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Environmental consciousness motivates scientists to devise an alternative method for producing natural fiber composite materials in order to decrease the demand for synthetic fibers. This study explores the potential of a novel composite material derived from madar fiber-reinforced epoxy with porcelain filler particulates, designed specifically for biomedical instrumentation applications. The primary focus is to assess the material's structural, mechanical, and antibacterial properties. X-ray Diffraction analysis was employed to discern the crystalline nature of the composite, revealing enhanced crystallinity due to the inclusion of porcelain particulates. Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy confirmed the chemical interactions and bonding mechanisms between madar fiber, epoxy matrix, and porcelain filler. Mechanically, the composite exhibited superior properties when addition of porcelain fillers, maximum results obtain in tensile strength of 51.28 MPa, flexural strength of 54.21 MPa, and impact strength of 0.0155 kJ/m2, making it ideal for robust biomedical applications. Scanning Electron Microscopy provided detailed insights into the morphology and distribution of the reinforcing agents within the epoxy matrix, emphasizing the fibrillated structure of madar fiber and the uniform dispersion of porcelain particulates. Importantly, antibacterial assays demonstrated the composite's potential resistance against common pathogenic bacteria, which is crucial for biomedical instrumentation. Collectively, this research underscores the promising attributes of the madar fiber reinforced epoxy composite with porcelain particulates, suggesting its suitability for advanced biomedical applications.

Visually impaired people are often subjugated under extreme circumstances even in their day-to-day life. The daily requirements of a common man appear to be an impediment in their routine life. Simplest of tasks like walking, eating, bathing, conversing and even eating is of utmost difficulty to them. Moreover, with such difficulties their only way-out seems to be dependency on the privileged lot, which further diminishes their confidence in themselves and gradually makes them even more dependent. The conventional devices that are used by visually impaired people include basic walking sticks which fail at the job in hand by not providing adequate stabilisation on rough surfaces and misguiding the users into unfavourable conditions. There is no way for the person to know what the object in front of them is without hitting it with the stick, which could also lead to accidents. To solve these problems, a smart walking stick is developed which not only recognises the object in front of it using Machine Learning (ML) models, but also gives a voice output to alert its user about the particular object thereby limiting the chance of any and all accidents. The concept is realised in hardware and integrated to the walking stick. This helps in stabilisation of phone and to produce better results in object identification. Further an application is developed to alert the user by converting the obtained image into a voice messages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an ongoing technological revolution in the field of biomedical instruments. Consequently, high performance healthcare devices have led to remarkable economic developments in the medical hardware industry. Until now, nearly all optical bio-imaging systems are based on the 2-dimensional imaging chip architecture. In fact, recent developments in digital micromirror devices (DMDs) are gradually making their way from conventional optical projection displays into biomedical instruments. As an ultrahigh-speed spatial light modulator, the DMD may offer a range of new applications including real-time biomedical sensing or imaging, as well as orientation tracking and targeted screening. Given its short history, the use of DMD in biomedical and healthcare instruments has emerged only within the past decade. In this paper, we first provide an overview by summarizing all reported cases found in the literature. We then critically analyze the general pros and cons of using DMD, specifically in terms of response speed, stability, accuracy, repeatability, robustness, and degree of automation, in relation to the performance outcome of the designated instrument. Particularly, we shall focus our discussion on the use of Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS)-based devices in a set of representative instruments including the surface plasmon resonance biosensor, optical microscopes, Raman spectrometers, ophthalmoscopes, and the micro stereolithographic system. Finally, the prospects of using the DMD approach in biomedical or healthcare systems and possible next generation DMD-based biomedical devices are presented.

Environmental consciousness motivates scientists to devise an alternative method for producing natural fiber composite materials in order to decrease the demand for synthetic fibers. This study explores the potential of a novel composite material derived from madar fiber-reinforced epoxy with porcelain filler particulates, designed specifically for biomedical instrumentation applications. The primary focus is to assess the material's structural, mechanical, and antibacterial properties. X-ray Diffraction analysis was employed to discern the crystalline nature of the composite, revealing enhanced crystallinity due to the inclusion of porcelain particulates. Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy confirmed the chemical interactions and bonding mechanisms between madar fiber, epoxy matrix, and porcelain filler. Mechanically, the composite exhibited superior properties when addition of porcelain fillers, maximum results obtain in tensile strength of 51.28 MPa, flexural strength of 54.21 MPa, and impact strength of 0.0155 kJ/m2, making it ideal for robust biomedical applications. Scanning Electron Microscopy provided detailed insights into the morphology and distribution of the reinforcing agents within the epoxy matrix, emphasizing the fibrillated structure of madar fiber and the uniform dispersion of porcelain particulates. Importantly, antibacterial assays demonstrated the composite's potential resistance against common pathogenic bacteria, which is crucial for biomedical instrumentation. Collectively, this research underscores the promising attributes of the madar fiber reinforced epoxy composite with porcelain particulates, suggesting its suitability for advanced biomedical applications., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

