and fabrication of the LC-OV generator, a Mach–Zehnder interferometer is subsequently employed, in conjunction with polarizing optical microscopy, to characterize the devices to confirm the generation of OVs of different orders and to determine the corresponding chirality. The paper concludes by considering whether these LC-OV generators can function at a range of different operation wavelengths. Such devices would be of potential importance in applications ranging from optical communications to quantum physics.

Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy Quantifies Skin Barrier Function in Organotypic In Vitro Epidermis Models

3 D human epidermal equivalents (HEEs) are a state-of-the-art organotypic culture model in pre-clinical investigative dermatology and regulatory toxicology. Here, we investigated the utility of electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) for non-invasive measurement of HEE epidermal barrier function. Our setup comprised a custom-made lid fit with 12 electrode pairs aligned on the standard 24-transwell cell culture system. Serial EIS measurements for seven consecutive days did not impact epidermal morphology and readouts showed comparable trends to HEEs measured only once. We determined two frequency ranges in the resulting impedance spectra: a lower frequency range termed EISdiff correlated with keratinocyte terminal differentiation independent of epidermal thickness and a higher frequency range termed EISSC correlated with stratum corneum thickness. HEEs generated from CRISPR/Cas9 engineered keratinocytes that lack key differentiation genes FLG, TFAP2A, AHR or CLDN1 confirmed that keratinocyte terminal differentiation is the major parameter defining EISdiff. Exposure to pro-inflammatory psoriasis- or atopic dermatitis-associated cytokine cocktails lowered the expression of keratinocyte differentiation markers and reduced EISdiff. This cytokine-associated decrease in EISdiff was normalized after stimulation with therapeutic molecules. In conclusion, EIS provides a non-invasive system to consecutively and quantitatively assess HEE barrier function and to sensitively and objectively measure barrier development, defects and repair.

Large-scale optical switches by thermo-optic waveguide lens

Optical switches are desired in telecom and datacom as an upgrade to electrical ones for lower power consumption and expenses while improving bandwidth and network transparency. Compact, integrated optical switches are attractive thanks to their scalability, readiness for mass production, and robustness against mechanical disturbances. The basic unit relies mostly on a microring resonator or a Mach–Zehnder interferometer for binary “bar” and “cross” switching. Such single-mode structures are often wavelength / polarization dependent, sensitive to phase errors and loss-prone. Furthermore, when they are cascaded to a network, the number of control units grows quickly with the port count, causing high complexity in electronic wiring and drive circuit integration. Herein, we propose a new switching method by thermo-optic waveguide lens. Essentially, this multimode waveguide forms a square law medium by a pair of heater electrodes and focuses light within a chip by robust 1 × 1 imaging. A 1 × 24 basic switch is demonstrated with 32 electrodes and only two are biased at a time for a chosen output. By two-level cascading, the switch expands to 576 ports and only four electrodes are needed for one path. The chips are fabricated on wafer scale in a low-budget laboratory without resorting to foundries. Yet, the performance goes beyond state of the art for low insertion loss, low wavelength dependence and low polarization dependence. This work provides an original, alternative, and practical route to construct large-scale optical switches, enabling broad applications in telecom, datacom and photonic computing.

Associations between EEG power and coherence with cognition and early precursors of speech and language development across the first months of life.

The neural processes underpinning cognition and language development in infancy are of great interest. We investigated EEG power and coherence in infancy, as a reflection of underlying cortical function of single brain region and cross-region connectivity, and their relations to cognition and early precursors of speech and language development. EEG recordings were longitudinally collected from 21 infants with typical development between approximately 1 and 7 months. We investigated relative band power at 3-6Hz and 6-9Hz and EEG coherence of these frequency ranges at 25 electrode pairs that cover key brain regions. A correlation analysis was performed to assess the relationship between EEG measurements across frequency bands and brain regions and raw Bayley cognitive and language developmental scores. In the first months of life, relative band power is not correlated with cognitive and language scales. However, 3-6Hz coherence is negatively correlated with receptive language scores between frontoparietal regions, and 6-9Hz coherence is negatively correlated with expressive language scores between frontoparietal regions. The results from this preliminary study contribute to the existing literature on the relationship between electrophysiological development, cognition, and early speech precursors in this age group. Future work should create norm references of early development in these domains that can be compared with infants at risk for neurodevelopmental disabilities.

