Sample records for based electroanalytical systems

  1. Electroanalytical detection of pindolol: comparison of unmodified and reduced graphene oxide modified screen-printed graphite electrodes.

    PubMed

    Cumba, Loanda R; Smith, Jamie P; Brownson, Dale A C; Iniesta, Jesús; Metters, Jonathan P; do Carmo, Devaney R; Banks, Craig E

    2015-03-07

    Recent work has reported the first electroanalytical detection of pindolol using reduced graphene oxide (RGO) modified glassy carbon electrodes [S. Smarzewska and W. Ciesielski, Anal. Methods, 2014, 6, 5038] where it was reported that the use of RGO provided significant improvements in the electroanalytical signal in comparison to a bare (unmodified) glassy carbon electrode. We demonstrate, for the first time, that the electroanalytical quantification of pindolol is actually possible using bare (unmodified) screen-printed graphite electrodes (SPEs). This paper addresses the electroanalytical determination of pindolol utilising RGO modified SPEs. Surprisingly, it is found that bare (unmodified) SPEs provide superior electrochemical signatures over that of RGO modified SPEs. Consequently the electroanalytical sensing of pindolol is explored at bare unmodified SPEs where a linear range between 0.1 μM-10.0 μM is found to be possible whilst offering a limit of detection (3σ) corresponding to 0.097 μM. This provides a convenient yet analytically sensitive method for sensing pindolol. The optimised electroanalytical protocol using the unmodified SPEs, which requires no pre-treatment (electrode polishing) or electrode modification step (such as with the use of RGO), was then further applied to the determination of pindolol in urine samples. This work demonstrates that the use of RGO modified SPEs have no significant benefits when compared to the bare (unmodified) alternative and that the RGO free electrode surface can provide electro-analytically useful performances.

  2. Determination of degree of RBC agglutination for blood typing using a small quantity of blood sample in a microfluidic system.

    PubMed

    Chang, Yaw-Jen; Ho, Ching-Yuan; Zhou, Xin-Miao; Yen, Hsiu-Rong

    2018-04-15

    Blood typing assay is a critical test to ensure the serological compatibility of a donor and an intended recipient prior to a blood transfusion. This paper presents a microfluidic blood typing system using a small quantity of blood sample to determine the degree of agglutination of red blood cell (RBC). Two measuring methods were proposed: impedimetric measurement and electroanalytical measurement. The charge transfer resistance in the impedimetric measurement and the power parameter in the electroanalytical measurement were used for the analysis of agglutination level. From the experimental results, both measuring methods provide quantitative results, and the parameters are linearly and monotonically related to the degree of RBC agglutination. However, the electroanalytical measurement is more reliable than the impedimetric technique because the impedimetric measurement may suffer from many influencing factors, such as chip conditions. Five levels from non-agglutination (level 0) to strong agglutination (level 4+) can be discriminated in this study, conforming to the clinical requirement to prevent any risks in transfusion. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  3. Iterative absolute electroanalytical approach to characterization of bulk redox conducting systems.

    PubMed

    Lewera, Adam; Miecznikowski, Krzysztof; Chojak, Malgorzata; Makowski, Oktawian; Golimowski, Jerzy; Kulesza, Pawel J

    2004-05-15

    A novel electroanalytical approach is proposed here, and it is demonstrated with the direct and simultaneous determination of two unknowns: the concentration of redox sites and the apparent diffusion coefficient for charge propagation in a single crystal of dodecatungstophosphoric acid. This Keggin-type polyoxometalate serves as a model bulk redox conducting inorganic material for solid-state voltammetry. The system has been investigated using an ultramicrodisk working electrode in the absence of external liquid supporting electrolyte. The analytical method requires numerical solution of the combination of two equations in which the first one describes current (or charge) in a well-defined (either spherical or linear) diffusional regime and the second general equation describes chronoamperometric (or normal pulse voltammetric current) under mixed (linear-spherical) conditions. The iterative approach is based on successive approximations through calculation and minimizing the least-squares error function. The method is fairly universal, and in principle, it can be extended to the investigation of other bulk systems including sol-gel processed materials, redox melts, and solutions on condition that they are electroactive and well behaved, they contain redox centers at sufficiently high level, and a number of electrons for the redox reaction considered is known.

  4. Nanotechnology for Electroanalytical Biosensors of Reactive Oxygen and Nitrogen Species.

    PubMed

    Seenivasan, Rajesh; Kolodziej, Charles; Karunakaran, Chandran; Burda, Clemens

    2017-09-01

    Over the past several decades, nanotechnology has contributed to the progress of biomedicine, biomarker discovery, and the development of highly sensitive electroanalytical / electrochemical biosensors for in vitro and in vivo monitoring, and quantification of oxidative and nitrosative stress markers like reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS). A major source of ROS and RNS is oxidative stress in cells, which can cause many human diseases, including cancer. Therefore, the detection of local concentrations of ROS (e. g. superoxide anion radical; O 2 •- ) and RNS (e. g. nitric oxide radical; NO • and its metabolites) released from biological systems is increasingly important and needs a sophisticated detection strategy to monitor ROS and RNS in vitro and in vivo. In this review, we discuss the nanomaterials-based ROS and RNS biosensors utilizing electrochemical techniques with emphasis on their biomedical applications. © 2017 The Chemical Society of Japan & Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  5. [Development and application of electroanalytical methods in biomedical fields].

    PubMed

    Kusu, Fumiyo

    2015-01-01

    To summarize our electroanalytical research in the biomedical field over the past 43 years, this review describes studies on specular reflection measurement, redox potential determination, amperometric acid sensing, HPLC with electrochemical detection, and potential oscillation across a liquid membrane. The specular reflection method was used for clarifying the adsorption of neurotransmitters and their related drugs onto a gold electrode and the interaction between dental alloys and compound iodine glycerin. A voltammetric screening test using a redox potential for the antioxidative effect of flavonoids was proposed. Amperometric acid sensing based on the measurement of the reduction prepeak current of 2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone (VK3) or 3,5-di-tert-buty1-1,2-benzoquinone (DBBQ) was applied to determine acid values of fats and oils, titrable acidity of coffee, and enzyme activity of lipase, free fatty acids (FFAs) in serum, short-chain fatty acids in feces, etc. The electrode reactions of phenothiazines, catechins, and cholesterol were applied to biomedical analysis using HPLC with electrochemical detection. A three-channel electrochemical detection system was utilized for the sensitive determination of redox compounds in Chinese herbal medicines. The behavior of barbituric acid derivatives was examined based on potential oscillation measurements.

  6. Paper-based electroanalytical devices for in situ determination of salicylic acid in living tomato leaves.

    PubMed

    Sun, Li-Jun; Feng, Qiu-Mei; Yan, Yong-Feng; Pan, Zhong-Qin; Li, Xiao-Hui; Song, Feng-Ming; Yang, Haibing; Xu, Jing-Juan; Bao, Ning; Gu, Hai-Ying

    2014-10-15

    Detection of phytohormones in situ has gained significant attention due to their critical roles in regulating developmental processes and signaling for defenses in plants at low concentration. As one type of plant hormones, salicylic acid has recently been found to be one of pivotal signal molecules for physiological behaviors of plants. Here we report the application of paper-based electroanalytical devices for sensitively in situ detection of salicylic acid in tomato leaves with the sample volume of several microliters. Specifically, disposable working electrodes were fabricated by coating carbon tape with the mixture of multiwall carbon nanotubes and nafion. We observed that the treatment of the modified carbon tape electrodes with oxygen plasma could significantly improve electrochemical responses of salicylic acid. The tomato leaves had a punched hole of 1.5mm diameter to release salicylic acid with minor influence on continuous growth of tomatoes. By incorporating the tomato leaf with the paper-based analytical device, we were able to perform in situ determination of salicylic acid based on its electrocatalytic oxidation. Our experimental results demonstrated that the amounts of salicylic acid differed statistically in normal, phytoene desaturase (PDS) gene silent and diseased (infected by Botrytis cinerea) tomato leaves. By quantifying salicylic acid at the level of several nanograms in situ, the simple paper-based electroanalytical devices could potentially facilitate the study of defense mechanism of plants under biotic and abiotic stresses. This study might also provide a sensitive method with spatiotemporal resolution for mapping of chemicals released from living organisms. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  7. Communication—Quantitative Voltammetric Analysis of High Concentration Actinides in Molten Salts

    DOE PAGES

    Hoyt, Nathaniel C.; Willit, James L.; Williamson, Mark A.

    2017-01-18

    Previous electroanalytical studies have shown that cyclic voltammetry can provide accurate quantitative measurements of actinide concentrations at low weight loadings in molten salts. However, above 2 wt%, the techniques were found to underpredict the concentrations of the reactant species. Here this work will demonstrate that much of the discrepancy is caused by uncompensated resistance and cylindrical diffusion. An improved electroanalytical approach has therefore been developed using the results of digital simulations to take these effects into account. This approach allows for accurate electroanalytical predictions across the full range of weight loadings expected to be encountered in operational nuclear fuel processingmore » equipment.« less

  8. Communication—Quantitative Voltammetric Analysis of High Concentration Actinides in Molten Salts

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Hoyt, Nathaniel C.; Willit, James L.; Williamson, Mark A.

    Previous electroanalytical studies have shown that cyclic voltammetry can provide accurate quantitative measurements of actinide concentrations at low weight loadings in molten salts. However, above 2 wt%, the techniques were found to underpredict the concentrations of the reactant species. Here this work will demonstrate that much of the discrepancy is caused by uncompensated resistance and cylindrical diffusion. An improved electroanalytical approach has therefore been developed using the results of digital simulations to take these effects into account. This approach allows for accurate electroanalytical predictions across the full range of weight loadings expected to be encountered in operational nuclear fuel processingmore » equipment.« less

  9. Electroanalytical and Spectroscopic Studies of Poly(2,2'-bithiophene)-Modified Platinum Electrode to Detect Catechol in the Presence of Ascorbic Acid

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lunsford, Suzanne K.; Speelman, Nicole; Stinson, Jelynn; Yeary, Amber; Choi, Hyeok; Widera, Justyna; Dionysiou, Dionysios D.

    2008-01-01

    This article describes an undergraduate laboratory for an instrumental analysis course that integrates electroanalytical chemistry and infrared spectroscopy. Modified electrode surfaces are prepared by constant potentiometric electrolysis over the potential range of 1.5-1.8 V and analyzed by cyclic voltammetry and infrared spectroscopy. The…

  10. BIOAFFINITY SENSORS BASED ON CONDUCTING POLYMERS: A SHORT REVIEW. (R825323)

    EPA Science Inventory

    The development of new electrode materials has expanded the range and classes of detectable compounds using electroanalytical methods. Conducting electroactive polymers (CEPs) have been demonstrated to have remarkable sensing applications through their ability to be reversibly ox...

  11. Low cost microfluidic device based on cotton threads for electroanalytical application.

    PubMed

    Agustini, Deonir; Bergamini, Márcio F; Marcolino-Junior, Luiz Humberto

    2016-01-21

    Microfluidic devices are an interesting alternative for performing analytical assays, due to the speed of analyses, reduced sample, reagent and solvent consumption and less waste generation. However, the high manufacturing costs still prevent the massive use of these devices worldwide. Here, we present the construction of a low cost microfluidic thread-based electroanalytical device (μTED), employing extremely cheap materials and a manufacturing process free of equipment. The microfluidic channels were built with cotton threads and the estimated cost per device was only $0.39. The flow of solutions (1.12 μL s(-1)) is generated spontaneously due to the capillary forces, eliminating the use of any pumping system. To demonstrate the analytical performance of the μTED, a simultaneous determination of acetaminophen (ACT) and diclofenac (DCF) was performed by multiple pulse amperometry (MPA). A linear dynamic range (LDR) of 10 to 320 μmol L(-1) for both species, a limit of detection (LOD) and a limit of quantitation (LOQ) of 1.4 and 4.7 μmol L(-1) and 2.5 and 8.3 μmol L(-1) for ACT and DCF, respectively, as well as an analytical frequency of 45 injections per hour were reached. Thus, the proposed device has shown potential to extend the use of microfluidic analytical devices, due to its simplicity, low cost and good analytical performance.

  12. Electroanalysis and laccase-based biosensor on the determination of phenolic content and antioxidant power of honey samples.

    PubMed

    de Oliveira Neto, Jerônimo Raimundo; Rezende, Stefani Garcia; Lobón, Gérman Sanz; Garcia, Telma Alves; Macedo, Isaac Yves Lopes; Garcia, Luane Ferreira; Alves, Virgínia Farias; Torres, Ieda Maria Sapateiro; Santiago, Mariângela Fontes; Schmidt, Fernando; de Souza Gil, Eric

    2017-12-15

    Honey is a functional food widely consumed. Thus, the evaluation of honey samples to determine its phenolic content and antioxidant capacity (AOC) is relevant to determine its quality. Usually AOC is performed by spectrophotometric methods, which lacks reproducibility and practicality. In this context, the electroanalytical methods offer higher simplicity and accuracy. Hence, the aim of this work was to use of electroanalytical tools and laccase based biosensor on the evaluation of AOC and total phenol content (TPC) of honey samples from different countries. The antioxidant power established by electrochemical index presented good correlation with the spectrophotometric FRAP (Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma) and DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging assays. Also, TPC results obtained by the biosensor agreed with the Folin-Ciocalteu (FC) assay. In addition to the semi quantitative results, the electroanalysis offered qualitative parameters, which were useful to indicate the nature of major phenolic compounds. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  13. CAD/CAM-designed 3D-printed electroanalytical cell for the evaluation of nanostructured gas-diffusion electrodes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chervin, Christopher N.; Parker, Joseph F.; Nelson, Eric S.; Rolison, Debra R.; Long, Jeffrey W.

    2016-04-01

    The ability to effectively screen and validate gas-diffusion electrodes is critical to the development of next-generation metal-air batteries and regenerative fuel cells. The limiting electrode in a classic two-terminal device such as a battery or fuel cell is difficult to discern without an internal reference electrode, but the flooded electrolyte characteristic of three-electrode electroanalytical cells negates the prime function of an air electrode—a void volume freely accessible to gases. The nanostructured catalysts that drive the energy-conversion reactions (e.g., oxygen reduction and evolution in the air electrode of metal-air batteries) are best evaluated in the electrode structure as-used in the practical device. We have designed, 3D-printed, and characterized an air-breathing, thermodynamically referenced electroanalytical cell that allows us to mimic the Janus arrangement of the gas-diffusion electrode in a metal-air cell: one face freely exposed to gases, the other wetted by electrolyte.

  14. CAD/CAM-designed 3D-printed electroanalytical cell for the evaluation of nanostructured gas-diffusion electrodes.

    PubMed

    Chervin, Christopher N; Parker, Joseph F; Nelson, Eric S; Rolison, Debra R; Long, Jeffrey W

    2016-04-29

    The ability to effectively screen and validate gas-diffusion electrodes is critical to the development of next-generation metal-air batteries and regenerative fuel cells. The limiting electrode in a classic two-terminal device such as a battery or fuel cell is difficult to discern without an internal reference electrode, but the flooded electrolyte characteristic of three-electrode electroanalytical cells negates the prime function of an air electrode-a void volume freely accessible to gases. The nanostructured catalysts that drive the energy-conversion reactions (e.g., oxygen reduction and evolution in the air electrode of metal-air batteries) are best evaluated in the electrode structure as-used in the practical device. We have designed, 3D-printed, and characterized an air-breathing, thermodynamically referenced electroanalytical cell that allows us to mimic the Janus arrangement of the gas-diffusion electrode in a metal-air cell: one face freely exposed to gases, the other wetted by electrolyte.

  15. Role of carbon nanotubes in electroanalytical chemistry: a review.

    PubMed

    Agüí, Lourdes; Yáñez-Sedeño, Paloma; Pingarrón, José M

    2008-08-01

    This review covers recent advances in the development of new designs of electrochemical sensors and biosensors that make use of electrode surfaces modification with carbon nanotubes. Applications based on carbon nanotubes-driven electrocatalytic effects, and the construction and analytical usefulness of new hybrid materials with polymers or other nanomaterials will be treated. Moreover, electrochemical detection using carbon nanotubes-modified electrodes as detecting systems in separation techniques such as high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or capillary electrophoresis (CE) will be also considered. Finally, the preparation of electrochemical biosensors, including enzyme electrodes, immunosensors and DNA biosensors, in which carbon nanotubes play a significant role in their sensing performance will be separately considered.

  16. Multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)-doped polypyrrole DNA biosensor for label-free detection of genetically modified organisms by QCM and EIS.

    PubMed

    Truong, Thi Ngoc Lien; Tran, Dai Lam; Vu, Thi Hong An; Tran, Vinh Hoang; Duong, Tuan Quang; Dinh, Quang Khieu; Tsukahara, Toshifumi; Lee, Young Hoon; Kim, Jong Seung

    2010-01-15

    In this paper, we describe DNA electrochemical detection for genetically modified organism (GMO) based on multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)-doped polypyrrole (PPy). DNA hybridization is studied by quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). An increase in DNA complementary target concentration results in a decrease in the faradic charge transfer resistance (R(ct)) and signifying "signal-on" behavior of MWCNTs-PPy-DNA system. QCM and EIS data indicated that the electroanalytical MWCNTs-PPy films were highly sensitive (as low as 4pM of target can be detected with QCM technique). In principle, this system can be suitable not only for DNA but also for protein biosensor construction.

  17. Electroanalysis of microbial anodes for bioelectrochemical systems: basics, progress and perspectives.

    PubMed

    Rimboud, M; Pocaznoi, D; Erable, B; Bergel, A

    2014-08-21

    Over about the last ten years, microbial anodes have been the subject of a huge number of fundamental studies dealing with an increasing variety of possible application domains. Out of several thousands of studies, only a minority have used 3-electrode set-ups to ensure well-controlled electroanalysis conditions. The present article reviews these electroanalytical studies with the admitted objective of promoting this type of investigation. A first recall of basics emphasises the advantages of the 3-electrode set-up compared to microbial fuel cell devices if analytical objectives are pursued. Experimental precautions specifically relating to microbial anodes are then noted and the existing experimental set-ups and procedures are reviewed. The state-of-the-art is described through three aspects: the effect of the polarisation potential on the characteristics of microbial anodes, the electroanalytical techniques, and the electrode. We hope that the final outlook will encourage researchers working with microbial anodes to strengthen their engagement along the multiple exciting paths of electroanalysis.

  18. The electrochemical performance of graphene modified electrodes: an analytical perspective.

    PubMed

    Brownson, Dale A C; Foster, Christopher W; Banks, Craig E

    2012-04-21

    We explore the use of graphene modified electrodes towards the electroanalytical sensing of various analytes, namely dopamine hydrochloride, uric acid, acetaminophen and p-benzoquinone via cyclic voltammetry. In line with literature methodologies and to investigate the full-implications of employing graphene in this electrochemical context, we modify electrode substrates that exhibit either fast or slow electron transfer kinetics (edge- or basal- plane pyrolytic graphite electrodes respectively) with well characterised commercially available graphene that has not been chemically treated, is free from surfactants and as a result of its fabrication has an extremely low oxygen content, allowing the true electroanalytical applicability of graphene to be properly de-convoluted and determined. In comparison to the unmodified underlying electrode substrates (constructed from graphite), we find that graphene exhibits a reduced analytical performance in terms of sensitivity, linearity and observed detection limits towards each of the various analytes studied within. Owing to graphene's structural composition, low proportion of edge plane sites and consequent slow heterogeneous electron transfer rates, there appears to be no advantages, for the analytes studied here, of employing graphene in this electroanalytical context.

  19. Electroanalytical applications of screen-printable surfactant-induced sol-gel graphite composites

    DOEpatents

    Guadalupe, Ana R.; Guo, Yizhu

    2001-05-15

    A process for preparing sol-gel graphite composite electrodes is presented. This process preferably uses the surfactant bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate (AOT) and eliminates the need for a cosolvent, an acidic catalyst, a cellulose binder and a thermal curing step from prior art processes. Fabrication of screen-printed electrodes by this process provides a simple approach for electroanalytical applications in aqueous and nonaqueous solvents. Examples of applications for such composite electrodes produced from this process include biochemical sensors such as disposable, single-use glucose sensors and ligand modified composite sensors for metal ion sensitive sensors.

  20. Electro-Analytical Study of Material Interfaces Relevant for Chemical Mechanical Planarization and Lithium Ion Batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Turk, Michael C.

    This dissertation work involves two areas of experimental research, focusing specifically on the applications of electro-analytical techniques for interfacial material characterization. The first area of the work is centered on the evaluation and characterization of material components used for chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) in the fabrication of semiconductor devices. This part also represents the bulk of the projects undertaken for the present dissertation. The other area of research included here involves exploratory electrochemical studies of certain electrolyte and electrode materials for applications in the development of advanced lithium ion secondary batteries. The common element between the two areas of investigation is the technical approach that combines a broad variety of electro-analytical characterization techniques to examine application specific functions of the associated materials and devices. The CMP related projects concentrate on designing and evaluating materials for CMP slurries that would be useful in the processing of copper interconnects for the sub-22 nm technology node. Specifically, ruthenium and cobalt are nontraditional barrier materials currently considered for the new interconnects. The CMP schemes used to process the structures based on these metals involve complex surface chemistries of Ru, Co and Cu (used for wiring lines). The strict requirement of defect-control while maintaining material removal by precisely regulated tribo-corrosion complicates the designs of the CMP slurries needed to process these systems. Since Ru is electrochemically more noble than Cu, the surface regions of Cu assembled in contact with Ru tend to generate defects due to galvanic corrosion in the CMP environment. At the same time, Co is strongly reactive in the typical slurry environment and is prone to developing galvanic corrosion induced by Cu. The present work explores a selected class of alkaline slurry formulations aimed at reducing these galvanic corrosions in chemically controlled low-pressure CMP. The CMP specific functions of the slurry components are characterized in the tribo-electro-analytical approach by using voltammetry, open circuit potential (OCP) measurements and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in the presence as well as in the absence of surface abrasion, both with and without the inclusion of colloidal silica (SiO2) abrasives. The results are used to understand the reaction mechanisms responsible for supporting material removal and corrosion suppression. The project carried out in the area of Li ion batteries (LIBs) uses electro-analytical techniques to probe electrolyte characteristics as well as electrode material performance. The investigation concentrates on optimizing a tactically chosen set of electrolyte compositions for low-to-moderate temperature applications of lithium titanium oxide (LTO), a relatively new anode material for such batteries. For this application, mixtures of non-aqueous carbonate based solvents are studied in combination with lithium perchlorate. The temperature dependent conductivities of the electrolytes are rigorously measured and analyzed using EIS. The experimental considerations and the working principle of this EIS based approach are carefully examined and standardized in the course of this study. These experiments also investigate the effects of temperature variations (below room temperature) on the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation characteristics of LTO in the given electrolytes. This dissertation is organized as follows: Each experimental system and its relevance for practical applications are briefly introduced in each chapter. The experimental approach and the motivation for carrying out the investigation are also noted in that context. The experimental details specific to the particular study are described. This is followed by the results and their discussion, and subsequently, by the specific conclusions drawn from the given set of experiments. A general summary of the obtained results is presented at the end of the dissertation. Possible extensions of the present studies have also been briefly noted there.

  1. A facile electrochemical intercalation and microwave assisted exfoliation methodology applied to screen-printed electrochemical-based sensing platforms to impart improved electroanalytical outputs.

    PubMed

    Pierini, Gastón D; Foster, Christopher W; Rowley-Neale, Samuel J; Fernández, Héctor; Banks, Craig E

    2018-06-12

    Screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) are ubiquitous with the field of electrochemistry allowing researchers to translate sensors from the laboratory to the field. In this paper, we report an electrochemically driven intercalation process where an electrochemical reaction uses an electrolyte as a conductive medium as well as the intercalation source, which is followed by exfoliation and heating/drying via microwave irradiation, and applied to the working electrode of screen-printed electrodes/sensors (termed EDI-SPEs) for the first time. This novel methodology results in an increase of up to 85% of the sensor area (electrochemically active surface area, as evaluated using an outer-sphere redox probe). Upon further investigation, it is found that an increase in the electroactive area of the EDI-screen-printed based electrochemical sensing platforms is critically dependent upon the analyte and its associated electrochemical mechanism (i.e. adsorption vs. diffusion). Proof-of-concept for the electrochemical sensing of capsaicin, a measure of the hotness of chillies and chilli sauce, within both model aqueous solutions and a real sample (Tabasco sauce) is demonstrated in which the electroanalytical sensitivity (a plot of signal vs. concentration) is doubled when utilising EDI-SPEs over that of SPEs.

  2. Screen-printed back-to-back electroanalytical sensors.

    PubMed

    Metters, Jonathan P; Randviir, Edward P; Banks, Craig E

    2014-11-07

    We introduce the concept of screen-printed back-to-back electroanalytical sensors where in this facile and generic approach, screen-printed electrodes are printed back-to-back with a common electrical connection to the two working electrodes with the counter and reference electrodes for each connected in the same manner as a normal "traditional" screen-printed sensor would be. This approach utilises the usually redundant back of the screen-printed sensor, converting this "dead-space" into a further electrochemical sensor which results in improvements in the analytical performance. In the use of the back-to-back design, the electrode area is consequently doubled with improvements in the analytical performance observed with the analytical sensitivity (gradient of a plot of peak height/analytical signal against concentration) doubling and the corresponding limit-of-detection being reduced. We also demonstrate that through intelligent electrode design, a quadruple in the observed analytical sensitivity can also be realised when double microband electrodes are used in the back-to-back configuration as long as they are placed sufficiently apart such that no diffusional interaction occurs. Such work is generic in nature and can be facilely applied to a plethora of screen-printed (and related) sensors utilising the commonly overlooked redundant back of the electrode providing facile improvements in the electroanalytical performance.

  3. Can solvent induced surface modifications applied to screen-printed platforms enhance their electroanalytical performance?

    PubMed

    Blanco, Elias; Foster, Christopher W; Cumba, Loanda R; do Carmo, Devaney R; Banks, Craig E

    2016-04-25

    In this paper the effect of solvent induced chemical surface enhancements upon graphitic screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) is explored. Previous literature has indicated that treating the working electrode of a SPE with the solvent N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) offers improvements within the electroanalytical response, resulting in a 57-fold increment in the electrode surface area compared to their unmodified counterparts. The protocol involves two steps: (i) the SPE is placed into DMF for a selected time, and (ii) it is cured in an oven at a selected time and temperature. Beneficial electroanalytical outputs are reported to be due to the increased surface area attributed to the binder within the bulk surface of the SPEs dissolving out during the immersion step (step i). We revisit this exciting concept and explore these solvent induced chemical surface enhancements using edge- and basal-plane like SPEs and a new bespoke SPE, utilising the solvent DMF and explore, in detail, the parameters utilised in steps (i) and (ii). The electrochemical performance following steps (i) and (ii) is evaluated using the outer-sphere redox probe hexaammineruthenium(iii) chloride/0.1 M KCl, where it is found that the largest improvement is obtained using DMF with an immersion time of 10 minutes and a curing time of 30 minutes at 100 °C. Solvent induced chemical surface enhancement upon the electrochemical performance of SPEs is also benchmarked in terms of their electroanalytical sensing of NADH (dihydronicotinamide adenine dinucleotide reduced form) and capsaicin both of which are compared to their unmodified SPE counterparts. In both cases, it is apparent that a marginal improvement in the electroanalytical sensitivity (i.e. gradient of calibration plots) of 1.08-fold and 1.38-fold are found respectively. Returning to the original exciting concept, interestingly it was found that when a poor experimental technique was employed, only then significant increases within the working electrode area are evident. In this case, the insulating layer that defines the working electrode surface, which was not protected from the solvent (step (i)) creates cracks within the insulating layer exposing the underlying carbon connections and thus increasing the electrode area by an unknown quantity. We infer that the origin of the response reported within the literature, where an extreme increase in the electrochemical surface area (57-fold) was reported, is unlikely to be solely due to the binder dissolving but rather poor experimental control over step (i).

  4. Fabrication and characterization of an all-diamond tubular flow microelectrode for electroanalysis.

    PubMed

    Hutton, Laura A; Vidotti, Marcio; Iacobini, James G; Kelly, Chris; Newton, Mark E; Unwin, Patrick R; Macpherson, Julie V

    2011-07-15

    The development of the first all-diamond hydrodynamic flow device for electroanalytical applications is described. Here alternate layers of intrinsic (insulating), conducting (heavily boron doped), and intrinsic polycrystalline diamond are grown to create a sandwich structure. By laser cutting a hole through the material, it is possible to produce a tubular flow ring electrode of a characteristic length defined by the thickness of the conducting layer (for these studies ∼90 μm). The inside of the tube can be polished to 17 ± 10 nm surface roughness using a diamond impregnanted wire resulting in a coplanar, smooth, all-diamond surface. The steady-state limiting current versus volume flow rate characteristics for the one electron oxidation of FcTMA(+) are in agreement with those expected for laminar flow in a tubular electrode geometry. For dopamine detection, it is shown that the combination of the reduced fouling properties of boron doped diamond, coupled with the flow geometry design where the products of electrolysis are washed away downstream of the electrode, completely eradicates fouling during electrolysis. This paves the way for incorporation of this flow design into online electroanalytical detection systems. Finally, the all diamond tubular flow electrode system described here provides a platform for future developments including the development of ultrathin ring electrodes, multiple apertures for increased current response, and multiple, individually addressable ring electrodes incorporated into the same flow tube.

  5. Application of the rotating cylinder electrode in molten LiCl-KCl eutectic containing uranium(III)- and magnesium(II)-chloride

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rappleye, Devin; Simpson, Michael F.

    2017-04-01

    The application of the rotating cylinder electrode (RCE) to molten LiCl-KCl eutectic mixtures for electroanalytical measurements is presented. This enabled the measurement of the limiting current which was observed to follow a linear trend with the rotational rate raised to 0.64-0.65 power on average, which closely agrees with existing RCE mass-transfer correlations. This is the first publication of electroanalytical RCE measurements in LiCl-KCl eutectic based molten salt mixtures, to our knowledge. These measurements were made in mixtures of molten LiCl-KCl eutectic containing UCl3 and MgCl2. Kinetic parameters were calculated for Mg2+ in LiCl-KCl eutectic. The exchange current density (io) of Mg2+ deposition varied with mole fraction (x) according to io(A cm-2) = 1.64x0.689. The parameters from RCE measurements were also applied in an electrochemical co-deposition model entitled DREP to detect and predict the deposition rate of U and Mg. DREP succeeded in detecting the co-deposition of U and Mg, even when Mg constituted less than 0.5 wt% of the deposit.

  6. Electrochemical concentration measurements for multianalyte mixtures in simulated electrorefiner salt

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rappleye, Devin Spencer

    The development of electroanalytical techniques in multianalyte molten salt mixtures, such as those found in used nuclear fuel electrorefiners, would enable in situ, real-time concentration measurements. Such measurements are beneficial for process monitoring, optimization and control, as well as for international safeguards and nuclear material accountancy. Electroanalytical work in molten salts has been limited to single-analyte mixtures with a few exceptions. This work builds upon the knowledge of molten salt electrochemistry by performing electrochemical measurements on molten eutectic LiCl-KCl salt mixture containing two analytes, developing techniques for quantitatively analyzing the measured signals even with an additional signal from another analyte, correlating signals to concentration and identifying improvements in experimental and analytical methodologies. (Abstract shortened by ProQuest.).

  7. Electrochemical methods for monitoring of environmental carcinogens.

    PubMed

    Barek, J; Cvacka, J; Muck, A; Quaiserová, V; Zima, J

    2001-04-01

    The use of modern electroanalytical techniques, namely differential pulse polarography, differential pulse voltammetry on hanging mercury drop electrode or carbon paste electrode, adsorptive stripping voltammetry and high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection for the determination of trace amounts of carcinogenic N-nitroso compounds, azo compounds, heterocyclic compounds, nitrated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and aromatic and heterocyclic amines is discussed. Scope and limitations of these methods are described and some practical applications based on their combination with liquid-liquid or solid phase extraction are given.

  8. Quasi-reference electrodes in confined electrochemical cells can result in in situ production of metallic nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Perera, Rukshan T; Rosenstein, Jacob K

    2018-01-31

    Nanoscale working electrodes and miniaturized electroanalytical devices are valuable platforms to probe molecular phenomena and perform chemical analyses. However, the inherent close distance of metallic electrodes integrated into a small volume of electrolyte can complicate classical electroanalytical techniques. In this study, we use a scanning nanopipette contact probe as a model miniaturized electrochemical cell to demonstrate measurable side effects of the reaction occurring at a quasi-reference electrode. We provide evidence for in situ generation of nanoparticles in the absence of any electroactive species and we critically analyze the origin, nucleation, dissolution and dynamic behavior of these nanoparticles as they appear at the working electrode. It is crucial to recognize the implications of using quasi-reference electrodes in confined electrochemical cells, in order to accurately interpret the results of nanoscale electrochemical experiments.

  9. Application of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy: A phase behavior study of babassu biodiesel-based microemulsions.

    PubMed

    Pereira, Thulio C; Conceição, Carlos A F; Khan, Alamgir; Fernandes, Raquel M T; Ferreira, Maira S; Marques, Edmar P; Marques, Aldaléa L B

    2016-11-05

    Microemulsions are thermodynamically stable systems of two immiscible liquids, one aqueous and the other of organic nature, with a surfactant and/or co-surfactant adsorbed in the interface between the two phases. Biodiesel-based microemulsions, consisting of alkyl esters of fatty acids, open a new means of analysis for the application of electroanalytical techniques, and is advantageous as it eliminates the required pre-treatment of a sample. In this work, the phase behaviours of biodiesel-based microemulsions were investigated through the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technique. We observed thatan increase in the amount of biodiesel in the microemulsion formulation increases the resistance to charge transfer at the interface. Also, the electrical conductivity measurements revealed that a decrease or increase in electrical properties depends on the amount of biodiesel. EIS studies of the biodiesel-based microemulsion samples showed the presence of two capacitive arcs: one high-frequency and the other low-frequency. Thus, the formulation of microemulsions plays an important role in estimating the electrical properties through the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy technique. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  10. Application of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy: A phase behavior study of babassu biodiesel-based microemulsions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pereira, Thulio C.; Conceição, Carlos A. F.; Khan, Alamgir; Fernandes, Raquel M. T.; Ferreira, Maira S.; Marques, Edmar P.; Marques, Aldaléa L. B.

    2016-11-01

    Microemulsions are thermodynamically stable systems of two immiscible liquids, one aqueous and the other of organic nature, with a surfactant and/or co-surfactant adsorbed in the interface between the two phases. Biodiesel-based microemulsions, consisting of alkyl esters of fatty acids, open a new means of analysis for the application of electroanalytical techniques, and is advantageous as it eliminates the required pre-treatment of a sample. In this work, the phase behaviours of biodiesel-based microemulsions were investigated through the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technique. We observed thatan increase in the amount of biodiesel in the microemulsion formulation increases the resistance to charge transfer at the interface. Also, the electrical conductivity measurements revealed that a decrease or increase in electrical properties depends on the amount of biodiesel. EIS studies of the biodiesel-based microemulsion samples showed the presence of two capacitive arcs: one high-frequency and the other low-frequency. Thus, the formulation of microemulsions plays an important role in estimating the electrical properties through the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy technique.

  11. XCII. A Low-Cost Voltammetric Signal Generator for the Electroanalytical Chemistry Laboratory

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ewing, Galen W., Ed

    1977-01-01

    Describes the construction of a versatile signal generator suitable for use in cyclic voltammetric experiments, which can also be adapted to a conventional dc polarograph by replacing its ramp source. (MLH)

  12. Ultramicroelectrode Array Based Sensors: A Promising Analytical Tool for Environmental Monitoring

    PubMed Central

    Orozco, Jahir; Fernández-Sánchez, César; Jiménez-Jorquera, Cecilia

    2010-01-01

    The particular analytical performance of ultramicroelectrode arrays (UMEAs) has attracted a high interest by the research community and has led to the development of a variety of electroanalytical applications. UMEA-based approaches have demonstrated to be powerful, simple, rapid and cost-effective analytical tools for environmental analysis compared to available conventional electrodes and standardised analytical techniques. An overview of the fabrication processes of UMEAs, their characterization and applications carried out by the Spanish scientific community is presented. A brief explanation of theoretical aspects that highlight their electrochemical behavior is also given. Finally, the applications of this transducer platform in the environmental field are discussed. PMID:22315551

  13. Electroanalytical method for determination of lead(II) in orange and apple using kaolin modified platinum electrode.

    PubMed

    El Mhammedi, M A; Achak, M; Bakasse, M; Chtaini, A

    2009-08-01

    This paper reports on the use of platinum electrode modified with kaolin (K/Pt) and square wave voltammetry for analytical detection of trace lead(II) in pure water, orange and apple samples. The electroanalytical procedure for determination of the Pb(II) comprises two steps: the chemical accumulation of the analyte under open-circuit conditions followed by the electrochemical detection of the preconcentrated species using square wave voltammetry. The analytical performances of the extraction method has been explored by studying the incubating time, and effect of interferences due to other ions. During the preconcentration step, Pb(II) was accumulated on the surface of the kaolin. The observed detection and quantification limits in pure water were 3.6x10(-9)molL(-1) and 1.2x10(-8)molL(-1), respectively. The precision of the method was also determined; the results was 2.35% (n=5).

  14. Amperometric urea biosensors based on sulfonated graphene/polyaniline nanocomposite

    PubMed Central

    Das, Gautam; Yoon, Hyon Hee

    2015-01-01

    An electrochemical biosensor based on sulfonated graphene/polyaniline nanocomposite was developed for urea analysis. Oxidative polymerization of aniline in the presence of sulfonated graphene oxide was carried out by electrochemical methods in an aqueous environment. The structural properties of the nanocomposite were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy techniques. The urease enzyme-immobilized sulfonated graphene/polyaniline nanocomposite film showed impressive performance in the electroanalytical detection of urea with a detection limit of 0.050 mM and a sensitivity of 0.85 (μA · cm−2·mM−1. The biosensor achieved a broad linear range of detection (0.12–12.3 mM) with a notable response time of approximately 5 seconds. Moreover, the fabricated biosensor retained 81% of its initial activity (based on sensitivity) after 15 days of storage at 4°C. The ease of fabrication coupled with the low cost and good electrochemical performance of this system holds potential for the development of solid-state biosensors for urea detection. PMID:26346240

  15. Sensing in tissue bioreactors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rolfe, P.

    2006-03-01

    Specialized sensing and measurement instruments are under development to aid the controlled culture of cells in bioreactors for the fabrication of biological tissues. Precisely defined physical and chemical conditions are needed for the correct culture of the many cell-tissue types now being studied, including chondrocytes (cartilage), vascular endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells (blood vessels), fibroblasts, hepatocytes (liver) and receptor neurones. Cell and tissue culture processes are dynamic and therefore, optimal control requires monitoring of the key process variables. Chemical and physical sensing is approached in this paper with the aim of enabling automatic optimal control, based on classical cell growth models, to be achieved. Non-invasive sensing is performed via the bioreactor wall, invasive sensing with probes placed inside the cell culture chamber and indirect monitoring using analysis within a shunt or a sampling chamber. Electroanalytical and photonics-based systems are described. Chemical sensing for gases, ions, metabolites, certain hormones and proteins, is under development. Spectroscopic analysis of the culture medium is used for measurement of glucose and for proteins that are markers of cell biosynthetic behaviour. Optical interrogation of cells and tissues is also investigated for structural analysis based on scatter.

  16. A novel differential pulse voltammetric (DPV) method for measuring the antioxidant capacity of polyphenols-reducing cupric neocuproine complex.

    PubMed

    Tufan, Ayşe Nur; Baki, Sefa; Güçlü, Kubilay; Özyürek, Mustafa; Apak, Reşat

    2014-07-23

    A novel differential pulse voltammetric (DPV) method is presented, using a chromogenic oxidizing reagent, cupric neocuproine complex (Cu(Nc)2(2+)), for the assessment of antioxidant capacity of polyphenolic compounds (i.e., flavonoids, simple phenolic acids, and hydroxycinnamic acids), ascorbic acid, and real samples for the first time. The electrochemical behavior of the Cu(Nc)2(2+) complex was studied by cyclic voltammetry at a glassy carbon (GC) electrode. The electroanalytical method was based on the reduction of Cu(Nc)2(2+) to Cu(Nc)2(+) by antioxidants and electrochemical detection of the remaining Cu(II)-Nc (unreacted complex), the difference being correlated to antioxidant capacity of the analytes. The calibration curves of individual compounds comprising polyphenolics and vitamin C were constructed, and their response sensitivities and linear concentration ranges were determined. The reagent on the GC electrode retained its reactivity toward antioxidants, and the measured trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) values of various antioxidants suggested that the reactivity of the Cu(II)-Nc reagent is comparable to that of the solution-based spectrophotometric cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) assay. This electroanalytical method better tolerated sample turbidity and provided higher sensitivity (i.e., lower detection limits) in antioxidant determination than the spectrophotometric assay. The proposed method was successfully applied to the measurement of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in some herbal tea samples such as green tea, sage, marjoram, and alchemilla. Results demonstrated that the proposed voltammetric method has precision and accuracy comparable to those of the spectrophotometric CUPRAC assay.

  17. Geological and Inorganic Materials.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Jackson, L. L.; And Others

    1989-01-01

    Presents a review focusing on techniques and their application to the analysis of geological and inorganic materials that offer significant changes to research and routine work. Covers geostandards, spectroscopy, plasmas, microbeam techniques, synchrotron X-ray methods, nuclear activation methods, chromatography, and electroanalytical methods.…

  18. Recent advancements in nanoelectrodes and nanopipettes used in combined scanning electrochemical microscopy techniques.

    PubMed

    Kranz, Christine

    2014-01-21

    In recent years, major developments in scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) have significantly broadened the application range of this electroanalytical technique from high-resolution electrochemical imaging via nanoscale probes to large scale mapping using arrays of microelectrodes. A major driving force in advancing the SECM methodology is based on developing more sophisticated probes beyond conventional micro-disc electrodes usually based on noble metals or carbon microwires. This critical review focuses on the design and development of advanced electrochemical probes particularly enabling combinations of SECM with other analytical measurement techniques to provide information beyond exclusively measuring electrochemical sample properties. Consequently, this critical review will focus on recent progress and new developments towards multifunctional imaging.

  19. Polypeptide Functional Surface for the Aptamer Immobilization: Electrochemical Cocaine Biosensing.

    PubMed

    Bozokalfa, Guliz; Akbulut, Huseyin; Demir, Bilal; Guler, Emine; Gumus, Z Pınar; Odaci Demirkol, Dilek; Aldemir, Ebru; Yamada, Shuhei; Endo, Takeshi; Coskunol, Hakan; Timur, Suna; Yagci, Yusuf

    2016-04-05

    Electroanalytical technologies as a beneficial subject of modern analytical chemistry can play an important role for abused drug analysis which is crucial for both legal and social respects. This article reports a novel aptamer-based biosensing procedure for cocaine analysis by combining the advantages of aptamers as selective recognition elements with the well-known advantages of biosensor systems such as the possibility of miniaturization and automation, easy fabrication and modification, low cost, and sensitivity. In order to construct the aptasensor platform, first, polythiophene bearing polyalanine homopeptide side chains (PT-Pala) was electrochemically coated onto the surface of an electrode and then cocaine aptamer was attached to the polymer via covalent conjugation chemistry. The stepwise modification of the surface was confirmed by electrochemical characterization. The designed biosensing system was applied for the detection of cocaine and its metabolite, benzoylecgonine (BE), which exhibited a linear correlation in the range from 2.5 up to 10 nM and 0.5 up to 50 μM for cocaine and BE, respectively. In order to expand its practical application, the proposed method was successfully tested for the analysis of synthetic biological fluids.

  20. An electroanalytical approach for evaluation of biochar adsorption characteristics and its application for lead and cadmium determination.

    PubMed

    Suguihiro, Talita Mayumi; de Oliveira, Paulo Roberto; de Rezende, Edivaltrys Inayve Pissinati; Mangrich, Antonio Sálvio; Marcolino, Luiz Humberto; Bergamini, Márcio F

    2013-09-01

    This work describes for first time the use of electroanalytical techniques for evaluation of adsorptive proprieties of biochar using it as electrode modifier and its application for preconcentration and determination of Lead(II) and Cadmium(II) under differential pulse adsorptive voltammetric conditions (DPAdSV). Samples of biochars were obtained from castor oil cake using a predefined set of experimental conditions varying the heating rate (V), final temperature (T) and warm-up period (P) and subsequently used for carbon paste modified electrode (CPME) preparation. The proposed method was applied for Lead(II) and Cadmium(II) determination in spiked simulated industrial effluents and the limit of detection obtained for both metals were adequated for determination of these evaluated ions taking into account the limits established by Brazilian legislation. For all samples analyzed, recoveries ranged from 95% to 104% were obtained and no significative interferences were observed for common cations in water samples. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  1. Design of titanium nitride- and wolfram carbide-doped RGO/GC electrodes for determination of gallic acid.

    PubMed

    Stanković, Dalibor M; Ognjanović, Miloš; Martin, Fabian; Švorc, Ľubomir; Mariano, José F M L; Antić, Bratislav

    2017-12-15

    In the present paper, the electrochemical behavior and the properties of two modified glassy carbon (GC) electrodes used for quantification of gallic acid in sweet wines were compared. A comparative study was conducted between titanium nitride- or wolfram carbide-doped reduced graphene oxide, labeled as TNrGO and WCrGO, respectively, modified GC electrodes, which are promising composite nanomaterials for electroanalytical applications. For the first time, WCrGO was synthesized and its electroanalytical properties compared with those of TNrGO. Results showed that the proposed materials exhibited enhanced characteristics, e.g., low limits of detection (1.1 μM and 3.1 μM for TNrGO and WCrGO, respectively), wide linear ranges (for TNrGO 4.5-76 μM and for WCrGO 10-100 μM), low adsorption, and low background current, which make them promising candidates for electrochemical sensing applications. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  2. Electroanalytical study of proflavine intercalation in 5-methyl or inosine-containing amplicons.

    PubMed

    Alexiadou, Despina K; Ioannou, Andrea K; Kouidou-Andreou, Sofia A; Voulgaropoulos, Anastasios N; Girousi, Stella Th

    2008-10-01

    Amplicons corresponding to the GC-rich p53 exon 5 and its analogues, synthesized by substituting 60% of cytosine by 5-methyl-cytosine, or 60% of guanosine by inosine and GC-poor p53 exon 6 were synthesized and investigated electrochemically, in the presence and absence of proflavine, by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). Incorporation of base analogues and the thermal stability of the resulting amplicons were tested in the presence of a fluorescent probe (Sybr-Green). Peak current at 1.0 V was lower for methylated than for unmethylated PCR amplicons and was similarly affected by proflavine intercalation. In contrast, considerable peak current differences were observed in the presence of proflavine for unmodified exon 5 v.s. exon 6 or inosine-containing amplicons. Thermal analysis verified the expected shifts in melting temperature (T (m)) due to the base analogue incorporation and GC-content variations. In conclusion, methylated and unmethylated PCR amplicons could be distinguished in model DNA systems using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and use of proflavine could serve as an electrochemical probe for identifying different DNA conformations.

  3. Integration of gold-sputtered electrofluidic paper on wire-included analytical platforms for glucose biosensing.

    PubMed

    Núnez-Bajo, Estefanía; Carmen Blanco-López, M; Costa-García, Agustín; Teresa Fernández-Abedul, M

    2017-05-15

    This work describes the fabrication and evaluation of an electroanalytical paper-based platform based on the combination of both, reusable and disposable materials in order to generate simple, versatile and low-cost microfluidic devices. With this aim, a holder containing metal wires that act as reusable reference and counter electrodes has been developed. The gold-sputtered paper electrode is disposable and easily interchangeable, meanwhile the platform that includes reference and counter electrodes can be reused. The detection zone in the paper is delimited by drawing a hydrophobic line with an inexpensive permanent marker. The effect of experimental variables such as adding solutions through the face where the gold was sputtered (upwards) or through the opposite one (downwards) as well as of other working parameters were studied by cyclic and differential pulse voltammetry with potassium ferrocyanide as a common redox probe and indicator species for enzymatic, immune and DNA biosensing. Enzymatic determination of glucose in real food samples prove the feasibility of the developed system for the construction of electrochemical biosensors. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  4. Forensic electrochemistry: the electroanalytical sensing of synthetic cathinone-derivatives and their accompanying adulterants in "legal high" products.

    PubMed

    Smith, Jamie P; Metters, Jonathan P; Irving, Craig; Sutcliffe, Oliver B; Banks, Craig E

    2014-01-21

    The production and abuse of new psychoactive substances, known as "legal highs" which mimic traditional drugs of abuse is becoming a global epidemic. Traditional analytical methodologies exist which can provide confirmatory analysis but there is a requirement for an on-the-spot analytical screening tool that could be used to determine whether a substance, or sample matrix contains such legal, or formally "legal highs". In this paper the electrochemical sensing of (±)-methcathinone and related compounds at a range of commercially available electrode substrates is explored. We demonstrate for the first time that this class of "legal highs" are electrochemically active providing a novel sensing protocol based upon their electrochemical oxidation. Screen-printed graphite sensing platforms are favoured due to their proven ability to be mass-produced providing large numbers of reliable and reproducible electrode sensing platforms that preclude the requirement of surface pre-treatment such as mechanical polishing as is the case in the use of solid/re-usable electrode substrates. Additionally they hold potential to be used on-site potentially being the basis of an on-site legal high screening device. Consequently the electroanalytical sensing of (±)-methcathinone (3a), (±)-4′-methylmethcathinone [3b, 4-MMC, (±)-mephedrone] and (±)-4′-methyl-N-ethylcathinone (3c, 4-MEC) is explored using screen-printed sensing platforms with the effect of pH explored upon the analytical response with their analytical efficiency evaluated towards the target legal highs. Interesting at pH values below 6 the voltammetric response quantitatively changes from that of an electrochemically irreversible response to that of a quasi-reversible signature which can be used analytically. It is demonstrated for the first time that the electroanalytical sensing of (±)-methcathinone (3a), (±)-mephedrone (3b) and 4-MEC (3c) are possible with accessible linear ranges found to correspond to 16–200 μg mL(−1) for 3a (at pH 12) and 16–350 μg mL(−1) for both 3b and 3c in pH 2, with limits of detection (3σ) found to correspond to 44.5, 39.8 and 84.2 μg mL(−1) respectively. Additionally adulterants that are commonly incorporated into cathinone legal highs are electrochemically explored at both pH 2 and 12.

  5. Microfluidic thread based electroanalytical system for green chromatographic separations.

    PubMed

    Agustini, Deonir; Fedalto, Lucas; Bergamini, Márcio F; Marcolino-Junior, Luiz Humberto

    2018-02-13

    The use of miniaturized chromatographic systems is an important strategy for reducing the consumption of supplies related to separations, allowing the development of more sustainable analytical methodologies. However, the high cost and complexity in the production of these systems combined with the operational difficulties and the need for the use of solvent and sample pretreatment are challenges to be overcome in order to make the chromatographic methods greener. Here, we report the construction and development of a low cost microfluidic system for green and solvent-free chromatographic separations with electrochemical detection integrated into cotton threads without the use of any mechanical pumping to transport the solutions. The manufacture of the proposed system was performed by simple assembly of the components, with the separation of the species based on an ion exchange mechanism and detection using gold electrodes manufactured directly on the cotton threads. A linear range of 0.025-5.0 mM was obtained for the effective separation of ascorbic acid (AA) and dopamine (DA) with detection limits of 2.89 μM (for AA) and 4.41 μM (for DA). Each analysis was performed at a low cost (less than 0.01 dollars), and with a small volume of waste generated (107.1 μL). So, the proposed system was successfully employed to determine the levels of AA and DA present in the tears of healthy volunteers without sample pretreatment, indicating the good analytical performance of the system and the possibility of performing greener chromatographic separations.

  6. Electrochemical oxidation and electroanalytical determination of xylitol at a boron-doped diamond electrode.

    PubMed

    Lourenço, Anabel S; Sanches, Fátima A C; Magalhães, Renata R; Costa, Daniel J E; Ribeiro, Williame F; Bichinho, Kátia M; Salazar-Banda, Giancarlo R; Araújo, Mário C U

    2014-02-01

    Xylitol is a reduced sugar with anticariogenic properties used by insulin-dependent diabetics, and which has attracted great attention of the pharmaceutical, cosmetics, food and dental industries. The detection of xylitol in different matrices is generally based on separation techniques. Alternatively, in this paper, the application of a boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrode allied to differing voltammetric techniques is presented to study the electrochemical behavior of xylitol, and to develop an analytical methodology for its determination in mouthwash. Xylitol undergoes two oxidation steps in an irreversible diffusion-controlled process (D=5.05 × 10(-5)cm(2)s(-1)). Differential pulse voltammetry studies revealed that the oxidation mechanism for peaks P1 (3.4 ≤ pH ≤ 8.0), and P2 (6.0 ≤ pH ≤ 9.0) involves transfer of 1H(+)/1e(-), and 1e(-) alone, respectively. The oxidation process P1 is mediated by the (•)OH generated at the BDD hydrogen-terminated surface. The maximum peak current was obtained at a pH of 7.0, and the electroanalytical method developed, (employing square wave voltammetry) yielded low detection (1.3 × 10(-6) mol L(-1)), and quantification (4.5 × 10(-6) mol L(-1)) limits, associated with good levels of repeatability (4.7%), and reproducibility (5.3%); thus demonstrating the viability of the methodology for detection of xylitol in biological samples containing low concentrations. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  7. Electrochemical Oscillations of Nickel Electrodissolution in an Epoxy-Based Microchip Flow Cell

    PubMed Central

    Cioffi, Alexander G.; Martin, R. Scott; Kiss, István Z.

    2011-01-01

    We investigate the nonlinear dynamics of transpassive electrodissolution of nickel in sulfuric acid in an epoxy-based microchip flow cell. We observed bistability, smooth, relaxation, and period-2 waveform current oscillations with external resistance attached to the electrode in the microfabricated electrochemical cell with 0.05 mm diameter Ni wire under potentiostatic control. Experiments with 1mm × 0.1 mm Ni electrode show spontaneous oscillations without attached external resistance; similar surface area electrode in macrocell does not exhibit spontaneous oscillations. Combined experimental and numerical studies show that spontaneous oscillation with the on-chip fabricated electrochemical cell occurs because of the unusually large ohmic potential drop due to the constrained current in the narrow flow channel. This large IR potential drop is expected to have an important role in destabilizing negative differential resistance electrochemical (e.g., metal dissolution and electrocatalytic) systems in on-chip integrated microfludic flow cells. The proposed experimental setup can be extendend to multi-electrode configurations; the epoxy-based substrate procedure thus holds promise in electroanalytical applications that require collector-generator multi-electrodes wires with various electrode sizes, compositions, and spacings as well as controlled flow conditions. PMID:21822407

  8. Electrochemical Oscillations of Nickel Electrodissolution in an Epoxy-Based Microchip Flow Cell.

    PubMed

    Cioffi, Alexander G; Martin, R Scott; Kiss, István Z

    2011-08-01

    We investigate the nonlinear dynamics of transpassive electrodissolution of nickel in sulfuric acid in an epoxy-based microchip flow cell. We observed bistability, smooth, relaxation, and period-2 waveform current oscillations with external resistance attached to the electrode in the microfabricated electrochemical cell with 0.05 mm diameter Ni wire under potentiostatic control. Experiments with 1mm × 0.1 mm Ni electrode show spontaneous oscillations without attached external resistance; similar surface area electrode in macrocell does not exhibit spontaneous oscillations. Combined experimental and numerical studies show that spontaneous oscillation with the on-chip fabricated electrochemical cell occurs because of the unusually large ohmic potential drop due to the constrained current in the narrow flow channel. This large IR potential drop is expected to have an important role in destabilizing negative differential resistance electrochemical (e.g., metal dissolution and electrocatalytic) systems in on-chip integrated microfludic flow cells. The proposed experimental setup can be extendend to multi-electrode configurations; the epoxy-based substrate procedure thus holds promise in electroanalytical applications that require collector-generator multi-electrodes wires with various electrode sizes, compositions, and spacings as well as controlled flow conditions.

  9. Bioelectroanalysis in a Drop: Construction of a Glucose Biosensor

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Amor-Gutierrez, O.; Rama, E. C.; Fernandez-Abedul, M. T.; Costa-García, A.

    2017-01-01

    This lab experiment describes a complete method to fabricate an enzymatic glucose electroanalytical biosensor by students. Using miniaturized and disposable screen-printed electrodes (SPEs), students learn how to use them as transducers and understand the importance SPEs have acquired in sensor development during the last years. Students can also…

  10. In Situ Techniques for Monitoring Electrochromism: An Advanced Laboratory Experiment

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Saricayir, Hakan; Uce, Musa; Koca, Atif

    2010-01-01

    This experiment employs current technology to enhance and extend existing lab content. The basic principles of spectroscopic and electroanalytical techniques and their use in determining material properties are covered in some detail in many undergraduate chemistry programs. However, there are limited examples of laboratory experiments with in…

  11. Development of a Hydrogen Peroxide Sensor Based on Screen-Printed Electrodes Modified with Inkjet-Printed Prussian Blue Nanoparticles

    PubMed Central

    Cinti, Stefano; Arduini, Fabiana; Moscone, Danila; Palleschi, Giuseppe; Killard, Anthony J.

    2014-01-01

    A sensor for the simple and sensitive measurement of hydrogen peroxide has been developed which is based on screen printed electrodes (SPEs) modified with Prussian blue nanoparticles (PBNPs) deposited using piezoelectric inkjet printing. PBNP-modified SPEs were characterized using physical and electrochemical techniques to optimize the PBNP layer thickness and electroanalytical conditions for optimum measurement of hydrogen peroxide. Sensor optimization resulted in a limit of detection of 2 × 10−7 M, a linear range from 0 to 4.5 mM and a sensitivity of 762 μA·mM−1·cm−2 which was achieved using 20 layers of printed PBNPs. Sensors also demonstrated excellent reproducibility (<5% rsd). PMID:25093348

  12. Evolvable Smartphone-Based Platforms for Point-of-Care In-Vitro Diagnostics Applications.

    PubMed

    Patou, François; AlZahra'a Alatraktchi, Fatima; Kjægaard, Claus; Dimaki, Maria; Madsen, Jan; Svendsen, Winnie E

    2016-09-03

    The association of smart mobile devices and lab-on-chip technologies offers unprecedented opportunities for the emergence of direct-to-consumer in vitro medical diagnostics applications. Despite their clear transformative potential, obstacles remain to the large-scale disruption and long-lasting success of these systems in the consumer market. For instance, the increasing level of complexity of instrumented lab-on-chip devices, coupled to the sporadic nature of point-of-care testing, threatens the viability of a business model mainly relying on disposable/consumable lab-on-chips. We argued recently that system evolvability, defined as the design characteristic that facilitates more manageable transitions between system generations via the modification of an inherited design, can help remedy these limitations. In this paper, we discuss how platform-based design can constitute a formal entry point to the design and implementation of evolvable smart device/lab-on-chip systems. We present both a hardware/software design framework and the implementation details of a platform prototype enabling at this stage the interfacing of several lab-on-chip variants relying on current- or impedance-based biosensors. Our findings suggest that several change-enabling mechanisms implemented in the higher abstraction software layers of the system can promote evolvability, together with the design of change-absorbing hardware/software interfaces. Our platform architecture is based on a mobile software application programming interface coupled to a modular hardware accessory. It allows the specification of lab-on-chip operation and post-analytic functions at the mobile software layer. We demonstrate its potential by operating a simple lab-on-chip to carry out the detection of dopamine using various electroanalytical methods.

  13. Evolvable Smartphone-Based Platforms for Point-of-Care In-Vitro Diagnostics Applications

    PubMed Central

    Patou, François; AlZahra’a Alatraktchi, Fatima; Kjægaard, Claus; Dimaki, Maria; Madsen, Jan; Svendsen, Winnie E.

    2016-01-01

    The association of smart mobile devices and lab-on-chip technologies offers unprecedented opportunities for the emergence of direct-to-consumer in vitro medical diagnostics applications. Despite their clear transformative potential, obstacles remain to the large-scale disruption and long-lasting success of these systems in the consumer market. For instance, the increasing level of complexity of instrumented lab-on-chip devices, coupled to the sporadic nature of point-of-care testing, threatens the viability of a business model mainly relying on disposable/consumable lab-on-chips. We argued recently that system evolvability, defined as the design characteristic that facilitates more manageable transitions between system generations via the modification of an inherited design, can help remedy these limitations. In this paper, we discuss how platform-based design can constitute a formal entry point to the design and implementation of evolvable smart device/lab-on-chip systems. We present both a hardware/software design framework and the implementation details of a platform prototype enabling at this stage the interfacing of several lab-on-chip variants relying on current- or impedance-based biosensors. Our findings suggest that several change-enabling mechanisms implemented in the higher abstraction software layers of the system can promote evolvability, together with the design of change-absorbing hardware/software interfaces. Our platform architecture is based on a mobile software application programming interface coupled to a modular hardware accessory. It allows the specification of lab-on-chip operation and post-analytic functions at the mobile software layer. We demonstrate its potential by operating a simple lab-on-chip to carry out the detection of dopamine using various electroanalytical methods. PMID:27598208

  14. Eletrochemical reduction of patulin and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural in both neutral and acid non-aqueous media. Their electroanalytical determination in apple juices.

    PubMed

    Damián Chanique, Gerardo; Heraldo Arévalo, Alejandro; Alicia Zon, María; Fernández, Héctor

    2013-07-15

    The electro-reduction of patulin mycotoxin and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural at glassy carbon electrodes in acetonitrile +0.1 mol L(-1) tetrabutylammonium perchlorate, in both the absence and the presence of different aliquots of trifluoroacetic acid is reported. 5-hydroxymethylfurfural is the most common interference in the determination of patulin in products derived from apples. The electrochemical techniques were cyclic and square wave voltammetries, and controlled potential bulk electrolysis. The number of electrons exchanged in the patulin electro-reduction of n=1 could be inferred from controlled potential bulk electrolysis measurements. Ultraviolet-visible and infrared spectroscopies were used to identify patulin electro-reduction product/s. A value of (2.1±0.1)×10(-5) cm(2) s(-1) for the patulin diffusion coefficient was calculated from convoluted cyclic voltammograms. A method based on square wave voltammetry was developed for the quantitative determination of patulin in both fresh, and commercial apple juices in the presence of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural. Calibration curves obtained from solutions of the commercial reagent, and commercial apple juices were linear in the range from 3.0×10(-7) to 2.2×10(-5) mol L(-1). The lowest concentration measured experimentally for a signal to noise ratio of 3:1 was 3×10(-7) mol L(-1) (45 ppb) and a recovery percent of 84% was determined for commercial apple juices. This electroanalytical methodology appears as a good screening method for the determination of patulin in apple juices. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  15. [Determination of several antibiotics using voltamperometry at the interface of nitrobenzene and water].

    PubMed

    Koryta, I; Kozlov, Iu N; Gofmanova, A; Khalil, V; Vanysek, P

    1983-11-01

    A new electroanalytical method of voltamperometry at the interface of two immiscible electrolyte solutions (ITIES) is based on electrochemical polarization of a liquid/liquid interface. The resulting current voltage characteristics completely resemble those obtained with metallic electrodes. The charge transfer processes are either the direct ion transfer across the ITIES or the transfer facilitated by macrocyclic ionophores. Determination of tetracycline antibiotics is based on the direct transfer of the cationic forms of these substances in acid media. Determination of valinomycin, nonactin and monensin acting as ion carriers is connected with the facilitated alkali metal ion transfer. In general, antibiotic concentrations higher than 0.02-0.05 mmol/l can be determined with this method. Monensin can also be determined in the extracts of Streptomyces cinnamonensis.

  16. Recent advances in the development and application of nanoelectrodes.

    PubMed

    Fan, Yunshan; Han, Chu; Zhang, Bo

    2016-10-07

    Nanoelectrodes have key advantages compared to electrodes of conventional size and are the tool of choice for numerous applications in both fundamental electrochemistry research and bioelectrochemical analysis. This Minireview summarizes recent advances in the development, characterization, and use of nanoelectrodes in nanoscale electroanalytical chemistry. Methods of nanoelectrode preparation include laser-pulled glass-sealed metal nanoelectrodes, mass-produced nanoelectrodes, carbon nanotube based and carbon-filled nanopipettes, and tunneling nanoelectrodes. Several new topics of their recent application are covered, which include the use of nanoelectrodes for electrochemical imaging at ultrahigh spatial resolution, imaging with nanoelectrodes and nanopipettes, electrochemical analysis of single cells, single enzymes, and single nanoparticles, and the use of nanoelectrodes to understand single nanobubbles.

  17. Paper-based electrochemical sensor for on-site detection of the sulphur mustard.

    PubMed

    Colozza, Noemi; Kehe, Kai; Popp, Tanja; Steinritz, Dirk; Moscone, Danila; Arduini, Fabiana

    2018-06-22

    Herein, we report a novel paper-based electrochemical sensor for on-site detection of sulphur mustards. This sensor was conceived combining office paper-based electrochemical sensor with choline oxidase enzyme to deliver a sustainable sensing tool. The mustard agent detection relies on the evaluation of inhibition degree of choline oxidase, which is reversibly inhibited by sulphur mustards, by measuring the enzymatic by-product H 2 O 2 in chronoamperometric mode. A nanocomposite constituted of Prussian Blue nanoparticles and Carbon Black was used as working electrode modifier to improve the electroanalytical performances. This bioassay was successfully applied for the measurement of a sulphur mustard, Yprite, obtaining a detection limit in the millimolar range (LOD = 0.9 mM). The developed sensor, combined with a portable and easy-to-use instrumentation, can be applied for a fast and cost-effective detection of sulphur mustards.

  18. Report on Contract W911NF-05-1-0339 (Clarkson University)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-11-30

    voltammetry and impedance spectroscopy: voltage dependent parameters of a silicon solar cell under controlled illumination and temperature, Energy...voltammetry for quantitative evaluation of temperature and voltage dependent parameters of a silicon solar cell , Solar Energy, (11 2011): 0. doi: 10.1016...characterization of silicon solar cells in the electro-analytical approach: Combined measurements of temperature and voltage dependent electrical

  19. Quantitative Determining of Ultra-Trace Aluminum Ion in Environmental Samples by Liquid Phase Microextraction Assisted Anodic Stripping Voltammetry.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Liuyang; Luo, Jinju; Shen, Xinyu; Li, Chunya; Wang, Xian; Nie, Bei; Fang, Huaifang

    2018-05-10

    Direct detecting of trace amount Al(III) in aqueous solution by stripping voltammetry is often frustrated by its irreversible reduction, resided at −1.75 V (vs. Ag/AgCl reference), which is in a proximal potential of proton reduction. Here, we described an electroanalytical approach, combined with liquid phase microextraction (LPME) using ionic liquid (IL), to quantitatively assess trace amount aluminum in environmental samples. The Al(III) was caged by 8-hydroxyquinoline, forming a superb hydrophobic metal⁻chelate, which sequentially transfers and concentrates in the bottom layer of IL-phase during LPME. The preconcentrated Al(III) was further analyzed by a square-wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SW-ASV). The resulting Al-deposited electrodes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and powder X-ray diffraction, showing the intriguing amorphous nanostructures. The method developed provides a linear calibration ranging from 0.1 to 1.2 ng L −1 with a correlation coefficient of 0.9978. The LOD attains as low as 1 pmol L −1 , which reaches the lowest report for Al(III) detection using electroanalytical techniques. The applicable methodology was implemented for monitoring Al(III) in commercial distilled water.

