A 1.75-GHz highly integrated narrow-band CMOS transmitter withharmonic-rejection mixers

A highly integrated 1.75-GHz 0.35-μm CMOS transmitter is described. The I/Q modulator-based transmitter facilitates integration through the use of a unique mixer, termed a harmonic-rejection mixer, and a wide loop bandwidth phase-locked loop (PLL) for the RF synthesizer. The harmonic-rejection mixers are used to eliminate the need for a discrete IF filter and the use of a wide loop bandwidth PLL allowed for the complete integration of the synthesizers using low-Q components while achieving low phase noise. The entire transmit signal path from the digital-to-analog converters to the power amplifier, including two fully integrated frequency synthesizers, is integrated into a single-chip solution. The transmitter was tested with a testing buffer before the power amplifier (PA) and achieved less than 1.3° rms phase error when modulating a DCS-1800 GMSK signal. The prototype consumed 151 mA from a 3-V supply. A class-C PA, capable of driving 25 dBm off-chip, was included and the output was compared to the testing buffer with little change in the transmitter performance     

Augmented Reality Interfaces Using Virtual Customization of Microstructured Electronic Skin Sensor Sensitivity Performances

Electronic skins equip robots and biomedical devices with intuitive skin-like sensitivity. Performance-driven design of electronic skins is a critical need for electronic or biomedical applications. Prior research primarily focuses on investigating effects of microstructures on sensor performance at low pressure ranges. However, having predictive and tunable electro–mechanical responses across an extensive pressure range (>100 kPa) is paramount. Here, the authors propose a system that virtually customizes micropyramids for e-skin sensors. The associations between geometry parameters, material properties, and single-pyramid performance are systematically explored via numerical simulations, empirical characterizations, and analytical solutions. These experimentally validated models allow for the determination of the sensor parameters for the desired performance. An augmented reality interface system for surgery skills training by optimizing sensitivities that match varying tissue stiffnesses is further demonstrated. The platform enables greater effectiveness in rapidly iterating and designing micropyramidal e-skin for applications in augmented reality interfaces, robotics, and telehealthcare.     

A review of antimicrobial fabric containing nanostructures metal‐based compound

Textile can be a potential microorganism's propagation site because it contacts with human skin endows optimal conditions combination of nutrient sources, temperature, and moisture which provides conducive environment for microorganism growth. Thus, the development of antibacterial textile is crucial to inhibit the growth of microorganisms for protection the health and safety of wearer. This review article focuses on several metal‐based nanoparticles possess biocidal feature namely, Ag, ZnO, Cu based, TiO₂, and other minor metals based such as iron based, CeO₂, Au, SiO₂, Ni, and Pt. The phenomenology of metal nanoparticles associated to the antibacterial effects and possible mechanisms of action against bacteria have been highlighted. This review also discussed the synthesis techniques and effects of incorporation additive materials of those metal‐based nanoparticles to inhibit the growth of microorganisms. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2017. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Different Ratios of Corn and Coconut Oil Blends in High-Fat Diets Influence Fat Deposition without Altering Metabolic Biomarkers in Male Rats

The effects of high-fat diets with the recommended dietary linoleic acid (LA) intake levels on health outcomes have not been studied extensively. This study investigated the effects of high-fat diets containing different weight ratios of coconut and corn oil with LA levels of <1.00% of energy (very low LA), 2.80% of energy (low LA), 5.80% of energy (moderate LA), and 9.70% of energy (high LA) on fat deposition and selected metabolic biomarkers of male Sprague-Dawley rats. Their initial and terminal body weights are recorded. Blood, adipose tissue, and liver samples are obtained for analysis after an 8-week feeding intervention. Compared with the very low-LA diet, the high-LA diet resulted in higher body weight gain and epididymal fat deposition. No significant differences are observed in liver-to-body weight ratio, blood glucose, visfatin, and leptin levels between the test diets. Serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), insulin, and C-peptide levels do not significantly increase with the increase in dietary LA levels. High-LA diet results in higher LA levels in the liver and adipose tissue. It is concluded that a high-fat diet containing high LA levels induced body weight gain and epididymal fat deposition in rats but has no effect on selected metabolic biomarkers. Practical applications: Linoleic acid (LA) (C18:2) plays an important role as one of the nutritional elements to meet the daily essential fatty acid requirements. However, a full understanding is perplexed by the various ways that LA can be included in the diet when there is a recommendation to substitute saturated fatty acid (SFA), trans- or n-3 fatty acids intake. The data provide additional findings on the effects of excessive dietary intake of LA (C18:2) on fat deposition when different levels of SFAs are replaced.     