Scaling Supercapacitive Swing Adsorption of CO2 Using Bipolar Electrode Stacks.

Supercapacitive swing adsorption (SSA) modules with bipolar stacks having 2, 4, 8, and 12 electrode pairs made from BPL 4 × 6 activated carbon are constructed and tested for carbon dioxide capture applications. Tests are performed with simulated flue gas (15%CO2 /85%N2) at 2, 4, 8, and 12V, respectively. Reversible adsorption with sorption capacities (≈58 mmol kg-1) and adsorption rates (≈38 µmol kg-1 s-1) are measured for all stacks. The productivity scales with the number of cells in the module, and increases from 70 to 390 mmol h-1 m-2. The energy efficiency and energy consumption improve with increasing number of bipolar electrodes from 67% to 84%, and 142 to 60 kJ mol-1, respectively. Overall, the results show that SSA modules with bipolar electrodes can be scaled without reducing the adsorptive performance, and with improvement of energetic performance.

Modelling of bioparticle separation in the dielectrophoresis microfluidic using the Brinkman flow

In this study, we numerically investigate the dynamics of bioparticle separation in the dielectrophoretic microfluidic device. The straight section of the microchannel consists of a pair of semicircular electrodes on its up and down walls. The different electric potentials are applied to electric electrodes. In the present study, the electric field distribution is obtained by solving the Laplace equation using the boundary element method. After that, we compute the particle trajectory by solving the Brinkman differential equation by applying the boundary element method. In order to compare the numerical results obtained from the boundary element method, we calculate the trajectory of bioparticles using Newton equation in the presence of dielectrophoresis force. Based on the control parameters, the different sorting regimes have been obtained as a function of particle size, applied electric potential, and electrode shape. We have found a good agreement between two numerical methods. Numerical results indicate that for electric voltage ratio of up electrode to down electrode, Φ u /Φ d , smaller than 8.0, platelets flow through the down outlet. We also found that the circulating tumor cells are trapped in the microfluidic channel when the electric potential ratio larger than the 3.8.

Edge effects in quantum cellular automata binary wire

The molecular quantum cellular automata approach provides a paradigm for molecular electronics, where the charge configurations at reduction–oxidation centers of molecules represent binary information. The QCA cells are coupled by electrostatic fields and enable implementing devices for digital data transmission and logic operation at the molecular scale. Designing inputs for the desired operation of molecular QCA devices has been a challenging task, where the edge effects of electrodes may reduce the reliability of the QCA devices. We calculate the fringing fields of a pair of electrodes implemented on a model platform for the operation of a molecular QCA binary wire. The calculated nanogap and fringing fields are used in a simple quantum mechanical model to analyze the edge effects on the polarization propagation and polarization loss throughout the wire. Discussions on the stability of the wire in the presence of the fringing fields using the excited state of the wire and polarization uncertainties are presented.

Differential Modulation of Motor Unit Behavior When a Fatiguing Contraction Is Matched for Torque versus EMG.

