scholarly journals Custom-Fitted In- and Around-the-Ear Sensors for Unobtrusive and On-the-Go EEG Acquisitions: Development and Validation

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (9) ◽  
pp. 2953
Author(s):  
Olivier Valentin ◽  
Guilhem Viallet ◽  
Aidin Delnavaz ◽  
Gabrielle Cretot-Richert ◽  
Mikaël Ducharme ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Fibers ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Ear Canal ◽  
Geometrical Analysis ◽  
Eeg Signals ◽  
Auditory Evoked Responses ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Decision Making Processes ◽  
Human Ear ◽  
Development And Validation

Objectives: This paper aims to validate the performance and physical design of a wearable, unobtrusive ear-centered electroencephalography (EEG) device, dubbed “EARtrodes”, using early and late auditory evoked responses. Results would also offer a proof-of-concept for the device to be used as a concealed brain–computer interface (BCI). Design: The device is composed of a custom-fitted earpiece and an ergonomic behind-the-ear piece with embedded electrodes made of a soft and flexible combination of silicone rubber and carbon fibers. The location of the conductive silicone electrodes inside the ear canal and the optimal geometry of the behind-the-ear piece were obtained through morphological and geometrical analysis of the human ear canal and the region around-the-ear. An entirely conductive generic earpiece was also developed to assess the potential of a universal, more affordable solution. Results: Early latency results illustrate the conductive silicone electrodes’ capability to record quality EEG signals, comparable to those obtained with traditional gold-plated electrodes. Additionally, late latency results demonstrate EARtrodes’ capacity to reliably detect decision-making processes from the ear. Conclusions: EEG results validate the performance of EARtrodes as a circum-aural and intra-aural EEG recording system adapted for a wide range of applications in audiology, neuroscience, clinical research, and as an unobtrusive BCI.

scholarly journals Current Trends and Challenges for Rapid SMART Diagnostics at Point-of-Site Testing for Marine Toxins

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (7) ◽  
pp. 2499
Author(s):  
Michael Dillon ◽  
Maja A. Zaczek-Moczydlowska ◽  
Christine Edwards ◽  
Andrew D. Turner ◽  
Peter I. Miller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Method Development ◽  
Regulatory Control ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Control Individual ◽  
Mouse Bioassay ◽  
Future Market ◽  
Site Testing ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Development And Validation ◽  
Analytical Standards

In the past twenty years marine biotoxin analysis in routine regulatory monitoring has advanced significantly in Europe (EU) and other regions from the use of the mouse bioassay (MBA) towards the high-end analytical techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with tandem mass spectrometry (MS). Previously, acceptance of these advanced methods, in progressing away from the MBA, was hindered by a lack of commercial certified analytical standards for method development and validation. This has now been addressed whereby the availability of a wide range of analytical standards from several companies in the EU, North America and Asia has enhanced the development and validation of methods to the required regulatory standards. However, the cost of the high-end analytical equipment, lengthy procedures and the need for qualified personnel to perform analysis can still be a challenge for routine monitoring laboratories. In developing regions, aquaculture production is increasing and alternative inexpensive Sensitive, Measurable, Accurate and Real-Time (SMART) rapid point-of-site testing (POST) methods suitable for novice end users that can be validated and internationally accepted remain an objective for both regulators and the industry. The range of commercial testing kits on the market for marine toxin analysis remains limited and even more so those meeting the requirements for use in regulatory control. Individual assays include enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and lateral flow membrane-based immunoassays (LFIA) for EU-regulated toxins, such as okadaic acid (OA) and dinophysistoxins (DTXs), saxitoxin (STX) and its analogues and domoic acid (DA) in the form of three separate tests offering varying costs and benefits for the industry. It can be observed from the literature that not only are developments and improvements ongoing for these assays, but there are also novel assays being developed using upcoming state-of-the-art biosensor technology. This review focuses on both currently available methods and recent advances in innovative methods for marine biotoxin testing and the end-user practicalities that need to be observed. Furthermore, it highlights trends that are influencing assay developments such as multiplexing capabilities and rapid POST, indicating potential detection methods that will shape the future market.