  20. A square-wave adsorptive stripping voltammetric method for the determination of Amaranth, a food additive dye.

    PubMed

    Alghamdi, Ahmad H

    2005-01-01

    Square-wave adsorptive stripping voltammetric (AdSV) determinations of trace concentrations of the azo coloring agent Amaranth are described. The analytical methodology used was based on the adsorptive preconcentration of the dye on the hanging mercury drop electrode, followed by initiation of a negative sweep. In a pH 10 carbonate supporting electrolyte, Amaranth gave a well-defined and sensitive AdSV peak at -518 mV. The electroanalytical determination of this azo dye was found to be optimal in carbonate buffer (pH 10) under the following experimental conditions: accumulation time, 120 s; accumulation potential, 0.0 V; scan rate, 600 mV/s; pulse amplitude, 90 mV; and frequency, 50 Hz. Under these optimized conditions the AdSV peak current was proportional over the concentration range 1 x 10(-8)-1.1 x 10(-7) mol/L (r = 0.999) with a detection limit of 1.7 x 10(-9) mol/L (1.03 ppb). This analytical approach possessed enhanced sensitivity, compared with conventional liquid chromatography or spectrophotometry and it was simple and fast. The precision of the method, expressed as the relative standard deviation, was 0.23%, whereas the accuracy, expressed as the mean recovery, was 104%. Possible interferences by several substances usually present as food additive azo dyes (E110, E102), gelatin, natural and artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and antioxidants were also investigated. The developed electroanalyticals method was applied to the determination of Amaranth in soft drink samples, and the results were compared with those obtained by a reference spectrophotometric method. Statistical analysis (paired t-test) of these data showed that the results of the 2 methods compared favorably.

  1. Graphene oxide electrochemistry: the electrochemistry of graphene oxide modified electrodes reveals coverage dependent beneficial electrocatalysis

    PubMed Central

    Smith, Graham C.

    2017-01-01

    The modification of electrode surfaces is widely implemented in order to try and improve electron transfer kinetics and surface interactions, most recently using graphene related materials. Currently, the use of ‘as is’ graphene oxide (GO) has been largely overlooked, with the vast majority of researchers choosing to reduce GO to graphene or use it as part of a composite electrode. In this paper, ‘as is’ GO is explored and electrochemically characterized using a range of electrochemical redox probes, namely potassium ferrocyanide(II), N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine (TMPD), dopamine hydrochloride and epinephrine. Furthermore, the electroanalytical efficacy of GO is explored towards the sensing of dopamine hydrochloride and epinephrine via cyclic voltammetry. The electrochemical response of GO is benchmarked against pristine graphene and edge plane-/basal plane pyrolytic graphite (EPPG and BPPG respectively) alternatives, where the GO shows an enhanced electrochemical/electroanalytical response. When using GO as an electrode material, the electrochemical response of the analytes studied herein deviate from that expected and exhibit altered electrochemical responses. The oxygenated species encompassing GO strongly influence and dominate the observed voltammetry, which is crucially coverage dependent. GO electrocatalysis is observed, which is attributed to the presence of beneficial oxygenated species dictating the response in specific cases, demonstrating potential for advantageous electroanalysis to be realized. Note however, that crucial coverage based regions are observed at GO modified electrodes, owing to the synergy of edge plane sites and oxygenated species. We report the true beneficial electrochemistry of GO, which has enormous potential to be beneficially used in various electrochemical applications ‘as is’ rather than be simply used as a precursor to making graphene and is truly a fascinating member of the graphene family. PMID:29291099

  2. Simultaneous Voltammetric Determination of Acetaminophen and Isoniazid (Hepatotoxicity-Related Drugs) Utilizing Bismuth Oxide Nanorod Modified Screen-Printed Electrochemical Sensing Platforms.

    PubMed

    Mahmoud, Bahaa G; Khairy, Mohamed; Rashwan, Farouk A; Banks, Craig E

    2017-02-07

    To overcome the recent outbreaks of hepatotoxicity-related drugs, a new analytical tool for the continuously determination of these drugs in human fluids is required. Electrochemical-based analytical methods offer an effective, rapid, and simple tool for on-site determination of various organic and inorganic species. However, the design of a sensitive, selective, stable, and reproducible sensor is still a major challenge. In the present manuscript, a facile, one-pot hydrothermal synthesis of bismuth oxide (Bi 2 O 2.33 ) nanostructures (nanorods) was developed. These BiO nanorods were cast onto mass disposable graphite screen-printed electrodes (BiO-SPEs), allowing the ultrasensitive determination of acetaminophen (APAP) in the presence of its common interference isoniazid (INH), which are both found in drug samples. The simultaneous electroanalytical sensing using BiO-SPEs exhibited strong electrocatalytic activity toward the sensing of APAP and INH with an enhanced analytical signal (voltammetric peak) over that achievable at unmodified (bare) SPEs. The electroanalytical sensing of APAP and INH are possible with accessible linear ranges from 0.5 to 1250 μM and 5 to 1760 μM with limits of detection (3σ) of 30 nM and 1.85 μM, respectively. The stability, reproducibility, and repeatability of BiO-SPE were also investigated. The BiO-SPEs were evaluated toward the sensing of APAP and INH in human serum, urine, saliva, and tablet samples. The results presented in this paper demonstrate that BiO-SPEs sensing platforms provide a potential candidate for the accurate determination of APAP and INH within human fluids and pharmaceutical formulations.

  3. A novel electroanalytical approach based on the use of a room temperature ionic liquid for the determination of olive oil acidity.

    PubMed

    Baldo, M Antonietta; Oliveri, Paolo; Simonetti, Remo; Daniele, Salvatore

    2016-12-01

    In this paper, a novel voltammetric/amperometric approach for the direct determination of free acidity (FFA, expressed as mass percentage of free oleic acid) in olive oil samples is presented. The method is based on the reduction processes occurring at a platinum microdisk electrode involving the free fatty acids present in the matrices. To overcome problems related to the low conductivity of the samples investigated, olive oils were mixed with suitable amounts of the room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL), tri-hexyl(tetradecyl)phosphonium bis (trifluoromethylsulfonyl) imide ([P 14,6,6,6 ] + [NTf 2 ] - ), which acted as a supporting electrolyte. Conditions for a reliable quantification of the acids were preliminarily investigated by performing voltammetric and chronoamperometric measurements in RTIL solutions containing oleic acid at different concentrations. Oleic acid (OA) was chosen as a model compound as it is the main component of the FFA content in olive oils. In order to establish the effect of oxygen on the electroanalytical responses, the reduction process of OA was investigated under both deoxygenated and oxygenated conditions. It was found that, in both situations, the current arising from the electrode process of OA depended linearly on the OA concentration over a wide range varying from 0.1% to 8% OA (w/w). This range includes FFA values which can be found on all categories of commercially available oil samples, including extra-virgin, virgin and lampante oils. Voltammetric and chronoamperometric experiments were also performed in oil/RTIL samples artificially acidified (extra-virgin olive oils with known addition of oleic acid) and in natural olive oils from some commercial categories. The results obtained indicated that the electrochemical procedure developed was satisfactory in terms of both sensitivity and detection limits. The reliability of the proposed approach for the detection of FFA was finally assessed by comparison of the voltammetric/chronoamperometric values with those obtained by the official method for quantification of olive oil acidity, which is an acid/base volumetric titration. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  4. Common Principles of Molecular Electronics and Nanoscale Electrochemistry.

    PubMed

    Bueno, Paulo Roberto

    2018-05-24

    The merging of nanoscale electronics and electrochemistry can potentially modernize the way electronic devices are currently engineered or constructed. It is well known that the greatest challenges will involve not only miniaturizing and improving the performance of mobile devices, but also manufacturing reliable electrical vehicles, and engineering more efficient solar panels and energy storage systems. These are just a few examples of how technological innovation is dependent on both electrochemical and electronic elements. This paper offers a conceptual discussion of this central topic, with particular focus on the impact that uniting physical and chemical concepts at a nanoscale could have on the future development of electroanalytical devices. The specific example to which this article refers pertains to molecular diagnostics, i.e., devices that employ physical and electrochemical concepts to diagnose diseases.

  5. An electrochemical fungicide pyrimethanil sensor based on carbon nanotubes/ionic-liquid construction modified electrode.

    PubMed

    Yang, Jichun; Wang, Qiong; Zhang, Minhui; Zhang, Shuming; Zhang, Lei

    2015-11-15

    In this study, a simple, rapid, sensitive and environmentally friendly electroanalytical detection method for pyrimethanil (PMT) was developed, which was based on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and ionic liquids (IL) 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([BMIM][PF6]) modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE). MWCNTs-IL modified electrode significantly enhanced the oxidation peak current of PMT by combining the excellent electrochemical properties of MWCNTs and IL, suggesting that the modified electrode can remarkably improve the sensitivity of PMT detection. Under the optimum conditions, this electrochemical sensor exhibited a linear concentration range for PMT of 1.0 × 10(-7)-1.0 × 10(-4) mol L(-1) and the detection limit was 1.6 × 10(-8) mol L(-1) (S/N = 3). The fabricated electrode showed good reproducibility, stability and anti-interference, and also it was successfully employed to detect PMT in real samples. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  6. Fundamental Aspects of Single Molecule and Zeptomole Electroanalysis

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2018-04-01

    objective of our research program was to provide the fundamental understanding required for using the principles of electroanalytical chemistry to detect...report is organized in terms of research in the individual co-PI laboratories. Figure 1. A probe DNA sequence (red) immobilized onto a nanoscale...were tested on both Au microelectrodes, an Au microband in a microfluidic device, and an Au microband in a microfluidic device in the presence of a

  7. The natural diatomite from caldiran-van (Turkey): electroanalytical application to antimigraine compound naratriptan at modified carbon paste electrode.

    PubMed

    Calışkan, Necla; Sögüt, Eda; Saka, Cafer; Yardım, Yavuz; Sentürk, Zuhre

    2010-09-01

    This paper is the first report describing the characterization of local diatomite of Caldiran-Van region (Eastern Anatolia, Turkey). Special attention was paid to the ability of its electroanalytical performance at modified electrodes and to the potential application of diatomite-modified electrode. For this purpose, the determination of Naratriptan which is a novel oral triptan (5-hydroxytryptamine receptor agonist) in migraine treatment, by means of a carbon paste electrode modified with 10% (w/w) of diatomite was studied using cyclic and square-wave voltammetry. The experimental conditions that affect the electrode reaction process were studied in terms of pH of the supporting electrolyte, scan rate, accumulation variables, modifier composition and square-wave parameters. Using square-wave stripping mode, the drug yielded a well-defined voltammetric response in Britton-Robinson buffer, pH 4.0 at 0.84 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) (a pre-concentration step being carried out with an open circuit at 120 s). The process could be used to determine Naratriptan concentrations in the range 5x10(-7)-9x10(-7) M, with a detection limit of 1.25x10(-7) M (46.5 mug L(-1)). The applicability of the method to spiked human urine samples was illustrated.

  8. Characterization and optimization of low cost microfluidic thread based electroanalytical device for micro flow injection analysis.

    PubMed

    Agustini, Deonir; Bergamini, Márcio F; Marcolino-Junior, Luiz Humberto

    2017-01-25

    The micro flow injection analysis (μFIA) is a powerful technique that uses the principles of traditional flow analysis in a microfluidic device and brings a number of improvements related to the consumption of reagents and samples, speed of analysis and portability. However, the complexity and cost of manufacturing processes, difficulty in integrating micropumps and the limited performance of systems employing passive pumps are challenges that must be overcome. Here, we present the characterization and optimization of a low cost device based on cotton threads as microfluidic channel to perform μFIA based on passive pumps with good analytical performance in a simple, easy and inexpensive way. The transport of solutions is made through cotton threads by capillary force facilitated by gravity. After studying and optimizing several features related to the device, were obtained a flow rate of 2.2 ± 0.1 μL s -1 , an analytical frequency of 208 injections per hour, a sample injection volume of 2.0 μL and a waste volume of approximately 40 μL per analysis. For chronoamperometric determination of naproxen, a detection limit of 0.29 μmol L -1 was reached, with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 1.69% between injections and a RSD of 3.79% with five different devices. Thus, based on the performance presented by proposed microfluidic device, it is possible to overcome some limitations of the μFIA systems based on passive pumps and allow expansion in the use of this technique. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  9. Chemically-modified graphenes for oxidation of DNA bases: analytical parameters.

    PubMed

    Goh, Madeline Shuhua; Bonanni, Alessandra; Ambrosi, Adriano; Sofer, Zdeněk; Pumera, Martin

    2011-11-21

    We studied the electroanalytical performances of chemically-modified graphenes (CMGs) containing different defect densities and amounts of oxygen-containing groups, namely graphite oxide (GPO), graphene oxide (GO), thermally reduced graphene oxide (TR-GO) and electrochemically reduced graphene oxide (ER-GO) by comparing the sensitivity, selectivity, linearity and repeatability towards the oxidation of DNA bases. We have observed that for differential pulse voltammetric (DPV) detection of adenine and cytosine, all CMGs showed enhanced sensitivity to oxidation, while for guanine and thymine, ER-GO and TR-GO exhibited much improved sensitivity over bare glassy carbon (GC) as well as over GPO and GO. There is also significant selectivity enhancement when using GPO for adenine and TR-GO for thymine. Our results have uncovered that the differences in surface functionalities, structure and defects of various CMGs largely influence their electrochemical behaviour in detecting the oxidation of DNA bases. The findings in this report will provide a useful guide for the future development of label-free electrochemical devices for DNA analysis.

  10. Engineering rheology of electrolytes using agar for improving the performance of bioelectrochemical systems.

    PubMed

    Rathinam, Navanietha Krishnaraj; Tripathi, Abhilash K; Smirnova, Alevtina; Beyenal, Haluk; Sani, Rajesh K

    2018-04-24

    The present study is focused on enhancing the rheological properties of the electrolyte and eliminating sedimentation of microorganisms/flocs without affecting the electron transfer kinetics for improved bioelectricity generation. Agar derived from polysaccharide agarose (0.05-0.2%, w/v) was chosen as a rheology modifying agent. Electroanalytical investigations showed that electrolytes modified with 0.15% agar display a nine-fold increase in current density (1.2 mA/cm 2 ) by a thermophilic strain (Geobacillus sp. 44C, 60 °C) when compared with the control. Sodium phosphate buffer (0.1 M, pH 7) electrolyte with riboflavin (0.1 mM) was used as the control. Electrolytes modified with 0.15% agar significantly improved chemical oxygen demand removal rates. This developed electrolyte will aid in improving bioelectricity generation in Bioelectrochemical Systems (BES). The developed strategy avoids the use of peristaltic pumps and magnetic stirrers, thereby improving the energy efficiency of the process. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  11. Electrochemical Detectors in HPLC and Ion Chromatography.

    PubMed

    Horvai, George; Pungor, ErnÕ

    1989-01-01

    Back in 1952, the renowned Polish electrochemist Wiktor Kemula introduced chromato-polarography, 1 i.e., polaro-graphic detection for liquid chromatography. This technique continued to develop slowly until the early 1970s (for a review see Reference 2) when modem high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) emerged. This new, highly efficient chromatographc method could only be. used with detectors ensuring low dispersion. It was not easy to modify the dropping mercury electrode cells to satisfy this requirement. However, at the same time, electroanalytical chemists, who already had much experience in using carbon-based electrodes for oxidative detection in flow analysis, put forward the idea of oxidative amperometric detection in liquid chromatography. 3,4 In this technique, solid or quasi-solid (paste) electrodes were used and this made possible the construction of miniaturized cells with just a few microliter volume.

  12. Electrochemical determination of nitrate with nitrate reductase-immobilized electrodes under ambient air.

    PubMed

    Quan, De; Shim, Jun Ho; Kim, Jong Dae; Park, Hyung Soo; Cha, Geun Sig; Nam, Hakhyun

    2005-07-15

    Nitrate monitoring biosensors were prepared by immobilizing nitrate reductase derived from yeast on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE, d = 3 mm) or screen-printed carbon paste electrode (SPCE, d = 3 mm) using a polymer (poly(vinyl alcohol)) entrapment method. The sensor could directly determine the nitrate in an unpurged aqueous solution with the aid of an appropriate oxygen scavenger: the nitrate reduction reaction driven by the enzyme and an electron-transfer mediator, methyl viologen, at -0.85 V (GCE vs Ag/AgCl) or at -0.90 V (SPCE vs Ag/AgCl) exhibited no oxygen interference in a sulfite-added solution. The electroanalytical properties of optimized biosensors were measured: the sensitivity, linear response range, and detection limit of the sensors based on GCE were 7.3 nA/microM, 15-300 microM (r2 = 0.995), and 4.1 microM (S/N = 3), respectively, and those of SPCE were 5.5 nA/microM, 15-250 microM (r2 = 0.996), and 5.5 microM (S/N = 3), respectively. The disposable SPCE-based biosensor with a built-in well- or capillary-type sample cell provided high sensor-to-sensor reproducibility (RSD < 3.4% below 250 microM) and could be used more than one month in normal room-temperature storage condition. The utility of the proposed sensor system was demonstrated by determining nitrate in real samples.

  13. Tear glucose detection combining microfluidic thread based device, amperometric biosensor and microflow injection analysis.

    PubMed

    Agustini, Deonir; Bergamini, Márcio F; Marcolino-Junior, Luiz Humberto

    2017-12-15

    The tear glucose analysis is an important alternative for the indirect, simple and less invasive monitoring of blood glucose levels. However, the high cost and complex manufacturing process of tear glucose analyzers combined with the need to exchange the sensor after each analysis in the disposable tests prevent widespread application of the tear in glucose monitoring. Here, we present the integration of a biosensor made by the electropolymerization of poly(toluidine blue O) (PTB) and glucose oxidase (GOx) with an electroanalytical microfluidic device of easy assembly based on cotton threads, low cost materials and measurements by microflow injection analysis (µFIA) through passive pumping for performing tear glucose analyses in a simple, rapid and inexpensive way. A high stability between the analyses (RSD = 2.54%) and among the different systems (RSD = 3.13%) was obtained for the determination of glucose, in addition to a wide linear range between 0.075 and 7.5mmolL -1 and a limit of detection of 22.2µmolL -1 . The proposed method was efficiently employed in the determination of tear glucose in non-diabetic volunteers, obtaining a close correlation with their blood glucose levels, simplifying and reducing the costs of the analyses, making the tear glucose monitoring more accessible for the population. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  14. Analytical applications of microbial fuel cells. Part II: Toxicity, microbial activity and quantification, single analyte detection and other uses.

    PubMed

    Abrevaya, Ximena C; Sacco, Natalia J; Bonetto, Maria C; Hilding-Ohlsson, Astrid; Cortón, Eduardo

    2015-01-15

    Microbial fuel cells were rediscovered twenty years ago and now are a very active research area. The reasons behind this new activity are the relatively recent discovery of electrogenic or electroactive bacteria and the vision of two important practical applications, as wastewater treatment coupled with clean energy production and power supply systems for isolated low-power sensor devices. Although some analytical applications of MFCs were proposed earlier (as biochemical oxygen demand sensing) only lately a myriad of new uses of this technology are being presented by research groups around the world, which combine both biological-microbiological and electroanalytical expertises. This is the second part of a review of MFC applications in the area of analytical sciences. In Part I a general introduction to biological-based analytical methods including bioassays, biosensors, MFCs design, operating principles, as well as, perhaps the main and earlier presented application, the use as a BOD sensor was reviewed. In Part II, other proposed uses are presented and discussed. As other microbially based analytical systems, MFCs are satisfactory systems to measure and integrate complex parameters that are difficult or impossible to measure otherwise, such as water toxicity (where the toxic effect to aquatic organisms needed to be integrated). We explore here the methods proposed to measure toxicity, microbial metabolism, and, being of special interest to space exploration, life sensors. Also, some methods with higher specificity, proposed to detect a single analyte, are presented. Different possibilities to increase selectivity and sensitivity, by using molecular biology or other modern techniques are also discussed here. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  15. Quantitative electrochemical metalloimmunoassay for TFF3 in urine using a paper analytical device.

    PubMed

    DeGregory, Paul R; Tsai, Yi-Ju; Scida, Karen; Richards, Ian; Crooks, Richard M

    2016-03-07

    We report a paper-based assay platform for the detection of the kidney disease marker Trefoil Factor 3 (TFF3) in human urine. The sensor is based on a quantitative metalloimmunoassay that can determine TFF3 concentrations via electrochemical detection of environmentally stable silver nanoparticle (AgNP) labels attached to magnetic microbeads via a TFF3 immunosandwich. The paper electroanalytical device incorporates two preconcentration steps that make it possible to detect concentrations of TFF3 in human urine at the low end of the target TFF3 concentration range (0.03-7.0 μg mL(-1)). Importantly, the paper device provides a level of accuracy for TFF3 determination in human urine equivalent to that of a commercial kit. The paper sensor has a dynamic range of ∼2.5 orders of magnitude, only requires a simple, one-step incubation protocol, and is fast, requiring only 10 min to complete. The cost of the materials at the prototypic laboratory scale, excluding reagents, is just US$0.42.

  16. Electrochemistry in Colloids and Dispersions. Volume 1. Electroanalytical Methods and Applications, Electrosynthesis and Electrocatalysis, Polymers and Latexes

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1992-02-04

    derived from dissociation of surface acid groups of the microparticles. The surface charges of these particles are provided by sulfate groups... sulfate micellar solution as a function of electrolyte concentration3 Jon R. Kirchhoff, John D. Skelton, Jr., and Kregg T. Brooks Department of...films on the voltamnmetric curve obtained for the oxidation of benzilic acid on a platinum anode in 2M sodium hydroxide. The acid is soluble in this

  17. Simulation of Edge Effects in Electroanalytical Experiments by Orthogonal Collocation. Part I. Two Dimensional Collocation and Theory for Chronoamperometry.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1982-08-18

    cselixataan has been shown to Pro, imonedimie. FIN SMCS10 tam we m Vp assuma threry. In lacd. it has been shown lor difeent oide a pouwerful method to simulate...Afortd meaden 11. ’by)W~itl 116.ttousol =odimra She delade Ia~c Ul - by she Oa SWISS INaolder 10 wAce shem. re’te" s s m rnb -bute r~ 6 X-06 CSc a I

  18. A study of the photocatalytic effects of aqueous suspensions of platinized semiconductor materials on the reaction rates of candidate redox reactions

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Miles, A. M.

    1982-01-01

    The effectiveness of powdered semiconductor materials in photocatalyzing candidate redox reactions was investigated. The rate of the photocatalyzed oxidation of cyanide at platinized TiO2 was studied. The extent of the cyanide reaction was followed directly using an electroanalytical method (i.e. differential pulse polarography). Experiments were performed in natural or artificial light. A comparison was made of kinetic data obtained for photocatalysis at platinized powders with rate data for nonplatinized powders.

  19. A review of modern instrumental techniques for measurements of ice cream characteristics.

    PubMed

    Bahram-Parvar, Maryam

    2015-12-01

    There is an increasing demand of the food industries and research institutes to have means of measurement allowing the characterization of foods. Ice cream, as a complex food system, consists of a frozen matrix containing air bubbles, fat globules, ice crystals, and an unfrozen serum phase. Some deficiencies in conventional methods for testing this product encourage the use of alternative techniques such as rheometry, spectroscopy, X-ray, electro-analytical techniques, ultrasound, and laser. Despite the development of novel instrumental applications in food science, use of some of them in ice cream testing is few, but has shown promising results. Developing the novel methods should increase our understanding of characteristics of ice cream and may allow online testing of the product. This review article discusses the potential of destructive and non-destructive methodologies in determining the quality and characteristics of ice cream and similar products. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  20. Testing of a Microfluidic Sampling System for High Temperature Electrochemical MC&A

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Pereira, Candido; Nichols, Kevin

    2013-11-27

    This report describes the preliminary validation of a high-temperature microfluidic chip system for sampling of electrochemical process salt. Electroanalytical and spectroscopic techniques are attractive candidates for improvement through high-throughput sample analysis via miniaturization. Further, microfluidic chip systems are amenable to micro-scale chemical processing such as rapid, automated sample purification to improve sensor performance. The microfluidic chip was tested to determine the feasibility of the system for high temperature applications and conditions under which microfluidic systems can be used to generate salt droplets at process temperature to support development of material balance and control systems in a used fuel treatment facility.more » In FY13, the project focused on testing a quartz microchip device with molten salts at near process temperatures. The equipment was installed in glove box and tested up to 400°C using commercial thermal transfer fluids as the carrier phase. Preliminary tests were carried out with a low-melting halide salt to initially characterize the properties of this novel liquid-liquid system and to investigate the operating regimes for inducing droplet flow within candidate carrier fluids. Initial results show that the concept is viable for high temperature sampling but further development is required to optimize the system to operate with process relevant molten salts.« less

  1. Self-Supporting, Hydrophobic, Ionic Liquid-Based Reference Electrodes Prepared by Polymerization-Induced Microphase Separation.

    PubMed

    Chopade, Sujay A; Anderson, Evan L; Schmidt, Peter W; Lodge, Timothy P; Hillmyer, Marc A; Bühlmann, Philippe

    2017-10-27

    Interfaces of ionic liquids and aqueous solutions exhibit stable electrical potentials over a wide range of aqueous electrolyte concentrations. This makes ionic liquids suitable as bridge materials that separate in electroanalytical measurements the reference electrode from samples with low and/or unknown ionic strengths. However, methods for the preparation of ionic liquid-based reference electrodes have not been explored widely. We have designed a convenient and reliable synthesis of ionic liquid-based reference electrodes by polymerization-induced microphase separation. This technique allows for a facile, single-pot synthesis of ready-to-use reference electrodes that incorporate ion conducting nanochannels filled with either 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide or 1-dodecyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethyl sulfonyl)imide as ionic liquid, supported by a mechanically robust cross-linked polystyrene phase. This synthesis procedure allows for the straightforward design of various reference electrode geometries. These reference electrodes exhibit a low resistance as well as good reference potential stability and reproducibility when immersed into aqueous solutions varying from deionized, purified water to 100 mM KCl, while requiring no correction for liquid junction potentials.

  2. Study of carbon nanotube-rich impedimetric recognition electrode for ultra-low determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in water.

    PubMed

    Muñoz, Jose; Navarro-Senent, Cristina; Crivillers, Nuria; Mas-Torrent, Marta

    2018-04-14

    Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been studied as an electrochemical recognition element for the impedimetric determination of priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in water, using hexocyanoferrate as a redox probe. For this goal, an indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode functionalized with a silane-based self-assembled monolayer carrying CNTs has been engineered. The electroanalytical method, which is similar to an antibody-antigen assay, is straightforward and exploits the high CNT-PAH affinity obtained via π-interactions. After optimizing the experimental conditions, the resulting CNT-based impedimetric recognition platform exhibits ultra-low detection limits (1.75 ± 0.04 ng·L -1 ) for the sum of PAHs tested, which was also validated by using a certified reference PAH mixture. Graphical abstract Schematic of an indium-tin-oxide (ITO) electrode functionalized with a silane-based self-assembled monolayer carrying carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as a recognition platform for the ultra-low determination of total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in water via π-interactions using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS).

  3. Electrochemical sensors and devices for heavy metals assay in water: the French groups' contribution

    PubMed Central

    Pujol, Luca; Evrard, David; Groenen-Serrano, Karine; Freyssinier, Mathilde; Ruffien-Cizsak, Audrey; Gros, Pierre

    2014-01-01

    A great challenge in the area of heavy metal trace detection is the development of electrochemical techniques and devices which are user-friendly, robust, selective, with low detection limits and allowing fast analyses. This review presents the major contribution of the French scientific academic community in the field of electrochemical sensors and electroanalytical methods within the last 20 years. From the well-known polarography to the up-to-date generation of functionalized interfaces, the different strategies dedicated to analytical performances improvement are exposed: stripping voltammetry, solid mercury-free electrode, ion selective sensor, carbon based materials, chemically modified electrodes, nano-structured surfaces. The paper particularly emphasizes their advantages and limits face to the last Water Frame Directive devoted to the Environmental Quality Standards for heavy metals. Recent trends on trace metal speciation as well as on automatic “on line” monitoring devices are also evoked. PMID:24818124

  4. Adsorptive Behavior and Voltammetric Determination of Hydralazine Hydrochloride at A Glassy Carbon Electrode Modified with Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes

    PubMed Central

    Khodadadian, Mehdi; Jalili, Ronak; Bahrami, Mohammad Taher; Bahrami, Gholamreza

    2017-01-01

    An electroanalytical method has been introduced for highly sensitive determination of hydralazine hydrochloride (Hy-HCl) based on its oxidation at a glassy carbon electrode modified with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT/GCE). Studies showed that the electrochemical oxidation of Hy-HCl was accompanied by adsorption and highly sensitive responses could be achieved by adsorptive stripping voltammetry. The electrooxidation of Hy-HCl at MWCNT/GCE occurred at ~32 mV which was lower than that observed at bare GCE (~52 mV). The optimum working conditions for determination of the drug using differential-pulse adsorptive stripping voltammetry (DPAdSV) were established. The method exhibited linear responses to Hy-HCl in the concentration range 10-220 nM with a detection limit of 2.7 nM. The proposed method was successfully applied to the determination of this compound in pharmaceutical dosage forms. PMID:29552043

  5. Electrochemical and photoelectrochemical nano-immunesensing using origami paper based method.

    PubMed

    Hasanzadeh, Mohammad; Shadjou, Nasrin

    2016-04-01

    Patterned paper has characteristics that lead to miniaturized assays that run by capillary action with small volumes of fluids. These methods suggest a path for the development of simple, inexpensive, and portable diagnostic assays that can be useful in remote settings, where simple immunoassays are becoming increasingly important for detecting disease and monitoring health. Incorporation of nanomaterials plays a major role in sensing probe immobilization and detection sensitivity of paper-based devices. Nanomaterial properties, such as increased surface area, have aided with signal amplification and lower detection limits. This review focuses on application of nanomaterials as signal amplification elements on origami paper-based electro-analytical devices for immune biomarkers detection with a brief introduction about various fabrication techniques and designs, biological and detection methods. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the selected latest research articles from 2013 to May 2015 on application of nanomaterials in various types of origami paper based electrochemical and photoelectrochemical immunosensors. The review breaks into two parts. The first part devotes to the development and applications of nanomaterials in electrochemical immunesensing. The second part provides an overview of recent origami paper based photoelectrochemical immunosensors. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  6. Flow injection analysis of picric acid explosive using a copper electrode as electrochemical detector.

    PubMed

    Junqueira, João R C; de Araujo, William R; Salles, Maiara O; Paixão, Thiago R L C

    2013-01-30

    A simple and fast electrochemical method for quantitative analysis of picric acid explosive (nitro-explosive) based on its electrochemical reduction at copper surfaces is reported. To achieve a higher sample throughput, the electrochemical sensor was adapted in a flow injection system. Under optimal experimental conditions, the peak current response increases linearly with picric acid concentration over the range of 20-300 μmol L(-1). The repeatability of the electrode response in the flow injection analysis (FIA) configuration was evaluated as 3% (n=10), and the detection limit of the method was estimated to be 6.0 μmol L(-1) (S/N=3). The sample throughput under optimised conditions was estimated to be 550 samples h(-1). Peroxide explosives like triacetone triperoxide (TATP) and hexamethylene triperoxide diamine (HMTD) were tested as potential interfering substances for the proposed method, and no significant interference by these explosives was noticed. The proposed method has interesting analytical parameters, environmental applications, and low cost compared with other electroanalytical methods that have been reported for the quantification of picric acid. Additionally, the possibility to develop an in situ device for the detection of picric acid using a disposable sensor was evaluated. Crown Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  7. Detection and quantification of new psychoactive substances (NPSs) within the evolved "legal high" product, NRG-2, using high performance liquid chromatography-amperometric detection (HPLC-AD).

    PubMed

    Zuway, Khaled Y; Smith, Jamie P; Foster, Christopher W; Kapur, Nikil; Banks, Craig E; Sutcliffe, Oliver B

    2015-09-21

    The global increase in the production and abuse of cathinone-derived New Psychoactive Substances (NPSs) has developed the requirement for rapid, selective and sensitive protocols for their separation and detection. Electrochemical sensing of these compounds has been demonstrated to be an effective method for the in-field detection of these substances, either in their pure form or in the presence of common adulterants, however, the technique is limited in its ability to discriminate between structurally related cathinone-derivatives (for example: (±)-4′-methylmethcathinone (4-MMC, 2a) and (±)-4′-methyl-N-ethylmethcathinone (4-MEC, 2b) when they are both present in a mixture. In this paper we demonstrate, for the first time, the combination of HPLC-UV with amperometric detection (HPLC-AD) for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of 4-MMC and 4-MEC using either a commercially available impinging jet (LC-FC-A) or custom-made iCell channel (LC-FC-B) flow-cell system incorporating embedded graphite screen-printed macroelectrodes. The protocol offers a cost-effective, reproducible and reliable sensor platform for the simultaneous HPLC-UV and amperometric detection of the target analytes. The two systems have similar limits of detection, in terms of amperometric detection [LC-FC-A: 14.66 μg mL(-1) (2a) and 9.35 μg mL(-1) (2b); LC-FC-B: 57.92 μg mL(-1) (2a) and 26.91 μg mL(-1) (2b)], to the previously reported oxidative electrochemical protocol [39.8 μg mL(-1) (2a) and 84.2 μg mL(-1) (2b)], for two synthetic cathinones, prevalent on the recreational drugs market. Though not as sensitive as standard HPLC-UV detection, both flow cells show a good agreement, between the quantitative electroanalytical data, thereby making them suitable for the detection and quantification of 4-MMC and 4-MEC, either in their pure form or within complex mixtures. Additionally, the simultaneous HPLC-UV and amperometric detection protocol detailed herein shows a marked improvement and advantage over previously reported electroanalytical methods, which were either unable to selectively discriminate between structurally related synthetic cathinones (e.g. 4-MMC and 4-MEC) or utilised harmful and restrictive materials in their design.

  8. A novel electrochemical sensor based on Cu3P@NH2-MIL-125(Ti) nanocomposite for efficient electrocatalytic oxidation and sensitive detection of hydrazine

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Minghua; Yang, Longyu; Hu, Bin; Liu, Yongkang; Song, Yingpan; He, Linghao; Zhang, Zhihong; Fang, Shaoming

    2018-07-01

    A novel electrocatalyst based on amine-functionalized Ti-based metal-organic framework (NH2-MIL-125(Ti)) embedded with Cu3P nanocrystals (denoted by Cu3P@NH2-MIL-125(Ti)) was synthesized and used for electrocatalytic oxidation and detection of hydrazine in aqueous solution. A series of Cu3P@NH2-MIL-125(Ti) nanocomposites were obtained by adding Cu3P nanoparticles into the preparation system of NH2-MIL-125(Ti), with the Cu3P nanocrystals derived from the phospatization of Cu(OH)2 at high temperature. Based on the detailed characterizations and analysis of the chemical and physical performances of the series of Cu3P@NH2-MIL-125(Ti) nanocomposites at dosages of Cu3P nanocrystals at 5, 20, 50, and 100 mg, the good synergic effect between the Cu3P (50 mg) and the NH2-MIL-125(Ti) endows the as-prepared Cu3P50@NH2-MIL-125(Ti) nanocomposite with the excellent electrocatalytic activity toward the electrocatalytic oxidation of hydrazine. The Cu3P50@NH2-MIL-125(Ti)-based electrochemical sensor exhibited a detection limit of 79 nM (S/N = 3) within a wider linear range from 5 μM to 7.5 mM. Moreover, the developed sensor exhibited high selectivity toward the detection of hydrazine with the addition of certain common interferents and good applicability in real samples. All of these results imply that the Cu3P50@NH2-MIL-125(Ti) nanocomposite could be promising for detecting hydrazine and offer potential applications in the field of electroanalytical chemistry.

  9. Wireless Instantaneous Neurotransmitter Concentration Sensing System (WINCS) for intraoperative neurochemical monitoring.

    PubMed

    Kimble, Christopher J; Johnson, David M; Winter, Bruce A; Whitlock, Sidney V; Kressin, Kenneth R; Horne, April E; Robinson, Justin C; Bledsoe, Jonathan M; Tye, Susannah J; Chang, Su-Youne; Agnesi, Filippo; Griessenauer, Christoph J; Covey, Daniel; Shon, Young-Min; Bennet, Kevin E; Garris, Paul A; Lee, Kendall H

    2009-01-01

    The Wireless Instantaneous Neurotransmitter Concentration Sensing System (WINCS) measures extracellular neurotransmitter concentration in vivo and displays the data graphically in nearly real time. WINCS implements two electroanalytical methods, fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) and fixed-potential amperometry (FPA), to measure neurotransmitter concentrations at an electrochemical sensor, typically a carbon-fiber microelectrode. WINCS comprises a battery-powered patient module and a custom software application (WINCSware) running on a nearby personal computer. The patient module impresses upon the electrochemical sensor either a constant potential (for FPA) or a time-varying waveform (for FSCV). A transimpedance amplifier converts the resulting current to a signal that is digitized and transmitted to the base station via a Bluetooth radio link. WINCSware controls the operational parameters for FPA or FSCV, and records the transmitted data stream. Filtered data is displayed in various formats, including a background-subtracted plot of sequential FSCV scans - a representation that enables users to distinguish the signatures of various analytes with considerable specificity. Dopamine, glutamate, adenosine and serotonin were selected as analytes for test trials. Proof-of-principle tests included in vitro flow-injection measurements and in vivo measurements in rat and pig. Further testing demonstrated basic functionality in a 3-Tesla MRI unit. WINCS was designed in compliance with consensus standards for medical electrical device safety, and it is anticipated that its capability for real-time intraoperative monitoring of neurotransmitter release at an implanted sensor will prove useful for advancing functional neurosurgery.

  10. Wireless Instantaneous Neurotransmitter Concentration Sensing System (WINCS) for Intraoperative Neurochemical Monitoring

    PubMed Central

    Kimble, Christopher J.; Johnson, David M.; Winter, Bruce A.; Whitlock, Sidney V.; Kressin, Kenneth R.; Horne, April E.; Robinson, Justin C.; Bledsoe, Jonathan M.; Tye, Susannah J.; Chang, Su-Youne; Agnesi, Filippo; Griessenauer, Christoph J.; Covey, Daniel; Shon, Young-Min; Bennet, Kevin E.; Garris, Paul A.; Lee, Kendall H.

    2010-01-01

    The Wireless Instantaneous Neurotransmitter Concentration Sensing System (WINCS) measures extracellular neurotransmitter concentration in vivo and displays the data graphically in nearly real time. WINCS implements two electroanalytical methods, fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) and fixed-potential amperometry (FPA), to measure neurotransmitter concentrations at an electrochemical sensor, typically a carbon-fiber microelectrode. WINCS comprises a battery-powered patient module and a custom software application (WINCSware) running on a nearby personal computer. The patient module impresses upon the electrochemical sensor either a constant potential (for FPA) or a time-varying waveform (for FSCV). A transimpedance amplifier converts the resulting current to a signal that is digitized and transmitted to the base station via a Bluetooth® radio link. WINCSware controls the operational parameters for FPA or FSCV, and records the transmitted data stream. Filtered data is displayed in various formats, including a background-subtracted plot of sequential FSCV scans—a representation that enables users to distinguish the signatures of various analytes with considerable specificity. Dopamine, glutamate, adenosine and serotonin were selected as analytes for test trials. Proof-of-principle tests included in vitro flow-injection measurements and in vivo measurements in rat and pig. Further testing demonstrated basic functionality in a 3-Tesla MRI unit. WINCS was designed in compliance with consensus standards for medical electrical device safety, and it is anticipated that its capability for real-time intraoperative monitoring of neurotransmitter release at an implanted sensor will prove useful for advancing functional neurosurgery. PMID:19963865

  11. Doped Graphene for DNA Analysis: the Electrochemical Signal is Strongly Influenced by the Kind of Dopant and the Nucleobase Structure

    PubMed Central

    Tian, Huidi; Wang, Lu; Sofer, Zdenek; Pumera, Martin; Bonanni, Alessandra

    2016-01-01

    Doping graphene with heteroatoms can alter the electronic and electrochemical properties of the starting material. Contrasting properties should be expected when the doping is carried out with electron donating species (n-type dopants) or with electron withdrawing species (p-type dopants). This in turn can have a profound influence on the electroanalytical performance of the doped material being used for the detection of specific probes. Here we investigate the electrochemical oxidation of DNA bases adenine, guanine, thymine and cytosine on two heteroatom-doped graphene platforms namely boron-doped graphene (p-type dopant) and nitrogen-doped graphene (n-type dopant). We found that overall, boron–doped graphene provided the best response in terms of electrochemical signal sensitivity for all bases. This is due to the electron deficiency of boron-doped graphene, which can promote the oxidation of DNA bases, as opposed to nitrogen-doped graphene which possesses an excess of electrons. Moreover, also the structure of the nucleobase was found to have significant influence on the obtained signal. Our study may open new frontiers in the electrochemical detection of DNA bases which is the first step for label-free DNA analysis. PMID:27623951

  12. Novel Electro-Analytical Tools for Phase-Transformation Electrode Materials

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2009-08-13

    words) We measured and compared phase transformation accommodation energy (AE) for Li4Ti5O12 and LiFePO4 with different particle size by using...larger than next cycles due to inducing of defects; Because of smaller volume difference, AE of Li4Ti5O12 was lower than that of LiFePO4 ; AE of... LiFePO4 with small particle size was lower than that of LiFePO4 with large particle size. By plugging the AE measured by GITT into mixed control

  13. Fundamentals of electrochemical detection techniques for CE and MCE.

    PubMed

    Kubán, Pavel; Hauser, Peter C

    2009-10-01

    The electroanalytical techniques of amperometry, conductometry and potentiometry match well with the instrumental simplicity of CE. Indeed, all three detection approaches have been reported for electrophoretic separations. However, the characteristics of the three methods are quite distinct and these are not related to the optical methods more commonly employed. A detailed discussion of the underlying principles of each is given. The issue of possible effects of the separation voltage on the electrochemical detection techniques is considered in depth, and approaches to the elimination of such interferences are also discussed for each case.

  14. Electrochemical behavior of chlorogenic acid at a boron-doped diamond electrode and estimation of the antioxidant capacity in the coffee samples based on its oxidation peak.

    PubMed

    Yardım, Yavuz

    2012-04-01

    In this study, an electroanalytical methodology for the determination of chlorogenic acid (CGA) was achieved at a boron-doped diamond electrode under adsorptive transfer stripping voltammetric conditions. The values obtained for CGA were used to estimate the antioxidant properties of the coffee sample based on CGA oxidation. By using square-wave stripping mode, the compound yielded a well-defined voltammetric response at +0.49 V with respect to Ag/AgCl in Britton-Robinson buffer at pH 3.0 (after 120 s accumulations at a fixed potential of 0.40 V). At the optimum experimental conditions, linear calibration curve is obtained within the concentration range of 0.25 to 4.0 μg mL⁻¹ with the limit of detection 0.049 μg mL⁻¹ . The developed protocol was successfully applied for the analysis of antioxidant capacity in the coffee products such as Turkish coffee and instant coffee. © 2012 Institute of Food Technologists®

  15. Poly(malachite green) at nafion doped multi-walled carbon nanotube composite film for simple aliphatic alcohols sensor.

    PubMed

    Umasankar, Yogeswaran; Periasamy, Arun Prakash; Chen, Shen-Ming

    2010-01-15

    Conductive composite film which contains nafion (NF) doped multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) along with the incorporation of poly(malachite green) (PMG) has been synthesized on glassy carbon electrode (GCE), gold and indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes by potentiostatic methods. The presence of MWCNTs in the composite film (MWCNTs-NF-PMG) enhances surface coverage concentration (Gamma) of PMG to approximately 396%, and increases the electron transfer rate constant (k(s)) to approximately 305%. Similarly, electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance study reveals the enhancement in the deposition of PMG at MWCNTs-NF film. The surface morphology of the composite film deposited on ITO electrode has been studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). These two techniques reveal that the PMG incorporated on MWCNTs-NF film. The MWCNTs-NF-PMG composite film also exhibits promising enhanced electrocatalytic activity towards the simple aliphatic alcohols such as methanol, ethanol and propanol. The electroanalytical responses of analytes at NF-PMG and MWCNTs-NF-PMG films were measured using both cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). From electroanalytical studies, well defined voltammetric peaks have been obtained at MWCNTs-NF-PMG composite film for methanol, ethanol and propanol at Epa=609, 614 and 602mV respectively. The sensitivity of MWCNTs-NF-PMG composite film towards methanol, ethanol and propanol in CV technique are 0.59, 0.36 and 0.92microAmM(-1)cm(-2) respectively, which are higher than NF-PMG film. Further, the sensitivity values obtained using DPV are higher than the values obtained using CV technique.

  16. Cloud Point Extraction for Electroanalysis: Anodic Stripping Voltammetry of Cadmium

    PubMed Central

    Rusinek, Cory A.; Bange, Adam; Papautsky, Ian; Heineman, William R.

    2016-01-01

    Cloud point extraction (CPE) is a well-established technique for the pre-concentration of hydrophobic species from water without the use of organic solvents. Subsequent analysis is then typically performed via atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), UV-Vis spectroscopy, or high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). However, the suitability of CPE for electroanalytical methods such as stripping voltammetry has not been reported. We demonstrate the use of CPE for electroanalysis using the determination of cadmium (Cd2+) by anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) as a representative example. Rather than using the chelating agents which are commonly used in CPE to form a hydrophobic, extractable metal complex, we used iodide and sulfuric acid to neutralize the charge on Cd2+ to form an extractable ion pair. Triton X-114 was chosen as the surfactant for the extraction because its cloud point temperature is near room temperature (22–25° C). Bare glassy carbon (GC), bismuth-coated glassy carbon (Bi-GC), and mercury-coated glassy carbon (Hg-GC) electrodes were compared for the CPE-ASV. A detection limit for Cd2+ of 1.7 nM (0.2 ppb) was obtained with the Hg-GC electrode. Comparison of ASV analysis without CPE was also investigated and a 20x decrease (4.0 ppb) in the detection limit was observed. The suitability of this procedure for the analysis of tap and river water samples was also demonstrated. This simple, versatile, environmentally friendly and cost-effective extraction method is potentially applicable to a wide variety of transition metals and organic compounds that are amenable to detection by electroanalytical methods. PMID:25996561

  17. Self-Supporting, Hydrophobic, Ionic Liquid-Based Reference Electrodes Prepared by Polymerization-Induced Microphase Separation

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Chopade, Sujay A.; Anderson, Evan L.; Schmidt, Peter W.

    Interfaces of ionic liquids and aqueous solutions exhibit stable electrical potentials over a wide range of aqueous electrolyte concentrations. This makes ionic liquids suitable as bridge materials that separate in electroanalytical measurements the reference electrode from samples with low and/or unknown ionic strengths. However, methods for the preparation of ionic liquid-based reference electrodes have not been explored widely. We have designed a convenient and reliable synthesis of ionic liquid-based reference electrodes by polymerization-induced microphase separation. This technique allows for a facile, single-pot synthesis of ready-to-use reference electrodes that incorporate ion conducting nanochannels filled with either 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide or 1-dodecyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylmore » sulfonyl)imide as ionic liquid, supported by a mechanically robust cross-linked polystyrene phase. This synthesis procedure allows for the straightforward design of various reference electrode geometries. These reference electrodes exhibit a low resistance as well as good reference potential stability and reproducibility when immersed into aqueous solutions varying from deionized, purified water to 100 mM KCl, while requiring no correction for liquid junction potentials.« less

  18. Development of an automated on-line electrochemical chlorite ion sensor.

    PubMed

    Myers, John N; Steinecker, William H; Sandlin, Zechariah D; Cox, James A; Gordon, Gilbert; Pacey, Gilbert E

    2012-05-30

    A sensor system for the automatic, in-line, determination of chlorite ion is reported. Electroanalytical measurements were performed in electrolyte-free liquids by using an electrochemical probe (EC), which enables in-line detection in high-resistance media such as disinfected water. Cyclic voltammetry scan rate studies suggest that the current arising from the oxidation of chlorite ion at an EC probe is mass-transfer limited. By coupling FIA with an EC probe amperometric cell, automated analysis was achieved. This sensor is intended to fulfill the daily monitoring requirements of the EPA DBP regulations for chlorite ion. Detection limits of 0.02-0.13 mg/L were attained, which is about one order of magnitude below the MRDL. The sensor showed no faradaic signal for perchlorate, chlorate, or nitrate. The lifetime and stability of the sensor were investigated by measuring calibration curves over time under constant-flow conditions. Detection limits of <0.1 mg/L were repeatedly achieved over a period of three weeks. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  19. “Development of an Automated On-line Electrochemical Chlorite Ion Sensor”

    PubMed Central

    Myers, John N.; Steinecker, William H.; Sandlin, Zechariah D.; Cox, James A.; Gordon, Gilbert; Pacey, Gilbert E.

    2012-01-01

    A sensor system for the automatic, in-line, determination of chlorite ion is reported. Electroanalytical measurements were performed in electrolyte-free liquids by using an electrochemical probe (EC), which enables in-line detection in high-resistance media such as disinfected water. Cyclic voltammetry scan rate studies suggest that the current arising from the oxidation of chlorite ion at an EC probe is mass-transfer limited. By coupling FIA with an EC probe amperometric cell, automated analysis was achieved. This sensor is intended to fulfill the daily monitoring requirements of the EPA DBP regulations for chlorite ion. Detection limits of 0.02-0.13 mg/L were attained, which is about one order of magnitude below the MRDL. The sensor showed no faradaic signal for perchlorate, chlorate, or nitrate. The lifetime and stability of the sensor were investigated by measuring calibration curves over time under constant-flow conditions. Detection limits of <0.1 mg/L were repeatedly achieved over a period of three weeks. PMID:22608440

  20. Method and automated apparatus for detecting coliform organisms

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Dill, W. P.; Taylor, R. E.; Jeffers, E. L. (Inventor)

    1980-01-01

    Method and automated apparatus are disclosed for determining the time of detection of metabolically produced hydrogen by coliform bacteria cultured in an electroanalytical cell from the time the cell is inoculated with the bacteria. The detection time data provides bacteria concentration values. The apparatus is sequenced and controlled by a digital computer to discharge a spent sample, clean and sterilize the culture cell, provide a bacteria nutrient into the cell, control the temperature of the nutrient, inoculate the nutrient with a bacteria sample, measures the electrical potential difference produced by the cell, and measures the time of detection from inoculation.

  1. Electrochemical detection of nitrite on poly(pyronin Y)/graphene nanocomposites modified ITO substrate

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Şinoforoğlu, Mehmet; Dağcı, Kader; Alanyalıoğlu, Murat; Meral, Kadem

    2016-06-01

    The present study reports on an easy preparation of poly(pyronin Y)/graphene (poly(PyY)/graphene) nanocomposites thin films on indium tin oxide coated glass substrates (ITO). The thin films of poly(PyY)/graphene nanocomposites are prepared by a novel method consisting of three steps; (i) preparation of graphene oxide (GO) thin films on ITO by spin-coating method, (ii) self-assembly of PyY molecules from aqueous solution onto the GO thin film, (iii) surface-confined electropolymerization (SCEP) of the adsorbed PyY molecules on the GO thin film. The as-prepared poly(PyY)/graphene nanocomposites thin films are characterized by using electroanalytical and spectroscopic techniques. Afterwards, the graphene-based polymeric dye thin film on ITO is used as an electrode in an electrochemical cell. Its performance is tested for electrochemical detection of nitrite. Under optimized conditions, the electrocatalytical effect of the nanocomposites thin film through electrochemical oxidation of nitrite is better than that of GO coated ITO.

  2. Simulation-Based Approach to Determining Electron Transfer Rates Using Square-Wave Voltammetry.

    PubMed

    Dauphin-Ducharme, Philippe; Arroyo-Currás, Netzahualcóyotl; Kurnik, Martin; Ortega, Gabriel; Li, Hui; Plaxco, Kevin W

    2017-05-09

    The efficiency with which square-wave voltammetry differentiates faradic and charging currents makes it a particularly sensitive electroanalytical approach, as evidenced by its ability to measure nanomolar or even picomolar concentrations of electroactive analytes. Because of the relative complexity of the potential sweep it uses, however, the extraction of detailed kinetic and mechanistic information from square-wave data remains challenging. In response, we demonstrate here a numerical approach by which square-wave data can be used to determine electron transfer rates. Specifically, we have developed a numerical approach in which we model the height and the shape of voltammograms collected over a range of square-wave frequencies and amplitudes to simulated voltammograms as functions of the heterogeneous rate constant and the electron transfer coefficient. As validation of the approach, we have used it to determine electron transfer kinetics in both freely diffusing and diffusionless surface-tethered species, obtaining electron transfer kinetics in all cases in good agreement with values derived using non-square-wave methods.

  3. Molybdenum disulphide and graphene quantum dots as electrode modifiers for laccase biosensor.

    PubMed

    Vasilescu, Ioana; Eremia, Sandra A V; Kusko, Mihaela; Radoi, Antonio; Vasile, Eugeniu; Radu, Gabriel-Lucian

    2016-01-15

    A nanocomposite formed from molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) and graphene quantum dots (GQDs) was proposed as a novel and suitable support for enzyme immobilisation displaying interesting electrochemical properties. The conductivity of the carbon based screen-printed electrodes was highly improved after modification with MoS2 nanoflakes and GQDs, the nanocomposite also providing compatible matrix for laccase immobilisation. The influence of different modification steps on the final electroanalytical performances of the modified electrode were evaluated by UV-vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X ray diffraction, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The developed laccase biosensor has responded efficiently to caffeic acid over a concentration range of 0.38-100µM, had a detection limit of 0.32µM and a sensitivity of 17.92nAµM(-1). The proposed analytical tool was successfully applied for the determination of total polyphenolic content from red wine samples. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  4. Cloud Point Extraction for Electroanalysis: Anodic Stripping Voltammetry of Cadmium.

    PubMed

    Rusinek, Cory A; Bange, Adam; Papautsky, Ian; Heineman, William R

    2015-06-16

    Cloud point extraction (CPE) is a well-established technique for the preconcentration of hydrophobic species from water without the use of organic solvents. Subsequent analysis is then typically performed via atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), UV-vis spectroscopy, or high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). However, the suitability of CPE for electroanalytical methods such as stripping voltammetry has not been reported. We demonstrate the use of CPE for electroanalysis using the determination of cadmium (Cd(2+)) by anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV). Rather than using the chelating agents which are commonly used in CPE to form a hydrophobic, extractable metal complex, we used iodide and sulfuric acid to neutralize the charge on Cd(2+) to form an extractable ion pair. This offers good selectivity for Cd(2+) as no interferences were observed from other heavy metal ions. Triton X-114 was chosen as the surfactant for the extraction because its cloud point temperature is near room temperature (22-25 °C). Bare glassy carbon (GC), bismuth-coated glassy carbon (Bi-GC), and mercury-coated glassy carbon (Hg-GC) electrodes were compared for the CPE-ASV. A detection limit for Cd(2+) of 1.7 nM (0.2 ppb) was obtained with the Hg-GC electrode. ASV with CPE gave a 20x decrease (4.0 ppb) in the detection limit compared to ASV without CPE. The suitability of this procedure for the analysis of tap and river water samples was demonstrated. This simple, versatile, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective extraction method is potentially applicable to a wide variety of transition metals and organic compounds that are amenable to detection by electroanalytical methods.

  5. Nanomaterial-Based Electrochemical Immunosensors for Clinically Significant Biomarkers

    PubMed Central

    Ronkainen, Niina J.; Okon, Stanley L.

    2014-01-01

    Nanotechnology has played a crucial role in the development of biosensors over the past decade. The development, testing, optimization, and validation of new biosensors has become a highly interdisciplinary effort involving experts in chemistry, biology, physics, engineering, and medicine. The sensitivity, the specificity and the reproducibility of biosensors have improved tremendously as a result of incorporating nanomaterials in their design. In general, nanomaterials-based electrochemical immunosensors amplify the sensitivity by facilitating greater loading of the larger sensing surface with biorecognition molecules as well as improving the electrochemical properties of the transducer. The most common types of nanomaterials and their properties will be described. In addition, the utilization of nanomaterials in immunosensors for biomarker detection will be discussed since these biosensors have enormous potential for a myriad of clinical uses. Electrochemical immunosensors provide a specific and simple analytical alternative as evidenced by their brief analysis times, inexpensive instrumentation, lower assay cost as well as good portability and amenability to miniaturization. The role nanomaterials play in biosensors, their ability to improve detection capabilities in low concentration analytes yielding clinically useful data and their impact on other biosensor performance properties will be discussed. Finally, the most common types of electroanalytical detection methods will be briefly touched upon. PMID:28788700

  6. Voltammetry Method Evaluation

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Hoyt, N.; Pereira, C.; Willit, J.

    2016-07-29

    The purpose of the ANL MPACT Voltammetry project is to evaluate the suitability of previously developed cyclic voltammetry techniques to provide electroanalytical measurements of actinide concentrations in realistic used fuel processing scenarios. The molten salts in these scenarios are very challenging as they include high concentrations of multiple electrochemically active species, thereby creating a variety of complications. Some of the problems that arise therein include issues related to uncompensated resistance, cylindrical diffusion, and alloying of the electrodeposited metals. Improvements to the existing voltammetry technique to account for these issues have been implemented, resulting in good measurements of actinide concentrations acrossmore » a wide range of adverse conditions.« less

  7. Recent advances in graphite powder-based electrodes.

    PubMed

    Bellido-Milla, Dolores; Cubillana-Aguilera, Laura Ma; El Kaoutit, Mohammed; Hernández-Artiga, Ma Purificación; Hidalgo-Hidalgo de Cisneros, José Luis; Naranjo-Rodríguez, Ignacio; Palacios-Santander, José Ma

    2013-04-01

    Graphite powder-based electrodes have the electrochemical performance of quasi-noble metal electrodes with intrinsic advantages related to the possibility of modification to enhance selectivity and their easily renewable surface, with no need for hazardous acids or bases for their cleaning. In contrast with commercial electrodes, for example screen-printed or sputtered-chip electrodes, graphite powder-based electrodes can also be fabricated in any laboratory with the form and characteristics desired. They are also readily modified with advanced materials, with relatively high reproducibility. All these characteristics make them a very interesting option for obtaining a large variety of electrodes to resolve different kinds of analytical problems. This review summarizes the state-of-the-art, advantages, and disadvantages of graphite powder-based electrodes in electrochemical analysis in the 21st century. It includes recent trends in carbon paste electrodes, devoting special attention to the use of emergent materials as new binders and to the development of other composite electrodes. The most recent advances in the use of graphite powder-modified sol-gel electrodes are also described. The development of sonogel-carbon electrodes and their use in electrochemical sensors and biosensors is included. These materials extend the possibilities of applications, especially for industrial technology-transfer purposes, and their development could affect not only electroanalytical green chemistry but other interesting areas also, for example catalysis and energy conversion and storage.

  8. Electrochemical Sensors Based on Screen-Printed Electrodes: The Use of Phthalocyanine Derivatives for Application in VFA Detection

    PubMed Central

    Ndiaye, Amadou L.; Delile, Sébastien; Brunet, Jérôme; Varenne, Christelle; Pauly, Alain

    2016-01-01

    Here, we report on the use of electrochemical methods for the detection of volatiles fatty acids (VFAs), namely acetic acid. We used tetra-tert-butyl phthalocyanine (PcH2-tBu) as the sensing material and investigated its electroanalytical properties by means of cyclic voltammetry (CV) and square wave voltammetry (SWV). To realize the electrochemical sensing system, the PcH2-tBu has been dropcast-deposited on carbon (C) orgold (Au)screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) and characterized by cyclic voltammetry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The SEM analysis reveals that the PcH2-tBu forms mainly aggregates on the SPEs. The modified electrodes are used for the detection of acetic acid and present a linear current increase when the acetic acid concentration increases. The Cmodified electrode presents a limit of detection (LOD) of 25.77 mM in the range of 100 mM–400 mM, while the Aumodified electrode presents an LOD averaging 40.89 mM in the range of 50 mM–300 mM. When the experiment is realized in a buffered condition, theCmodified electrode presents a lower LOD, which averagesthe 7.76 mM. A pronounced signal decay attributed to an electrode alteration is observed in the case of the gold electrode. This electrode alteration severely affects the coating stability. This alteration is less perceptible in the case of the carbon electrode. PMID:27598214

  9. Electrochemical processing of lead-containing waste ballistics

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Huber, C.O.; Olsen, G.P.

    1995-12-31

    Literature review indicates that propellant ingredients in NOSIH-AA2 have been investigated electrochemical separation. Papers on related electroanalytical chemistry offer help in indicating which electrolytic separation systems to investigate. These included copper and nickel electrodes in alkaline solution. Voltammetry studies in 0.1 M NaOH showed that lead metal can be readily collected at a copper cathode and that lead dioxide can be deposited at a nickel anode. Cathodic and anodic deposition reactions begin at less than minus or plus 0.5 V. resp. Other species present in the propellant are also reactive at the anode. Deposits with good mechanical properties resulted, evenmore » with 40 mA/cm{sup 2} current density. Lead concentrations in alkaline solutions can readily be monitored using anodic amperometry with the nickel electrode. Separations from actual propellant solutions in 3 M NaOH were demonstrated using nickel as anode and cathode. Gravimetric monitoring of both anode and cathode showed accumulations suggesting the exhaustive lead collection. Associated voltammetry data showed decreasing amounts of other electroactive species at the anode as well as lead.« less

  10. Activated biochar: Preparation, characterization and electroanalytical application in an alternative strategy of nickel determination.

    PubMed

    Kalinke, Cristiane; Oliveira, Paulo Roberto; Oliveira, Geovane Arruda; Mangrich, Antonio Sálvio; Marcolino-Junior, Luiz H; Bergamini, Márcio F

    2017-08-29

    This work reports for the first time the use of chemically activated biochar as electrode modifier for nickel determination. The biochar activation was performed by refluxing with HNO 3 , which promoted a higher nickel preconcentration compared to unmodified and modified biochar precursor electrodes. Morphological and structural characterization revealed the increase of surface acid groups, surface area and porosity of biochar after activation. Nickel determination was investigated adopting an alternative voltammetric methodology based on monitoring the Ni(II)/Ni(III) redox couple. In the proposed method, it was not necessary to use a complexing agent and the biochar itself was responsible for the analyte preconcentration. A linear response for Ni(II) concentration range from 1.0 to 30 μmol L -1 and a limit of detection of 0.25 μmol L -1 were obtained. The method was successfully applied for Ni(II) determination in spiked samples of bioethanol fuel and discharge water, with recoveries values between 103 and 109%. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  11. Pulse-voltammetric glucose detection at gold junction electrodes.

    PubMed

    Rassaei, Liza; Marken, Frank

    2010-09-01

    A novel glucose sensing concept based on the localized change or "modulation" in pH within a symmetric gold-gold junction electrode is proposed. A paired gold-gold junction electrode (average gap size ca. 500 nm) is prepared by simultaneous bipotentiostatic electrodeposition of gold onto two closely spaced platinum disk electrodes. For glucose detection in neutral aqueous solution, the potential of the "pH-modulator" electrode is set to -1.5 V vs saturated calomel reference electrode (SCE) to locally increase the pH, and simultaneously, either cyclic voltammetry or square wave voltammetry experiments are conducted at the sensor electrode. A considerable improvement in the sensor electrode response is observed when a normal pulse voltammetry sequence is applied to the modulator electrode (to generate "hydroxide pulses") and the glucose sensor electrode is operated with fixed bias at +0.5 V vs SCE (to eliminate capacitive charging currents). Preliminary data suggest good linearity for the glucose response in the medically relevant 1-10 mM concentration range (corresponding to 0.18-1.8 g L(-1)). Future electroanalytical applications of multidimensional pulse voltammetry in junction electrodes are discussed.

  12. Fabrication, characterisation and voltammetric studies of gold amalgam nanoparticle modified electrodes.

    PubMed

    Welch, Christine M; Nekrassova, Olga; Dai, Xuan; Hyde, Michael E; Compton, Richard G

    2004-09-20

    The tabrication, characterisation, and electroanalytical application of gold and gold amalgam nanoparticles on glassy carbon electrodes is examined. Once the deposition parameters for gold nanoparticle electrodes were optimised, the analytical utility of the electrodes was examined in CrIII electroanalysis. It was found that gold nanoparticle modified (Au-NM) electrodes possess higher sensitivity than gold macroelectrodes. In addition, gold amalgam nanoparticle modified (AuHg-NM) electrodes were fabricated and characterised. The response of those electrodes was recorded in the presence of important environmental analytes (heavy metal cations). It was found AuHg-NM electrodes demonstrate a unique voltammetric behaviour and can be applied for electroanalysis when enhanced sensitivity is crucial.

  13. Research trends in electrochemical technology for water and wastewater treatment

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zheng, Tianlong; Wang, Juan; Wang, Qunhui; Meng, Huimin; Wang, Lihong

    2017-03-01

    It is difficult to completely degrade wastewater containing refractory pollutants without secondary pollution by biological treatment, as well as physical-chemical process. Therefore, electrochemical technology has attracted much attention for its environmental compatibility, high removal efficiency, and potential cost effectiveness, especially on the industrial wastewater treatment. An effective bibliometric analysis based on the Science Citation Index Core Collection database was conducted to evaluate electrochemical technology for water and wastewater treatment related research from 1994 to 2013. The amount of publications significantly increased in the last two decades. Journal of the Electrochemical Society published the most articles in this field with a top h-index of 90, taking 5.8 % of all, followed by Electrochimica Acta and Journal of Electroanalytical Chemistry. The researchers focused on categories of chemistry, electrochemistry, and materials science. China and Chinese Academy of Sciences were the most productive country and institution, respectively, while the USA, with the most international collaborative articles and highest h-index of 130, was the major collaborator with 15 other countries in top 20 most productive countries. Moreover, based on the analysis of author keywords, title, abstract, and `KeyWords Plus', a new method named "word cluster analysis" was successfully applied to trace the research hotspot. Nowadays, researchers mainly focused on novel anodic electrode, especially on its physiochemical and electrochemical properties.

  14. Frequent Pitfalls in the Characterization of Electrodes Designed for Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage.

    PubMed

    Zeradjanin, Aleksandar R

    2018-04-25

    Focus on the importance of energy conversion and storage boosted research interest in various electrocatalytic materials. Characterization of solid-liquid interfaces during faradaic and non-faradaic processes is routinely conducted in many laboratories worldwide on a daily basis. This can be deemed as a very positive tendency. However, careful insight into modern literature suggests frequent misuse of electroanalytical tools. This can have very negative implications and postpone overall development of electrocatalytic materials with the desired properties. This work points out some of the frequent pitfalls in electrochemical characterization, suggests potential solutions, and above all encourages comprehensive analysis and in-depth thinking about electrochemical phenomena. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  15. Electroanalytical and naked eye determination of Cu(2+) ion in various environmental samples using 5-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-thiol based Schiff bases.

