Journal Description
Proceedings
Proceedings
is an open access journal dedicated to publishing findings resulting from conferences, workshops, and similar events. The conference organizers and proceedings editors are responsible for managing the peer-review process and selecting papers for conference proceedings.
Latest Articles
Aerosol Measurements by OPC Aided by QCM Mass Sensor
Proceedings 2024, 97(1), 53; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2024097053 (registering DOI) - 19 Mar 2024
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Atmospheric aerosols, as well as particulate matters or suspended particulate matters (PMx), impact climate and affect human health, directly or indirectly. PMx is one of the most important pollutants monitored for air quality evaluation. Optical particle counters and quartz crystal microbalances are used
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Atmospheric aerosols, as well as particulate matters or suspended particulate matters (PMx), impact climate and affect human health, directly or indirectly. PMx is one of the most important pollutants monitored for air quality evaluation. Optical particle counters and quartz crystal microbalances are used to measure mass in a fixed volume. However, when used separately, these devices can show some issues. In this work, we propose combining these devices to obtain results that include particle counting, mass measurement, and, in particular cases, discrimination between solid and liquid aerosols. By using both instruments together, we can overcome the limitations of each and obtain more accurate and comprehensive data on air quality.
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Open AccessAbstract
Fabrication of an Ultrathin PMMA Foil for Sensing Applications in Microfluidic Systems
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Rafael Ecker, Tina Mitteramskogler, Andreas Fuchsluger and Bernhard Jakoby
Proceedings 2024, 97(1), 48; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2024097048 (registering DOI) - 19 Mar 2024
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This research work focuses on the fabrication of ultrathin polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) foils using a spin coating process of in anisole dissolved PMMA on a water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) foil. Currently, layer thicknesses as low as 1 µm can be achieved and even thinner
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This research work focuses on the fabrication of ultrathin polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) foils using a spin coating process of in anisole dissolved PMMA on a water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) foil. Currently, layer thicknesses as low as 1 µm can be achieved and even thinner layers appear to be possible. Sensors and actuators can be applied to the foils and directly integrated into the center of the channel of a polymer-based microfluidic chip. Specifically, the foil acts as a supporting structure that helps to position the sensor in the center of the channel. Thermal sensors, in particular, benefit from the low heat capacity of the foil. This will improve the performance and the accuracy of these sensors of which the impact on the fluidic flow is minimized.
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Open AccessAbstract
Negative Dietary Practices among 7-Year-Old Schoolchildren in Bulgaria
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Vesselka Duleva, Ekaterina Chikova-Iscener, Lalka Rangelova and Plamen Dimitrov
Proceedings 2023, 91(1), 416; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2023091416 - 18 Mar 2024
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Background and objectives: Maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise is especially important for first graders. Poor nutrition compromises the quality of life, school attainment, and growth and sets suboptimal dietary habits later in life. The aim of the present study is to
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Background and objectives: Maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise is especially important for first graders. Poor nutrition compromises the quality of life, school attainment, and growth and sets suboptimal dietary habits later in life. The aim of the present study is to assess negative dietary practices among first graders in Bulgaria. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of a nationally representative sample of 3051 7-year-old students was conducted in 2019. The research was carried out in strict compliance with the protocol developed by the WHO (World Health Organization) as part of the WHO European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI). As part of the study, a questionnaire was presented to the families of the first graders to assess the frequency of food consumption by the children. Results: A quarter (25.3%) of the students did not consume breakfast on a daily basis. The majority did not eat fresh fruits (62.9%) and vegetables every day, excluding potatoes (66.3%). Furthermore, 18% of the children consumed dairy products less than once a week or never. Additionally, 14.8% had fruit juice every day. One-fifth (19.7%) of the students drank soft drinks most of the days or every day of the week (>4 days/week). Many children never consumed or consumed less than once a week protein-rich foods like meat (8.9%), fish (62.3%), eggs (26.4%), and legumes (25.9%). Most days or every day of the week (>4 days/week), a quarter (24.2%) of the children had salty snacks like chips, and half of them (49.7%) had sweet snacks like candies and cakes. Discussion: The results of the present study clearly demonstrate a suboptimal dietary model for first graders in Bulgaria. Only one-third of the children consumed fresh fruits and vegetables daily. The frequency of intake of soft drinks and salty and sweet snacks is too high. The frequency of consumption of protein-rich foods like fish, eggs, and legumes is suboptimal. First graders should become a special target group for policymakers in Bulgaria.
