Journal Description
Proceedings
Proceedings
is an open access journal dedicated to publishing findings resulting from conferences, workshops, and similar events. The conference organizers and proceedings editors are responsible for managing the peer-review process and selecting papers for conference proceedings.
Latest Articles
Recent Improvements on Double-Parametric Optical Sensing of O2 Exploiting Near-Infrared Luminescence of Mixed-Phase Anatase/Rutile TiO2 Nanoparticles
Proceedings 2024, 97(1), 197; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2024097197 - 19 Apr 2024
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Mixed-phase titanium dioxide (TiO2) can be effectively employed as photoluminescence (PL) based ratiometric optical sensor of O2, thanks to its peculiar “anti-correlated” PL responses to O2 of anatase and rutile TiO2 polymorphs. We discuss how to exploit
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Mixed-phase titanium dioxide (TiO2) can be effectively employed as photoluminescence (PL) based ratiometric optical sensor of O2, thanks to its peculiar “anti-correlated” PL responses to O2 of anatase and rutile TiO2 polymorphs. We discuss how to exploit the simultaneous detection of luminescence arising from anatase and rutile TiO2 nanoparticles to obtain a responsivity which is, by construction, larger than the one obtainable through other gas-responsive oxides via the same PL-based approach. Furthermore, we illustrate our recent improvements on sensor sensitivity and stability for O2 concentrations ranging in the 10–100 ppm interval.
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Open AccessAbstract
Merging Surface Plasmon Optical Detection with Electronic Sensing
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Wolfgang Knoll
Proceedings 2024, 97(1), 196; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2024097196 - 19 Apr 2024
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In one of the “classical” configurations of electrolyte-gated field effect transistors (EGOFETs) for biosensing, the planar gate electrode is functionalized by (a monolayer of) receptors, to which the analyte molecules of interest bind from the analyte solution, thereby modifying the gate potential, which
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In one of the “classical” configurations of electrolyte-gated field effect transistors (EGOFETs) for biosensing, the planar gate electrode is functionalized by (a monolayer of) receptors, to which the analyte molecules of interest bind from the analyte solution, thereby modifying the gate potential, which in turn modifies the source drain current as the sensor output signal [...]
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Open AccessAbstract
Soft Optomechanical Devices Featuring Intrinsic Redox Activity
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Ferran Pujol-Vila and Mar Álvarez
Proceedings 2024, 97(1), 195; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2024097195 - 19 Apr 2024
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Soft optomechanical sensors have the ability to combine the high tunability and elasticity of soft polymers with the distinctive optical properties of photonic structures, thus offering unprecedented opportunities for the development high-performance colorimetric sensors. Herein, we demonstrate for the first time the use
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Soft optomechanical sensors have the ability to combine the high tunability and elasticity of soft polymers with the distinctive optical properties of photonic structures, thus offering unprecedented opportunities for the development high-performance colorimetric sensors. Herein, we demonstrate for the first time the use of optomechanical devices made of off-stoichiometry thiol-ene (OSTE), a polymeric material that features intrinsic redox activity, overcoming some limitations of conventional materials (e.g., polydimethylsiloxane or silicon). Remarkably, this work provides the foundation for a new generation of highly tunable and versatile optomechanical sensors, enabling unexplored functionalities.
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Open AccessProceeding Paper
Bone Mineral Density and Body Composition among Individuals Who Practice Sports with Mechanical Impact and Sedentary Activities
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João Pinheiro, Luís Ribeiro and Manuel Coelho-e-Silva
Proceedings 2024, 99(1), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2024099010 - 18 Apr 2024
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The purpose of this study was to evaluate indicators of bone health associated with sports practice in male adolescents using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to measure bone mineral content (BMC), density (BMD), and body composition (BC) for the whole body (WB) and specific
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The purpose of this study was to evaluate indicators of bone health associated with sports practice in male adolescents using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to measure bone mineral content (BMC), density (BMD), and body composition (BC) for the whole body (WB) and specific regions. This cross-sectional study involved 65 individuals (18–35 years). Athletes had higher BMD for WB (1.064 ± 0.121 g/m−2) than sedentary individuals (0.753 ± 0.129 g/cm−2). Differences were also observed within specific regions such as the trunk, upper and lower limbs. Individuals who practice regular sports present improved bone health indicators compared to their sedentary peers.