Estimation-Based Control of a Magnetic Endoscope without Device Localization

2018 ◽  
Vol 03 (01) ◽  
pp. 1850002 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janis Edelmann ◽  
Andrew J. Petruska ◽  
Bradley J. Nelson
Keyword(s):  
Field Experiments ◽  
Control Method ◽  
Initial Conditions ◽  
Medical Procedures ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Trajectory Length ◽  
Lung Phantom ◽  
Average Control ◽  
Inspection Task

Magnetically controlled catheters and endoscopes can improve minimally invasive procedures as a result of their increased maneuverability when combined with modern magnetic steering systems. However, such systems have two distinct shortcomings: they require continuous information about the location of the instrument inside the human body and they rely on models that accurately capture the device behavior, which are difficult to obtain in realistic settings. To address both of these issues, we propose a control algorithm that continuously estimates a magnetic endoscope’s response to changes in the actuating magnetic field. Experiments in a structured visual environment show that the control method is able to follow image-based trajectories under different initial conditions with an average control error that measures 1.8 % of the trajectory length. The usefulness for medical procedures is demonstrated with a bronchoscopic inspection task. In a proof-of-concept study, a custom 2[Formula: see text]mm diameter miniature camera endoscope is navigated through an anatomically correct lung phantom in a clinician-controlled manner. This represents the first demonstration of the controlled manipulation of a magnetic device without localization, which is critical for a wide range of medical procedures.

GT36 Turbine Aero-Thermal Development and Validation

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Naik ◽  
J. Krueckels ◽  
M. Henze ◽  
W. Hofmann ◽  
M. Schnieder
Keyword(s):  
Gas Turbine ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Pressure Sensors ◽  
Thermal Design ◽  
Local Pressure ◽  
Cooling Systems ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Turbine Vanes ◽  
Thermal Development ◽  
Development And Validation

This paper describes the aero-thermal development and validation of the GT36 heavy duty gas turbine. The turbine which has evolved from the existing and proven GT26 design, consists of an optimised annulus flow path, higher lift aerofoil profiles, optimised aerodynamic matching between the turbine stages and new and improved cooling systems of the turbine vanes and blades. A major design feature of the turbine has been to control and reduce the aerodynamic losses, associated with the aerofoil profiles, trailing edges, blade tips, endwalls and coolant ejection. The advantages of these design changes to the overall gas turbine efficiency have been verified via extensive experimental testing in high-speed cascade test rigs and via the utilisation of high fidelity multi-row computational fluid dynamics design systems. The thermal design and cooling systems of the turbine vanes, blades have also been improved and optimised. For the first stage vane and blade aerofoils and platforms, multi-row film cooling with new and optimised diffuser cooling holes have been implemented and validated in high speed linear cascades. Additionally, the internal cooling design features of all the blades and vanes were also improved and optimised, which allowed for more homogenous metal temperatures distributions on the aerofoils. The verification and validation of the internal thermal designs of all the turbine components has been confirmed via extensive testing in dedicated Perspex models, where measurements were conducted for local pressure losses, overall flow distributions and local heat transfer coefficients. The turbine is currently being tested and undergoing validation in the GT36 Test Power Plant in Birr, Switzerland. The gas turbine is heavily instrumented with a wide range of validation instrumentation including thermocouples, pressure sensors, strain gauges and five-hole probes. In addition to performance mapping and operational validation, a dedicated thermal paint validation test will also be performed.

scholarly journals Induction of WNT16 via Peptide-mRNA Nanoparticle-Based Delivery Maintains Cartilage Homeostasis

Pharmaceutics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 73
Author(s):  
Huimin Yan ◽  
Ying Hu ◽  
Antonina Akk ◽  
Muhammad Farooq Rai ◽  
Hua Pan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Messenger Rna ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Cartilage Explants ◽  
Joint Disease ◽  
Chondrocyte Apoptosis ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Human Cartilage ◽  
Cartilage Homeostasis ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Significant Disability