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(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 14th European Nutrition Conference FENS 2023)
Open AccessProceeding Paper
Discovering Innovation, Social Capital and Farm Viability in the Framework of the United Winemaking Agricultural Cooperative of Samos
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Sofia Karampela, Thanasis Kizos and Alex Koutsouris
Proceedings 2024, 94(1), 62; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2024094062 - 18 Mar 2024
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In this study, we aim to explore the possible relationships between innovation, social capital, and farm viability towards sustainability, using indicators from the literature and developing complex indexes for all examined concepts in the framework of an agriculture cooperative located on the Greek
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In this study, we aim to explore the possible relationships between innovation, social capital, and farm viability towards sustainability, using indicators from the literature and developing complex indexes for all examined concepts in the framework of an agriculture cooperative located on the Greek island of Samos. Data from the United Winemaking Agricultural Cooperative of Samos (UWC SAMOS) were collected through semi-structured questionnaires and further personal in-depth interviews. The findings revealed a highly complex relationship between these indexes that could not just be analyzed quantitatively. Instead, qualitative data explain the weak innovation and low level of social trust by identifying the “institutionalization of the members of the cooperative”, emphasizing the importance of mixed methods approaches.
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(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 17th International Conference of the Hellenic Association of Agricultural Economists)
Open AccessAbstract
Electrochemical Sensors for Animal Welfare
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Ilaria Sorrentino, Claire Verplanck and Yohann R. J. Thomas
Proceedings 2024, 97(1), 45; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2024097045 - 18 Mar 2024
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The WAIT4 (Welfare: Artificial Intelligence and new Technologies for Tracking Key Indicator Traits in Animals Facing Challenges of the Agro-ecological Transition) project aims to increase research-based capacities to quantify and characterize animal welfare (AW) from the agro-ecological (AE) perspective and to revise farming
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The WAIT4 (Welfare: Artificial Intelligence and new Technologies for Tracking Key Indicator Traits in Animals Facing Challenges of the Agro-ecological Transition) project aims to increase research-based capacities to quantify and characterize animal welfare (AW) from the agro-ecological (AE) perspective and to revise farming practices by considering interactions between the animal and its environment. From this perspective, the development of new sensors for assessing the kinetics of physiological variables of interest (Na+, K+, pH) in animals’ interstitial fluid (ISF) by microneedle patches will be a valuable aid for farmers to monitoring AW states and various stressors.
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Open AccessAbstract
Fabrication of Wafer-Level Vacuum-Packaged 3C-SiC Resonators with Q-Factor above 250,000
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Sergio Sapienza, Luca Belsito, Matteo Ferri, Ivan Elmi, Marcin Zielinski, Francesco La Via and Alberto Roncaglia
Proceedings 2024, 97(1), 44; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2024097044 - 18 Mar 2024
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In this work, the fabrication of wafer-level vacuum-packaged 3C-SiC on Si double- clamped beam resonators via glass–silicon anodic bonding using Ti-based vacuum gettering is reported. Open-loop resonance measurements are performed on the vacuum-packaged devices, showing Q-factor values up to 290,000, a process yield
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In this work, the fabrication of wafer-level vacuum-packaged 3C-SiC on Si double- clamped beam resonators via glass–silicon anodic bonding using Ti-based vacuum gettering is reported. Open-loop resonance measurements are performed on the vacuum-packaged devices, showing Q-factor values up to 290,000, a process yield above 80%, and a maximum vacuum level around 10−2 mbar inside the Ti-gettered encapsulations.
