Repetitive Test Research Articles

Kinesio taping does not enhance jump performance and muscle activity in female athletes.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of Kinesio Taping (KT) application on the single-leg counter-movement jump (CMJ) and surface electromyographic (sEMG) activity in trained female athletes, in both resting and fatigued states. In this single-blind, randomized, sham-controlled trial, twenty-four healthy trained female athletes were randomly assigned to either the KT (n=12) or the sham tape group (n=12). KT was applied using an inhibition technique on rectus femoris, vastus medialis, biceps femoris, and lateral gastrocnemius muscles of the dominant leg. A single-leg CMJ test and sEMG activity were recorded at baseline (no tape), as well as at 1 hour, 24 hours, and 48 hours after taping. To induce acute neuromuscular fatigue, a 30-second repetitive CMJ test was used to evaluate KT in fatigued states. In the resting states, both groups exhibited improvements in jump height, power, mean velocity, and sEMG activity (%EMGmax) over time, with no significant between-group differences. The single-leg CMJ performance was similarly decreased after the muscle fatigue protocol in both groups, showing no between-group differences. Our findings suggest that KT treatment does not appear to influence jumping performance, sEMG activity, or muscle fatigue in female athletes.

Paraneoplastic Cerebellar Degeneration and Symptomless Lambert–Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome With SOX‐1 Antibodies

ABSTRACTA 62‐year‐old man was diagnosed with paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration (PCD) at a previous hospital due to cerebellar ataxia, positive serum SOX‐1 antibodies, and small cell lung cancer. Although the tumor has shrunk by chemotherapy, the cerebellar ataxia progressed and left him unable to walk. Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) was suspected, because nerve conduction studies showed that reduced compound muscle action potential amplitudes disproportionate to muscle weakness. PCD‐LEMS with SOX‐1 antibodies was diagnosed on the basis of waxing by high‐frequency repetitive nerve stimulation test and high P/Q‐type voltage‐gated calcium channel antibody levels. Immunoglobulin therapy and 3,4‐diaminopyridine contributed to improved activities of daily living by improving muscle weakness masked by cerebellar symptoms. In patients with SOX‐1 antibodies, investigating for tumors and LEMS is necessary, even if muscle weakness is not noticeable.

Repetitive Calf-Raise Pulse Provocative Test for Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome

Repetitive Calf-Raise Pulse Provocative Test for Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome

Relationship Between Swallowing Function and Low Serum Albumin Levels in Older Japanese People Aged ≥ 75 Years.

This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the relationship between swallowing function and low serum albumin levels in older Japanese people (aged ≥ 75 years). A total of 3258 participants (1325 males, 1933 females; mean age, 80.8 years) who had a dental checkup in Gifu City, Japan, between April 2020 and March 2021 were recruited. Swallowing function was assessed using the repetitive saliva swallow test, with poor swallowing function defined as swallowing fewer than three times in 30 s. A serum albumin level < 3.6 G/dL was considered low. In total, 78 participants (2%) had a low serum albumin level. Furthermore, after adjusting for age, gender, circulatory disease, support/care-need certification, number of present teeth, and tongue and lip function, a low serum albumin level was positively associated with older (odds ratio [OR]: 1.115; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.064-1.169), male (OR: 2.208; 95% CI: 1.360-3.584), circulatory disease (OR: 1.829; 95% CI: 1.079-3.099), support/care-need certification (OR: 2.087; 95% CI: 1.208-3.606), and poor swallowing function (OR: 2.379; CI: 1.377-4.112). These results indicate that poor swallowing function was associated with a low serum albumin level in older Japanese people aged ≥ 75 years.

Introducing Our Custom GPT: An Example of the Potential Impact of Personalized GPT Builders on Scientific Writing