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(This article belongs to the Proceedings of VII Poster Sunset Session—ESSUAlg 2024)
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Open AccessAbstract
Multianalyte-Compatible Lysis for the Detection of P. aeruginosa and IL-6 via Lateral Flow Immunoassay
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Anna Klebes, Bianka Pfefferle, Anna-Sophia Kittel, Bastian Breiner, Nadine Borst and Felix von Stetten
Proceedings 2024, 97(1), 194; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2024097194 - 17 Apr 2024
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The development of new multianalyte biosensors that can detect multiple classes of biomolecules is highly desirable and will greatly improve medical diagnostics. In the field of infectious diseases, for example, it is beneficial to detect pathogens via nucleic acid analysis together with host
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The development of new multianalyte biosensors that can detect multiple classes of biomolecules is highly desirable and will greatly improve medical diagnostics. In the field of infectious diseases, for example, it is beneficial to detect pathogens via nucleic acid analysis together with host immune response markers. In this work, we present a multianalyte-compatible lysis using antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). This strategy enables the simultaneous detection of bacterial DNA and inflammatory biomarkers via multianalyte lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA).
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Open AccessAbstract
Non-Stoichiometric Titanium-Oxide Gate Electrodes for EGFET Based pH Sensors
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Zsombor Szomor, Lilia Bató, Silvia Stágl, Orsolya Hakkel, Attila Sulyok, Csaba Dücső, Zsófia Baji and Péter Fürjes
Proceedings 2024, 97(1), 193; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2024097193 - 17 Apr 2024
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A compact pH measuring electrochemical sensor module was developed for Smart Multi-Well Plates (SMWP) applicable for highly parallelized cell culture analysis using incorporated Organ-on-Chip devices. A specific electronic architecture was designed and manufactured containing an extended gate field effect transistor as the transducer
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A compact pH measuring electrochemical sensor module was developed for Smart Multi-Well Plates (SMWP) applicable for highly parallelized cell culture analysis using incorporated Organ-on-Chip devices. A specific electronic architecture was designed and manufactured containing an extended gate field effect transistor as the transducer device. Electrochemical electrodes were functionalized using pH sensitive metal-oxides and applied as the gate material. The composition and the related pH sensitivity of differently deposited materials were characterized and the suitability of ALD-deposited, non-stoichiometric titanium oxide (TiOx) for sensitive pH measurement was verified showing excellent responses close to the ideal Nernstian slope (59 mV/pH).
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Open AccessAbstract
Silver-Based Plasmonic Grating with PDMS Microchannel for Biological Sensors
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Pongsak Sarapukdee, Dirk Schulz and Stefan Palzer
Proceedings 2024, 97(1), 192; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2024097192 - 17 Apr 2024
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The label-free approach streamlines sample analysis by eliminating the need for fluorescent markers or labels, thus improving accuracy and speed. This contribution explores the potential of silver-based plasmonic gratings as central building blocks for developing biological sensors using label-free detection techniques. It presents
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The label-free approach streamlines sample analysis by eliminating the need for fluorescent markers or labels, thus improving accuracy and speed. This contribution explores the potential of silver-based plasmonic gratings as central building blocks for developing biological sensors using label-free detection techniques. It presents the design, fabrication, and optimization of plasmonic gratings, including showcasing their application in biological molecule detection.
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Open AccessAbstract
Optimization of Micro-Electromechanical Lorentz Actuator Using a Surrogate Model Accelerated Genetic Algorithm
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Phiona Buhr, Cyrus Shafai, Byoungyoul Park, Yunli Wang and Miroslav Belov
Proceedings 2024, 97(1), 191; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2024097191 - 17 Apr 2024
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A surrogate model (SM)-assisted multi-objective genetic algorithm (GA) is presented that is used to accelerate the performance optimization of a MEMS actuator. The GA employs both finite element method (FEM) simulations and the SM together to undertake the multi-objective optimization. The algorithm evolves
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A surrogate model (SM)-assisted multi-objective genetic algorithm (GA) is presented that is used to accelerate the performance optimization of a MEMS actuator. The GA employs both finite element method (FEM) simulations and the SM together to undertake the multi-objective optimization. The algorithm evolves the actuator geometry to meet a required 1 µm displacement while seeking to achieve the objectives of minimal temperature rise and resonant frequency over 5 kHz. The result is a continuous surface of Pareto optimal designs for the decision maker to choose from. The SM was found to compute similar solutions as the FEM with a 100,000× faster computation speed.