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Open AccessAbstract
Equivalent Circuit Models for Impedimetric Sensors
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Eva-Maria Korek, Evanthia Chrysanthi Kounoupioti and Ralf Brederlow
Proceedings 2024, 97(1), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2024097043 - 18 Mar 2024
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In this work, equivalent circuit models for conductivity, reference, and potassium ion sensors are introduced and validated. The models help to understand and verify the sensors’ functioning and to determine the selective element of the potassium sensor as a capacitance that occurs below
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In this work, equivalent circuit models for conductivity, reference, and potassium ion sensors are introduced and validated. The models help to understand and verify the sensors’ functioning and to determine the selective element of the potassium sensor as a capacitance that occurs below 1 Hz. Measurements at 100 mHz suggest that the phase response of the sensor reveals advantages concerning response time and stability compared to the typically used magnitude.
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Open AccessAbstract
Fabricating Acetic Acid Sensors Using PVP Nanofibrous Scaffold Doubly Decorated with Mesoporous Graphene
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Paolo Papa, Emiliano Zampetti, Corrado Di Natale, Fabrizio De Cesare, Giovanna Tranfo and Antonella Macagnano
Proceedings 2024, 97(1), 42; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2024097042 - 18 Mar 2024
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A nanofibrous layer of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) was designed to house, both in the fiber core and onto its outer surface, nanoparticles of mesoporous graphene (MGC), which are able to selectively adsorb acetic acid vapors. When grown on interdigital fingers microelectrodes (IDEs), upon UV-light
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A nanofibrous layer of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) was designed to house, both in the fiber core and onto its outer surface, nanoparticles of mesoporous graphene (MGC), which are able to selectively adsorb acetic acid vapors. When grown on interdigital fingers microelectrodes (IDEs), upon UV-light irradiation taking place in air, the layer proved conductive and stable. Electrical and sensing features were significatively modulated by decorating the fiber surface with MGC (a sandwich-like structure) and polyethyleneimine (PEI). MGC, used both as a conductive filler and to decorate the fiber surface, strengthened the PVP scaffold and acted as a nucleation center for entrapping molecules of acetic acid. PEI improved the adhesion of MGC onto the surface. A preliminary study reported fast responses, high sensitivity with good linearity, selectivity, reversibility, and repeatability towards the acetic acid in ranges of up to hundreds of ppm at room temperature.
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Open AccessAbstract
Concept and Proof of Principle of an Acoustofluidic Single-Particle Sorting Device Using a Spatially Confined Acoustic Active Region
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Andreas Fuchsluger, Annalisa De Pastina, Tina Mitteramskogler, Rafael Ecker, Thomas Voglhuber-Brunnmaier, Nikolai Andrianov, Alexander Shatalov, Norbert Cselyuszka, Mohssen Moridi and Bernhard Jakoby
Proceedings 2024, 97(1), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2024097041 - 18 Mar 2024
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We present the concept and a proof-of-principle experiment for an acoustofluidic single- particle sorter. In a microfluidic channel, a flow profile with the following three parallel fluid domains is generated: buffer fluid in the center and buffer plus particles in the lateral domains.
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We present the concept and a proof-of-principle experiment for an acoustofluidic single- particle sorter. In a microfluidic channel, a flow profile with the following three parallel fluid domains is generated: buffer fluid in the center and buffer plus particles in the lateral domains. Due to the laminar flow regime present in microfluidics, the particles essentially follow the stream line(s) along the channel. In the spatially confined sorting and detection region, by switching on the standing acoustic wave, particles of interest (POIs) are pushed into the center fluid domain, thus leaving the chip at the center outlet. For particles of non-interest (PONIs), the acoustic region remains silent, so PONIs are not centered and follow their path to the side outlet.