    PubMed

    Bandi, Koteswara Rao; Singh, Ashok Kumar; Upadhyay, Anjali

    2014-01-01

    Novel polydentate Schiff bases 4-(5-mercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-ylimino)pentan-2-one (S1) and (2-(indol-3-yl)vinyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-thiol (S2) were synthesized and explored as Cu(2+) selective polymeric membrane electrodes (PME) using different plasticizers and anionic excluders. The potentiometric data revealed that the PME having the membrane composition (S2: NaTPB: TBP: PVC as 4: 2: 58: 36 (w/w; mg)) is shown to have good results. Thus the coated graphite electrode (CGE) with the same composition as the best PME was also fabricated and investigated as Cu(2+) selective electrode. It was found that CGE showed better response characteristics than PME with respect to low detection limit (1.2×10(-8)molL(-1)), near Nernstian slope (29.8±0.4mV decade(-1) of activity), wide working concentration range (6.4×10(-8)-1.0×10(-1)molL(-1)), long shelf life (90days) and fast response time (9s). The CGE was used successfully as an indicator electrode for the potentiometric determination of Cu(2+) ion against EDTA and also used to quantify Cu(2+) ion in soil, water, medicinal plants, vegetables and edible oil samples. The Schiff base S2 is used as chemosensor for the selective determination of Cu(2+) ion. © 2013.

  16. Estimation of diffusion coefficients from voltammetric signals by support vector and gaussian process regression

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    Background Support vector regression (SVR) and Gaussian process regression (GPR) were used for the analysis of electroanalytical experimental data to estimate diffusion coefficients. Results For simulated cyclic voltammograms based on the EC, Eqr, and EqrC mechanisms these regression algorithms in combination with nonlinear kernel/covariance functions yielded diffusion coefficients with higher accuracy as compared to the standard approach of calculating diffusion coefficients relying on the Nicholson-Shain equation. The level of accuracy achieved by SVR and GPR is virtually independent of the rate constants governing the respective reaction steps. Further, the reduction of high-dimensional voltammetric signals by manual selection of typical voltammetric peak features decreased the performance of both regression algorithms compared to a reduction by downsampling or principal component analysis. After training on simulated data sets, diffusion coefficients were estimated by the regression algorithms for experimental data comprising voltammetric signals for three organometallic complexes. Conclusions Estimated diffusion coefficients closely matched the values determined by the parameter fitting method, but reduced the required computational time considerably for one of the reaction mechanisms. The automated processing of voltammograms according to the regression algorithms yields better results than the conventional analysis of peak-related data. PMID:24987463

  17. The self-assembly of redox active peptides: Synthesis and electrochemical capacitive behavior.

    PubMed

    Piccoli, Julia P; Santos, Adriano; Santos-Filho, Norival A; Lorenzón, Esteban N; Cilli, Eduardo M; Bueno, Paulo R

    2016-05-01

    The present work reports on the synthesis of a redox-tagged peptide with self-assembling capability aiming applications in electrochemically active capacitive surfaces (associated with the presence of the redox centers) generally useful in electroanalytical applications. Peptide containing ferrocene (fc) molecular (redox) group (Ac-Cys-Ile-Ile-Lys(fc)-Ile-Ile-COOH) was thus synthesized by solid phase peptide synthesis (SPPS). To obtain the electrochemically active capacitive interface, the side chain of the cysteine was covalently bound to the gold electrode (sulfur group) and the side chain of Lys was used to attach the ferrocene in the peptide chain. After obtaining the purified redox-tagged peptide, the self-assembly and redox capability was characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance-based capacitance spectroscopy techniques. The obtained results confirmed that the redox-tagged peptide was successfully attached by forming an electroactive self-assembled monolayer onto gold electrode. The design of redox active self-assembly ferrocene-tagged peptide is predictably useful in the development of biosensor devices precisely to detect, in a label-free platform, those biomarkers of clinical relevance. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 106: 357-367, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  18. Rapid DNA Sequencing by Direct Nanoscale Reading of Nucleotide Bases on Individual DNA Chains

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Lee, James Weifu; Meller, Amit

    2007-01-01

    Since the independent invention of DNA sequencing by Sanger and by Gilbert 30 years ago, it has grown from a small scale technique capable of reading several kilobase-pair of sequence per day into today's multibillion dollar industry. This growth has spurred the development of new sequencing technologies that do not involve either electrophoresis or Sanger sequencing chemistries. Sequencing by Synthesis (SBS) involves multiple parallel micro-sequencing addition events occurring on a surface, where data from each round is detected by imaging. New High Throughput Technologies for DNA Sequencing and Genomics is the second volume in the Perspectives in Bioanalysis series, whichmore » looks at the electroanalytical chemistry of nucleic acids and proteins, development of electrochemical sensors and their application in biomedicine and in the new fields of genomics and proteomics. The authors have expertly formatted the information for a wide variety of readers, including new developments that will inspire students and young scientists to create new tools for science and medicine in the 21st century. Reviews of complementary developments in Sanger and SBS sequencing chemistries, capillary electrophoresis and microdevice integration, MS sequencing and applications set the framework for the book.« less

  19. Single strand DNA functionalized single wall carbon nanotubes as sensitive electrochemical labels for arsenite detection.

    PubMed

    Wang, Yonghong; Wang, Ping; Wang, Yiqiang; He, Xiaoxiao; Wang, Kemin

    2015-08-15

    In this work, a simple and sensitive electrochemical strategy for arsenite detection based on the ability of arsenite bound to single-strand DNA (ssDNA) and the signal transduction of single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) is developed. To realize this purpose, the ssDNA/SWCNTs complexes were formed at first by making ssDNA wrapped around SWCNTs via π-stacking. In the presence of arsenite, the arsenite could strongly bind with the G/T bases of ssDNA and decrease the π-π interaction between ssDNA and SWCNTs, resulting in a certain amount of ssDNA dissociating from the complexes. The separated SWCNTs were selectively assembled on the self-assembled monolayer (SAM) modified Au electrode. Then the SWCNTs onto the SAM-modified Au electrode substantially restored heterogeneous electron transfer that was almost totally blocked by the SAM. The assembled SWCNTs could generate a considerably sensitive and specific tactic for signal transduction, which was related to the concentration of the arsenite. Through detecting the currents mediated by SWCNTs, a linear response to concentration of arsenite ranging from 0.5 to 10ppb and a detection limit of 0.5ppb was readily achieved with desirable specificity and sensitivity. Such a SWCNTs-based biosensor creates a simple, sensitive, nonradioactive route for detection of arsenite. In addition, this demonstration provides a new approach to fabrication of stable biosensors with favorable electrochemical properties believed to be appealing to electroanalytical applications. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  20. Pre-concentration technique for reduction in "Analytical instrument requirement and analysis"

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pal, Sangita; Singha, Mousumi; Meena, Sher Singh

    2018-04-01

    Availability of analytical instruments for a methodical detection of known and unknown effluents imposes a serious hindrance in qualification and quantification. Several analytical instruments such as Elemental analyzer, ICP-MS, ICP-AES, EDXRF, ion chromatography, Electro-analytical instruments which are not only expensive but also time consuming, required maintenance, damaged essential parts replacement which are of serious concern. Move over for field study and instant detection installation of these instruments are not convenient to each and every place. Therefore, technique such as pre-concentration of metal ions especially for lean stream elaborated and justified. Chelation/sequestration is the key of immobilization technique which is simple, user friendly, most effective, least expensive, time efficient; easy to carry (10g - 20g vial) to experimental field/site has been demonstrated.

  1. RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN ELECTROCHEMICAL SENSORS FOR THE DETECTION OF NEUROTRANSMITTERS FOR APPLICATIONS IN BIOMEDICINE

    PubMed Central

    Özel, Rıfat Emrah; Hayat, Akhtar; Andreescu, Silvana

    2015-01-01

    Neurotransmitters are important biological molecules that are essential to many neurophysiological processes including memory, cognition, and behavioral states. The development of analytical methodologies to accurately detect neurotransmitters is of great importance in neurological and biological research. Specifically designed microelectrodes or microbiosensors have demonstrated potential for rapid, real-time measurements with high spatial resolution. Such devices can facilitate study of the role and mechanism of action of neurotransmitters and can find potential uses in biomedicine. This paper reviews the current status and recent advances in the development and application of electrochemical sensors for the detection of small-molecule neurotransmitters. Measurement challenges and opportunities of electroanalytical methods to advance study and understanding of neurotransmitters in various biological models and disease conditions are discussed. PMID:26973348

  2. Electroanalytical Evaluation of Nanoparticles by Nano-impact Electrochemistry

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Karimi, Anahita

    Applications of engineered nanoparticles in electronics, catalysis, solid oxide fuel cells, medicine and sensing continue to increase. Traditionally, nanoparticle systems are characterized by spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. These methods are cumbersome and expensive, which limit their routine use for screening purposes. Electrochemistry is a powerful, yet underutilized tool, for the detection and classification of nanoparticles. The first part of this dissertation investigates a recently developed electrochemical method -- nanoparticle collision electrochemistry -- for detection and characterization of nanoparticles. Three independent projects have been described to evaluate the use of this technique for characterizing nanoparticle based systems including: conjugation with biomolecules, interaction with environmental contaminants and fundamental investigation of conformational changes of nanoparticle capping ligands. The thesis reports the first use of nano-impact electrochemistry to quantitatively investigate bioconjugation and biomolecular recognition at conductive nanoparticles. Furthermore, we also demonstrate the potential of this method as a single step, reagentless and label-free technique for the ultra-sensitive detection of biomolecular targets. A fundamental study of biorecognition is important for the development of therapeutics and molecular diagnosis probes in the biomedical, biosensing and biotechnology fields. The second project describes the use of this method as a screening tool of particle reactivity. We study the interaction and adsorption of a toxic environmental metalloid (Arsenic) with metal oxide nanoparticles to extract mechanistic, speciation and loading information. We discuss the potential of this approach to complement or replace costly characterization techniques and enable routine study of nanoparticles and their reactivity. In the third project, we use the nano-impact method to study the pH-dependent conformational changes of polymeric capping agents on the surface of silver nanoparticles. Nano-impact elecrochemistry has demonstrated promising results for studying functionality, stability and conformational changes of stabilizing agents. The second part of this thesis explores the use of carbon nanomaterials such as graphene and Pt-doped CeO2 for the rational design of enzyme-conjugated nanostructures for biosensing applications. The dissertation reports fabrication, characterization and properties of hybrid CeO2-based bioelectrocatalytic nanostructure material with PEDOT:PSS [poly(3,4ethylenedioxythiophene):poly-styrene-sulfonic acid] on porous carbon materials as novel materials for designing high performance laccase (Lac) biocathodes and biofuel cells.

  3. Sensitive voltammetric determination of lead released from ceramic dishes by using of bismuth nanostructures anchored on biochar.

    PubMed

    Agustini, Deonir; Mangrich, Antonio Salvio; Bergamini, Márcio F; Marcolino-Junior, Luiz Humberto

    2015-09-01

    A simple and sensitive electroanalytical method was developed for determination of nanomolar levels of Pb(II) based on the voltammetric stripping response at a carbon paste electrode modified with biochar (a special charcoal) and bismuth nanostructures (nBi-BchCPE). The proposed methodology was based on spontaneous interactions between the highly functionalized biochar surface and Pb(II) ions followed by reduction of these ions into bismuth nanodots which promote an improvement on the stripping anodic current. The experimental procedure could be summarized in three steps: including an open circuit pre-concentration, reduction of accumulated lead ions at the electrode surface and stripping step under differential pulse voltammetric conditions (DPAdSV). SEM images revealed dimensions of bismuth nanodots ranging from 20 nm to 70 nm. The effects of main parameters related to biochar, bismuth and operational parameters were examined in detail. Under the optimal conditions, the proposed sensor has exhibited linear range from 5.0 to 1000 nmol L(-1) and detection limit of 1.41 nmol L(-1) for Pb(II). The optimized method was successfully applied for determination of Pb(II) released from overglaze-decorated ceramic dishes. Results obtained were compared with those given by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and they are in agreement at 99% of confidence level. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  4. Electrochemical approaches for chemical and biological analysis on Mars

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Kounaves, Samuel P.

    2003-01-01

    Obtaining in situ chemical data from planetary bodies such as Mars or Europa can present significant challenges. The one analytical technique that has many of the requisite characteristics to meet such a challenge is electroanalysis. Described here are three electroanalytical devices designed for in situ geochemical and biological analysis on Mars. The Mars Environmental Compatibility Assessment (MECA) was built and flight qualified for the now cancelled NASA Mars 2001 Lander. Part of MECA consisted of four "cells" containing arrays of electrochemical based sensors for measuring the ionic species in soil samples. A next-generation MECA, the Robotic Chemical Analysis Laboratory (RCAL), uses a carousel-type system to allow for greater customization of analytical procedures. A second instrument, proposed as part of the 2007 CryoScout mission, consists of a flow-through inorganic chemical analyzer (MICA). CryoScout is a torpedo-like device designed for subsurface investigation of the stratigraphic climate record embedded in Mars' north polar cap. As the CryoScout melts its way through the ice cap, MICA will collect and analyze the meltwater for a variety of inorganics and chemical parameters. By analyzing the chemistry locked in the layers of dust, salt, and ice, geologists will be able to determine the recent history of climate, water, and atmosphere on Mars and link it to the past. Finally, electroanalysis shows its abilities in the detection of possible microorganism on Mars or elsewhere in the solar system. To identify an unknown microorganism, one that may not even use Earth-type biochemistry, requires a detection scheme which makes minimal assumptions and looks for the most general features. Recent work has demonstrated that the use of an array of electrochemical sensors which monitors the changes in a solution via electrical conductivity, pH, and ion selective electrodes, can be used to detect minute chemical perturbations caused by the growth of bacteria and with the correct methodology provide unamibiguous detection of such life forms.

  5. Electrochemical approaches for chemical and biological analysis on Mars.

    PubMed

    Kounaves, Samuel P

    2003-02-17

    Obtaining in situ chemical data from planetary bodies such as Mars or Europa can present significant challenges. The one analytical technique that has many of the requisite characteristics to meet such a challenge is electroanalysis. Described here are three electroanalytical devices designed for in situ geochemical and biological analysis on Mars. The Mars Environmental Compatibility Assessment (MECA) was built and flight qualified for the now cancelled NASA Mars 2001 Lander. Part of MECA consisted of four "cells" containing arrays of electrochemical based sensors for measuring the ionic species in soil samples. A next-generation MECA, the Robotic Chemical Analysis Laboratory (RCAL), uses a carousel-type system to allow for greater customization of analytical procedures. A second instrument, proposed as part of the 2007 CryoScout mission, consists of a flow-through inorganic chemical analyzer (MICA). CryoScout is a torpedo-like device designed for subsurface investigation of the stratigraphic climate record embedded in Mars' north polar cap. As the CryoScout melts its way through the ice cap, MICA will collect and analyze the meltwater for a variety of inorganics and chemical parameters. By analyzing the chemistry locked in the layers of dust, salt, and ice, geologists will be able to determine the recent history of climate, water, and atmosphere on Mars and link it to the past. Finally, electroanalysis shows its abilities in the detection of possible microorganism on Mars or elsewhere in the solar system. To identify an unknown microorganism, one that may not even use Earth-type biochemistry, requires a detection scheme which makes minimal assumptions and looks for the most general features. Recent work has demonstrated that the use of an array of electrochemical sensors which monitors the changes in a solution via electrical conductivity, pH, and ion selective electrodes, can be used to detect minute chemical perturbations caused by the growth of bacteria and with the correct methodology provide unamibiguous detection of such life forms.

  6. Nanostructured enzymatic biosensor based on fullerene and gold nanoparticles: preparation, characterization and analytical applications.

    PubMed

    Lanzellotto, C; Favero, G; Antonelli, M L; Tortolini, C; Cannistraro, S; Coppari, E; Mazzei, F

    2014-05-15

    In this work a novel electrochemical biosensing platform based on the coupling of two different nanostructured materials (gold nanoparticles and fullerenols) displaying interesting electrochemical features, has been developed and characterized. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) exhibit attractive electrocatalytic behavior stimulating in the last years, several sensing applications; on the other hand, fullerene and its derivatives are a very promising family of electroactive compounds although they have not yet been fully employed in biosensing. The methodology proposed in this work was finalized to the setup of a laccase biosensor based on a multilayer material consisting in AuNPs, fullerenols and Trametes versicolor Laccase (TvL) assembled layer by layer onto a gold (Au) electrode surface. The influence of different modification step procedures on the electroanalytical performance of biosensors has been evaluated. Cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) were used to characterize the modification of surface and to investigate the bioelectrocatalytic biosensor response. This biosensor showed fast amperometric response to gallic acid, which is usually considered a standard for polyphenols analysis of wines, with a linear range 0.03-0.30 mmol L(-1) (r(2)=0.9998), with a LOD of 0.006 mmol L(-1) or expressed as polyphenol index 5.0-50 mg L(-1) and LOD 1.1 mg L(-1). A tentative application of the developed nanostructured enzyme-based biosensor was performed evaluating the detection of polyphenols either in buffer solution or in real wine samples. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  7. Pb-binding to various dissolved organic matter in urban aquatic systems: Key role of the most hydrophilic fraction

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pernet-Coudrier, Benoît; Companys, Encarnació; Galceran, Josep; Morey, Margalida; Mouchel, Jean-Marie; Puy, Jaume; Ruiz, Núria; Varrault, Gilles

    2011-07-01

    Dissolved organic matter (DOM) from the treated effluent of a wastewater treatment plant and from the river Seine under high human pressure has been separated into three fractions: hydrophobic (containing humic and fulvic substances), transphilic and hydrophilic using a two column array of XAD-8 and XAD-4 resins. The acid base properties and the binding characteristics with respect to Pb ions (using the new electroanalytical technique AGNES, Absence of Gradients and Nernstian Equilibrium Stripping) have been studied and fitted to NICA (Non-Ideal Competitive Isotherm). We evaluated the binding potential of each DOM fraction in order to better predict the speciation of Pb and, later, its bioavailability in the river. The total binding capacity of the different fractions to Pb, as well as the total titratable charge, reaches its maximum value at the most hydrophilic fraction from the treated effluent. Specific properties of the distribution of the complexing sites within each DOM fraction have been exposed by plotting the conditional affinity spectrum (CAS). The addition of these distributions, weighted according to the respective abundance of each organic fraction, allows for a full description of the Pb binding properties of the whole DOM of a sampling site. Despite its weak aromaticity, the hydrophilic fraction from the wastewater treatment plant effluent exhibits a high lead binding affinity, so that at typical environmental pH and free Pb levels (0.1 μg L -1), Pb is mainly bound to the most hydrophilic fraction of the treated effluent (49% of bound Pb at pH 7). This feature may greatly enhance the transport of Pb and highlights that Pb speciation should also consider other fractions apart from humic and/or fulvic acids when studying surface waters under high human pressure.

  8. Cobalt Phthalocyanine Modified Electrodes Utilised in Electroanalysis: Nano-Structured Modified Electrodes vs. Bulk Modified Screen-Printed Electrodes

    PubMed Central

    Foster, Christopher W.; Pillay, Jeseelan; Metters, Jonathan P.; Banks, Craig E.

    2014-01-01

    Cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPC) compounds have been reported to provide electrocatalytic performances towards a substantial number of analytes. In these configurations, electrodes are typically constructed via drop casting the CoPC onto a supporting electrode substrate, while in other cases the CoPC complex is incorporated within the ink of a screen-printed sensor, providing a one-shot economical and disposable electrode configuration. In this paper we critically compare CoPC modified electrodes prepared by drop casting CoPC nanoparticles (nano-CoPC) onto a range of carbon based electrode substrates with that of CoPC bulk modified screen-printed electrodes in the sensing of the model analytes l-ascorbic acid, oxygen and hydrazine. It is found that no “electrocatalysis” is observed towards l-ascorbic acid using either of these CoPC modified electrode configurations and that the bare underlying carbon electrode is the origin of the obtained voltammetric signal, which gives rise to useful electroanalytical signatures, providing new insights into literature reports where “electrocatalysis” has been reported with no clear control experiments undertaken. On the other hand true electrocatalysis is observed towards hydrazine, where no such voltammetric features are witnessed on the bare underlying electrode substrate. PMID:25414969

  9. Voltammetric Determination of the Herbicide Linuron Using a Tricresyl Phosphate-Based Carbon Paste Electrode

    PubMed Central

    Đorđević, Jelena; Papp, Zsigmond; Guzsvány, Valéria; Švancara, Ivan; Trtić-Petrović, Tatjana; Purenović, Milovan; Vytřas, Karel

    2012-01-01

    This paper summarises the results of voltammetric studies on the herbicide 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1-methoxy-1-methylurea (Linuron), using a carbon paste electrode containing tricresyl phosphate (TCP-CPE) as liquid binder. The principal experimental conditions, such as the pH effect, investigated in Britton-Robinson buffer solutions (pH 2.0–7.0), the peak characteristics for the analyte of interest, or instrumental parameters for the differential pulse voltammetric mode were optimized for the method. As found out, the best electroanalytical performance of the TCP-CPE was achieved at pH 2.0, whereby the oxidation peak of Linuron appeared at ca. +1.3 V vs. SCE. The analytical procedure developed offers good linearity in the concentration range of 1.25–44.20 μg mL−1 (1.77 × 10−4–5.05 × 10−6 mol L−1), showing—for the first time—the applicability of the TCP-CPE for anodic oxidations in direct voltammetry (without accumulation). The method was then verified by determining Linuron in a spiked river water sample and a commercial formulation and the results obtained agreed well with those obtained by the reference HPLC/UV determination. PMID:22368461

  10. Impact of intracellular metallothionein on metal biouptake and partitioning dynamics at bacterial interfaces.

    PubMed

    Présent, Romain M; Rotureau, Elise; Billard, Patrick; Pagnout, Christophe; Sohm, Bénédicte; Flayac, Justine; Gley, Renaud; Pinheiro, José P; Duval, Jérôme F L

    2017-11-08

    Genetically engineered microorganisms are alternatives to physicochemical methods for remediation of metal-contaminated aquifers due to their remarkable bioaccumulation capacities. The design of such biosystems would benefit from the elaboration of a sound quantitative connection between performance in terms of metal removal from aqueous solution and dynamics of the multiscale processes leading to metal biouptake. In this work, this elaboration is reported for Escherichia coli cells modified to overexpress intracellular metallothionein (MTc), a strong proteinaceous metal chelator. Depletion kinetics of Cd(ii) from bulk solution following biouptake and intracellular accumulation is addressed as a function of cell volume fraction using electroanalytical probes and ligand exchange-based analyses. It is shown that metal biouptake in the absence and presence of MTc is successfully interpreted on the basis of a formalism recently developed for metal partitioning dynamics at biointerfaces with integration of intracellular metal speciation. The analysis demonstrates how fast sequestration of metals by intracellular MTc bypasses metal excretion (efflux) and enhances the rate of metal depletion to an extent such that complete removal is achieved at sufficiently large cell volume fractions. The magnitude of the stability constant of nanoparticulate metal-MTc complexes, as derived from refined analysis of macroscopic bulk metal depletion data, is further confirmed by independent electrochemical measurement of metal binding by purified MTc extracts.

  11. Evaluation of metal biouptake from the analysis of bulk metal depletion kinetics at various cell concentrations: theory and application.

    PubMed

    Rotureau, Elise; Billard, Patrick; Duval, Jérôme F L

    2015-01-20

    Bioavailability of trace metals is a key parameter for assessment of toxicity on living organisms. Proper evaluation of metal bioavailability requires monitoring the various interfacial processes that control metal partitioning dynamics at the biointerface, which includes metal transport from solution to cell membrane, adsorption at the biosurface, internalization, and possible excretion. In this work, a methodology is proposed to quantitatively describe the dynamics of Cd(II) uptake by Pseudomonas putida. The analysis is based on the kinetic measurement of Cd(II) depletion from bulk solution at various initial cell concentrations using electroanalytical probes. On the basis of a recent formalism on the dynamics of metal uptake by complex biointerphases, the cell concentration-dependent depletion time scales and plateau values reached by metal concentrations at long exposure times (>3 h) are successfully rationalized in terms of limiting metal uptake flux, rate of excretion, and metal affinity to internalization sites. The analysis shows the limits of approximate depletion models valid in the extremes of high and weak metal affinities. The contribution of conductive diffusion transfer of metals from the solution to the cell membrane in governing the rate of Cd(II) uptake is further discussed on the basis of estimated resistances for metal membrane transfer and extracellular mass transport.

  12. Simultaneous electrochemical detection of ascorbic acid, dopamine and uric acid based on graphene anchored with Pd-Pt nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Yan, Jun; Liu, Shi; Zhang, Zhenqin; He, Guangwu; Zhou, Ping; Liang, Haiying; Tian, Lulu; Zhou, Xuemin; Jiang, Huijun

    2013-11-01

    Pd-Pt bimetallic nanoparticles anchored on functionalized reduced graphene oxide (RGO) nanomaterials were synthesized via a one-step in situ reduction process, in which Pt and Pd ions were first attached to poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA) functionalized graphene oxide (GO) sheets, and then the encased metal ions and GO were subjected to simultaneous reduction by ethylene glycol. The as-prepared Pd3Pt1/PDDA-RGO nanocomposites were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy and electrochemical methods. In addition, an electrochemical sensor based on the graphene nanocomposites was fabricated for the simultaneous detection of ascorbic acid (AA), dopamine (DA) and uric acid (UA) in their ternary mixture. Three well-separated voltammetric peaks along with remarkable increasing electro-oxidation currents were obtained in differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) measurements. Under the optimized conditions, there were linear relationships between the peak currents and the concentrations in the range of 40-1200 μM for AA, 4-200 μM for DA and 4-400 μM for UA, with the limit of detection (LOD) (based on S/N=3) of 0.61, 0.04 and 0.10 μM for AA, DA and UA, respectively. This improved electrochemical performance can be attributed to the synergistic effect of metallic nanoparticles and RGO and the combination of the bimetallic nanoparticles. Furthermore, the practical electroanalytical utility of the sensor was demonstrated by the determination of AA, DA and together with UA in human urine and blood serum samples with satisfactory results. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  13. Electrochemical Sensors and Biosensors Based on Nanomaterials and Nanostructures

    DOE PAGES

    Zhu, Chengzhou; Yang, Guohai; Li, He; ...

    2014-10-29

    We report that considerable attention has been devoted to the integration of recognition elements with electronic elements to develop electrochemical sensors and biosensors.Various electrochemical devices, such as amperometric sensors, electrochemical impedance sensors, and electrochemical luminescence sensors as well as photoelectrochemical sensors, provide wide applications in the detection of chemical and biological targets in terms of electrochemical change of electrode interfaces. Here, this review focuses on recent advances in electrochemical sensors and biosensors based on nanomaterials and nanostructures during 2013 to 2014. The aim of this effort is to provide the reader with a clear and concise view of new advancesmore » in areas ranging from electrode engineering, strategies for electrochemical signal amplification, and novel electroanalytical techniques used in the miniaturization and integration of the sensors. Moreover, the authors have attempted to highlight areas of the latest and significant development of enhanced electrochemical nanosensors and nanobiosensors that inspire broader interests across various disciplines. Electrochemical sensors for small molecules, enzyme-based biosensors, genosensors, immunosensors, and cytosensors are reviewed herein (Figure 1). Such novel advances are important for the development of electrochemical sensors that open up new avenues and methods for future research. In conclusion, we recommend readers interested in the general principles of electrochemical sensors and electrochemical methods to refer to other excellent literature for a broad scope in this area.(3, 4) However, due to the explosion of publications in this active field, we do not claim that this Review includes all of the published works in the past two years and we apologize to the authors of excellent work, which is unintentionally left out.« less

  14. Effect of carbon black functionalization on the analytical performance of a tyrosinase biosensor based on glassy carbon electrode modified with dihexadecylphosphate film.

    PubMed

    Ibáñez-Redín, Gisela; Silva, Tiago Almeida; Vicentini, Fernando Campanhã; Fatibello-Filho, Orlando

    2018-09-01

    Carbon Black (CB) has acquired a prominent position as a carbon nanomaterial for the development of electrochemical sensors and biosensors due to its low price and extraordinary electrochemical and physical properties. These properties are highly dependent on the surface chemistry and thus, the effect of functionalization has been widely studied for different applications. Meanwhile, the influence of CB functionalization over its properties for electroanalytical applications is still being poorly explored. In this study, we describe the use of chemically functionalized CB Vulcan XC 72R for the development of sensitive electrochemical biosensors. The chemical pre-treatment increased the material wettability by raising the concentration of surface oxygenated functional groups verified from elemental analysis and FTIR measurements. In addition, it was observed an enhancement of almost 100-fold on the electron transfer rate constant (k 0 ) related to unfunctionalized CB, confirming a remarkable improvement of the electrocatalytic properties. Finally, we constructed a Tyrosinase (Tyr) biosensor based on functionalized CB and dihexadecylphosphate (DHP) for the determination of catechol in water samples. The resulting device displayed an excellent stability with a limit of detection of 8.7 × 10 -8  mol L -1 and a sensitivity of 539 mA mol -1  L. Our results demonstrate that functionalized CB provides an excellent platform for biosensors development. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. Electrochemical detection of phenolic estrogenic compounds at clay modified carbon paste electrode

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Belkamssa, N.; Ouattara, L.; Kawachi, A.; Tsujimura, M.; Isoda, H.; Chtaini, A.; Ksibi, M.

    2015-04-01

    A simple and sensitive electroanalytical method was developed to determine the Endocrine Disrupting chemical 4-tert-octylphenol on clay modified carbon paste electrode (Clay/CPE). The electrochemical response of the proposed electrode was studied by means of cyclic and square wave voltammetry. It has found that the oxidation of 4-tert-octylphenol on the clay/CPE displayed a well-defined oxidation peak. Under these optimal conditions, a linear relation between concentrations of 4-tert-octylphenol current response was obtained over range of 7.26×10-6 to 3.87×10-7 with a detection and quantification limit of 9.2×10-7 M and 3.06×10-6 M, respectively. The correlation coefficient is 0.9963. The modified electrode showed suitable sensitivity, high stability and an accurate detection of 4-tert-octylphenol. The modified electrode also relevant suitable selectivity for various phenolic estrogenic compounds.

  16. Electroanalytical and isothermal calorimetric study of As(III) complexation by the metal poisoning remediators, 2,3-dimercapto-1-propanesulfonate and meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid.

    PubMed

    Cavanillas, Santiago; Chekmeneva, Elena; Ariño, Cristina; Díaz-Cruz, José Manuel; Esteban, Miquel

    2012-10-09

    A recently developed methodology, which combines voltammetry, ITC, ESI-MS and several chemometric tools, has been applied for the first time to the study of As(III) complexes. The ligands considered, DMSA and DMPS, are commonly used to treat heavy metal poisoning. The study yields a reliable and consistent picture of the binding of As(III) by the chelating therapy agents DMSA and DMPS providing an unambiguous description of the stoichiometries of the complexes (ML(2), with the occasional appearance of ML in the case of DMSA), both ligands have stability constants of the same order, with a logβ(2) of 9.2 and 9.8, respectively. These values confirm the potential efficiency of both ligands in the treatment of As(III) poisoning. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  17. Membrane-electrode structures for molecular catalysts for use in fuel cells and other electrochemical devices

    DOEpatents

    Kerr, John B.; Zhu, Xiaobing; Hwang, Gi Suk; Martin, Zulima; He, Qinggang; Driscoll, Peter; Weber, Adam; Clark, Kyle

    2016-09-27

    Water soluble catalysts, (M)meso-tetra(N-Methyl-4-Pyridyl)Porphinepentachloride (M=Fe, Co, Mn & Cu), have been incorporated into the polymer binder of oxygen reduction cathodes in membrane electrode assemblies used in PEM fuel cells and found to support encouragingly high current densities. The voltages achieved are low compared to commercial platinum catalysts but entirely consistent with the behavior observed in electroanalytical measurements of the homogeneous catalysts. A model of the dynamics of the electrode action has been developed and validated and this allows the MEA electrodes to be optimized for any chemistry that has been demonstrated in solution. It has been shown that improvements to the performance will come from modifications to the structure of the catalyst combined with optimization of the electrode structure and a well-founded pathway to practical non-platinum group metal catalysts exists.

  18. Chemical Modification of Boron-Doped Diamond Electrodes for Applications to Biosensors and Biosensing.

    PubMed

    Svítková, Jana; Ignat, Teodora; Švorc, Ľubomír; Labuda, Ján; Barek, Jiří

    2016-05-03

    Boron-doped diamond (BDD) is a prospective electrode material that possesses many exceptional properties including wide potential window, low noise, low and stable background current, chemical and mechanical stability, good biocompatibility, and last but not least exceptional resistance to passivation. These characteristics extend its usability in various areas of electrochemistry as evidenced by increasing number of published articles over the past two decades. The idea of chemically modifying BDD electrodes with molecular species attached to the surface for the purpose of creating a rational design has found promising applications in the past few years. BDD electrodes have appeared to be excellent substrate materials for various chemical modifications and subsequent application to biosensors and biosensing. Hence, this article presents modification strategies that have extended applications of BDD electrodes in electroanalytical chemistry. Different methods and steps of surface modification of this electrode material for biosensing and construction of biosensors are discussed.

  19. Evaluation of homogeneous electrocatalysts by cyclic voltammetry.

    PubMed

    Rountree, Eric S; McCarthy, Brian D; Eisenhart, Thomas T; Dempsey, Jillian L

    2014-10-06

    The pursuit of solar fuels has motivated extensive research on molecular electrocatalysts capable of evolving hydrogen from protic solutions, reducing CO2, and oxidizing water. Determining accurate figures of merit for these catalysts requires the careful and appropriate application of electroanalytical techniques. This Viewpoint first briefly presents the fundamentals of cyclic voltammetry and highlights practical experimental considerations before focusing on the application of cyclic voltammetry for the characterization of electrocatalysts. Key metrics for comparing catalysts, including the overpotential (η), potential for catalysis (E(cat)), observed rate constant (k(obs)), and potential-dependent turnover frequency, are discussed. The cyclic voltammetric responses for a general electrocatalytic one-electron reduction of a substrate are presented along with methods to extract figures of merit from these data. The extension of this analysis to more complex electrocatalytic schemes, such as those responsible for H2 evolution and CO2 reduction, is then discussed.

  20. The dopant type and amount governs the electrochemical performance of graphene platforms for the antioxidant activity quantification

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hui, Kai Hwee; Ambrosi, Adriano; Sofer, Zdeněk; Pumera, Martin; Bonanni, Alessandra

    2015-05-01

    Graphene doped with heteroatoms can show new or improved properties as compared to the original undoped material. It has been reported that the type of heteroatoms and the doping conditions can have a strong influence on the electronic and electrochemical properties of the resulting material. Here, we wish to compare the electrochemical behavior of two n-type and two p-type doped graphenes, namely boron-doped graphenes and nitrogen-doped graphenes containing different amounts of heteroatoms. We show that the boron-doped graphene containing a higher amount of dopants provides the best electroanalytical performance in terms of calibration sensitivity, selectivity and linearity of response for the detection of gallic acid normally used as the standard probe for the quantification of antioxidant activity of food and beverages. Our findings demonstrate that the type and amount of heteroatoms used for the doping have a profound influence on the electrochemical detection of gallic acid rather than the structural properties of the materials such as amounts of defects, oxygen functionalities and surface area. This finding has a profound influence on the application of doped graphenes in the field of analytical chemistry.Graphene doped with heteroatoms can show new or improved properties as compared to the original undoped material. It has been reported that the type of heteroatoms and the doping conditions can have a strong influence on the electronic and electrochemical properties of the resulting material. Here, we wish to compare the electrochemical behavior of two n-type and two p-type doped graphenes, namely boron-doped graphenes and nitrogen-doped graphenes containing different amounts of heteroatoms. We show that the boron-doped graphene containing a higher amount of dopants provides the best electroanalytical performance in terms of calibration sensitivity, selectivity and linearity of response for the detection of gallic acid normally used as the standard probe for the quantification of antioxidant activity of food and beverages. Our findings demonstrate that the type and amount of heteroatoms used for the doping have a profound influence on the electrochemical detection of gallic acid rather than the structural properties of the materials such as amounts of defects, oxygen functionalities and surface area. This finding has a profound influence on the application of doped graphenes in the field of analytical chemistry. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr01045d

  1. A sonotrode for electroanalysis: the determination of copper in passivating media.

    PubMed

    Floate, Simon; Hardcastle, Joanna L; Cordemans, Eric; Compton, Richard G

    2002-08-01

    A sonotrode consisting of a disc shaped glassy carbon electrode attached to a quartz rod and inserted into a drilled ultrasonic probe tip has been designed and used as a novel alternative to the traditional 'face on' cell arrangement where an ultrasonic micro-tip probe is placed opposite a glassy carbon working electrode. The 'single probe' arrangement is both convenient and optimised for electroanalysis. We first report how under ultrasonic agitation of the sonotrode the mass transport to the electrode surface is enhanced compared to that observed under silent conditions and also how the sonotrode cell geometry compares with the well-established 'face on' cell geometry for cobalt electrodeposition. Second, we will show that the new sonotrode can be used in the application for the determination of copper in a series of fouling media in which conventional silent electroanalysis fails. The passivation of the electrodes surface by surfactant species can be overcome by cavitationally induced streaming and/or erosion at the sonotrode surface with recoveries of 100% and 93.8% achieved at 42 W cm-2 for Triton X-100 and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), respectively. Other data indicates that the sonotrode can be successfully employed for the detection of copper in beer (Marston's bitter), a system known to be complex and highly electrode fouling and difficult to analyse using standard, silent electroanalytical techniques.

  2. A highly sensitive and selective sensor based on a graphene-coated carbon paste electrode modified with a computationally designed boron-embedded duplex molecularly imprinted hybrid membrane for the sensing of lamotrigine.

    PubMed

    Wang, Hongjuan; Qian, Duo; Xiao, Xilin; Gao, Shuqin; Cheng, Jianlin; He, Bo; Liao, Lifu; Deng, Jian

    2017-08-15

    An innovative electrochemical sensor, based on a carbon paste electrode (CPE) modified with graphene (GR) and a boron-embedded duplex molecularly imprinted hybrid membrane (B-DMIHM), was fabricated for the highly sensitive and selective determination of lamotrigine (LMT). Density functional theory (DFT) was employed to study the interactions between the template and monomers to screen appropriate functional monomers for rational design of the B-DMIHM. The distinct synergic effect of GR and B-DMIHM was evidenced by the positive shift of the reduction peak potential of LMT at B-DMIHM/GR modified CPE (B-DMIHM/GR/CPE) by about 300mV, and the 13-fold amplification of the peak current, compared to a bare carbon paste electrode (CPE). The electrochemical reduction mechanism of lamotrigine was investigated by different voltammetric techniques. It was illustrated that square wave voltammetry (SWV) was more sensitive than different pulse voltammetry (DPV) for the quantitative analysis of LMT. Thereafter, a highly sensitive electroanalytical method for LMT was established by SWV at B-DMIHM/GR/CPE with a good linear relationship from 5.0×10 -8 to 5.0×10 -5 and 5.0×10 -5 to 3.0×10 -4 molL -1 with a lower detection limit (1.52×10 -9 molL -1 ) based on the lower linear range(S/N=3). The practical application of the sensor was demonstrated by determining the concentration of LMT in pharmaceutical and biological samples with good precision (RSD 1.04-4.41%) and acceptable recoveries (92.40-107.0%). Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  3. Novel electrochemical sensor based on functionalized graphene for simultaneous determination of adenine and guanine in DNA.

    PubMed

    Huang, Ke-Jing; Niu, De-Jun; Sun, Jun-Yong; Han, Cong-Hui; Wu, Zhi-Wei; Li, Yan-Li; Xiong, Xiao-Qin

    2011-02-01

    A nano-material carboxylic acid functionalized graphene (graphene-COOH) was prepared and used to construct a novel biosensor for the simultaneous detection of adenine and guanine. The direct electrooxidation behaviors of adenine and guanine on the graphene-COOH modified glassy carbon electrode (graphene-COOH/GCE) were carefully investigated by cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry. The results indicated that both adenine and guanine showed the increase of the oxidation peak currents with the negative shift of the oxidation peak potentials in contrast to that on the bare glassy carbon electrode. The electrochemical parameters of adenine and guanine on the graphene-COOH/GCE were calculated and a simple and reliable electroanalytical method was developed for the detection of adenine and guanine, respectively. The modified electrode exhibited good behaviors in the simultaneous detection of adenine and guanine with the peak separation as 0.334V. The detection limit for individual determination of guanine and adenine was 5.0×10(-8)M and 2.5×10(-8)M (S/N=3), respectively. Furthermore, the measurements of thermally denatured single-stranded DNA were carried out and the value of (G+C)/(A+T) of single-stranded DNA was calculated as 0.80. The biosensor exhibited some advantages, such as simplicity, rapidity, high sensitivity, good reproducibility and long-term stability. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  4. Size-separated particle fractions of stainless steel welding fume particles - A multi-analytical characterization focusing on surface oxide speciation and release of hexavalent chromium.

    PubMed

    Mei, N; Belleville, L; Cha, Y; Olofsson, U; Odnevall Wallinder, I; Persson, K-A; Hedberg, Y S

    2018-01-15

    Welding fume of stainless steels is potentially health hazardous. The aim of this study was to investigate the manganese (Mn) and chromium (Cr) speciation of welding fume particles and their extent of metal release relevant for an inhalation scenario, as a function of particle size, welding method (manual metal arc welding, metal arc welding using an active shielding gas), different electrodes (solid wires and flux-cored wires) and shielding gases, and base alloy (austenitic AISI 304L and duplex stainless steel LDX2101). Metal release investigations were performed in phosphate buffered saline (PBS), pH 7.3, 37°, 24h. The particles were characterized by means of microscopic, spectroscopic, and electroanalytical methods. Cr was predominantly released from particles of the welding fume when exposed in PBS [3-96% of the total amount of Cr, of which up to 70% as Cr(VI)], followed by Mn, nickel, and iron. Duplex stainless steel welded with a flux-cored wire generated a welding fume that released most Cr(VI). Nano-sized particles released a significantly higher amount of nickel compared with micron-sized particle fractions. The welding fume did not contain any solitary known chromate compounds, but multi-elemental highly oxidized oxide(s) (iron, Cr, and Mn, possibly bismuth and silicon). Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  5. Universal mobile electrochemical detector designed for use in resource-limited applications

    PubMed Central

    Nemiroski, Alex; Christodouleas, Dionysios C.; Hennek, Jonathan W.; Kumar, Ashok A.; Maxwell, E. Jane; Fernández-Abedul, Maria Teresa; Whitesides, George M.

    2014-01-01

    This paper describes an inexpensive, handheld device that couples the most common forms of electrochemical analysis directly to “the cloud” using any mobile phone, for use in resource-limited settings. The device is designed to operate with a wide range of electrode formats, performs on-board mixing of samples by vibration, and transmits data over voice using audio—an approach that guarantees broad compatibility with any available mobile phone (from low-end phones to smartphones) or cellular network (second, third, and fourth generation). The electrochemical methods that we demonstrate enable quantitative, broadly applicable, and inexpensive sensing with flexibility based on a wide variety of important electroanalytical techniques (chronoamperometry, cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry, square wave voltammetry, and potentiometry), each with different uses. Four applications demonstrate the analytical performance of the device: these involve the detection of (i) glucose in the blood for personal health, (ii) trace heavy metals (lead, cadmium, and zinc) in water for in-field environmental monitoring, (iii) sodium in urine for clinical analysis, and (iv) a malarial antigen (Plasmodium falciparum histidine-rich protein 2) for clinical research. The combination of these electrochemical capabilities in an affordable, handheld format that is compatible with any mobile phone or network worldwide guarantees that sophisticated diagnostic testing can be performed by users with a broad spectrum of needs, resources, and levels of technical expertise. PMID:25092346

  6. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Sitler, Steven J.; Raja, Krishnan S.; Charit, Indrajit

    Solid solutions of HfB 2-ZrB 2 mixtures were prepared by high-energy ball milling of diboride and additive powders followed by spark plasma sintering (SPS). A mixture of stoichiometric 1:1 HfB 2-ZrB 2 borides was the base composition to which Hf, Zr, Ta, LaB 6 or Gd 2O 3 was added. Hf, Zr and Ta were added in order to bring the boron-to-metal ratio down to 1.86, rendering the boride as MeB 1.86. In the case of LaB 6 and Gd 2O 3, 1.8 mol% was added. Electroanalytical behavior of hydrogen evolution reactions was evaluated in 1 M H 2SO 4more » and 1 M NaOH solutions. The LaB 6 additive material showed Tafel slopes of 125 and 90 mV/decade in acidic and alkaline solutions respectively. The Hf and Zr rich samples showed Tafel slopes of about 120 mV/decade in both electrolytes. The over potentials of hydrogen evolution reactions (at 10 mA/cm 2) in the alkaline solution were about 100 mV lower than those in acidic solution. The metal-rich diborides and addition of LaB 6 showed better hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activities than the base 1:1 HfB 2-ZrB 2 stoichiometric diboride solid solution. Furthermore, the higher activity of metal-rich borides could be attributed to the increased electron population at the d-orbitals of the metal shown by band structure modeling calculations using the Density Functional Theory approach.« less

  7. A New Platform for Profiling Degradation-Related Impurities Via Exploiting the Opportunities Offered by Ion-Selective Electrodes: Determination of Both Diatrizoate Sodium and Its Cytotoxic Degradation Product.

    PubMed

    Riad, Safaa M; Abd El-Rahman, Mohamed K; Fawaz, Esraa M; Shehata, Mostafa A

    2018-05-01

    Although the ultimate goal of administering active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) is to save countless lives, the presence of impurities and/or degradation products in APIs or formulations may cause harmful physiological effects. Today, impurity profiling (i.e., the identity as well as the quantity of impurity in a pharmaceutical) is receiving critical attention from regulatory authorities. Despite the predominant use of spectroscopic and chromatographic methods over electrochemical methods for impurity profiling of APIs, this work investigates the opportunities offered by electroanalytical methods, particularly, ion-selective electrodes (ISEs), for profiling degradation-related impurities (DRIs) compared with conventional spectroscopic and chromatographic methods. For a meaningful comparison, diatrizoate sodium (DTA) was chosen as the anionic X-ray contrast agent based on its susceptibility to deacetylation into its cytotoxic and mutagenic degradation product, 3,5-diamino-2,4,6 triiodobenzoic acid (DTB). This cationic diamino compound can be also detected as an impurity in the final product because it is used as a synthetic precursor for the synthesis of DTA. In this study, four novel sensitive and selective sensors for the determination of both DTA and its cytotoxic degradation products are presented. Sensors I and II were developed for the determination of the anionic drug, DTA, and sensors III and IV were developed for the determination of the cationic cytotoxic impurity. The use of these novel sensors not only provides a stability-indicating method for the selective determination of DTA in the presence of its degradation product, but also permits DRI profiling. Moreover, a great advantage of these proposed ISE systems is their higher sensitivity for the quantification of DTB relative to other spectroscopic and chromatographic methods, so it can measure trace amounts of DTB impurities in DTA bulk powder and pharmaceutical formulation without a need for preliminary separation.

  8. Development of a Novel Biosensor Using Cationic Antimicrobial Peptide and Nickel Phthalocyanine Ultrathin Films for Electrochemical Detection of Dopamine

    PubMed Central

    Zampa, Maysa F.; Araújo, Inês Maria de S.; dos Santos Júnior, José Ribeiro; Zucolotto, Valtencir; Leite, José Roberto de S. A.; Eiras, Carla

    2012-01-01

    The antimicrobial peptide dermaseptin 01 (DS 01), from the skin secretion of Phyllomedusa hypochondrialis frogs, was immobilized in nanostructured layered films in conjunction with nickel tetrasulfonated phthalocyanines (NiTsPc), widely used in electronic devices, using layer-by-layer technique. The films were used as a biosensor to detect the presence of dopamine (DA), a neurotransmitter associated with diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, with detection limits in the order of 10−6 mol L−1. The use of DS 01 in LbL film generated selectivity in the detection of DA despite the presence of ascorbic acid found in biological fluids. This work is the first to report that the antimicrobial peptide and NiTsPc LbL film exhibits electroanalytical activity to DA oxidation. The selectivity in the detection of DA is a fundamental aspect for the development of electrochemical sensors with potential applications in the biomedical and pharmaceutical industries. PMID:22287966

  9. Simultaneous/Selective Detection of Dopamine and Ascorbic Acid at Synthetic Zeolite-Modified/Graphite-Epoxy Composite Macro/Quasi-Microelectrodes

    PubMed Central

    Ilinoiu, Elida Cristina; Manea, Florica; Serra, Pier Andrea; Pode, Rodica

    2013-01-01

    The present paper aims to miniaturize a graphite-epoxy and synthetic zeolite-modified graphite-epoxy composite macroelectrode as a quasi-microelectrode aiming in vitro and also, envisaging in vivo simultaneous electrochemical detection of dopamine (DA) and ascorbic acid (AA) neurotransmitters, or DA detection in the presence of AA. The electrochemical behavior and the response of the designed materials to the presence of dopamine and ascorbic acid without any protective membranes were studied by cyclic voltammetry and constant-potential amperometry techniques. The catalytic effect towards dopamine detection was proved for the synthetic zeolite-modified graphite-epoxy composite quasi-microelectrode, allowing increasing the sensitivity and selectivity for this analyte detection, besides a possible electrostatic attraction between dopamine cation and the negative surface of the synthetic zeolite and electrostatic repulsion with ascorbic acid anion. Also, the synthetic zeolite-modified graphite-epoxy composite quasi-microelectrode gave the best electroanalytical parameters for dopamine detection using constant-potential amperometry, the most useful technique for practical applications. PMID:23736851

  10. Monitoring dynamic interactions of tumor cells with tissue and immune cells in a lab-on-a-chip.

    PubMed

    Charwat, Verena; Rothbauer, Mario; Tedde, Sandro F; Hayden, Oliver; Bosch, Jacobus J; Muellner, Paul; Hainberger, Rainer; Ertl, Peter

    2013-12-03

    A complementary cell analysis method has been developed to assess the dynamic interactions of tumor cells with resident tissue and immune cells using optical light scattering and impedance sensing to shed light on tumor cell behavior. The combination of electroanalytical and optical biosensing technologies integrated in a lab-on-a-chip allows for continuous, label-free, and noninvasive probing of dynamic cell-to-cell interactions between adherent and nonadherent cocultures, thus providing real-time insights into tumor cell responses under physiologically relevant conditions. While the study of adherent cocultures is important for the understanding and suppression of metastatic invasion, the analysis of tumor cell interactions with nonadherent immune cells plays a vital role in cancer immunotherapy research. For the first time, the direct cell-to-cell interactions of tumor cells with bead-activated primary T cells were continuously assessed using an effector cell to target a cell ratio of 10:1.

  11. Simultaneous/selective detection of dopamine and ascorbic acid at synthetic zeolite-modified/graphite-epoxy composite macro/quasi-microelectrodes.

    PubMed

    Ilinoiu, Elida Cristina; Manea, Florica; Serra, Pier Andrea; Pode, Rodica

    2013-06-03

    The present paper aims to miniaturize a graphite-epoxy and synthetic zeolite-modified graphite-epoxy composite macroelectrode as a quasi-microelectrode aiming in vitro and also, envisaging in vivo simultaneous electrochemical detection of dopamine (DA) and ascorbic acid (AA) neurotransmitters, or DA detection in the presence of AA. The electrochemical behavior and the response of the designed materials to the presence of dopamine and ascorbic acid without any protective membranes were studied by cyclic voltammetry and constant-potential amperometry techniques. The catalytic effect towards dopamine detection was proved for the synthetic zeolite-modified graphite-epoxy composite quasi-microelectrode, allowing increasing the sensitivity and selectivity for this analyte detection, besides a possible electrostatic attraction between dopamine cation and the negative surface of the synthetic zeolite and electrostatic repulsion with ascorbic acid anion. Also, the synthetic zeolite-modified graphite-epoxy composite quasi-microelectrode gave the best electroanalytical parameters for dopamine detection using constant-potential amperometry, the most useful technique for practical applications.

  12. Apparatus and methods for monitoring the concentrations of hazardous airborne substances, especially lead

    DOEpatents

    Zaromb, Solomon

    2004-07-13

    Air is sampled at a rate in excess of 100 L/min, preferably at 200-300 L/min, so as to collect therefrom a substantial fraction, i.e., at least 20%, preferably 60-100%, of airborne particulates. A substance of interest (analyte), such as lead, is rapidly solubilized from the the collected particulates into a sample of liquid extractant, and the concentration of the analyte in the extractant sample is determined. The high-rate air sampling and particulate collection may be effected with a high-throughput filter cartridge or with a recently developed portable high-throughput liquid-absorption air sampler. Rapid solubilization of lead is achieved by a liquid extractant comprising 0.1-1 M of acetic acid or acetate, preferably at a pH of 5 or less and preferably with inclusion of 1-10% of hydrogen peroxide. Rapid determination of the lead content in the liquid extractant may be effected with a colorimetric or an electroanalytical analyzer.

  13. Simultaneous Voltammetric Detection of Carbaryl and Paraquat Pesticides on Graphene-Modified Boron-Doped Diamond Electrode

    PubMed Central

    Pop, Aniela; Manea, Florica; Flueras, Adriana; Schoonman, Joop

    2017-01-01

    Monitoring of pesticide residues in food, beverages, and the environment requires fast, versatile, and sensitive analyzing methods. Direct electrochemical detection of pesticides could represent an efficient solution. Adequate electrode material, electrochemical technique, and optimal operation parameters define the detection method for practical application. In this study, cyclic voltammetric and differential pulse voltammetric techniques were used in order to individually and simultaneously detect two pesticides, i.e., carbaryl (CR) and paraquat (PQ), from an acetate buffer solution and also from natural apple juice. A graphene-modified boron-doped diamond electrode, denoted BDDGR, was obtained and successfully applied in the simultaneous detection of CR and PQ pesticides, using the differential pulse voltammetric technique with remarkable electroanalytical parameters in terms of sensitivity: 33.27 μA μM−1 cm−2 for CR and 31.83 μA μM−1 cm−2 for PQ. These outstanding results obtained in the acetate buffer supporting electrolyte allowed us to simultaneously detect the targeted pesticides in natural apple juice. PMID:28878151

  14. Characterization of an Electroanalytical Instrument Suite Searching for Water and Life on Mars

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bostic, Heidi E.

    2005-01-01

    Seeking the existence of life on other planets is an essential part of NASA's research. Our terrestrial experience suggests that water is a mandatory resource for life to exist and thrive. However, instruments capable of detecting water at the levels likely to be present on Mars are lacking. This project tests the possibility of using electrical measurements of soils, at variable frequencies, as a water detector. Generally, the electrical resistance of soils can be described as a combination of resistance and capacitance, which can be described by a vector including a magnitude and (phase) angle. By specifically studying the impedance measurements and phase angles of different types of soil, spiked with varying concentrations of dissolved ions, measurements can be taken to provide an idea of the behavior of dry Martian soils. The presentation will describe the experimental technique, apparatus and procedures, as well as results conducted to calibrate the instrument and to establish sample preparation protocols.

  15. Virtual electrochemical nitric oxide analyzer using copper, zinc superoxide dismutase immobilized on carbon nanotubes in polypyrrole matrix.

    PubMed

    Madasamy, Thangamuthu; Pandiaraj, Manickam; Balamurugan, Murugesan; Karnewar, Santosh; Benjamin, Alby Robson; Venkatesh, Krishna Arun; Vairamani, Kanagavel; Kotamraju, Srigiridhar; Karunakaran, Chandran

    2012-10-15

    In this work, we have designed and developed a novel and cost effective virtual electrochemical analyzer for the measurement of NO in exhaled breath and from hydrogen peroxide stimulated endothelial cells using home-made potentiostat. Here, data acquisition system (NI MyDAQ) was used to acquire the data from the electrochemical oxidation of NO mediated by copper, zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu,ZnSOD). The electrochemical control programs (graphical user-interface software) were developed using LabVIEW 10.0 to sweep the potential, acquire the current response and process the acquired current signal. The Cu,ZnSOD (SOD1) immobilized on the carbon nanotubes in polypyrrole modified platinum electrode was used as the NO biosensor. The electrochemical behavior of the SOD1 modified electrode exhibited the characteristic quasi-reversible redox peak at the potential, +0.06 V vs. Ag/AgCl. The biological interferences were eliminated by nafion coated SOD1 electrode and then NO was measured selectively. Further, this biosensor showed a wide linear range of response over the concentration of NO from 0.1 μM to 1 mM with a detection limit of 0.1 μM and high sensitivity of 1.1 μA μM(-1). The electroanalytical results obtained here using the developed virtual electrochemical instrument were also compared with the standard cyclic voltammetry instrument and found in agreement with each other. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  16. Theoretical investigation of generator-collector microwell arrays for improving electroanalytical selectivity: application to selective dopamine detection in the presence of ascorbic acid.

    PubMed

    Oleinick, Alexander; Zhu, Feng; Yan, Jiawei; Mao, Bingwei; Svir, Irina; Amatore, Christian

    2013-06-24

    Recessed generator-collector assemblies consisting of an array of recessed disks (generator electrodes) with a gold layer (collector electrode) deposited over the top-plane insulator reportedly allow increased selectivity and sensitivity during electrochemical detection of dopamine (DA) in the presence of ascorbic acid (AA), a situation which is frequently encountered. In sensor design, the potential of the disk electrodes is set to the wave plateau of DA, whereas the plane electrode is biased at the irreversible wave plateau of AA before the onset of the DA oxidation wave. Thus, AA is scavenged but DA is allowed to enter the nanocavities to be oxidized at the disk electrodes, and its signal is further amplified by redox cycling between disk and plane electrodes. Several different theoretical approaches are elaborated herein to analyze the behavior of the system, and their conclusions are successfully tested by experiments. This reveals the crucial role of the plane-electrode area which screens access to the recessed disks (i.e. acts as a diffusional Faraday cage) and simultaneously contributes to amplification of the analyte signal through positive feedback, as occurs in interdigitated arrays and scanning electrochemical microscopy. Simulations also allow for the evaluation of the benefits of different geometries inspired by the above design and different operating modes for increasing the sensor performance. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  17. Effect of a Dual Charge on the DNA-Conjugated Redox Probe on DNA Sensing by Short Hairpin Beacons Tethered to Gold Electrodes.

    PubMed

    Kékedy-Nagy, László; Shipovskov, Stepan; Ferapontova, Elena E

    2016-08-16

    Charges of redox species can critically affect both the interfacial state of DNA and electrochemistry of DNA-conjugated redox labels and, as a result, the electroanalytical performance of those systems. Here, we show that the kinetics of electron transfer (ET) between the gold electrode and methylene blue (MB) label conjugated to a double-stranded (ds) DNA tethered to gold strongly depend on the charge of the MB molecule, and that affects the performance of genosensors exploiting MB-labeled hairpin DNA beacons. Positively charged MB binds to dsDNA via electrostatic and intercalative/groove binding, and this binding allows the DNA-mediated electrochemistry of MB intercalated into the duplex and, as a result, a complex mode of the electrochemical signal change upon hairpin hybridization to the target DNA, dominated by the "on-off" signal change mode at nanomolar levels of the analyzed DNA. When MB bears an additional carboxylic group, the negative charge provided by this group prevents intimate interactions between MB and DNA, and then the ET in duplexes is limited by the diffusion of the MB-conjugated dsDNA (the phenomenon first shown in Farjami , E. ; Clima , L. ; Gothelf , K. ; Ferapontova , E. E. Anal. Chem. 2011 , 83 , 1594 ) providing the robust "off-on" nanomolar DNA sensing. Those results can be extended to other intercalating redox probes and are of strategic importance for design and development of electrochemical hybridization sensors exploiting DNA nanoswitchable architectures.

  18. Lead detection using micro/nanocrystalline boron-doped diamond by square-wave anodic stripping voltammetry.

    PubMed

    Arantes, Tatiane M; Sardinha, André; Baldan, Mauricio R; Cristovan, Fernando H; Ferreira, Neidenei G

    2014-10-01

    Monitoring heavy metal ion levels in water is essential for human health and safety. Electroanalytical techniques have presented important features to detect toxic trace heavy metals in the environment due to their high sensitivity associated with their easy operational procedures. Square-wave voltammetry is a powerful electrochemical technique that may be applied to both electrokinetic and analytical measurements, and the analysis of the characteristic parameters of this technique also enables the mechanism and kinetic evaluation of the electrochemical process under study. In this work, we present a complete optimized study on the heavy metal detection using diamond electrodes. It was analyzed the influence of the morphology characteristics as well as the doping level on micro/nanocrystalline boron-doped diamond films by means of square-wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV) technique. The SWASV parameters were optimized for all films, considering that their kinetic response is dependent on the morphology and/or doping level. The films presented reversible results for the Lead [Pb (II)] system studied. The Pb (II) analysis was performed in ammonium acetate buffer at pH 4.5, varying the lead concentration in the range from 1 to 10 μg L(-1). The analytical responses were obtained for the four electrodes. However, the best low limit detection and reproducibility was found for boron doped nanocrystalline diamond electrodes (BDND) doped with 2000 mg L(-1) in B/C ratio. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  19. An electrochemical biosensor based on nanoporous stainless steel modified by gold and palladium nanoparticles for simultaneous determination of levodopa and uric acid.

    PubMed

    Rezaei, Behzad; Shams-Ghahfarokhi, Leila; Havakeshian, Elaheh; Ensafi, Ali A

    2016-09-01

    In this paper, an electrochemical biosensor based on gold and palladium nano particles-modified nanoporous stainless steel (Au-Pd/NPSS) electrode has been introduced for the simultaneous determination of levodopa (LD) and uric acid (UA). To prepare the electrode, the stainless steel was anodized to fabricate NPSS and then Cu was electrodeposited onto the nanoporous steel by applying the multiple step potential. Finally, the electrode was immersed into a gold and palladium precursor's solution by the atomic ratio of 9:1 to form Au-Pd/NPSS through the galvanic replacement reaction. Morphological aspects, structural properties and the electroanalytical behavior of the Au-Pd/NPSS electrode were studied using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and voltammetric techniques. Also, differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was used for the simultaneous determination of LD and UA. According to results, the surface of Au-Pd/NPSS electrode contained Au and Pd nanoparticles with an average diameter of 75nm. The electrode acted better than Au/NPSS and Pd/NPSS electrodes for the simultaneous determination of LD and UA, with the peak separation potential of about 220mV. Also, the calibration plot for LD was in two linear concentration ranges of 5.0-10.0 and 10.0-55.0μmolL(-1) and for UA, it was in the range of 100-1200μmolL(-1). The detection limit for LD and UA was 0.2 and 15μmolL(-1), respectively. The modified electrode had a good performance for LD and UA detection in urine, blood serum and levodopa C-Forte tablet. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  20. Metal-Rich Transition Metal Diborides as Electrocatalysts for Hydrogen Evolution Reactions in a Wide Range of pH

    DOE PAGES

    Sitler, Steven J.; Raja, Krishnan S.; Charit, Indrajit

    2016-09-23

    Solid solutions of HfB 2-ZrB 2 mixtures were prepared by high-energy ball milling of diboride and additive powders followed by spark plasma sintering (SPS). A mixture of stoichiometric 1:1 HfB 2-ZrB 2 borides was the base composition to which Hf, Zr, Ta, LaB 6 or Gd 2O 3 was added. Hf, Zr and Ta were added in order to bring the boron-to-metal ratio down to 1.86, rendering the boride as MeB 1.86. In the case of LaB 6 and Gd 2O 3, 1.8 mol% was added. Electroanalytical behavior of hydrogen evolution reactions was evaluated in 1 M H 2SO 4more » and 1 M NaOH solutions. The LaB 6 additive material showed Tafel slopes of 125 and 90 mV/decade in acidic and alkaline solutions respectively. The Hf and Zr rich samples showed Tafel slopes of about 120 mV/decade in both electrolytes. The over potentials of hydrogen evolution reactions (at 10 mA/cm 2) in the alkaline solution were about 100 mV lower than those in acidic solution. The metal-rich diborides and addition of LaB 6 showed better hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activities than the base 1:1 HfB 2-ZrB 2 stoichiometric diboride solid solution. Furthermore, the higher activity of metal-rich borides could be attributed to the increased electron population at the d-orbitals of the metal shown by band structure modeling calculations using the Density Functional Theory approach.« less

  1. Positive lists of cosmetic ingredients: Analytical methodology for regulatory and safety controls - A review.

    PubMed

    Lores, Marta; Llompart, Maria; Alvarez-Rivera, Gerardo; Guerra, Eugenia; Vila, Marlene; Celeiro, Maria; Lamas, J Pablo; Garcia-Jares, Carmen

    2016-04-07

    Cosmetic products placed on the market and their ingredients, must be safe under reasonable conditions of use, in accordance to the current legislation. Therefore, regulated and allowed chemical substances must meet the regulatory criteria to be used as ingredients in cosmetics and personal care products, and adequate analytical methodology is needed to evaluate the degree of compliance. This article reviews the most recent methods (2005-2015) used for the extraction and the analytical determination of the ingredients included in the positive lists of the European Regulation of Cosmetic Products (EC 1223/2009): comprising colorants, preservatives and UV filters. It summarizes the analytical properties of the most relevant analytical methods along with the possibilities of fulfilment of the current regulatory issues. The cosmetic legislation is frequently being updated; consequently, the analytical methodology must be constantly revised and improved to meet safety requirements. The article highlights the most important advances in analytical methodology for cosmetics control, both in relation to the sample pretreatment and extraction and the different instrumental approaches developed to solve this challenge. Cosmetics are complex samples, and most of them require a sample pretreatment before analysis. In the last times, the research conducted covering this aspect, tended to the use of green extraction and microextraction techniques. Analytical methods were generally based on liquid chromatography with UV detection, and gas and liquid chromatographic techniques hyphenated with single or tandem mass spectrometry; but some interesting proposals based on electrophoresis have also been reported, together with some electroanalytical approaches. Regarding the number of ingredients considered for analytical control, single analyte methods have been proposed, although the most useful ones in the real life cosmetic analysis are the multianalyte approaches. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  2. Electrochemical Determination of Chlorpyrifos on a Nano-TiO₂Cellulose Acetate Composite Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode.