There is an ongoing technological revolution in the field of biomedical instruments. Consequently, high performance healthcare devices have led to remarkable economic developments in the medical hardware industry. Until now, nearly all optical bio-imaging systems are based on the 2-dimensional imaging chip architecture. In fact, recent developments in digital micromirror devices (DMDs) are gradually making their way from conventional optical projection displays into biomedical instruments. As an ultrahigh-speed spatial light modulator, the DMD may offer a range of new applications including real-time biomedical sensing or imaging, as well as orientation tracking and targeted screening. Given its short history, the use of DMD in biomedical and healthcare instruments has emerged only within the past decade. In this paper, we first provide an overview by summarizing all reported cases found in the literature. We then critically analyze the general pros and cons of using DMD, specifically in terms of response speed, stability, accuracy, repeatability, robustness, and degree of automation, in relation to the performance outcome of the designated instrument. Particularly, we shall focus our discussion on the use of Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS)-based devices in a set of representative instruments including the surface plasmon resonance biosensor, optical microscopes, Raman spectrometers, ophthalmoscopes, and the micro stereolithographic system. Finally, the prospects of using the DMD approach in biomedical or healthcare systems and possible next generation DMD-based biomedical devices are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe the development of a joint in vivo/ex vivo protocol to monitor magnetic nanoparticles in animal models. Alternating current biosusceptometry (ACB) enables the assessment of magnetic nanoparticle accumulation, followed by quantitative analysis of concentrations in organs of interest. We present a study of real-time liver accumulation, followed by the assessment of sequential biodistribution using the same technique. For quantification, we validated our results by comparing all of the data with electron spin resonance (ESR). The ACB had viable temporal resolution and accuracy to differentiate temporal parameters of liver accumulation, caused by vasculature extravasation and macrophages action. The biodistribution experiment showed different uptake profiles for different doses and injection protocols. Comparisons with the ESR system indicated a correlation index of 0.993. We present the ACB system as an accessible and versatile tool to monitor magnetic nanoparticles, allowing in vivo and real-time evaluations of distribution and quantitative assessments of particle concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A passive and wireless sensor was developed for monitoring pressure in vivo. Structurally, the pressure sensor, referred to as the magneto-harmonic pressure sensor, is an airtight chamber sealed with an elastic pressure membrane. A strip of magnetically-soft material is attached to the bottom of the chamber and a permanent magnet strip is embedded inside the membrane. Under the excitation of an externally applied AC magnetic field, the magnetically-soft strip produces a higher-order magnetic signature that can be remotely detected with an external receiving coil. As ambient pressure varies, the pressure membrane deflects, altering the separation distance between the magnetically-soft strip and the permanent magnet. This shifts the higher-order harmonic signal, allowing for detection of pressure change as a function of harmonic shifting. The wireless, passive nature of this sensor technology allows for continuous long-term pressure monitoring, particularly useful for biomedical applications such as monitoring pressure in aneurysm sac and sphincter of Oddi. In addition to demonstrating its pressure sensing capability, an animal model was used to investigate the efficacy and feasibility of the pressure sensor in a biological environment.