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Open AccessAbstract
Experimental Development and Validation of an E-Textile Sleeve for Surface Electromyography
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Armando Coccia, Federica Amitrano, Gaetano Pagano, Arcangelo Biancardi, Giuseppe Tombolini and Giovanni D’Addio
Proceedings 2024, 97(1), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2024097040 - 18 Mar 2024
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This work describes the development of a leg sleeve with embedded e-textile electrodes for surface electromyography (sEMG). The novel device is a textile substrate with embedded circular electrodes made of conductive fabric, which can be connected to EMG acquisition systems. The performances of
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This work describes the development of a leg sleeve with embedded e-textile electrodes for surface electromyography (sEMG). The novel device is a textile substrate with embedded circular electrodes made of conductive fabric, which can be connected to EMG acquisition systems. The performances of the novel prototypical device were validated in comparison with standard sEMG electrodes. The experimental study involved 11 healthy volunteers, and general features extracted from the signals were compared using statistical methods. The results underline the absence of significant differences between the two systems, suggesting that the e-textile novel device is a viable alternative to conventional electrodes for collecting sEMG data.
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Open AccessAbstract
Electrochemical Performance of WS2-CNT Core–Shell Heterostructures for the Detection of Vitamin B2
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Rayhane Zribi, Muhammad Hamid Raza, Nicola Pinna and Giovanni Neri
Proceedings 2024, 97(1), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2024097039 - 18 Mar 2024
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In this study, a novel electrochemical sensor was developed for the quantitative determination of riboflavin. The tungsten disulfide (WS2) layer was deposited on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by atomic layer deposition (ALD), forming a CNTs-WS2 core–shell heterostructure. This material was used
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In this study, a novel electrochemical sensor was developed for the quantitative determination of riboflavin. The tungsten disulfide (WS2) layer was deposited on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by atomic layer deposition (ALD), forming a CNTs-WS2 core–shell heterostructure. This material was used to modify the commercial screen-printed carbon electrode in order to enhance its electrocatalytic activity toward the detection of vitamin B2. Cyclic voltammetry was performed as a preliminary test in the presence of riboflavin. In addition to this, an extensive electrochemical study was performed using differential pulse voltammetry, demonstrating that modified the CNTs-WS2/SPCE sensor display superior electrochemical performance compared with bare SPCE. The sensor exhibits a linear response in the concentration range from 0 µM to 45 µM, with remarkably enhanced sensitivity (9 μAμM−1cm−2) compared with the bare electrode, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 1.24 µM. This enhancement is attributed to the conformal growth of the WS2 flakes on the CNTs and the high surface area offered by these flakes.
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Open AccessAbstract
A Low-Cost Solution and Continuous Wavelet Transform Analysis for Structural Health Monitoring
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Bruno Andò, Danilo Greco and Giacomo Navarra
Proceedings 2024, 97(1), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2024097038 - 18 Mar 2024
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In this paper, a low-cost solution for Structural Health Monitoring is proposed, exploiting a dedicated embedded sensing system. Signals provided by the sensor node have been processed by Continuous Wavelet Transform. The node behavior to seismic-like solicitations and has been assessed in the
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In this paper, a low-cost solution for Structural Health Monitoring is proposed, exploiting a dedicated embedded sensing system. Signals provided by the sensor node have been processed by Continuous Wavelet Transform. The node behavior to seismic-like solicitations and has been assessed in the case of frequency sweeps. The results demonstrate the system’s suitability for use in Early Warning frameworks.
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Open AccessAbstract
Efficient Methods for Training and Validation of Odor Sensors
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Gina Zeh, Maximilian Koehne and Tilman Sauerwald
Proceedings 2024, 97(1), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2024097037 - 18 Mar 2024
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The correlation between a gas sensor pattern and its corresponding odor impression on human noses remains a scientific challenge for the development of technical odor detection systems. Small, inexpensive gas sensors, for example, those based on a metal oxide semiconductor (MOS), offer a
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The correlation between a gas sensor pattern and its corresponding odor impression on human noses remains a scientific challenge for the development of technical odor detection systems. Small, inexpensive gas sensors, for example, those based on a metal oxide semiconductor (MOS), offer a versatile platform for the development of application-specific sensor systems for odor detection or monitoring. The training of MOS sensors for odor detection remains a challenging task that has been addressed by recent advances. We hereby present a comprehensive method and instrumentation for the characterization and validation of MOS sensors using a gas chromatograph with a mass spectrometer and odor detection port.