    PubMed

    Kumaravel, Ammasai; Chandrasekaran, Maruthai

    2015-07-15

    A rapid and simple method of determination of chlorpyrifos is important in environmental monitoring and quality control. Electrochemical methods for the determination of pesticides are fast, sensitive, reproducible, and cost-effective. The key factor in electrochemical methods is the choice of suitable electrode materials. The electrode materials should have good stability, reproducibility, more sensitivity, and easy method of preparation. Mercury-based electrodes have been widely used for the determination of chlorpyrifos. From an environmental point of view mercury cannot be used. In this study a biocompatible nano-TiO2/cellulose acetate modified glassy carbon electrode was prepared by a simple method and used for the electrochemical sensing of chlorpyrifos in aqueous methanolic solution. Electroanalytical techniques such as cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry, and amperometry were used in this work. This electrode showed very good stability, reproducibility, and sensitivity. A well-defined peak was obtained for the reduction of chlorpyrifos in cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry. A smooth noise-free current response was obtained in amperometric analysis. The peak current obtained was proportional to the concentration of chlorpyrifos and was used to determine the unknown concentration of chlorpyrifos in the samples. Analytical parameters such as LOD, LOQ, and linear range were estimated. Analysis of real samples was also carried out. The results were validated through HPLC. This composite electrode can be used as an alternative to mercury electrodes reported in the literature.

  3. Development of a semigraphitic sulfur-doped ordered mesoporous carbon material for electroanalytical applications

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Maluta, Jaqueline R.; Machado, Sergio A. S.; Chaudhary, Umesh

    The modification of traditional electrodes with mesoporous carbons is a promising strategy to produce high performance electrodes for electrochemical sensing. The high surface area of mesoporous carbons provides a large number of electroactive sites for binding analytes. Controlling the pore size and structure of mesoporous carbons and modifying their electronic properties via doping offers additional benefits like maximizing transport and tuning the electrochemical processes associated with analyte detection. This work reports a facile method to produce sulfur-doped ordered mesoporous carbon materials (S-OMC) with uniform pore structure, large pore volume, high surface area and semigraphitic structure. The synthesis used thiophenol asmore » a single source of carbon and sulfur, and iron as a catalyst for low temperature carbonization. The S-OMC material was deposited on a glassy carbon electrode and used as a sensor with high sensitivity (11.7 A L mol-1) and selectivity for chloramphenicol detection in presence of other antibiotics. As a proof-of-concept, the sensor was applied to the direct analysis of the drug in reconstituted powdered milk and in commercial eye drops.« less

  4. Development of a semigraphitic sulfur-doped ordered mesoporous carbon material for electroanalytical applications

    DOE PAGES

    Maluta, Jaqueline R.; Machado, Sergio A. S.; Chaudhary, Umesh; ...

    2017-10-29

    The modification of traditional electrodes with mesoporous carbons is a promising strategy to produce high performance electrodes for electrochemical sensing. The high surface area of mesoporous carbons provides a large number of electroactive sites for binding analytes. Controlling the pore size and structure of mesoporous carbons and modifying their electronic properties via doping offers additional benefits like maximizing transport and tuning the electrochemical processes associated with analyte detection. This work reports a facile method to produce sulfur-doped ordered mesoporous carbon materials (S-OMC) with uniform pore structure, large pore volume, high surface area and semigraphitic structure. The synthesis used thiophenol asmore » a single source of carbon and sulfur, and iron as a catalyst for low temperature carbonization. The S-OMC material was deposited on a glassy carbon electrode and used as a sensor with high sensitivity (11.7 A L mol-1) and selectivity for chloramphenicol detection in presence of other antibiotics. As a proof-of-concept, the sensor was applied to the direct analysis of the drug in reconstituted powdered milk and in commercial eye drops.« less

  5. Layer-by-layer assembly of MXene and carbon nanotubes on electrospun polymer films for flexible energy storage.

    PubMed

    Zhou, Zehang; Panatdasirisuk, Weerapha; Mathis, Tyler S; Anasori, Babak; Lu, Canhui; Zhang, Xinxing; Liao, Zhiwei; Gogotsi, Yury; Yang, Shu

    2018-03-29

    Free-standing, highly flexible and foldable supercapacitor electrodes were fabricated through the spray-coating assisted layer-by-layer assembly of Ti3C2Tx (MXene) nanoflakes together with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) fiber networks. The open structure of the PCL network and the use of MWCNTs as spacers not only limit the restacking of Ti3C2Tx flakes but also increase the accessible surface of the active materials, facilitating fast diffusion of electrolyte ions within the electrode. Composite electrodes have areal capacitance (30-50 mF cm-2) comparable to other templated electrodes reported in the literature, but showed significantly improved rate performance (14-16% capacitance retention at a scan rate of 100 V s-1). Furthermore, the composite electrodes are flexible and foldable, demonstrating good tolerance against repeated mechanical deformation, including twisting and folding. Therefore, these tens of micron thick fiber electrodes will be attractive for applications in energy storage, electroanalytical chemistry, brain electrodes, electrocatalysis and other fields, where flexible freestanding electrodes with an open and accessible surface are highly desired.

  6. Single Molecule Electrochemical Detection in Aqueous Solutions and Ionic Liquids.

    PubMed

    Byers, Joshua C; Paulose Nadappuram, Binoy; Perry, David; McKelvey, Kim; Colburn, Alex W; Unwin, Patrick R

    2015-10-20

    Single molecule electrochemical detection (SMED) is an extremely challenging aspect of electroanalytical chemistry, requiring unconventional electrochemical cells and measurements. Here, SMED is reported using a "quad-probe" (four-channel probe) pipet cell, fabricated by depositing carbon pyrolytically into two diagonally opposite barrels of a laser-pulled quartz quadruple-barreled pipet and filling the open channels with electrolyte solution, and quasi-reference counter electrodes. A meniscus forms at the end of the probe covering the two working electrodes and is brought into contact with a substrate working electrode surface. In this way, a nanogap cell is produced whereby the two carbon electrodes in the pipet can be used to promote redox cycling of an individual molecule with the substrate. Anticorrelated currents generated at the substrate and tip electrodes, at particular distances (typically tens of nanometers), are consistent with the detection of single molecules. The low background noise realized in this droplet format opens up new opportunities in single molecule electrochemistry, including the use of ionic liquids, as well as aqueous solution, and the quantitative assessment and analysis of factors influencing redox cycling currents, due to a precisely known gap size.

  7. Investigation of fusion reactions in palladium and titanium tritide using galvanostatic, coulometric, and hydrogen permeation techniques

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Guilinger, T. R.; Kelly, M. J.; Scully, J. R.; Christensen, T. M.; Ingersoll, D.; Knapp, J. A.; Ewing, R. I.; Casey, W. H.; Tsao, S. S.

    1990-09-01

    We describe several electrochemical methods used to investigate the possibility of cold fusion phenomena in palladium and titanium tritide cathodes. We performed long-term (up to 77 days) electrolysis experiments with electrochemical cells of the University of Utah type at current densities as high as 1 A/cm2, while monitoring neutron and tritium levels. With some cells, we pulsed the current to determine if neutron bursts would result. In another cell, we used titanium tritide as the cathode to determine if D-T reactions yielding neutrons would occur. In no instance were levels of neutrons or tritium significantly above background except in the titanium tritide cell where isotopic exchange, occcurring between the electrode and the electrolyte, resulted in significant tritium levels. We also combined x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electrochemical hydrogen permeation experiments to determine the effectiveness of various Pd surface treatment procedures on the resultant electrochemical hydrogen absorption efficiency. Electroanalytical and thermal desorption/gas analysis techniques indicated the maximum loading of H in Pd was to a ratio of H∶Pd=0.8.

  8. 3D spongy graphene-modified screen-printed sensors for the voltammetric determination of the narcotic drug codeine.

    PubMed

    Mohamed, Mona A; El-Gendy, Dalia M; Ahmed, Nashaat; Banks, Craig E; Allam, Nageh K

    2018-03-15

    Adenine-functionalized spongy graphene (FSG) composite, fabricated via a facile and green synthetic method, has been explored as a potential electrocatalyst toward the electroanalytical sensing of codeine phosphate (COD). The synthesized composite is characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and thermogravimetric analysis. The FSG was electrically wired via modification upon screen-printed (macro electrode) sensors, which behave as a hybrid electrode material for the sensitive and selective codeine phosphate (COD) determination in the presence of paracetamol (PAR) and caffeine (CAF). The FSG- modified sensor showed an excellent electrocatalytic response towards the sensing of COD with a wide linear response range of 2.0 × 10 -8 -2.0 × 10 -4 M and a detection limit (LOD) of 5.8 × 10 -9 M, indicating its potential for the sensing of COD in clinical samples and pharmaceutical formulations. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  9. Electrochemical detection of p-ethylguaiacol, a fungi infected fruit volatile using metal oxide nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Fang, Yi; Umasankar, Yogeswaran; Ramasamy, Ramaraja P

    2014-08-07

    Nanoparticles of TiO(2) or SnO(2) on screen-printed carbon (SP) electrodes have been developed for evaluating their potential application in the electrochemical sensing of volatiles in fruits and plants. These metal oxide nanoparticle-modified electrodes possess high sensitivity and low detection limit for the detection of p-ethylguaiacol, a fingerprint compound present in the volatile signature of fruits and plants infected with a pathogenic fungus Phytophthora cactorum. The electroanalytical data obtained using cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry showed that both SnO(2) and TiO(2) exhibited high sensitivity (174-188 μA cm(-2) mM(-1)) and low detection limits (35-62 nM) for p-ethylguaiacol detection. The amperometric detection was highly repeatable with RSD values ranging from 2.48 to 4.85%. The interference studies show that other common plant volatiles do not interfere in the amperometric detection signal of p-ethylguaiacol. The results demonstrate that metal oxides are a reasonable alternative to expensive electrode materials such as gold or platinum for amperometric sensor applications.

  10. Determination of tryptamine in foods using square wave adsorptive stripping voltammetry.

    PubMed

    Costa, Daniel J E; Martínez, Ana M; Ribeiro, Williame F; Bichinho, Kátia M; Di Nezio, María Susana; Pistonesi, Marcelo F; Araujo, Mario C U

    2016-07-01

    Tryptamine, a biogenic amine, is an indole derivative with an electrophilic substituent at the C3 position of the pyrrole ring of the indole moiety. The electrochemical oxidation of tryptamine was investigated using glassy carbon electrode (GCE), and focusing on trace level determination in food products by square wave adsorptive stripping voltammetry (SWAdSV). The electrochemical responses of tryptamine were evaluated using differing voltammetric techniques over a wide pH range, a quasi-reversible electron-transfer to redox system represented by coupled peaks P1-P3, and an irreversible reaction for peak P2 were demonstrated. The proton and electron counts associated with the oxidation reactions were estimated. The nature of the mass transfer process was predominantly diffusion-limited for the oxidation process of P1, the most selective and sensitive analytical response (acetate buffer solution pH 5.3), being used for the development of SWAdSV method, under optimum conditions. The excellent response allowed the development of an electroanalytical method with a linear response range of from 4.7-54.5)×10(-)(8)molL(-1), low detection limit (0.8×10(-)(9)molL(-)(1)), and quantification limit (2.7×10(-9)molL(-1)), and acceptable levels of repeatability (3.6%), and reproducibility (3.8%). Tryptamine content was determined in bananas, tomatoes, cheese (mozzarella and gorgonzola), and cold meats (chicken sausage and pepperoni sausage), yielding recoveries above 90%, with excellent analytical performance using simple and low cost instrumentation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  11. In General, the Total Voltammetric Current from a Mixture of Redox-Active Substances will Not be the Sum of the Currents that Each Substance would Produce Independently at the Same Concentration as in the Mixture

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Leventis, Nicholas; Oh, Woon Su; Gao, Xue-Rong; Rawashdeh, Abdel Monem M.

    2003-01-01

    At the potential range where both decamethylferrocene (dMeFc) and ferrocene (Fc) are oxidized with rates controlled by linear diffusion, electrogenerated Fc(+) radicals diffusing outwards from the electrode react quantitatively (K23 C=5.8 x 10(exp 8) with dMeFc diffusing towards the electrode and produce Fc and dMeFc. That reaction replaces dMeFc with Fc, whose diffusion coefficient is higher than that of dMeFc(+), and the total mass-transfer limited current from the mixture is increased by approximately 10%. Analogous observations are made when mass-transfer is controlled by convective-diffusion as in RDE voltammetry. Similar results have been obtained with another, and for all practical purposes randomly selected pair of redox-active substances, [Co(bipy)3](2+) and N - methylphenothiazine (MePTZ); reaction of MePTZ(+) with [Co(bipy)3](2+) replaces the latter with MePTZ, which diffuses faster and the current increases by approximately 20%. The experimental voltammograms have been simulated numerically and the role of (a) the rate constant of the homogeneous reaction; (b) the relative concentrations; and, (c) the diffusion coefficients of all species involved have been studied in detail. Importantly, it was also identified that within any given redox system the dependence of the mass-transfer limited current on the bulk concentrations of the redox-active species is expected to be non-linear. These findings are discussed in terms of their electroanalytical implications.

  12. Chemometrics-assisted investigation of interactions of Tasmar with human serum albumin at a glassy carbon disk: Application to electrochemical biosensing of electro-inactive serum albumin.

    PubMed

    Mohammadi, Ghobad; Faramarzi, Elahe; Mahmoudi, Majid; Ghobadi, Sirous; Ghiasvand, Ali Reza; Goicoechea, Hector C; Jalalvand, Ali R

    2018-07-15

    In this work, voltammetric data recorded by a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was used to investigate the interactions of tolcapone (Tasmar, TAS) with human serum albumin (HSA) at the electrode surface. The recorded voltammetric data was also combined with spectroscopic data to construct an augmented data matrix which was analysed by multivariate curve resolution-alternating least squares (MCR-ALS) as an efficient chemometric tool to obtain more information about TAS-HSA interactions. The results of MCR-ALS confirmed formation of one complex species (HSA-TAS 2 ) and application of MCR-BANDS to the results of MCR-ALS confirmed the absence of rotational ambiguities and existing unambiguous and reliable results. Binding of TAS to HSA was also modeled by molecular docking and the results showed that the TAS was bound to sub-domain IIA of HSA which were compatible with the ones obtained by recording experimental data. Hard-modeling of combined voltammetric and spectroscopic data by EQUISPEC helped us to compute binding constant of HSA-TAS 2 complex species which was compatible with the binding constant value obtained by direct analysis of experimental data. Finally, a new electroanalytical method was developed based on TAS-HSA interactions for determination of HSA in two ranges of 0-541 nM and 541-1200 nM with a limit of detection of 0.04 nM and a sensitivity of 0.02 μA nM -1 . Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  13. A square-wave adsorptive stripping voltammetric method for determination of fast green dye.

    PubMed

    Al-Ghamdi, Ali F

    2009-01-01

    Square-wave adsorptive stripping voltammetric (SW-AdSV) determinations of trace concentrations of the coloring agent fast green were described. The analytical methodology used was based on the adsorptive preconcentration of the dye on the hanging mercury drop electrode, and then a negative sweep was initiated. In pH 10 carbonate supporting electrolyte, fast green gave a well-defined and sensitive SW-AdSV peak at -1220 mV. The electroanalytical determination of this dye was found to be optimized in carbonate buffer (pH 10) with the following experimental conditions: accumulation time (120 s); accumulation potential (-0.8 V); scan rate (800 mV/s); pulse amplitude (90 mV); frequency (90 Hz); surface area of the working electrode (0.6 mm2); and the convection rate (2000 rpm). Under these optimized conditions, the AdSV peak current was proportional over the concentration range 2 x 10(-8) -6 x 10(-7) M (r = 0.999), with an LOD of 1.63 x 10(-10) M (0.132 ppb). This analytical approach possessed more enhanced sensitivity than conventional chromatography or spectrophotometry, and was simple and quick. The precision of the method in terms of RSD was 0.17%, whereas the accuracy was evaluated via the mean recovery of 99.6%. Possible interferences by several substances usually present as food additive azo dyes (E110, E102, E123, and E129), natural and artificial sweeteners, and antioxidants were also investigated. Applicability of the developed electroanalysis method was illustrated via the determination of fast green in ice cream and soft drink samples.

  14. Point-of-need simultaneous electrochemical detection of lead and cadmium using low-cost stencil-printed transparency electrodes.

    PubMed

    Martín-Yerga, Daniel; Álvarez-Martos, Isabel; Blanco-López, M Carmen; Henry, Charles S; Fernández-Abedul, M Teresa

    2017-08-15

    In this work, we report a simple and yet efficient stencil-printed electrochemical platform that can be integrated into the caps of sample containers and thus, allows in-field quantification of Cd(II) and Pb(II) in river water samples. The device exploits the low-cost features of carbon (as electrode material) and paper/polyester transparency sheets (as substrate). Electrochemical analysis of the working electrodes prepared on different substrates (polyester transparency sheets, chromatographic, tracing and office papers) with hexaammineruthenium(III) showed that their electroactive area and electron transfer kinetics are highly affected by the porosity of the material. Electrodes prepared on transparency substrates showed the best electroanalytical performance for the simultaneous determination of Cd(II) and Pb(II) by square-wave anodic stripping voltammetry. Interestingly, the temperature and time at which the carbon ink was cured had significant effect on the electrochemical response, especially the capacitive current. The amount of Cd and Pb on the electrode surface can be increased about 20% by in situ electrodeposition of bismuth. The electrochemical platform showed a linear range comprised between 1 and 200 μg/L for both metals, sensitivity of analysis of 0.22 and 0.087 μA/ppb and limits of detection of 0.2 and 0.3 μg/L for Cd(II) and Pb(II), respectively. The analysis of river water samples was done directly in the container where the sample was collected, which simplifies the procedure and approaches field analysis. The developed point-of-need detection system allowed simultaneous determination of Cd(II) and Pb(II) in those samples using the standard addition method with precise and accurate results. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  15. A new piperazine derivative: 1-(4-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl) piperazin-1-yl)-2-methoxyethan-1-one with antioxidant and central activity.

    PubMed

    Brito, Adriane F; Braga, Patrícia C C S; Moreira, Lorrane K S; Silva, Dayane M; Silva, Daiany P B; Sanz, Germán; Vaz, Boniek G; de Carvalho, Flávio S; Lião, Luciano M; Silva, Rafaela R; Noël, François; Neri, Hiasmin F S; Ghedini, Paulo C; de Carvalho, Murilo F; de S Gil, Eric; Costa, Elson A; Menegatti, Ricardo

    2018-03-01

    In the scope of a research program aimed at developing new drugs for the treatment of central nervous system diseases, we describe herein the synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of 1-(4-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl) piperazin-1-yl)-2-methoxyethan-1-one (LQFM180). This compound showed antioxidant activity in two models, electroanalytical assays, and DPPH activity. Moreover, in behavioral tests as the open field test LQFM180 (9.4, 18.8, and 37.6 mg/kg, per oral (p.o.)), we detected anxiolytic-like activity. In the sodium pentobarbital-induced sleep test, LQFM180, in all doses, decreased the latency to sleep and increased sleep duration, indicating central depressant activity; moreover, in the chimney test, LQFM180 did not alter motor activity. LQFM180 (18.8 mg/kg, p.o.) increased the time and number of entries on open arms in the elevated plus maze test, suggesting anxiolytic-like activity, which was reversed by NAN-190 and p-chlorophenylalanine, indicating a role of the serotonergic pathway on this effect. In the forced swimming test, LFQM180 (18.8 mg/kg, p.o.) decreased immobility time, suggesting antidepressant-like activity, which was reversed by monoaminergic antagonists, indicating a role for the serotonergic, noradrenergic, and dopaminergic pathways. Competition binding assays showed that LQFM180 was able to bind to the α 1B , 5-HT 1A , and D 2 receptors, however, within the low micromolar range. We conclude that LQFM180 should be considered as a scaffold for drug candidate development.

  16. Sensitive bi-enzymatic biosensor based on polyphenoloxidases-gold nanoparticles-chitosan hybrid film-graphene doped carbon paste electrode for carbamates detection.

    PubMed

    Oliveira, Thiago M B F; Barroso, M Fátima; Morais, Simone; Araújo, Mariana; Freire, Cristina; de Lima-Neto, Pedro; Correia, Adriana N; Oliveira, Maria B P P; Delerue-Matos, Cristina

    2014-08-01

    A bi-enzymatic biosensor (LACC-TYR-AuNPs-CS/GPE) for carbamates was prepared in a single step by electrodeposition of a hybrid film onto a graphene doped carbon paste electrode (GPE). Graphene and the gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were morphologically characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering and laser Doppler velocimetry. The electrodeposited hybrid film was composed of laccase (LACC), tyrosinase (TYR) and AuNPs entrapped in a chitosan (CS) polymeric matrix. Experimental parameters, namely graphene redox state, AuNPs:CS ratio, enzymes concentration, pH and inhibition time were evaluated. LACC-TYR-AuNPs-CS/GPE exhibited an improved Michaelis-Menten kinetic constant (26.9±0.5M) when compared with LACC-AuNPs-CS/GPE (37.8±0.2M) and TYR-AuNPs-CS/GPE (52.3±0.4M). Using 4-aminophenol as substrate at pH5.5, the device presented wide linear ranges, low detection limits (1.68×10(-9)±1.18×10(-10)-2.15×10(-7)±3.41×10(-9)M), high accuracy, sensitivity (1.13×10(6)±8.11×10(4)-2.19×10(8)±2.51×10(7)%inhibitionM(-1)), repeatability (1.2-5.8% RSD), reproducibility (3.2-6.5% RSD) and stability (ca. twenty days) to determine carbaryl, formetanate hydrochloride, propoxur and ziram in citrus fruits based on their inhibitory capacity on the polyphenoloxidases activity. Recoveries at two fortified levels ranged from 93.8±0.3% (lemon) to 97.8±0.3% (orange). Glucose, citric acid and ascorbic acid do not interfere significantly in the electroanalysis. The proposed electroanalytical procedure can be a promising tool for food safety control. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  17. Doped and undoped graphene platforms: the influence of structural properties on the detection of polyphenols

    PubMed Central

    Chng, Chu’Er; Sofer, Zdenek; Pumera, Martin; Bonanni, Alessandra

    2016-01-01

    There is a huge interest in doped graphene and how doping can tune the material properties for the specific application. It was recently demonstrated that the effect of doping can have different influence on the electrochemical detection of electroactive probes, depending on the analysed probe, on the structural characteristics of the graphene materials and on the type and amount of heteroatom used for the doping. In this work we wanted to investigate the effect of doping on graphene materials used as platform for the detection of catechin, a standard probe which is commonly used for the measurement of polyphenols in food and beverages. To this aim we compared undoped graphene with boron-doped graphene and nitrogen doped graphene platforms for the electrochemical detection of standard catechin oxidation. Finally, the material providing the best electrochemical performance was employed for the analysis of real samples. We found that the undoped graphene, possessing lower amount of oxygen functionalities, higher density of defects and larger electroactive surface area provided the best electroanalytical performance for the determination of catechin in commercial beer samples. Our findings are important for the development of novel graphene platforms for the electrochemical assessment of food quality. PMID:26861507

  18. Heavy metal speciation and uptake in crayfish and tadpoles

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Bundy, K.J.; Berzins, D.; Millet, L.

    1996-12-31

    Developing valid pollution recording methods is central to assessing environmental damage and remediation. This often is difficult, however, because of speciation and multiphase distribution of contaminants. Polarography, an electroanalytical technique capable of detection and quantification of trace levels of elements and ionic complexes, is a promising method for analyzing environmental samples. Here, polarography has been used to determine lead concentration in water, sediment, bullfrogs, tadpoles, and adsorbed onto kaolin. It has also been used to measure hexavalent chromium concentration in crayfish. This research involves field studies and two laboratory experiments. Studies of a Louisiana swamp have shown lead`s affinity formore » sediment and water particulate phases, rather than being ionically dissolved in the aqueous phase. In swamp bullfrogs, lead was found in greater concentrations in bone compared to muscle. In the first laboratory experiment, lead uptake originating from water and sediment increased in tadpoles as exposure time and concentration increased. Also, this animal`s development was hindered at higher concentrations. The second laboratory experiment exposed crayfish to aqueous hexavalent chromium. Total chromium uptake increased with exposure time and concentration. The chromium tissue abundance was hepatopancreas > gills > muscle. A substantial portion of tissue hexavalent chromium converted to the less toxic trivalent form.« less

  19. Study of the voltammetric behaviour of the ethalfluralin and methalpropalin and its determination in environmental matrices at hanging mercury drop electrode.

    PubMed

    Thriveni, T; Kumar, J Rajesh; Lee, Jin Young; Sreedhar, N Y

    2009-04-01

    An electroanalytical method has been developed for the determination of the herbicides ethalfluralin[N-ethyl-N-(2-methyl-2-propenyl)-2,6-dinitro-4-(trifluoromethyl) bezenamine] and methalpropalin [N-(2-methyl-2-propenyl)-2, 6-dinitro-N-propyl-4 (trifluoromethyl) benzenamine] by differential pulse adsorptive stripping voltammetry (DP-AdSV) on a hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE) with universal buffer as supporting electrolyte. The optimum adsorption conditions were found to be pH 6.0, an accumulation potential of -0.6 V (HMDE vs SCE), an accumulation time of 80 s. and scan rate 45 mVs(-1). Calibration curve is linear in the range 1.30 x 10(-9) to 1.32 x 10(-5) M of ethalfluralin and 1.13 x 10(-5) to 2.0 x 10(-8) M of methalpropalin with detection limits of 1.08 x 10(-9) and 1.87 x 10(-8) M, respectively. The relative SD and correlation coefficients were found to be 1.24%, 0.998 and 1.34%, 0.995, respectively for ten replicates. The method is applied to the determination of the ethalfluralin and methalpropalin in formulations and environmental matrices.

  20. Electrochemical determination of estrogenic compound bisphenol F in food packaging using carboxyl functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes modified glassy carbon electrode.

    PubMed

    Wang, Xin; Yang, Lijun; Jin, Xudong; Zhang, Lei

    2014-08-15

    A simple and highly sensitive electroanalytical method for the determination of bisphenol F (BPF) was developed, which was carried out on multi-walled carbon nanotubes-COOH (MWCNT-COOH) modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The results showed that MWCNT-COOH remarkably enhanced the oxidation of BPF, which improved the anodic peak current of BPF significantly. The mechanism was oxidation of BPF lose electrons on the electrode surface via adsorption-controlled process, electrode reaction is the two electrons/two protons process. Under the optimised conditions, the oxidation peak current was proportional to BPF concentration the range from 0.12 to 6.01 μg mL(-1). The detection limit was 0.11 μg mL(-1) (S/N=3), and the relative standard deviation (R.S.D.) was 3.5% (n=9). Moreover, the MWCNT-COOH/GCE electrode showed good reproducibility, stability and anti-interference. Therefore, the proposed method was successfully applied to determine BPF in food packing and the results were satisfactory. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  1. Doped and undoped graphene platforms: the influence of structural properties on the detection of polyphenols

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chng, Chu'Er; Sofer, Zdenek; Pumera, Martin; Bonanni, Alessandra

    2016-02-01

    There is a huge interest in doped graphene and how doping can tune the material properties for the specific application. It was recently demonstrated that the effect of doping can have different influence on the electrochemical detection of electroactive probes, depending on the analysed probe, on the structural characteristics of the graphene materials and on the type and amount of heteroatom used for the doping. In this work we wanted to investigate the effect of doping on graphene materials used as platform for the detection of catechin, a standard probe which is commonly used for the measurement of polyphenols in food and beverages. To this aim we compared undoped graphene with boron-doped graphene and nitrogen doped graphene platforms for the electrochemical detection of standard catechin oxidation. Finally, the material providing the best electrochemical performance was employed for the analysis of real samples. We found that the undoped graphene, possessing lower amount of oxygen functionalities, higher density of defects and larger electroactive surface area provided the best electroanalytical performance for the determination of catechin in commercial beer samples. Our findings are important for the development of novel graphene platforms for the electrochemical assessment of food quality.

  2. One-Step Fabrication of a Multifunctional Magnetic Nickel Ferrite/Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes Nanohybrid-Modified Electrode for the Determination of Benomyl in Food.

    PubMed

    Wang, Qiong; Yang, Jichun; Dong, Yuanyuan; Zhang, Lei

    2015-05-20

    Benomyl, as one kind of agricultural pesticide, has adverse impact on human health and the environment. It is urgent to develop effective and rapid methods for quantitative determination of benomyl. A simple and sensitive electroanalytical method for determination of benomyl using a magnetic nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4)/multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) nanohybrid-modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was presented. The electrocatalytic properties and electroanalysis of benomyl on the modified electrode were investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). In the phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) of pH 6.0, this constructed biosensor exhibited two linear relationships with the benomyl concentration range from 1.00 × 10(-7) to 5.00 × 10(-7) mol/L and from 5.00 × 10(-7) to 1.00 × 10(-5) mol/L, respectively. The detection limit was 2.51 × 10(-8) mol/L (S/N = 3). Moreover, the proposed method was successfully applied to determine benomyl in real samples with satisfactory results. The NiFe2O4/MWCNTs/GCE showed good reproducibility and stability, excellent catalytic activity, and anti-interference.

  3. The application of graphene for in vitro and in vivo electrochemical biosensing.

    PubMed

    Janegitz, Bruno Campos; Silva, Tiago Almeida; Wong, Ademar; Ribovski, Laís; Vicentini, Fernando Campanhã; Taboada Sotomayor, Maria Del Pilar; Fatibello-Filho, Orlando

    2017-03-15

    Advances in analysis are required for rapid and reliable clinical diagnosis. Graphene is a 2D material that has been extensively used in the development of devices for the medical proposes due to properties such as an elevated surface area and excellent electrical conductivity. On the other hand, architectures have been designed with the incorporation of different biological recognition elements such as antibodies/antigens and DNA probes for the proposition of immunosensors and genosensors. This field presents a great progress in the last few years, which have opened up a wide range of applications. Here, we highlight a rather comprehensive overview of the interesting properties of graphene for in vitro, in vivo, and point-of-care electrochemical biosensing. In the course of the paper, we first introduce graphene, electroanalytical methods (potentiometry, voltammetry, amperometry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) followed by an overview of the prospects and possible applications of this material in electrochemical biosensors. In this context, we discuss some relevant trends including the monitoring of multiple biomarkers for cancer diagnostic, implantable devices for in vivo sensing and, development of point-of-care devices to real-time diagnostics. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  4. Rapid Screening Method for New Psychoactive Substances of Forensic Interest: Electrochemistry and Analytical Determination of Phenethylamines Derivatives (NBOMe) via Cyclic and Differential Pulse Voltammetry.

    PubMed

    Andrade, Ana Flávia B; Mamo, Samuel Kasahun; Gonzalez-Rodriguez, Jose

    2017-02-07

    The NBOMe derivatives are phenethylamines derived from the 2C class of hallucinogens. Only a few human pharmacologic studies have been conducted on these drugs, and several cases of intoxication and deaths have been reported. Presently, NBOMe are not a part of the routine drugs-of-abuse screening procedure for many police forces, and there are no rapid immunoassay screening tests that can detect the presence of those compounds. In this Article, the voltammetric behavior of 25B NBOMe and 25I NBOMe were investigated and their electroanalytical characteristics determined for the first time. A novel, fast, and sensitive screening method for the identification of the two most common NBOMes (25B-NBOMe and 25I-NBOMe) in real samples is reported. The method uses the electrochemical oxidation of these molecules to produce an analytical signal that can be related to the NBOMe concentration with an average lower limit of quantitation of 0.01 mg/mL for both of them. The method is selective enough to identify the two compounds individually, even given the great similarity in their structure.

  5. Development of electrochemical sensor for the determination of palladium ions (Pd2+) using flexible screen printed un-modified carbon electrode.

    PubMed

    Velmurugan, Murugan; Thirumalraj, Balamurugan; Chen, Shen-Ming; Al-Hemaid, Fahad M A; Ajmal Ali, M; Elshikh, Mohamed S

    2017-01-01

    To date, the development of different modified electrodes have received much attention in electrochemistry. The modified electrodes have some drawbacks such as high cost, difficult to handle and not eco friendly. Hence, we report an electrochemical sensor for the determination of palladium ions (Pd 2+ ) using an un-modified screen printed carbon electrode has been developed for the first time, which are characterized and studied via scanning electron microscope and cyclic voltammetry. Prior to determination of Pd 2+ ions, the operational conditions of un-modified SPCE was optimized using cyclic voltammetry and showed excellent electro-analytical behavior towards the determination of Pd 2+ ions. Electrochemical determination of Pd 2+ ions reveal that the un-modified electrode showed lower detection limit of 1.32μM with a linear ranging from 3 to 133.35μM towards the Pd 2+ ions concentration via differential pulse voltammetry. The developed sensor also applied to the successfully determination of trace level Pd 2+ ions in spiked water samples. In addition, the advantage of this type of electrode is simple, disposable and cost effective in electrochemical sensors. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  6. Electrochemical study of acetaminophen oxidation by gold nanoparticles supported on a leaf-like zeolitic imidazolate framework.

    PubMed

    Wang, Lei; Meng, Tianjiao; Fan, Yanwei; Chen, Chunxia; Guo, Ziwei; Wang, Huan; Zhang, Yufan

    2018-04-03

    Decoration of leaf-like zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-L) with Au nanoparticles (NPs) by a simple self-assembly method was described in this work. The materials were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectra, N 2 adsorption, and thermogravimetric analysis. Acetaminophen (AP) is most commonly referred to as an over-the-counter antipyretic and analgesic, which is a key factor in relieving fever and pain. It is particular significant to take efforts and conduct research for the development of reliable methods to detect the AP. An electrochemical sensor for AP was constructed based on the Au/ZIF-L, which exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity for the oxidation of AP with the catalytic rate constant (k cat ) of 4.27 × 10 4  M -1  s -1 and diffusion coefficient (D) of of 8.31 × 10 -5  cm 2  s -1 . Importantly, Au/ZIF-L was developed as an effective sensing platform for the detection of AP, which showed high analytical performance, such as a linear range of 3.50 μM-0.056 mM with sensitivity of 37.28 μA mM -1 , a linear range of 0.056-0.56 mM with sensitivity of 25.10 μA mM -1 , and a low limit of detection of 1.02 μM. The successfully fabricated Au/ZIF-L device can be used to accurately measure the amount of AP in pharmaceutical samples. Results implied the potential application of functionalized MOF composite materials in the field of electrocatalysis, making it particularly suitable for electroanalytical chemistry. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  7. Layered double hydroxide materials coated carbon electrode: New challenge to future electrochemical power devices

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Djebbi, Mohamed Amine; Braiek, Mohamed; Namour, Philippe; Ben Haj Amara, Abdesslem; Jaffrezic-Renault, Nicole

    2016-11-01

    Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) have been widely used in the past years due to their unique physicochemical properties and promising applications in electroanalytical chemistry. The present paper is going to focus exclusively on magnesium-aluminum and zinc-aluminum layered double hydroxides (MgAl & ZnAl LDHs) in order to investigate the property and structure of active cation sites located within the layer structure. The MgAl and ZnAl LDH nanosheets were prepared by the constant pH co-precipitation method and uniformly supported on carbon-based electrode materials to fabricate an LDH electrode. Characterization by powder x-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy revealed the LDH form and well-crystallized materials. Wetting surface properties (hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity) of both prepared LDHs were recorded by contact angle measurement show hydrophilic character and basic property. The electrochemical performance of these hybrid materials was investigated by mainly cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and chronoamperometry techniques to identify the oxidation/reduction processes at the electrode/electrolyte interface and the effect of the divalent metal cations in total reactivity. The hierarchy of the modified electrode proves that the electronic conductivity of the bulk material is considerably dependent on the divalent cation and affects the limiting parameter of the overall redox process. However, MgAl LDH shows better performance than ZnAl LDH, due to the presence of magnesium cations in the layers. Following the structural, morphological and electrochemical behavior studies of both synthesized LDHs, the prepared LDH modified electrodes were tested through microbial fuel cell configuration, revealing a remarkable, potential new pathway for high-performance and cost-effective electrode use in electrochemical power devices.

  8. Fabrication of novel coated pyrolytic graphite electrodes for the selective nano-level monitoring of Cd²⁺ ions in biological and environmental samples using polymeric membrane of newly synthesized macrocycle.

    PubMed

    Sahani, Manoj Kumar; Singh, A K; Jain, A K; Upadhyay, Anjali; Kumar, Amit; Singh, Udai P; Narang, Shikha

    2015-02-20

    Novel 5-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-thiol unit based macrocyclic ionophore 5,11,17-trithia-1,3,7,9,13,15,19,20,21-nonaazatetracyclo[14.2.1.1(4,7).1(10,13)]henicosa-4(20),10(21),16(19)-triene-6,12,18-trithione (M1), was synthesized and characterized. Preliminary studies on M1 have showed that it has more the affinity toward Cd(2+) ion. Thus, the macrocyclic ionophore (M1) was used as electroactive material in the fabrication of PVC-membrane electrodes such as polymeric membrane electrode (PME), coated graphite electrode (CGE) and coated pyrolytic graphite electrode (CPGE) were prepared and its performance characteristic were compared with. The electroanalytical studies performed on PME, CGE and CPGE revealed that CPGE having membrane composition M1:PVC:1-CN:NaTPB in the ratio of 7:37:54:2 exhibits the best potentiometric characteristics in terms of detection limit of 7.58×10(-9) mol L(-1), Nernstian slope of 29.6 mV decade(-1) of activity. The sensor was found to be independent of pH in the range 2.5-8.5. The sensor showed a fast response time of 10s and could be used over a period of 4 months without any significant divergence in its potentiometric characteristics. The sensor has been employed for monitoring of the Cd(2+) ion in real samples and also used as an indicator electrode in the potentiometric titration of Cd(2+) ion with EDTA. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  9. Surfactant exfoliated 2D hexagonal Boron Nitride (2D-hBN) explored as a potential electrochemical sensor for dopamine: surfactants significantly influence sensor capabilities.

    PubMed

    Khan, Aamar F; Brownson, Dale A C; Foster, Christopher W; Smith, Graham C; Banks, Craig E

    2017-05-21

    Surfactant exfoliated 2D hexagonal Boron Nitride (2D-hBN) nanosheets are explored as a potential electrochemical sensing platform and evaluated towards the electroanalytical sensing of dopamine (DA) in the presence of the common interferents, ascorbic acid (AA) and uric acid (UA). Surfactant exfoliated 2D-hBN nanosheets (2-4 layers) fabricated using sodium cholate in aqueous media are electrically wired via a drop-casting modification process onto disposable screen-printed graphite electrodes (SPEs). We critically evaluate the performance of these 2D-hBN modified SPEs and demonstrate the effect of 'mass coverage' towards the detection of DA, AA and UA. Previous studies utilising surfactant-free (pristine) 2D-hBN modified SPEs have shown a beneficial effect towards the detection of DA, AA and UA when compared to the underlying/unmodified graphite-based electrode. We show that the fabrication route utilised to prepare 2D-hBN is a vital experimental consideration, such that the beneficial effect previously reported is considerably reduced when surfactant exfoliated 2D-hBN is utilised. We demonstrate for the first time, through implementation of control experiments in the form of surfactant modified graphite electrodes, that sodium cholate is a major contributing factor to the aforementioned detrimental behaviour. The significance here is not in the material per se, but the fundamental knowledge of the surfactant and surface coverage changing the electrochemical properties of the material under investigation. Given the wide variety of ionic and non-ionic surfactants that are utilised in the manufacture of novel 2D materials, the control experiments reported herein need to be performed in order to de-convolute the electrochemical response and effectively evaluate the 'underlying surface/surfactant/2D materials' electrocatalytic contribution.

  10. Material Characterization in the Electro-Analytic Approach for Applications in Chemical Mechanical Planarization and Electrochemical Energy Systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rock, Simon E.

    The work presented in this thesis covers electro-analytical characterization for multiple applications in material science. Electrochemical techniques were used to investigate soluble film formation on metals used in chemical mechanical planarization in order to better understand the removal rate process by studying new chemicals proposed by groups in industry. Second, an ionic liquid was used as an electrolyte in a lithium ion cathode half cell to show the essential functionality of the IL and the temperature advantage over traditional electrolytes. Lastly, a comprehensive measurement for charge recombination in dye-sensitized solar cells was performed using both open-circuit voltage decay and impedance spectroscopy, which may be used to better understand the limiting factors that affect the cell's efficiently. Electrochemical techniques were applied to new methods and materials to extend the development of material manufacturing and advance the measurement process. The fabrication of interconnect structures for semiconductor devices requires low down-pressure chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) of Ta barrier layers. Guanidine carbonate (GC) serves as an effective surface-complexing agent for such CMP applications, where the rate of Ta removal can be chemically controlled through pH-tuned selectivity with respect to the removal of Cu lines. Electrochemical techniques are employed in this work to study the surface-modifying roles of GC that make this chemical an attractive complexing agent for Ta CMP. In addition, the effects of including H2O2 (an oxidizer) and dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid (DBSA, a dissolution inhibitor for Cu) in GC-based CMP solutions are investigated to examine the selective CMP mechanisms of Ta and Cu in these solutions. The results suggest that the removal of Ta is supported in part by structurally weak guanidinium-tantalic-acid surface complexes formed on Ta/Ta2O5. The bicarbonate/carbonate anions of GC also facilitate Ta removal through the generation of ion-incorporated tantalum pentoxide. DBSA strongly affects the CMP chemistry of Cu, but exhibits relatively weaker effects on the surface activity of Ta, and thus plays a vital role in dictating the selectivity of Ta:Cu polish rates. CMP of tantalum nitride is also an essential step of material processing in the fabrication of integrated circuits, which is looked separately in this thesis. The present work investigates certain chemical aspects of this strategy of TaN-CMP by also using guanidine carbonate (GC) as a surface complexing agent, and employing electrochemical experiments. The experiments are designed to study the chemical and electrochemical origins of the CMP-specific surface complex films formed on a TaN wafer in acidic solutions of GC and hydrogen peroxide. Open circuit potential, polarization resistance, and electrochemical impedance measurements are employed to probe the surface effects that facilitate material removal in chemically prevailing CMP of TaN. The results are discussed in view of designing slurry variables to support barrier layer planarization with reduced roles of mechanical abrasion. Nonvolatile and nonflammable ionic liquids (ILs) have distinct thermal advantages over the traditional organic solvent electrolytes of lithium ion batteries. However, this beneficial feature of ILs is often counterbalanced by their high viscosity (a limiting factor for ionic conductivity) and, sometimes, by their unsuitable electrochemistry for generating protective layers on electrode surfaces. In an effort to alleviate these limiting Aspects of ILs, we have synthesized a PEGylated imidazolium bis(triflouromethylsulfonyl)amide (bistriflamide) IL that exhibited better thermal and electrochemical stability than a conventional electrolyte based on a blend of ethylene carbonate and diethyl carbonate. The electrochemical performance of this IL has been demonstrated using a cathode consisting of ball-milled LiMn2O4 particles. A direct comparison of the ionic liquid electrolyte with the nonionic low-viscosity conventional solvent blend is presented. Charge recombination at the electrolyte-photoanode interface of a dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC) is a major efficiency-limiting factor of the cell. To mitigate this recombination effect it is necessary to ensure that the effective electron lifetime in the DSSC is longer than the electron's transit time across the photoanode of mesoporous TiO2. While the efforts aimed at accomplishing this goal are often based on new materials/designs of photoanodes, a quantitative evaluation of these designs relies on the precision of the benchmarking measurements of electron lifetimes. The open circuit voltage decay (OCVD) technique offers an effective yet straightforward method for such measurements. The present work focuses on certain experimental criteria for ensuring the accuracy of these experiments, and probes the associated effects of temperature variations in the solar cell. The results demonstrate that, a high rate of data sampling is essential for adequately resolving the fast initial stages of charge recombination. The results also show the effects of nonlinear recombination where second order OCV variations are operative. The findings of the OCVD experiments are compared with a parallel set of tests carried out using impedance spectroscopy. The relative roles of the two sets of analytical measurements are examined.

  11. Electrochemical Determination of Pentachlorophenol in Water on a Multi-Wall Carbon Nanotubes-Epoxy Composite Electrode

    PubMed Central

    Remes, Adriana; Pop, Aniela; Manea, Florica; Baciu, Anamaria; Picken, Stephen J.; Schoonman, Joop

    2012-01-01

    The aim of this study was the preparation, characterization, and application of a multi-wall carbon nanotubes-epoxy composite electrode (MWCNT-EP) with 25%, wt. MWCNTs loading for the voltammetric/amperometric determination of pentachlorophenol (PCP) in aqueous solutions. The structural and morphological aspects of the MWCNT-EP composite electrode were examined by scanning electron microscopy. The electrical properties were characterized by direct-current conductivity measurements in relation with the percolation threshold. The electrochemical behavior of PCP at the MWCNT-EP composite electrode was investigated using cyclic voltammetry in 0.1 M Na2SO4 supporting electrolyte in order to establish the parameters for amperometric/voltammetric determination of PCP. The linear dependence of current vs. PCP concentrations was reached in a wide concentration range from 0.2 to 12 μM PCP using cyclic voltammetry, differential-pulsed voltammetry, square-wave voltammetry, chronoamperometry, and multiple-pulsed amperometry techniques. The best electroanalytical performances of this composite electrode were achieved using a pre-concentration/square-wave voltammetric technique and also multiple-pulsed amperometry techniques envisaging the practical applications. The ease of preparation, high sensitivity, and stability of this composite electrode should open novel avenues and applications for fabricating robust sensors for detection of many important species. PMID:22969335

  12. Electroanalytical sensing of chromium(III) and (VI) utilising gold screen printed macro electrodes.

    PubMed

    Metters, Jonathan P; Kadara, Rashid O; Banks, Craig E

    2012-02-21

    We report the fabrication of gold screen printed macro electrodes which are electrochemically characterised and contrasted to polycrystalline gold macroelectrodes with their potential analytical application towards the sensing of chromium(III) and (VI) critically explored. It is found that while these gold screen printed macro electrodes have electrode kinetics typically one order of magnitude lower than polycrystalline gold macroelectrodes as is measured via a standard redox probe, in terms of analytical sensing, these gold screen printed macro electrodes mimic polycrystalline gold in terms of their analytical performance towards the sensing of chromium(III) and (VI), whilst boasting additional advantages over the macro electrode due to their disposable one-shot nature and the ease of mass production. An additional advantage of these gold screen printed macro electrodes compared to polycrystalline gold is the alleviation of the requirement to potential cycle the latter to form the required gold oxide which aids in the simplification of the analytical protocol. We demonstrate that gold screen printed macro electrodes allow the low micro-molar sensing of chromium(VI) in aqueous solutions over the range 10 to 1600 μM with a limit of detection (3σ) of 4.4 μM. The feasibility of the analytical protocol is also tested through chromium(VI) detection in environmental samples.

  13. Electroanalytical measurements of binary-analyte mixtures in molten LiCl-KCl eutectic: Uranium(III)- and Magnesium(II)-Chloride

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rappleye, Devin; Newton, Matthew L.; Zhang, Chao; Simpson, Michael F.

    2017-04-01

    The electrochemical behavior of MgCl2 in molten LiCl-KCl eutectic was investigated to evaluate its suitability as a surrogate for PuCl3 in studies related to the eletrorefining of used nuclear fuel. The reduction of Mg2+ was found to be electrochemically reversible up to 300 mV s-1 at 773 K. The diffusion coefficient for Mg2+ was calculated to be 1.74 and 2.17 × 10-5 cm2 s-1 with and without U3+ present, respectively, at 773 K using cyclic voltammetry (CV). Upon comparison to literature data, the diffusion coefficient of Mg2+ differs by only 8.8% (with U3+ present) from that of Pu3+ and the difference in peak potentials was only 79 mV. Binary-analyte mixtures of UCl3 and MgCl2 in eutectic LiCl-KCl were further investigated using CV, normal pulse voltammetry (NPV), chronoamperometry (CA) and open-circuit potential (OCP) measurements for the purpose of comparing each technique's accuracy in measuring U3+ and Mg2+ concentrations. Of all the techniques tested, NPV resulted in the lowest error which was, on average, 11.4% and 9.81% for U3+ and Mg2+, respectively.

  14. Development of a Novel, Low-Cost, Disposable Wooden Pencil Graphite Electrode for Use in the Determination of Antioxidants and Other Biological Compounds.

    PubMed

    Kariuki, James; Ervin, Emily; Olafson, Carly

    2015-07-31

    The development of portable sensors that can be used outside the lab is an active area of research in the electroanalytical field. A major focus of such research is the development of low-cost electrodes for use in these sensors. Current electrodes, such as glassy-carbon electrodes (GCEs), are costly and require time-consuming preparation. Alternatives have been proposed, including mechanical pencil-lead electrodes (MPEs). However, MPEs themselves possess numerous drawbacks, particularly structural fragility. In this paper, we present a novel pencil-graphite electrode (PGE) fabricated from a regular HB#2 pencil. This PGE is a simple, disposable, extremely low-cost alternative to GCEs ($0.30 per PGE, vs. $190 + per GCE), and possesses the structural stability that MPEs lack. PGEs were characterized by square-wave voltammetry of ferricyanide, gallic acid, uric acid, dopamine, and several foodstuffs. In all cases, PGEs demonstrated sensitivities comparable or superior to those of the GCE and MPE (LOD = 5.62 × 10(-4) M PGE, 4.80 × 10(-4) M GCE, 2.93 × 10(-4) M MPE). Signal areas and peak heights were typically four to ten times larger for the PGE relative to the GCE.

  15. Sensitive voltammetric determination of thymol in essential oil of Carum copticum seeds using boron-doped diamond electrode.

    PubMed

    Stanković, Dalibor M

    2015-10-01

    Essential oil of Carum copticum seeds, obtained from a local shop, was extracted and content of thymol was analyzed using square-wave voltammetry at boron-doped diamond electrode. The effect of various parameters, such as pH of supporting electrolyte and square-wave voltammetric parameters (modulation amplitude and frequency), was examined. In Britton-Robinson buffer solution (pH 4), thymol provided a single and oval-shaped irreversible oxidation peak at +1.13 V versus silver/silver chloride potassium electrode (3M). Under optimal experimental conditions, a plot of peak height against concentration of thymol was found to be linear over the range of 4 to 100μM consisting of two linear ranges: from 4 to 20μM (R(2)=0.9964) and from 20 to 100μM (R(2)=0.9993). The effect of potential interferences such as p-cymene and γ-terpinene (major components in essential oil of C. copticum seeds) was evaluated. Thus, the proposed method displays a sufficient selectivity toward thymol with a detection limit of 3.9μM, and it was successfully applied for the determination of thymol in essential oil of C. copticum seeds. The Prussian blue method was used for validation of the proposed electroanalytical method. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  16. Exploring the electrochemical performance of graphitic paste electrodes: graphene vs. graphite.

    PubMed

    Figueiredo-Filho, Luiz C S; Brownson, Dale A C; Gómez-Mingot, Maria; Iniesta, Jesús; Fatibello-Filho, Orlando; Banks, Craig E

    2013-11-07

    We report the fabrication, characterisation (SEM, TEM, XPS and Raman spectroscopy) and electrochemical implementation of a graphene paste electrode. The paste electrodes utilised are constructed by simply mixing graphene with mineral oil (which acts as a binder) prior to loading the resultant paste into a piston-driven polymeric-tubing electrode-shell, where this electrode configuration allows for rapid renewal of the electrode surface. The fabricated paste electrode is electrochemically characterised using both inner-sphere and outer-sphere redox probes, namely potassium ferrocyanide(ii), hexaammine-ruthenium(iii) chloride and hexachloroiridate(iii), in addition to the biologically relevant and electroactive analytes, l-ascorbic acid (AA) and uric acid (UA). Comparisons are made with a graphite paste alternative and the benefits of graphene implementation as a paste electrode within electrochemistry are explored, as well as the characterisation of their electroanalytical performances. We reveal no observable differences in the electrochemical performance and thus suggest that there are no advantages of using graphene over graphite in the fabrication of paste electrodes. Such work is highly important and informative for those working in the field of electroanalysis where electrochemistry can provide portable, rapid, reliable and accurate sensing protocols (bringing the laboratory into the field), with particular relevance to those searching for new electrode materials.

  17. New Electrochemical Methods for Studying Nanoparticle Electrocatalysis and Neuronal Exocytosis

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cox, Jonathan T.

    This dissertation presents the construction and application of micro and nanoscale electrodes for electroanalytical analysis. The studies presented herein encompass two main areas: electrochemical catalysis, and studies of the dynamics of single cell exocytosis. The first portion of this dissertation engages the use of Pt nanoelectrodes to study the stability and electrocatalytic properties of materials. A single nanoparticle electrode (SNPE) was fabricated by immobilizing a single Au nanoparticle on a Pt disk nanoelectrode via an amine-terminated silane cross linker. In this manner we were able to effectively study the electrochemistry and electrocatalytic activity of single Au nanoparticles and found that the electrocatalytic activity is dependent on nanoparticle size. This study can further the understanding of the structure-function relationship in nanoparticle based electrocatalysis. Further work was conducted to probe the stability of Pt nanoelectrodes under conditions of potential cycling. Pt based catalysts are known to deteriorate under such conditions due to losses in electrochemical surface area and Pt dissolution. By using Pt disk nanoelectrodes we were able to study Pt dissolution via steady-state voltammetry. We observed an enhanced dissolution rate and higher charge density on nanoelectrodes than that previously found on macro scale electrodes. The goal of the second portion of this dissertation is to develop new analytical methods to study the dynamics of exocytosis from single cells. The secretion of neurotransmitters plays a key role in neuronal communication, and our studies highlight how bipolar electrochemistry can be employed to enhance detection of neurotransmitters from single cells. First, we developed a theory to quantitatively characterize the voltammetric behavior of bipolar carbon fiber microelectrodes and secondly applied those principles to single cell detection. We showed that by simply adding an additional redox mediator to the back-fill solution of a carbon fiber microelectrode, there is a significant enhancement in detection. Additionally we used solid state nanopores to detect individual phospholipid vesicles in solution. Vesicles are key cellular components that play essential biological roles especially in neurotransmission. This work represents preliminary studies in detection and size determination from vesicles isolated from individual cells.

  18. Anodic voltammetric behavior and determination of rosiglitazone in pharmaceutical dosage forms and biological fluids on solid electrode.

    PubMed

    Dogan-Topal, Burcu; Tuncel, Secil; Ozkan, Sibel A

    2010-09-01

    The anodic voltammetric behavior and electroanalytical determination of rosiglitazone was studied using cyclic, linear sweep, differential pulse and square wave voltammetric techniques on glassy carbon electrode. The oxidation of rosiglitazone was irreversible and exhibited diffusion controlled process depending on pH. Different parameters were tested to optimize the conditions for the determination of the oxidation mechanism of rosiglitazone. The dependence of current intensities and potentials on pH, concentration, scan rate, nature of the buffer was also investigated. According to the linear relationship between the peak current and the concentration, differential pulse and square wave voltammetric methods for rosiglitazone assay in pharmaceutical dosage forms and biological fluids were developed. A linear response was obtained within the range of 1x10-6M - 6x10-5M in 0.1 M H2SO4 and acetate buffer at pH 5.70 for both voltammetric methods in human serum samples. The practical analytical value of the method is demonstrated by quantitative determination of rosiglitazon in pharmaceutical formulation and human serum, without the need for separation or complex sample preparation, since there was no interference from the excipients and endogenous substances. The methods were fully validated and successfully applied to the high throughput determination of the drug in tablets and human serum with good recoveries.

  19. Ultrasensitive electroanalytical tool for detecting, sizing, and evaluating the catalytic activity of platinum nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Dasari, Radhika; Robinson, Donald A; Stevenson, Keith J

    2013-01-16

    Here we describe a very simple, reliable, low-cost electrochemical approach to detect single nanoparticles (NPs) and evaluate NP size distributions and catalytic activity in a fast and reproducible manner. Single NPs are detected through an increase in current caused by electrocatalytic oxidation of N(2)H(4) at the surface of the NP when it contacts a Hg-modified Pt ultramicroelectrode (Hg/Pt UME). Once the NP contacts the Hg/Pt UME, Hg poisons the Pt NP, deactivating the N(2)H(4) oxidation reaction. Hence, the current response is a "spike" that decays to the background current level rather than a stepwise "staircase" response as previously described for a Au UME. The use of Hg as an electrode material has several quantitative advantages including suppression of the background current by 2 orders of magnitude over a Au UME, increased signal-to-noise ratio for detection of individual collisions, precise integration of current transients to determine charge passed and NP size, reduction of surface-induced NP aggregation and electrode fouling processes, and reproducible and renewable electrodes for routine detection of catalytic NPs. The NP collision frequency was found to scale linearly with the NP concentration (0.016 to 0.024 pM(-1)s(-1)). NP size distributions of 4-24 nm as determined from the current-time transients correlated well with theory and TEM-derived size distributions.

  20. Influence of the interfacial peptide organization on the catalysis of hydrogen evolution.

    PubMed

    Doneux, Th; Dorcák, V; Palecek, E

    2010-01-19

    The hydrogen evolution reaction is catalyzed by peptides and proteins adsorbed on electrode materials with high overpotentials for this reaction, such as mercury. The catalytic response characteristics are known to be very sensitive to the composition and structure of the investigated biomolecule, opening the way to the implementation of a label-free, reagentless electroanalytical method in protein analysis. Herein, it is shown using the model peptide Cys-Ala-Ala-Ala-Ala-Ala that the interfacial organization significantly influences the catalytic behavior. This peptide forms at the electrode two distinct films, depending on the concentration and accumulation time. The low-coverage film, composed of flat-lying molecules (area per molecule of approximately 250-290 A(2)), yields a well-defined catalytic peak at potentials around -1.75 V. The high-coverage film, made of upright-oriented peptides (area per molecule of approximately 43 A(2)), is catalytically more active and the peak is observed at potentials less negative by approximately 0.4 V. The higher activity, evidenced by constant-current chronopotentiometry and cyclic voltammetry, is attributed to an increase in the acid dissociation constant of the amino acid residues as a result of the low permittivity of the interfacial region, as inferred from impedance measurements. An analogy is made to the known differences in acidic-basic behaviors of solvent-exposed and hydrophobic domains of proteins.

  1. Electrochemical and density functional theory investigation on the differential behaviors of core-ring structured NiCo2O4 nanoplatelets toward heavy metal ions.

    PubMed

    Liao, Jianjun; Zhang, Junping; Wang, Cai-Zhuang; Lin, Shiwei

    2018-08-31

    In order to further improve the electroanalytical performance toward heavy metal ions, core-ring structured NiCo 2 O 4 nanoplatelets were used to modify glass carbon electrode (GCE) for the determination of heavy metal ions in water. Owing to the high surface area of NiCo 2 O 4 nanoplatelets, the Pb(II) sensitivity increased by a factor of 1.70, and the detection limit decreased by a factor of 2.64 as compared to solid NiCo 2 O 4 nanoparticles modified GCE. Interestingly, NiCo 2 O 4 nanoplatelets showed different sensitivities toward heavy metal ions with the same valence states, following the order Pb(II) > Cd(II) > Hg(II) > Cu(II). To better and scientifically understand the difference in sensitivity, adsorption and desorption abilities were integrated into account. Density functional theory calculations verified that the adsorption capability of NiCo 2 O 4 toward Pb(II) was strongest among all heavy metal ions, thereby resulting in the largest sensitivity. Further desorption current measurements indicated the large desorption barrier of Cu(II) was another important factor leading to its lowest sensitivity. Finally, the applicability of the proposed method was demonstrated by the detection of heavy metal ions in real seawater. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  2. Fabrication and testing of an electrochemical microcell for in situ soft X-ray microspectroscopy measurements

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gianoncelli, A.; Kaulich, B.; Kiskinova, M.; Mele, C.; Prasciolu, M.; Sgura, I.; Bozzini, B.

    2013-03-01

    In this paper we report on the fabrication and testing of a novel concept of electrochemical microcell for in-situ soft X-ray microspectroscopy in transmission. The microcell, fabricated by electron-beam lithography, implements an improved electrode design, with optimal current density distribution and minimised ohmic drop, allowing the same three-electrode electrochemical control achievable with traditional cells. Moreover standard electroanalytical measurements, such as cyclic voltammetry, can be routinely performed. As far as the electrolyte is concerned, we selected a room-temperature ionic-liquid. Some of the materials belonging to this class, in addition to a broad range of outstanding electrochemical properties, feature two highlights that are crucial for in situ, soft X-ray transmission work: spinnability, enabling accurate thickness control, and stability to UHV, allowing operation of an open cell in the analysis chamber vacuum (10-6 mbar). The cell can, of course, be used also with non-vacuum stable electrolytes in the sealed version developed in previous work in our group. In this study, the microcell designed, fabricated and tested in situ by applying an anodic polarisation to a Au electrode and following the formation of a distribution of corrosion features. This specific material combination presented in this work does not limit the cell concept, that can implement any electrodic material grown by lithography, any liquid electrolyte and any spinnable solid electrolyte.

  3. Analysis of Ag(I) Biocide in Water Samples Using Anodic Stripping Voltammetry with a Boron-Doped Diamond Disk Electrode.

    PubMed

    Maldonado, Vanessa Y; Espinoza-Montero, Patricio J; Rusinek, Cory A; Swain, Greg M

    2018-06-05

    The electroanalytical performance of a new commercial boron-doped diamond disk and a traditional nanocrystalline thin-film electrode were compared for the anodic stripping voltammetric determination of Ag(I). The diamond disk electrode is more flexible than the planar film as the former is compatible with most electrochemical cell designs including those incorporating magnetic stirring. Additionally, mechanical polishing and surface cleaning are simpler to execute. Differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV) was used to detect Ag(I) in standard solutions after optimization of the deposition potential, deposition time and scan rate. The optimized conditions were used to determine the concentration of Ag(I) in a NASA simulated potable water sample and a NIST standard reference solution. The electrochemical results were validated by ICP-OES measurements of the same solutions. The detection figures of merit for the disk electrode were as good or superior to those for the thin-film electrode. Detection limits were ≤5 μg L -1 (S/N = 3) for a 120 s deposition period, and response variabilities were <5% RSD. The polished disk electrode presented a more limited linear dynamic range presumably because of the reduced surface area available for metal phase formation. The concentrations of Ag(I) in the two water samples, as determined by DPASV, were in good agreement with the concentrations determined by ICP-OES.

  4. Synthesis and characterization of manganese diselenide nanoparticles (MnSeNPs): Determination of capsaicin by using MnSeNP-modified glassy carbon electrode.

    PubMed

    Sukanya, Ramaraj; Sakthivel, Mani; Chen, Shen-Ming; Chen, Tse-Wei; Al-Hemaid, Fahad M A; Ajmal Ali, M; Elshikh, Mohamed Soliman

    2018-06-02

    A new type of manganese diselenide nanoparticles (MnSeNPs) was synthesized by using a hydrothermal method. Their surface morphology, crystallinity and elemental distribution were characterized by using transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy which scrutinize the formation of the NPs. The NPs were coated on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry were applied to study the electroanalytical properties towards the oxidation of the food additive capsaicin. The modified GCE displays lower charge transfer resistance (R ct  = 29.52 Ω), a larger active surface area (0.089 cm 2 /g, and more efficient electrochemical oxidation of capsaicin compared to a MnS 2 /GCE and a bare GCE. The oxidation peak potential is 0.43 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) which is lower than that of previously reported GCEs. The sensor has a detection limit as low as 0.05 μM and an electrochemical sensitivity of 2.41 μA μM -1  cm -2 . The method was applied to the determination of capsaicin in pepper samples. Graphical abstract Electrochemical determination of capsaicin in pepper extract by using MnSeNPs modified electrode.

  5. Biomimicry issues: the quest for sensing molecules at the origin of life using molecularly imprinter polymer

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Carbonnier, Benjamin; Chehimi, Mohamed M.; Bakas, Idriss; Salmi, Zakaria; Mazerie, Isabelle; Floner, Didier; Geneste, Florence; Guerrouache, Mohamed

    The use of real time sensing analysis is becoming very popular in many applications and research areas such as, environment and agriculture for in situ monitoring of contaminants and food safety analysis, fundamental biology for studying for example protein-membrane interactions or drug discovery, health research for clinical diagnosis.[1] More recently, chip technology involving antibody-based detection system has been envisioned to search for life outside the Earth with a specific focus on Mars. [2] Sensors using such natural receptors are usually costly and suffer from the unstability of the surface-immobilized receptors. In this respect, the use of synthetic receptors appears as a very promising approach. Molecularly imprinting is undoubtedly one of the most promising approaches for designing biomimetic materials. In this respect, sensing microdevices based on molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) have attracted a great deal of interest over the recent years given their ability to recognize specifically and selectively molecules, proteins and even microorganisms, with excellent detection limits. MIPs can be prepared as powders, colloids and ultrathin films. The latter option is particularly interesting because it limits diffusion of the analytes to the artificial receptor sites within the sensing layers [3] and facilitates the making of nanostructured MIP grafts [4]. In addition, MIP sensing ultrathin layers are amenable to the detection of the analytes with varied transducing methods among which electrochemistry, a simple, versatile and easy to implement technique is very appealing to detect analytes concentrations in the picomolar or sub-picomolar range [5]. In this contribution, the important parameters in obtaining molecularly imprinted polymer layers grafted on gold working electrodes and exhibiting high sensitivity towards acid and base molecules are addressed. Square wave voltammetry is demonstrated to be a very powerful electroanalytical while the limit of detection of analytes can be decreased down to sub-nanomolar by controlling the MIP layers thickness. Finally, it is shown that such an approach offers potentials and opportunities for miniaturization to fulfill workspace constraints inherent to space exploration. Indeed, electrode arrays grafted with MIPs are prepared for portable sensor devices design. This work undoubtedly highlights molecularly imprinting in tandem with electrochemical detection as a very promising approach for sensing organic matter in a fast, highly sensitive and specific way. MIP-based biomimetic materials and their applications of as recognition layers within sensors are increasingly considered and it is expected that MIP will become a generic sensing technology This work is funded by the French National Research Agency (ANR) References: [1] C. Ayela, F. Roquet, L. Valera, C. Granier, L. Nicu, M. Pugnière, M. Biosensors and Bioelectronics 22 (2007) 3113. [2] M.A. Sephton, M.R. Sims, R.W. Court, D. Luong, D.C. Cullen, Planetary and Space Science 86 (2013) 66. [3] S. Lepinay, K. Khémara, M.-C. Millot, B. Carbonnier, Chem. Pap. 66 (2012) 340. [4] Y. Fuchs, O. Soppera, K. Haupt, Anal. Chim. Acta, 717 (2012) 7. [5] C. Malitesta, E. Mazzotta, R. A. Picca, A. Poma, I. Chianella, S. A. Piletsky, Anal. Bioanal. Chem. 402 (2012) 1827

  6. Design and fabrication of nanoelectrodes for applications with scanning electrochemical microscopy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Thakar, Rahul

    Scanning electrochemical microscope (SECM) was introduced two decades ago and has since emerged as a powerful research tool to investigate localized electrochemical reactions at the surface of material and biological samples. The ability to obtain chemical information at a surface differentiates SECM from competing scanning probe microscopy (SPM) techniques. Although, chemical specificity is a unique advantage offered by SECM, inherent limitations due to a slow feedback response, and challenges associated with production of smaller electrodes have remained major drawbacks. Initially in this research, SECM was utilized as a characterization and investigative tool. Later, advances in SECM imaging were achieved with design and production of multifunctional nanoelectrodes. At first, platinum based nanoelectrodes were fabricated for use as electrochemical probes to investigate local electron transfer at chemically-modified surfaces. Further, micron and sub-micron platinum electrodes with chemically modified shrouds were prepared and characterized with voltammetric measurements. Studies reveal experimental evidence for the presence of edge-effects that are typically associated with submicron electrodes. Interestingly, we observed selectivity of these electrodes based on hydrophobic/ hydrophilic character. Through vapor deposition of parylene over microstructured material, single-pore membranes and porous membrane arrays were produced. Pore size characterization within porous membranes was performed with templated growth of micro/nanostructures. Characterization of transport properties of ions and redox-active molecules through hydrophobic parylene membranes was investigated with ion conductance microscopy and SECM, individually. Parylene is an insulative material that is chemically resistant, deposits conformally over high-aspect ratio objects and also converts into conductive carbon at high-temperature pyrolysis. Motivated by these results we identified a unique strategy to fabricate parylene based carbon electrodes Here, we have developed a unique strategy to obtain carbon based nanoelectrodes from vapor deposition of parylene over pulled glass nanopipettes. With this approach, multiple electrode geometries were constructed and the application of individual geomtery with SECM is demonstrated. In particular, enhanced spatial resolution and electrochemical information were obtained with the use of carbon ring/nanopore electrodes. Practical implications of edge-effects observed with carbon ring/nanopore electrodes is discussed with substrate generation tip collection (SG/TC) SECM Carbon ring/nanopore electrodes have also enabled the use of SECM in conjunction with ion conductance microscopy to alleviate the issue of poor feedback response. This has further helped in deconvolution of electrochemcial and topographical signals. Although, use of carbon nanoelectrodes is discussed with specific applications to electrochemcial microscopy, these probes have wide utility in electroanalytical applications. Initial proof-of-concept experiments along with future directions for this work are presented.

