Class AB current-controlled resistor for high performancecurrent-mode applications

A class AB current-controlled grounded resistor based on a translinear loop implemented from bipolar transistors is described. Simulation results show that its value is tunable from 30 to ~100 kΩ with frequency responses up to 100 MHz and beyond. With 12.5 V supply voltages, the total harmonic distortion (THD) is <1% for peak to peak magnitudes of the input current >2.5 times the value of the control current. To illustrate its suitability, the results of a controlled amplifier, using this resistor and operating in current-mode, are also given     

Determination of biogenic amines in selected Malaysian food

The biogenic amines tryptamine (TRP), putrescine (PUT), histamine (HIS), tyramine (TYR) and spermidine (SPD) were determined in 62 selected food items commonly consumed in Malaysia. This include the local appetisers “budu” and “cincalok”, canned fish, salt-cured fish, meat products, fruit juice, canned vegetables/fruits and soy bean products. After the aqueous extraction, the samples were derivatised with dansyl chloride before analysing using reversed phase HPLC with UV detection. Mean levels of TRP, PUT, HIS, TYR and SPD in eight budu samples were 82.7, 38.1, 187.7, 174.7 and 5.1 mg kg⁻¹, respectively. The main biogenic amines found in cincalok were PUT, HIS and TYR where the mean values were 330.7, 126.1 and 448.8 mg kg⁻¹, respectively. With the exception of “pekasam” and “belacan”, significantly lower levels of biogenic amines were found in canned fish and salt-cured fish samples. Non detectable or low levels of biogenic amines were found in meat, fruit juice and canned vegetables/fruit samples.     

Exploring stingless bee honey from selected regions of Peninsular Malaysia through gas chromatography–mass spectrometry–based untargeted metabolomics

Volatile organic compounds in honey are known for their considerable impact on the organoleptic properties of honey, such as aroma, flavor, taste, and texture. The type and composition of volatile organic compounds are influenced by entomological, geographical, and botanical origins; thus, these compounds have the potential to be chemical markers. Sixty-two volatile compounds were identified using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry from 30 Heterotrigona itama (H. itama) honey samples from 3 different geographical origins. Hydrocarbons and benzene derivatives were the dominant classes of volatile organic compounds in the samples. Both clustering and discriminant analyses demonstrated a clear separation between samples from distant origins (Kedah and Perak), and the volcano plot supported it. The reliability and predictability of the partial least squares–discriminant analysis model from the discriminant analysis were validated using cross-validation (R²: 0.93; Q²: 0.83; accuracy: 0.97) and the permutation test (p < 0.001), and the output depicted that the model is legitimate. In combination with the variable importance of projection (VIP > 1.0) and the Kruskal–Wallis test (p < 0.01), 19 volatile organic compounds (encompassed aldehydes, benzene derivatives, esters, hydrocarbons, and terpenoids) were sorted and named potent chemical markers in classifying honey samples from three geographical origins. In brief, this study illustrated that volatile organic compounds of stingless honey originated from the same bee species, but different geographical origins could be applied as chemical markers.     

On the frequency limitations of the circuits based on second generation current conveyors

An equivalent circuit for the translinear implementation of the second generation current conveyors with positive or negative current transfer is given. This circuit takes into account the various parasitic elements of the conveyor which induce frequency limitations (gain values, poles of the transfers, and parasitic impedances). The methods allowing the determination of the values for these parasitic elements are indicated and discussed. The effect of each element on the frequency responses of the circuits using the conveyors are studied in every detail. The frequency behavior of two circuits are analyzed as examples: a voltage amplifier without feedback and two configurations for a second order biquad filter operating in current-mode. All the theoretical results of the analysis are well confirmed from SPICE simulations.     

Current controlled bandpass filter based on translinear conveyors

A new concept to take advantage of the parasitic resistance that appears on port X of the second-generation current conveyors is introduced. This parasitic resistance, which is controllable in current, leads to the definition of the second generation current controlled conveyors (CCCII). A current controlled bandpass filter, operating in the current mode, is also described. It uses only two CCCII's and two capacitors. Its central frequency can be adjusted by acting on the bias current of the conveyors. SPICE simulation results, in agreement with theory, are given for central frequencies around 30 MHz     

The Synthesis and Performance of Sodium Methyl Ester Sulfonate for Enhanced Oil Recovery

Abstract

Due to the high cost of surfactant production caused by petrochemical feedstocks, much attention has been given to nonedible vegetable oils as an alternative source of feedstock. A new nonedible oil-derived surfactant based on the Jatropha plant is synthesized. A single-step route was used for synthesizing sodium methyl ester sulfonate (SMES) for enhanced oil recovery application. The performance of the resultant surfactant was studied by measuring the interfacial tension between the surfactant solution and crude oil and its thermal stability at reservoir temperature. The SMES showed a good surface activity, reducing the interfacial tension between the surfactant solution and crude oil from 18.4 to 3.92 mN/m. The thermal analysis of SMES indicates that 26.1% weight loss was observed from 70°C to 500°C. The advantage of the new SMES is the low cost of production, which makes it a promising surfactant for enhanced oil recovery application and other uses.     

Analysis of Using the M-cycle Regenerative-Humidification Process on a Gas Turbine

This investigation focused on the analysis of using the M-cycle （Maisotsenko cycle） to improve the efficiency of a gas turbine engine. By combining the M-cycle with an open Brayton cycle, a new cycle, is known as the MCTC （Maisotsenko combustion turbine cycle）, was formed. The MCTC used an indirect evaporative air cooler as a saturator with a gas turbine engine. The saturator was applied on the side of the turbine exhaust （M-cycle#2） in the analysis. The analysis included calculations and the development of an EES （engineering equation solver） code to model the MCTC system performance. The resulting performance curves were graphed to show the effects of several parameters on the thermal efficiency and net power output of the gas turbine engine. The models were also compared with actual experimental test that results from a gas turbine engine. Conclusions and discussions of results are also given.     

Novel translinear impedance convertor and bandpass filter applications

A new design for an impedance convertor using translinear elements is introduced. A custom integrated circuit for a gyrator can be implemented from it, using bipolar linear arrays. When the simulated impedance is an inductance, it can be used to design a second order current-mode filter with adjustable value for the Q-factor without affecting f/sub 0/ and the gain. The effects of parasitic elements are studied. SPICE simulated results are given.<>     

High-frequency high-Q BiCMOS current-mode bandpass filter andmobile communication application

The design of a tunable high-frequency fully integrable current-mode bandpass filter is presented using a complementary high-performance BiCMOS process. The new architecture of this filter is based on impedance simulation and employs current controlled conveyors. The Q-factor and the center frequency can be electronically controlled with dc bias currents over a broad range of values, thus allowing easy tuning of this filter. An application to a mobile communication IF receiver channel centered at 85 MHz and with 1-MHz bandwidth based on the cascade of two identical second-order bandpass cells has been designed. Measurements show very interesting frequency performance (f ₀ tunable in the range 30-120 MHz and Q from 1-140) in conjunction with low power consumption (25 mW for the fourth-order filter with ±2.5 V supplies)