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Open AccessAbstract
Two-Dimensional Layered Amorphous Metal Oxide Gas Sensors (LAMOS) Perspectives and Gas Sensing Properties
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Valentina Paolucci, Jessica De Santis, Vittorio Ricci, Giacomo Giorgi and Carlo Cantalini
Proceedings 2024, 97(1), 190; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2024097190 - 17 Apr 2024
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Two-dimensional Layered Amorphous Metal Oxide Sensors (LAMOS) represent a new class of 2D amorphous oxide (a-MOx) interfaces with unveiled properties in gas sensing applications. Herein, we report the humidity and gas sensing response of p- and n-type chemoresistive few-layered
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Two-dimensional Layered Amorphous Metal Oxide Sensors (LAMOS) represent a new class of 2D amorphous oxide (a-MOx) interfaces with unveiled properties in gas sensing applications. Herein, we report the humidity and gas sensing response of p- and n-type chemoresistive few-layered (2D) amorphous a-SnO2, a-In2O3, and a-Cr2O3, discussing their reaction mechanisms using DFT modelling and electrical tests. LAMOS interfaces can be easily prepared by controlled oxidation in air of a large class of exfoliated 2D TMDs, MCs, and TMTH (Transition Metal Dichalcogenides, Chalcogenides, and Trihalides) like WS2, MoS2, SnSe2, In2Se3, NiCl2, and CrCl3, yielding 2D amorphous a-MOx interfaces. LAMOS platforms preserving all the surface-to-volume advantages of their 2D precursors show excellent gas sensing properties representing a new class of material for gas sensing applications.
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Open AccessProceeding Paper
Reverse Archaeology: A New Method
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Paolo Rosati
Proceedings 2024, 96(1), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2024096017 - 17 Apr 2024
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Reverse Archaeology is a digital method useful for rebuilding an old excavation from its documentation. It mainly involves passing data from analogical sheets to digital feature/tables or from older sources to new and open-source formats. The idea for this paper came from the
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Reverse Archaeology is a digital method useful for rebuilding an old excavation from its documentation. It mainly involves passing data from analogical sheets to digital feature/tables or from older sources to new and open-source formats. The idea for this paper came from the Una Quantum 2021 conference, specifically from the writing of the paper presented with Agnese Vacca at that same conference. What will be presented in this paper is a new assessment, with some other examples and a larger theoretical support, toward the creation of a community and a practical manual.
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(This article belongs to the Proceedings of Una Quantum 2022: Open Source Technologies for Cultural Heritage, Cultural Activities and Tourism)
Open AccessProceeding Paper
On the Run—Comparing Bioimpedance Analysis (BIA) Using Portable Devices
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Carina Vieira Dias, Joana C. Dias, Céu Laranjo, Paulo Cardoso and Ana Luísa De Sousa-Coelho
Proceedings 2024, 99(1), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2024099011 - 17 Apr 2024
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Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a non-invasive indirect method that allows for measurement of lean and fat body mass. The main goal of this exploratory study was to compare the results from two different portable BIA devices. We found that only fat-free mass
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Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a non-invasive indirect method that allows for measurement of lean and fat body mass. The main goal of this exploratory study was to compare the results from two different portable BIA devices. We found that only fat-free mass and body fat mass were directly comparable between InBodyS10 (Teprel, Porto, Portugal) and seca mBCA 525 (Bacelar, Porto, Portugal) medical portable BIA devices.
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(This article belongs to the Proceedings of VII Poster Sunset Session—ESSUAlg 2024)
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Open AccessAbstract
Controlled Contact between Beads and Cells for the Characterization of Receptor–Ligand Bonds
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Clémentine Lipp, Laure Koebel, Romain Loyon, Aude Bolopion, Laurie Spehner, Michaël Gauthier, Christophe Borg, Arnaud Bertsch and Philippe Renaud
Proceedings 2024, 97(1), 189; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2024097189 - 16 Apr 2024
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The controlled contact between two micro-sized objects, such as beads and cells, and the assessment of their adhesion status is demonstrated in this research. The controlled contact is carried out in a microfluidic channel under flow conditions and makes use of a combination
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The controlled contact between two micro-sized objects, such as beads and cells, and the assessment of their adhesion status is demonstrated in this research. The controlled contact is carried out in a microfluidic channel under flow conditions and makes use of a combination of hydrodynamic traps, flow drag force and dielectrophoretic (DEP) force to maintain the two objects in contact for the desired duration in a first step. Then, the pair objects are separated in the second step in order to explore their adhesion status. Adhesion events are mediated by the bond formed between a receptor and its ligand, and their binding kinetic parameters can be extracted from the measurements using the proposed device.