  7. Non-Additive Voltametric Currents From a Mixture of Two, Three and Four Redox-Active Compounds and Electroanalytical Implications

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Dass, Amala; Oh, Woon Su; Gao, Xue-Rong; Rawashdeh, Abdel M.; Leventis, Nicholas

    2004-01-01

    We have published recently the effect of dissimilar diffusion coefficients on the size of the voltammetric waves from a mixture of two redox-active compounds. Similarly, at the potential range where three redox-active species, decamethylferrocene (dMeFc), ferrocene (Fc) and N-methylphenothiazine (MePTZ), are oxidized simultaneously with rates controlled by linear diffusion, electrogenerated radicals diffusing outwards from the electrode react with the original species diffusing towards the electrode from the bulk; thus, Fc(+) reacts with dMeFc producing Fc and dMeFc(+), while MePTZ(+) reacts both with dMeFc producing MePTZ and dMeFc(+), and with Fc producing MePTZ and Fc(+). These reactions replace dMeFc with Fc at the second plateau, and both dMeFc and Fc with MePTZ at the third plateau. Since the diffusion coefficients of the three species are not equal, the mass-transfer limited currents of the second and the third oxidation wave plateaus change by approx. 10%. Numerical simulations of the experimental voltamograms support this mechanism. Similar results were also obtained for a mixture of four redoxactive compounds. The implications of this non-additive nature of currents on: (a) the use of internal voltammetric standards for quantitative analysis of a mixture of redox-active compounds; and, (b) the half wave potentials (E1/2) of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th waves for qualitative analysis, will be discussed.

  8. Evaluation of non-specific binding suppression schemes for neutravidin and alkaline phosphatase at the surface of reticulated vitreous carbon electrodes.

    PubMed

    Shedge, Hemangi Y; Creager, Stephen E

    2010-01-11

    Non-specific binding (NSB) of high-molecular-weight proteins onto electrode surfaces can complicate the application of electroanalytical techniques to clinical and environmental research, particularly in biosensor applications. We present herein various strategies to modify the surface of reticulated vitreous carbon (RVC) electrodes to suppress non-specific binding of biomolecules onto its surface. Non-specific binding and specific binding (SB) of two enzyme conjugates, neutravidin-alkaline phosphatase (NA-ALP) and biotinylated alkaline phosphatase (B-ALP), and also neutravidin itself, were studied using hydroquinone diphosphate (HQDP) as an enzyme substrate for ALP inside the pores of RVC electrodes that had been subjected to various modification schemes. The extent of NSB and SB of these biomolecules inside RVC pores was assessed by measuring the initial rate of generation of an electroactive product, hydroquinone (HQ), of the enzyme-catalyzed reaction, using linear scan voltammetry (LSV) for HQ detection. Electrodes functionalized with phenylacetic acid and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) showed low NSB and high SB (when biotin capture ligands were included in the modification scheme) in comparison with unmodified electrodes and RVC electrodes modified in other ways. A simple sandwich bioassay for neutravidin was performed on the RVC electrode with the lowest NSB. A concentration detection limit of 52+/-2 ng mL(-1) and an absolute detection limit of 5.2+/-0.2 ng were achieved for neutravidin when this assay was performed using a 100 microL sample size.

  9. Electron transfer properties of peat organic matter: from electrochemical analysis to redox processes in peatlands

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sander, Michael; Getzinger, Gordon; Walpen, Nicolas

    2017-04-01

    Peat organic matter contains redox-active functional groups that can accept and/or donate electrons from and to biotic and abiotic reaction partners present in peatlands. Several studies have provided evidence that electron accepting quinone moieties in the peat organic matter may act as terminal electron acceptors for anaerobic microbial respiration. This respiration pathway may competitively suppress methanogenesis and thereby lead to excess carbon dioxide to methane formation in peatlands. Electron donating phenolic moieties in peat organic matter have long been considered to inhibit microbial and enzymatic activities in peatlands, thereby contributing to carbon stabilization and accumulation in these systems. Phenols are expected to be comparatively stable in anoxic parts of the peats as phenoloxidases, a class of enzymes capable of oxidatively degrading phenols, require molecular oxygen as co-substrate. Despite the general recognition of the importance of redox-active moieties in peat organic matter, the abundance, redox properties and reactivities of these moieties remain poorly studied and understood, in large part due to analytical challenges. This contribution will, in a first part, summarize recent advances in our research group on the analytical chemistry of redox-active moieties in peat organic matter. We will show how mediated electrochemical analysis can be used to quantify the capacities of electron accepting and donating moieties in both dissolved and particulate peat organic matter. We will link these capacities to the physicochemical properties of peat organic matter and provide evidence for quinones and phenols as major electron accepting and donating moieties, respectively. The second part of this contribution will highlight how these electroanalytical techniques can be utilized to advance a more fundamental understanding of electron transfer processes involving peat organic matter. These processes include the redox cycling (i.e., repeated reduction and re-oxidation) of peat organic matter under alternating anoxic-oxic conditions as well as the oxidation of phenolic moieties in peat organic matter by phenol oxidases in the presence of molecular oxygen. Overall, this contribution will attempt to link molecular-level insights into the redox properties of peat organic matter to larger scale redox processes that are important to carbon cycling in peatlands.

  10. Precise spectroscopic analysis of solar-type stars with moderate and fast rotation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tsantaki, Maria

    In the present work the performance and applicability of the thin mercury film electrode (TMFE) in the dynamic speciation of trace metals was investigated. Two different electroanalytical stripping techniques were used: the classical anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) and a recent developed technique, scanning stripping chronopotentiometry (SSCP). The ion-exchange and the mass transport features of novel mixed coatings of two sulfonated cation-exchange polymers with dissimilar characteristics, Nafion (NA) and poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) (PSS) were evaluated, prior to its application in the field of trace metal analysis. Suitable NA-PSS polymer coatings could be used in the modification of TMFE, presenting a high sensitivity, reproducibility, mechanical stability and adequate antifouling properties in the ASV determination of trace metal cations in complex media. Also the features of the PSS polyelectrolyte layers for ion-exchange voltammetry (IEV) were evaluated. The goal was to search for the best conditions to obtain stable PSS coated electrodes, which could present high negative charge densities in order to enhance the electrostatic accumulation of cations within the film, thus enlarging the ASV signal. The applicability and performance of the TMFE in the trace metal speciation studies, by SSCP, were for the first time exploited. The optimized TMFE presented a high sensitivity and resolution, being an excellent complement to the conventional mercury electrodes and could be use for 1-day term with no significant variation in the SCP analytical signal and no apparent degradation. The calculated SSCP curves were in excellent agreement with experimental data at the TMFE and the stability constant (K), calculated from the shift in the SSCP half-wave potential, of two labile metal-complex systems were in good agreement with the ones obtained using the conventional Hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE) and those predicted by theory. Additionally, the experimental lability diagnosis inherent to the SSCP technique was validated and a rigorous quantification of the lability degree was made. Due to the well defined hydrodynamic conditions at the thin mercury film rotating disk electrode (TMF-RDE), during the deposition step, this electrode is quite valuable in the determination of kinetic parameters, like the association rate constants (ka).

  11. Magnesia-stabilised zirconia solid electrolyte assisted electrochemical investigation of iron ions in a SiO2-CaO-MgO-Al2O3 molten slag at 1723 K.

    PubMed

    Gao, Yunming; Yang, Chuanghuang; Zhang, Canlei; Qin, Qingwei; Chen, George Z

    2017-06-21

    Production of metallic iron through molten oxide electrolysis using inert electrodes is an alternative route for fast ironmaking without CO 2 emissions. The fact that many inorganic oxides melt at ultrahigh temperatures (>1500 K) challenges conventional electro-analytical techniques used in aqueous, organic and molten salt electrolytes. However, in order to design a feasible and effective electrolytic process, it is necessary to best understand the electrochemical properties of iron ions in molten oxide electrolytes. In this work, a magnesia-stabilised zirconia (MSZ) tube with a closed end was used to construct an integrated three-electrode cell with a "MSZ|Pt|O 2 (air)" assembly functioning as the solid electrolyte, the reference electrode and also the counter electrode. Electrochemical reduction of iron ions was systematically investigated on an iridium (Ir) wire working electrode in a SiO 2 -CaO-MgO-Al 2 O 3 molten slag at 1723 K by cyclic voltammetry (CV), square wave voltammetry (SWV), chronopotentiometry (CP) and potentiostatic electrolysis (PE). The results show that the electroreduction of the Fe 2+ ion to Fe on the Ir electrode in the molten slag follows a single two-electron transfer step, and the rate of the process is diffusion controlled. The peak current on the obtained CVs is proportional to the concentration of the Fe 2+ ion in the molten slag and the square root of scan rate. The diffusion coefficient of Fe 2+ ions in the molten slag containing 5 wt% FeO at 1723 K was derived to be (3.43 ± 0.06) × 10 -6 cm 2 s -1 from CP analysis. However, a couple of subsequent processes, i.e. alloy formation on the Ir electrode surface and interdiffusion, were found to affect the kinetics of iron deposition. An ECC mechanism is proposed to account for the CV observations. The findings from this work confirm that zirconia-based solid electrolytes can play an important role in electrochemical fundamental research in high temperature molten slag electrolytes.

  12. Multifunctional carbon nanoelectrodes fabricated by focused ion beam milling.

    PubMed

    Thakar, Rahul; Weber, Anna E; Morris, Celeste A; Baker, Lane A

    2013-10-21

    We report a strategy for fabrication of sub-micron, multifunctional carbon electrodes and application of these electrodes as probes for scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) and scanning ion conductance microscopy (SICM). The fabrication process utilized chemical vapor deposition of parylene, followed by thermal pyrolysis to form conductive carbon and then further deposition of parylene to form an insulation layer. To achieve well-defined electrode geometries, two methods of electrode exposure were utilized. In the first method, carbon probes were masked in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to obtain a cone-shaped electrode. In the second method, the electrode area was exposed via milling with a focused ion beam (FIB) to reveal a carbon ring electrode, carbon ring/platinum disk electrode, or carbon ring/nanopore electrode. Carbon electrodes were batch fabricated (~35/batch) through the vapor deposition process and were characterized with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), and cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurements. Additionally, Raman spectroscopy was utilized to examine the effects of Ga(+) ion implantation, a result of FIB milling. Constant-height, feedback mode SECM was performed with conical carbon electrodes and carbon ring electrodes. We demonstrate the utility of carbon ring/nanopore electrodes with SECM-SICM to simultaneously collect topography, ion current and electrochemical current images. In addition, carbon ring/nanopore electrodes were utilized in substrate generation/tip collection (SG/TC) SECM. In SG/TC SECM, localized delivery of redox molecules affords a higher resolution, than when the redox molecules are present in the bath solution. Multifunctional geometries of carbon electrode probes will find utility in electroanalytical applications, in general, and more specifically with electrochemical microscopy as discussed herein.

  13. One-pot synthesis of magnetite nanorods/graphene composites and its catalytic activity toward electrochemical detection of dopamine.

    PubMed

    Salamon, J; Sathishkumar, Y; Ramachandran, K; Lee, Yang Soo; Yoo, Dong Jin; Kim, Ae Rhan; Gnana Kumar, G

    2015-02-15

    Magnetite (Fe3O4) nanorods anchored over reduced graphene oxide (rGO) were synthesized through a one-pot synthesis method, where the reduction of GO and in-situ generation of Fe3O4 nanorods occurred concurrently. The average head and tail diameter of Fe3O4 nanorods anchored over the rGO matrix are found to be 32 and 11 nm, respectively, and morphology, structure and diameter of bare Fe3O4 nanorods were not altered even after the composite formation with rGO. The increased structural disorders and decrement in the sp(2) domains stimulated the high electrical conductivity and extended catalytic active sites for the prepared rGO/Fe3O4 nanocomposite. The constructed rGO/Fe3O4/GCE sensor exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity toward the electrooxidation of dopamine (DA) with a quick response time of 6s, a wide linear range between 0.01 and 100.55 µM, high sensitivity of 3.15 µA µM(-1) cm(-2) and a lower detection limit of 7 nM. Furthermore, the fabricated sensor exhibited a practical applicability in the quantification of DA in urine samples with an excellent recovery rate. The excellent electroanalytical performances and straight-forward, surfactant and template free preparation method construct the rGO/Fe3O4 composite as an extremely promising material for the diagnosis of DA related diseases in biomedical applications. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  14. Electrochemical study of ricin at glassy carbon electrode.

    PubMed

    Ribeiro, Williame F; da Costa, Daniel J E; Lourenço, Anabel S; Lopes, Ilanna C; de Medeiros, Everaldo P; Salazar-Banda, Giancarlo R; do Nascimento, Valberes B; de Araújo, Mário C U

    2013-08-21

    Ricin, Ricinus communis agglutinin 60 - RCA 60, is a deadly phytotoxic protein which inhibits ribosomes (class II), and there is no known effective antidote in living organisms. Ricin is composed of two polypeptide chains, A and B, linked covalently by a single disulfide bond. The analytical methods for the detection of RCA 60 are commonly laborious, expensive, require skilled labor, and involve sophisticated equipment. Aimed at the development of electroanalytical methods for RCA 60 detection, here we studied the electrochemical oxidation of RCA 60 on a glassy carbon (GC) electrode over a wide pH range, using cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and square wave voltammetry (SWV). Two quasi-reversible electrochemical RCA 60 oxidation peaks were identified on the GC electrode by SWV. For values of 2.2 ≤ pH ≤ 10.2, DPV studies revealed that the peak potentials, EP1 and EP2, display a linear dependence with pH and the reaction mechanism involves the transfer of 2H⁺/2e⁻ (peak 1) and 1H⁺/1e⁻ (peak 2). The first and second RCA 60 oxidation steps may correspond to the oxidation of cysteine and tyrosine-tryptophan residues, respectively. The oxidation product of the second RCA 60 oxidation step appears at 7.0 ≤ pH ≤ 11.8. For pH ≥ 10.2, both processes are pH independent, resulting in a pKa of ca. 10.2. A third RCA 60 oxidation peak only appears at acidic pH. RCA 60 samples extracted from different castor seed cultivars showed similar electrochemical behavior, enabling the implementation of an analytical voltammetric method.

  15. Renewable Solid Electrodes in Microfluidics: Recovering the Electrochemical Activity without Treating the Surface.

    PubMed

    Teixeira, Carlos A; Giordano, Gabriela F; Beltrame, Maisa B; Vieira, Luis C S; Gobbi, Angelo L; Lima, Renato S

    2016-11-15

    The contamination, passivation, or fouling of the detection electrodes is a serious problem undermining the analytical performance of electroanalytical devices. The methods to regenerate the electrochemical activity of the solid electrodes involve mechanical, physical, or chemical surface treatments that usually add operational time, complexity, chemicals, and further instrumental requirements to the analysis. In this paper, we describe for the first time a reproducible method for renewing solid electrodes whenever their morphology or composition are nonspecifically changed without any surface treatment. These renewable electrodes are the closest analogue to the mercury drop electrodes. Our approach was applied in microfluidics, where the downsides related to nonspecific modifications of the electrode are more critical. The renewal consisted in manually sliding metal-coated microwires across a channel with the sample. For this purpose, the chip was composed of a single piece of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) with three parallel channels interconnected to one perpendicular and top channel. The microwires were inserted in each one of the parallel channels acting as working, counter, and pseudoreference electrodes for voltammetry. This assembly allowed the renewal of all the three electrodes by simply pulling the microwires. The absence of any interfaces in the chips and the elastomeric nature of the PDMS allowed us to pull the microwires without the occurrence of leakages for the electrode channels even at harsh flow rates of up to 40.0 mL min -1 . We expect this paper can assist the researchers to develop new microfluidic platforms that eliminate any steps of electrode cleaning, representing a powerful alternative for precise and robust analyses to real samples.

  16. Electrochemical Determination of Food Preservative Nitrite with Gold Nanoparticles/p-Aminothiophenol-Modified Gold Electrode.

    PubMed

    Üzer, Ayşem; Sağlam, Şener; Can, Ziya; Erçağ, Erol; Apak, Reşat

    2016-08-02

    Due to the negative impact of nitrate and nitrite on human health, their presence exceeding acceptable levels is not desired in foodstuffs. Thus, nitrite determination at low concentrations is a major challenge in electroanalytical chemistry, which can be achieved by fast, cheap, and safe electrochemical sensors. In this work, the working electrode (Au) was functionalized with p-aminothiophenol (p-ATP) and modified with gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) to manufacture the final (Au/p-ATP-Aunano) electrode in a two-step procedure. In the first step, p-ATP was electropolymerized on the electrode surface to obtain a polyaminothiophenol (PATP) coating. In the second step, Au/p-ATP-Aunano working electrode was prepared by coating the surface with the use of HAuCl₄ solution and cyclic voltammetry. Determination of aqueous nitrite samples was performed with the proposed electrode (Au/p-ATP-Aunano) using square wave voltammetry (SWV) in pH 4 buffer medium. Characteristic peak potential of nitrite samples was 0.76 V, and linear calibration curves of current intensity versus concentration was linear in the range of 0.5-50 mg·L(-1) nitrite with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.12 mg·L(-1). Alternatively, nitrite in sausage samples could be colorimetrically determined with high sensitivity by means of p-ATP‒modified gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and naphthylethylene diamine as coupling agents for azo-dye formation due to enhanced charge-transfer interactions with the AuNPs surface. The slopes of the calibration lines in pure NO₂(-) solution and in sausage sample solution, to which different concentrations of NO₂(-) standards were added, were not significantly different from each other, confirming the robustness and interference tolerance of the method. The proposed voltammetric sensing method was validated against the colorimetric nanosensing method in sausage samples.

  17. Enzyme-free homogeneous electrochemical biosensor for DNA assay using toehold-triggered strand displacement reaction coupled with host-guest recognition of Fe3O4@SiO2@β-CD nanocomposites.

    PubMed

    Jiang, Jingjing; Lin, Xinyi; Ding, Dong; Diao, Guowang

    2018-04-17

    Taking advantages of the toehold-triggered strand displacement reaction (TSDR) and host-guest interaction of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD), a facile enzyme-free and homogeneous electrochemical sensing strategy was designed for the sensitive assay of target DNA using Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 @β-CD nanocomposites and ferrocene-labeled hairpin DNA (H-1) as the capture and electrochemical probes, respectively. Upon addition of target molecule, the initiated TSDR process induced the conformational change of H-1, and subsequently stimulated the dynamic assembly of assist probes (A-1 and A-2) to generate H-1:A-1:A-2 duplex along with the release of target sequence. The released target could drive the next TSDR recycling and finally result in the formation of numerous DNA duplex. After the molecular recognition of Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 @β-CD nanocomposites, a large number of duplex were easily separated from the supernatant solution under an external magnetic field, which led to a decreased H-1 concentration in residual solution, concomitant with a remarkable reduction of peak current. Under the optimized conditions, wide linear range (1-5000 pM), low detection limit (0.3 pM), desirable reproducibility, good selectivity, and satisfactory practical analysis were obtained by the combination of the superior recognition capability of β-CD, TSDR-induced signal amplification, and homogeneous electroanalytical method. The proposed detection strategy could offer a universal approach for the monitoring of various biological analytes via the rational design of probe sequences. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  18. Impact of electrostatics on the chemodynamics of highly charged metal-polymer nanoparticle complexes.

    PubMed

    Duval, Jérôme F L; Farinha, José Paulo S; Pinheiro, José P

    2013-11-12

    In this work, the impact of electrostatics on the stability constant, the rate of association/dissociation, and the lability of complexes formed between Cd(II), Pb(II), and carboxyl-modified polymer nanoparticles (also known as latex particles) of radius ∼ 50 nm is systematically investigated via electroanalytical measurements over a wide range of pHs and NaNO3 electrolyte concentrations. The corresponding interfacial structure and key electrostatic properties of the particles are independently derived from their electrokinetic response, successfully interpreted using soft particle electrohydrodynamic formalism, and complemented by Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) analysis. The results underpin the presence of an ∼0.7-1 nm thick permeable and highly charged shell layer at the surface of the polymer nanoparticles. Their electrophoretic mobility further exhibits a minimum versus NaNO3 concentration due to strong polarization of the electric double layer. Integrating these structural and electrostatic particle features with recent theory on chemodynamics of particulate metal complexes yields a remarkable recovery of the measured increase in complex stability with increasing pH and/or decreasing solution salinity. In the case of the strongly binding Pb(II), the discrepancy at pH > 5.5 is unambiguously assigned to the formation of multidendate complexes with carboxylate groups located in the particle shell. With increasing pH and/or decreasing electrolyte concentration, the theory further predicts a kinetically controlled formation of metal complexes and a dramatic loss of their lability (especially for lead) on the time-scale of diffusion toward a macroscopic reactive electrode surface. These theoretical findings are again shown to be in agreement with experimental evidence.

  19. Determination of allura red in some food samples by adsorptive stripping voltammetry.

    PubMed

    Alghamdi, Ahmad H

    2005-01-01

    Square wave (SW) voltammetry was used to explore the adsorption properties of the food additive dye Allura Red on a hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE). By using the adsorptive stripping voltammetric approach, we developed a sensitive electroanalytical method for the determination of this azo dye. A well-developed voltammetric peak probably related to the cathodic reduction of the azo moiety was obtained in pH 9 Britton-Robinson (B-R) buffer at 613 mV. Cyclic voltammetric studies indicated that the reduction process was irreversible and primarily controlled by adsorption. The adsorptive voltammetric signal was evaluated with respect to various experimental conditions; the optimized values were supporting electrolyte, B-R buffer; pH 11; accumulation time, 180 s; accumulation potential, 0.0 V; scan rate, 900 mV/s; pulse amplitude, 75 mV; and SW frequency, 90 Hz. Adsorptive voltammetric peak current showed a linear response for Allura Red in the concentration range of 2.5 x 10(-8) to 2.0 x 10(-7) mol/L (r = 0.998). The limit of detection was 8.5 x 10(-9) mol/L (4.2 ng/mL), the precision in terms of relative standard deviation was 1.3%, and the mean recovery was 102%. Possible interferences by several substances usually present in food products such as food additive azo dyes (E110, E102), gelatin, natural and artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and antioxidants were also evaluated. The proposed electrochemical procedure was successfully applied to the determination of this food dye in commercially available candy and a soft drink. The results were compared by statistical evaluation with those obtained by a reference spectrophotometric method.

  20. DStat: A Versatile, Open-Source Potentiostat for Electroanalysis and Integration.

    PubMed

    Dryden, Michael D M; Wheeler, Aaron R

    2015-01-01

    Most electroanalytical techniques require the precise control of the potentials in an electrochemical cell using a potentiostat. Commercial potentiostats function as "black boxes," giving limited information about their circuitry and behaviour which can make development of new measurement techniques and integration with other instruments challenging. Recently, a number of lab-built potentiostats have emerged with various design goals including low manufacturing cost and field-portability, but notably lacking is an accessible potentiostat designed for general lab use, focusing on measurement quality combined with ease of use and versatility. To fill this gap, we introduce DStat (http://microfluidics.utoronto.ca/dstat), an open-source, general-purpose potentiostat for use alone or integrated with other instruments. DStat offers picoampere current measurement capabilities, a compact USB-powered design, and user-friendly cross-platform software. DStat is easy and inexpensive to build, may be modified freely, and achieves good performance at low current levels not accessible to other lab-built instruments. In head-to-head tests, DStat's voltammetric measurements are much more sensitive than those of "CheapStat" (a popular open-source potentiostat described previously), and are comparable to those of a compact commercial "black box" potentiostat. Likewise, in head-to-head tests, DStat's potentiometric precision is similar to that of a commercial pH meter. Most importantly, the versatility of DStat was demonstrated through integration with the open-source DropBot digital microfluidics platform. In sum, we propose that DStat is a valuable contribution to the "open source" movement in analytical science, which is allowing users to adapt their tools to their experiments rather than alter their experiments to be compatible with their tools.

  1. DStat: A Versatile, Open-Source Potentiostat for Electroanalysis and Integration

    PubMed Central

    Dryden, Michael D. M.; Wheeler, Aaron R.

    2015-01-01

    Most electroanalytical techniques require the precise control of the potentials in an electrochemical cell using a potentiostat. Commercial potentiostats function as “black boxes,” giving limited information about their circuitry and behaviour which can make development of new measurement techniques and integration with other instruments challenging. Recently, a number of lab-built potentiostats have emerged with various design goals including low manufacturing cost and field-portability, but notably lacking is an accessible potentiostat designed for general lab use, focusing on measurement quality combined with ease of use and versatility. To fill this gap, we introduce DStat (http://microfluidics.utoronto.ca/dstat), an open-source, general-purpose potentiostat for use alone or integrated with other instruments. DStat offers picoampere current measurement capabilities, a compact USB-powered design, and user-friendly cross-platform software. DStat is easy and inexpensive to build, may be modified freely, and achieves good performance at low current levels not accessible to other lab-built instruments. In head-to-head tests, DStat’s voltammetric measurements are much more sensitive than those of “CheapStat” (a popular open-source potentiostat described previously), and are comparable to those of a compact commercial “black box” potentiostat. Likewise, in head-to-head tests, DStat’s potentiometric precision is similar to that of a commercial pH meter. Most importantly, the versatility of DStat was demonstrated through integration with the open-source DropBot digital microfluidics platform. In sum, we propose that DStat is a valuable contribution to the “open source” movement in analytical science, which is allowing users to adapt their tools to their experiments rather than alter their experiments to be compatible with their tools. PMID:26510100

  2. Alterations in melatonin and 5-HT signalling in the colonic mucosa of mice with dextran-sodium sulfate-induced colitis.

    PubMed

    MacEachern, Sarah J; Keenan, Catherine M; Papakonstantinou, Evangelia; Sharkey, Keith A; Patel, Bhavik Anil

    2018-05-01

    Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by pain, bleeding, cramping and altered gastrointestinal (GI) function. Changes in mucosal 5-HT (serotonin) signalling occur in animal models of colitis and in humans suffering from IBD. Melatonin is co-released with 5-HT from the mucosa and has a wide variety of actions in the GI tract. Here, we examined how melatonin signalling is affected by colitis and determined how this relates to 5-HT signalling. Using electroanalytical approaches, we investigated how 5-HT release, reuptake and availability as well as melatonin availability are altered in dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. Studies were conducted to explore if melatonin treatment during active colitis could reduce the severity of colitis. We observed an increase in 5-HT and a decrease in melatonin availability in DSS-induced colitis. A significant reduction in 5-HT reuptake was observed in DSS-induced colitis animals. A reduction in the content of 5-HT was observed, but no difference in tryptophan levels were observed. A reduction in deoxycholic acid-stimulated 5-HT availability and a significant reduction in mechanically-stimulated 5-HT and melatonin availability were observed in DSS-induced colitis. Orally or rectally administered melatonin once colitis was established did not significantly suppress inflammation. Our data suggest that DSS-induced colitis results in a reduction in melatonin availability and an increase in 5-HT availability, due to a reduction/loss of tryptophan hydroxylase 1 enzyme, 5-HT content and 5-HT transporters. Mechanosensory release was more susceptible to inflammation when compared with chemosensory release. © 2018 The British Pharmacological Society.

  3. Applicability of Electrical and Electroanalytical Techniques to Detect Water and Characterize the Geochemistry of Undisturbed Planetary Soils

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Seshadri, S.; Buehler, M. G.; Anderson, R. C.; Kuhlman, G. M.; Keymeulen, D.; Cheung, I. W.; Schaap, M. G.

    2005-01-01

    The search for life is a primary goal of NASA s planetary exploration program. The search is, of necessity, tiered in both the detection approach (looking for evidence of microbial fossils or the presence of water in the geological history of a planetary body and/or looking for evidence of water, energy sources, precursors to life, signatures of life and/or life itself in the present day planetary environment) and in the survey method (scale, range, specificity) employed. Terrestrial investigations suggests that life as we know it requires water. Thus, the search for extant microbial life and habitats requires identifying water-bearing soils. Determining Reduction-Oxidation (REDOX) couples present in water, once it is found, provides information on soil geochemistry and identifies potential chemical energy sources for life. Mars offers a near-term target for conducting this search. The identification of gully formation [1], layered deposits [2] and elemental ratios of bromine and chlorine [3] present indirect evidence that water was abundant locally in the Martian past. Additionally, Viking images of polar ice and frost formation on the surface of Mars demonstrate that water can exist in at least some near-surface regions of present-day Mars. Atmospheric pressure data further suggest that liquid water may be stable for short periods of time in the mid-latitudes of the Martian surface. [4] Measurements of the global distribution of hydrogen in the Martian regolith offer tantalizing indirect evidence that water may at least exist in near-surface soils. [5] Evidently, any water to be found is likely to exist as soil mixtures at levels ranging between approx.0.5% and approx.5 %.

  4. A novel and facile synthesis of carbon quantum dots via salep hydrothermal treatment as the silver nanoparticles support: Application to electroanalytical determination of H2O2 in fetal bovine serum.

    PubMed

    Jahanbakhshi, Mojtaba; Habibi, Biuck

    2016-07-15

    A simple, low-cost, and green process was used for the synthesis of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) through the hydrothermal treatment of salep as a novel bio-polymeric carbon source in presence of only pure water. The silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were embedded on the surface of CQDs by ultra-violate (UV) irradiation to the CQDs and silver nitrate mixture solution. The as-synthesized CQDs and AgNPs decorated CQDs nanohybrid (AgNPs/CQDs) were characterized by UV-vis and photoluminescence spectroscopy, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microcopy, X-ray diffraction, and field emission scanning electron microscopy. Then, the AgNPs/CQDs nanohybrid was casted on the glassy carbon electrode in order to prepare an amperometric hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) sensor. The electrochemical investigations show that the AgNPs/CQDs nanohybrid possesses an excellent performance toward the H2O2 reduction. In the optimum condition, the linear range of H2O2 determination was achieved from 0.2 to 27.0μM with high sensitivity (1.5μA/µM) and the limit of detection was obtained about 80nM (S/N=3). Finally, the prepared nanohybrid modified electrode was effectively applied to the H2O2 detection in the disinfected fetal bovine serum samples, and the recovery was obtained about 98%. The achieved results indicate that the AgNPs/CQDs nanohybrid with high reproducibility, repeatability, and stability has a favorable capability in electrochemical sensors improvement. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  5. Electrochemical ion transfer across liquid/liquid interfaces confined within solid-state micropore arrays--simulations and experiments.

    PubMed

    Strutwolf, Jörg; Scanlon, Micheál D; Arrigan, Damien W M

    2009-01-01

    Miniaturised liquid/liquid interfaces provide benefits for bioanalytical detection with electrochemical methods. In this work, microporous silicon membranes which can be used for interface miniaturisation were characterized by simulations and experiments. The microporous membranes possessed hexagonal arrays of pores with radii between 10 and 25 microm, a pore depth of 100 microm and pore centre-to-centre separations between 99 and 986 microm. Cyclic voltammetry was used to monitor ion transfer across arrays of micro-interfaces between two immiscible electrolyte solutions (microITIES) formed at these membranes, with the organic phase present as an organogel. The results were compared to computational simulations taking into account mass transport by diffusion and encompassing diffusion to recessed interfaces and overlapped diffusion zones. The simulation and experimental data were both consistent with the situation where the location of the liquid/liquid (l/l) interface was on the aqueous side of the silicon membrane and the pores were filled with the organic phase. While the current for the forward potential scan (transfer of the ion from the aqueous phase to the organic phase) was strongly dependent on the location of the l/l interface, the current peak during the reverse scan (transfer of the ion from the organic phase to the aqueous phase) was influenced by the ratio of the transferring ion's diffusion coefficients in both phases. The diffusion coefficient of the transferring ion in the gelified organic phase was ca. nine times smaller than in the aqueous phase. Asymmetric cyclic voltammogram shapes were caused by the combined effect of non-symmetrical diffusion (spherical and linear) and by the inequality of the diffusion coefficient in both phases. Overlapping diffusion zones were responsible for the observation of current peaks instead of steady-state currents during the forward scan. The characterisation of the diffusion behaviour is an important requirement for application of these silicon membranes in electroanalytical chemistry.

  6. Salt-Assisted Ultrasonicated De-Aggregation and Advanced Redox Electrochemistry of Detonation Nanodiamond

    PubMed Central

    Gupta, Sanju; Evans, Brendan; Henson, Alex; Carrizosa, Sara B.

    2017-01-01

    Nanodiamond particles form agglomerates in the dry powder state and this poses limitation to the accessibility of their diamond-like core thus dramatically impacting their technological advancement. In this work, we report de-agglomeration of nanodiamond (ND) by using a facile technique namely, salt-assisted ultrasonic de-agglomeration (SAUD). Utilizing ultrasound energy and ionic salts (sodium chloride and sodium acetate), SAUD is expected to break apart thermally treated nanodiamond aggregates (~50–100 nm) and produce an aqueous slurry of de-aggregated stable colloidal nanodiamond dispersions by virtue of ionic interactions and electrostatic stabilization. Moreover, the SAUD technique neither has toxic chemicals nor is it difficult to remove impurities and therefore the isolated nanodiamonds produced are exceptionally suited for engineered nanocarbon for mechanical (composites, lubricants) and biomedical (bio-labeling, biosensing, bioimaging, theranostic) applications. We characterized the microscopic structure using complementary techniques including transmission electron microscopy combined with selected-area electron diffraction, optical and vibrational spectroscopy. We immobilized SAUD produced NDs on boron-doped diamond electrodes to investigate fundamental electrochemical properties. They included surface potential (or Fermi energy level), carrier density and mapping electrochemical (re)activity using advanced scanning electrochemical microscopy in the presence of a redox-active probe, with the aim of understanding the surface redox chemistry and the interfacial process of isolated nanodiamond particles as opposed to aggregated and untreated nanoparticles. The experimental findings are discussed in terms of stable colloids, quantum confinement and predominantly surface effects, defect sites (sp2–bonded C and unsaturated bonds), inner core (sp3–bonded C)/outer shell (sp2–bonded C) structure, and surface functionality. Moreover, the surface electronic states give rise to midgap states which serve as electron donors (or acceptors) depending upon the bonding (or antibonding). These are important as electroanalytical platforms for various electrocatalytic processes. PMID:29125547

  7. Electrochemical Determination of Food Preservative Nitrite with Gold Nanoparticles/p-Aminothiophenol-Modified Gold Electrode

    PubMed Central

    Üzer, Ayşem; Sağlam, Şener; Can, Ziya; Erçağ, Erol; Apak, Reşat

    2016-01-01

    Due to the negative impact of nitrate and nitrite on human health, their presence exceeding acceptable levels is not desired in foodstuffs. Thus, nitrite determination at low concentrations is a major challenge in electroanalytical chemistry, which can be achieved by fast, cheap, and safe electrochemical sensors. In this work, the working electrode (Au) was functionalized with p-aminothiophenol (p-ATP) and modified with gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) to manufacture the final (Au/p-ATP-Aunano) electrode in a two-step procedure. In the first step, p-ATP was electropolymerized on the electrode surface to obtain a polyaminothiophenol (PATP) coating. In the second step, Au/p-ATP-Aunano working electrode was prepared by coating the surface with the use of HAuCl4 solution and cyclic voltammetry. Determination of aqueous nitrite samples was performed with the proposed electrode (Au/p-ATP-Aunano) using square wave voltammetry (SWV) in pH 4 buffer medium. Characteristic peak potential of nitrite samples was 0.76 V, and linear calibration curves of current intensity versus concentration was linear in the range of 0.5–50 mg·L−1 nitrite with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.12 mg·L−1. Alternatively, nitrite in sausage samples could be colorimetrically determined with high sensitivity by means of p-ATP‒modified gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and naphthylethylene diamine as coupling agents for azo-dye formation due to enhanced charge-transfer interactions with the AuNPs surface. The slopes of the calibration lines in pure NO2− solution and in sausage sample solution, to which different concentrations of NO2− standards were added, were not significantly different from each other, confirming the robustness and interference tolerance of the method. The proposed voltammetric sensing method was validated against the colorimetric nanosensing method in sausage samples. PMID:27490543

  8. Experimental Studies of Selected Aqueous Electrochemical Systems Relevant for Materials Processing in the Fabrications of Microelectronic Components and Direct Alcohol Fuel Cells

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shi, Xingzhao

    A broad range of electrochemical techniques are employed in this dissertation to investigate a selected set of aqueous electrochemical systems that are relevant for materials processing in the fabrication of microelectronic devices and direct alcohol fuel cells. In terms of technical applications, this work covers three main experimental systems: (i) chemical mechanical planarization (CMP), (ii) electro-less nickel deposition, and (iii) direct alkaline glycerol fuel cells. The first two areas are related to electronic device fabrications and the third topic is related to cost-effective energy conversion. The common electrochemical aspect of these different systems is that, in all these cases the active material characteristics are governed by complex (often multi-step) reactions occurring at metal-liquid (aqueous) interfaces. Electro-analytical techniques are ideally suited for studying the detailed mechanisms of such reactions, and the present investigation is largely focused on developing adequate analytical strategies for probing these reaction mechanisms. In the fabrication of integrated circuits, certain steps of materials processing involve CMP of Al deposited on thin layers of diffusion barrier materials like Ta/TaN, Co, or Ti/TiN. A specific example of this situation is found in the processing of replacement metal gates used for high-k/metal-gate transistors. Since the commonly used barrier materials are nobler than Al, the Al interface in contact with the barrier can become prone to galvanic corrosion in the wet CMP environment. Using model systems of coupon electrodes and two specific barrier metals, Ta and Co, the electrochemical factors responsible for these corrosion effects are investigated here in a moderately acidic (pH = 4.0) abrasive-free solution. The techniques of cyclic voltammetry and impedance spectroscopy are combined with strategic measurements of galvanic currents and open circuit potentials (OCPs). L-ascorbic acid (AA) is employed as a surface modifying agent for controlling galvanic corrosions of Al in the Ta-Al and Co-Al bimetallic combinations. The results elaborate the chemical and electrochemical mechanisms responsible for activating and suppressing the corrosion processes in these systems. Defect-control is a critical requirement for CMP of the ultrathin diffusion barriers considered for the new Cu-interconnects. The challenging task of developing advanced CMP slurries for such systems can be aided by electrochemical evaluations of model CMP schemes under tribological conditions. The present work uses this strategy to characterize an alkaline slurry formulation aimed at minimizing galvanic corrosion in the CMP systems involving Ru, Ta (barrier metals) and Cu (wiring metal). This slurry is based on percarbonate and guanidine additives, and the test metals are polycrystalline disc samples. A particular goal of this study is to explore the essential analytical aspects of evaluating CMP systems in the tribo-electrochemical approach. The CMP specific surface reactions are characterized by potentiodynamic polarization and open circuit voltage measurements, performed both in the presence and in the absence of polishing, and by employing abrasive free as well as abrasive (colloidal SiO 2) added solutions. The findings of these experiments are further checked by using impedance spectroscopy. The electrochemical mixed potential steps of the CMP promoting reactions are analyzed, and the removable surface species formed by these reactions are discussed. Electro-oxidation of hypophosphite plays an important role in the electro-less deposition of Ni used to fabricate surface engineered films, alloys, and coatings for a variety of applications. At the same time, the kinetic details of this oxidation reaction comprise an ideal framework for studying many general mechanistic aspects of electrocatalysis on transition metal substrates. The present study utilizes these specific attributes of hypophosphite oxidation to probe the underlying function of the incipient hydrous oxide of Ni in promoting the catalytic properties of this metal in an alkaline medium. The experiments reported here use time-resolved Fourier-transform electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (FT-EIS), strategically coupled with scan-rate controlled voltammetry. The results suggest that the incipient hydrous oxide Ni(OH)ad formed at the onset of hypophosphite oxidation catalytically promotes the latter's precursor de-hydrogenation step. While voltammetry provides suggestive evidence for these Ni(OH)ad induced effects, the FT-EIS data serve to gather more direct signatures of the catalytic function of Ni(OH)ad. The mechanism of energy conversion in a direct glycerol fuel cell (DGFC) is governed by the anode-supported heterogeneous steps of glycerol electro-oxidation. In aerated alkaline electrolytes, glycerol also participates in a base catalyzed process, which can release certain species mixing with the anode catalyzed surface products. As a result, selective probing of the surface catalytic reactions involving such systems can be difficult. The present work addresses this issue for a gold anode by using the analytical capability of cyclic voltammetry (CV). In addition, surface plasmon resonance measurements are used to optically probe the adsorption characteristics of the electrolyte species. The net exchange current of the oxidation process and the transfer coefficient of the rate determining step are evaluated by analyzing the CV data. The interfacial reactions and their products on Au are identified by measuring the number of electrons released during the electro-oxidation of glycerol. The results indicate that these reactions are facilitated by the surface bound hydroxyl species on Au (chemisorbed OH-- and faradaically formed Au-OH). By comparing the findings for stationary and rotating electrodes, it is shown that, convective mass transport is critical to maintaining efficient progression of the consecutive oxidation steps of glycerol. In the absence of hydrodynamic support, the main surface products of glycerol oxidation appear to be glyceraldehyde, glycerate and malonate, formed through a net six-electron route. In the presence of controlled convection, a ten-electron process is activated, where mesaxolate is the likely additional product.

  9. Sodium doping effect on physicochemical properties of K{sub 1−x}Na{sub x}CaPb{sub 3}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3} (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) for the determination of mercury(II): Application in seawater samples

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Lahrich, Sara; University Hassan 1, Laboratoire Sciences des Matériaux, des Milieux et de la Modélisation, 25000 Khouribga; Manoun, Bouchaib

    Highlights: • The apatite, K{sub 1−x}Na{sub x}CaPb{sub 3}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3} (0 ≤ x ≤ 1), was synthesized using reaction solid. • The obtained apatite was used to determine mercury in seawater samples from Morocco. • The effect of doping sodium into apatite on physic-chemical parameters was studied. • The influence of the electrochemical variables was investigated to determine mercury. - Abstract: A new chemically modified electrode was synthesized for the determination of mercury(II) using differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV). The electrode was modified by lacunar apatite K{sub 1−x}Na{sub x}CaPb{sub 3}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3} (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) synthesized usingmore » solid reaction. These powders were crystallized in the hexagonal system, space group P6{sub 3}/m. The effect of sodium content on structural, thermodynamic and electrochemical properties of prepared apatite has been studied. Therefore, the best results was obtained using NaCaPb{sub 3}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3} (x = 1) as modifier of carbon paste electrode for the electrochemical detection of mercury(II). The later ions were preconcentrated on the surface of the modified electrode and oxidized at 0.06 V vs. Ag/AgCl. The electroanalytical procedure comprises of two steps: the chemical accumulation of the analyte under open-circuit conditions followed by the electrochemical detection of the preconcentrated species using differential pulse voltammetry. The different parameters that govern the two steps were optimized. A linear response was obtained in the concentration range from 1.0 mol L{sup −1} × 10{sup −4} mol L{sup −1} to 2.0 mol L{sup −1} × 10{sup −7} mol L{sup −1} Hg(II) after activation of the electrode surface under the optimized conditions. The standard deviation was evaluated in a high and low concentration of mercury(II). The values ​​obtained for seven consecutive measurements were 1.24% and 5.07% of 1.0 mol L{sup −1} × 10{sup −4} mol L{sup −1} and 5.0 mol L{sup −1} × 10{sup −6} mol L{sup −1} mercury(II) solutions respectively. The detection limit and quantification limit for mercury(II), calculated from nine times standard deviation of blank/slope of the calibration graph, were 1.086 mol L{sup −1} × 10{sup −8} mol L{sup −1} and 3.62 mol L{sup −1} × 10{sup −8} mol L{sup −1}, respectively. The proposed chemically modified electrode was applied to determine mercury(II) in seawater samples.« less

  10. Study of the Electrocatalytic Activity of Cerium Oxide and Gold-Studded Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles Using a Sonogel-Carbon Material as Supporting Electrode: Electroanalytical Study in Apple Juice for Babies

    PubMed Central

    Abdelrahim, M. Yahia M.; Benjamin, Stephen R.; Cubillana-Aguilera, Laura Ma; Naranjo-Rodríguez, Ignacio; Hidalgo-Hidalgo de Cisneros, Josè L.; Delgado, Juan Josè; Palacios-Santander, Josè Ma

    2013-01-01

    The present work reports a study of the electrocatalytic activity of CeO2 nanoparticles and gold sononanoparticles (AuSNPs)/CeO2 nanocomposite, deposited on the surface of a Sonogel-Carbon (SNGC) matrix used as supporting electrode and the application of the sensing devices built with them to the determination of ascorbic acid (AA) used as a benchmark analyte. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) were used to investigate the electrocatalytic behavior of CeO2- and AuSNPs/CeO2-modified SNGC electrodes, utilizing different concentrations of CeO2 nanoparticles and different AuSNPs:CeO2 w/w ratios. The best detection and quantification limits, obtained for CeO2 (10.0 mg·mL−1)- and AuSNPs/CeO2 (3.25% w/w)-modified SNGC electrodes, were 1.59 × 10−6 and 5.32 × 10−6 M, and 2.93 × 10−6 and 9.77 × 10−6 M, respectively, with reproducibility values of 5.78% and 6.24%, respectively, for a linear concentration range from 1.5 μM to 4.0 mM of AA. The electrochemical devices were tested for the determination of AA in commercial apple juice for babies. The results were compared with those obtained by applying high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) as a reference method. Recovery errors below 5% were obtained in most cases, with standard deviations lower than 3% for all the modified SNGC electrodes. Bare, CeO2- and AuSNPs/CeO2-modified SNGC electrodes were structurally characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). AuSNPs and AuSNPs/CeO2 nanocomposite were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD), and information about their size distribution and shape was obtained by transmission electron microscopy (TEM;. The advantages of employing CeO2 nanoparticles and AuSNPs/CeO2 nanocomposite in SNGC supporting material are also described. This research suggests that the modified electrode can be a very promising voltammetric sensor for the determination of electroactive species of interest in real samples. PMID:23584124

  11. Study of the electrocatalytic activity of cerium oxide and gold-studded cerium oxide nanoparticles using a Sonogel-Carbon material as supporting electrode: electroanalytical study in apple juice for babies.

    PubMed

    Abdelrahim, M Yahia M; Benjamin, Stephen R; Cubillana-Aguilera, Laura Ma; Naranjo-Rodríguez, Ignacio; de Cisneros, José L Hidalgo-Hidalgo; Delgado, Juan José; Palacios-Santander, José Ma

    2013-04-12

    The present work reports a study of the electrocatalytic activity of CeO2 nanoparticles and gold sononanoparticles (AuSNPs)/CeO2 nanocomposite, deposited on the surface of a Sonogel-Carbon (SNGC) matrix used as supporting electrode and the application of the sensing devices built with them to the determination of ascorbic acid (AA) used as a benchmark analyte. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) were used to investigate the electrocatalytic behavior of CeO2- and AuSNPs/CeO2-modified SNGC electrodes, utilizing different concentrations of CeO2 nanoparticles and different AuSNPs:CeO2 w/w ratios. The best detection and quantification limits, obtained for CeO2 (10.0 mg·mL(-1))- and AuSNPs/CeO2 (3.25% w/w)-modified SNGC electrodes, were 1.59 × 10(-6) and 5.32 × 10(-6) M, and 2.93 × 10(-6) and 9.77 × 10(-6) M, respectively, with reproducibility values of 5.78% and 6.24%, respectively, for a linear concentration range from 1.5 µM to 4.0 mM of AA. The electrochemical devices were tested for the determination of AA in commercial apple juice for babies. The results were compared with those obtained by applying high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) as a reference method. Recovery errors below 5% were obtained in most cases, with standard deviations lower than 3% for all the modified SNGC electrodes. Bare, CeO2- and AuSNPs/CeO2-modified SNGC electrodes were structurally characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). AuSNPs and AuSNPs/CeO2 nanocomposite were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD), and information about their size distribution and shape was obtained by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The advantages of employing CeO2 nanoparticles and AuSNPs/CeO2 nanocomposite in SNGC supporting material are also described. This research suggests that the modified electrode can be a very promising voltammetric sensor for the determination of electroactive species of interest in real samples.

  12. Characterization and methanol electrooxidation studies of Pt(111)/Os surfaces prepared by spontaneous deposition.

    PubMed

    Johnston, Christina M; Strbac, Svetlana; Lewera, Adam; Sibert, Eric; Wieckowski, Andrzej

    2006-09-12

    Catalytic activity of the Pt(111)/Os surface toward methanol electrooxidation was optimized by exploring a wide range of Os coverage. Various methods of surface analyses were used, including electroanalytical, STM, and XPS methods. The Pt(111) surface was decorated with nanosized Os islands by spontaneous deposition, and the Os coverage was controlled by changing the exposure time to the Os-containing electrolyte. The structure of Os deposits on Pt(111) was characterized and quantified by in situ STM and stripping voltammetry. We found that the optimal Os surface coverage of Pt(111) for methanol electrooxidation was 0.7 +/- 0.1 ML, close to 1.0 +/- 0.1 Os packing density. Apparently, the high osmium coverage Pt(111)/Os surface provides more of the necessary oxygen-containing species (e.g., Os-OH) for effective methanol electrooxidation than the Pt(111)/Os surfaces with lower Os coverage (vs e.g., Ru-OH). Supporting evidence for this conjecture comes from the CO electrooxidation data, which show that the onset potential for CO stripping is lowered from 0.53 to 0.45 V when the Os coverage is increased from 0.2 to 0.7 ML. However, the activity of Pt(111)/Os for methanol electrooxidation decreases when the Os coverage is higher than 0.7 +/- 0.1 ML, indicating that Pt sites uncovered by Os are necessary for sustaining significant methanol oxidation rates. Furthermore, osmium is inactive for methanol electrooxidation when the platinum substrate is absent: Os deposits on Au(111), a bulk Os ingot, and thick films of electrodeposited Os on Pt(111), all compare poorly to Pt(111)/Os. We conclude that a bifunctional mechanism applies to the methanol electrooxidation similarly to Pt(111)/Ru, although with fewer available Pt sites. Finally, the potential window for methanol electrooxidation on Pt(111)/Os was observed to shift positively versus Pt(111)/Ru. Because of the difference in the Os and Ru oxophilicity under electrochemical conditions, the Os deposit provides fewer oxygen-containing species, at least below 0.5 V vs RHE. Both higher coverage of Os than Ru and the higher potentials are required to provide a sufficient number of active oxygen-containing species for the effective removal of the site-blocking CO from the catalyst surface when the methanol electrooxidation process occurs.

  13. Impedance Biosensing to detect food allergens, endocrine disrupting chemicals, and food pathogens

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Radhakrishnan, Rajeswaran

    Electrochemical impedance biosensors can be viewed as an AC electroanalytical method for the analyte detection in the fields of biomedicine, environmental monitoring, and food and agriculture, amongst others. The most common format for AC impedance biosensing involves surface immobilization of an antibody, receptor protein, DNA strand, or other species capable of bio-recognition, and AC impedance detection of the binding event. Technological application of AC impedance biosensors has been hindered by several obstacles, including the more complex circuitry required for AC relative to DC electrochemistry, chemical and physical interference arising from non-specific adsorption, and the stability and reproducibility of protein immobilization. One focus of these PhD studies is on methods to reduce or compensate for non-specific adsorption, including sample dilution, site blocking with BSA, and the use of control electrodes onto which reference antibodies are immobilized. Examples that will be presented include impedance detection of food pathogens, such as Listeria monocytogenes, using a mouse monoclonal antibody immobilized onto an Au electrode. This yields detection limits of 5 CFU/ml and 4 CFU/ml for ideal solutions and filtered tomato extract, respectively. Control experiments with an Au electrode onto which a mouse monoclonal antibody to GAPDH is immobilized demonstrate that non-specific adsorption is insignificant for the system and methodology studied here. Control experiments with Salmonella enterica demonstrate no cross-reactivity to this food pathogen. In addition, Detection of two endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDC), norfluoxetine and BDE-47, is reported here by impedance biosensing, with a detection limit of 8.5 and 1.3 ng/ml for norfluoxetine and BDE-47, respectively. Additional research has focused on alternative substrates and linker chemistries for protein immobilization, including the use of degenerate (highly doped) Si and bidendate thiol monolayer onto Au. Advantages of degenerate Si include a simpler equivalent circuit, simple and reproducible surface preparation, easy incorporation into ULSI devices, and the greater strength of Si-C bonds (~520 kJ/mole) relative to Au-S bonds (125-150 kJ/mole). New results demonstrating antibody regeneration atop degenerate (highly doped) Si are also reported. Using 0.2 M KSCN and 10 mM HF for antibody regeneration, peanut protein Ara h 1 is detected daily during a thirty-day trial. An impedance biosensor is reported that employs the bidentate thiol 16-[3,5-bis(mercaptomethyl)phenoxy]-hexadecanoic acid (BMPHA) to immobilize the mouse monoclonal antibody to peanut protein Ara h 1. The detection limit for Ara h 1 is approximately 0.71 ng/mL (0.01 nM), which is about one order of magnitude lower than that obtained for antibody immobilization atop the monodendate thiol, 16-mercaptohexadecanoic acid (16 MHA). Antibody regeneration was studied daily using a gentle denaturing agent, 0.2 M KSCN at pH 7.3. The antibody-coated on Au electrodes retained activity towards Ara h1 for 10 and 20 days of regeneration of the monodendate- and BMPHA-coated Au electrodes, respectively. This prolonged activity illustrates the superior stability of protein films atop the BMPHA bidentate thiol- coated Au electrode relative to the 16-MHA monodendate thiol-coated Au electrode.

  14. Best practices for implementing, testing and using a cloud-based communication system in a disaster situation.

    PubMed

    Makowski, Dale

    2016-01-01

    This paper sets out the basics for approaching the selection and implementation of a cloud-based communication system to support a business continuity programme, including: • consideration for how a cloud-based communication system can enhance a business continuity programme; • descriptions of some of the more popular features of a cloud-based communication system; • options to evaluate when selecting a cloud-based communication system; • considerations for how to design a system to be most effective for an organisation; • best practices for how to conduct the initial load of data to a cloud-based communication system; • best practices for how to conduct an initial validation of the data loaded to a cloud-based communication system; • considerations for how to keep contact information in the cloud-based communication system current and accurate; • best practices for conducting ongoing system testing; • considerations for how to conduct user training; • review of other potential uses of a cloud-based communication system; and • review of other tools and features many cloud-based communication systems may offer.

  15. System and method for deriving a process-based specification

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hinchey, Michael Gerard (Inventor); Rouff, Christopher A. (Inventor); Rash, James Larry (Inventor)

    2009-01-01

    A system and method for deriving a process-based specification for a system is disclosed. The process-based specification is mathematically inferred from a trace-based specification. The trace-based specification is derived from a non-empty set of traces or natural language scenarios. The process-based specification is mathematically equivalent to the trace-based specification. Code is generated, if applicable, from the process-based specification. A process, or phases of a process, using the features disclosed can be reversed and repeated to allow for an interactive development and modification of legacy systems. The process is applicable to any class of system, including, but not limited to, biological and physical systems, electrical and electro-mechanical systems in addition to software, hardware and hybrid hardware-software systems.

  16. Evaluation of a hydrogen peroxide-based system for high-level disinfection of vaginal ultrasound probes.

    PubMed

    Johnson, Stephen; Proctor, Matthew; Bluth, Edward; Smetherman, Dana; Baumgarten, Katherine; Troxclair, Laurie; Bienvenu, Michele

    2013-10-01

    Because of the complex process and the risk of errors associated with the glutaraldehyde-based solutions previously used at our institution for disinfection, our department has implemented a new method for high-level disinfection of vaginal ultrasound probes: the hydrogen peroxide-based Trophon system (Nanosonics, Alexandria, New South Wales, Australia). The aim of this study was to compare the time difference, safety, and sonographers' satisfaction between the glutaraldehyde-based Cidex (CIVCO Medical Solutions, Kalona, IA) and the hydrogen peroxide-based Trophon disinfection systems. The Institutional Review Board approved a 14-question survey administered to the 13 sonographers in our department. Survey questions addressed a variety of aspects of the disinfection processes with graded responses over a standardized 5-point scale. A process diagram was developed for each disinfection method with segmental timing analysis, and a cost analysis was performed. Nonvariegated analysis of the survey data with the Wilcoxon signed rank test showed a statistical difference in survey responses in favor of the hydrogen peroxide-based system over the glutaraldehyde-based system regarding efficiency (P = .0013), ease of use (P = .0013), ability to maintain work flow (P = .026), safety (P = .0026), fixing problems (P = .0158), time (P = .0011), and overall satisfaction (P = .0018). The glutaraldehyde-based system took 32 minutes versus 14 minutes for the hydrogen peroxide-based system; the hydrogen peroxide-based system saved on average 7.5 hours per week. The cost of the hydrogen peroxide-based system and weekly maintenance pays for itself if 1.5 more ultrasound examinations are performed each week. The hydrogen peroxide-based disinfection system was proven to be more efficient and viewed to be easier and safer to use than the glutaraldehyde-based system. The adoption of the hydrogen peroxide-based system led to higher satisfaction among sonographers.

  17. Filmless versus film-based systems in radiographic examination costs: an activity-based costing method.

    PubMed

    Muto, Hiroshi; Tani, Yuji; Suzuki, Shigemasa; Yokooka, Yuki; Abe, Tamotsu; Sase, Yuji; Terashita, Takayoshi; Ogasawara, Katsuhiko

    2011-09-30

    Since the shift from a radiographic film-based system to that of a filmless system, the change in radiographic examination costs and costs structure have been undetermined. The activity-based costing (ABC) method measures the cost and performance of activities, resources, and cost objects. The purpose of this study is to identify the cost structure of a radiographic examination comparing a filmless system to that of a film-based system using the ABC method. We calculated the costs of radiographic examinations for both a filmless and a film-based system, and assessed the costs or cost components by simulating radiographic examinations in a health clinic. The cost objects of the radiographic examinations included lumbar (six views), knee (three views), wrist (two views), and other. Indirect costs were allocated to cost objects using the ABC method. The costs of a radiographic examination using a filmless system are as follows: lumbar 2,085 yen; knee 1,599 yen; wrist 1,165 yen; and other 1,641 yen. The costs for a film-based system are: lumbar 3,407 yen; knee 2,257 yen; wrist 1,602 yen; and other 2,521 yen. The primary activities were "calling patient," "explanation of scan," "take photographs," and "aftercare" for both filmless and film-based systems. The cost of these activities cost represented 36.0% of the total cost for a filmless system and 23.6% of a film-based system. The costs of radiographic examinations using a filmless system and a film-based system were calculated using the ABC method. Our results provide clear evidence that the filmless system is more effective than the film-based system in providing greater value services directly to patients.

  18. Filmless versus film-based systems in radiographic examination costs: an activity-based costing method

    PubMed Central

    2011-01-01

    Background Since the shift from a radiographic film-based system to that of a filmless system, the change in radiographic examination costs and costs structure have been undetermined. The activity-based costing (ABC) method measures the cost and performance of activities, resources, and cost objects. The purpose of this study is to identify the cost structure of a radiographic examination comparing a filmless system to that of a film-based system using the ABC method. Methods We calculated the costs of radiographic examinations for both a filmless and a film-based system, and assessed the costs or cost components by simulating radiographic examinations in a health clinic. The cost objects of the radiographic examinations included lumbar (six views), knee (three views), wrist (two views), and other. Indirect costs were allocated to cost objects using the ABC method. Results The costs of a radiographic examination using a filmless system are as follows: lumbar 2,085 yen; knee 1,599 yen; wrist 1,165 yen; and other 1,641 yen. The costs for a film-based system are: lumbar 3,407 yen; knee 2,257 yen; wrist 1,602 yen; and other 2,521 yen. The primary activities were "calling patient," "explanation of scan," "take photographs," and "aftercare" for both filmless and film-based systems. The cost of these activities cost represented 36.0% of the total cost for a filmless system and 23.6% of a film-based system. Conclusions The costs of radiographic examinations using a filmless system and a film-based system were calculated using the ABC method. Our results provide clear evidence that the filmless system is more effective than the film-based system in providing greater value services directly to patients. PMID:21961846

  19. Case Mix Management Systems: An Opportunity to Integrate Medical Records and Financial Management System Data Bases

    PubMed Central

    Rusnak, James E.

    1987-01-01

    Due to previous systems selections, many hospitals (health care facilities) are faced with the problem of fragmented data bases containing clinical, demographic and financial information. Projects to select and implement a Case Mix Management System (CMMS) provide an opportunity to reduce the number of separate physical files and to migrate towards systems with an integrated data base. The number of CMMS candidate systems is often restricted due to data base and system interface issues. The hospital must insure the CMMS project provides a means to implement an integrated on-line hospital information data base for use by departments in operating under a DRG-based Prospective Payment System. This paper presents guidelines for use in selecting a Case Mix Mangement System to meet the hospital's financial and operations planning, budgeting, marketing, and other management needs, while considering the data base implications of the implementation.

  20. An intelligent knowledge-based and customizable home care system framework with ubiquitous patient monitoring and alerting techniques.

    PubMed

    Chen, Yen-Lin; Chiang, Hsin-Han; Yu, Chao-Wei; Chiang, Chuan-Yen; Liu, Chuan-Ming; Wang, Jenq-Haur

    2012-01-01

    This study develops and integrates an efficient knowledge-based system and a component-based framework to design an intelligent and flexible home health care system. The proposed knowledge-based system integrates an efficient rule-based reasoning model and flexible knowledge rules for determining efficiently and rapidly the necessary physiological and medication treatment procedures based on software modules, video camera sensors, communication devices, and physiological sensor information. This knowledge-based system offers high flexibility for improving and extending the system further to meet the monitoring demands of new patient and caregiver health care by updating the knowledge rules in the inference mechanism. All of the proposed functional components in this study are reusable, configurable, and extensible for system developers. Based on the experimental results, the proposed intelligent homecare system demonstrates that it can accomplish the extensible, customizable, and configurable demands of the ubiquitous healthcare systems to meet the different demands of patients and caregivers under various rehabilitation and nursing conditions.

  1. An Intelligent Knowledge-Based and Customizable Home Care System Framework with Ubiquitous Patient Monitoring and Alerting Techniques

    PubMed Central

    Chen, Yen-Lin; Chiang, Hsin-Han; Yu, Chao-Wei; Chiang, Chuan-Yen; Liu, Chuan-Ming; Wang, Jenq-Haur

    2012-01-01

    This study develops and integrates an efficient knowledge-based system and a component-based framework to design an intelligent and flexible home health care system. The proposed knowledge-based system integrates an efficient rule-based reasoning model and flexible knowledge rules for determining efficiently and rapidly the necessary physiological and medication treatment procedures based on software modules, video camera sensors, communication devices, and physiological sensor information. This knowledge-based system offers high flexibility for improving and extending the system further to meet the monitoring demands of new patient and caregiver health care by updating the knowledge rules in the inference mechanism. All of the proposed functional components in this study are reusable, configurable, and extensible for system developers. Based on the experimental results, the proposed intelligent homecare system demonstrates that it can accomplish the extensible, customizable, and configurable demands of the ubiquitous healthcare systems to meet the different demands of patients and caregivers under various rehabilitation and nursing conditions. PMID:23112650

  2. Development of a health care systems curriculum.

    PubMed

    Pruitt, Zachary; Mhaskar, Rahul; Kane, Bryan G; Barraco, Robert D; DeWaay, Deborah J; Rosenau, Alex M; Bresnan, Kristin A; Greenberg, Marna Rayl

    2017-01-01

    There is currently no gold standard for delivery of systems-based practice in medical education, and it is challenging to incorporate into medical education. Health systems competence requires physicians to understand patient care within the broader health care system and is vital to improving the quality of care clinicians provide. We describe a health systems curriculum that utilizes problem-based learning across 4 years of systems-based practice medical education at a single institution. This case study describes the application of a problem-based learning approach to system-based practice medical education. A series of behavioral statements, called entrustable professional activities, was created to assess student health system competence. Student evaluation of course curriculum design, delivery, and assessment was provided through web-based surveys. To meet competency standards for system-based practice, a health systems curriculum was developed and delivered across 4 years of medical school training. Each of the health system lectures and problem-based learning activities are described herein. The majority of first and second year medical students stated they gained working knowledge of health systems by engaging in these sessions. The majority of the 2016 graduating students (88.24%) felt that the course content, overall, prepared them for their career. A health systems curriculum in undergraduate medical education using a problem-based learning approach is feasible. The majority of students learning health systems curriculum through this format reported being prepared to improve individual patient care and optimize the health system's value (better care and health for lower cost).

  3. The acid-base resistant zone in three dentin bonding systems.

    PubMed

    Inoue, Go; Nikaido, Toru; Foxton, Richard M; Tagami, Junji

    2009-11-01

    An acid-base resistant zone has been found to exist after acid-base challenge adjacent to the hybrid layer using SEM. The aim of this study was to examine the acid-base resistant zone using three different bonding systems. Dentin disks were applied with three different bonding systems, and then a resin composite was light-cured to make dentin disk sandwiches. After acid-base challenge, the polished surfaces were observed using SEM. For both one- and two-step self-etching primer systems, an acid-base resistant zone was clearly observed adjacent to the hybrid layer - but with differing appearances. For the wet bonding system, the presence of an acid-base resistant zone was unclear. This was because the self-etching primer systems etched the dentin surface mildly, such that the remaining mineral phase of dentin and the bonding agent yielded clear acid-base resistant zones. In conclusion, the acid-base resistant zone was clearly observed when self-etching primer systems were used, but not so for the wet bonding system.

