Proceedings — Open Access Journal

Scientists are always searching for inventions and developing new methods for the detection of pathogenic bacteria in drinking water. Some of those techniques are based on electrochemical reactions, performed by a device called potentiostat. For in situ analysis, there is a high demand for hardware efficient instruments with a customized set of requirements including Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) measurements. Therefore, we developed the ‘EcoStat’ device. As outcome of further developments, we demonstrate the successful implementation of an EIS feature and a multiplexing unit to achieve a detection platform for multiple pathogens. We present results performed on a simplified Randles Cell model. Full article

The long-term simulation of soil erosion and transport of contaminants and nutrients process in a river basin allows us to predict the impacts generated by the alterations of the environment and the scope of the potential contamination. The use of modeling tools such as SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tool) that integrates basin-level information on land use and management for hydrological simulation, requires specific data of soil and land use to define the Hydrological Response Units (HRU). These HRU are the basis of the simulation, grouping HRU according to hydrological response characteristics. The availability of quality data at the regional level is a key factor for obtaining robust models. One of the greatest shortcomings is found in obtaining hydropedological data bases associated with soil GIS shape. Full article

Smart utilities enable more efficient energy consumption and distribution and are the key for smart homes development. We propose an electronic device that will be integrated as an add-on to already installed conventional gas meters as a first stage of smart metering rollout. The electronic device will measure the gas consumption and it will be managed by the user’s or operator’s smartphone via NFC. For the gas flow measurement, the electronic device takes advantage of the rotation of a permanent magnet fixed in an index drum. Full article

The influence of Mg²⁺ doping (3 mol %) on structural and humidity sensing properties of (Ba_0.5,Sr_0.5)TiO₃ (BST) perovskite nanocomposite were studied in details. Microstructural properties revealed the particle size, surface area, and average pore volume diminished for doped sample. For the MgO doped BST sensor, the film resistance and total impedance are changed more than four orders of magnitude in the 20–95% RH range, while BST sensor shows three orders change. The 3 mol % MgO doped sample with maximum hysteresis of 6.1 RH% and response/recovery time of about 30/80 s exhibits faster characteristics compare to pure BST sample with 6.8 RH% hysteresis and response/recovery of 41 s and 98 s, respectively. Transduction mechanism was found based on the proton transfer and further confirmed by a Bode plot and Nyquist complex impedance plane plot. Full article

A model of stochastic time response of adsorption-based microfluidic biosensors is presented, that considers the competitive adsorption-desorption process coupled with mass transfer of two analytes. By using the model we analyze the expected value of the adsorbed particles number of each analyte, which determine the sensor response kinetics. The comparison with the case when only one analyte exists is used for investigation of the influence of competitive adsorption on the sensor response. The response kinetics analyzed by using the stochastic model is compared with the kinetics predicted by the deterministic response model. The results are useful for optimization of micro/nanosensors intended for detection of substances in ultra-low concentrations in complex samples. Full article

Azelaic Acid (AzA) is a signaling molecule that plays a role in plant immune response when these are infected with pathogens, such as Botryitis cinerea, making its early detection in the field critical in the monitoring and prevention of large spread infection in crops. In this work, a microfluidic platform for the rapid detection of AzA in grapes is presented. AzA detection is achieved via an enzyme-enabled colorimetric reaction performed in a microfluidic chip coupled to a thin-film silicon photodiode. The detection of nM concentrations of AzA in buffer was achieved and initial results for AzA measurements in artificially spiked grape juice show potential for detection in realistic sample conditions. Full article

Contactless magnetic position sensors are used in countless industrial and automotive applications. However, as a consequence of the electrification trend the sensors can be exposed to parasitic magnetic stray fields, and their desired robustness may be compromised. In this paper we publish for the first time how this challenge is addressed and constructively solved using a complete paradigm change leaving conventional magnetic field measurement behind and entering into the realm of magnetic field gradient measurement. Our novel sensor system consists of an integrated Hall sensor realized in 0.18 μm CMOS technology with magnetic concentrators and a four-pole permanent magnet. The intrinsic angular accuracy was assessed comparing the rotary position of the permanent magnet with the sensor output showing angle errors below 0.3°. Additional end-of-line calibration can be applied using built-in memory and processing capability to further increase the accuracy. Finally, we demonstrate the immunity against stray fields of 4000 A/m which led to errors below 0.1°, corresponding to 0.06% of the sensors fullscale angular range. In conclusion, this novel sensor system offers a compact and flexible solution for stray-field immune rotary position measurement in harsh environment. Full article