The rapid progression of artificial intelligence (AI) and large language models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT, has contributed to increase its utility and popularity in various fields. Discourse about AI's potential role in different aspects of scientific literature such as writing, data analysis, and literature review, is growing as the programs continue to improve their capabilities. This study utilizes a recently released ChatGPT tool that allows users to create customized GPTs to highlight the potential of customizable GPTs tailored to prepare and write research manuscripts. We developed our 2 GPTs, Neurosurgical Research Paper Writer and Medi Research Assistant, through iterative refinement of ChatGPT 4.0's tool, GPT Builder. This process included providing specific and thorough instructions along with repetitive testing and feedback-driven adjustments to finalize a version of the model that fit our needs. The GPT models that we created were able to efficiently and consistently produce accurate outputs from inputted prompts based on their specific configurations. It effectively analyzed existing literature that it found and synthesized information in ways that were reliable and written in ways comparable to manuscripts authored by scientific professionals. While the ability of modern AI to generate scientific manuscripts has shown significant progress, the persistence of fallacies and miscalculations suggest that the development of GPTs requires extensive calibration before achieving greater reliability and consistency. Nevertheless, the prospective horizon of AI-driven research holds promise in streamlining the publication workflow and increasing accessibility to novel research.

Effect of a Physical Exercise Intervention on Physical Function Parameters and Blood Analytical Changes in Lung Cancer Survivors: A Feasibility Study.

Background: Lung cancer carries a high burden of systemic symptoms, including in survivors, leading to a reduced quality of life (QoL). We assessed whether a 12-week multicomponent supervised exercise programme, including muscular strength and aerobic training, was beneficial in patients who had undergone surgery for early non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in terms of physical performance, QoL, and metabolic and nutritional analytical parameters. Methods: Physical performance was measured by gait speed, handgrip strength, 30 s sit-to-stand (30s-STS) test repetitions, distance covered in the 6 min walk test (6MWT), and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score. QoL was assessed with the EORTC-QLQ-C30 questionnaire. Blood glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, total proteins, albumin, pre-albumin, creatinine, c-reactive protein, insulin-growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and the haemoglobin and hematocrit percentages were measured before and after the intervention in order to observe any beneficial effects related to metabolic markers. Results: After the intervention, the mean scores for the 6MWT (p < 0.001), STS (p < 0.001), 6MWT (p < 0.01), and SPPB (p < 0.01) had significantly improved. However, handgrip strength and nutritional analytical were unchanged. The EORTC-QLQ-C30 functions and symptoms significantly improved after the intervention (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). A significant decrease in cholesterol, triglycerides, and IGF-1 and a significant increase in pre-albumin in blood was also observed post-intervention (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This supervised, community-based 12-week multicomponent was feasible (adherence rate 70.35%) and provided benefits not only to physical performance but also to the quality of life of patients with NSCLC.

Signs of hyperpathia in chronic peripheral neuropathic pain.

Neuropathic pain is pain due to a disease or lesion of the somatosensory system, and can be either spontaneous, evoked or both. Hyperpathia is a type of evoked pain defined by IASP as 'a painful syndrome characterized by an abnormally painful reaction to a stimulus, especially a repetitive stimulus, as well as an increased threshold'. The literature is sparse, and definitions are unclear and inconsistent. The aim of this study was to examine for the presence of mechanical hyperpathia in a heterogeneous group of patients with peripheral neuropathic pain and correlate signs of hyperpathia with other sensory signs. Patients were examined with graded pinprick stimuli to obtain a stimulus-response curve and repetitive pinprick stimuli to assess increase in pain over time and aftersensations. Then, patients were grouped based on the likelihood of having mechanical hyperpathia with either a steep stimulus-response curve or a steep curve on the repetitive pinprick test and results were correlated to mechanical detection and pain thresholds and other outcomes from a full quantitative sensory testing. We included 124 patients with documented peripheral neuropathic pain. Patients with a steep stimulus-response curve did not overlap with patients with a steep curve on the repetitive pinprick test and both groups more often had decreased rather than increased detection and pain thresholds. Our study questions the concept of hyperpathia and suggests that more studies are needed to identify which symptoms and signs group together and might form a syndrome. Hyperpathia is a syndrome of evoked pain. It is poorly defined and little is known about its clinical presentation. Since it is part of pain symptomatology it is important to have a clear definition and understand the pathophysiology behind. This study explored signs of hyperpathia in a heterogeneous group of patients with peripheral neuropathic pain. We used stimulus-response function and repetitive pinprick stimulation to group patients based on the IASP definition. More studies are needed to understand how symptoms and signs coincide.

