Test Board Research Articles

The Cleaning process simulation by Glass Test Boards

This article explains the utilization of Glass Test boards for different tasks for the cleaning process building, optimization, and monitoring. We have 12 years of experience building and using Glass Test Boards as a precise tool for comparing material properties, machine settings, and process optimization. Some years ago, we decided to do a joint project with the company Magnalytix and build another kind of test board capable of being optical inspected and tested on the surface resistance. We want to share our experiences and show the advantages of utilizing such glass models for enhancing the quality of the cleaning process and lowering the cost of building the process.

Impact of Air Gaps Between Microstrip Line and Magnetic Sheet on Near-Field Magnetic Shielding

This study experimentally analyzed the impact of air gaps between a magnetic sheet and a test board with a microstrip line, which is used to measure the near-field magnetic shielding effectiveness (NSE) of magnetic sheets made of metallic powder. To conduct the measurements, a material fixture equipped with a microstrip line to generate the near magnetic field, a rectangular loop probe, and an automatic probe positioning system capable of moving the loop probe along three axes were designed and fabricated. In addition, to systematically vary the thickness of the gaps, three paper spacers with a thickness of 0.11 mm per paper were used, and a 1.0 mm thick acrylic sheet, along with a specially designed material fixture, was used to press down the magnetic sheets during measurement. The magnetic shielding properties were measured and compared under various air gap conditions using a near-field magnetic loop probe. The effect of the gaps on the shielding performance of the magnetic sheets was quantitatively evaluated for three different magnetic sheets. The experimental results showed that as the gap thickness increased, NSE tended to improve up to a frequency around 1 GHz, while in the higher frequency range of a few GHz, NSE tended to decrease. The physical background of this phenomenon was explained using an equivalent magnetic circuit represented by reluctances for the structure, where the magnetic sheet is placed above the microstrip line with an air gap. This model helps to elucidate how the presence of the air gap affects the near-field magnetic shielding performance.

Bridging piezoelectric and electrostatic effects: a novel piezo-MEMS pitch/roll gyroscope with sub 10°/h bias instability

This paper proposes a novel piezo-MEMS pitch/roll gyroscope that co-integrates piezoelectric and electrostatic effects, for the first time achieves electrostatic mode-matching operation for piezoelectric gyroscopes. Movement of operated out-of-plane (OOP) mode (n = 3) and in-plane (IP) mode (n = 2) are orthogonal, ensuring that the OOP amplitude is not significantly limited by parallel plates set at nodes of IP mode. Therefore, a large OOP driving amplitude actuated by piezoelectric and frequency tuning in the IP sense mode trimmed by electrostatic can be achieved together with a low risk of pull-in, hence releases the trade-off between the tuning range and the linear actuation range. At a tuning voltage of 66 V, the frequency split decreased from 171 Hz to 0.1 Hz, resulting in a 167x times improvement in sensitivity. The mode-matched gyroscope exhibits an angle random walk (ARW) of 0.41°/√h and a bias instability (BI) of 8.85°/h on a test board within a customized vacuum chamber, marking enhancements of 68x and 301x, respectively, compared to its performance under mode-mismatch conditions. The BI performance of the presented pitch/roll gyroscope is comparable to that of the highest-performing mechanically trimmed piezo-MEMS yaw gyroscopes known to date, while offering the unique advantage of lower cost, better mode-matching resolution, and the flexibility of real-time frequency control.

CARREGADOR PORTÁTIL ALIMENTADO COM ENERGIA FOTOVOLTAICA

This article describes the development of a portable charger for cell phones and various other devices that runs on batteries. In order to validate the prototype and guarantee its effectiveness, scientific research is carried out into the use of solar energy and its effects in Brazil, which model of board to use and the ideal electrical circuit to meet the proposal and requirements of the project. The tests are carried out on simulators, test boards and indicators. The prototype is tested and assembled semi-professionally on a phenolite board, together with a box phenolite board, together with a box designed by his own hand printed on a 3D printer.