flat circular transmission-line based 300 MHz resonator is implemented for the noncontact
assessment of burn depths in biological tissue. Used as a transmit-and-receive sensor, it is
placed here at a 2 mm distance from organic material test samples (pork fillet samples) which have
been previously heated on one face in various heating conditions involving various temperatures,
durations and procedures. Data extracted from the sensor by means of a distant monitoring coil
were found to clearly correlate with the depth of burn observed on the tissue samples (up to 40%
sensor output changes for a 7 mm burn depth) and with the heating conditions (around 5% sensor
output changes for 5.5 mm burn depth obtained at 75 °C or 150 °C). These results open the way to
the development of easy to implement burn assessment and monitoring techniques, which could be
integrated in wearable medical dressing-like monitoring devices. Full article

We investigate the properties of highly confined Love modes in a phononic crystal based on an array of holes made in SiO₂ deposited on ST-cut Quartz substrate. An optimal choice of the geometrical parameters of the holes enables us to obtain wide stop-bands frequency for shear wave’s modes. The introduction of defect by removing lines of holes leads to nearly flat modes within the band gap and consequently paves the way to implement advanced design of electroacoustic filters and high-performance cavity resonators based on shear wave modes. The calculations are performed using finite element method based on the commercial software (COMSOL-Multiphysics). For transmission spectra, piezoelectric excitations are applied by considering the interdigital transducers, with results corroborating well the band structure predictions and the position of defects modes within the band gap. Full article

The implementation of additive manufacturing technology (e.g., digital printing) to the electronic packaging segment has recently received increasing attention. In almost all types of Fan-out wafer level packaging (FOWLP), redistribution layers (RDLs) are formed by a combination of photolithography, sputtering and plating process. Alternatively, in this study, inkjet-printed RDLs were introduced for FOWLP. In contrast to a subtractive method (e.g., photolithography), additive manufacturing techniques allow depositing the material only where it is desired. In the current study, RDL structures for different embedded modules were realized by inkjet printing and further characterized by electrical examinations. It was proposed that a digital printing process can be a more efficient and lower-cost solution especially for rapid prototyping of RDLs, since several production steps will be skipped, less material will be wasted and the supply chain will be shortened. Full article

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) are used to repair hypoxic or ischemic tissue. After hypoxic the level of ATP is decreases, cellular functions do not continue and apoptosis or necrosis occur. Apoptosis is a progress of programmed cell death that occurs in normal or pathological conditions. In this study, we were investigated the hypoxic effect on apoptosis in mesenchymal stem cell. Bone marrow-derived stem cells were cultured in hypoxic (1% or 3%) or normoxic conditions 24, 96 well plates for 36 h. Cell viability was shown by MTT assay on 36 h. After fixation of cells with 4% paraformaldehyde, distributions of caspase-3, Bcl-2 and Bax with indirect immunoperoxidase technique, apoptotic cells with TUNEL assay were investigated. All staining results were evaluated using H-score analyses method with ANOVA, statistically. As a result, hypoxic condition was toxic for human mesenchymal stem cells and the number of death cell was higher in that than normoxic condition. Full article

Neuroblastoma is an embryonic tumor originating from the neural crest. It accounts for 8–10% of all childhood cancers. Although Cisplatin is used in neuroblastoma treatment, it has many side effects, such as ototoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and neurotoxicity. One herbal agent that has attracted attention in recent years is oleuropein (OLE), the active component of olive leaf. This component belongs to the polyphenol group and it has antioxidant, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertensive and anti-carcinogenic effects. It has beneficial effects against neurodegeneration in both culture cells and model organisms. Oleuropein has been shown to be increased apoptosis in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line in one study. Cisplatin (cis-diaminedichloroplatinum II (CDDP) is a widely used agent for the treatment of many different human cancers in childhood and adults with antimitotic and antineoplastic properties. CDDP is the most effective chemotherapeutic agent in specially treatment of neuroblastoma. Purpose of this study was to determine whether oleuropein and CDDP have possible anti-proliferative activity in different types of human neuroblastoma cells as representing different clinical features (bone marrow metastatic LAN-5 cells and treated with chemotherapy and beam therapy CHP-134 cells representing late relapse) investigated. Human bone marrow metastatic LAN-5 and treated with chemotherapy and beam therapy CHP-134 neuroblastoma cells representing late relapse were used in this study. The effects of OLE and CDDP on LAN-5 and CHP-134 neuroblastoma cell proliferation and apoptotic cell death was investigated using WST-1 cell proliferation and Annexin-V/PI flow cytometric assays. Oleuropein and CDDP have been shown to inhibit proliferation of LAN-5 and CHP-134 neuroblastoma cells. In further studies, it is planned to investigate different cell death mechanisms by using combination of oleuropein and cisplatin in different kind of human neuroblastoma cells. Full article