The stochastic response of fatigue crack growth in scaled components

In fatigue testing the number of cycles and crack length to failure are recognised to be stochastic quantities necessitating repetitive testing to draw out statistically meaningful measures. The origin of this phenomena is uncertainty in the detailed microstructure, where (from a microstructural perspective) there exists no two identical test pieces. The situation is further compounded under scaled testing of polycrystalline specimens due to a form of coarsening with scaled samples containing less grains than the full-size test piece with samples drawn from the same material stock. Although microstructural uncertainly impedes predictability, implying the need for a probabilistic framework, it is nonetheless important to capture deterministic aspects that feature in any stochastic model. The theory advanced in this paper builds on the finite similitude scaling theory and the two-experiment first-order rule that features length as an invariant. Length invariance is shown to be critically important for fatigue as it caters for the many aspects of the microstructure that are not scaled under scaled testing. A diffusional stochastic model is introduced in the paper that is constrained by the first-order finite similitude rule. The approach is shown to enforce necessary determinism despite the uncertainties present and unlike many of the rules that are currently applied in fatigue analysis, it is applicable over a large range of length scales. Popular growth laws for long cracks are examined under the new framework, which transpires to be remarkably straightforward to apply.

Does Mild and Moderate Hearing Loss Affect Verbal Working Memory and Language Skills in Children?

Introduction: For a comprehensive approach in children with hearing loss (HL), some cognitive and language skills should also be considered, along with auditory skills. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the working memory and language skills in children with mild to moderate HL. Methods: Forty children with mild to moderate HL between the ages of 4 and 9 years were included in this study. The children with mild and moderate HL were evaluated in two groups. The Meaningless Word Repetition test, Test of Language Development-Primary test, and Meaningful Auditory Integration Scale were administered to assess working memory, language skills, and auditory perception, respectively. Also, the relationship between language and memory skills was evaluated. Results: The study found statistically significant correlations between language skills and working memory test scores. Additionally, statistically significant differences were found between children with mild and moderate HL in terms of language and memory skills (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The children with moderate HL demonstrated poorer performance compared to those with mild HL. Even if it is mild, the degree of HL affects children’s language and memory skills. It is emphasized that the relationship between language and working memory should be taken into consideration in auditory rehabilitation programs for these children.

Reducing Iatrogenic Blood Losses in Premature Infants.

Iatrogenic blood losses from repetitive laboratory testing are a leading cause of anemia of prematurity and blood transfusions. We used an implementation science approach to decrease iatrogenic blood losses during the first 3 postnatal weeks among very low birth weight infants. We performed qualitative interviews of key stakeholders to assess implementation determinants (ie, barriers and facilitators to reducing iatrogenic blood losses), guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Next, we selected implementation strategies matched to these implementation determinants to de-implement excess laboratory tests. The number of laboratory tests, amount of blood taken (ml/kg), and laboratory charges were compared before and after implementation using quasi-Poisson and multi-variable regression models. Qualitative interviews with 14 clinicians revealed implementation-related themes, including provider-specific factors, recurring orders, awareness of blood loss and cost, and balance between over- and under-testing. Implementation strategies deployed included resident education, revised order sets, blood loss and cost awareness, audit and feedback, and the documentation of blood out. There were 184 and 170 infants in the pre- and postimplementation cohorts, respectively. There was an 18.5% reduction in laboratory tests (median 54 [36 - 80] versus 44 [29 - 74], P = .01) in the first 3 postnatal weeks, a 17% decrease in blood taken (mean 18.1 [16.4 - 20.1] versus 15 [13.4 - 16.8], P = .01), and an overall reduction of $290 328 in laboratory charges. No difference was noted in the number of blood transfusions. Postimplementation interviews showed no adverse events attributable to implementation strategies. An implementation science approach combining qualitative and quantitative methods reduced laboratory tests, blood loss, and charges.

Practical strategies for caring for patients with functional neurological disorder in the ED.

Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) presents unique challenges in the emergency department (ED), where patients often arrive with varied and vague symptoms that can be difficult to address. This article provides practical strategies for effectively managing and supporting FND patients in the ED, emphasizing a compassionate, systematic approach, tailored treatments, appropriate use of investigations, and ensuring continuity of care. Key principles include clear communication of the diagnosis, preventing iatrogenic harm, and facilitating appropriate referrals for follow-up care. Consistent and respectful language is important when managing patients with FND. Creating a calm environment reduced stress and symptom exacerbation. Thorough history taking and examination can help build the patient's confidence in their diagnosis. Validating symptoms and providing a clear explanation of the diagnosis are important. FND presentations, such as functional weakness and seizures, require tailored interventions with early involvement of physiotherapy and/or psychological support. A low threshold for investigating potential comorbid neurological conditions should be maintained when patients present to ED, especially in cases of unclear diagnoses or acute presentations, while avoiding repetitive testing that may reinforce illness behaviour. Managing FND in the ED requires a patient-centered, multidisciplinary approach. By adopting these strategies, health professionals can improve outcomes and support patients in managing their condition effectively.

