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In this paper, two improved ultra-wideband (UWB) balanced power amplifiers based on the flip-chip system-in-package technique and electronic design automation (EDA) are proposed. The conventional approach to system-on-chip (SoC) involves integrating all sub-circuit designs into a single manufacturing process. However, in radio frequency circuits, adopting the SoC approach necessitates intricate matching designs, leading to an increase in development costs. In this study, two types of SiGe unit power amplifiers attempted to achieve a flat S21 response using simpler matching for input/output. The cascode architecture was adopted as the main structure for the first type of unit power amplifier (type I). Subsequently, the design of the second type unit power amplifier was built upon the foundation of the first type, with the only difference being the implementation of two parallel cascode structures (type II), and the primary goal is to enhance both gain and output power compared to the first type. In addition, for this second type unit power amplifier, in conjunction with a quadrature hybrid coupler, the optimal impedance matching value was selected to maintain the flatness of gain across the entire UWB range. Furthermore, the poor performance of S11,22 of these two types of unit power amplifiers was improved by using quadrature hybrid couplers using the WIPD process combined with EDA simulation. Therefore, using flip-chip packaging technology can effectively reduce the increased wafer fabrication costs caused by complex matching designs in active circuits. This improved system has the potential to offer a new practical application for UWB power amplifier design.

Objectives: This study aimed to explore the relationship between multidimensional factors, such as environment, health status, behavior, social support, and the well-being of middle-aged and older adults. Methods: This study utilized data from 2 waves of the nationally representative Taiwan Longitudinal Study on Aging Survey Report (TLSA) conducted in 2015 and 2019. The TLSA assesses socioeconomic status, physical and health status, the 5-item World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5 index), and social support. Data regarding the degree of digital development were obtained from the 2020 Township Digital Development Report. We applied a generalized estimating equation (GEE) to analyze the influencing factors. Results: This study included 4796 participants. Residing in areas with a higher degree of digital development, having a higher socioeconomic status, and experiencing better physical and mental health were significantly associated with well-being. Furthermore, emotional and attentive support mediated the association between physical and mental status and well-being. Conclusion: People's awareness of searching for and receiving social support and medical resources is important for enhancing their well-being. It is also crucial to pay attention to the living environment and maintain one's health status to promote well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few studies have investigated the feasibility of using pudendal neuromodulation to regulate bladder function in spinal cord-injured (SCI) animals. The present study aimed to determine the effects of electrical activation of the pudendal sensory branch on improving voiding functions in rats 6 weeks after a spinal cord injury and to explore the underlying neuromodulatory mechanisms. Methods: Two urodynamic measurements were used to assess the effects of electrical stimulation (ES) on bladder and urethral functions: simultaneous recordings of the intravesical pressure (IVP) during continuous isotonic transvesical infusion (i.e., isotonic IVP) and external urethral sphincter (EUS) electromyography (EUS-EMG), and simultaneous recordings of transvesical pressure under isovolumetric conditions (i.e., isovolumetric IVP) and urethral perfusion pressure (UPP). Results: Six weeks after the SCI, the rats showed voiding dysfunction, as indicated by abnormal cystometric measurements (e.g., increased volume threshold, increased contraction amplitude, and increased residual volume, and decreased voided volume). The voiding efficiency (VE) decreased to 13% after the SCI, but increased to 22–34% after applying pudendal afferent stimulation. In addition, pudendal stimulation significantly increased the EUS burst period and increased the difference between the UPP and the high-frequency oscillation (HFO) baselines, and changed the time offset between bladder and EUS activities. These findings suggest that pudendal afferent stimulation improved the VE by prolonging the micturition interval, decreased the urethral resistance, and recovered detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia during the voiding phase. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the feasibility of using pudendal neuromodulation in chronic SCI rats. These results could aid in developing an advanced neural prosthesis to restore bladder function in clinical settings.