The present work tries to reflect the student perception about their music education through the application of two tests in the classroom with university students at 3rd and 4th year of the Grade of Teacher at the Faculty of Education in the University of Valladolid. They have been realized at the beginning of the year the first one and at the end of the first semester of the academic year 2017/18. The first one concerns their previous formation in music (school and High school as well as formal/unformal music education—conservatories and schools of music - included their perception about the acquisition of basic music skins. The second test ask them specifically about their perception of improve of those skills (music language, tuning, playing instruments, aural education, didactic of music and use of ICT) after their formation in Higher Education with Leemúsica/Readmusic methodology. Full article

With spaceborne magnetic field measurements it is possible to investigate the interior of planets,
moons and asteroids which have either an intrinsic or a crustal magnetic field. Furthermore, precise
knowledge of the magnetic field is essential to derive fundamental information about the
environment surrounding different bodies in the solar system as well as to explore the interplanetary
space. [...]
Full article

It is still a challenge to integrate the optoelectronic technology in microfluidic analytical systems, due to the complex alignment of the optical components within the microchip, or expensive and complicated methods of their fabrication. In this paper, inexpensive, glass microprisms matrix, with high quality surface and precise 54.7° reflection angle is presented. Fabrication and integration of optical components into the substrate is done using conventional microfabrication techniques such as soft lithography and anode bonding. The results of beam intensity measurements propagating within the glass substrate are presented, showing the possibility of controlled coupling of the beam into the substrate using integrated glass optical structures for microfluidic systems. Full article

Silver (Ag+) doped phosphate glass after exposure to ionizing radiation has an intense luminescence by stimulating with ultra-violet light. This phenomenon is called radiophotoluminescence (RPL). The RPL intensity was increased linearly with increasing X-ray irradiation dose up to about 1000 Gy. Small amount of bead-type RPL glass as large as about 0.05mm was well prepared with a jet flame system. It was confirmed that the RPL glass beads could be used as passive-type radiation dosimeters. Visualization and monitoring system of radiation dose distribution utilizing RPL phenomenon in the Ag+-doped phosphate glass are developed in this study. In the presentation, the basic luminescence properties are reported as well as the application of Ag+-doped phosphate glass beads to radiation dose distribution monitoring. Full article

Among chemotherapeutic agents, cisplatin and the other platinum-based drugs have occupied for 35 years an enviable position. The limitations of platinum-based drugs, dose dependent side effects and development of drug resistance mechanisms, have boosted the research for finding other metal-based drugs. Among metals, ruthenium is probably the one showing the greatest promises. Ruthenium (Ru) appears to be less toxic than platinum and several biological studies have indicated that ruthenium complexes possess diverse modes of action. The redox chemistry of ruthenium is rich and compatible with biological media, and the overall toxicity of ruthenium is lower than platinum, thus allowing higher doses of treatment. In this study we aimed that, analyses of different type of ruthenium complexes in cancer cell lines. Six Ru complexes were determined by elemental analysis, FTIR, NMR, UV-visible spectroscopy, electron density on the metal was measured by cyclic voltammetry. After that, the cellular properties of this complexes were analyses on PC-3, HT-29, Du-145 and Vero cell lines. DNA damage was analyzed H2AX staining, apoptotic cell analyses were performed flow cytometry and western blotting. After 48 h incubation of Ru complexes three of them more effective for cell lines. Especially Ru3 was more effective in cancer cell lines. Apoptotic pathway was triggered after Ru complexes incubation in PC-3, Du-145 and Ht-29 cancer cell lines. Our study suggest that Ru complexes may be used for cancer cell cytotoxicity as a drugs in patients. Full article

Genetic alterations affect carcinogenesis, and recent studies demonstrated that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have critical roles during this process. Hox transcript antisense intergenic RNA (HOTAIR) is a lncRNA molecule that affects proliferation, survival, migration, genomic stability, and drug resistance of cancer cells. The purpose of this study is to examine the possible effects of Gemcitabine treatment on HOTAIR expression level in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines, H1944 and H596. Full article