Tuberculin skin test repetition after TNF-α inhibitors in patients with chronic inflammatory arthritis: a long-term retrospective cohort in endemic area

ObjectivesTo evaluate the tuberculin skin test (TST) conversion in chronic inflammatory arthropathies (CIA) patients on TNFα inhibitors (TNFi) and without previous latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) treatment.MethodsPatients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) with negative LTBI were retrospectively evaluated for TST conversion and active tuberculosis (TB) after six months of exposition to TNFi. Two groups were compared: patients who repeated TST (TST-repetition) during the follow-up and patients who did not (non-TST-repetition).ResultsA total of 355 CIA patients on TNFi were screened and 138 (38.9%) did not fulfill the inclusion criteria. Of the remaining 217 CIA patients, 81 (37.3%) repeated TST during TNFi treatment. TST conversion rate was observed in 18 (22.2%) patients without significant differences among CIA (p = 0.578). The number of TB cases was low (n = 10; 4.6%) and was similar in TST-repetition and non-TST-repetition groups [2 (2.5%) vs. 8 (5.9%), p = 0.328]. Of note, 30% of active TB occurred early (6–12 months of TNFi exposure) and the median (full range) time to incident TB was 1.3 (0.6–10.6) years, whereas the median (full range) time to TST repetition was later [3.3 (0.5–13.4) years]. The incidence of active TB was lower among RA patients than AS patients [342 (95% CI 41 − 1446) vs. 1.454 (95% CI 594-2993)/100,000 patient-years, p = 0.049].ConclusionThese results indicate that TST repetition is associated with a high conversion rate, suggesting the need for recommended treatment. The delayed repetition of TST and low number of active TB cases hampered the evaluation of this strategy effectiveness to prevent active infection. Larger studies with systematic repetition patterns are necessary. In addition, the study highlights the need for a greater surveillance for TB in AS patients.

Flexible droplet microfluidic devices for tuneable droplet generation

Droplet microfluidics is a promising technology for applications that require precise handling of minute fluid volumes. This technology has broad applications in the pharmaceutical industry, food and beverage, and material synthesis. Droplet size and frequency are the two key parameters in these applications. Current droplet microfluidic devices are rigid platforms where the geometry and dimensions of microchannels are fixed after the device fabrication. This poses a significant limitation when adjusting the droplet generation characteristics. Repetitive design, fabrication, and testing are often needed to achieve the optimal microchannel dimensions. To overcome this bottleneck, we develop a proof-of-concept stretchable microfluidic device that can control droplet size and generation frequency by precisely controlling the microchannel dimensions in real-time. Theoretical analysis, numerical modelling, and experimental characterisation were conducted to study the influence of device lateral stretching on these characteristics. We found that the lateral stretching of the device increased the droplet diameter and spacing but reduced the droplet generation frequency. Droplet diameter and spacing increased by ∼20 %, and droplet frequency decreased by ∼45 % when the device was strained up to 25 %. We believe this innovative, flexible droplet microfluidic platform will provide an alternative way to precisely control the droplet formation by modifying the channel dimensions on-site and in real-time.

LITMUS Turkish sentence repetition test: The best items, effect of scoring and diagnostic accuracy

Purpose This study aimed to examine LITMUS Turkish Sentence Repetition Test’s (LITMUS-TR) diagnostic accuracy, as well as the best scoring method and most distinguishing test items. We also sought to ascertain whether age has an impact on the sensitivity and specificity. Method Two hundred and fifty children with typical language development (TD) between the ages of 4 and 7, as well as 44 children with developmental language disorder (DLD), took part in the study. Data was collected using TODİL, LITMUS-TR, and the pediatric family interview form. LITMUS-TR was graded using four different methods. Results The performance of children with DLD in each score type was lower and the number of errors higher than those with TD. All items have excellent or acceptable item difficulty and discrimination values for binary scoring and total number of errors. LITMUS-TR's most distinctive items were complex structures with dependencies, such as syntactic movement and embedding. LITMUS-TR had high diagnostic accuracy for the whole test (0.887) and each scoring method. A separate analysis of each age group showed sensitivity and specificity above 0.80. Conclusions When employed as a supportive objective measure, LITMUS-TR was proven to be an effective diagnostic tool for DLD, with age influencing the diagnostic accuracy outcomes.