  4. Expert system for web based collaborative CAE

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hou, Liang; Lin, Zusheng

    2006-11-01

    An expert system for web based collaborative CAE was developed based on knowledge engineering, relational database and commercial FEA (Finite element analysis) software. The architecture of the system was illustrated. In this system, the experts' experiences, theories and typical examples and other related knowledge, which will be used in the stage of pre-process in FEA, were categorized into analysis process and object knowledge. Then, the integrated knowledge model based on object-oriented method and rule based method was described. The integrated reasoning process based on CBR (case based reasoning) and rule based reasoning was presented. Finally, the analysis process of this expert system in web based CAE application was illustrated, and an analysis example of a machine tool's column was illustrated to prove the validity of the system.

  5. HERB: A production system for programming with hierarchical expert rule bases: User's manual, HERB Version 1. 0

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Hummel, K.E.

    1987-12-01

    Expert systems are artificial intelligence programs that solve problems requiring large amounts of heuristic knowledge, based on years of experience and tradition. Production systems are domain-independent tools that support the development of rule-based expert systems. This document describes a general purpose production system known as HERB. This system was developed to support the programming of expert systems using hierarchically structured rule bases. HERB encourages the partitioning of rules into multiple rule bases and supports the use of multiple conflict resolution strategies. Multiple rule bases can also be placed on a system stack and simultaneously searched during each interpreter cycle. Bothmore » backward and forward chaining rules are supported by HERB. The condition portion of each rule can contain both patterns, which are matched with facts in a data base, and LISP expressions, which are explicitly evaluated in the LISP environment. Properties of objects can also be stored in the HERB data base and referenced within the scope of each rule. This document serves both as an introduction to the principles of LISP-based production systems and as a user's manual for the HERB system. 6 refs., 17 figs.« less

  6. Design and implementation of real-time wireless projection system based on ARM embedded system

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Long, Zhaohua; Tang, Hao; Huang, Junhua

    2018-04-01

    Aiming at the shortage of existing real-time screen sharing system, a real-time wireless projection system is proposed in this paper. Based on the proposed system, a weight-based frame deletion strategy combined sampling time period and data variation is proposed. By implementing the system on the hardware platform, the results show that the system can achieve good results. The weight-based strategy can improve the service quality, reduce the delay and optimize the real-time customer service system [1].

  7. Access Control for Cooperation Systems Based on Group Situation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kim, Minsoo; Joshi, James B. D.; Kim, Minkoo

    Cooperation systems characterize many emerging environments such as ubiquitous and pervasive systems. Agent based cooperation systems have been proposed in the literature to address challenges of such emerging application environments. A key aspect of such agent based cooperation system is the group situation that changes dynamically and governs the requirements of the cooperation. While individual agent context is important, the overall cooperation behavior is more driven by the group context because of relationships and interactions between agents. Dynamic access control based on group situation is a crucial challenge in such cooperation systems. In this paper we propose a dynamic role based access control model for cooperation systems based on group situation. The model emphasizes capability based agent to role mapping and group situation based permission assignment to allow capturing dynamic access policies that evolve continuously.

  8. Covering the Bases: Exploring Alternative Systems

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kurz, Terri L.; Garcia, Jorge

    2015-01-01

    Since the 1950s, the understanding of how the base 10 system works has been encouraged through alternative base systems (Price 1995; Woodward 2004). If high school students are given opportunities to learn other base systems and analyze what they denote, we believe that they will better understand the structure of base 10 and its operations…

  9. Ground-Based and Space-Based Laser Beam Power Applications

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bozek, John M.

    1995-01-01

    A space power system based on laser beam power is sized to reduce mass, increase operational capabilities, and reduce complexity. The advantages of laser systems over solar-based systems are compared as a function of application. Power produced from the conversion of a laser beam that has been generated on the Earth's surface and beamed into cislunar space resulted in decreased round-trip time for Earth satellite electric propulsion tugs and a substantial landed mass savings for a lunar surface mission. The mass of a space-based laser system (generator in space and receiver near user) that beams down to an extraterrestrial airplane, orbiting spacecraft, surface outpost, or rover is calculated and compared to a solar system. In general, the advantage of low mass for these space-based laser systems is limited to high solar eclipse time missions at distances inside Jupiter. The power system mass is less in a continuously moving Mars rover or surface outpost using space-based laser technology than in a comparable solar-based power system, but only during dust storm conditions. Even at large distances for the Sun, the user-site portion of a space-based laser power system (e.g., the laser receiver component) is substantially less massive than a solar-based system with requisite on-board electrochemical energy storage.

  10. Systems, methods and apparatus for verification of knowledge-based systems

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Rash, James L. (Inventor); Gracinin, Denis (Inventor); Erickson, John D. (Inventor); Rouff, Christopher A. (Inventor); Hinchey, Michael G. (Inventor)

    2010-01-01

    Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some embodiments, domain knowledge is translated into a knowledge-based system. In some embodiments, a formal specification is derived from rules of a knowledge-based system, the formal specification is analyzed, and flaws in the formal specification are used to identify and correct errors in the domain knowledge, from which a knowledge-based system is translated.

  11. A brief history and technical review of the expert system research

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tan, Haocheng

    2017-09-01

    The expert system is a computer system that emulates the decision-making ability of a human expert, which aims to solve complex problems by reasoning knowledge. It is an important branch of artificial intelligence. In this paper, firstly, we briefly introduce the development and basic structure of the expert system. Then, from the perspective of the enabling technology, we classify the current expert systems and elaborate four expert systems: The Rule-Based Expert System, the Framework-Based Expert System, the Fuzzy Logic-Based Expert System and the Expert System Based on Neural Network.

  12. A relational data-knowledge base system and its potential in developing a distributed data-knowledge system

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Rahimian, Eric N.; Graves, Sara J.

    1988-01-01

    A new approach used in constructing a rational data knowledge base system is described. The relational database is well suited for distribution due to its property of allowing data fragmentation and fragmentation transparency. An example is formulated of a simple relational data knowledge base which may be generalized for use in developing a relational distributed data knowledge base system. The efficiency and ease of application of such a data knowledge base management system is briefly discussed. Also discussed are the potentials of the developed model for sharing the data knowledge base as well as the possible areas of difficulty in implementing the relational data knowledge base management system.

  13. Automated revision of CLIPS rule-bases

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Murphy, Patrick M.; Pazzani, Michael J.

    1994-01-01

    This paper describes CLIPS-R, a theory revision system for the revision of CLIPS rule-bases. CLIPS-R may be used for a variety of knowledge-base revision tasks, such as refining a prototype system, adapting an existing system to slightly different operating conditions, or improving an operational system that makes occasional errors. We present a description of how CLIPS-R revises rule-bases, and an evaluation of the system on three rule-bases.

  14. Stripping Voltammetry

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lovrić, Milivoj

    Electrochemical stripping means the oxidative or reductive removal of atoms, ions, or compounds from an electrode surface (or from the electrode body, as in the case of liquid mercury electrodes with dissolved metals) [1-5]. In general, these atoms, ions, or compounds have been preliminarily immobilized on the surface of an inert electrode (or within it) as the result of a preconcentration step, while the products of the electrochemical stripping will dissolve in the electrolytic solution. Often the product of the electrochemical stripping is identical to the analyte before the preconcentration. However, there are exemptions to these rules. Electroanalytical stripping methods comprise two steps: first, the accumulation of a dissolved analyte onto, or in, the working electrode, and, second, the subsequent stripping of the accumulated substance by a voltammetric [3, 5], potentiometric [6, 7], or coulometric [8] technique. In stripping voltammetry, the condition is that there are two independent linear relationships: the first one between the activity of accumulated substance and the concentration of analyte in the sample, and the second between the maximum stripping current and the accumulated substance activity. Hence, a cumulative linear relationship between the maximum response and the analyte concentration exists. However, the electrode capacity for the analyte accumulation is limited and the condition of linearity is satisfied only well below the electrode saturation. For this reason, stripping voltammetry is used mainly in trace analysis. The limit of detection depends on the factor of proportionality between the activity of the accumulated substance and the bulk concentration of the analyte. This factor is a constant in the case of a chemical accumulation, but for electrochemical accumulation it depends on the electrode potential. The factor of proportionality between the maximum stripping current and the analyte concentration is rarely known exactly. In fact, it is frequently ignored. For the analysis it suffices to establish the linear relationship empirically. The slope of this relationship may vary from one sample to another because of different influences of the matrix. In this case the concentration of the analyte is determined by the method of standard additions [1]. After measuring the response of the sample, the concentration of the analyte is deliberately increased by adding a certain volume of its standard solution. The response is measured again, and this procedure is repeated three or four times. The unknown concentration is determined by extrapolation of the regression line to the concentration axis [9]. However, in many analytical methods, the final measurement is performed in a standard matrix that allows the construction of a calibration plot. Still, the slope of this plot depends on the active area of the working electrode surface. Each solid electrode needs a separate calibration plot, and that plot must be checked from time to time because of possible deterioration of the electrode surface [2].

  15. 2D Hexagonal Boron Nitride (2D-hBN) Explored for the Electrochemical Sensing of Dopamine.

    PubMed

    Khan, Aamar F; Brownson, Dale A C; Randviir, Edward P; Smith, Graham C; Banks, Craig E

    2016-10-04

    Crystalline 2D hexagonal boron nitride (2D-hBN) nanosheets are explored as a potential electrocatalyst toward the electroanalytical sensing of dopamine (DA). The 2D-hBN nanosheets are electrically wired via a drop-casting modification process onto a range of commercially available carbon supporting electrodes, including glassy carbon (GC), boron-doped diamond (BDD), and screen-printed graphitic electrodes (SPEs). 2D-hBN has not previously been explored toward the electrochemical detection/electrochemical sensing of DA. We critically evaluate the potential electrocatalytic performance of 2D-hBN modified electrodes, the effect of supporting carbon electrode platforms, and the effect of "mass coverage" (which is commonly neglected in the 2D material literature) toward the detection of DA. The response of 2D-hBN modified electrodes is found to be largely dependent upon the interaction between 2D-hBN and the underlying supporting electrode material. For example, in the case of SPEs, modification with 2D-hBN (324 ng) improves the electrochemical response, decreasing the electrochemical oxidation potential of DA by ∼90 mV compared to an unmodified SPE. Conversely, modification of a GC electrode with 2D-hBN (324 ng) resulted in an increased oxidation potential of DA by ∼80 mV when compared to the unmodified electrode. We explore the underlying mechanisms of the aforementioned examples and infer that electrode surface interactions and roughness factors are critical considerations. 2D-hBN is utilized toward the sensing of DA in the presence of the common interferents ascorbic acid (AA) and uric acid (UA). 2D-hBN is found to be an effective electrocatalyst in the simultaneous detection of DA and UA at both pH 5.0 and 7.4. The peak separations/resolution between DA and UA increases by ∼70 and 50 mV (at pH 5.0 and 7.4, respectively, when utilizing 108 ng of 2D-hBN) compared to unmodified SPEs, with a particularly favorable response evident in pH 5.0, giving rise to a significant increase in the peak current of DA. The limit of detection (3σ) is found to correspond to 0.65 μM for DA in the presence of UA. However, it is not possible to deconvolute the simultaneous detection of DA and AA. The observed electrocatalytic effect at 2D-hBN has not previously been reported in the literature when supported upon carbon or any other electrode. We provide valuable insights into the modifier-substrate interactions of this material, essential for those designing, fabricating, and consequently performing electrochemical experiments utilizing 2D-hBN and related 2D materials.

  16. Quality evaluation on an e-learning system in continuing professional education of nurses.

    PubMed

    Lin, I-Chun; Chien, Yu-Mei; Chang, I-Chiu

    2006-01-01

    Maintaining high quality in Web-based learning is a powerful means of increasing the overall efficiency and effectiveness of distance learning. Many studies have evaluated Web-based learning but seldom evaluate from the information systems (IS) perspective. This study applied the famous IS Success model in measuring the quality of a Web-based learning system using a Web-based questionnaire for data collection. One hundred and fifty four nurses participated in the survey. Based on confirmatory factor analysis, the variables of the research model fit for measuring the quality of a Web-based learning system. As Web-based education continues to grow worldwide, the results of this study may assist the system adopter (hospital executives), the learner (nurses), and the system designers in making reasonable and informed judgments with regard to the quality of Web-based learning system in continuing professional education.

  17. Microprocessor-based control systems application in nuclear power plant critical systems

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Shah, M.R.; Nowak, J.B.

    Microprocessor-based control systems have been used in fossil power plants and are receiving greater acceptance for application in nuclear plants. This technology is not new but it does require unique considerations when applied to nuclear power plants. Sargent and Lundy (S and L) has used a microprocessor-based component logic control system (interposing Logic System) for safety- and non-safety-related components in nuclear power plants under construction overseas. Currently, S and L is in the design stage to replace an existing analog control system with a microprocessor-based control system in the U.S. The trend in the industry is to replace systems inmore » existing plants or design new power plants with microprocessor-based control systems.« less

  18. Techniques and implementation of the embedded rule-based expert system using Ada

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Liberman, Eugene M.; Jones, Robert E.

    1991-01-01

    Ada is becoming an increasingly popular programming language for large Government-funded software projects. Ada with its portability, transportability, and maintainability lends itself well to today's complex programming environment. In addition, expert systems have also assured a growing role in providing human-like reasoning capability and expertise for computer systems. The integration of expert system technology with Ada programming language, specifically a rule-based expert system using an ART-Ada (Automated Reasoning Tool for Ada) system shell is discussed. The NASA Lewis Research Center was chosen as a beta test site for ART-Ada. The test was conducted by implementing the existing Autonomous Power EXpert System (APEX), a Lisp-base power expert system, in ART-Ada. Three components, the rule-based expert system, a graphics user interface, and communications software make up SMART-Ada (Systems fault Management with ART-Ada). The main objective, to conduct a beta test on the ART-Ada rule-based expert system shell, was achieved. The system is operational. New Ada tools will assist in future successful projects. ART-Ada is one such tool and is a viable alternative to the straight Ada code when an application requires a rule-based or knowledge-based approach.

  19. Information Systems for University Planning.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Robinson, Robert J.

    This paper proposes construction of a separate data base environment for university planning information, distinct from data bases and systems supporting operational functioning and management. The data base would receive some of its input from the management information systems (MIS)/transactional data bases and systems through a process of…

  20. Assessment of Web-Based Authentication Methods in the U.S.: Comparing E-Learning Systems to Internet Healthcare Information Systems

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mattord, Herbert J.

    2012-01-01

    Organizations continue to rely on password-based authentication methods to control access to many Web-based systems. This research study developed a benchmarking instrument intended to assess authentication methods used in Web-based information systems (IS). It developed an Authentication Method System Index (AMSI) to analyze collected data from…

  1. Integrated Knowledge Based Expert System for Disease Diagnosis System

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Arbaiy, Nureize; Sulaiman, Shafiza Eliza; Hassan, Norlida; Afizah Afip, Zehan

    2017-08-01

    The role and importance of healthcare systems to improve quality of life and social welfare in a society have been well recognized. Attention should be given to raise awareness and implementing appropriate measures to improve health care. Therefore, a computer based system is developed to serve as an alternative for people to self-diagnose their health status based on given symptoms. This strategy should be emphasized so that people can utilize the information correctly as a reference to enjoy healthier life. Hence, a Web-based Community Center for Healthcare Diagnosis system is developed based on expert system technique. Expert system reasoning technique is employed in the system to enable information about treatment and prevention of the diseases based on given symptoms. At present, three diseases are included which are arthritis, thalassemia and pneumococcal. Sets of rule and fact are managed in the knowledge based system. Web based technology is used as a platform to disseminate the information to users in order for them to optimize the information appropriately. This system will benefit people who wish to increase health awareness and seek expert knowledge on the diseases by performing self-diagnosis for early disease detection.

  2. Development of a health care systems curriculum

    PubMed Central

    Pruitt, Zachary; Mhaskar, Rahul; Kane, Bryan G; Barraco, Robert D; DeWaay, Deborah J; Rosenau, Alex M; Bresnan, Kristin A; Greenberg, Marna Rayl

    2017-01-01

    Background There is currently no gold standard for delivery of systems-based practice in medical education, and it is challenging to incorporate into medical education. Health systems competence requires physicians to understand patient care within the broader health care system and is vital to improving the quality of care clinicians provide. We describe a health systems curriculum that utilizes problem-based learning across 4 years of systems-based practice medical education at a single institution. Methods This case study describes the application of a problem-based learning approach to system-based practice medical education. A series of behavioral statements, called entrustable professional activities, was created to assess student health system competence. Student evaluation of course curriculum design, delivery, and assessment was provided through web-based surveys. Results To meet competency standards for system-based practice, a health systems curriculum was developed and delivered across 4 years of medical school training. Each of the health system lectures and problem-based learning activities are described herein. The majority of first and second year medical students stated they gained working knowledge of health systems by engaging in these sessions. The majority of the 2016 graduating students (88.24%) felt that the course content, overall, prepared them for their career. Conclusion A health systems curriculum in undergraduate medical education using a problem-based learning approach is feasible. The majority of students learning health systems curriculum through this format reported being prepared to improve individual patient care and optimize the health system’s value (better care and health for lower cost). PMID:29138614

  3. Data base management system analysis and performance testing with respect to NASA requirements

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Martin, E. A.; Sylto, R. V.; Gough, T. L.; Huston, H. A.; Morone, J. J.

    1981-01-01

    Several candidate Data Base Management Systems (DBM's) that could support the NASA End-to-End Data System's Integrated Data Base Management System (IDBMS) Project, later rescoped and renamed the Packet Management System (PMS) were evaluated. The candidate DBMS systems which had to run on the Digital Equipment Corporation VAX 11/780 computer system were ORACLE, SEED and RIM. Oracle and RIM are both based on the relational data base model while SEED employs a CODASYL network approach. A single data base application which managed stratospheric temperature profiles was studied. The primary reasons for using this application were an insufficient volume of available PMS-like data, a mandate to use actual rather than simulated data, and the abundance of available temperature profile data.

  4. Description of a Mobile-based Electronic Informed Consent System Development.

    PubMed

    Hwang, Min-A; Kwak, In Ja

    2015-01-01

    Seoul National University Hospital constructed and implemented a computer-based informed consent system in December 2011. As of 2013, 30% of the informed consents were still filled out manually on paper. Patients and medical staff continuously suggested the implementation of a system for electronic informed consent using portable devices. Therefore, a mobile-based system for electronic informed consent was developed in 2013 to prevent the issues that arise with computer-based systems and paper informed consent. The rate of filling out electronic informed consent increased from 69% to 95% following the implementation of the mobile-based electronic informed consent. This construction of a mobile-based electronic informed consent system would be a good reference point for the development of a mobile-based Electronic Medical Record and for various mobile system environments in medical institutions.

  5. Control algorithms and applications of the wavefront sensorless adaptive optics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ma, Liang; Wang, Bin; Zhou, Yuanshen; Yang, Huizhen

    2017-10-01

    Compared with the conventional adaptive optics (AO) system, the wavefront sensorless (WFSless) AO system need not to measure the wavefront and reconstruct it. It is simpler than the conventional AO in system architecture and can be applied to the complex conditions. Based on the analysis of principle and system model of the WFSless AO system, wavefront correction methods of the WFSless AO system were divided into two categories: model-free-based and model-based control algorithms. The WFSless AO system based on model-free-based control algorithms commonly considers the performance metric as a function of the control parameters and then uses certain control algorithm to improve the performance metric. The model-based control algorithms include modal control algorithms, nonlinear control algorithms and control algorithms based on geometrical optics. Based on the brief description of above typical control algorithms, hybrid methods combining the model-free-based control algorithm with the model-based control algorithm were generalized. Additionally, characteristics of various control algorithms were compared and analyzed. We also discussed the extensive applications of WFSless AO system in free space optical communication (FSO), retinal imaging in the human eye, confocal microscope, coherent beam combination (CBC) techniques and extended objects.

  6. A security and privacy preserving e-prescription system based on smart cards.

    PubMed

    Hsu, Chien-Lung; Lu, Chung-Fu

    2012-12-01

    In 2002, Ateniese and Medeiros proposed an e-prescription system, in which the patient can store e-prescription and related information using smart card. Latter, Yang et al. proposed a novel smart-card based e-prescription system based on Ateniese and Medeiros's system in 2004. Yang et al. considered the privacy issues of prescription data and adopted the concept of a group signature to provide patient's privacy protection. To make the e-prescription system more realistic, they further applied a proxy signature to allow a patient to delegate his signing capability to other people. This paper proposed a novel security and privacy preserving e-prescription system model based on smart cards. A new role, chemist, is included in the system model for settling the medicine dispute. We further presented a concrete identity-based (ID-based) group signature scheme and an ID-based proxy signature scheme to realize the proposed model. Main property of an ID-based system is that public key is simple user's identity and can be verified without extra public key certificates. Our ID-based group signature scheme can allow doctors to sign e-prescription anonymously. In a case of a medical dispute, identities of the doctors can be identified. The proposed ID-based proxy signature scheme can improve signing delegation and allows a delegation chain. The proposed e-prescription system based on our proposed two cryptographic schemes is more practical and efficient than Yang et al.'s system in terms of security, communication overheads, computational costs, practical considerations.

  7. Rule-based simulation models

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Nieten, Joseph L.; Seraphine, Kathleen M.

    1991-01-01

    Procedural modeling systems, rule based modeling systems, and a method for converting a procedural model to a rule based model are described. Simulation models are used to represent real time engineering systems. A real time system can be represented by a set of equations or functions connected so that they perform in the same manner as the actual system. Most modeling system languages are based on FORTRAN or some other procedural language. Therefore, they must be enhanced with a reaction capability. Rule based systems are reactive by definition. Once the engineering system has been decomposed into a set of calculations using only basic algebraic unary operations, a knowledge network of calculations and functions can be constructed. The knowledge network required by a rule based system can be generated by a knowledge acquisition tool or a source level compiler. The compiler would take an existing model source file, a syntax template, and a symbol table and generate the knowledge network. Thus, existing procedural models can be translated and executed by a rule based system. Neural models can be provide the high capacity data manipulation required by the most complex real time models.

  8. 30 CFR 764.21 - Data base and inventory system requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... 30 Mineral Resources 3 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Data base and inventory system requirements... SURFACE COAL MINING OPERATIONS § 764.21 Data base and inventory system requirements. (a) The regulatory authority shall develop a data base and inventory system which will permit evaluation of whether reclamation...

  9. 30 CFR 764.21 - Data base and inventory system requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... 30 Mineral Resources 3 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Data base and inventory system requirements... SURFACE COAL MINING OPERATIONS § 764.21 Data base and inventory system requirements. (a) The regulatory authority shall develop a data base and inventory system which will permit evaluation of whether reclamation...

  10. 30 CFR 764.21 - Data base and inventory system requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... 30 Mineral Resources 3 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Data base and inventory system requirements... SURFACE COAL MINING OPERATIONS § 764.21 Data base and inventory system requirements. (a) The regulatory authority shall develop a data base and inventory system which will permit evaluation of whether reclamation...

  11. 30 CFR 764.21 - Data base and inventory system requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 30 Mineral Resources 3 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Data base and inventory system requirements... SURFACE COAL MINING OPERATIONS § 764.21 Data base and inventory system requirements. (a) The regulatory authority shall develop a data base and inventory system which will permit evaluation of whether reclamation...

  12. An Assessment of Vulnerabilities for Ship-based Control Systems

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2009-09-01

    VULNERABILITIES FOR SHIP- BASED CONTROL SYSTEMS by Richard Bensing September 2009 Thesis Advisor: Karen Burke Co-Advisor: George Dinolt...COVERED Master’s Thesis 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE: An Assessment of Vulnerabilities for Ship- based Control Systems 6. AUTHOR(S) Richard Bensing 5...soft underbelly. Computer- based control systems form the heart of the critical infrastructure, and these control systems are riddled with rampant

  13. 75 FR 5009 - Proximity Detection Systems for Underground Mines

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-02-01

    ... electromagnetic field based systems. After reviewing the different types of systems, MSHA determined that the electromagnetic field based system offers the greatest potential for reducing pinning, crushing, and striking... near RCCMs. An electromagnetic field based system consists of a combination of electromagnetic field...

  14. A Model-Based Expert System for Space Power Distribution Diagnostics

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Quinn, Todd M.; Schlegelmilch, Richard F.

    1994-01-01

    When engineers diagnose system failures, they often use models to confirm system operation. This concept has produced a class of advanced expert systems that perform model-based diagnosis. A model-based diagnostic expert system for the Space Station Freedom electrical power distribution test bed is currently being developed at the NASA Lewis Research Center. The objective of this expert system is to autonomously detect and isolate electrical fault conditions. Marple, a software package developed at TRW, provides a model-based environment utilizing constraint suspension. Originally, constraint suspension techniques were developed for digital systems. However, Marple provides the mechanisms for applying this approach to analog systems such as the test bed, as well. The expert system was developed using Marple and Lucid Common Lisp running on a Sun Sparc-2 workstation. The Marple modeling environment has proved to be a useful tool for investigating the various aspects of model-based diagnostics. This report describes work completed to date and lessons learned while employing model-based diagnostics using constraint suspension within an analog system.

  15. Airborne relay-based regional positioning system.

    PubMed

    Lee, Kyuman; Noh, Hongjun; Lim, Jaesung

    2015-05-28

    Ground-based pseudolite systems have some limitations, such as low vertical accuracy, multipath effects and near-far problems. These problems are not significant in airborne-based pseudolite systems. However, the monitoring of pseudolite positions is required because of the mobility of the platforms on which the pseudolites are mounted, and this causes performance degradation. To address these pseudolite system limitations, we propose an airborne relay-based regional positioning system that consists of a master station, reference stations, airborne relays and a user. In the proposed system, navigation signals are generated from the reference stations located on the ground and are relayed via the airborne relays. Unlike in conventional airborne-based systems, the user in the proposed system sequentially estimates both the locations of airborne relays and his/her own position. Therefore, a delay due to monitoring does not occur, and the accuracy is not affected by the movement of airborne relays. We conducted several simulations to evaluate the performance of the proposed system. Based on the simulation results, we demonstrated that the proposed system guarantees a higher accuracy than airborne-based pseudolite systems, and it is feasible despite the existence of clock offsets among reference stations.

  16. Airborne Relay-Based Regional Positioning System

    PubMed Central

    Lee, Kyuman; Noh, Hongjun; Lim, Jaesung

    2015-01-01

    Ground-based pseudolite systems have some limitations, such as low vertical accuracy, multipath effects and near-far problems. These problems are not significant in airborne-based pseudolite systems. However, the monitoring of pseudolite positions is required because of the mobility of the platforms on which the pseudolites are mounted, and this causes performance degradation. To address these pseudolite system limitations, we propose an airborne relay-based regional positioning system that consists of a master station, reference stations, airborne relays and a user. In the proposed system, navigation signals are generated from the reference stations located on the ground and are relayed via the airborne relays. Unlike in conventional airborne-based systems, the user in the proposed system sequentially estimates both the locations of airborne relays and his/her own position. Therefore, a delay due to monitoring does not occur, and the accuracy is not affected by the movement of airborne relays. We conducted several simulations to evaluate the performance of the proposed system. Based on the simulation results, we demonstrated that the proposed system guarantees a higher accuracy than airborne-based pseudolite systems, and it is feasible despite the existence of clock offsets among reference stations. PMID:26029953

  17. Engineering and Design: Control Stations and Control Systems for Navigation Locks and Dams

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1997-05-30

    of human intelli- hypothetical lock and dam configurations. Finally, b. Terminology. (1) PLC system. The computer- based systems utilize special...electrical industry for industrial use. There- fore, for purposes of this document, a computer- based system is referred to as a PLC system. (2) Relay- based ...be custom made, because most of today’s control systems of any complexity are PLC - based , the standard size of a given motor starter cubicle is not

  18. An immunity-based anomaly detection system with sensor agents.

    PubMed

    Okamoto, Takeshi; Ishida, Yoshiteru

    2009-01-01

    This paper proposes an immunity-based anomaly detection system with sensor agents based on the specificity and diversity of the immune system. Each agent is specialized to react to the behavior of a specific user. Multiple diverse agents decide whether the behavior is normal or abnormal. Conventional systems have used only a single sensor to detect anomalies, while the immunity-based system makes use of multiple sensors, which leads to improvements in detection accuracy. In addition, we propose an evaluation framework for the anomaly detection system, which is capable of evaluating the differences in detection accuracy between internal and external anomalies. This paper focuses on anomaly detection in user's command sequences on UNIX-like systems. In experiments, the immunity-based system outperformed some of the best conventional systems.

  19. 75 FR 42376 - Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; NTIA/FCC Web-based Frequency Coordination System

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-07-21

    ... Information Collection; Comment Request; NTIA/FCC Web- based Frequency Coordination System AGENCY: National.... Abstract The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) hosts a Web-based system...) bands that are shared on a co-primary basis by federal and non-federal users. The Web-based system...

  20. Recent Trends in Minicomputer-Based Integrated Learning Systems for Reading and Language Arts Instruction.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Balajthy, Ernest

    This paper discusses minicomputer-based ILSs (integrated learning systems), i.e., computer-based systems of hardware and software. An example of a minicomputer-based system in a school district (a composite of several actual districts) considers hardware, staffing, scheduling, reactions, problems, and training for a subskill-oriented reading…

  1. Comparisons of selected laser beam power missions to conventionally powered missions

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bozek, John M.; Oleson, Steven R.; Landis, Geoffrey A.; Stavnes, Mark W.

    1993-01-01

    Earth-based laser sites beaming laser power to space assets have shown benefits over competing power system concepts for specific missions. Missions analyzed in this report that show benefits of laser beam power are low Earth orbit (LEO) to geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO) transfer, LEO to low lunar orbit (LLO) cargo missions, and lunar-base power. Both laser- and solar-powered orbit-transfer vehicles (OTV's) make a 'tug' concept viable, which substantially reduces cumulative initial mass to LEO in comparison to chemical propulsion concepts. Lunar cargo missions utilizing laser electric propulsion from Earth-orbit to LLO show substantial mass saving to LEO over chemical propulsion systems. Lunar-base power system options were compared on a landed-mass basis. Photovoltaics with regenerative fuel cells, reactor-based systems, and laser-based systems were sized to meet a generic lunar-base power profile. A laser-based system begins to show landed mass benefits over reactor-based systems when proposed production facilities on the Moon require power levels greater than approximately 300 kWe. Benefit/cost ratios of laser power systems for an OTV, both to GEO and LLO, and for a lunar base were calculated to be greater than 1.

  2. Current Standardization and Cooperative Efforts Related to Industrial Information Infrastructures.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1993-05-01

    Data Management Systems: Components used to store, manage, and retrieve data. Data management includes knowledge bases, database management...Application Development Tools and Methods X/Open and POSIX APIs Integrated Design Support System (IDS) Knowledge -Based Systems (KBS) Application...IDEFlx) Yourdon Jackson System Design (JSD) Knowledge -Based Systems (KBSs) Structured Systems Development (SSD) Semantic Unification Meta-Model

  3. 47 CFR 90.475 - Operation of internal transmitter control systems in specially equipped systems.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... systems involving fixed systems whose base stations are controlled by such systems may automatically access these base stations through the microwave or operational fixed systems from positions in the PSTN, so long as the base stations and mobile units meet the requirements of § 90.483 and if a separate...

  4. Semi-active control of magnetorheological elastomer base isolation system utilising learning-based inverse model

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gu, Xiaoyu; Yu, Yang; Li, Jianchun; Li, Yancheng

    2017-10-01

    Magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) base isolations have attracted considerable attention over the last two decades thanks to its self-adaptability and high-authority controllability in semi-active control realm. Due to the inherent nonlinearity and hysteresis of the devices, it is challenging to obtain a reasonably complicated mathematical model to describe the inverse dynamics of MRE base isolators and hence to realise control synthesis of the MRE base isolation system. Two aims have been achieved in this paper: i) development of an inverse model for MRE base isolator based on optimal general regression neural network (GRNN); ii) numerical and experimental validation of a real-time semi-active controlled MRE base isolation system utilising LQR controller and GRNN inverse model. The superiority of GRNN inverse model lays in fewer input variables requirement, faster training process and prompt calculation response, which makes it suitable for online training and real-time control. The control system is integrated with a three-storey shear building model and control performance of the MRE base isolation system is compared with bare building, passive-on isolation system and passive-off isolation system. Testing results show that the proposed GRNN inverse model is able to reproduce desired control force accurately and the MRE base isolation system can effectively suppress the structural responses when compared to the passive isolation system.

  5. Applications of artificial intelligence 1993: Knowledge-based systems in aerospace and industry; Proceedings of the Meeting, Orlando, FL, Apr. 13-15, 1993

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Fayyad, Usama M. (Editor); Uthurusamy, Ramasamy (Editor)

    1993-01-01

    The present volume on applications of artificial intelligence with regard to knowledge-based systems in aerospace and industry discusses machine learning and clustering, expert systems and optimization techniques, monitoring and diagnosis, and automated design and expert systems. Attention is given to the integration of AI reasoning systems and hardware description languages, care-based reasoning, knowledge, retrieval, and training systems, and scheduling and planning. Topics addressed include the preprocessing of remotely sensed data for efficient analysis and classification, autonomous agents as air combat simulation adversaries, intelligent data presentation for real-time spacecraft monitoring, and an integrated reasoner for diagnosis in satellite control. Also discussed are a knowledge-based system for the design of heat exchangers, reuse of design information for model-based diagnosis, automatic compilation of expert systems, and a case-based approach to handling aircraft malfunctions.

  6. Lunar base scenario cost estimates: Lunar base systems study task 6.1

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1988-01-01

    The projected development and production costs of each of the Lunar Base's systems are described and unit costs are estimated for transporting the systems to the lunar surface and for setting up the system.

  7. New Thermal Infrared Hyperspectral Imagers

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2009-10-01

    involve imaging systems based on both MCT and microbolometer detector . All the systems base on push-broom imaging spectrograph with transmission grating...application requirements. The studies involve imaging systems based on both MCT and microbolometer detector . All the systems base on push-broom...remote sensing imager utilizes MCT detector combined with BMC-technique (background monitoring on-chip), background suppression and temperature

  8. Principles and techniques in the design of ADMS+. [advanced data-base management system

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Roussopoulos, Nick; Kang, Hyunchul

    1986-01-01

    'ADMS+/-' is an advanced data base management system whose architecture integrates the ADSM+ mainframe data base system with a large number of work station data base systems, designated ADMS-; no communications exist between these work stations. The use of this system radically decreases the response time of locally processed queries, since the work station runs in a single-user mode, and no dynamic security checking is required for the downloaded portion of the data base. The deferred update strategy used reduces overhead due to update synchronization in message traffic.

  9. Model based design introduction: modeling game controllers to microprocessor architectures

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jungwirth, Patrick; Badawy, Abdel-Hameed

    2017-04-01

    We present an introduction to model based design. Model based design is a visual representation, generally a block diagram, to model and incrementally develop a complex system. Model based design is a commonly used design methodology for digital signal processing, control systems, and embedded systems. Model based design's philosophy is: to solve a problem - a step at a time. The approach can be compared to a series of steps to converge to a solution. A block diagram simulation tool allows a design to be simulated with real world measurement data. For example, if an analog control system is being upgraded to a digital control system, the analog sensor input signals can be recorded. The digital control algorithm can be simulated with the real world sensor data. The output from the simulated digital control system can then be compared to the old analog based control system. Model based design can compared to Agile software develop. The Agile software development goal is to develop working software in incremental steps. Progress is measured in completed and tested code units. Progress is measured in model based design by completed and tested blocks. We present a concept for a video game controller and then use model based design to iterate the design towards a working system. We will also describe a model based design effort to develop an OS Friendly Microprocessor Architecture based on the RISC-V.

  10. Web-based infectious disease surveillance systems and public health perspectives: a systematic review.

    PubMed

    Choi, Jihye; Cho, Youngtae; Shim, Eunyoung; Woo, Hyekyung

    2016-12-08

    Emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases are a significant public health concern, and early detection and immediate response is crucial for disease control. These challenges have led to the need for new approaches and technologies to reinforce the capacity of traditional surveillance systems for detecting emerging infectious diseases. In the last few years, the availability of novel web-based data sources has contributed substantially to infectious disease surveillance. This study explores the burgeoning field of web-based infectious disease surveillance systems by examining their current status, importance, and potential challenges. A systematic review framework was applied to the search, screening, and analysis of web-based infectious disease surveillance systems. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases to extensively review the English literature published between 2000 and 2015. Eleven surveillance systems were chosen for evaluation according to their high frequency of application. Relevant terms, including newly coined terms, development and classification of the surveillance systems, and various characteristics associated with the systems were studied. Based on a detailed and informative review of the 11 web-based infectious disease surveillance systems, it was evident that these systems exhibited clear strengths, as compared to traditional surveillance systems, but with some limitations yet to be overcome. The major strengths of the newly emerging surveillance systems are that they are intuitive, adaptable, low-cost, and operated in real-time, all of which are necessary features of an effective public health tool. The most apparent potential challenges of the web-based systems are those of inaccurate interpretation and prediction of health status, and privacy issues, based on an individual's internet activity. Despite being in a nascent stage with further modification needed, web-based surveillance systems have evolved to complement traditional national surveillance systems. This review highlights ways in which the strengths of existing systems can be maintained and weaknesses alleviated to implement optimal web surveillance systems.

  11. An Ontology-Based Tourism Recommender System Based on Spreading Activation Model

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bahramian, Z.; Abbaspour, R. Ali

    2015-12-01

    A tourist has time and budget limitations; hence, he needs to select points of interest (POIs) optimally. Since the available information about POIs is overloading, it is difficult for a tourist to select the most appreciate ones considering preferences. In this paper, a new travel recommender system is proposed to overcome information overload problem. A recommender system (RS) evaluates the overwhelming number of POIs and provides personalized recommendations to users based on their preferences. A content-based recommendation system is proposed, which uses the information about the user's preferences and POIs and calculates a degree of similarity between them. It selects POIs, which have highest similarity with the user's preferences. The proposed content-based recommender system is enhanced using the ontological information about tourism domain to represent both the user profile and the recommendable POIs. The proposed ontology-based recommendation process is performed in three steps including: ontology-based content analyzer, ontology-based profile learner, and ontology-based filtering component. User's feedback adapts the user's preferences using Spreading Activation (SA) strategy. It shows the proposed recommender system is effective and improves the overall performance of the traditional content-based recommender systems.

  12. Identifying and individuating cognitive systems: a task-based distributed cognition alternative to agent-based extended cognition.

    PubMed

    Davies, Jim; Michaelian, Kourken

    2016-08-01

    This article argues for a task-based approach to identifying and individuating cognitive systems. The agent-based extended cognition approach faces a problem of cognitive bloat and has difficulty accommodating both sub-individual cognitive systems ("scaling down") and some supra-individual cognitive systems ("scaling up"). The standard distributed cognition approach can accommodate a wider variety of supra-individual systems but likewise has difficulties with sub-individual systems and faces the problem of cognitive bloat. We develop a task-based variant of distributed cognition designed to scale up and down smoothly while providing a principled means of avoiding cognitive bloat. The advantages of the task-based approach are illustrated by means of two parallel case studies: re-representation in the human visual system and in a biomedical engineering laboratory.

  13. An architecture for rule based system explanation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Fennel, T. R.; Johannes, James D.

    1990-01-01

    A system architecture is presented which incorporate both graphics and text into explanations provided by rule based expert systems. This architecture facilitates explanation of the knowledge base content, the control strategies employed by the system, and the conclusions made by the system. The suggested approach combines hypermedia and inference engine capabilities. Advantages include: closer integration of user interface, explanation system, and knowledge base; the ability to embed links to deeper knowledge underlying the compiled knowledge used in the knowledge base; and allowing for more direct control of explanation depth and duration by the user. User models are suggested to control the type, amount, and order of information presented.

  14. Model-Based Compositional Reasoning for Complex Systems of Systems (SoS)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-11-01

    more structured approach for finding flaws /weaknesses in the systems . As the system is updated, either in response to a found flaw or new...AFRL-RQ-WP-TR-2016-0172 MODEL-BASED COMPOSITIONAL REASONING FOR COMPLEX SYSTEMS OF SYSTEMS (SoS) M. Anthony Aiello, Benjamin D. Rodes...LABORATORY AEROSPACE SYSTEMS DIRECTORATE WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, OH 45433-7541 AIR FORCE MATERIEL COMMAND UNITED STATES AIR FORCE NOTICE

  15. Complexity theory and the "puzzling" competencies: Systems-based Practice And Practice-based Learning explored.

    PubMed

    Gonnering, Russell S

    2010-01-01

    Of all the clinical competencies, the least understood are Systems-Based Practice and Practice-Based Learning and Improvement. With a shift to competency-based education and evaluation across the spectrum of surgical education and practice, a clear understanding of the power and utility of each competency is paramount. Health care operates as a complex adaptive system, with dynamics foreign to many health care professionals and educators. The adaptation and evolution of such a system is related directly to both the individual and the organizational learning of the agents within the system and knowledge management strategies. Far from being "difficult," Systems-Based Practice and Practice-Based Learning form the heart of quality improvement initiatives and future productivity advances in health care. Copyright 2010 Association of Program Directors in Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  16. Review of the systems biology of the immune system using agent-based models.

    PubMed

    Shinde, Snehal B; Kurhekar, Manish P

    2018-06-01

    The immune system is an inherent protection system in vertebrate animals including human beings that exhibit properties such as self-organisation, self-adaptation, learning, and recognition. It interacts with the other allied systems such as the gut and lymph nodes. There is a need for immune system modelling to know about its complex internal mechanism, to understand how it maintains the homoeostasis, and how it interacts with the other systems. There are two types of modelling techniques used for the simulation of features of the immune system: equation-based modelling (EBM) and agent-based modelling. Owing to certain shortcomings of the EBM, agent-based modelling techniques are being widely used. This technique provides various predictions for disease causes and treatments; it also helps in hypothesis verification. This study presents a review of agent-based modelling of the immune system and its interactions with the gut and lymph nodes. The authors also review the modelling of immune system interactions during tuberculosis and cancer. In addition, they also outline the future research directions for the immune system simulation through agent-based techniques such as the effects of stress on the immune system, evolution of the immune system, and identification of the parameters for a healthy immune system.

  17. Effects of gross motor function and manual function levels on performance-based ADL motor skills of children with spastic cerebral palsy.

    PubMed

    Park, Myoung-Ok

    2017-02-01

    [Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine effects of Gross Motor Function Classification System and Manual Ability Classification System levels on performance-based motor skills of children with spastic cerebral palsy. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-three children with cerebral palsy were included. The Assessment of Motor and Process Skills was used to evaluate performance-based motor skills in daily life. Gross motor function was assessed using Gross Motor Function Classification Systems, and manual function was measured using the Manual Ability Classification System. [Results] Motor skills in daily activities were significantly different on Gross Motor Function Classification System level and Manual Ability Classification System level. According to the results of multiple regression analysis, children categorized as Gross Motor Function Classification System level III scored lower in terms of performance based motor skills than Gross Motor Function Classification System level I children. Also, when analyzed with respect to Manual Ability Classification System level, level II was lower than level I, and level III was lower than level II in terms of performance based motor skills. [Conclusion] The results of this study indicate that performance-based motor skills differ among children categorized based on Gross Motor Function Classification System and Manual Ability Classification System levels of cerebral palsy.

  18. Computer-assisted engineering data base

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Dube, R. P.; Johnson, H. R.

    1983-01-01

    General capabilities of data base management technology are described. Information requirements posed by the space station life cycle are discussed, and it is asserted that data base management technology supporting engineering/manufacturing in a heterogeneous hardware/data base management system environment should be applied to meeting these requirements. Today's commercial systems do not satisfy all of these requirements. The features of an R&D data base management system being developed to investigate data base management in the engineering/manufacturing environment are discussed. Features of this system represent only a partial solution to space station requirements. Areas where this system should be extended to meet full space station information management requirements are discussed.

  19. Knowledge-based diagnosis for aerospace systems

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Atkinson, David J.

    1988-01-01

    The need for automated diagnosis in aerospace systems and the approach of using knowledge-based systems are examined. Research issues in knowledge-based diagnosis which are important for aerospace applications are treated along with a review of recent relevant research developments in Artificial Intelligence. The design and operation of some existing knowledge-based diagnosis systems are described. The systems described and compared include the LES expert system for liquid oxygen loading at NASA Kennedy Space Center, the FAITH diagnosis system developed at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the PES procedural expert system developed at SRI International, the CSRL approach developed at Ohio State University, the StarPlan system developed by Ford Aerospace, the IDM integrated diagnostic model, and the DRAPhys diagnostic system developed at NASA Langley Research Center.

  20. A CLIPS-based expert system for the evaluation and selection of robots

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Nour, Mohamed A.; Offodile, Felix O.; Madey, Gregory R.

    1994-01-01

    This paper describes the development of a prototype expert system for intelligent selection of robots for manufacturing operations. The paper first develops a comprehensive, three-stage process to model the robot selection problem. The decisions involved in this model easily lend themselves to an expert system application. A rule-based system, based on the selection model, is developed using the CLIPS expert system shell. Data about actual robots is used to test the performance of the prototype system. Further extensions to the rule-based system for data handling and interfacing capabilities are suggested.

  1. FPGA-Based Laboratory Assignments for NoC-Based Manycore Systems

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ttofis, C.; Theocharides, T.; Michael, M. K.

    2012-01-01

    Manycore systems have emerged as being one of the dominant architectural trends in next-generation computer systems. These highly parallel systems are expected to be interconnected via packet-based networks-on-chip (NoC). The complexity of such systems poses novel and exciting challenges in academia, as teaching their design requires the students…

  2. Automatic generation of smart earthquake-resistant building system: Hybrid system of base-isolation and building-connection.

    PubMed

    Kasagi, M; Fujita, K; Tsuji, M; Takewaki, I

    2016-02-01

    A base-isolated building may sometimes exhibit an undesirable large response to a long-duration, long-period earthquake ground motion and a connected building system without base-isolation may show a large response to a near-fault (rather high-frequency) earthquake ground motion. To overcome both deficiencies, a new hybrid control system of base-isolation and building-connection is proposed and investigated. In this new hybrid building system, a base-isolated building is connected to a stiffer free wall with oil dampers. It has been demonstrated in a preliminary research that the proposed hybrid system is effective both for near-fault (rather high-frequency) and long-duration, long-period earthquake ground motions and has sufficient redundancy and robustness for a broad range of earthquake ground motions.An automatic generation algorithm of this kind of smart structures of base-isolation and building-connection hybrid systems is presented in this paper. It is shown that, while the proposed algorithm does not work well in a building without the connecting-damper system, it works well in the proposed smart hybrid system with the connecting damper system.

  3. Digital disease detection: A systematic review of event-based internet biosurveillance systems.

    PubMed

    O'Shea, Jesse

    2017-05-01

    Internet access and usage has changed how people seek and report health information. Meanwhile,infectious diseases continue to threaten humanity. The analysis of Big Data, or vast digital data, presents an opportunity to improve disease surveillance and epidemic intelligence. Epidemic intelligence contains two components: indicator based and event-based. A relatively new surveillance type has emerged called event-based Internet biosurveillance systems. These systems use information on events impacting health from Internet sources, such as social media or news aggregates. These systems circumvent the limitations of traditional reporting systems by being inexpensive, transparent, and flexible. Yet, innovations and the functionality of these systems can change rapidly. To update the current state of knowledge on event-based Internet biosurveillance systems by identifying all systems, including current functionality, with hopes to aid decision makers with whether to incorporate new methods into comprehensive programmes of surveillance. A systematic review was performed through PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases, while also including grey literature and other publication types. 50 event-based Internet systems were identified, including an extraction of 15 attributes for each system, described in 99 articles. Each system uses different innovative technology and data sources to gather data, process, and disseminate data to detect infectious disease outbreaks. The review emphasises the importance of using both formal and informal sources for timely and accurate infectious disease outbreak surveillance, cataloguing all event-based Internet biosurveillance systems. By doing so, future researchers will be able to use this review as a library for referencing systems, with hopes of learning, building, and expanding Internet-based surveillance systems. Event-based Internet biosurveillance should act as an extension of traditional systems, to be utilised as an additional, supplemental data source to have a more comprehensive estimate of disease burden. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  4. A method for diagnosing time dependent faults using model-based reasoning systems

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Goodrich, Charles H.

    1995-01-01

    This paper explores techniques to apply model-based reasoning to equipment and systems which exhibit dynamic behavior (that which changes as a function of time). The model-based system of interest is KATE-C (Knowledge based Autonomous Test Engineer) which is a C++ based system designed to perform monitoring and diagnosis of Space Shuttle electro-mechanical systems. Methods of model-based monitoring and diagnosis are well known and have been thoroughly explored by others. A short example is given which illustrates the principle of model-based reasoning and reveals some limitations of static, non-time-dependent simulation. This example is then extended to demonstrate representation of time-dependent behavior and testing of fault hypotheses in that environment.

  5. Telescope Array Control System Based on Wireless Touch Screen Platform

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fu, Xia-nan; Huang, Lei; Wei, Jian-yan

    2017-10-01

    Ground-based Wide Angle Cameras (GMAC) are the ground-based observational facility for the SVOM (Space Variable Object Monitor) astronomical satellite of Sino-French cooperation, and Mini-GWAC is the pathfinder and supplement of GWAC. In the context of the Mini-GWAC telescope array, this paper introduces the design and implementation of a kind of telescope array control system based on the wireless touch screen platform. We describe the development and implementation of the system in detail in terms of control system principle, system hardware structure, software design, experiment, and test etc. The system uses a touch-control PC which is based on the Windows CE system as the upper computer, while the wireless transceiver module and PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) are taken as the system kernel. It has the advantages of low cost, reliable data transmission, and simple operation. And the control system has been applied to the Mini-GWAC successfully.

  6. PRAIS: Distributed, real-time knowledge-based systems made easy

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Goldstein, David G.

    1990-01-01

    This paper discusses an architecture for real-time, distributed (parallel) knowledge-based systems called the Parallel Real-time Artificial Intelligence System (PRAIS). PRAIS strives for transparently parallelizing production (rule-based) systems, even when under real-time constraints. PRAIS accomplishes these goals by incorporating a dynamic task scheduler, operating system extensions for fact handling, and message-passing among multiple copies of CLIPS executing on a virtual blackboard. This distributed knowledge-based system tool uses the portability of CLIPS and common message-passing protocols to operate over a heterogeneous network of processors.

  7. Design and evaluation of an onboard computer-based information system for aircraft

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Rouse, S. H.; Rouse, W. B.; Hammer, J. M.

    1982-01-01

    Information seeking by human operators of technical systems is considered. Types of information and forms of presentation are discussed and important issues reviewed. This broad discussion provides a framework within which flight management is considered. The design of an onboard computer-based information system for aircraft is discussed. The aiding possibilities of a computer-based system are emphasized. Results of an experimental evaluation of a prototype system are presented. It is concluded that a computer-based information system can substantially lessen the frequency of human errors.

  8. Implementation of EPICS based vacuum control system for variable energy cyclotron centre, Kolkata

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Roy, Anindya; Bhole, R. B.; Nandy, Partha P.; Yadav, R. C.; Pal, Sarbajit; Roy, Amitava

    2015-03-01

    The vacuum system of the Room Temperature (K = 130) Cyclotron of Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre is comprised of vacuum systems of main machine and Beam Transport System. The vacuum control system is upgraded to a PLC based Automated system from the initial relay based Manual system. The supervisory control of the vacuum system is implemented in Experimental Physics and Industrial Control System (EPICS). An EPICS embedded ARM based vacuum gauge controller is developed to mitigate the requirement of vendor specific gauge controller for gauges and also for seamless integration of the gauge controllers with the control system. A set of MS-Windows ActiveX components with embedded EPICS Channel Access interface are developed to build operator interfaces with less complex programming and to incorporate typical Windows feature, e.g., user authentication, file handling, better fonts, colors, mouse actions etc. into the operator interfaces. The control parameters, monitoring parameters, and system interlocks of the system are archived in MySQL based EPICS MySQL Archiver developed indigenously. In this paper, we describe the architecture, the implementation details, and the performance of the system.

  9. Implementation of EPICS based vacuum control system for variable energy cyclotron centre, Kolkata.

    PubMed

    Roy, Anindya; Bhole, R B; Nandy, Partha P; Yadav, R C; Pal, Sarbajit; Roy, Amitava

    2015-03-01

    The vacuum system of the Room Temperature (K = 130) Cyclotron of Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre is comprised of vacuum systems of main machine and Beam Transport System. The vacuum control system is upgraded to a PLC based Automated system from the initial relay based Manual system. The supervisory control of the vacuum system is implemented in Experimental Physics and Industrial Control System (EPICS). An EPICS embedded ARM based vacuum gauge controller is developed to mitigate the requirement of vendor specific gauge controller for gauges and also for seamless integration of the gauge controllers with the control system. A set of MS-Windows ActiveX components with embedded EPICS Channel Access interface are developed to build operator interfaces with less complex programming and to incorporate typical Windows feature, e.g., user authentication, file handling, better fonts, colors, mouse actions etc. into the operator interfaces. The control parameters, monitoring parameters, and system interlocks of the system are archived in MySQL based EPICS MySQL Archiver developed indigenously. In this paper, we describe the architecture, the implementation details, and the performance of the system.

  10. 18 CFR 3b.204 - Safeguarding information in manual and computer-based record systems.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... information in manual and computer-based record systems. 3b.204 Section 3b.204 Conservation of Power and Water... Collection of Records § 3b.204 Safeguarding information in manual and computer-based record systems. (a) The administrative and physical controls to protect the information in the manual and computer-based record systems...

  11. 18 CFR 3b.204 - Safeguarding information in manual and computer-based record systems.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... information in manual and computer-based record systems. 3b.204 Section 3b.204 Conservation of Power and Water... Collection of Records § 3b.204 Safeguarding information in manual and computer-based record systems. (a) The administrative and physical controls to protect the information in the manual and computer-based record systems...

  12. 18 CFR 3b.204 - Safeguarding information in manual and computer-based record systems.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... information in manual and computer-based record systems. 3b.204 Section 3b.204 Conservation of Power and Water... Collection of Records § 3b.204 Safeguarding information in manual and computer-based record systems. (a) The administrative and physical controls to protect the information in the manual and computer-based record systems...

  13. 18 CFR 3b.204 - Safeguarding information in manual and computer-based record systems.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... information in manual and computer-based record systems. 3b.204 Section 3b.204 Conservation of Power and Water... Collection of Records § 3b.204 Safeguarding information in manual and computer-based record systems. (a) The administrative and physical controls to protect the information in the manual and computer-based record systems...

  14. Real-time Geographic Information System (GIS) for Monitoring the Area of Potential Water Level Using Rule Based System

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Anugrah, Wirdah; Suryono; Suseno, Jatmiko Endro

    2018-02-01

    Management of water resources based on Geographic Information System can provide substantial benefits to water availability settings. Monitoring the potential water level is needed in the development sector, agriculture, energy and others. In this research is developed water resource information system using real-time Geographic Information System concept for monitoring the potential water level of web based area by applying rule based system method. GIS consists of hardware, software, and database. Based on the web-based GIS architecture, this study uses a set of computer that are connected to the network, run on the Apache web server and PHP programming language using MySQL database. The Ultrasound Wireless Sensor System is used as a water level data input. It also includes time and geographic location information. This GIS maps the five sensor locations. GIS is processed through a rule based system to determine the level of potential water level of the area. Water level monitoring information result can be displayed on thematic maps by overlaying more than one layer, and also generating information in the form of tables from the database, as well as graphs are based on the timing of events and the water level values.

  15. 75 FR 2591 - Petition for Waiver of Compliance

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-01-15

    ... on vital microprocessor-based systems. CSXT proposes to verify and test signal locking systems controlled by microprocessor-based equipment by use of alternative procedures every 4 years after initial... vital microprocessor-based systems. These systems utilize programmed logic equations in lieu of relays...

  16. Performance Evaluation of a Firm Real-Time DataBase System

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1995-01-01

    after its deadline has passed. StarBase differs from previous real-time database work in that a) it relies on a real - time operating system which...StarBase, running on a real - time operating system kernel, RT-Mach. We discuss how performance was evaluated in StarBase using the StarBase workload

  17. Achieving Better Buying Power through Acquisition of Open Architecture Software Systems for Web-Based and Mobile Devices

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-05-01

    Achieving Better Buying Power through Acquisition of Open Architecture Software Systems for Web-Based and Mobile Devices Walt Scacchi and Thomas...2015 to 00-00-2015 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE Achieving Better Buying Power through Acquisition of Open Architecture Software Systems for Web-Based and...architecture (OA) software systems  Emerging challenges in achieving Better Buying Power (BBP) via OA software systems for Web- based and Mobile devices

  18. Description of data base management systems activities

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1983-01-01

    One of the major responsibilities of the JPL Computing and Information Services Office is to develop and maintain a JPL plan for providing computing services to the JPL management and administrative community that will lead to improved productivity. The CISO plan to accomplish this objective has been titled 'Management and Administrative Support Systems' (MASS). The MASS plan is based on the continued use of JPL's IBM 3032 Computer system for administrative computing and for the MASS functions. The current candidate administrative Data Base Management Systems required to support the MASS include ADABASE, Cullinane IDMS and TOTAL. Previous uses of administrative Data Base Systems have been applied to specific local functions rather than in a centralized manner with elements common to the many user groups. Limited capacity data base systems have been installed in microprocessor based office automation systems in a few Project and Management Offices using Ashton-Tate dBASE II. These experiences plus some other localized in house DBMS uses have provided an excellent background for developing user and system requirements for a single DBMS to support the MASS program.

  19. Implementation monitoring temperature, humidity and mositure soil based on wireless sensor network for e-agriculture technology

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sumarudin, A.; Ghozali, A. L.; Hasyim, A.; Effendi, A.

    2016-04-01

    Indonesian agriculture has great potensial for development. Agriculture a lot yet based on data collection for soil or plant, data soil can use for analys soil fertility. We propose e-agriculture system for monitoring soil. This system can monitoring soil status. Monitoring system based on wireless sensor mote that sensing soil status. Sensor monitoring utilize soil moisture, humidity and temperature. System monitoring design with mote based on microcontroler and xbee connection. Data sensing send to gateway with star topology with one gateway. Gateway utilize with mini personal computer and connect to xbee cordinator mode. On gateway, gateway include apache server for store data based on My-SQL. System web base with YII framework. System done implementation and can show soil status real time. Result the system can connection other mote 40 meters and mote lifetime 7 hours and minimum voltage 7 volt. The system can help famer for monitoring soil and farmer can making decision for treatment soil based on data. It can improve the quality in agricultural production and would decrease the management and farming costs.

  20. Creating adaptive web recommendation system based on user behavior

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Walek, Bogdan

    2018-01-01

    The paper proposes adaptive web recommendation system based on user behavior. The proposed system uses expert system to evaluating and recommending suitable items of content. Relevant items are subsequently evaluated and filtered based on history of visited items and user´s preferred categories of items. Main parts of the proposed system are presented and described. The proposed recommendation system is verified on specific example.

  1. Method of improving system performance and survivability through changing function

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hinchey, Michael G. (Inventor); Vassev, Emil I. (Inventor)

    2012-01-01

    A biologically-inspired system and method is provided for self-adapting behavior of swarm-based exploration missions, whereby individual components, for example, spacecraft, in the system can sacrifice themselves for the greater good of the entire system. The swarm-based system can exhibit emergent self-adapting behavior. Each component can be configured to exhibit self-sacrifice behavior based on Autonomic System Specification Language (ASSL).

  2. Effects of User and System Characteristics on Perceived Usefulness and Perceived Ease of Use of the Web-Based Classroom Response System

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ke, Chih-Horng; Sun, Huey-Min; Yang, Yuan-Chi; Sun, Huey-Min

    2012-01-01

    This study explores the effect of user and system characteristics on our proposed web-based classroom response system (CRS) by a longitudinal design. The results of research are expected to understand the important factors of user and system characteristics in the web-based CRS. The proposed system can supply interactive teaching contents,…

  3. Comparing administered and market-based water allocation systems using an agent-based modeling approach

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhao, J.; Cai, X.; Wang, Z.

    2009-12-01

    It also has been well recognized that market-based systems can have significant advantages over administered systems for water allocation. However there are not many successful water markets around the world yet and administered systems exist commonly in water allocation management practice. This paradox has been under discussion for decades and still calls for attention for both research and practice. This paper explores some insights for the paradox and tries to address why market systems have not been widely implemented for water allocation. Adopting the theory of agent-based system we develop a consistent analytical model to interpret both systems. First we derive some theorems based on the analytical model, with respect to the necessary conditions for economic efficiency of water allocation. Following that the agent-based model is used to illustrate the coherence and difference between administered and market-based systems. The two systems are compared from three aspects: 1) the driving forces acting on the system state, 2) system efficiency, and 3) equity. Regarding economic efficiency, penalty on the violation of water use permits (or rights) under an administered system can lead to system-wide economic efficiency, as well as being acceptable by some agents, which follows the theory of the so-call rational violation. Ideal equity will be realized if penalty equals incentive with an administered system and if transaction costs are zero with a market system. The performances of both agents and the over system are explained with an administered system and market system, respectively. The performances of agents are subject to different mechanisms of interactions between agents under the two systems. The system emergency (i.e., system benefit, equilibrium market price, etc), resulting from the performance at the agent level, reflects the different mechanism of the two systems, the “invisible hand” with the market system and administrative measures (penalty and subsidy) with the administered system. Furthermore, the impact of hydrological uncertainty on the performance of water users under the two systems is analyzed by extending the deterministic model to a stochastic one subject to the uncertainty of water availability. It is found that the system response to hydrologic uncertainty depends on risk management mechanics - sharing risk equally among the agents or by prescribed priorities on some agents. Figure1. Agent formulation and its implications in administered system and market-based system

  4. KBGIS-II: A knowledge-based geographic information system

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Smith, Terence; Peuquet, Donna; Menon, Sudhakar; Agarwal, Pankaj

    1986-01-01

    The architecture and working of a recently implemented Knowledge-Based Geographic Information System (KBGIS-II), designed to satisfy several general criteria for the GIS, is described. The system has four major functions including query-answering, learning and editing. The main query finds constrained locations for spatial objects that are describable in a predicate-calculus based spatial object language. The main search procedures include a family of constraint-satisfaction procedures that use a spatial object knowledge base to search efficiently for complex spatial objects in large, multilayered spatial data bases. These data bases are represented in quadtree form. The search strategy is designed to reduce the computational cost of search in the average case. The learning capabilities of the system include the addition of new locations of complex spatial objects to the knowledge base as queries are answered, and the ability to learn inductively definitions of new spatial objects from examples. The new definitions are added to the knowledge base by the system. The system is performing all its designated tasks successfully. Future reports will relate performance characteristics of the system.

  5. Structure and functioning of the acid-base system in the Baltic Sea

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kuliński, Karol; Schneider, Bernd; Szymczycha, Beata; Stokowski, Marcin

    2017-12-01

    The marine acid-base system is relatively well understood for oceanic waters. Its structure and functioning is less obvious for the coastal and shelf seas due to a number of regionally specific anomalies. In this review article we collect and integrate existing knowledge of the acid-base system in the Baltic Sea. Hydrographical and biogeochemical characteristics of the Baltic Sea, as manifested in horizontal and vertical salinity gradients, permanent stratification of the water column, eutrophication, high organic-matter concentrations and high anthropogenic pressure, make the acid-base system complex. In this study, we summarize the general knowledge of the marine acid-base system as well as describe the peculiarities identified and reported for the Baltic Sea specifically. In this context we discuss issues such as dissociation constants in brackish water, different chemical alkalinity models including contributions by organic acid-base systems, long-term changes in total alkalinity, anomalies of borate alkalinity, and the acid-base effects of biomass production and mineralization. Finally, we identify research gaps and specify limitations concerning the Baltic Sea acid-base system.

  6. Object-oriented fault tree models applied to system diagnosis

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Iverson, David L.; Patterson-Hine, F. A.

    1990-01-01

    When a diagnosis system is used in a dynamic environment, such as the distributed computer system planned for use on Space Station Freedom, it must execute quickly and its knowledge base must be easily updated. Representing system knowledge as object-oriented augmented fault trees provides both features. The diagnosis system described here is based on the failure cause identification process of the diagnostic system described by Narayanan and Viswanadham. Their system has been enhanced in this implementation by replacing the knowledge base of if-then rules with an object-oriented fault tree representation. This allows the system to perform its task much faster and facilitates dynamic updating of the knowledge base in a changing diagnosis environment. Accessing the information contained in the objects is more efficient than performing a lookup operation on an indexed rule base. Additionally, the object-oriented fault trees can be easily updated to represent current system status. This paper describes the fault tree representation, the diagnosis algorithm extensions, and an example application of this system. Comparisons are made between the object-oriented fault tree knowledge structure solution and one implementation of a rule-based solution. Plans for future work on this system are also discussed.

  7. A Vision-Based Driver Nighttime Assistance and Surveillance System Based on Intelligent Image Sensing Techniques and a Heterogamous Dual-Core Embedded System Architecture

    PubMed Central

    Chen, Yen-Lin; Chiang, Hsin-Han; Chiang, Chuan-Yen; Liu, Chuan-Ming; Yuan, Shyan-Ming; Wang, Jenq-Haur

    2012-01-01

    This study proposes a vision-based intelligent nighttime driver assistance and surveillance system (VIDASS system) implemented by a set of embedded software components and modules, and integrates these modules to accomplish a component-based system framework on an embedded heterogamous dual-core platform. Therefore, this study develops and implements computer vision and sensing techniques of nighttime vehicle detection, collision warning determination, and traffic event recording. The proposed system processes the road-scene frames in front of the host car captured from CCD sensors mounted on the host vehicle. These vision-based sensing and processing technologies are integrated and implemented on an ARM-DSP heterogamous dual-core embedded platform. Peripheral devices, including image grabbing devices, communication modules, and other in-vehicle control devices, are also integrated to form an in-vehicle-embedded vision-based nighttime driver assistance and surveillance system. PMID:22736956

  8. A vision-based driver nighttime assistance and surveillance system based on intelligent image sensing techniques and a heterogamous dual-core embedded system architecture.

    PubMed

    Chen, Yen-Lin; Chiang, Hsin-Han; Chiang, Chuan-Yen; Liu, Chuan-Ming; Yuan, Shyan-Ming; Wang, Jenq-Haur

    2012-01-01

    This study proposes a vision-based intelligent nighttime driver assistance and surveillance system (VIDASS system) implemented by a set of embedded software components and modules, and integrates these modules to accomplish a component-based system framework on an embedded heterogamous dual-core platform. Therefore, this study develops and implements computer vision and sensing techniques of nighttime vehicle detection, collision warning determination, and traffic event recording. The proposed system processes the road-scene frames in front of the host car captured from CCD sensors mounted on the host vehicle. These vision-based sensing and processing technologies are integrated and implemented on an ARM-DSP heterogamous dual-core embedded platform. Peripheral devices, including image grabbing devices, communication modules, and other in-vehicle control devices, are also integrated to form an in-vehicle-embedded vision-based nighttime driver assistance and surveillance system.

  9. Validation of highly reliable, real-time knowledge-based systems

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Johnson, Sally C.