Fuzzy PCA based Image Matching and Flexible Flying Probe are Used in Embedded Based PCB Bare Board Testing Machine

Fuzzy PCA based Image Matching and Flexible Flying Probe are Used in Embedded Based PCB Bare Board Testing Machine

Improvement of ESD Damage Test Board for CMC for Automotive Ethernet

Improvement of ESD Damage Test Board for CMC for Automotive Ethernet

Printed circuit board and printed circuit board assembly methods for testing and visual inspection: a review

Testing and visual inspection of printed circuit boards (PCBs) and printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) are important procedures in the manufacturing process of electronic modules and devices related to locating and identifying possible defects and failures. Earlier defects detection leads to decreasing expenses, time and used resources to produce high quality electronics. In this paper an exploration and analysis about the current research regarding methods for PCB and PCBA testing, techniques for defects detection and vusial inspection is performed. The impact of machine and deep learning for testing and visual inspection procedures is also investigated. The used methodology comprises bibliometric approach and content analysis of papers, indexed in scientific database Scopus, considering the queries: “PCB and testing” and “PCB and testing”, “printed circuit board assembly and testing” and “PCBA and testing”, “PCB defect detection” and “PCBA defect detection”, “PCB and visual inspection”, and “PCBA and visual inspection”. The findings are presented in the form of a framework, which summarizes the contemporary landscape of methods for PCBs and PCBAs testing and visual inspection.

Study of the Behavioral Pattern in Type-2 Diabetic Mice Prepared by Introducing 10% and 15% Fructose Solution

An altered behavioral pattern is a deliberate fact in diabetic conditions that could be induced due to the consumption of foods rich in fructose content. The objective of this research was to develop a fructose-induced diabetic mice model to determine the behavioral changes. Swiss albino mice were involved in this study as the animal model which was subdivided into three groups (control, test groups 1 and 2). Diabetes was induced in test groups 1 and 2 by introducing 10% and 15% fructose solution orally for 8 weeks. After 8 weeks, behavioral tests including hole board test (HBT), tail suspension test (TST), elevated plus maze test (EMT), and forced swim test (FST) were performed to evaluate the behavioral pattern. Findings indicated that test group 1 showed a considerable increase in body weight but only a minor increase in fasting blood glucose (FBG) level than the control group. Neither the behavioral studies for test group 1 stretch any substantial alteration. Whereas test group 2 showed a considerable increase in FBG level and body weight as well as in the behavioral tests. (HBT: 47.87% lower head dipping than the control group; TST: 90.85% higher immobility time than the control group; EMT: 58% lower exploration to open arm than the control group; FST: 38.64% less mobility time than the control group). The findings of the study illustrate that consumption of high concentrations of fructose for long term could have a positive correlation with the induction of type 2 diabetes along with the altered behavioral pattern. Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 27(2): 158-163, 2024 (July)

Non-invasive glucose extraction by a single polarization rotator system in patients with diabetes.

This study utilizes a Mueller matrix-based system to extract accurate glucose levels from human fingertips, addressing challenges in skin complexity. Integration of domain knowledge and data science aims to enhance prediction accuracy using a Random Forest model. The primary goal is to improve glucose level predictions by selecting effective features based on the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient (PPMCC). The interpolation compensates for delayed glucose concentration. This study integrates domain knowledge and data science, combining a Mueller matrix-based system and a random forest model. It is noted that 16 effective features were identified from 27 test points collected from a healthy volunteer in the laboratory. These features were divided into training and prediction sets in a ratio of 8:2. As a result, the regression coefficient, R2, was 0.8907 and the mean absolute relative difference (MARD) was 6.8%, respectively. This significantly improves prediction accuracy, demonstrating the model's robustness and reliability in accurately forecasting outcomes based on the identified features. In addition, in the Institutional Review Board (IRB) tests at NCKU's hospital, all data passed the same preprocessing and model. The measurement results from an individual diabetic patient demonstrate high accuracy for blood glucose concentrations below 150 mg/dL, with acceptable deviation at higher levels and no severe error zones. Over a three-month period, data from the participating diabetic patient showed a MARD of 4.44% with the R2 of 0.836, and the other patient recorded a MARD of 7.79% with the R2 of 0.855. The study shows the proposed approach accurately extracts glucose levels. Integrating domain knowledge, data science, and effective strategies significantly improves prediction accuracy.