When an isometric contraction is sustained at a submaximal torque, activation of the motoneuron pool increases, making it difficult to interpret neural excitability alterations. Thus, more recently, isometric contractions with maintained electromyographic (EMG) activity (matched-EMG) are being used to induce fatigue; however, little is known about the neurophysiological adjustments that occur to satisfy the requirements of the task. For our study, 16 participants performed a 10-min sustained isometric elbow flexion contraction at 20% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) torque or the level of integrated biceps brachii EMG recorded at 20% MVC torque. Surface EMG was used to assess global median frequency, and four fine-wire electrode pairs were used to obtain motor unit (MU) discharge rate from biceps brachii. Torque or EMG steadiness was also assessed throughout the fatiguing contractions. MU discharge rate increased and torque steadiness decreased during the matched-torque contraction; however, MU discharge rate decreased during the matched-EMG contraction, and no changes occurred for EMG steadiness. Data pooled for the two contractions revealed a decrease in global median frequency. Lastly, a greater loss of MVC torque was observed immediately after the matched-torque compared with matched-EMG contraction. These findings indicate that, during a matched-torque fatiguing contraction, the nervous system increases MU discharge rates at the cost of poorer steadiness to maintain the requisite torque. In contrast, during a matched-EMG fatiguing contraction, a reduction of MU discharge rates allows for maintenance of EMG steadiness.

Reconstruction method considering the electrostatic signal waveform of velocity distribution in flame based on EST

The velocity distribution of flame is an important combustion dynamic parameter that is used to analyze the stability, heat transfer and propagation of combustion. Digital particle image velocimetry and laser Doppler velocimetry are commonly used to measure the velocity distribution of flame. However, these methods work by adding tracer particles into the flame. A dual-section electrostatic tomography (EST) system is designed to detect the induction signal of the charged particles generated by the ionization process of combustion. The velocity distribution of flame is reconstructed through the electrostatic direct velocity tomography (EDVT) method. However, the different distance between the movement trajectory of the charged particles and a pair of electrodes for the cross-correlation calculation causes the difference in the induced signal waveform. It leads to an error in the cross-correlation velocity calculation. By analyzing the influence of the single charge induction signal waveform on the calculation of cross-correlation velocity, the reason for this error is clarified. Therefore, an electrostatic signal-waveform-based direct velocity tomography (ESDVT) method is proposed. The experimental results from a belt-type electrostatic device show that the average value of the L2-norm error of the ESDVT method is reduced by 40.9% compared with the EDVT method. Finally, using the method proposed in this paper, the velocity distribution at different sections of the Meker flame is reconstructed without adding tracer particles.

487 Cholinergic Blockade Alters Hippocampal-posterior Cingulate Cortex Synchrony During Episodic Memory Encoding

INTRODUCTION: The posterior cingulate cortex (PC) is an important region for episodic memory. Its synchrony with the hippocampus in the theta frequency, in particular, has been shown to underlie successful memory encoding. Cholinergic signaling is another important component of episodic memory, and manipulation of cholinergic signaling is often employed to better understand memory. However, the specific relationship between cholinergic signaling and hippocampal-PC synchrony has not been explored. METHODS: Eight patients with intracranial electrodes underwent two sessions of a free recall task, one in which they were given scopolamine and the other, saline. EEG recordings from these sessions during early and late encoding were then analyzed. The phases of high (5-9 Hz) and low (2-5 Hz) theta frequencies were calculated with hilbert transform, and synchrony was measured with phase-locking value (PLV), calculated for each electrode pair. Permutation tests were used to compare PLV between saline and scopolamine conditions for each electrode pair, producing a distribution of z-scores for each region-region connection. Electrodes were grouped into the regions anterior hippocampus (AH), posterior hippocampus(PH), and PC. The z-score distributions were compared against a distribution centered at zero with a t-test. RESULTS: The z-score distributions from permutation were significantly different from a null distribution for AH-PC connections in the left and right hemispheres during late encoding in high theta frequencies; AH-PH and PH-PC connections in the right hemisphere during early encoding in low theta frequencies; and PH-PC connections in the right hemisphere during late encoding in low theta frequencies. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in synchrony between PC, AH, and PH due to cholinergic blockade differ between low and high theta as well as early and late encoding.