A contactless biometric system using multiple hand features

With the advent of modern computing technology, there is increased reliance on biometrics to provide stronger personal authentication. Among the variety of biometric solutions in the market, hand-based system is the oldest, and perhaps the most successful form of biometric technology. This paper describes a contactless hand-based biometric system by using visible and infrared imagery. An acquisition device is developed to capture both color and infrared hand images. We modify an ordinary web camera to capture the hand vein that normally requires specialized infrared sensor. The design is simple and low-cost. No additional installation of special apparatus is required. The device can capture the epidermal and subcutaneous features from the hand simultaneously. In specific, five features namely hand geometry, palm print, palmar knuckle print, palm vein, and finger vein are acquired from the hand for recognition. Rigorous experiments had been performed to testify the robustness of the system.     

A facile approach for controlled synthesis of hydrophilic starch‐based nanoparticles from native sago starch

A facile approach for the preparation of hydrophilic starch‐based spherical nanoparticles from native sago (Metroxylon sagu) starch using the drop‐wise solvent exchange method was reported. Starch‐maleate monoester (SM) was initially synthesized from native sago starch and maleic anhydride in an aqueous medium, and SM nanoparticles was subsequently precipitated in absolute ethanol under controlled conditions. The present study was focused mainly on modulating of the solvent and non‐solvent systems to prepare SM nanoparticles of different morphologies. The pH of the solvent system and the nature of surfactants being added into the solvent system could influence the morphology of regenerated SM nanoparticles. SM nanoparticles of discrete and spherical shape were regenerated from a basic SM sample solution, or an acidic sample solution in the presence of an appropriate surfactant. SM nanoparticles with mean diameter of about 250 nm was obtained by precipitation in absolute ethanol in the presence of Brij 35 as the surfactant.     

An Application of Stochastic and Dynamic Models for the Control of a Papermaking Process

A statistical approach to model a papermaking process and to control paper basis weight is presented. The process behavior is described by a mathematical model which takes into consideration both the input-output dynamics and disturbances coming into the system. The model building procedure was based on a three-step approach of identification, estimation and diagnostic checking. The disturbance model is accounted for by a discrete time series model, whereas the dynamic model is a discrete transfer function model. The simplicity of the modeling process lies in the fact that only the input-outpul data are necessary without recourse to a complicated analysis of the physical system itself.

An optimal control equation was arrived at whereby the basis weight of the paper was to be controlled at a specified target value. Confirmation runs were conducted to check the effectiveness of the control equation.     

High recovery,point-of-collection plasma separation from blood using electrospun polyacrylonitrile membranes

Microvolume blood collection technologies are of intense interest in healthcare. Whereas dried blood spots collect all the blood components, the majority of clinical tests are performed on the noncellular, plasma component of blood. Thus, there is a critical need for a robust plasma-collecting device, which can stabilize biomarkers of interest for clinical analysis. A dried plasma spot, which consists of a separation membrane for removing red blood cells (RBC) while avoiding cell lysis and an absorbing layer for collecting and stabilizing plasma biomarkers after separation may provide such a solution. We report a novel use of electrospun polyacrylonitrile membranes to achieve a very promising separation of RBCs with near-zero retention of human albumin protein (MW: 66.5 kDa). Physicochemical qualities of the separation membranes can be further optimized through doping and refinement of electrospinning conditions. The membranes may have future potential in microvolume sample collecting applications.     

A fuzzy mathematical approach for bridge condition evaluation

There are presently no established guidelines available for a bridge inspector to follow when assessing the significance of multiple deterioration factors on the bridge condition rating. As such, the evaluation of an existing bridge is based on a highly subjective and non-uniform procedure, and usually suffers from imprecision and personal bias. Hence, any attempt to find the optimal solution for bridge management based on such rating procedure can be misleading. However, with the development of a fuzzy mathematical approach, human subjectivity and imprecision can be included systematically in the decision making process.