Antidepressant-like and Beneficial Effects of a Neoponcirin-Beta-Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complex in Mice Exposed to Prolonged Stress.

Neoponcirin causes anxiolytic-like effects in mice when administered intraperitoneally but not orally. Neoponcirin is non-water-soluble and insoluble in solvents, and in medium acid, it isomerizes, reducing its bioavailability. To improve the pharmacological properties of neoponcirin, we formed a neoponcirin complex with beta-cyclodextrin (NEO/βCD), which was characterized by FT-IR, UV-Vis, and NMR, and their solubility profile. We evaluated the antidepressant-like effects of NEO/βCD acutely administered to mice orally in the behavioral paradigms, the tail suspension (TST) and the forced swimming (FST) tests. We also analyzed the benefits of repeated oral doses of NEO/βCD on depression- and anxiety-like behaviors induced in mice by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS), using the FST, hole board, and open field tests. We determined the stressed mice's expression of stress-related inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNFα) and corticosterone. Results showed that a single or chronic oral administration of NEO/βCD caused a robust antidepressant-like effect without affecting the ambulatory activity. In mice under CUMS, NEO/βCD also produced anxiolytic-like effects and avoided increased corticosterone and IL-1β levels. The effects of the NEO/βCD complex were robust in both the acute and the stress chronic models, improving brain neurochemistry and recovering immune responses previously affected by prolonged stress.

Potential anxiolytic therapeutics from Hybanthus enneaspermus (L.) F. Muell. - mitigate anxiety by plausibly modulating the GABAA-Cl- channel

Anxiety is a commonly prevailing psychological disorder that requires effective treatment, wherein phytopharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals could offer a desirable therapeutic profile. Hybanthus enneaspermus (L.) F. Muell. is a powerful medicinal herb, reportedly effective against several ailments, including psychological disorders. The current research envisaged evaluating the anxiolytic potential of the ethanolic extract of Hybanthus enneaspermus (EEHE) and its toluene insoluble biofraction (ITHE) employing experimental and computational approaches. Elevated Plus Maze, Light and Dark Transition, Mirror Chamber, Hole board and Open field tests were used as screening models to assess the antianxiety potential of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight of EEHE and ITHE in rats subjected to social isolation, using Diazepam as standard. The brains of rats exhibiting significant anxiolytic activity were dissected for histopathological and biochemical studies. Antioxidant enzymes like catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase; and neurotransmitters viz. monoamines (serotonin, noradrenaline, dopamine), Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and glutamate were quantified in the different regions of rats’ brain (cortex, hippocampus, pons, medulla oblongata, cerebellum). Chromatographic techniques were used to isolate phytoconstituents from the fraction exhibiting significant activity that were characterized by spectroscopic methods and subjected to in silico molecular docking. ITHE at 400 mg/kg body weight significantly mitigated anxiety in all the screening models (p < 0.05), reduced the inflammatory vacuoles and necrosis (p < 0.05) and potentiated the antioxidant enzymes (p < 0.05). It enhanced the monoamines and GABA levels while attenuating glutamate levels (p < 0.01) in the brain. Three significant flavonoids viz. Quercitrin, Rutin and Hesperidin were isolated from ITHE. In silico docking studies of these flavonoids revealed that the compounds exhibited substantial binding to the GABAA receptor. ITHE displayed a promising pharmacological profile in combating anxiety and modulating oxidative stress, attributing its therapeutic virtues to the flavonoids present.