    1988-01-01

    Knowledge-based systems have the potential to greatly increase the capabilities of future aircraft and spacecraft and to significantly reduce support manpower needed for the space station and other space missions. However, a credible validation methodology must be developed before knowledge-based systems can be used for life- or mission-critical applications. Experience with conventional software has shown that the use of good software engineering techniques and static analysis tools can greatly reduce the time needed for testing and simulation of a system. Since exhaustive testing is infeasible, reliability must be built into the software during the design and implementation phases. Unfortunately, many of the software engineering techniques and tools used for conventional software are of little use in the development of knowledge-based systems. Therefore, research at Langley is focused on developing a set of guidelines, methods, and prototype validation tools for building highly reliable, knowledge-based systems. The use of a comprehensive methodology for building highly reliable, knowledge-based systems should significantly decrease the time needed for testing and simulation. A proven record of delivering reliable systems at the beginning of the highly visible testing and simulation phases is crucial to the acceptance of knowledge-based systems in critical applications.

  10. Comparison of conventional rule based flow control with control processes based on fuzzy logic in a combined sewer system.

    PubMed

    Klepiszewski, K; Schmitt, T G

    2002-01-01

    While conventional rule based, real time flow control of sewer systems is in common use, control systems based on fuzzy logic have been used only rarely, but successfully. The intention of this study is to compare a conventional rule based control of a combined sewer system with a fuzzy logic control by using hydrodynamic simulation. The objective of both control strategies is to reduce the combined sewer overflow volume by an optimization of the utilized storage capacities of four combined sewer overflow tanks. The control systems affect the outflow of four combined sewer overflow tanks depending on the water levels inside the structures. Both systems use an identical rule base. The developed control systems are tested and optimized for a single storm event which affects heterogeneously hydraulic load conditions and local discharge. Finally the efficiencies of the two different control systems are compared for two more storm events. The results indicate that the conventional rule based control and the fuzzy control similarly reach the objective of the control strategy. In spite of the higher expense to design the fuzzy control system its use provides no advantages in this case.

  11. A Database-Based and Web-Based Meta-CASE System

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Eessaar, Erki; Sgirka, Rünno

    Each Computer Aided Software Engineering (CASE) system provides support to a software process or specific tasks or activities that are part of a software process. Each meta-CASE system allows us to create new CASE systems. The creators of a new CASE system have to specify abstract syntax of the language that is used in the system and functionality as well as non-functional properties of the new system. Many meta-CASE systems record their data directly in files. In this paper, we introduce a meta-CASE system, the enabling technology of which is an object-relational database system (ORDBMS). The system allows users to manage specifications of languages and create models by using these languages. The system has web-based and form-based user interface. We have created a proof-of-concept prototype of the system by using PostgreSQL ORDBMS and PHP scripting language.

  12. A web-based referral system for neurosurgery--a solution to our problems?

    PubMed

    Choo, Melissa C; Thennakon, Shyamica; Shapey, Jonathan; Tolias, Christos M

    2011-06-01

    Accurate handover is very important in the running of all modern neurosurgical units. Referrals are notoriously difficult to track and review due to poor quality of written paper-based recorded information for handover (illegibility, incomplete paper trail, repetition of information and loss of patients). We have recently introduced a web-based referral system to three of our referring hospitals. To review the experience of a tertiary neurosurgical unit in using the UK's first real time online referral system and to discuss its strengths and weaknesses in comparison to the currently used written paper-based referral system. A retrospective analysis of all paper-based referrals made to our unit in March 2009, compared to 14 months' referrals through the web system. Patterns of information recorded in both systems were investigated and advantages and disadvantages of each identified. One hundred ninety-six patients were referred using the online system, 483 using the traditional method. Significant problems of illegibility and missing information were identified with the paper-based referrals. In comparison, 100% documentation was achieved with the online referral system. Only 63% penetrance in the best performing trust was found using the online system, with significant delays in responding to referrals. Traditional written paper-based referrals do not provide an acceptable level of documentation. We present our experience and difficulties implementing a web-based system to address this. Although our data are unable to show improved patient care, we believe the potential benefits of a fully integrated system may offer a solution.

  13. Development of Spreadsheet-Based Integrated Transaction Processing Systems and Financial Reporting Systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ariana, I. M.; Bagiada, I. M.

    2018-01-01

    Development of spreadsheet-based integrated transaction processing systems and financial reporting systems is intended to optimize the capabilities of spreadsheet in accounting data processing. The purpose of this study are: 1) to describe the spreadsheet-based integrated transaction processing systems and financial reporting systems; 2) to test its technical and operational feasibility. This study type is research and development. The main steps of study are: 1) needs analysis (need assessment); 2) developing spreadsheet-based integrated transaction processing systems and financial reporting systems; and 3) testing the feasibility of spreadsheet-based integrated transaction processing systems and financial reporting systems. The technical feasibility include the ability of hardware and operating systems to respond the application of accounting, simplicity and ease of use. Operational feasibility include the ability of users using accounting applications, the ability of accounting applications to produce information, and control applications of the accounting applications. The instrument used to assess the technical and operational feasibility of the systems is the expert perception questionnaire. The instrument uses 4 Likert scale, from 1 (strongly disagree) to 4 (strongly agree). Data were analyzed using percentage analysis by comparing the number of answers within one (1) item by the number of ideal answer within one (1) item. Spreadsheet-based integrated transaction processing systems and financial reporting systems integrate sales, purchases, and cash transaction processing systems to produce financial reports (statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income, statement of changes in equity, statement of financial position, and statement of cash flows) and other reports. Spreadsheet-based integrated transaction processing systems and financial reporting systems is feasible from the technical aspects (87.50%) and operational aspects (84.17%).

  14. A knowledge-based system for prototypical reasoning

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lieto, Antonio; Minieri, Andrea; Piana, Alberto; Radicioni, Daniele P.

    2015-04-01

    In this work we present a knowledge-based system equipped with a hybrid, cognitively inspired architecture for the representation of conceptual information. The proposed system aims at extending the classical representational and reasoning capabilities of the ontology-based frameworks towards the realm of the prototype theory. It is based on a hybrid knowledge base, composed of a classical symbolic component (grounded on a formal ontology) with a typicality based one (grounded on the conceptual spaces framework). The resulting system attempts to reconcile the heterogeneous approach to the concepts in Cognitive Science with the dual process theories of reasoning and rationality. The system has been experimentally assessed in a conceptual categorisation task where common sense linguistic descriptions were given in input, and the corresponding target concepts had to be identified. The results show that the proposed solution substantially extends the representational and reasoning 'conceptual' capabilities of standard ontology-based systems.

  15. Model-Based Prognostics of Hybrid Systems

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Daigle, Matthew; Roychoudhury, Indranil; Bregon, Anibal

    2015-01-01

    Model-based prognostics has become a popular approach to solving the prognostics problem. However, almost all work has focused on prognostics of systems with continuous dynamics. In this paper, we extend the model-based prognostics framework to hybrid systems models that combine both continuous and discrete dynamics. In general, most systems are hybrid in nature, including those that combine physical processes with software. We generalize the model-based prognostics formulation to hybrid systems, and describe the challenges involved. We present a general approach for modeling hybrid systems, and overview methods for solving estimation and prediction in hybrid systems. As a case study, we consider the problem of conflict (i.e., loss of separation) prediction in the National Airspace System, in which the aircraft models are hybrid dynamical systems.

  16. Concept for a Satellite-Based Advanced Air Traffic Management System : Volume 1. Summary.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1974-02-01

    The report contains the results of studies and analyses directed toward the definition of a Satellite-Based Advanced Air Traffic Management System (SAATMS). This system is an advanced, integrated air traffic control system which is based on the use o...

  17. A logical model of cooperating rule-based systems

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bailin, Sidney C.; Moore, John M.; Hilberg, Robert H.; Murphy, Elizabeth D.; Bahder, Shari A.

    1989-01-01

    A model is developed to assist in the planning, specification, development, and verification of space information systems involving distributed rule-based systems. The model is based on an analysis of possible uses of rule-based systems in control centers. This analysis is summarized as a data-flow model for a hypothetical intelligent control center. From this data-flow model, the logical model of cooperating rule-based systems is extracted. This model consists of four layers of increasing capability: (1) communicating agents, (2) belief-sharing knowledge sources, (3) goal-sharing interest areas, and (4) task-sharing job roles.

  18. A diagnostic prototype of the potable water subsystem of the Space Station Freedom ECLSS

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lukefahr, Brenda D.; Rochowiak, Daniel M.; Benson, Brian L.; Rogers, John S.; Mckee, James W.

    1989-01-01

    In analyzing the baseline Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) command and control architecture, various processes are found which would be enhanced by the use of knowledge based system methods of implementation. The most suitable process for prototyping using rule based methods are documented, while domain knowledge resources and other practical considerations are examined. Requirements for a prototype rule based software system are documented. These requirements reflect Space Station Freedom ECLSS software and hardware development efforts, and knowledge based system requirements. A quick prototype knowledge based system environment is researched and developed.

  19. Automated knowledge-base refinement

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Mooney, Raymond J.

    1994-01-01

    Over the last several years, we have developed several systems for automatically refining incomplete and incorrect knowledge bases. These systems are given an imperfect rule base and a set of training examples and minimally modify the knowledge base to make it consistent with the examples. One of our most recent systems, FORTE, revises first-order Horn-clause knowledge bases. This system can be viewed as automatically debugging Prolog programs based on examples of correct and incorrect I/O pairs. In fact, we have already used the system to debug simple Prolog programs written by students in a programming language course. FORTE has also been used to automatically induce and revise qualitative models of several continuous dynamic devices from qualitative behavior traces. For example, it has been used to induce and revise a qualitative model of a portion of the Reaction Control System (RCS) of the NASA Space Shuttle. By fitting a correct model of this portion of the RCS to simulated qualitative data from a faulty system, FORTE was also able to correctly diagnose simple faults in this system.

  20. Development of a digital-micromirror-device-based multishot snapshot spectral imaging system.

    PubMed

    Wu, Yuehao; Mirza, Iftekhar O; Arce, Gonzalo R; Prather, Dennis W

    2011-07-15

    We report on the development of a digital-micromirror-device (DMD)-based multishot snapshot spectral imaging (DMD-SSI) system as an alternative to current piezostage-based multishot coded aperture snapshot spectral imager (CASSI) systems. In this system, a DMD is used to implement compressive sensing (CS) measurement patterns for reconstructing the spatial/spectral information of an imaging scene. Based on the CS measurement results, we demonstrated the concurrent reconstruction of 24 spectral images. The DMD-SSI system is versatile in nature as it can be used to implement independent CS measurement patterns in addition to spatially shifted patterns that piezostage-based systems can offer. © 2011 Optical Society of America

  1. Meta Data Mining in Earth Remote Sensing Data Archives

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Davis, B.; Steinwand, D.

    2014-12-01

    Modern search and discovery tools for satellite based remote sensing data are often catalog based and rely on query systems which use scene- (or granule-) based meta data for those queries. While these traditional catalog systems are often robust, very little has been done in the way of meta data mining to aid in the search and discovery process. The recently coined term "Big Data" can be applied in the remote sensing world's efforts to derive information from the vast data holdings of satellite based land remote sensing data. Large catalog-based search and discovery systems such as the United States Geological Survey's Earth Explorer system and the NASA Earth Observing System Data and Information System's Reverb-ECHO system provide comprehensive access to these data holdings, but do little to expose the underlying scene-based meta data. These catalog-based systems are extremely flexible, but are manually intensive and often require a high level of user expertise. Exposing scene-based meta data to external, web-based services can enable machine-driven queries to aid in the search and discovery process. Furthermore, services which expose additional scene-based content data (such as product quality information) are now available and can provide a "deeper look" into remote sensing data archives too large for efficient manual search methods. This presentation shows examples of the mining of Landsat and Aster scene-based meta data, and an experimental service using OPeNDAP to extract information from quality band from multiple granules in the MODIS archive.

  2. Teaching topography-based and selection-based verbal behavior to developmentally disabled individuals: Some considerations

    PubMed Central

    Shafer, Esther

    1993-01-01

    Augmentative and alternative communication systems are widely recommended for nonvocal developmentally disabled individuals, with selection-based systems becoming increasingly popular. However, theoretical and experimental evidence suggests that topography-based communication systems are easier to learn. This paper discusses research relevant to the ease of acquisition of topography-based and selection-based systems. Additionally, current practices for choosing and designing communication systems are reviewed in order to investigate the extent to which links have been made with available theoretical and experimental knowledge. A stimulus equivalence model is proposed as a clearer direction for practitioners to follow when planning a communication training program. Suggestions for future research are also offered. PMID:22477085

  3. Automated extraction of knowledge for model-based diagnostics

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Gonzalez, Avelino J.; Myler, Harley R.; Towhidnejad, Massood; Mckenzie, Frederic D.; Kladke, Robin R.

    1990-01-01

    The concept of accessing computer aided design (CAD) design databases and extracting a process model automatically is investigated as a possible source for the generation of knowledge bases for model-based reasoning systems. The resulting system, referred to as automated knowledge generation (AKG), uses an object-oriented programming structure and constraint techniques as well as internal database of component descriptions to generate a frame-based structure that describes the model. The procedure has been designed to be general enough to be easily coupled to CAD systems that feature a database capable of providing label and connectivity data from the drawn system. The AKG system is capable of defining knowledge bases in formats required by various model-based reasoning tools.

  4. Rule-based mechanisms of learning for intelligent adaptive flight control

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Handelman, David A.; Stengel, Robert F.

    1990-01-01

    How certain aspects of human learning can be used to characterize learning in intelligent adaptive control systems is investigated. Reflexive and declarative memory and learning are described. It is shown that model-based systems-theoretic adaptive control methods exhibit attributes of reflexive learning, whereas the problem-solving capabilities of knowledge-based systems of artificial intelligence are naturally suited for implementing declarative learning. Issues related to learning in knowledge-based control systems are addressed, with particular attention given to rule-based systems. A mechanism for real-time rule-based knowledge acquisition is suggested, and utilization of this mechanism within the context of failure diagnosis for fault-tolerant flight control is demonstrated.

  5. Unobtrusive measurement of indoor energy expenditure using an infrared sensor-based activity monitoring system.

    PubMed

    Hwang, Bosun; Han, Jonghee; Choi, Jong Min; Park, Kwang Suk

    2008-11-01

    The purpose of this study was to develop an unobtrusive energy expenditure (EE) measurement system using an infrared (IR) sensor-based activity monitoring system to measure indoor activities and to estimate individual quantitative EE. IR-sensor activation counts were measured with a Bluetooth-based monitoring system and the standard EE was calculated using an established regression equation. Ten male subjects participated in the experiment and three different EE measurement systems (gas analyzer, accelerometer, IR sensor) were used simultaneously in order to determine the regression equation and evaluate the performance. As a standard measurement, oxygen consumption was simultaneously measured by a portable metabolic system (Metamax 3X, Cortex, Germany). A single room experiment was performed to develop a regression model of the standard EE measurement from the proposed IR sensor-based measurement system. In addition, correlation and regression analyses were done to compare the performance of the IR system with that of the Actigraph system. We determined that our proposed IR-based EE measurement system shows a similar correlation to the Actigraph system with the standard measurement system.

  6. Remote control of microcontroller-based infant stimulating system.

    PubMed

    Burunkaya, M; Güler, I

    2000-04-01

    In this paper, a remote-controlled and microcontroller-based cradle is designed and constructed. This system is also called Remote Control of Microcontroller-Based Infant Stimulation System or the RECOMBIS System. Cradle is an infant stimulating system that provides relaxation and sleeping for the baby. RECOMBIS system is designed for healthy full-term newborns to provide safe infant care and provide relaxation and sleeping for the baby. A microcontroller-based electronic circuit was designed and implemented for RECOMBIS system. Electromagnets were controlled by 8-bit PIC16F84 microcontroller, which is programmed using MPASM package. The system works by entering preset values from the keyboard, or pulse code modulated radio frequency remote control system. The control of the system and the motion range were tested. The test results showed that the system provided a good performance.

  7. Documentation of a spatial data-base management system for monitoring pesticide application in Washington

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Schurr, K.M.; Cox, S.E.

    1994-01-01

    The Pesticide-Application Data-Base Management System was created as a demonstration project and was tested with data submitted to the Washington State Department of Agriculture by pesticide applicators from a small geographic area. These data were entered into the Department's relational data-base system and uploaded into the system's ARC/INFO files. Locations for pesticide applica- tions are assigned within the Public Land Survey System grids, and ARC/INFO programs in the Pesticide-Application Data-Base Management System can subdivide each survey section into sixteen idealized quarter-quarter sections for display map grids. The system provides data retrieval and geographic information system plotting capabilities from a menu of seven basic retrieval options. Additionally, ARC/INFO coverages can be created from the retrieved data when required for particular applications. The Pesticide-Application Data-Base Management System, or the general principles used in the system, could be adapted to other applica- tions or to other states.

  8. Design of Web-based Management Information System for Academic Degree & Graduate Education

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Duan, Rui; Zhang, Mingsheng

    For every organization, the management information system is not only a computer-based human-machine system that can support and help the administrative supervisor but also an open technology system for society. It should supply the interaction function that face the organization and environment, besides gather, transmit and save the information. The authors starts with the intension of contingency theory and design a web-based management information system for academic degree & graduate education which is based on analyzing of work flow of domestic academic degree and graduate education system. What's more, the application of the system is briefly introduced in this paper.

  9. Machine intelligence and autonomy for aerospace systems

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Heer, Ewald (Editor); Lum, Henry (Editor)

    1988-01-01

    The present volume discusses progress toward intelligent robot systems in aerospace applications, NASA Space Program automation and robotics efforts, the supervisory control of telerobotics in space, machine intelligence and crew/vehicle interfaces, expert-system terms and building tools, and knowledge-acquisition for autonomous systems. Also discussed are methods for validation of knowledge-based systems, a design methodology for knowledge-based management systems, knowledge-based simulation for aerospace systems, knowledge-based diagnosis, planning and scheduling methods in AI, the treatment of uncertainty in AI, vision-sensing techniques in aerospace applications, image-understanding techniques, tactile sensing for robots, distributed sensor integration, and the control of articulated and deformable space structures.

  10. An expert system to manage the operation of the Space Shuttle's fuel cell cryogenic reactant tanks

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Murphey, Amy Y.

    1990-01-01

    This paper describes a rule-based expert system to manage the operation of the Space Shuttle's cryogenic fuel system. Rules are based on standard fuel tank operating procedures described in the EECOM Console Handbook. The problem of configuring the operation of the Space Shuttle's fuel tanks is well-bounded and well defined. Moreover, the solution of this problem can be encoded in a knowledge-based system. Therefore, a rule-based expert system is the appropriate paradigm. Furthermore, the expert system could be used in coordination with power system simulation software to design operating procedures for specific missions.

  11. Organization-based Model-driven Development of High-assurance Multiagent Systems

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2009-02-27

    based Model -driven Development of High-assurance Multiagent Systems " performed by Dr. Scott A . DeLoach and Dr Robby at Kansas State University... A Capabilities Based Model for Artificial Organizations. Journal of Autonomous Agents and Multiagent Systems . Volume 16, no. 1, February 2008, pp...Matson, E . T. (2007). A capabilities based theory of artificial organizations. Journal of Autonomous Agents and Multiagent Systems

  12. Towards a knowledge-based system to assist the Brazilian data-collecting system operation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Rodrigues, Valter; Simoni, P. O.; Oliveira, P. P. B.; Oliveira, C. A.; Nogueira, C. A. M.

    1988-01-01

    A study is reported which was carried out to show how a knowledge-based approach would lead to a flexible tool to assist the operation task in a satellite-based environmental data collection system. Some characteristics of a hypothesized system comprised of a satellite and a network of Interrogable Data Collecting Platforms (IDCPs) are pointed out. The Knowledge-Based Planning Assistant System (KBPAS) and some aspects about how knowledge is organized in the IDCP's domain are briefly described.

  13. Nonlinear dynamic modeling of a simple flexible rotor system subjected to time-variable base motions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chen, Liqiang; Wang, Jianjun; Han, Qinkai; Chu, Fulei

    2017-09-01

    Rotor systems carried in transportation system or under seismic excitations are considered to have a moving base. To study the dynamic behavior of flexible rotor systems subjected to time-variable base motions, a general model is developed based on finite element method and Lagrange's equation. Two groups of Euler angles are defined to describe the rotation of the rotor with respect to the base and that of the base with respect to the ground. It is found that the base rotations would cause nonlinearities in the model. To verify the proposed model, a novel test rig which could simulate the base angular-movement is designed. Dynamic experiments on a flexible rotor-bearing system with base angular motions are carried out. Based upon these, numerical simulations are conducted to further study the dynamic response of the flexible rotor under harmonic angular base motions. The effects of base angular amplitude, rotating speed and base frequency on response behaviors are discussed by means of FFT, waterfall, frequency response curve and orbits of the rotor. The FFT and waterfall plots of the disk horizontal and vertical vibrations are marked with multiplications of the base frequency and sum and difference tones of the rotating frequency and the base frequency. Their amplitudes will increase remarkably when they meet the whirling frequencies of the rotor system.

  14. A construction scheme of web page comment information extraction system based on frequent subtree mining

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Xiaowen; Chen, Bingfeng

    2017-08-01

    Based on the frequent sub-tree mining algorithm, this paper proposes a construction scheme of web page comment information extraction system based on frequent subtree mining, referred to as FSM system. The entire system architecture and the various modules to do a brief introduction, and then the core of the system to do a detailed description, and finally give the system prototype.

  15. The COROT ground-based archive and access system

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Solano, E.; González-Riestra, R.; Catala, C.; Baglin, A.

    2002-01-01

    A prototype of the COROT ground-based archive and access system is presented here. The system has been developed at LAEFF and it is based on the experience gained at Laboratorio de Astrofisica Espacial y Fisica Fundamental (LAEFF) with the INES (IUE Newly Extracted System) Archive.

  16. Clinician search behaviors may be influenced by search engine design.

    PubMed

    Lau, Annie Y S; Coiera, Enrico; Zrimec, Tatjana; Compton, Paul

    2010-06-30

    Searching the Web for documents using information retrieval systems plays an important part in clinicians' practice of evidence-based medicine. While much research focuses on the design of methods to retrieve documents, there has been little examination of the way different search engine capabilities influence clinician search behaviors. Previous studies have shown that use of task-based search engines allows for faster searches with no loss of decision accuracy compared with resource-based engines. We hypothesized that changes in search behaviors may explain these differences. In all, 75 clinicians (44 doctors and 31 clinical nurse consultants) were randomized to use either a resource-based or a task-based version of a clinical information retrieval system to answer questions about 8 clinical scenarios in a controlled setting in a university computer laboratory. Clinicians using the resource-based system could select 1 of 6 resources, such as PubMed; clinicians using the task-based system could select 1 of 6 clinical tasks, such as diagnosis. Clinicians in both systems could reformulate search queries. System logs unobtrusively capturing clinicians' interactions with the systems were coded and analyzed for clinicians' search actions and query reformulation strategies. The most frequent search action of clinicians using the resource-based system was to explore a new resource with the same query, that is, these clinicians exhibited a "breadth-first" search behaviour. Of 1398 search actions, clinicians using the resource-based system conducted 401 (28.7%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 26.37-31.11) in this way. In contrast, the majority of clinicians using the task-based system exhibited a "depth-first" search behavior in which they reformulated query keywords while keeping to the same task profiles. Of 585 search actions conducted by clinicians using the task-based system, 379 (64.8%, 95% CI 60.83-68.55) were conducted in this way. This study provides evidence that different search engine designs are associated with different user search behaviors.

  17. 46 CFR 62.25-25 - Programable systems and devices.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ...-25 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) MARINE ENGINEERING VITAL SYSTEM... range of the equipment. (b) Operating programs for microprocessor-based or computer-based vital control... power resumption. (c) If a microprocessor-based or computer-based system serves both vital and non-vital...

  18. 46 CFR 62.25-25 - Programable systems and devices.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ...-25 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) MARINE ENGINEERING VITAL SYSTEM... range of the equipment. (b) Operating programs for microprocessor-based or computer-based vital control... power resumption. (c) If a microprocessor-based or computer-based system serves both vital and non-vital...

  19. 46 CFR 62.25-25 - Programable systems and devices.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ...-25 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) MARINE ENGINEERING VITAL SYSTEM... range of the equipment. (b) Operating programs for microprocessor-based or computer-based vital control... power resumption. (c) If a microprocessor-based or computer-based system serves both vital and non-vital...

  20. 46 CFR 62.25-25 - Programable systems and devices.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ...-25 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) MARINE ENGINEERING VITAL SYSTEM... range of the equipment. (b) Operating programs for microprocessor-based or computer-based vital control... power resumption. (c) If a microprocessor-based or computer-based system serves both vital and non-vital...

  1. KommonBase - A precise direct bonding system for labial fixed appliances.

    PubMed

    Miyashita, Wataru; Komori, Akira; Takemoto, Kyoto

    2017-09-01

    "KommonBase" is a system designed to customize the bracket base by means of an extended resin base covering the tooth. This system enables precise bracket placement and accurate fit on teeth. Moreover, KommonBase can be easily fabricated in a laboratory and bonded on each tooth using simple clinical procedures. Straight-wire treatment without wire bending was achieved in the clinical cases presented in this article using the KommonBase system for a labial fixed appliance. The application of KommonBase to the vestibular side enables efficient orthodontic treatment using simple mechanics. Copyright © 2017 CEO. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  2. Space shuttle main engine anomaly data and inductive knowledge based systems: Automated corporate expertise

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Modesitt, Kenneth L.

    1987-01-01

    Progress is reported on the development of SCOTTY, an expert knowledge-based system to automate the analysis procedure following test firings of the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME). The integration of a large-scale relational data base system, a computer graphics interface for experts and end-user engineers, potential extension of the system to flight engines, application of the system for training of newly-hired engineers, technology transfer to other engines, and the essential qualities of good software engineering practices for building expert knowledge-based systems are among the topics discussed.

  3. DEVS representation of dynamical systems - Event-based intelligent control. [Discrete Event System Specification

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Zeigler, Bernard P.

    1989-01-01

    It is shown how systems can be advantageously represented as discrete-event models by using DEVS (discrete-event system specification), a set-theoretic formalism. Such DEVS models provide a basis for the design of event-based logic control. In this control paradigm, the controller expects to receive confirming sensor responses to its control commands within definite time windows determined by its DEVS model of the system under control. The event-based contral paradigm is applied in advanced robotic and intelligent automation, showing how classical process control can be readily interfaced with rule-based symbolic reasoning systems.

  4. Telescope Array Control System Based on Wireless Touch Screen Platform

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fu, X. N.; Huang, L.; Wei, J. Y.

    2016-07-01

    GWAC (Ground-based Wide Angle Cameras) are the ground-based observational instruments of the Sino-French cooperation SVOM (Space Variable Objects Monitor) astronomical satellite, and Mini-GWAC is a pathfinder and supplement of GWAC. In the context of the Mini-GWAC telescope array, this paper introduces the design and implementation of a kind of telescope array control system, which is based on wireless serial interface module to communicate. We describe the development and implementation of the system in detail in terms of control system principle, system hardware structure, software design, experiment, and test. The system uses the touch-control PC which is based on the Windows CE system as the upper-computer, the wireless transceiver module and PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) as the core. It has the advantages of low cost, reliable data transmission, and simple operation. So far, the control system has been applied to Mini-GWAC successfully.

  5. TEXSYS. [a knowledge based system for the Space Station Freedom thermal control system test-bed

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bull, John

    1990-01-01

    The Systems Autonomy Demonstration Project has recently completed a major test and evaluation of TEXSYS, a knowledge-based system (KBS) which demonstrates real-time control and FDIR for the Space Station Freedom thermal control system test-bed. TEXSYS is the largest KBS ever developed by NASA and offers a unique opportunity for the study of technical issues associated with the use of advanced KBS concepts including: model-based reasoning and diagnosis, quantitative and qualitative reasoning, integrated use of model-based and rule-based representations, temporal reasoning, and scale-up performance issues. TEXSYS represents a major achievement in advanced automation that has the potential to significantly influence Space Station Freedom's design for the thermal control system. An overview of the Systems Autonomy Demonstration Project, the thermal control system test-bed, the TEXSYS architecture, preliminary test results, and thermal domain expert feedback are presented.

  6. Technical comparison of several global mobile satellite communications systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Comparetto, Gary M.

    The era of satellite-based mobile satellite communications (MSC) systems started with the first MARISAT satellite which was launched into a geostationary orbit over the Pacific Ocean in 1976 to provide communications between ships and shore stations. The combination of high cost and unacceptably large equipment has kept the space-based MSC systems from appealing to the wider market of personal mobile communications. The progress made over the last ten years, however, in digital voice processing, satellite technology, and component miniaturization has resulted in the viability of satellite-based mobile satellite communications systems to meet the growing market in personal mobile communications using handsets similar to those currently in use with land-based cellular systems. Three of the more mature LEO/MEO satellite systems are addressed in this paper including GLOBALSTAR, Iridium, and Odyssey. The system architectures of each system are presented along with a description of the satellite and user handset designs and the multiaccess techniques employed. It will be shown that, although a number of similarities exist among the system addressed, each system is unique in a variety of significant design areas. It is concluded that the technical feasibility of satellite-based mobile satellite communications systems seems to be secure. It will be challenging, however, for the vendors to actually develop and deploy these systems in a cost effective, timely, and reliable way that meets a continually evolving set of requirements based upon a rapidly changing technology base.

  7. 77 FR 40634 - Solicitation for a Cooperative Agreement: Pretrial Technical Assistance for Evidence-Based...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-07-10

    ...: Pretrial Technical Assistance for Evidence-Based Decision Making in Local Criminal Justice Systems AGENCY... NIC initiative, Evidence-Based Decision Making (EBDM) in Local Criminal Justice Systems. Work under... individual system planning activities. These change strategies are critical to meeting their system's harm...

  8. Web-Based Intelligent E-Learning Systems: Technologies and Applications

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ma, Zongmin

    2006-01-01

    Collecting and presenting the latest research and development results from the leading researchers in the field of e-learning systems, Web-Based Intelligent E-Learning Systems: Technologies and Applications provides a single record of current research and practical applications in Web-based intelligent e-learning systems. This book includes major…

  9. 78 FR 18252 - Prevailing Rate Systems; North American Industry Classification System Based Federal Wage System...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-03-26

    ...-AM78 Prevailing Rate Systems; North American Industry Classification System Based Federal Wage System... 2007 North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes currently used in Federal Wage System... (OPM) issued a final rule (73 FR 45853) to update the 2002 North American Industry Classification...

  10. A scalable healthcare information system based on a service-oriented architecture.

    PubMed

    Yang, Tzu-Hsiang; Sun, Yeali S; Lai, Feipei

    2011-06-01

    Many existing healthcare information systems are composed of a number of heterogeneous systems and face the important issue of system scalability. This paper first describes the comprehensive healthcare information systems used in National Taiwan University Hospital (NTUH) and then presents a service-oriented architecture (SOA)-based healthcare information system (HIS) based on the service standard HL7. The proposed architecture focuses on system scalability, in terms of both hardware and software. Moreover, we describe how scalability is implemented in rightsizing, service groups, databases, and hardware scalability. Although SOA-based systems sometimes display poor performance, through a performance evaluation of our HIS based on SOA, the average response time for outpatient, inpatient, and emergency HL7Central systems are 0.035, 0.04, and 0.036 s, respectively. The outpatient, inpatient, and emergency WebUI average response times are 0.79, 1.25, and 0.82 s. The scalability of the rightsizing project and our evaluation results show that the SOA HIS we propose provides evidence that SOA can provide system scalability and sustainability in a highly demanding healthcare information system.

  11. Thermal Energy Storage using PCM for Solar Domestic Hot Water Systems: A Review

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Khot, S. A.; Sane, N. K.; Gawali, B. S.

    2012-06-01

    Thermal energy storage using phase chase materials (PCM) has received considerable attention in the past two decades for time dependent energy source such as solar energy. From several experimental and theoretical analyses that have been made to assess the performance of thermal energy storage systems, it has been demonstrated that PCM-based systems are reliable and viable options. This paper covers such information on PCMs and PCM-based systems developed for the application of solar domestic hot water system. In addition, economic analysis of thermal storage system using PCM in comparison with conventional storage system helps to validate its commercial possibility. From the economic analysis, it is found that, PCM based solar domestic hot water system (SWHS) provides 23 % more cumulative and life cycle savings than conventional SWHS and will continue to perform efficiently even after 15 years due to application of non-metallic tank. Payback period of PCM-based system is also less compared to conventional system. In conclusion, PCM based solar water heating systems can meet the requirements of Indian climatic situation in a cost effective and reliable manner.

  12. Development of a novel imaging informatics-based system with an intelligent workflow engine (IWEIS) to support imaging-based clinical trials

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Ximing; Liu, Brent J; Martinez, Clarisa; Zhang, Xuejun; Winstein, Carolee J

    2015-01-01

    Imaging based clinical trials can benefit from a solution to efficiently collect, analyze, and distribute multimedia data at various stages within the workflow. Currently, the data management needs of these trials are typically addressed with custom-built systems. However, software development of the custom- built systems for versatile workflows can be resource-consuming. To address these challenges, we present a system with a workflow engine for imaging based clinical trials. The system enables a project coordinator to build a data collection and management system specifically related to study protocol workflow without programming. Web Access to DICOM Objects (WADO) module with novel features is integrated to further facilitate imaging related study. The system was initially evaluated by an imaging based rehabilitation clinical trial. The evaluation shows that the cost of the development of system can be much reduced compared to the custom-built system. By providing a solution to customize a system and automate the workflow, the system will save on development time and reduce errors especially for imaging clinical trials. PMID:25870169

  13. Remote Sensing Systems Optimization for Geobase Enhancement

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2003-03-01

    through feedback from base users, as well as the researcher’s observations. 3.1 GeoBase and GIS Learning GeoBase and Geographic Information System ...Abstract The U.S. Air Force is in the process of implementing GeoBase, a geographic information system (GIS), throughout its worldwide installations...Geographic Information System (GIS). A GIS is a computer database that contains geo-spatial information . It is the principal tool used to input, view

  14. Review of Spatial-Database System Usability: Recommendations for the ADDNS Project

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2007-12-01

    basic GIS background information , with a closer look at spatial databases. A GIS is also a computer- based system designed to capture, manage...foundation for deploying enterprise-wide spatial information systems . According to Oracle® [18], it enables accurate delivery of location- based services...Toronto TR 2007-141 Lanter, D.P. (1991). Design of a lineage- based meta-data base for GIS. Cartography and Geographic Information Systems , 18

  15. High-precision measurements of cementless acetabular components using model-based RSA: an experimental study.

    PubMed

    Baad-Hansen, Thomas; Kold, Søren; Kaptein, Bart L; Søballe, Kjeld

    2007-08-01

    In RSA, tantalum markers attached to metal-backed acetabular cups are often difficult to detect on stereo radiographs due to the high density of the metal shell. This results in occlusion of the prosthesis markers and may lead to inconclusive migration results. Within the last few years, new software systems have been developed to solve this problem. We compared the precision of 3 RSA systems in migration analysis of the acetabular component. A hemispherical and a non-hemispherical acetabular component were mounted in a phantom. Both acetabular components underwent migration analyses with 3 different RSA systems: conventional RSA using tantalum markers, an RSA system using a hemispherical cup algorithm, and a novel model-based RSA system. We found narrow confidence intervals, indicating high precision of the conventional marker system and model-based RSA with regard to migration and rotation. The confidence intervals of conventional RSA and model-based RSA were narrower than those of the hemispherical cup algorithm-based system regarding cup migration and rotation. The model-based RSA software combines the precision of the conventional RSA software with the convenience of the hemispherical cup algorithm-based system. Based on our findings, we believe that these new tools offer an improvement in the measurement of acetabular component migration.

  16. KBGIS-2: A knowledge-based geographic information system

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Smith, T.; Peuquet, D.; Menon, S.; Agarwal, P.

    1986-01-01

    The architecture and working of a recently implemented knowledge-based geographic information system (KBGIS-2) that was designed to satisfy several general criteria for the geographic information system are described. The system has four major functions that include query-answering, learning, and editing. The main query finds constrained locations for spatial objects that are describable in a predicate-calculus based spatial objects language. The main search procedures include a family of constraint-satisfaction procedures that use a spatial object knowledge base to search efficiently for complex spatial objects in large, multilayered spatial data bases. These data bases are represented in quadtree form. The search strategy is designed to reduce the computational cost of search in the average case. The learning capabilities of the system include the addition of new locations of complex spatial objects to the knowledge base as queries are answered, and the ability to learn inductively definitions of new spatial objects from examples. The new definitions are added to the knowledge base by the system. The system is currently performing all its designated tasks successfully, although currently implemented on inadequate hardware. Future reports will detail the performance characteristics of the system, and various new extensions are planned in order to enhance the power of KBGIS-2.

  17. A Management Information System for Bare Base Civil Engineering Commanders

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1988-09-01

    initial beddown stage. The purpose of this research was to determine the feasibility of developing a microcomputer based management information system (MIS...the software best suited to synthesize four of the categories into a prototype field MIS. Keyword: Management information system , Bare bases, Civil engineering, Data bases, Information retrieval.

  18. Artificial Intelligence Methods in Computer-Based Instructional Design. The Minnesota Adaptive Instructional System.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Tennyson, Robert

    1984-01-01

    Reviews educational applications of artificial intelligence and presents empirically-based design variables for developing a computer-based instruction management system. Taken from a programmatic research effort based on the Minnesota Adaptive Instructional System, variables include amount and sequence of instruction, display time, advisement,…

  19. Implementation of EPICS based vacuum control system for variable energy cyclotron centre, Kolkata

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Roy, Anindya, E-mail: r-ani@vecc.gov.in; Bhole, R. B.; Nandy, Partha P.

    2015-03-15

    The vacuum system of the Room Temperature (K = 130) Cyclotron of Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre is comprised of vacuum systems of main machine and Beam Transport System. The vacuum control system is upgraded to a PLC based Automated system from the initial relay based Manual system. The supervisory control of the vacuum system is implemented in Experimental Physics and Industrial Control System (EPICS). An EPICS embedded ARM based vacuum gauge controller is developed to mitigate the requirement of vendor specific gauge controller for gauges and also for seamless integration of the gauge controllers with the control system. A setmore » of MS-Windows ActiveX components with embedded EPICS Channel Access interface are developed to build operator interfaces with less complex programming and to incorporate typical Windows feature, e.g., user authentication, file handling, better fonts, colors, mouse actions etc. into the operator interfaces. The control parameters, monitoring parameters, and system interlocks of the system are archived in MySQL based EPICS MySQL Archiver developed indigenously. In this paper, we describe the architecture, the implementation details, and the performance of the system.« less

  20. ARROWSMITH-P: A prototype expert system for software engineering management

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Basili, Victor R.; Ramsey, Connie Loggia

    1985-01-01

    Although the field of software engineering is relatively new, it can benefit from the use of expert systems. Two prototype expert systems were developed to aid in software engineering management. Given the values for certain metrics, these systems will provide interpretations which explain any abnormal patterns of these values during the development of a software project. The two systems, which solve the same problem, were built using different methods, rule-based deduction and frame-based abduction. A comparison was done to see which method was better suited to the needs of this field. It was found that both systems performed moderately well, but the rule-based deduction system using simple rules provided more complete solutions than did the frame-based abduction system.

  1. SPIRE Data-Base Management System

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Fuechsel, C. F.

    1984-01-01

    Spacelab Payload Integration and Rocket Experiment (SPIRE) data-base management system (DBMS) based on relational model of data bases. Data bases typically used for engineering and mission analysis tasks and, unlike most commercially available systems, allow data items and data structures stored in forms suitable for direct analytical computation. SPIRE DBMS designed to support data requests from interactive users as well as applications programs.

  2. A unifying framework for systems modeling, control systems design, and system operation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Dvorak, Daniel L.; Indictor, Mark B.; Ingham, Michel D.; Rasmussen, Robert D.; Stringfellow, Margaret V.

    2005-01-01

    Current engineering practice in the analysis and design of large-scale multi-disciplinary control systems is typified by some form of decomposition- whether functional or physical or discipline-based-that enables multiple teams to work in parallel and in relative isolation. Too often, the resulting system after integration is an awkward marriage of different control and data mechanisms with poor end-to-end accountability. System of systems engineering, which faces this problem on a large scale, cries out for a unifying framework to guide analysis, design, and operation. This paper describes such a framework based on a state-, model-, and goal-based architecture for semi-autonomous control systems that guides analysis and modeling, shapes control system software design, and directly specifies operational intent. This paper illustrates the key concepts in the context of a large-scale, concurrent, globally distributed system of systems: NASA's proposed Array-based Deep Space Network.

  3. Reducing the Conflict Factors Strategies in Question Answering System

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Suwarningsih, W.; Purwarianti, A.; Supriana, I.

    2017-03-01

    A rule-based system is prone to conflict as new knowledge every time will emerge and indirectly must sign in to the knowledge base that is used by the system. A conflict occurred between the rules in the knowledge base can lead to the errors of reasoning or reasoning circulation. Therefore, when added, the new rules will lead to conflict with other rules, and the only rules that really can be added to the knowledge base. From these conditions, this paper aims to propose a conflict resolution strategy for a medical debriefing system by analyzing scenarios based upon the runtime to improve the efficiency and reliability of systems.

  4. Pretreatment of Lignocellulosic Biomass with Ionic Liquids and Ionic Liquid-Based Solvent Systems.

    PubMed

    Hou, Qidong; Ju, Meiting; Li, Weizun; Liu, Le; Chen, Yu; Yang, Qian

    2017-03-20

    Pretreatment is very important for the efficient production of value-added products from lignocellulosic biomass. However, traditional pretreatment methods have several disadvantages, including low efficiency and high pollution. This article gives an overview on the applications of ionic liquids (ILs) and IL-based solvent systems in the pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass. It is divided into three parts: the first deals with the dissolution of biomass in ILs and IL-based solvent systems; the second focuses on the fractionation of biomass using ILs and IL-based solvent systems as solvents; the third emphasizes the enzymatic saccharification of biomass after pretreatment with ILs and IL-based solvent systems.

  5. Reference manual for data base on Nevada water-rights permits

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Cartier, K.D.; Bauer, E.M.; Farnham, J.L.

    1995-01-01

    The U.S. Geological Survey and Nevada Division of Water Resources have cooperatively developed and implemented a data-base system for managing water-rights permit information for the State of Nevada. The Water-Rights Permit data base is part of an integrated system of computer data bases using the Ingres Relational Data-Base Manage-ment System, which allows efficient storage and access to water information from the State Engineer's office. The data base contains a main table, three ancillary tables, and five lookup tables, as well as a menu-driven system for entering, updating, and reporting on the data. This reference guide outlines the general functions of the system and provides a brief description of data tables and data-entry screens.

  6. 340nm UV LED excitation in time-resolved fluorescence system for europium-based immunoassays detection

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rodenko, Olga; Fodgaard, Henrik; Tidemand-Lichtenberg, Peter; Pedersen, Christian

    2017-02-01

    In immunoassay analyzers for in-vitro diagnostics, Xenon flash lamps have been widely used as excitation light sources. Recent advancements in UV LED technology and its advantages over the flash lamps such as smaller footprint, better wall-plug efficiency, narrow emission spectrum, and no significant afterglow, have made them attractive light sources for gated detection systems. In this paper, we report on the implementation of a 340 nm UV LED based time-resolved fluorescence system based on europium chelate as a fluorescent marker. The system performance was tested with the immunoassay based on the cardiac marker, TnI. The same signal-to-noise ratio as for the flash lamp based system was obtained, operating the LED below specified maximum current. The background counts of the system and its main contributors were measured and analyzed. The background of the system of the LED based unit was improved by 39% compared to that of the Xenon flash lamp based unit, due to the LEDs narrower emission spectrum and longer pulse width. Key parameters of the LED system are discussed to further optimize the signal-to-noise ratio and signal-to-background, and hence the sensitivity of the instrument.

  7. Lunar and Planetary Bases, Habitats, and Colonies

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    2004-01-01

    This special bibliography includes the design and construction of lunar and Mars bases, habitats, and settlements; construction materials and equipment; life support systems; base operations and logistics; thermal management and power systems; and robotic systems.

  8. System diagnostic builder: a rule-generation tool for expert systems that do intelligent data evaluation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nieten, Joseph L.; Burke, Roger

    1993-03-01

    The system diagnostic builder (SDB) is an automated knowledge acquisition tool using state- of-the-art artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. The SDB uses an inductive machine learning technique to generate rules from data sets that are classified by a subject matter expert (SME). Thus, data is captured from the subject system, classified by an expert, and used to drive the rule generation process. These rule-bases are used to represent the observable behavior of the subject system, and to represent knowledge about this system. The rule-bases can be used in any knowledge based system which monitors or controls a physical system or simulation. The SDB has demonstrated the utility of using inductive machine learning technology to generate reliable knowledge bases. In fact, we have discovered that the knowledge captured by the SDB can be used in any number of applications. For example, the knowledge bases captured from the SMS can be used as black box simulations by intelligent computer aided training devices. We can also use the SDB to construct knowledge bases for the process control industry, such as chemical production, or oil and gas production. These knowledge bases can be used in automated advisory systems to ensure safety, productivity, and consistency.

  9. The Vanguard of Community-based Integrated Care in Japan: The Effect of a Rural Town on National Policy

    PubMed Central

    Matsumoto, Masatoshi; Okita, Mitsuaki; Inoue, Kazuo; Takeuchi, Keisuke; Tsutsui, Takako; Nishimura, Shuhei; Hayashi, Takuo

    2017-01-01

    Introduction: Japan has the largest percentage of elderly people in the world. In 2012 the government implemented a community-based integrated care system which provides seamless community healthcare resources for elderly people with chronic diseases and disabilities. Methods: This paper describes the challenges of establishing a community-based integrated care system in 1974 in Mitsugi, a rural town of Japan. This system has influenced the government and become the model for the nationwide system. Results: In the 1970s, Mitsugi’s aging population was growing faster than Japan’s, but elder care was fragmented among a variety of service sections. A community-based integrated care system evolved because of the small but aging population size and the initiative of some local leaders of medical care and politics. After the system took effect, the proportion of bedridden people and medical care costs for the elderly dropped in Mitsugi while it continued to rise everywhere else in Japan. Mitsugi’s community-based integrated care system is now shaping national policy. Conclusion: Mitsugi is in the vanguard of Japan’s community-based integrated care system. The case showed the community-based integrated care system can diffuse from rural to urban areas. PMID:28970743

  10. Abortion training at multiple sites: an unexpected curriculum for teaching systems-based practice.

    PubMed

    Herbitter, Cara; Kumar, Vanita; Karasz, Alison; Gold, Marji

    2010-04-01

    In 1999, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education endorsed systems-based practice as one of six general competencies. The objective is to explore the paradigm of teaching residents systems-based practice during a women's health rotation that included abortion training in multiple settings. During a routine women's health rotation, residents from two urban family medicine residency programs received early abortion training at a high-volume abortion clinic and their continuity clinic. Thirty-min semistructured interviews were conducted with all 26 residents who rotated between July 2005 and August 2006. Transcripts were analyzed using thematic codes. Through exposure to different healthcare delivery systems, residents learned about systems-based practice, including understanding the failure of the larger system to meet patients' reproductive healthcare needs, differences between two systems, and potential systems barriers they might face as providers. Abortion training in multiple settings may serve as a paradigm for teaching systems-based practice during other rotations that include training in multiple sites.

  11. Using Ada to implement the operations management system in a community of experts

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Frank, M. S.

    1986-01-01

    An architecture is described for the Space Station Operations Management System (OMS), consisting of a distributed expert system framework implemented in Ada. The motivation for such a scheme is based on the desire to integrate the very diverse elements of the OMS while taking maximum advantage of knowledge based systems technology. Part of the foundation of an Ada based distributed expert system was accomplished in the form of a proof of concept prototype for the KNOMES project (Knowledge-based Maintenance Expert System). This prototype successfully used concurrently active experts to accomplish monitoring and diagnosis for the Remote Manipulator System. The basic concept of this software architecture is named ACTORS for Ada Cognitive Task ORganization Scheme. It is when one considers the overall problem of integrating all of the OMS elements into a cooperative system that the AI solution stands out. By utilizing a distributed knowledge based system as the framework for OMS, it is possible to integrate those components which need to share information in an intelligent manner.

  12. Lunar surface base propulsion system study, volume 1

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1987-01-01

    The efficiency, capability, and evolution of a lunar base will be largely dependent on the transportation system that supports it. Beyond Space Station in low Earth orbit (LEO), a Lunar-derived propellant supply could provide the most important resource for the transportation infrastructure. The key to an efficient Lunar base propulsion system is the degree of Lunar self-sufficiency (from Earth supply) and reasonable propulsion system performance. Lunar surface propellant production requirements must be accounted in the measurement of efficiency of the entire space transportation system. Of all chemical propellant/propulsion systems considered, hydrogen/oxygen (H/O) OTVs appear most desirable, while both H/O and aluminum/oxygen propulsion systems may be considered for the lander. Aluminized-hydrogen/oxygen and Silane/oxygen propulsion systems are also promising candidates. Lunar propellant availability and processing techniques, chemical propulsion/vehicle design characteristics, and the associated performance of the total transportation infrastructure are reviewed, conceptual propulsion system designs and vehicle/basing concepts, and technology requirements are assessed in context of a Lunar Base mission scenario.

  13. Speech-based interaction with in-vehicle computers: the effect of speech-based e-mail on drivers' attention to the roadway.

    PubMed

    Lee, J D; Caven, B; Haake, S; Brown, T L

    2001-01-01

    As computer applications for cars emerge, a speech-based interface offers an appealing alternative to the visually demanding direct manipulation interface. However, speech-based systems may pose cognitive demands that could undermine driving safety. This study used a car-following task to evaluate how a speech-based e-mail system affects drivers' response to the periodic braking of a lead vehicle. The study included 24 drivers between the ages of 18 and 24 years. A baseline condition with no e-mail system was compared with a simple and a complex e-mail system in both simple and complex driving environments. The results show a 30% (310 ms) increase in reaction time when the speech-based system is used. Subjective workload ratings and probe questions also indicate that speech-based interaction introduces a significant cognitive load, which was highest for the complex e-mail system. These data show that a speech-based interface is not a panacea that eliminates the potential distraction of in-vehicle computers. Actual or potential applications of this research include design of in-vehicle information systems and evaluation of their contributions to driver distraction.

  14. Intensity-based readout of resonant-waveguide grating biosensors: Systems and nanostructures

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Paulsen, Moritz; Jahns, Sabrina; Gerken, Martina

    2017-09-01

    Resonant waveguide gratings (RWG) - also called photonic crystal slabs (PCS) - have been established as reliable optical transducers for label-free biochemical assays as well as for cell-based assays. Current readout systems are based on mechanical scanning and spectrometric measurements with system sizes suitable for laboratory equipment. Here, we review recent progress in compact intensity-based readout systems for point-of-care (POC) applications. We briefly introduce PCSs as sensitive optical transducers and introduce different approaches for intensity-based readout systems. Photometric measurements have been realized with a simple combination of a light source and a photodetector. Recently a 96-channel, intensity-based readout system for both biochemical interaction analyses as well as cellular assays was presented employing the intensity change of a near cut-off mode. As an alternative for multiparametric detection, a camera system for imaging detection has been implemented. A portable, camera-based system of size 13 cm × 4.9 cm × 3.5 cm with six detection areas on an RWG surface area of 11 mm × 7 mm has been demonstrated for the parallel detection of six protein binding kinetics. The signal-to-noise ratio of this system corresponds to a limit of detection of 168 M (24 ng/ml). To further improve the signal-to-noise ratio advanced nanostructure designs are investigated for RWGs. Here, results on multiperiodic and deterministic aperiodic nanostructures are presented. These advanced nanostructures allow for the design of the number and wavelengths of the RWG resonances. In the context of intensity-based readout systems they are particularly interesting for the realization of multi-LED systems. These recent trends suggest that compact point-of-care systems employing disposable test chips with RWG functional areas may reach market in the near future.

  15. Distributed, cooperating knowledge-based systems

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Truszkowski, Walt

    1991-01-01

    Some current research in the development and application of distributed, cooperating knowledge-based systems technology is addressed. The focus of the current research is the spacecraft ground operations environment. The underlying hypothesis is that, because of the increasing size, complexity, and cost of planned systems, conventional procedural approaches to the architecture of automated systems will give way to a more comprehensive knowledge-based approach. A hallmark of these future systems will be the integration of multiple knowledge-based agents which understand the operational goals of the system and cooperate with each other and the humans in the loop to attain the goals. The current work includes the development of a reference model for knowledge-base management, the development of a formal model of cooperating knowledge-based agents, the use of testbed for prototyping and evaluating various knowledge-based concepts, and beginning work on the establishment of an object-oriented model of an intelligent end-to-end (spacecraft to user) system. An introductory discussion of these activities is presented, the major concepts and principles being investigated are highlighted, and their potential use in other application domains is indicated.

  16. A Model-Based Approach to Developing Your Mission Operations System

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Smith, Robert R.; Schimmels, Kathryn A.; Lock, Patricia D; Valerio, Charlene P.

    2014-01-01

    Model-Based System Engineering (MBSE) is an increasingly popular methodology for designing complex engineering systems. As the use of MBSE has grown, it has begun to be applied to systems that are less hardware-based and more people- and process-based. We describe our approach to incorporating MBSE as a way to streamline development, and how to build a model consisting of core resources, such as requirements and interfaces, that can be adapted and used by new and upcoming projects. By comparing traditional Mission Operations System (MOS) system engineering with an MOS designed via a model, we will demonstrate the benefits to be obtained by incorporating MBSE in system engineering design processes.

  17. Research of Manufacture Time Management System Based on PLM

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jing, Ni; Juan, Zhu; Liangwei, Zhong

    This system is targeted by enterprises manufacturing machine shop, analyzes their business needs and builds the plant management information system of Manufacture time and Manufacture time information management. for manufacturing process Combined with WEB technology, based on EXCEL VBA development of methods, constructs a hybrid model based on PLM workshop Manufacture time management information system framework, discusses the functionality of the system architecture, database structure.

  18. Reliability and performance evaluation of systems containing embedded rule-based expert systems

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Beaton, Robert M.; Adams, Milton B.; Harrison, James V. A.

    1989-01-01

    A method for evaluating the reliability of real-time systems containing embedded rule-based expert systems is proposed and investigated. It is a three stage technique that addresses the impact of knowledge-base uncertainties on the performance of expert systems. In the first stage, a Markov reliability model of the system is developed which identifies the key performance parameters of the expert system. In the second stage, the evaluation method is used to determine the values of the expert system's key performance parameters. The performance parameters can be evaluated directly by using a probabilistic model of uncertainties in the knowledge-base or by using sensitivity analyses. In the third and final state, the performance parameters of the expert system are combined with performance parameters for other system components and subsystems to evaluate the reliability and performance of the complete system. The evaluation method is demonstrated in the context of a simple expert system used to supervise the performances of an FDI algorithm associated with an aircraft longitudinal flight-control system.

  19. Feature and Score Fusion Based Multiple Classifier Selection for Iris Recognition

    PubMed Central

    Islam, Md. Rabiul

    2014-01-01

    The aim of this work is to propose a new feature and score fusion based iris recognition approach where voting method on Multiple Classifier Selection technique has been applied. Four Discrete Hidden Markov Model classifiers output, that is, left iris based unimodal system, right iris based unimodal system, left-right iris feature fusion based multimodal system, and left-right iris likelihood ratio score fusion based multimodal system, is combined using voting method to achieve the final recognition result. CASIA-IrisV4 database has been used to measure the performance of the proposed system with various dimensions. Experimental results show the versatility of the proposed system of four different classifiers with various dimensions. Finally, recognition accuracy of the proposed system has been compared with existing N hamming distance score fusion approach proposed by Ma et al., log-likelihood ratio score fusion approach proposed by Schmid et al., and single level feature fusion approach proposed by Hollingsworth et al. PMID:25114676

  20. A most spectrum-efficient duplexing system: CDD

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lee, William C. Y.

    2001-10-01

    The game to play in wireless communications when it comes to increasing spectrum efficiency is to eliminate interference. Currently, all cellular systems use FDD (Frequency Division Duplexing) in an attempt to eliminate the interference from the adjacent cells. Through the use of many technologies only one type of interference remains and that is the adjacent base-tohome mobile interference. TDD (Time Division Duplexing) has not been used for mobile cellular systems, not only because of the adjacent base-to-home mobile interference, but also because of the additional adjacent base-to-home base interference, and adjacent mobile-to-home mobile interference. Therefore, TDD can only be used for small, confined area systems. CDD (Code Division Duplexing) can eliminate all three kinds of interference; the adjacent base-to-home mobile, the adjacent baseto-home base, and the adjacent mobile- to- home in cellular systems. Eliminating each of these interferences makes CDD the most spectrum efficient duplexing system. This talk will elaborate on a set of smart codes, which will make an efficient CDD system a reality.

  1. Feature and score fusion based multiple classifier selection for iris recognition.

    PubMed

    Islam, Md Rabiul

    2014-01-01

    The aim of this work is to propose a new feature and score fusion based iris recognition approach where voting method on Multiple Classifier Selection technique has been applied. Four Discrete Hidden Markov Model classifiers output, that is, left iris based unimodal system, right iris based unimodal system, left-right iris feature fusion based multimodal system, and left-right iris likelihood ratio score fusion based multimodal system, is combined using voting method to achieve the final recognition result. CASIA-IrisV4 database has been used to measure the performance of the proposed system with various dimensions. Experimental results show the versatility of the proposed system of four different classifiers with various dimensions. Finally, recognition accuracy of the proposed system has been compared with existing N hamming distance score fusion approach proposed by Ma et al., log-likelihood ratio score fusion approach proposed by Schmid et al., and single level feature fusion approach proposed by Hollingsworth et al.

  2. Robust Operation of Tendon-Driven Robot Fingers Using Force and Position-Based Control Laws

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hargrave, Brian (Inventor); Abdallah, Muhammad E (Inventor); Reiland, Matthew J (Inventor); Diftler, Myron A (Inventor); Strawser, Philip A (Inventor); Platt, Jr., Robert J. (Inventor); Ihrke, Chris A. (Inventor)

    2013-01-01

    A robotic system includes a tendon-driven finger and a control system. The system controls the finger via a force-based control law when a tension sensor is available, and via a position-based control law when a sensor is not available. Multiple tendons may each have a corresponding sensor. The system selectively injects a compliance value into the position-based control law when only some sensors are available. A control system includes a host machine and a non-transitory computer-readable medium having a control process, which is executed by the host machine to control the finger via the force- or position-based control law. A method for controlling the finger includes determining the availability of a tension sensor(s), and selectively controlling the finger, using the control system, via the force or position-based control law. The position control law allows the control system to resist disturbances while nominally maintaining the initial state of internal tendon tensions.

  3. Evaluation of the in-hospital hemovigilance by introduction of the information technology-based system.

    PubMed

    Fujihara, Harumi; Yamada, Chiaki; Furumaki, Hiroaki; Nagai, Seiya; Shibata, Hiroki; Ishizuka, Keiko; Watanabe, Hiroko; Kaneko, Makoto; Adachi, Miwa; Takeshita, Akihiro

    2015-12-01

    Hemovigilance is an important aspect of transfusion medicine. However, the frequency of the adverse reactions often varies using different reporters. Recently, we have employed a new information technology (IT)-based in-hospital hemovigilance system. Here, we evaluated changes in practice after implementation of an IT-based reporting system. We compared the rate of frequency and details of blood transfusion-related adverse reactions 3 years before and after introduction of the IT-based reporting system. Contents and severity of the adverse reactions were reported in a paper-based reporting system, but input by selecting items in an IT-based reporting system. The details of adverse reactions are immediately sent to the blood transfusion unit online. After we introduced the IT-based reporting system, the reported rate of transfusion-related adverse reactions increased approximately 10-fold from 0.20% to 2.18% (p < 0.001), and frequencies of urticaria, pruritus, rash, fever (p < 0.001), hypertension (p = 0.001), tachycardia (p = 0.003), and nausea and vomiting (p = 0.010) increased significantly. Although there was no error report in the paper-based reporting, incorrect reports were observed in 90 cases (0.52%) in the IT-based reporting (p < 0.001). The advantages of IT-based reporting were: 1) a significant increase in the frequency of adverse reaction reporting and 2) a significant decrease in underreporting, although the true frequency has yet to be clarified. The disadvantage of the IT-based reporting was an increased incidence of incorrect inputs, all of which was unnoticed by the reporters. Our results showed several important points in need of monitoring after introduction of an IT-based reporting system. © 2015 AABB.

  4. Proceedings 3rd NASA/IEEE Workshop on Formal Approaches to Agent-Based Systems (FAABS-III)

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hinchey, Michael (Editor); Rash, James (Editor); Truszkowski, Walt (Editor); Rouff, Christopher (Editor)

    2004-01-01

    These preceedings contain 18 papers and 4 poster presentation, covering topics such as: multi-agent systems, agent-based control, formalism, norms, as well as physical and biological models of agent-based systems. Some applications presented in the proceedings include systems analysis, software engineering, computer networks and robot control.

  5. Using the Cognitive Apprenticeship Web-Based Argumentation System to Improve Argumentation Instruction

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Tsai, Chun-Yen; Jack, Brady Michael; Huang, Tai-Chu; Yang, Jin-Tan

    2012-01-01

    This study investigated how the instruction of argumentation skills could be promoted by using an online argumentation system. This system entitled "Cognitive Apprenticeship Web-based Argumentation" (CAWA) system was based on cognitive apprenticeship model. One hundred eighty-nine fifth grade students took part in this study. A quasi-experimental…

  6. Evaluation of modern cotton harvest systems on irrigated cotton: Economic returns

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    A breakeven analysis based on NPV was conducted to compare picker-based and stripper-based harvest systems with and without field cleaners. Under no conditions analyzed was the NPV of a stripper system without a field cleaner greater than a stripper system with a field cleaner. Breakeven curves rela...

  7. A Solution-Based Intelligent Tutoring System Integrated with an Online Game-Based Formative Assessment: Development and Evaluation

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hooshyar, Danial; Ahmad, Rodina Binti; Yousefi, Moslem; Fathi, Moein; Abdollahi, Abbas; Horng, Shi-Jinn; Lim, Heuiseok

    2016-01-01

    Nowadays, intelligent tutoring systems are considered an effective research tool for learning systems and problem-solving skill improvement. Nonetheless, such individualized systems may cause students to lose learning motivation when interaction and timely guidance are lacking. In order to address this problem, a solution-based intelligent…

  8. Design and application of the emergency response mobile phone-based information system for infectious disease reporting in the Wenchuan earthquake zone.

    PubMed

    Ma, Jiaqi; Zhou, Maigeng; Li, Yanfei; Guo, Yan; Su, Xuemei; Qi, Xiaopeng; Ge, Hui

    2009-05-01

    To describe the design and application of an emergency response mobile phone-based information system for infectious disease reporting. Software engineering and business modeling were used to design and develop the emergency response mobile phone-based information system for infectious disease reporting. Seven days after the initiation of the reporting system, the reporting rate in the earthquake zone reached the level of the same period in 2007, using the mobile phone-based information system. Surveillance of the weekly report on morbidity in the earthquake zone after the initiation of the mobile phone reporting system showed the same trend as the previous three years. The emergency response mobile phone-based information system for infectious disease reporting was an effective solution to transmit urgently needed reports and manage communicable disease surveillance information. This assured the consistency of disease surveillance and facilitated sensitive, accurate, and timely disease surveillance. It is an important backup for the internet-based direct reporting system for communicable disease. © 2009 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd and Chinese Cochrane Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University.

  9. Feasibility of using a knowledge-based system concept for in-flight primary flight display research

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Ricks, Wendell R.

    1991-01-01

    A study was conducted to determine the feasibility of using knowledge-based systems architectures for inflight research of primary flight display information management issues. The feasibility relied on the ability to integrate knowledge-based systems with existing onboard aircraft systems. And, given the hardware and software platforms available, the feasibility also depended on the ability to use interpreted LISP software with the real time operation of the primary flight display. In addition to evaluating these feasibility issues, the study determined whether the software engineering advantages of knowledge-based systems found for this application in the earlier workstation study extended to the inflight research environment. To study these issues, two integrated knowledge-based systems were designed to control the primary flight display according to pre-existing specifications of an ongoing primary flight display information management research effort. These two systems were implemented to assess the feasibility and software engineering issues listed. Flight test results were successful in showing the feasibility of using knowledge-based systems inflight with actual aircraft data.

  10. Design and Implementation of an Interactive Web-Based Near Real-Time Forest Monitoring System.

    PubMed

    Pratihast, Arun Kumar; DeVries, Ben; Avitabile, Valerio; de Bruin, Sytze; Herold, Martin; Bergsma, Aldo

    2016-01-01

    This paper describes an interactive web-based near real-time (NRT) forest monitoring system using four levels of geographic information services: 1) the acquisition of continuous data streams from satellite and community-based monitoring using mobile devices, 2) NRT forest disturbance detection based on satellite time-series, 3) presentation of forest disturbance data through a web-based application and social media and 4) interaction of the satellite based disturbance alerts with the end-user communities to enhance the collection of ground data. The system is developed using open source technologies and has been implemented together with local experts in the UNESCO Kafa Biosphere Reserve, Ethiopia. The results show that the system is able to provide easy access to information on forest change and considerably improves the collection and storage of ground observation by local experts. Social media leads to higher levels of user interaction and noticeably improves communication among stakeholders. Finally, an evaluation of the system confirms the usability of the system in Ethiopia. The implemented system can provide a foundation for an operational forest monitoring system at the national level for REDD+ MRV applications.

  11. Closed cycle electric discharge laser design investigation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Baily, P. K.; Smith, R. C.

    1978-01-01

    Closed cycle CO2 and CO electric discharge lasers were studied. An analytical investigation assessed scale-up parameters and design features for CO2, closed cycle, continuous wave, unstable resonator, electric discharge lasing systems operating in space and airborne environments. A space based CO system was also examined. The program objectives were the conceptual designs of six CO2 systems and one CO system. Three airborne CO2 designs, with one, five, and ten megawatt outputs, were produced. These designs were based upon five minute run times. Three space based CO2 designs, with the same output levels, were also produced, but based upon one year run times. In addition, a conceptual design for a one megawatt space based CO laser system was also produced. These designs include the flow loop, compressor, and heat exchanger, as well as the laser cavity itself. The designs resulted in a laser loop weight for the space based five megawatt system that is within the space shuttle capacity. For the one megawatt systems, the estimated weight of the entire system including laser loop, solar power generator, and heat radiator is less than the shuttle capacity.

  12. Model-based verification and validation of the SMAP uplink processes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Khan, M. O.; Dubos, G. F.; Tirona, J.; Standley, S.

    Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) is being used increasingly within the spacecraft design community because of its benefits when compared to document-based approaches. As the complexity of projects expands dramatically with continually increasing computational power and technology infusion, the time and effort needed for verification and validation (V& V) increases geometrically. Using simulation to perform design validation with system-level models earlier in the life cycle stands to bridge the gap between design of the system (based on system-level requirements) and verifying those requirements/validating the system as a whole. This case study stands as an example of how a project can validate a system-level design earlier in the project life cycle than traditional V& V processes by using simulation on a system model. Specifically, this paper describes how simulation was added to a system model of the Soil Moisture Active-Passive (SMAP) mission's uplink process. Also discussed are the advantages and disadvantages of the methods employed and the lessons learned; which are intended to benefit future model-based and simulation-based development efforts.