Introduction: Electromagnetic interference caused by electric power lines adversely affects the signals of electronic instruments, especially those with low amplitude levels. This type of interference is known as common-mode interference. There are many methods and architectures used to minimize the influence of this kind of interference on electronic instruments, the most common of which is the use of band-reject filters. This paper presents the analysis, development, prototype and test of a new reconfigurable filter architecture for biomedical instruments, aiming to reduce the common-mode interference and preserve the useful signal components in the same frequency range as that of the noise, using the technique of dynamic impedance balancing. Methods: The circuit blocks were mathematically modeled and the overall closed-loop transfer function was derived. Then the project was described and simulated in the VHDL_AMS language and also in an electronics simulation software, using discrete component blocks, with and without feedback. After theoretical analysis and simulation results, a prototype circuit was built and tested using as input a signal obtained from ECG electrodes. Results: The results from the experimental circuit matched those from simulation: a 97.6% noise reduction was obtained in simulations using a sinusoidal signal, and an 86.66% reduction was achieved using ECG electrodes in experimental tests. In both cases, the useful signal was preserved. Conclusion: The method and its architecture can be applied to attenuate interferences which occur in the same frequency band as that of the useful signal components, while preserving these signals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent technological advances in surgery have resulted in the development of a range of new techniques that have reduced patient trauma, shortened hospitalization, and improved diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic outcome. Despite the many appreciated benefits of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) compared to traditional approaches, there are still significant drawbacks associated with conventional MIS including poor instrument control and ergonomics caused by rigid instrumentation and its associated fulcrum effect. The use of robot assistance has helped to realize the full potential of MIS with improved consistency, safety and accuracy. The development of articulated, precision tools to enhance the surgeon's dexterity has evolved in parallel with advances in imaging and human-robot interaction. This has improved hand-eye coordination and manual precision down to micron scales, with the capability of navigating through complex anatomical pathways. In this review paper, clinical requirements and technical challenges related to the design of robotic platforms for flexible access surgery are discussed. Allied technical approaches and engineering challenges related to instrument design, intraoperative guidance, and intelligent human-robot interaction are reviewed. We also highlight emerging designs and research opportunities in the field by assessing the current limitations and open technical challenges for the wider clinical uptake of robotic platforms in MIS. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A passive and wireless sensor was developed for monitoring pressure in vivo. Structurally, the pressure sensor, referred to as the magneto-harmonic pressure sensor, is an airtight chamber sealed with an elastic pressure membrane. A strip of magnetically-soft material is attached to the bottom of the chamber and a permanent magnet strip is embedded inside the membrane. Under the excitation of an externally applied AC magnetic field, the magnetically-soft strip produces a higher-order magnetic signature that can be remotely detected with an external receiving coil. As ambient pressure varies, the pressure membrane deflects, altering the separation distance between the magnetically-soft strip and the permanent magnet. This shifts the higher-order harmonic signal, allowing for detection of pressure change as a function of harmonic shifting. The wireless, passive nature of this sensor technology allows for continuous long-term pressure monitoring, particularly useful for biomedical applications such as monitoring pressure in aneurysm sac and sphincter of Oddi. In addition to demonstrating its pressure sensing capability, an animal model was used to investigate the efficacy and feasibility of the pressure sensor in a biological environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The effect of elasticity of the flexible walls on peristaltic transport of an incompressible viscous fluid, with heat transfer, in a two dimensional uniform channel has been investigated under long wave length approximation. The perturbation solution has been obtained in terms of wall slope parameter and closed form expressions have been derived for velocity, temperature and heat transfer. The effects of elastic tension, damping and mass characterizing parameters on temperature and heat transfer have been studied. It is found that heat transfer increases with elastic tension and mass characterizing parameters. To cite this article: G. Radhakrishnamacharya, Ch. Srinivasulu, C. R. Mecanique 335 (2007). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We demonstrate a new detection scheme for a microfabricated flow cytometer. The fluidic-photonic integrated circuits (FPICs) that perform flow cytometric detection possess new functionality, such as on-chip excitation, time-of-flight measurement, and above all, greatly enhanced fluorescence detection sensitivity. Using the architecture of space-division waveguide demultiplexer and the technique of cross-correlation analysis, we obtained high detection sensitivity with a simple light source and a detector, without high-power laser excitation and lock-in amplifier (or photomultiplier tube) detection. Besides improving cytometric detection, the technology of integrating microfluidic circuits with photonic circuits into the FPIC presents a new platform for sophisticated biomedical-sensing devices with significant cost, size, and performance advantages. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

We describe the development of a joint in vivo/ex vivo protocol to monitor magnetic nanoparticles in animal models. Alternating current biosusceptometry (ACB) enables the assessment of magnetic nanoparticle accumulation, followed by quantitative analysis of concentrations in organs of interest. We present a study of real-time liver accumulation, followed by the assessment of sequential biodistribution using the same technique. For quantification, we validated our results by comparing all of the data with electron spin resonance (ESR). The ACB had viable temporal resolution and accuracy to differentiate temporal parameters of liver accumulation, caused by vasculature extravasation and macrophages action. The biodistribution experiment showed different uptake profiles for different doses and injection protocols. Comparisons with the ESR system indicated a correlation index of 0.993. We present the ACB system as an accessible and versatile tool to monitor magnetic nanoparticles, allowing in vivo and real-time evaluations of distribution and quantitative assessments of particle concentrations., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)