1030 Role of International Webinar Among International Medical Graduates (IMGs) on Enhancing Understanding of the UK Surgical Training Pathways and Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Test: A Global Perspective

1030 Role of International Webinar Among International Medical Graduates (IMGs) on Enhancing Understanding of the UK Surgical Training Pathways and Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Test: A Global Perspective

Precision Nutrition – Evaluating Dietary Protein and Amino Acid Intake among Children Using Duplicate Dietary Samples

Introduction: Precision nutrition, at the intersection of science and health, offers tailored dietary intervention, particularly vital for vulnerable populations like children. Focusing on protein and essential amino acids (AA), crucial for health, personalized approaches are keys for addressing deficiencies, and moving beyond generalized methods. While research on the dietary duplication technique has explored various nutrients, but there is a gap in understanding its use for assessing protein and amino acid intake, especially in children. Aim: The study aims to use the dietary duplication technique to assess the precise dietary intake of protein and AA in children, focusing on determining their exact portions and analyzing duplicate samples for content. Methods: A cross-sectional study in Chennai involved 12 children aged 4–9 years. Duplicate food portions for a day were collected from mothers in low-density polythene bags. Samples were analyzed for protein and amino acid content in a National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories-accredited laboratory. Results: Girls exhibited deficient levels of histidine, lysine, phenylalanine, threonine, and tryptophan, while isoleucine met the Recommended Dietary Allowances threshold. A t-test showed significant differences in threonine levels among 4–6-year-old children, with no notable variations in 7–9-year-old children. Conclusion: This study emphasizes the importance of precise nutrition, particularly protein and essential AA, crucial for children’s health. Addressing undernutrition is crucial, and highlighting the urgency of this concern.

Restoring Brain Pathways Involved in Diabetes-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders: The Potential of Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 Inhibitors as a Therapeutic Strategy

Abstract: Diabetes, a widespread chronic metabolic disease, is projected to affect 783 million people globally by 2045. Recent studies emphasize the neuroprotective potential of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4i) inhibitors, pointing toward a promising avenue for intervention in addressing cognitive challenges associated with diabetes. Due to limited data on the effect of DPP4i on brain pathways involved in diabetes-related neurocognitive disorders, the decision was made to conduct this study to fill existing knowledge gaps on this topic. The primary aim of our study was to evaluate the potential of DPP4 inhibitors (DPP4i) in preventing cognitive decline in mice with type 2 diabetes (T2D), placing special emphasis on gaining insight into the complex molecular mechanisms underlying this action. We examined drug efficacy in modulating neurotrophic factors, calcium levels, and the expression of key genes (HIF1α, APP, Arc) crucial for neural plasticity. Conducting cognitive assessments with the hole board and passive avoidance tests, we discerned a remarkable influence of short-term gliptin usage on the limiting progress of cognitive dysfunction in diabetic mice. The administration of DPP4 inhibitors led to heightened neurotrophin levels, increased HIF1α in the prefrontal cortex, and a significant elevation in Arc mRNA levels. Our findings reveal that DPP4 inhibitors effectively limit the progression of diabetes-related cognitive disorders. This breakthrough discovery not only opens new research avenues but also constitutes a potential starting point for creating innovative strategies for the treatment of central nervous system disorders focused on improving cognitive abilities.