  13. Rule groupings: An approach towards verification of expert systems

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Mehrotra, Mala

    1991-01-01

    Knowledge-based expert systems are playing an increasingly important role in NASA space and aircraft systems. However, many of NASA's software applications are life- or mission-critical and knowledge-based systems do not lend themselves to the traditional verification and validation techniques for highly reliable software. Rule-based systems lack the control abstractions found in procedural languages. Hence, it is difficult to verify or maintain such systems. Our goal is to automatically structure a rule-based system into a set of rule-groups having a well-defined interface to other rule-groups. Once a rule base is decomposed into such 'firewalled' units, studying the interactions between rules would become more tractable. Verification-aid tools can then be developed to test the behavior of each such rule-group. Furthermore, the interactions between rule-groups can be studied in a manner similar to integration testing. Such efforts will go a long way towards increasing our confidence in the expert-system software. Our research efforts address the feasibility of automating the identification of rule groups, in order to decompose the rule base into a number of meaningful units.

  14. Vision sensor and dual MEMS gyroscope integrated system for attitude determination on moving base

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Guo, Xiaoting; Sun, Changku; Wang, Peng; Huang, Lu

    2018-01-01

    To determine the relative attitude between the objects on a moving base and the base reference system by a MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) gyroscope, the motion information of the base is redundant, which must be removed from the gyroscope. Our strategy is to add an auxiliary gyroscope attached to the reference system. The master gyroscope is to sense the total motion, and the auxiliary gyroscope is to sense the motion of the moving base. By a generalized difference method, relative attitude in a non-inertial frame can be determined by dual gyroscopes. With the vision sensor suppressing accumulative drift of the MEMS gyroscope, the vision and dual MEMS gyroscope integration system is formed. Coordinate system definitions and spatial transform are executed in order to fuse inertial and visual data from different coordinate systems together. And a nonlinear filter algorithm, Cubature Kalman filter, is used to fuse slow visual data and fast inertial data together. A practical experimental setup is built up and used to validate feasibility and effectiveness of our proposed attitude determination system in the non-inertial frame on the moving base.

  15. Design and simulation of novel laparoscopic renal denervation system: a feasibility study.

    PubMed

    Ye, Eunbi; Baik, Jinhwan; Lee, Seunghyun; Ryu, Seon Young; Yang, Sunchoel; Choi, Eue-Keun; Song, Won Hoon; Yuk, Hyeong Dong; Jeong, Chang Wook; Park, Sung-Min

    2018-05-18

    In this study, we propose a novel laparoscopy-based renal denervation (RDN) system for treating patients with resistant hypertension. In this feasibility study, we investigated whether our proposed surgical instrument can ablate renal nerves from outside of the renal artery safely and effectively and can overcome the depth-related limitations of the previous catheter-based system with less damage to the arterial walls. We designed a looped bipolar electrosurgical instrument to be used with laparoscopy-based RDN system. The tip of instrument wraps around the renal artery and delivers the radio-frequency (RF) energy. We evaluated the thermal distribution via simulation study on a numerical model designed using histological data and validated the results by the in vitro study. Finally, to show the effectiveness of this system, we compared the performance of our system with that of catheter-based RDN system through simulations. Simulation results were within the 95% confidence intervals of the in vitro experimental results. The validated results demonstrated that the proposed laparoscopy-based RDN system produces an effective thermal distribution for the removal of renal sympathetic nerves without damaging the arterial wall and addresses the depth limitation of catheter-based RDN system. We developed a novel laparoscope-based electrosurgical RDN method for hypertension treatment. The feasibility of our system was confirmed through a simulation study as well as in vitro experiments. Our proposed method could be an effective treatment for resistant hypertension as well as central nervous system diseases.

  16. Strategies for adding adaptive learning mechanisms to rule-based diagnostic expert systems

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Stclair, D. C.; Sabharwal, C. L.; Bond, W. E.; Hacke, Keith

    1988-01-01

    Rule-based diagnostic expert systems can be used to perform many of the diagnostic chores necessary in today's complex space systems. These expert systems typically take a set of symptoms as input and produce diagnostic advice as output. The primary objective of such expert systems is to provide accurate and comprehensive advice which can be used to help return the space system in question to nominal operation. The development and maintenance of diagnostic expert systems is time and labor intensive since the services of both knowledge engineer(s) and domain expert(s) are required. The use of adaptive learning mechanisms to increment evaluate and refine rules promises to reduce both time and labor costs associated with such systems. This paper describes the basic adaptive learning mechanisms of strengthening, weakening, generalization, discrimination, and discovery. Next basic strategies are discussed for adding these learning mechanisms to rule-based diagnostic expert systems. These strategies support the incremental evaluation and refinement of rules in the knowledge base by comparing the set of advice given by the expert system (A) with the correct diagnosis (C). Techniques are described for selecting those rules in the in the knowledge base which should participate in adaptive learning. The strategies presented may be used with a wide variety of learning algorithms. Further, these strategies are applicable to a large number of rule-based diagnostic expert systems. They may be used to provide either immediate or deferred updating of the knowledge base.

  17. Review of NJ point system.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2013-03-01

    The purpose of this study is to investigate the comparative effectiveness of point-based versus incident-based : negligent driver monitoring systems and to explore how certain changes to the existing point-based system used in : New Jersey might impr...

  18. A Web-Based Video Digitizing System for the Study of Projectile Motion.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Chow, John W.; Carlton, Les G.; Ekkekakis, Panteleimon; Hay, James G.

    2000-01-01

    Discusses advantages of a video-based, digitized image system for the study and analysis of projectile motion in the physics laboratory. Describes the implementation of a web-based digitized video system. (WRM)

  19. Knowledge-based reasoning in the Paladin tactical decision generation system

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Chappell, Alan R.

    1993-01-01

    A real-time tactical decision generation system for air combat engagements, Paladin, has been developed. A pilot's job in air combat includes tasks that are largely symbolic. These symbolic tasks are generally performed through the application of experience and training (i.e. knowledge) gathered over years of flying a fighter aircraft. Two such tasks, situation assessment and throttle control, are identified and broken out in Paladin to be handled by specialized knowledge based systems. Knowledge pertaining to these tasks is encoded into rule-bases to provide the foundation for decisions. Paladin uses a custom built inference engine and a partitioned rule-base structure to give these symbolic results in real-time. This paper provides an overview of knowledge-based reasoning systems as a subset of rule-based systems. The knowledge used by Paladin in generating results as well as the system design for real-time execution is discussed.

  20. Space-based solar power conversion and delivery systems (study), engineering analysis

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Nathan, C. A.

    1975-01-01

    A systems analysis of synchronous, orbit-based power generation and relay systems that could be operational in the 1990's is described along with a comparison with earth-based systems to be operational in the same time frame. Operational and economic requirements for the orbiting systems and near term research activities which will be required to assure feasibility, development, launch and operational capabilities of such systems in the post- 1990 time frame are examined.

  1. Analyzing the Operation of Performance-Based Accountability Systems for Public Services. Technical Report

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Camm, Frank; Stecher, Brian M.

    2010-01-01

    Empirical evidence of the effects of performance-based public management is scarce. This report describes a framework used to organize available empirical information on one form of performance-based management, a performance-based accountability system (PBAS). Such a system identifies individuals or organizations that must change their behavior…

  2. 78 FR 43926 - Solicitation for a Cooperative Agreement-Evidence-Based Decision Making in State and Local...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-07-22

    ...--Evidence-Based Decision Making in State and Local Criminal Justice Systems: Planning and Development for... Evidence-Based Decision Making (EBDM) in Local Criminal Justice Systems initiative. It will require the... will also revise ``A Framework for Evidence- Based Decision Making in Local Criminal Justice Systems...

  3. [Medication error management climate and perception for system use according to construction of medication error prevention system].

    PubMed

    Kim, Myoung Soo

    2012-08-01

    The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine current status of IT-based medication error prevention system construction and the relationships among system construction, medication error management climate and perception for system use. The participants were 124 patient safety chief managers working for 124 hospitals with over 300 beds in Korea. The characteristics of the participants, construction status and perception of systems (electric pharmacopoeia, electric drug dosage calculation system, computer-based patient safety reporting and bar-code system) and medication error management climate were measured in this study. The data were collected between June and August 2011. Descriptive statistics, partial Pearson correlation and MANCOVA were used for data analysis. Electric pharmacopoeia were constructed in 67.7% of participating hospitals, computer-based patient safety reporting systems were constructed in 50.8%, electric drug dosage calculation systems were in use in 32.3%. Bar-code systems showed up the lowest construction rate at 16.1% of Korean hospitals. Higher rates of construction of IT-based medication error prevention systems resulted in greater safety and a more positive error management climate prevailed. The supportive strategies for improving perception for use of IT-based systems would add to system construction, and positive error management climate would be more easily promoted.

  4. Moderate temperature control technology for a lunar base

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Swanson, Theodore D.; Sridhar, K. R.; Gottmann, Matthias

    1993-01-01

    A parametric analysis is performed to compare different heat pump based thermal control systems for a Lunar Base. Rankine cycle and absorption cycle heat pumps are compared and optimized for a 100 kW cooling load. Variables include the use or lack of an interface heat exchanger, and different operating fluids. Optimization of system mass to radiator rejection temperature is performed. The results indicate a relatively small sensitivity of Rankine cycle system mass to these variables, with optimized system masses of about 6000 kg for the 100 kW thermal load. It is quantitaively demonstrated that absorption based systems are not mass competitive with Rankine systems.

  5. Autonomous power expert fault diagnostic system for Space Station Freedom electrical power system testbed

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Truong, Long V.; Walters, Jerry L.; Roth, Mary Ellen; Quinn, Todd M.; Krawczonek, Walter M.

    1990-01-01

    The goal of the Autonomous Power System (APS) program is to develop and apply intelligent problem solving and control to the Space Station Freedom Electrical Power System (SSF/EPS) testbed being developed and demonstrated at NASA Lewis Research Center. The objectives of the program are to establish artificial intelligence technology paths, to craft knowledge-based tools with advanced human-operator interfaces for power systems, and to interface and integrate knowledge-based systems with conventional controllers. The Autonomous Power EXpert (APEX) portion of the APS program will integrate a knowledge-based fault diagnostic system and a power resource planner-scheduler. Then APEX will interface on-line with the SSF/EPS testbed and its Power Management Controller (PMC). The key tasks include establishing knowledge bases for system diagnostics, fault detection and isolation analysis, on-line information accessing through PMC, enhanced data management, and multiple-level, object-oriented operator displays. The first prototype of the diagnostic expert system for fault detection and isolation has been developed. The knowledge bases and the rule-based model that were developed for the Power Distribution Control Unit subsystem of the SSF/EPS testbed are described. A corresponding troubleshooting technique is also described.

  6. Controlled cooling of an electronic system based on projected conditions

    DOEpatents

    David, Milnes P.; Iyengar, Madhusudan K.; Schmidt, Roger R.

    2016-05-17

    Energy efficient control of a cooling system cooling an electronic system is provided based, in part, on projected conditions. The control includes automatically determining an adjusted control setting(s) for an adjustable cooling component(s) of the cooling system. The automatically determining is based, at least in part, on projected power consumed by the electronic system at a future time and projected temperature at the future time of a heat sink to which heat extracted is rejected. The automatically determining operates to reduce power consumption of the cooling system and/or the electronic system while ensuring that at least one targeted temperature associated with the cooling system or the electronic system is within a desired range. The automatically determining may be based, at least in part, on an experimentally obtained model(s) relating the targeted temperature and power consumption of the adjustable cooling component(s) of the cooling system.

  7. Controlled cooling of an electronic system based on projected conditions

    DOEpatents

    David, Milnes P.; Iyengar, Madhusudan K.; Schmidt, Roger R.

    2015-08-18

    Energy efficient control of a cooling system cooling an electronic system is provided based, in part, on projected conditions. The control includes automatically determining an adjusted control setting(s) for an adjustable cooling component(s) of the cooling system. The automatically determining is based, at least in part, on projected power consumed by the electronic system at a future time and projected temperature at the future time of a heat sink to which heat extracted is rejected. The automatically determining operates to reduce power consumption of the cooling system and/or the electronic system while ensuring that at least one targeted temperature associated with the cooling system or the electronic system is within a desired range. The automatically determining may be based, at least in part, on an experimentally obtained model(s) relating the targeted temperature and power consumption of the adjustable cooling component(s) of the cooling system.

  8. In-vehicle signing concepts: An analytical precursor to an in-vehicle information system

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Spelt, P.F.; Tufano, D.R.; Knee, H.E.

    The purpose of the project described in this report is to develop alternative In-Vehicle Signing (IVS) system concepts based on allocation of the functions associated with driving a road vehicle. In the driving milieu, tasks can be assigned to one of three agents, the driver, the vehicle or the infrastructure. Assignment of tasks is based on a philosophy of function allocation which can emphasize any of several philosophical approaches. In this project, function allocations were made according to the current practice in vehicle design and signage as well as a human-centered strategy. Several IVS system concepts are presented based onmore » differing functional allocation outcomes. A design space for IVS systems is described, and a technical analysis of a map-based and sever beacon-based IVS systems are presented. Because of problems associated with both map-based and beacon-based concepts, a hybrid IVS concept was proposed. The hybrid system uses on-board map-based databases to serve those areas in which signage can be anticipated to be relatively static, such as large metropolitan areas where few if any new roads will be built. For areas where sign density is low, and/or where population growth causes changes in traffic flow, beacon-based concepts function best. For this situation, changes need only occur in the central database from which sign information is transmitted. This report presents system concepts which enable progress from the IVS system concept-independent functional requirements to a more specific set of system concepts which facilitate analysis and selection of hardware and software to perform the functions of IVS. As such, this phase of the project represents a major step toward the design and development of a prototype WS system. Once such a system is developed, a program of testing, evaluation, an revision will be undertaken. Ultimately, such a system can become part of the road vehicle of the future.« less

  9. A PIC microcontroller-based system for real-life interfacing of external peripherals with a mobile robot

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Singh, N. Nirmal; Chatterjee, Amitava; Rakshit, Anjan

    2010-02-01

    The present article describes the development of a peripheral interface controller (PIC) microcontroller-based system for interfacing external add-on peripherals with a real mobile robot, for real life applications. This system serves as an important building block of a complete integrated vision-based mobile robot system, integrated indigenously in our laboratory. The system is composed of the KOALA mobile robot in conjunction with a personal computer (PC) and a two-camera-based vision system where the PIC microcontroller is used to drive servo motors, in interrupt-driven mode, to control additional degrees of freedom of the vision system. The performance of the developed system is tested by checking it under the control of several user-specified commands, issued from the PC end.

  10. Hybrid Motion Planning with Multiple Destinations

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Clouse, Jeffery

    1998-01-01

    In our initial proposal, we laid plans for developing a hybrid motion planning system that combines the concepts of visibility-based motion planning, artificial potential field based motion planning, evolutionary constrained optimization, and reinforcement learning. Our goal was, and still is, to produce a hybrid motion planning system that outperforms the best traditional motion planning systems on problems with dynamic environments. The proposed hybrid system will be in two parts the first is a global motion planning system and the second is a local motion planning system. The global system will take global information about the environment, such as the placement of the obstacles and goals, and produce feasible paths through those obstacles. We envision a system that combines the evolutionary-based optimization and visibility-based motion planning to achieve this end.

  11. Intelligent Operation and Maintenance of Micro-grid Technology and System Development

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fu, Ming; Song, Jinyan; Zhao, Jingtao; Du, Jian

    2018-01-01

    In order to achieve the micro-grid operation and management, Studying the micro-grid operation and maintenance knowledge base. Based on the advanced Petri net theory, the fault diagnosis model of micro-grid is established, and the intelligent diagnosis and analysis method of micro-grid fault is put forward. Based on the technology, the functional system and architecture of the intelligent operation and maintenance system of micro-grid are studied, and the microcomputer fault diagnosis function is introduced in detail. Finally, the system is deployed based on the micro-grid of a park, and the micro-grid fault diagnosis and analysis is carried out based on the micro-grid operation. The system operation and maintenance function interface is displayed, which verifies the correctness and reliability of the system.

  12. A stable systemic risk ranking in China's banking sector: Based on principal component analysis

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fang, Libing; Xiao, Binqing; Yu, Honghai; You, Qixing

    2018-02-01

    In this paper, we compare five popular systemic risk rankings, and apply principal component analysis (PCA) model to provide a stable systemic risk ranking for the Chinese banking sector. Our empirical results indicate that five methods suggest vastly different systemic risk rankings for the same bank, while the combined systemic risk measure based on PCA provides a reliable ranking. Furthermore, according to factor loadings of the first component, PCA combined ranking is mainly based on fundamentals instead of market price data. We clearly find that price-based rankings are not as practical a method as fundamentals-based ones. This PCA combined ranking directly shows systemic risk contributions of each bank for banking supervision purpose and reminds banks to prevent and cope with the financial crisis in advance.

  13. DFM flow by using combination between design based metrology system and model based verification at sub-50nm memory device

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kim, Cheol-kyun; Kim, Jungchan; Choi, Jaeseung; Yang, Hyunjo; Yim, Donggyu; Kim, Jinwoong

    2007-03-01

    As the minimum transistor length is getting smaller, the variation and uniformity of transistor length seriously effect device performance. So, the importance of optical proximity effects correction (OPC) and resolution enhancement technology (RET) cannot be overemphasized. However, OPC process is regarded by some as a necessary evil in device performance. In fact, every group which includes process and design, are interested in whole chip CD variation trend and CD uniformity, which represent real wafer. Recently, design based metrology systems are capable of detecting difference between data base to wafer SEM image. Design based metrology systems are able to extract information of whole chip CD variation. According to the results, OPC abnormality was identified and design feedback items are also disclosed. The other approaches are accomplished on EDA companies, like model based OPC verifications. Model based verification will be done for full chip area by using well-calibrated model. The object of model based verification is the prediction of potential weak point on wafer and fast feed back to OPC and design before reticle fabrication. In order to achieve robust design and sufficient device margin, appropriate combination between design based metrology system and model based verification tools is very important. Therefore, we evaluated design based metrology system and matched model based verification system for optimum combination between two systems. In our study, huge amount of data from wafer results are classified and analyzed by statistical method and classified by OPC feedback and design feedback items. Additionally, novel DFM flow would be proposed by using combination of design based metrology and model based verification tools.

  14. Evaluation of radiosurgery techniques–Cone-based linac radiosurgery vs tomotherapy-based radiosurgery

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Yip, Ho Yin, E-mail: hoyinyip@yahoo.com.hk; Mui, Wing Lun A.; Lee, Joseph W.Y.

    2013-07-01

    Performances of radiosurgery of intracranial lesions between cone-based Linac system and Tomotherapy-based system were compared in terms of dosimetry and time. Twelve patients with single intracranial lesion treated with cone-based Linac radiosurgery system from 2005 to 2009 were replanned for Tomotherapy-based radiosurgery treatment. The conformity index, homogeneity index (HI), and gradient score index (GSI) of each case was calculated. The Wilcoxon matched-pair test was used to compare the 3 indices between both systems. The cases with regular target (n = 6) and those with irregular target (n = 6) were further analyzed separately. The estimated treatment time between both systemsmore » was also compared. Significant differences were found in HI (p = 0.05) and in GSI (p = 0.03) for the whole group. Cone-based radiosurgery was better in GSI whereas Tomotherapy-based radiosurgery was better in HI. Cone-based radiosurgery was better in conformity index (p = 0.03) and GSI (p = 0.03) for regular targets, whereas Tomotherapy-based radiosurgery system performed significantly better in HI (p = 0.03) for irregular targets. The estimated total treatment time for Tomotherapy-based radiosurgery ranged from 24 minutes to 35 minutes, including 15 minutes of pretreatment megavoltage computed tomography (MVCT) and image registration, whereas that for cone-based radiosurgery ranged from 15 minutes for 1 isocenter to 75 minutes for 5 isocenters. As a rule of thumb, Tomotherapy-based radiosurgery system should be the first-line treatment for irregular lesions because of better dose homogeneity and shorter treatment time. Cone-based Linac radiosurgery system should be the treatment of choice for regular targets because of the better dose conformity, rapid dose fall-off, and reasonable treatment time.« less

  15. Using a data base management system for modelling SSME test history data

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Abernethy, K.

    1985-01-01

    The usefulness of a data base management system (DBMS) for modelling historical test data for the complete series of static test firings for the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) was assessed. From an analysis of user data base query requirements, it became clear that a relational DMBS which included a relationally complete query language would permit a model satisfying the query requirements. Representative models and sample queries are discussed. A list of environment-particular evaluation criteria for the desired DBMS was constructed; these criteria include requirements in the areas of user-interface complexity, program independence, flexibility, modifiability, and output capability. The evaluation process included the construction of several prototype data bases for user assessement. The systems studied, representing the three major DBMS conceptual models, were: MIRADS, a hierarchical system; DMS-1100, a CODASYL-based network system; ORACLE, a relational system; and DATATRIEVE, a relational-type system.

  16. Scientific Evidence-Based Effects of Hydrotherapy on Various Systems of the Body

    PubMed Central

    Mooventhan, A; Nivethitha, L

    2014-01-01

    The use of water for various treatments (hydrotherapy) is probably as old as mankind. Hydrotherapy is one of the basic methods of treatment widely used in the system of natural medicine, which is also called as water therapy, aquatic therapy, pool therapy, and balneotherapy. Use of water in various forms and in various temperatures can produce different effects on different system of the body. Many studies/reviews reported the effects of hydrotherapy only on very few systems and there is lack of studies/reviews in reporting the evidence-based effects of hydrotherapy on various systems. We performed PubMed and PubMed central search to review relevant articles in English literature based on “effects of hydrotherapy/balneotherapy” on various systems of the body. Based on the available literature this review suggests that the hydrotherapy has a scientific evidence-based effect on various systems of the body. PMID:24926444

  17. Scientific evidence-based effects of hydrotherapy on various systems of the body.

    PubMed

    Mooventhan, A; Nivethitha, L

    2014-05-01

    The use of water for various treatments (hydrotherapy) is probably as old as mankind. Hydrotherapy is one of the basic methods of treatment widely used in the system of natural medicine, which is also called as water therapy, aquatic therapy, pool therapy, and balneotherapy. Use of water in various forms and in various temperatures can produce different effects on different system of the body. Many studies/reviews reported the effects of hydrotherapy only on very few systems and there is lack of studies/reviews in reporting the evidence-based effects of hydrotherapy on various systems. We performed PubMed and PubMed central search to review relevant articles in English literature based on "effects of hydrotherapy/balneotherapy" on various systems of the body. Based on the available literature this review suggests that the hydrotherapy has a scientific evidence-based effect on various systems of the body.

  18. The All Seeing Eye: Space-Based Persistent Surveillance in 2030

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2009-04-01

    and ORS cannot. A GEO-based system can potentially deliver the ability to continuously monitor a theater-sized area with no concern of over flight ...paper investigates a geosynchronous orbit based surveillance system . Such a system would be beyond the reach of current anti-satellite weapons. However...significant technical hurdles remain to make such a system a reality. Operating in geosynchronous orbit affords a system the ability to remain

  19. A Data-Based Financial Management Information System (FMIS) for Administrative Sciences Department

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1990-12-01

    Financial Management Information System that would result in improved management of financial assets, better use of clerical skills, and more detailed...develops and implements a personal computer-based Management Information System for the Management of the many funding accounts controlled by the...different software programs, into a single all-encompassing Management Information System . The system was written using dBASE IV and is currently operational.

  20. Research on complex 3D tree modeling based on L-system

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gang, Chen; Bin, Chen; Yuming, Liu; Hui, Li

    2018-03-01

    L-system as a fractal iterative system could simulate complex geometric patterns. Based on the field observation data of trees and knowledge of forestry experts, this paper extracted modeling constraint rules and obtained an L-system rules set. Using the self-developed L-system modeling software the L-system rule set was parsed to generate complex tree 3d models.The results showed that the geometrical modeling method based on l-system could be used to describe the morphological structure of complex trees and generate 3D tree models.

  1. Cybersecurity for aerospace autonomous systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Straub, Jeremy

    2015-05-01

    High profile breaches have occurred across numerous information systems. One area where attacks are particularly problematic is autonomous control systems. This paper considers the aerospace information system, focusing on elements that interact with autonomous control systems (e.g., onboard UAVs). It discusses the trust placed in the autonomous systems and supporting systems (e.g., navigational aids) and how this trust can be validated. Approaches to remotely detect the UAV compromise, without relying on the onboard software (on a potentially compromised system) as part of the process are discussed. How different levels of autonomy (task-based, goal-based, mission-based) impact this remote characterization is considered.

  2. Transformation based endorsement systems

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Sudkamp, Thomas

    1988-01-01

    Evidential reasoning techniques classically represent support for a hypothesis by a numeric value or an evidential interval. The combination of support is performed by an arithmetic rule which often requires restrictions to be placed on the set of possibilities. These assumptions usually require the hypotheses to be exhausitive and mutually exclusive. Endorsement based classification systems represent support for the alternatives symbolically rather than numerically. A framework for constructing endorsement systems is presented in which transformations are defined to generate and update the knowledge base. The interaction of the knowledge base and transformations produces a non-monotonic reasoning system. Two endorsement based reasoning systems are presented to demonstrate the flexibility of the transformational approach for reasoning with ambiguous and inconsistent information.

  3. Logistical Consideration in Computer-Based Screening of Astronaut Applicants

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Galarza, Laura

    2000-01-01

    This presentation reviews the logistical, ergonomic, and psychometric issues and data related to the development and operational use of a computer-based system for the psychological screening of astronaut applicants. The Behavioral Health and Performance Group (BHPG) at the Johnson Space Center upgraded its astronaut psychological screening and selection procedures for the 1999 astronaut applicants and subsequent astronaut selection cycles. The questionnaires, tests, and inventories were upgraded from a paper-and-pencil system to a computer-based system. Members of the BHPG and a computer programmer designed and developed needed interfaces (screens, buttons, etc.) and programs for the astronaut psychological assessment system. This intranet-based system included the user-friendly computer-based administration of tests, test scoring, generation of reports, the integration of test administration and test output to a single system, and a complete database for past, present, and future selection data. Upon completion of the system development phase, four beta and usability tests were conducted with the newly developed system. The first three tests included 1 to 3 participants each. The final system test was conducted with 23 participants tested simultaneously. Usability and ergonomic data were collected from the system (beta) test participants and from 1999 astronaut applicants who volunteered the information in exchange for anonymity. Beta and usability test data were analyzed to examine operational, ergonomic, programming, test administration and scoring issues related to computer-based testing. Results showed a preference for computer-based testing over paper-and -pencil procedures. The data also reflected specific ergonomic, usability, psychometric, and logistical concerns that should be taken into account in future selection cycles. Conclusion. Psychological, psychometric, human and logistical factors must be examined and considered carefully when developing and using a computer-based system for psychological screening and selection.

  4. A Web-Based Learning Support System for Inquiry-Based Learning

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kim, Dong Won; Yao, Jingtao

    The emergence of the Internet and Web technology makes it possible to implement the ideals of inquiry-based learning, in which students seek truth, information, or knowledge by questioning. Web-based learning support systems can provide a good framework for inquiry-based learning. This article presents a study on a Web-based learning support system called Online Treasure Hunt. The Web-based learning support system mainly consists of a teaching support subsystem, a learning support subsystem, and a treasure hunt game. The teaching support subsystem allows instructors to design their own inquiry-based learning environments. The learning support subsystem supports students' inquiry activities. The treasure hunt game enables students to investigate new knowledge, develop ideas, and review their findings. Online Treasure Hunt complies with a treasure hunt model. The treasure hunt model formalizes a general treasure hunt game to contain the learning strategies of inquiry-based learning. This Web-based learning support system empowered with the online-learning game and founded on the sound learning strategies furnishes students with the interactive and collaborative student-centered learning environment.

  5. An Embedded Rule-Based Diagnostic Expert System in Ada

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Jones, Robert E.; Liberman, Eugene M.

    1992-01-01

    Ada is becoming an increasingly popular programming language for large Government-funded software projects. Ada with it portability, transportability, and maintainability lends itself well to today's complex programming environment. In addition, expert systems have also assumed a growing role in providing human-like reasoning capability expertise for computer systems. The integration is discussed of expert system technology with Ada programming language, especially a rule-based expert system using an ART-Ada (Automated Reasoning Tool for Ada) system shell. NASA Lewis was chosen as a beta test site for ART-Ada. The test was conducted by implementing the existing Autonomous Power EXpert System (APEX), a Lisp-based power expert system, in ART-Ada. Three components, the rule-based expert systems, a graphics user interface, and communications software make up SMART-Ada (Systems fault Management with ART-Ada). The rules were written in the ART-Ada development environment and converted to Ada source code. The graphics interface was developed with the Transportable Application Environment (TAE) Plus, which generates Ada source code to control graphics images. SMART-Ada communicates with a remote host to obtain either simulated or real data. The Ada source code generated with ART-Ada, TAE Plus, and communications code was incorporated into an Ada expert system that reads the data from a power distribution test bed, applies the rule to determine a fault, if one exists, and graphically displays it on the screen. The main objective, to conduct a beta test on the ART-Ada rule-based expert system shell, was achieved. The system is operational. New Ada tools will assist in future successful projects. ART-Ada is one such tool and is a viable alternative to the straight Ada code when an application requires a rule-based or knowledge-based approach.

  6. Models of morality

    PubMed Central

    Crockett, Molly J.

    2013-01-01

    Moral dilemmas engender conflicts between two traditions: consequentialism, which evaluates actions based on their outcomes, and deontology, which evaluates actions themselves. These strikingly resemble two distinct decision-making architectures: a model-based system that selects actions based on inferences about their consequences; and a model-free system that selects actions based on their reinforcement history. Here, I consider how these systems, along with a Pavlovian system that responds reflexively to rewards and punishments, can illuminate puzzles in moral psychology. PMID:23845564

  7. Application of wireless sensor network technology in logistics information system

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xu, Tao; Gong, Lina; Zhang, Wei; Li, Xuhong; Wang, Xia; Pan, Wenwen

    2017-04-01

    This paper introduces the basic concepts of active RFID (WSN-ARFID) based on wireless sensor networks and analyzes the shortcomings of the existing RFID-based logistics monitoring system. Integrated wireless sensor network technology and the scrambling point of RFID technology. A new real-time logistics detection system based on WSN and RFID, a model of logistics system based on WSN-ARFID is proposed, and the feasibility of this technology applied to logistics field is analyzed.

  8. Development and use of a population based injury surveillance system: the All Wales Injury Surveillance System (AWISS)

    PubMed Central

    Lyons, R; Jones, S; Kemp, A; Sibert, J; Shepherd, J; Richmond, P; Bartlett, C; Palmer, S

    2002-01-01

    This report details the development and use of a population based emergency room surveillance system in the UK. Despite some difficulties in accessing high quality data the system has stimulated a considerable number of research and intervention projects. While surveillance systems with high quality data collection and coding parameters remain the gold standard, imperfect systems, particularly if population based, can play a substantial part in stimulating injury prevention initiatives. PMID:11928983

  9. A beginner's guide to belief revision and truth maintenance systems

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Mason, Cindy L.

    1992-01-01

    This brief note is intended to familiarize the non-TMS audience with some of the basic ideas surrounding classic TMS's (truth maintenance systems), namely the justification-based TMS and the assumption-based TMS. Topics of further interest include the relation between non-monotonic logics and TMS's, efficiency and search issues, complexity concerns, as well as the variety of TMS systems that have surfaced in the past decade or so. These include probabilistic-based TMS systems, fuzzy TMS systems, tri-valued belief systems, and so on.

  10. Applications of artificial intelligence V; Proceedings of the Meeting, Orlando, FL, May 18-20, 1987

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Gilmore, John F. (Editor)

    1987-01-01

    The papers contained in this volume focus on current trends in applications of artificial intelligence. Topics discussed include expert systems, image understanding, artificial intelligence tools, knowledge-based systems, heuristic systems, manufacturing applications, and image analysis. Papers are presented on expert system issues in automated, autonomous space vehicle rendezvous; traditional versus rule-based programming techniques; applications to the control of optional flight information; methodology for evaluating knowledge-based systems; and real-time advisory system for airborne early warning.

  11. The JCMT Observatory Control System

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rees, Nick; Economou, Frossie; Jenness, Tim; Kackley, Russell; Walther, Craig; Dent, Bill; Folger, Martin; Gao, Xiaofeng; Kelly, Dennis; Lightfoot, John; Pain, Ian; Hovey, Gary; Willis, Tony; Redman, Russell

    The JCMT, the world's largest sub-mm telescope, has had essentially the same VAX/VMS based control system since it was commissioned. For the next generation of instrumentation we are implementing a new Unix/VxWorks based system, based on the successful ORAC system that was recently released on UKIRT. This paper gives a broad overview of the system architecture and includes some discussion on the choices made. The pros and cons of using XML as an inherent part of the system architecture are also discussed.

  12. A General Provincial Situation Visualization System Based on iPhone Operating System of Shandong Province

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ye, Z.; Xiang, H.

    2014-04-01

    The paper discusses the basic principles and the problem solutions during the design and implementation of the mobile GIS system, and base on the research result, we developed the General Provincial Situation Visualization System Based on iOS of Shandong Province. The system is developed in the Objective-C programming language, and use the ArcGIS Runtime SDK for IOS as the development tool to call the "World-map Shandong" services to implement the development of the General Provincial Situation Visualization System Based on iOS devices. The system is currently available for download in the Appstore and is chosen as the typical application case of ESRI China ArcGIS API for iOS.

  13. A Generalized Precharging Strategy for Soft Startup Process of the Modular Multilevel Converter-Based HVDC Systems

    DOE PAGES

    Zhang, Lei; Qin, Jiangchao; Wu, Xiajie; ...

    2017-01-01

    The modular multilevel converter (MMC) has become one of the most promising converter technologies for medium/high-power applications, specifically for highvoltage direct current (HVDC) transmission systems. One of the technical challenges associated with the operation and control of the MMC-based system is to precharge the submodule (SM) capacitors to their nominal voltage during the startup process. In this paper, considering various SM circuits, a generalized precharging strategy is proposed for the MMC-based systems, which can implement soft stratup from dc or ac side. Furthermore, the proposed precharging strategy can be applicabe for various SM circuits and MMC configurations. The proposed startupmore » strategy does not require extra measurements and/or auxiliary power supplies. The charging current is controlled by adjusting the changing rate of the number of blocked and bypassed SM capacitors. Based on the proposed startup strategy, the startup processes of MMC/MMC-HVDC systems based on various SM circuits are analyzed and a generalized startup procedure for various MMC-HVDC systems is proposed. In addition, the uncontrollable steady-state SM capacitor voltages of various MMC-based systems are analyzed and determined, potentially useful in SM design. Our performance of the proposed strategy for various MMC-HVDC systems is evaluated based on time-domain simulation studies in the PSCAD/EMTDC software environment and experimental results based on a scaled-down prototype.« less

  14. A Generalized Precharging Strategy for Soft Startup Process of the Modular Multilevel Converter-Based HVDC Systems

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Zhang, Lei; Qin, Jiangchao; Wu, Xiajie

    The modular multilevel converter (MMC) has become one of the most promising converter technologies for medium/high-power applications, specifically for highvoltage direct current (HVDC) transmission systems. One of the technical challenges associated with the operation and control of the MMC-based system is to precharge the submodule (SM) capacitors to their nominal voltage during the startup process. In this paper, considering various SM circuits, a generalized precharging strategy is proposed for the MMC-based systems, which can implement soft stratup from dc or ac side. Furthermore, the proposed precharging strategy can be applicabe for various SM circuits and MMC configurations. The proposed startupmore » strategy does not require extra measurements and/or auxiliary power supplies. The charging current is controlled by adjusting the changing rate of the number of blocked and bypassed SM capacitors. Based on the proposed startup strategy, the startup processes of MMC/MMC-HVDC systems based on various SM circuits are analyzed and a generalized startup procedure for various MMC-HVDC systems is proposed. In addition, the uncontrollable steady-state SM capacitor voltages of various MMC-based systems are analyzed and determined, potentially useful in SM design. Our performance of the proposed strategy for various MMC-HVDC systems is evaluated based on time-domain simulation studies in the PSCAD/EMTDC software environment and experimental results based on a scaled-down prototype.« less

  15. Extreme multistability in a memristor-based multi-scroll hyper-chaotic system.

    PubMed

    Yuan, Fang; Wang, Guangyi; Wang, Xiaowei

    2016-07-01

    In this paper, a new memristor-based multi-scroll hyper-chaotic system is designed. The proposed memristor-based system possesses multiple complex dynamic behaviors compared with other chaotic systems. Various coexisting attractors and hidden coexisting attractors are observed in this system, which means extreme multistability arises. Besides, by adjusting parameters of the system, this chaotic system can perform single-scroll attractors, double-scroll attractors, and four-scroll attractors. Basic dynamic characteristics of the system are investigated, including equilibrium points and stability, bifurcation diagrams, Lyapunov exponents, and so on. In addition, the presented system is also realized by an analog circuit to confirm the correction of the numerical simulations.

  16. MINIS: Multipurpose Interactive NASA Information System

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1976-01-01

    The Multipurpose Interactive NASA Information Systems (MINIS) was developed in response to the need for a data management system capable of operation on several different minicomputer systems. The desired system had to be capable of performing the functions of a LANDSAT photo descriptive data retrieval system while remaining general in terms of other acceptable user definable data bases. The system also had to be capable of performing data base updates and providing user-formatted output reports. The resultant MINI System provides all of these capabilities and several other features to complement the data management system. The MINI System is currently implemented on two minicomputer systems and is in the process of being installed on another minicomputer system. The MINIS is operational on four different data bases.

  17. Integrated Online Software for Libraries: An Overview of Today's Best-Selling IOLS. Options from the U.S. Perspective.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Cibbarelli, Pamela

    1996-01-01

    Profiles the top-selling IOLS (integrated online library systems) software for libraries based on sales figures reported in the 1996 "Library Journal" annual survey of the library automation marketplace. Highlights include microcomputer-based systems and minicomputer-based systems, system components, MARC formats, and market sectors.…

  18. Development and Demonstration of a Statistical Data Base System for Library and Network Planning and Evaluation. Fourth Quarterly Report.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Jones, Dennis; And Others

    The National Center for Higher Education Management Systems (NCHEMS) has completed the development and demonstration of a library statistical data base. The data base, or management information system, was developed for administrators of public and academic libraries. The system provides administrators with a framework of information and…

  19. Research of B2B e-Business Application and Development Technology Based on SOA

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xian, Li Liang

    Today, the B2B e-business systems in most enterprises usually have multiple heterogeneous and independent systems which are based on different platforms and operate in different functional departments. To deal with the increased services in future, an enterprise needs to expand its system continuously. This, however, will cause great inconvenience to the future system maintenance. To implement e-business successfully, a unified internal e-business integration environment must be established to integrate the internal system and thus realize a unified internal mechanism within the enterprise e-business system. The SOA (service-oriented architecture), however, can well meet the above requirements. The integration of SOA-based applications can reduce the dependency of different types of IT systems, reduce the cost of system maintenance and the complexity of the IT system operation, increase the flexibility of the system deployment, and at the same time exclude the barrier of service innovation. Research and application of SOA-based enterprise application systems has become a very important research project at present. Based on SOA, this document designs an enterprise e-business application model and realizes a flexible and expandable e-business platform.

  20. 15 CFR 786.2 - Recordkeeping.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... recognized as complete words or numbers. (iv) The system must preserve the initial image (including both... the system. (3) Requirements applicable to a system based on digital images. For systems based on the storage of digital images, the system must provide accessibility to any digital image in the system. The...

  1. 15 CFR 786.2 - Recordkeeping.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... recognized as complete words or numbers. (iv) The system must preserve the initial image (including both... the system. (3) Requirements applicable to a system based on digital images. For systems based on the storage of digital images, the system must provide accessibility to any digital image in the system. The...

  2. 15 CFR 786.2 - Recordkeeping.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... recognized as complete words or numbers. (iv) The system must preserve the initial image (including both... the system. (3) Requirements applicable to a system based on digital images. For systems based on the storage of digital images, the system must provide accessibility to any digital image in the system. The...

  3. 15 CFR 786.2 - Recordkeeping.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... recognized as complete words or numbers. (iv) The system must preserve the initial image (including both... the system. (3) Requirements applicable to a system based on digital images. For systems based on the storage of digital images, the system must provide accessibility to any digital image in the system. The...

  4. 15 CFR 786.2 - Recordkeeping.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... recognized as complete words or numbers. (iv) The system must preserve the initial image (including both... the system. (3) Requirements applicable to a system based on digital images. For systems based on the storage of digital images, the system must provide accessibility to any digital image in the system. The...

  5. Progress in cybernetics and systems research. Vol. XI. Data base design. International Information Systems. Semiotic Systems. Artificial Intelligence. Cybernetics and Philosophy. Special aspects

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Trappl, R.; Findler, N.V.; Horn, W.

    1982-01-01

    This book covers current research topics in six areas. These are data base design, international information systems, semiotic systems, artificial intelligence, cybernetics and philosophy, and special aspects of systems research. 1326 references.

  6. A hybrid NIRS-EEG system for self-paced brain computer interface with online motor imagery.

    PubMed

    Koo, Bonkon; Lee, Hwan-Gon; Nam, Yunjun; Kang, Hyohyeong; Koh, Chin Su; Shin, Hyung-Cheul; Choi, Seungjin

    2015-04-15

    For a self-paced motor imagery based brain-computer interface (BCI), the system should be able to recognize the occurrence of a motor imagery, as well as the type of the motor imagery. However, because of the difficulty of detecting the occurrence of a motor imagery, general motor imagery based BCI studies have been focusing on the cued motor imagery paradigm. In this paper, we present a novel hybrid BCI system that uses near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and electroencephalography (EEG) systems together to achieve online self-paced motor imagery based BCI. We designed a unique sensor frame that records NIRS and EEG simultaneously for the realization of our system. Based on this hybrid system, we proposed a novel analysis method that detects the occurrence of a motor imagery with the NIRS system, and classifies its type with the EEG system. An online experiment demonstrated that our hybrid system had a true positive rate of about 88%, a false positive rate of 7% with an average response time of 10.36 s. As far as we know, there is no report that explored hemodynamic brain switch for self-paced motor imagery based BCI with hybrid EEG and NIRS system. From our experimental results, our hybrid system showed enough reliability for using in a practical self-paced motor imagery based BCI. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  7. Surveillance of traumatic firefighter fatalities: an assessment of four systems.

    PubMed

    Estes, Chris R; Marsh, Suzanne M; Castillo, Dawn N

    2011-01-01

    Firefighters regularly respond to hazardous situations that put them at risk for fatal occupational injuries. Traumatic occupational fatality surveillance is a foundation for understanding the problem and developing prevention strategies. We assessed four surveillance systems for their utility in characterizing firefighter fatalities and informing prevention measures. We examined three population-based systems (the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries and systems maintained by the United States Fire Administration and the National Fire Protection Association) and one case-based system (data collected through the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program). From each system, we selected traumatic fatalities among firefighters for 2003-2006. Then we compared case definitions, methods for case ascertainment, variables collected, and rate calculation methods. Overall magnitude of fatalities differed among systems. The population-based systems were effective in characterizing the circumstances of traumatic firefighter fatalities. The case-based surveillance system was effective in formulating detailed prevention recommendations, which could not be made based on the population-based data alone. Methods for estimating risk were disparate and limited fatality rate comparisons between firefighters and other workers. The systems included in this study contribute toward a greater understanding of firefighter fatalities. Areas of improvement for these systems should continue to be identified as they are used to direct research and prevention efforts.

  8. DEVELOPMENT OF A WATERSHED-BASED MERCURY POLLUTION CHARACTERIZATION SYSTEM

    EPA Science Inventory

    To investigate total mercury loadings to streams in a watershed, we have developed a watershed-based source quantification model ? Watershed Mercury Characterization System. The system uses the grid-based GIS modeling technology to calculate total soil mercury concentrations and ...

  9. Data bases and data base systems related to NASA's Aerospace Program: A bibliography with indexes

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1983-01-01

    This bibliography lists 641 reports, articles, and other documents introduced into the NASA scientific and technical information system during the period January 1, 1981 through June 30, 1982. The directory was compiled to assist in the location of numerical and factual data bases and data base handling and management systems.

  10. The Developmental Directions and Tasks of the School Based Curriculum Management System in Korea

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kim, Soon Nam

    2005-01-01

    The purpose of this paper is to inquire into the developmental directions and tasks of the School Based Curriculum Management (SBCM) system. The concept of the School Based Curriculum Management can be considered as a subsystem to School Based Management. The logics behind the SBCM system are autonomy, accountability, effectiveness, creativity,…

  11. Ground data systems resource allocation process

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Berner, Carol A.; Durham, Ralph; Reilly, Norman B.

    1989-01-01

    The Ground Data Systems Resource Allocation Process at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory provides medium- and long-range planning for the use of Deep Space Network and Mission Control and Computing Center resources in support of NASA's deep space missions and Earth-based science. Resources consist of radio antenna complexes and associated data processing and control computer networks. A semi-automated system was developed that allows operations personnel to interactively generate, edit, and revise allocation plans spanning periods of up to ten years (as opposed to only two or three weeks under the manual system) based on the relative merit of mission events. It also enhances scientific data return. A software system known as the Resource Allocation and Planning Helper (RALPH) merges the conventional methods of operations research, rule-based knowledge engineering, and advanced data base structures. RALPH employs a generic, highly modular architecture capable of solving a wide variety of scheduling and resource sequencing problems. The rule-based RALPH system has saved significant labor in resource allocation. Its successful use affirms the importance of establishing and applying event priorities based on scientific merit, and the benefit of continuity in planning provided by knowledge-based engineering. The RALPH system exhibits a strong potential for minimizing development cycles of resource and payload planning systems throughout NASA and the private sector.

  12. Intelligent Luminance Control of Lighting Systems Based on Imaging Sensor Feedback

    PubMed Central

    Liu, Haoting; Zhou, Qianxiang; Yang, Jin; Jiang, Ting; Liu, Zhizhen; Li, Jie

    2017-01-01

    An imaging sensor-based intelligent Light Emitting Diode (LED) lighting system for desk use is proposed. In contrast to the traditional intelligent lighting system, such as the photosensitive resistance sensor-based or the infrared sensor-based system, the imaging sensor can realize a finer perception of the environmental light; thus it can guide a more precise lighting control. Before this system works, first lots of typical imaging lighting data of the desk application are accumulated. Second, a series of subjective and objective Lighting Effect Evaluation Metrics (LEEMs) are defined and assessed for these datasets above. Then the cluster benchmarks of these objective LEEMs can be obtained. Third, both a single LEEM-based control and a multiple LEEMs-based control are developed to realize a kind of optimal luminance tuning. When this system works, first it captures the lighting image using a wearable camera. Then it computes the objective LEEMs of the captured image and compares them with the cluster benchmarks of the objective LEEMs. Finally, the single LEEM-based or the multiple LEEMs-based control can be implemented to get a kind of optimal lighting effect. Many experiment results have shown the proposed system can tune the LED lamp automatically according to environment luminance changes. PMID:28208781

  13. Intelligent Luminance Control of Lighting Systems Based on Imaging Sensor Feedback.

    PubMed

    Liu, Haoting; Zhou, Qianxiang; Yang, Jin; Jiang, Ting; Liu, Zhizhen; Li, Jie

    2017-02-09

    An imaging sensor-based intelligent Light Emitting Diode (LED) lighting system for desk use is proposed. In contrast to the traditional intelligent lighting system, such as the photosensitive resistance sensor-based or the infrared sensor-based system, the imaging sensor can realize a finer perception of the environmental light; thus it can guide a more precise lighting control. Before this system works, first lots of typical imaging lighting data of the desk application are accumulated. Second, a series of subjective and objective Lighting Effect Evaluation Metrics (LEEMs) are defined and assessed for these datasets above. Then the cluster benchmarks of these objective LEEMs can be obtained. Third, both a single LEEM-based control and a multiple LEEMs-based control are developed to realize a kind of optimal luminance tuning. When this system works, first it captures the lighting image using a wearable camera. Then it computes the objective LEEMs of the captured image and compares them with the cluster benchmarks of the objective LEEMs. Finally, the single LEEM-based or the multiple LEEMs-based control can be implemented to get a kind of optimal lighting effect. Many experiment results have shown the proposed system can tune the LED lamp automatically according to environment luminance changes.

  14. Reference manual for data base on Nevada well logs

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Bauer, E.M.; Cartier, K.D.

    1995-01-01

    The U.S. Geological Survey and Nevada Division of Water Resources are cooperatively using a data base for are cooperatively using a data base for managing well-log information for the State of Nevada. The Well-Log Data Base is part of an integrated system of computer data bases using the Ingres Relational Data-Base Management System, which allows efficient storage and access to water information from the State Engineer's office. The data base contains a main table, two ancillary tables, and nine lookup tables, as well as a menu-driven system for entering, updating, and reporting on the data. This reference guide outlines the general functions of the system and provides a brief description of data tables and data-entry screens.

  15. Development of a Graphics Based Automated Emergency Response System (AERS) for Rail Transit Systems

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1989-05-01

    This report presents an overview of the second generation Automated Emergency Response System (AERS2). Developed to assist transit systems in responding effectively to emergency situations, AERS2 is a microcomputer-based information retrieval system ...

  16. System and method for integrating hazard-based decision making tools and processes

    DOEpatents

    Hodgin, C Reed [Westminster, CO

    2012-03-20

    A system and method for inputting, analyzing, and disseminating information necessary for identified decision-makers to respond to emergency situations. This system and method provides consistency and integration among multiple groups, and may be used for both initial consequence-based decisions and follow-on consequence-based decisions. The system and method in a preferred embodiment also provides tools for accessing and manipulating information that are appropriate for each decision-maker, in order to achieve more reasoned and timely consequence-based decisions. The invention includes processes for designing and implementing a system or method for responding to emergency situations.

  17. Multi-viewpoint clustering analysis

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Mehrotra, Mala; Wild, Chris

    1993-01-01

    In this paper, we address the feasibility of partitioning rule-based systems into a number of meaningful units to enhance the comprehensibility, maintainability and reliability of expert systems software. Preliminary results have shown that no single structuring principle or abstraction hierarchy is sufficient to understand complex knowledge bases. We therefore propose the Multi View Point - Clustering Analysis (MVP-CA) methodology to provide multiple views of the same expert system. We present the results of using this approach to partition a deployed knowledge-based system that navigates the Space Shuttle's entry. We also discuss the impact of this approach on verification and validation of knowledge-based systems.

  18. Design and development of data acquisition system based on WeChat hardware

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Zhitao; Ding, Lei

    2018-06-01

    Data acquisition system based on WeChat hardware provides methods for popularization and practicality of data acquisition. The whole system is based on WeChat hardware platform, where the hardware part is developed on DA14580 development board and the software part is based on Alibaba Cloud. We designed service module, logic processing module, data processing module and database module. The communication between hardware and software uses AirSync Protocal. We tested this system by collecting temperature and humidity data, and the result shows that the system can aquisite the temperature and humidity in real time according to settings.

  19. Verification and Validation of KBS with Neural Network Components

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wen, Wu; Callahan, John

    1996-01-01

    Artificial Neural Network (ANN) play an important role in developing robust Knowledge Based Systems (KBS). The ANN based components used in these systems learn to give appropriate predictions through training with correct input-output data patterns. Unlike traditional KBS that depends on a rule database and a production engine, the ANN based system mimics the decisions of an expert without specifically formulating the if-than type of rules. In fact, the ANNs demonstrate their superiority when such if-then type of rules are hard to generate by human expert. Verification of traditional knowledge based system is based on the proof of consistency and completeness of the rule knowledge base and correctness of the production engine.These techniques, however, can not be directly applied to ANN based components.In this position paper, we propose a verification and validation procedure for KBS with ANN based components. The essence of the procedure is to obtain an accurate system specification through incremental modification of the specifications using an ANN rule extraction algorithm.

  20. A conceptual design for an integrated data base management system for remote sensing data. [user requirements and data processing

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Maresca, P. A.; Lefler, R. M.

    1978-01-01

    The requirements of potential users were considered in the design of an integrated data base management system, developed to be independent of any specific computer or operating system, and to be used to support investigations in weather and climate. Ultimately, the system would expand to include data from the agriculture, hydrology, and related Earth resources disciplines. An overview of the system and its capabilities is presented. Aspects discussed cover the proposed interactive command language; the application program command language; storage and tabular data maintained by the regional data base management system; the handling of data files and the use of system standard formats; various control structures required to support the internal architecture of the system; and the actual system architecture with the various modules needed to implement the system. The concepts on which the relational data model is based; data integrity, consistency, and quality; and provisions for supporting concurrent access to data within the system are covered in the appendices.

  1. Intelligent model-based diagnostics for vehicle health management

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Luo, Jianhui; Tu, Fang; Azam, Mohammad S.; Pattipati, Krishna R.; Willett, Peter K.; Qiao, Liu; Kawamoto, Masayuki

    2003-08-01

    The recent advances in sensor technology, remote communication and computational capabilities, and standardized hardware/software interfaces are creating a dramatic shift in the way the health of vehicles is monitored and managed. These advances facilitate remote monitoring, diagnosis and condition-based maintenance of automotive systems. With the increased sophistication of electronic control systems in vehicles, there is a concomitant increased difficulty in the identification of the malfunction phenomena. Consequently, the current rule-based diagnostic systems are difficult to develop, validate and maintain. New intelligent model-based diagnostic methodologies that exploit the advances in sensor, telecommunications, computing and software technologies are needed. In this paper, we will investigate hybrid model-based techniques that seamlessly employ quantitative (analytical) models and graph-based dependency models for intelligent diagnosis. Automotive engineers have found quantitative simulation (e.g. MATLAB/SIMULINK) to be a vital tool in the development of advanced control systems. The hybrid method exploits this capability to improve the diagnostic system's accuracy and consistency, utilizes existing validated knowledge on rule-based methods, enables remote diagnosis, and responds to the challenges of increased system complexity. The solution is generic and has the potential for application in a wide range of systems.

  2. Preliminary Design of a Consultation Knowledge-Based System for the Minimization of Distortion in Welded Structures

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1989-02-01

    which capture the knowledge of such experts. These Expert Systems, or Knowledge-Based Systems’, differ from the usual computer programming techniques...their applications in the fields of structural design and welding is reviewed. 5.1 Introduction Expert Systems, or KBES, are computer programs using Al...procedurally constructed as conventional computer programs usually are; * The knowledge base of such systems is executable, unlike databases 3 "Ill

  3. Innovative use of global navigation satellite systems for flight inspection

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kim, Eui-Ho

    The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) mandates flight inspection in every country to provide safety during flight operations. Among many criteria of flight inspection, airborne inspection of Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) is very important because the ILS is the primary landing guidance system worldwide. During flight inspection of the ILS, accuracy in ILS landing guidance is checked by using a Flight Inspection System (FIS). Therefore, a flight inspection system must have high accuracy in its positioning capability to detect any deviation so that accurate guidance of the ILS can be maintained. Currently, there are two Automated Flight Inspection Systems (AFIS). One is called Inertial-based AFIS, and the other one is called Differential GPS-based (DGPS-based) AFIS. The Inertial-based AFIS enables efficient flight inspection procedures, but its drawback is high cost because it requires a navigation-grade Inertial Navigation System (INS). On the other hand, the DGPS-based AFIS has relatively low cost, but flight inspection procedures require landing and setting up a reference receiver. Most countries use either one of the systems based on their own preferences. There are around 1200 ILS in the U.S., and each ILS must be inspected every 6 to 9 months. Therefore, it is important to manage the airborne inspection of the ILS in a very efficient manner. For this reason, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mainly uses the Inertial-based AFIS, which has better efficiency than the DGPS-based AFIS in spite of its high cost. Obviously, the FAA spends tremendous resources on flight inspection. This thesis investigates the value of GPS and the FAA's augmentation to GPS for civil aviation called the Wide Area Augmentation System (or WAAS) for flight inspection. Because standard GPS or WAAS position outputs cannot meet the required accuracy for flight inspection, in this thesis, various algorithms are developed to improve the positioning ability of Flight Inspection Systems (FIS) by using GPS and WAAS in novel manners. The algorithms include Adaptive Carrier Smoothing (ACS), optimizing WAAS accuracy and stability, and reference point-based precise relative positioning for real-time and near-real-time applications. The developed systems are WAAS-aided FIS, WAAS-based FIS, and stand-alone GPS-based FIS. These systems offer both high efficiency and low cost, and they have different advantages over one another in terms of accuracy, integrity, and worldwide availability. The performance of each system is tested with experimental flight test data and shown to have accuracy that is sufficient for flight inspection and superior to the current Inertial-based AFIS.

  4. Research on the man in the loop control system of the robot arm based on gesture control

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xiao, Lifeng; Peng, Jinbao

    2017-03-01

    The Man in the loop control system of the robot arm based on gesture control research complex real-world environment, which requires the operator to continuously control and adjust the remote manipulator, as the background, completes the specific mission human in the loop entire system as the research object. This paper puts forward a kind of robot arm control system of Man in the loop based on gesture control, by robot arm control system based on gesture control and Virtual reality scene feedback to enhance immersion and integration of operator, to make operator really become a part of the whole control loop. This paper expounds how to construct a man in the loop control system of the robot arm based on gesture control. The system is a complex system of human computer cooperative control, but also people in the loop control problem areas. The new system solves the problems that the traditional method has no immersion feeling and the operation lever is unnatural, the adjustment time is long, and the data glove mode wears uncomfortable and the price is expensive.

  5. An object-oriented, knowledge-based system for cardiovascular rehabilitation--phase II.

    PubMed Central

    Ryder, R. M.; Inamdar, B.

    1995-01-01

    The Heart Monitor is an object-oriented, knowledge-based system designed to support the clinical activities of cardiovascular (CV) rehabilitation. The original concept was developed as part of graduate research completed in 1992. This paper describes the second generation system which is being implemented in collaboration with a local heart rehabilitation program. The PC UNIX-based system supports an extensive patient database organized by clinical areas. In addition, a knowledge base is employed to monitor patient status. Rule-based automated reasoning is employed to assess risk factors contraindicative to exercise therapy and to monitor administrative and statutory requirements. PMID:8563285

  6. An organizational cybernetics framework for achieving balance in evidence-based practice and practice-based evidence.

    PubMed

    Fitch, Dale

    2014-01-01

    This article applies the systems science of organizational cybernetics to the implementation of evidence-based practice (EBP) in the provision of social work services in a residential treatment center setting. It does so by systemically balancing EBP with practice-based evidence (PBE) with a focus on the organizational and information system infrastructures necessary to ensure successful implementation. This application is illustrated by discussing a residential treatment program that implemented evidence-based programming and evaluated the results; however, the systemic principles articulated can be applied to any human services organizational setting.

  7. Free-radical sensing by using naphthalimide based mesoporous silica (MCM-41) nanoparticles: A combined fluorescence and cellular imaging study

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jha, Gaurav; Roy, Subhasis; Sahu, Prabhat Kumar; Banerjee, Somnath; Anoop, N.; Rahaman, Abdur; Sarkar, Moloy

    2018-01-01

    Keeping in mind the advantages of material-based systems over simple molecule-based systems, we have designed and developed three inorganic-organic hybrid systems by anchoring 1,8-naphthalimide derivatives to mesoporous silica nanoparticles for detection of free radicals. Prior to photophysical study, systems are characterized by spectroscopic, microscopic and thermo-gravimetric techniques. Steady state and time-resolved fluorescence studies demonstrate that the hydrazine based system is senstive towards detection of various free radicals. Cellular imaging study reveals cell permeability and toxicity study demonstrates the non-toxic nature of the material. These studies have suggested that present system has the potential to be used in various biological applications.

  8. A Micro-Processor Based System as a Teaching Tool.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Spero, Samuel W.

    1979-01-01

    Two instructional strategies incorporating a microprocessor-based computer system are described. These are the use of the system to drive a television monitor, and the system's use in generating problem sets. (MP)

  9. PVDaCS - A prototype knowledge-based expert system for certification of spacecraft data

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wharton, Cathleen; Shiroma, Patricia J.; Simmons, Karen E.

    1989-01-01

    On-line data management techniques to certify spacecraft information are mandated by increasing telemetry rates. Knowledge-based expert systems offer the ability to certify data electronically without the need for time-consuming human interaction. Issues of automatic certification are explored by designing a knowledge-based expert system to certify data from a scientific instrument, the Orbiter Ultraviolet Spectrometer, on an operating NASA planetary spacecraft, Pioneer Venus. The resulting rule-based system, called PVDaCS (Pioneer Venus Data Certification System), is a functional prototype demonstrating the concepts of a larger system design. A key element of the system design is the representation of an expert's knowledge through the usage of well ordered sequences. PVDaCS produces a certification value derived from expert knowledge and an analysis of the instrument's operation. Results of system performance are presented.

  10. A database management capability for Ada

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Chan, Arvola; Danberg, SY; Fox, Stephen; Landers, Terry; Nori, Anil; Smith, John M.

    1986-01-01

    The data requirements of mission critical defense systems have been increasing dramatically. Command and control, intelligence, logistics, and even weapons systems are being required to integrate, process, and share ever increasing volumes of information. To meet this need, systems are now being specified that incorporate data base management subsystems for handling storage and retrieval of information. It is expected that a large number of the next generation of mission critical systems will contain embedded data base management systems. Since the use of Ada has been mandated for most of these systems, it is important to address the issues of providing data base management capabilities that can be closely coupled with Ada. A comprehensive distributed data base management project has been investigated. The key deliverables of this project are three closely related prototype systems implemented in Ada. These three systems are discussed.

  11. 39 CFR 501.7 - Postage Evidencing System requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... Performance Criteria for Information-Based Indicia and Security Architecture for Open IBI Postage Evidencing Systems or Performance Criteria for Information-Based Indicia and Security Architecture for Closed IBI... Information-Based Indicia and Security Architecture for Open IBI Postage Evidencing Systems or Performance...

  12. 39 CFR 501.7 - Postage Evidencing System requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... Performance Criteria for Information-Based Indicia and Security Architecture for Open IBI Postage Evidencing Systems or Performance Criteria for Information-Based Indicia and Security Architecture for Closed IBI... Information-Based Indicia and Security Architecture for Open IBI Postage Evidencing Systems or Performance...

  13. Safety impact of an integrated crash warning system based on field test data.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2011-06-13

    This paper provides the results of an analysis : conducted to assess the safety impact of an integrated : vehicle-based crash warning system based on : naturalistic driving data collected from a field : operational test. The system incorporates four ...

  14. Integration of a knowledge-based system and a clinical documentation system via a data dictionary.

    PubMed

    Eich, H P; Ohmann, C; Keim, E; Lang, K

    1997-01-01

    This paper describes the design and realisation of a knowledge-based system and a clinical documentation system linked via a data dictionary. The software was developed as a shell with object oriented methods and C++ for IBM-compatible PC's and WINDOWS 3.1/95. The data dictionary covers terminology and document objects with relations to external classifications. It controls the terminology in the documentation program with form-based entry of clinical documents and in the knowledge-based system with scores and rules. The software was applied to the clinical field of acute abdominal pain by implementing a data dictionary with 580 terminology objects, 501 document objects, and 2136 links; a documentation module with 8 clinical documents and a knowledge-based system with 10 scores and 7 sets of rules.

  15. AOIPS data base management systems support for GARP data sets

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Gary, J. P.

    1977-01-01

    A data base management system is identified, developed to provide flexible access to data sets produced by GARP during its data systems tests. The content and coverage of the data base are defined and a computer-aided, interactive information storage and retrieval system, implemented to facilitate access to user specified data subsets, is described. The computer programs developed to provide the capability were implemented on the highly interactive, minicomputer-based AOIPS and are referred to as the data retrieval system (DRS). Implemented as a user interactive but menu guided system, the DRS permits users to inventory the data tape library and create duplicate or subset data sets based on a user selected window defined by time and latitude/longitude boundaries. The DRS permits users to select, display, or produce formatted hard copy of individual data items contained within the data records.

  16. Neural Network based Control of SG based Standalone Generating System with Energy Storage for Power Quality Enhancement

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nayar, Priya; Singh, Bhim; Mishra, Sukumar

    2017-08-01

    An artificial intelligence based control algorithm is used in solving power quality problems of a diesel engine driven synchronous generator with automatic voltage regulator and governor based standalone system. A voltage source converter integrated with a battery energy storage system is employed to mitigate the power quality problems. An adaptive neural network based signed regressor control algorithm is used for the estimation of the fundamental component of load currents for control of a standalone system with load leveling as an integral feature. The developed model of the system performs accurately under varying load conditions and provides good dynamic response to the step changes in loads. The real time performance is achieved using MATLAB along with simulink/simpower system toolboxes and results adhere to an IEEE-519 standard for power quality enhancement.

  17. Automated knowledge generation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Myler, Harley R.; Gonzalez, Avelino J.

    1988-01-01

    The general objectives of the NASA/UCF Automated Knowledge Generation Project were the development of an intelligent software system that could access CAD design data bases, interpret them, and generate a diagnostic knowledge base in the form of a system model. The initial area of concentration is in the diagnosis of the process control system using the Knowledge-based Autonomous Test Engineer (KATE) diagnostic system. A secondary objective was the study of general problems of automated knowledge generation. A prototype was developed, based on object-oriented language (Flavors).

  18. Development of a Web-based financial application System

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hasan, M. R.; Ibrahimy, M. I.; Motakabber, S. M. A.; Ferdaus, M. M.; Khan, M. N. H.; Mostafa, M. G.

    2013-12-01

    The paper describes a technique to develop a web based financial system, following latest technology and business needs. In the development of web based application, the user friendliness and technology both are very important. It is used ASP .NET MVC 4 platform and SQL 2008 server for development of web based financial system. It shows the technique for the entry system and report monitoring of the application is user friendly. This paper also highlights the critical situations of development, which will help to develop the quality product.

  19. Study of intelligent building system based on the internet of things

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wan, Liyong; Xu, Renbo

    2017-03-01

    In accordance with the problem such as isolated subsystems, weak system linkage and expansibility of the bus type buildings management system, this paper based on the modern intelligent buildings has studied some related technologies of the intelligent buildings and internet of things, and designed system architecture of the intelligent buildings based on the Internet of Things. Meanwhile, this paper has also analyzed wireless networking modes, wireless communication protocol and wireless routing protocol of the intelligent buildings based on the Internet of Things.

  20. A Document-Based EHR System That Controls the Disclosure of Clinical Documents Using an Access Control List File Based on the HL7 CDA Header.

    PubMed

    Takeda, Toshihiro; Ueda, Kanayo; Nakagawa, Akito; Manabe, Shirou; Okada, Katsuki; Mihara, Naoki; Matsumura, Yasushi

    2017-01-01

    Electronic health record (EHR) systems are necessary for the sharing of medical information between care delivery organizations (CDOs). We developed a document-based EHR system in which all of the PDF documents that are stored in our electronic medical record system can be disclosed to selected target CDOs. An access control list (ACL) file was designed based on the HL7 CDA header to manage the information that is disclosed.

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