Highly selective triethylamine gas sensor based on ZnO/Ti3C2Tx MXene self-assembly heterostructure

MXenes, as new two-dimensional transition metal compounds, has become promising sensing materials due to the excellent metal conductivity, abundant adsorption sites and the terminal groups of -O, -OH and -F. In this study, we report the well-etched accordion-like Ti3C2Tx by removing Al layer in Ti3AlC2, where Tx represents a wealth of terminal functional groups (-OH, -F, -O, etc.). In addition, unique hierarchical self-assembly ZnO/Ti3C2Tx nanocomposites are synthesized by hydrothermal method. The Brunauer-Emmett-Teller Method investigation also shows that the ZnO/Ti3C2Tx nanocomposites has a specific surface area of about 22.08 m2/g, and the pore size is mainly located at 11.1 nm. The innovative nanostructure is conducive to the adsorption and response of gas molecules. By investigating the gas sensitive properties of the sensors, it is found that the response of the ZnO/Ti3C2Tx sensor to triethylamine (TEA) is improved by 66 times and 1.58 times over that of pure Ti3C2Tx and ZnO, and the optimal operating temperature is 60℃ lower than that of pure ZnO. In addition, the LOD (Low Of Detection) of about 32.7 ppb indicates that the ZnO/Ti3C2Tx sensor is suitable for the detection of low concentrations TEA. The sensing performances of the ZnO/Ti3C2Tx sensor at a high humidity of 75 % RH verifies the strong sensing performance in high humidity environment. Furthermore, the composite sensor stabilize in 6 repetitive tests and present slight decrease in response value over 30 days. The excellent TEA sensitive properties indicate that the ZnO/Ti3C2Tx nanocomposite sensor may have promising applications in the gas sensitive field.

Transition from opportunistic cytological to organized screening program with DNA-HPV testing detected prevalent cervical cancers 10 years in advance

Cervical cancer screening in Brazil is opportunistic, based on cytology and offered for women aged 25–64 years, with low coverage (30%) and 70% of cancer diagnoses done in advanced stages, without impact on mortality. The current study reports 5-year first-round results of a population-based DNA-HPV testing screening program in a Brazilian city, which intended to be a model for transition to a more efficient program. Program flowchart is simple and current, indicating repetition of a negative test after five years. The first-round (October 2017-September 2022) screened 20,551 women by DNA-HPV testing with 58.7% coverage and 99.4% compliance with the program's targeted age range. Coverage increases to 77.8% when excluding the ‘pandemic period’. The DNA-HPV testing was 87.2% negative with 6.2% colposcopy referrals and 84.8% colposcopies performed. A total of 258 high-grade precursor lesions and 29 cervical cancers (mean age = 41.4 years, 83% Stage I) were detected. As a reference, 41,387 cytology tests from the previous program (2012–2016) detected 36 cervical cancers (mean age = 52.0 years, p = 0.0005), with 67% in advanced stages (p < 0.0001). Organizing cervical cancer screening using DNA-HPV testing demonstrated good coverage, high age and colposcopy compliance, and detection of more precancerous lesions and cervical cancers 10 years in advance.

Impact of Prehabilitation With Preoperative Swallowing Exercises on Postoperative Swallowing Morbidity in Oral Cavity Cancer: Randomized Controlled Trial.