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Open AccessAbstract
Development and Deployment of Portable Sensor Platforms Based on a Micro-Electro-Mechanical-System Chemoresistive Gas Sensor Array for Outdoor Air Quality Monitoring
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Andrea Gaiardo, Matteo Valt, Pietro Tosato, Marco Magoni, Vincenzo Guidi, Claudia Dolci and Pierluigi Bellutti
Proceedings 2024, 97(1), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2024097036 - 18 Mar 2024
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Nowadays, there is a growing demand for a well-distributed sensor network to monitor air quality which can aid policymakers in making decisions. This has led to an increase in the R&D of cost-effective and energy-efficient sensing solutions. In this study, sensing platforms composed
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Nowadays, there is a growing demand for a well-distributed sensor network to monitor air quality which can aid policymakers in making decisions. This has led to an increase in the R&D of cost-effective and energy-efficient sensing solutions. In this study, sensing platforms composed of MEMS chemoresistive gas sensors were developed and deployed in two Italian cities for the detection of pollutants. Over three years of measurements, the sensors have proven to be reliable in detecting CO, NO2 and O3 with high accuracy compared to data collected by local environmental protection agencies, paving the way for their potential validation and future adoption.
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Open AccessAbstract
Energy-Harvesting Smart Tiles for Human–Machine Interface Applications
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Alessandro Zompanti, Paolo Romeo, Anna Sabatini, Luca Vollero, Marco Santonico and Giorgio Pennazza
Proceedings 2024, 97(1), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2024097035 - 18 Mar 2024
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In this work, a human–machine interface with energy harvesting capabilities was developed and a modular floor made of tiles equipped with piezoelectric elements was produced. The developed platform was tested as a position-tracking system for a human user, allowing the tracking of the
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In this work, a human–machine interface with energy harvesting capabilities was developed and a modular floor made of tiles equipped with piezoelectric elements was produced. The developed platform was tested as a position-tracking system for a human user, allowing the tracking of the lower body in a virtual reality environment. Moreover, the energy collected by the device was evaluated.
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Open AccessAbstract
Two-Dimensional Localization of an Aluminum Tag Using the Electromagnetic Shielding Effect
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Kiera Montgomery and Kean Chin Aw
Proceedings 2024, 97(1), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2024097034 - 18 Mar 2024
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Electromagnetic shielding is an underutilized method for non-invasive proximity sensing that could be useful in automated production lines as a low-cost method to locate products. A strong relationship was shown between the position of a tag and individual sensors. The strength of the
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Electromagnetic shielding is an underutilized method for non-invasive proximity sensing that could be useful in automated production lines as a low-cost method to locate products. A strong relationship was shown between the position of a tag and individual sensors. The strength of the magnetic field generated by the coil was reduced by up to 25% when the tag was above the sensor and started to decay when the tag was within 15 mm of each sensor. These measurements can then be aggregated to provide a greater range of measurement.
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Open AccessAbstract
Enhancing Ozone Monitoring with Low-Cost Sensors and Deep Neural Network: A Novel Approach
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Marco Magoni, Andrea Gaiardo, Matteo Valt, Pietro Tosato, Barbara Fabbri and Vincenzo Guidi
Proceedings 2024, 97(1), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2024097033 - 18 Mar 2024
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Ozone is a crucial component of the Earth’s atmosphere, playing a critical role in protecting the planet from harmful ultraviolet radiation. However, its concentration can vary greatly across different regions with significant impacts on human health and environment equilibrium. The aim of this
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Ozone is a crucial component of the Earth’s atmosphere, playing a critical role in protecting the planet from harmful ultraviolet radiation. However, its concentration can vary greatly across different regions with significant impacts on human health and environment equilibrium. The aim of this work was to calibrate a low-cost sensing platform, based on chemoresistive gas sensors, to monitor the environmental concentration of O3. The ongoing on-field calibration is performed with a deep neural network using the concentration of O3 collected by the local environmental protection agencies through certified tools as the gold standard.