Characteristics of Electric Field Induced by Oscillating Metal Underwater Vehicle

To analyze the induced electric field characteristics generated by the rotation and shaking of underwater metal vehicles, a mathematical model of the induced electric field generated by the underwater metal vehicles was derived using Faraday’s electromagnetic induction law. A mathematical model of the induced electric field on the electrode pairs of metal vehicles shaking in different coordinate system planes was established through in-depth analysis. Based on this, a three-component output model of the induced electric field output by the three-axis sensor was obtained when the measurement system was shaking at all three angles. At a constant speed, the induced electric field interference output by the measurement system is a static signal. The value of the static electric field is proportional to the vehicle’s speed and the value of the geomagnetic field, and the value of each component is related to the direction of movement and the value of the geomagnetic field component. The simulation results show that when the navigation body is moving at a constant speed, the induced electric field is a static electric field with a magnitude of mV/m. In a stable state, the induced electric field noise generated by changes in pitch, roll, and heading sway is at the nV/m level and does not have a significant impact on detection. The correctness of the theoretical model has been verified through experiments on offshore speedboat platforms, and it is feasible to use metal navigation bodies for ship electric field detection.

Reducing cobalt leaching in disinfectant degradation: Insights from chitosan-derived carbon encapsulated Co9S8

Cobalt (Co) has significant catalytic activity and is used as an activator of peroxymonosulfate (PMS). However, the practical use of cobalt-based catalysts is hindered by metal leaching and cobalt-induced toxicity. To address these issues, we employed a carbon coating strategy that not only addresses these concerns but also enhances catalytic efficiency by providing additional electrons. In this study, chitosan was utilized for the in situ adsorption of anchored cobalt ions, followed by sulfurization and pyrolysis, to form charcoal-loaded Co9S8 composites (Co9S8/C). Its specific surface area was 79.5 times higher than that of chitosan, and the adsorption rate of PCMX increased by 28.4 %. Within the wide pH range of 3.0 ∼ 11.0, Co9S8/C /PMS system can degrade more than 98 % of PCMX within 5 min, surpassing the combined degradation efficiencies of the CS-C/PMS and Co9S8/C S/PMS systems. The chitosan coating facilitates electron transfer between Co9S8 and PMS, enabling the redox cycle between metal and electrode pairs. Furthermore, in addition to the well-known reactive species SO4·− and ·OH, the presence of Co (IV) adsorbed on the surface of Co9S8/C-1 significantly enhanced PCMX degradation, whereas low-valent sulfur expedited the rate-limiting process of Co3+ reduction to Co2+. The Co9S8/C/PMS system also demonstrated high efficiency in treating other representative emerging pollutants such as sulfadiazine, phenol, bisphenol A, and sulfonamide. The chitosan-derived carbon coating strategy presented in this study provides a robust theoretical foundation for the practical application of cobalt-based catalysts, offering promising solutions to the urgent environmental challenges.

Liquid level measurement using a single electrode capacitive sensor made of carbon nanotube-paper composite

Liquid level measurements play a vital role in various fields, including environmental, industrial, and medical applications. While hydrostatic, optical, and ultrasonic sensors are commonly used for this purpose, capacitive sensors have also gained prominence. However, capacitive sensors have inherent limitations in terms of dynamic range and resolution. These sensors consist of a pair of electrodes with a gap, and the size of this gap directly affects the sensor’s dynamic range and resolution. Increasing the gap size enhances the dynamic range but compromises resolution. To overcome this challenge, a novel approach involving the investigation of a single-electrode capacitive sensor is presented. This sensor consists of using a carbon nanotube-paper composite (CPC), which offers unique advantages for measuring liquid levels with improved dynamic range and resolution. The sensing performance of the single-electrode sensor is evaluated in both conductive and non-conductive containers, ensuring its versatility and applicability in different scenarios. Furthermore, the study explores the implementation of a differential configuration for the single-electrode sensor. This configuration aims to enhance accuracy and stability, particularly in achieving femto-Farad level accuracy. By leveraging the potential of the single-electrode capacitive sensor, numerous applications such as liquid level sensing, immersible liquid level sensing, and rain sensing are demonstrated. This result holds potential for advancing liquid level measurement capabilities across various industries and opening up new opportunities for sensor applications.