Oral cancer surgery and the associated reconstructive procedures cause mechanical and neurological impairment of swallowing. Despite postoperative rehabilitation, functional impairment of swallowing remains a concern. This study is to investigate the potential benefits of prehabilitation with preoperative swallowing exercises to patients undergoing composite resections and compartmental tongue resections so that it results in better swallowing outcomes and improved quality of life after surgery. Sixty patients included in the study were randomized into an exercise and control group of 30 each. Patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity undergoing composite resection or compartmental tongue resections were included, and patients with severe trismus at presentation were excluded. Patients in the exercise group were instructed on a set of six active exercises to be followed strictly for a period of at least 1week before surgery. Preoperative swallowing exercises comprised of evidence-based exercises targeting the muscle groups involved in swallowing. Postoperative swallowing rehabilitation was the same as that of the control group. Patients were assessed after 6months of surgery. Outcomes were assessed both subjectively and objectively. Objective assessment was done by inexpensive, novel clinical methods of repetitive saliva swallow test (RSST), water swallow test (WST) and food swallow test (FST) to and graded using dysphagia severity scale (1-7). Average oral intake scale (1-Oral solids, 2-Oral semisolids/easy to chew foods, 3-Oral liquids only and 4-Non-oral, orogastric tube dependent) assessed subjectively was significantly lower in exercise arm, and the control arm had a significantly higher OIS score. Exercise arm had higher number of patients in DSS scores of 5, 6 and 7. The control arm had a higher number of patients in DSS scores of 3 and 4. The differences between the two groups were found to be statistically significant taking into consideration the confounding factors of radiation, wound morbidity and tongue resections. Preoperative swallowing exercises have shown a positive impact on postoperative swallowing ability. This is the first randomized trial to assess the effect of PSE in postoperative oral cancer patients. Our exercise protocol needs standardization, and clinical objective method of dysphagia assessment requires further validation. However, prehabilitation with PSE has the potential to improve the quality of life in oral cancer patients.

Utility of the Repetitive Nerve Stimulation Test and Needle EMG in the Trapezius Muscle for the Early Diagnosis of ALS.

To document the utility of decremental responses in the repetitive nerve stimulation test (RNS) and spontaneous activities in needle electromyography (EMG) in the trapezius muscle for the diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Subjects were retrospectively identified from our EMG database. Cervical spondylosis was represented as a disease control group. We investigated the sensitivity and specificity of RNS and EMG in the trapezius muscle and those of diagnostic criteria including the Gold Coast criteria (GCC). We reviewed 120 patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and 17 patients with cervical spondylosis. "RNS or EMG" achieved the highest sensitivity (85%). The specificity was the highest for RNS (94%). Addition of RNS of the deltoid muscle achieved 98% sensitivity in the upper-limb onset amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The sensitivity of the GCC was very high (88%). Neurophysiological parameters investigated in this study having close to 100% specificities or sensitivities are useful as complements to the GCC.

Development of the triaxial equipment: a state of art

Triaxial shear testing is one of the most crucial investigations in geotechnical laboratories. It is essential for designing specific projects and understanding soil behavior in geotechnical engineering. Since Casagrande developed the modern shear apparatus at Harvard University, it has been refined to provide a more accurate characterization of shear strength behavior. This research paper aims to offer a concise overview of triaxial equipment development, focusing on apparatus that is easy to set up, prepare, and operate reliably, while remaining cost-effective. The primary objective is to contribute to the accurate determination of suitable techniques and devices that meet specific testing objectives. We review the theoretical background of both the triaxial apparatus and the direct shear box and illustrate the basic working principles of various volume change measurement techniques using triaxial devices. We also present different operational principles employed in designing volume change devices for soil testing. Our analysis reveals that some of these devices require complex operational techniques and equipment, making them challenging to use for repetitive testing. Consequently, we conclude that the ideal volume change device for soil mechanics testing should prioritize robustness and ease of operation.

Investigations into the robustness of the peak turn-on current slope method for junction temperature sensing in p-GaN HEMTs

Abstract In this paper, the robustness of a junction temperature sensing method using the peak of the turn-on current slope for enhanced p-GaN high-electron-mobility transistors is investigated in detail. With the help of a repetitive hard-switching test platform, compared to other temperature-sensitive electrical parameters, it is found that the maximum slope of the flowing current at the turn-on transition shows no trend in degradation, regardless of the applied switching stress. This parameter decreases solely with the increase in junction temperature, showing excellent temperature-dependent linearity. Furthermore, the applicability of this method to the detection of junction temperature under different external gate resistances and drain voltages is verified. The sensed junction temperatures are carried over to calculate the thermal resistance, which is also extracted by advanced thermal characterization test equipment as a reference. Therefore, based on the versatility, convenience and accuracy, the peak of the rising drain current slope has been proven to be the preferred alternative in system applications to detect junction temperatures.