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive joint disease that causes significant disability and pain and for which there are limited treatment options. We posit that delivery of anabolic factors that protect and maintain cartilage homeostasis will halt or retard OA progression. We employ a peptide-based nanoplatform to deliver Wingless and the name Int-1 (WNT) 16 messenger RNA (mRNA) to human cartilage explants. The peptide forms a self-assembled nanocomplex of approximately 65 nm in size when incubated with WNT16 mRNA. The complex is further stabilized with hyaluronic acid (HA) for enhanced cellular uptake. Delivery of peptide-WNT16 mRNA nanocomplex to human cartilage explants antagonizes canonical β-catenin/WNT3a signaling, leading to increased lubricin production and decreased chondrocyte apoptosis. This is a proof-of-concept study showing that mRNA can be efficiently delivered to articular cartilage, an avascular tissue that is poorly accessible even when drugs are intra-articularly (IA) administered. The ability to accommodate a wide range of oligonucleotides suggests that this platform may find use in a broad range of clinical applications.

scholarly journals Automated pupillometry to detect command following in neurological patients: a proof-of-concept study

PeerJ ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. e6929 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra Vassilieva ◽  
Markus Harboe Olsen ◽  
Costanza Peinkhofer ◽  
Gitte Moos Knudsen ◽  
Daniel Kondziella
Keyword(s):  
Brain Injury ◽  
Healthy Volunteers ◽  
Neurological Disorders ◽  
Mental Arithmetic ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Icu Patients ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Level Of Consciousness ◽  
Neurological Patients ◽  
Command Following

Background Levels of consciousness in patients with acute and chronic brain injury are notoriously underestimated. Paradigms based on electroencephalography (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) may detect covert consciousness in clinically unresponsive patients but are subject to logistical challenges and the need for advanced statistical analysis. Methods To assess the feasibility of automated pupillometry for the detection of command following, we enrolled 20 healthy volunteers and 48 patients with a wide range of neurological disorders, including seven patients in the intensive care unit (ICU), who were asked to engage in mental arithmetic. Results Fourteen of 20 (70%) healthy volunteers and 17 of 43 (39.5%) neurological patients, including 1 in the ICU, fulfilled prespecified criteria for command following by showing pupillary dilations during ≥4 of five arithmetic tasks. None of the five sedated and unconscious ICU patients passed this threshold. Conclusions Automated pupillometry combined with mental arithmetic appears to be a promising paradigm for the detection of covert consciousness in people with brain injury. We plan to build on this study by focusing on non-communicating ICU patients in whom the level of consciousness is unknown. If some of these patients show reproducible pupillary dilation during mental arithmetic, this would suggest that the present paradigm can reveal covert consciousness in unresponsive patients in whom standard investigations have failed to detect signs of consciousness.

3D Finite Element Modeling of Blast Wave Transmission From the External Ear to a Spiral Cochlea

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcus Brown ◽  
John Bradshaw ◽  
Rong Z. Gan
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Middle Ear ◽  
Basilar Membrane ◽  
Transverse Motion ◽  
Fe Model ◽  
Ear Canal ◽  
Blast Overpressure ◽  
Stapes Footplate ◽  
Human Ear ◽  
Temporal Bones

Abstract Blast-induced injuries affect the health of veterans, in which the auditory system is often damaged, and blast-induced auditory damage to the cochlea is difficult to quantify. A recent study modeled blast overpressure (BOP) transmission throughout the ear utilizing a straight, two-chambered cochlea, but the spiral cochlea's response to blast exposure has yet to be investigated. In this study, we utilized a human ear finite element (FE) model with a spiraled, two-chambered cochlea to simulate the response of the anatomical structural cochlea to BOP exposure. The FE model included an ear canal, middle ear, and two and half turns of two-chambered cochlea and simulated a BOP from the ear canal entrance to the spiral cochlea in a transient analysis utilizing fluid-structure interfaces. The model's middle ear was validated with experimental pressure measurements from the outer and middle ear of human temporal bones. The results showed high stapes footplate displacements up to 28.5µm resulting in high intracochlear pressures and basilar membrane (BM) displacements up to 43.2µm from a BOP input of 30.7kPa. The cochlea's spiral shape caused asymmetric pressure distributions as high as 4kPa across the cochlea's width and higher BM transverse motion than that observed in a similar straight cochlea model. The developed spiral cochlea model provides an advancement from the straight cochlea model to increase the understanding of cochlear mechanics during blast and progresses towards a model able to predict potential hearing loss after blast.