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Open AccessAbstract
Wearable Prototype for Smart Personal Protective Equipment
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Fabrizio Formisano, Antonio Del Giudice, Michele Dellutri and Girolamo Di Francia
Proceedings 2024, 97(1), 188; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2024097188 - 16 Apr 2024
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Smart personal protective equipment (PPE) broadens the ways to enhance security in workplaces. Using active systems with communication capabilities, it is possible to continuously monitor workers and environmental parameters to prevent undesirable events or to quickly intervene in case of accident. This work
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Smart personal protective equipment (PPE) broadens the ways to enhance security in workplaces. Using active systems with communication capabilities, it is possible to continuously monitor workers and environmental parameters to prevent undesirable events or to quickly intervene in case of accident. This work describes the latest improvements in the design of an upgraded version of our earlier laboratory prototype. The enhancements concern a more compact form factor, reduced power consumption and replacements with the latest products available on the market. In this work, the design solution and results will be presented.
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Open AccessAbstract
Microfluidic System with Integrated Electrode Array for High-Throughput Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy Analysis of Localised Cells
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Lilia Bató and Péter Fürjes
Proceedings 2024, 97(1), 187; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2024097187 - 16 Apr 2024
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A multi-channel microfluidic system was designed and fabricated with an integrated electrode array to be capable of trapping and analysing single cells or populations in the individual channels in a controlled chemical environment. The analytical system was interfaced with a dedicated printed circuit
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A multi-channel microfluidic system was designed and fabricated with an integrated electrode array to be capable of trapping and analysing single cells or populations in the individual channels in a controlled chemical environment. The analytical system was interfaced with a dedicated printed circuit board designed for parallel EIS and optical screening. The continuous impedance measurement also monitors the adequate filling of the channels and the cell trapping events. Yeast cells were characterised by recording the EIS spectra of individual channels, allowing the differentiation between the populations considering their size, viability, or proliferation. The EIS analysis was supported by fluorescent optical microscopy, also using cell staining.
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Open AccessAbstract
Triboelectric Energy Harvesting Shoe Insole
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Zifan Li, Lihua Tang, Wee Chen Gan and Kean Chin Aw
Proceedings 2024, 97(1), 186; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2024097186 - 15 Apr 2024
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Harvesting power from walking-related motions can be a sustainable energy source for powering wearables. This paper proposes a shoe insole with a 3D stackable self-supporting structure and energy harvesting capability based on triboelectrification. Initial tests showed that a unit cell of the structure
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Harvesting power from walking-related motions can be a sustainable energy source for powering wearables. This paper proposes a shoe insole with a 3D stackable self-supporting structure and energy harvesting capability based on triboelectrification. Initial tests showed that a unit cell of the structure could produce an open-circuit voltage of 164.5 V with a charge density of 2.02 nC/cm2, and the performance can be further improved with a higher force and a structure of multiple cells.
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Open AccessAbstract
Flexural Plate Wave Piezoelectric MEMS Pressure Sensor
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Alessandro Nastro, Stefano Bertelli, Marco Ferrari, Libor Rufer, Skandar Basrour and Vittorio Ferrari
Proceedings 2024, 97(1), 185; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2024097185 - 15 Apr 2024
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A piezoelectric MEMS pressure sensor that exploits the first antisymmetric vibration mode (A0) of Lamb waves is presented. The 6 mm × 6 mm diaphragm used to sense the applied pressure is composed of a stack of doped silicon (Si) and aluminum nitride
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A piezoelectric MEMS pressure sensor that exploits the first antisymmetric vibration mode (A0) of Lamb waves is presented. The 6 mm × 6 mm diaphragm used to sense the applied pressure is composed of a stack of doped silicon (Si) and aluminum nitride (AlN) layers with metal interdigital transducers (IDTs) to generate flexural plate waves (FPWs). The working principle has been validated through 2D finite element analysis within the frequency range 10–15 MHz and experimentally verified. A variable pressure has been applied across the diaphragm while measuring the electrical admittance of a single IDT. Experimental data are in good agreement with simulations showing a frequency shift of the admittance peaks when pressure acts on the MEMS diaphragm. For an applied pressure of 170 Pa, a relative frequency variation of 0.25% has been achieved.