Selective estrogen receptor activation prior to global cerebral ischemia in female rats impacts microglial activation and anxiety-like behaviors without effects on CA1 neuronal injury

Estrogen receptor (ER) activation by 17-ß estradiol (E2) can attenuate neuronal injury and behavioral impairments following global cerebral ischemia (GCI) in rodents. This study sought to further examine the discrete roles of ERs through characterization of the effects of selective ER activation on post-ischemic pro-inflammatory microglial activation, hippocampal neuronal injury, and anxiety-like behaviors. Forty-six ovariectomized (OVX) adult female Wistar rats received daily s.c injections (100 μg/kg/day) of propylpyrazole triol (PPT; ERα agonist), diarylpropionitrile (DPN; ERβ agonist), G-1 (G-protein coupled ER agonist; GPER), E2 (activating all receptors), or vehicle solution (VEH) for 21 days. After final injection, rats underwent GCI via 4-vessel occlusion (n=8 per group) or sham surgery (n=6, vehicle injections). The Open Field Test (OFT), Elevated Plus Maze (EPM), and Hole Board Test (HBT) assessed anxiety-like behaviors. Microglial activation (Iba1, CD68, CD86) in the basolateral amygdala (BLA), CA1 of the hippocampus, and paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) was determined 8 days post-ischemia. Compared to sham rats, Iba1 activation and CA1 neuronal injury were increased in all ischemic groups except DPN-treated rats, with PPT-treated ischemic rats also showing increased PVN Iba1-ir expression. Behaviorally, VEH ischemic rats showed slightly elevated anxiety in the EPM compared to sham counterparts, with no significant effects of agonists. While no changes were observed in the OFT, emotion regulation via grooming in the HBT was increased in G-1 rats compared to E2 rats. Our findings support selective ER activation to regulate post-ischemic microglial activation and coping strategies in the HBT, despite minimal impact on hippocampal injury.

Design of 2.5-D miniaturized frequency selective surface with enhanced oblique stability

This paper presents a miniaturized 2.5-D frequency selective surface (FSS) that exhibits a band stop response at frequency of 1.5 GHz. In the unit cell, the meander patterns on both side of the substrate are connected in series by four vias. Moreover, the meandered pattern in each quadrant is also connected with one of the meander patterns of the adjacent unit cell. In this manner, a 2.5-D closed loop is created with large perimeter. The enlarged perimeter amplifies the effective inductance and leads to a decrease in both the resonant frequency and the dimensions of unit cell. Subsequently, the proposed FSS demonstrates excellent miniaturization with an overall size of 0.038 λ 0 × 0.038 λ 0. Moreover, the frequency response is highly stable up to 86° for both TE and TM polarization. The resonance mechanism of the designed FSS is explicated through distribution of surface current and electric field. The testing board of the proposed FSS has been fabricated for the verification of the design. The measured frequency response of the prototype are congruent with the simulation results. The distinguished features of the constructed structure are enhanced angular stability, miniaturized unit cell, low profile, simple geometry and easy fabrication.

Eye Surgical Equipment Sensor Board Testing Kit

The Eye Surgical Equipment Sensor Board Testing Kit utilizes Microcontroller and Raspberry Pi to diagnose PCBs, focusing on detecting Eye Surgical Sensor Board defects impacting signal integrity. With Microcontroller’s advanced features like high-speed ADCs and flexible GPIOs, it generates and processes signals accurately. Raspberry Pi enables real-time visualization of test results. This portable and cost-effective solution is suitable for industrial applications, empowering engineers and technicians to efficiently address Eye Surgical Sensor Board defects. By leveraging the computational power of both platforms, it offers a scalable approach to Sensor Board testing, enhancing reliability and performance in high-speed digital communication systems.

Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors alleviated depressive and anxious-like behaviors in mice exposed to lipopolysaccharide: Involvement of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation

Depression and anxiety disorders have their pathophysiologies linked to inflammation and oxidative stress. In this context, celecoxib (CLX) and etoricoxib (ETR) inhibit cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), an enzyme expressed by cells involved in the inflammatory process and found in the brain. Studies have been using CLX as a possible drug in the treatment of depression, although its mechanisms at the central nervous system level are not fully elucidated. In this study, the effects of CLX and ETR on behavioral, oxidative, and inflammatory changes induced by systemic exposure to Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were evaluated in adult male swiss mice. For ten days, the animals received intraperitoneal injections of LPS at 0.5 mg/kg. From the sixth to the tenth day, one hour after LPS exposure, they were treated orally with CLX (15 mg/kg), ETR (10 mg/kg), or fluoxetine (FLU) (20 mg/kg). Twenty-four hours after the last oral administration, the animals underwent evaluation of locomotor activity (open field test), predictive tests for depressive-like behavior (forced swim and tail suspension tests), and anxiolytic-like effect (elevated plus maze and hole board tests). Subsequently, the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex and striatum were dissected for the measurement of oxidative and nitrosative parameters (malondialdehyde, nitrite, and glutathione) and quantification of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and IL-6). LPS induced depressive and anxious-like behavior, and treatment with CLX or ETR was able to reverse most of the behavioral changes. It was evidenced that nitrosative stress and the degree of lipid peroxidation induced by LPS were reduced in different brain areas after treatment with the drugs, as well as the endogenous defense system against free radicals was strengthened. CLX and ETR also significantly reduced LPS-induced cytokine levels. These data are expected to expand information on the role of inflammation in depression and anxiety and provide insights into possible mechanisms of COX-2 inhibitors in psychiatric disorders with a neurobiological basis in inflammation and oxidative stress.

Anxiolytic and sedative activities of the essential oil of the fresh young shoot of &lt;i&gt;Asparagus officinalis&lt;/i&gt; L. in mice

Background: Asparagus officinalis L. is an edible plant that serve as a vegetable and medicine in different parts of the world, including CNS-related ailments.Objective: To evaluate the anxiolytic and sedative activities Asparagus officinalis L. fresh young shoot essential oil of Asparagus officinalis L. (EOAO) in mice.Method: The essential oil was obtained through hydro distillation using clevenger-type apparatus. The effect of EOAO (6.25, 12.5 and 25 mg/kg, i.p., n=6) on anxiety was evaluated using the elevated plus maze and hole board test. The sedative effect of the EOAO (50, 100 and150 mg/kg, i.p., n=6) was evaluated using ketamine-induced hypnosis (100 mg/kg, i.p.).Results: The EOAO (6.25, 12.5 and 25 mg/kg i.p.) and diazepam 1 mg/kg i.p., increased significantly (p &lt; 0.01) the time spent in the open arms of the elevated plus maze (EPM) compared to the vehicle. There was significant increase in head dips (p &lt; 0.01) at 6.25, 12.5 and 25 mg/kg i.p. of the administered oil. The EOAO at 50, 100 and150 mg/kg, i.p. and diazepam (2 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly (p &lt; 0.01 – 0.001) reduced the sleep latency when compared to the vehicle. At 50, 100 and150 mg/kg, i.p. the EOAO and diazepam (2 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly (p &lt; 0.01 - 0.001) prolonged the total sleeping time when compared to the vehicle.Conclusion: The study concluded that Asparagus officinalis L. essential oil possesses anxiolytic and sedative activities.

Unlocking Voices: A Multifaceted Approach in Assessing and Managing a Preschooler with Selective Mutism

This case study aims to report on the psychological assessment and intervention for a 4-year-old preschooler with selective mutism. A comprehensive assessment that involves parents and teacher interview, classroom observation, Seguin Form Board Test (SFBT), Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales Third Edition (Vineland-3), Behaviour Assessment System for Children, Third Edition (BASC-3), Childhood Autism Rating Scale, Second Edition Standard Version Rating Booklet (CARS 2-ST), and School Speech Questionnaire were conducted. The psychological assessment revealed that the child fulfils the criteria for selective mutism. Play-based intervention sessions were then conducted, which involved gradual exposure to the child’s teacher and peers and facilitation of verbalization related to child’s interests and classroom routines. The child demonstrated improvement in her frequency of verbalizing in the classroom following the intervention, as supported by the improved score in the School Speech Questionnaire (SSQ). This case study illustrates the advantages of a collaborative approach that engages parents, teachers, and peers in the management of selective mutism during early childhood.