Sensor Egregium – An Atomic Force Microscope Sensor for Continuously Variable Resonance Amplification

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-23
Author(s):  
Rafiul Shihab ◽  
Tasmirul Jalil ◽  
Burak Gulsacan ◽  
Matteo Aureli ◽  
Ryan Tung
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element Analysis ◽  
Atomic Force Microscope ◽  
Natural Frequencies ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Force Microscopy ◽  
Atomic Force ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Curve Veering ◽  
Dynamic Phenomena

Abstract Numerous nanometrology techniques concerned with probing a wide range of frequency dependent properties would benefit from a cantilevered sensor with tunable natural frequencies. In this work, we propose a method to arbitrarily tune the stiffness and natural frequencies of a microplate sensor for atomic force microscope applications, thereby allowing resonance amplification at a broad range of frequencies. This method is predicated on the principle of curvature-based stiffening. A macroscale experiment is conducted to verify the feasibility of the method. Next, a microscale finite element analysis is conducted on a proof-of-concept device. We show that both the stiffness and various natural frequencies of the device can be highly controlled through applied transverse curvature. Dynamic phenomena encountered in the method, such as eigenvalue curve veering, are discussed and methods are presented to accommodate these phenomena. We believe that this study will facilitate the development of future curvature-based microscale sensors for atomic force microscopy applications.

A Big Data Test-bed for Analyzing Data Generated by an Air Pollution Sensor Network

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 19-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lídice García Ríos ◽  
José Alberto Incera Diéguez
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Big Data ◽  
Sensor Networks ◽  
Internet Of Things ◽  
Sensor Network ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Test Bed ◽  
Pollution Levels ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Military Applications

Sensor networks have perceived an extraordinary growth in the last few years. From niche industrial and military applications, they are currently deployed in a wide range of settings as sensors are becoming smaller, cheaper and easier to use. Sensor networks are a key player in the so-called Internet of Things, generating exponentially increasing amounts of data. Nonetheless, there are very few documented works that tackle the challenges related with the collection, manipulation and exploitation of the data generated by these networks. This paper presents a proposal for integrating Big Data tools (in rest and in motion) for gathering, storage and analysis of data generated by a sensor network that monitors air pollution levels in a city. The authors provide a proof of concept that combines Hadoop and Storm for data processing, storage and analysis, and Arduino-based kits for constructing their sensor prototypes.

scholarly journals Shape-morphing carbon fiber composite using electrochemical actuation

2020 ◽  
Vol 117 (14) ◽  
pp. 7658-7664 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wilhelm Johannisson ◽  
Ross Harnden ◽  
Dan Zenkert ◽  
Göran Lindbergh
Keyword(s):  
Solid State ◽  
Carbon Fibers ◽  
Fiber Composite ◽  
Lithium Ion ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Carbon Fiber Composite ◽  
Shape Morphing ◽  
Commercial Carbon ◽  
Structural Battery ◽  
Shape Changes

Structures that are capable of changing shape can increase efficiency in many applications, but are often heavy and maintenance intensive. To reduce the mass and mechanical complexity solid-state morphing materials are desirable but are typically nonstructural and problematic to control. Here we present an electrically controlled solid-state morphing composite material that is lightweight and has a stiffness higher than aluminum. It is capable of producing large deformations and holding them with no additional power, albeit at low rates. The material is manufactured from commercial carbon fibers and a structural battery electrolyte, and uses lithium-ion insertion to produce shape changes at low voltages. A proof-of-concept material in a cantilever setup is used to show morphing, and analytical modeling shows good correlation with experimental observations. The concept presented shows considerable promise and paves the way for stiff, solid-state morphing materials.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document