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Open AccessProceeding Paper
Interpretation of Many-Valuedness in Quality-of-Life Instruments
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Luís Pedro Ribeiro, Patrik Eklund, Maria Augusta Ferreira, Anabela Ribeiro, Maria Conceição Farinha, Maria Adelaide Paiva, Tânia Gonçalves, Ana Paula Fontes and João Pinheiro
Proceedings 2024, 99(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2024099009 - 15 Apr 2024
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Assessment instruments for functioning in general and quality of life in particular often involve discrete scales with three, four, or five values, or Visual Analogue Scales (VAS) with a range 0–100. VAS scales often need to be downsized and discretized using intervals or
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Assessment instruments for functioning in general and quality of life in particular often involve discrete scales with three, four, or five values, or Visual Analogue Scales (VAS) with a range 0–100. VAS scales often need to be downsized and discretized using intervals or clusters. Cutoff points for these intervals/clusters need to be carefully selected and justified. Our objective was to underline the importance of providing clear interpretations of many-valuedness appearing in quality-of-life (QoL) instruments, and to present a methodology for the provision of such clearness. Doing so, we view QoL scales as originating within the World Health Organization (WHO).
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(This article belongs to the Proceedings of VII Poster Sunset Session—ESSUAlg 2024)
Open AccessProceeding Paper
Food Insecurity in Higher Education Students
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Aline de Paula, Beatriz Carneiro, Inês Mendes, Mariana Pacheco, Marta Gonçalves, Ezequiel Pinto and Maria Palma Mateus
Proceedings 2024, 99(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2024099008 - 15 Apr 2024
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Food insecurity (FI) indicates a situation in which there is no regular access to food in satisfactory quantity and quality. To characterize FI in students from Portuguese higher education institutions, a study was conducted in a non-random sample of students, with an online
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Food insecurity (FI) indicates a situation in which there is no regular access to food in satisfactory quantity and quality. To characterize FI in students from Portuguese higher education institutions, a study was conducted in a non-random sample of students, with an online questionnaire consisting of sociodemographic questions and the Portuguese version of the IF scale. There were 200 valid questionnaires and 27.5% of the participants were classified as having some degree of FI. Participants with FI reported fewer visits to the family’s home (p = 0.024) and less financial resources (p < 0.001). The results indicate that interventions are needed in this area.
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(This article belongs to the Proceedings of VII Poster Sunset Session—ESSUAlg 2024)
Open AccessAbstract
Optimizing Polyaniline-Based Gas Sensors for Hydrogen Sulfide Detection: The Crucial Role of Solvent Choice
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Maria L. Braunger, Edilene A. da Silva, Igor Fier, Nathalie Redon and Caroline Duc
Proceedings 2024, 97(1), 184; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2024097184 - 12 Apr 2024
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Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas poses a significant risk and thus demands continuous monitoring using reliable sensors. Chemiresistive sensors can serve this purpose, and the utilization of conducting polymeric materials, particularly polyaniline (PAni), has demonstrated significant potential. To fabricate chemiresistors based on
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Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas poses a significant risk and thus demands continuous monitoring using reliable sensors. Chemiresistive sensors can serve this purpose, and the utilization of conducting polymeric materials, particularly polyaniline (PAni), has demonstrated significant potential. To fabricate chemiresistors based on PAni, the materials must be dispersed in an organic solvent like dimethylformamide (DMF), which has several hazardous properties. Fortunately, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a safer alternative with similar properties to DMF, and may be used instead of DMF. In this study, we aim to compare the efficacy of DMF and DMSO solvents in fabricating PAni and metal chloride composite films for detecting H2S gas.
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Open AccessAbstract
Capacitive Biosensor Based on a Peptide Hybrid Substrate for the Detection of MMP-13 in Chronic Wounds
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Amandine Sandoval, Brice Sorli, Arnaud Vena, Cécile Echalier, Ahmad Mehdi and Gilles Subra
Proceedings 2024, 97(1), 183; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2024097183 - 12 Apr 2024
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This work focuses on a capacitive biosensor based on a hydride peptide for the detection of MMP-13. Indeed, the enzyme MMP-13 is a remarkable indicator of inflammation in chronic wounds. To achieve specific detection of this enzyme, a metallocene was added to the
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This work focuses on a capacitive biosensor based on a hydride peptide for the detection of MMP-13. Indeed, the enzyme MMP-13 is a remarkable indicator of inflammation in chronic wounds. To achieve specific detection of this enzyme, a metallocene was added to the peptide which amplifies the electrical variation allowing for proof of concept and reliability.
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