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Open AccessAbstract
Electropolymerized PEDOT:PSS Thin Films for Fabrication of Vertical Organic Electrochemical Transistors
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Andreas Schander, Michael Skowrons, Melanie Kirsch and Björn Lüssem
Proceedings 2024, 97(1), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2024097032 - 18 Mar 2024
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This paper presents novel vertical organic electrochemical transistors (vOECTs) with thin transistor channels grown by the electropolymerization of the electrically conductive polymer PEDOT:PSS. This new fabrication method avoids the need for the further structuring of the sensitive polymer layers, which will enable the
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This paper presents novel vertical organic electrochemical transistors (vOECTs) with thin transistor channels grown by the electropolymerization of the electrically conductive polymer PEDOT:PSS. This new fabrication method avoids the need for the further structuring of the sensitive polymer layers, which will enable the high-density integration of biosensors, e.g., on neural probes.
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Open AccessAbstract
Analysis and Development of Rotational Angle Sensor
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Yu-Wen Chen and Cheng-Yao Lo
Proceedings 2024, 97(1), 7025; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2024097025 - 15 Mar 2024
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This research focuses on the rotational angle acquisition of a flexible sensor. A numerical analysis is conducted during design to discuss the sensor’s capacitance changes under rotation. A working range from −4° to 4° is investigated and fittings are predicted. Furthermore, manufacturing processes
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This research focuses on the rotational angle acquisition of a flexible sensor. A numerical analysis is conducted during design to discuss the sensor’s capacitance changes under rotation. A working range from −4° to 4° is investigated and fittings are predicted. Furthermore, manufacturing processes are used to realize the electrode, mold and spacers. After that, the sensor is measured to determine its capacitance signal.
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Open AccessAbstract
Disentangling the Immunomodulatory Effects of Vitamin D on the SARS-CoV-2 Virus by In Vitro Approaches
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Ángela Alcalá-Santiago, Noelia M. Rodríguez-Martin, Justo Pedroche and Esther Molina-Montes
Proceedings 2023, 91(1), 415; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2023091415 - 15 Mar 2024
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Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin with multiple functions, including the modulation of the immune response, amongst others. Earlier studies have demonstrated that the active form of vitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxivitamin D, inhibits LPS-induced IL-6 and TNF-α production by human monocytes in a dose-dependent
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Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin with multiple functions, including the modulation of the immune response, amongst others. Earlier studies have demonstrated that the active form of vitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxivitamin D, inhibits LPS-induced IL-6 and TNF-α production by human monocytes in a dose-dependent manner. On the other hand, some in vitro studies support that this vitamin has immune modulatory effects on viral infections. However, it remains unclear whether vitamin D regulates the immune response in infectious diseases triggered by viruses such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes COVID-19. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory properties of vitamin D against the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. For this purpose, vitamin D was used in two different doses of 10 and 25 nM on the THP-1 cell line, which was stimulated with low doses of the SARS-CoV-2 virus spike protein. The THP-1 cell line, which is derived from human monocytic cells, was chosen since it contains the ACE2 transporter of the spike protein. Moreover, it is a widely used model to examine inflammatory processes due to its potential to stimulate inflammation and the release of inflammatory cytokines. The THP-1 cells were incubated for 1 h with the spike protein, subsequently treated with the two selected doses of vitamin D and incubated for 24 h. ELISA and RT-qPCR techniques were used to quantify the levels of inflammatory cytokines. Our results showed that vitamin D had no effect on the mRNA transcriptional levels of cytokine IL-6, but it was able to down-regulate the transcriptional levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α. There was no dose–response relationship between vitamin D and the expression of these genes. In conclusion, vitamin D inhibited inflammatory cytokine production on spike protein-stimulated inflammation in the THP1 cell line. The study is being completed by testing higher doses of vitamin D and of the spike protein. Additionally, other markers of inflammation are being measured through the use of transcriptomic analyses of the control vs. treated THP1 cells.
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(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 14th European Nutrition Conference FENS 2023)