Design Aspects for Portable LED-Based Colorimetric Characterisation Systems Targeting Liquid Analytes.

Colorimetric characterisation systems based on LEDs and RBG sensors are straightforward to implement, are highly integrable allowing for portable measurement systems and can be constructed using widespread and affordable components. They have already proved to be a satisfactory solution in several applications related to chemical analysis. In this paper, we present an RGB sensor-based prototype for colorimetric characterisation, which can accommodate cuvettes with optical paths of 10 mm and 40 mm. We assessed the impact of experimental condition parameters such as the variability of the analyte volume in the cuvette, as well as the presence of floating particles or deposits at the bottom of the cuvette. While these would not impact the result given by a spectrophotometer that generally has a directional light source, they must be considered in LED/RGB sensor analysers in which the light path is not tightly controlled. We demonstrated that there is a minimal sensor height above the bottom of the cuvette and a minimal analyte level (both depending on the prototype optical path length) above which the analyte volume and the presence of floating particles and deposits have no impact on the prototype output signal. Finally, based on these results, we proposed a test method for a quick dye-displacement assay, in which the reagent is a dye-loaded molecularly imprinted polymer that is poured directly into a cuvette.

Active time at work following the introduction of a standing and a cycling workstation into worker's office space.

Objectives. Active workstations have been proposed to counteract sedentary behavior at work. This study describes office workers' use of and perceptions toward standing and cycling workstations, and assesses whether the two active workstations were sufficient to break sitting time and replace it with 2-4 h of light activity per workday. Methods. This mixed-method study utilized video recording, semi-structured interviews and a questionnaire. The quantitative data covered time spent sitting, standing and on a cycling workstation. The qualitative data were analyzed based on preferences, barriers and facilitators. Results. Participants (n = 15) used active workstations 125.3 (74.5) min/day and spent 79.0 (63.6) min/day using standing versus 46.3 (47.6) min/day using cycling workstations (p = 0.153, d = 0.58). Following the interviews, the standing workstation was preferred over cycling. The ergonomics of the cycling workstation were not optimal and caused discomfort in use. Seven participants broke their sitting time and accumulated 2+ h of light physical activity per workday. Those participants meeting recommendations were older, had a higher body fat percentage and engaged in less physical activity per week. Conclusion. With a preference for standing workstations, our results showed that 47% of workers used standing and cycling workstations to accumulate 2+ h of active time per day.

Low-Cost Optical pH Sensor with a Polyaniline (PANI)-Sensitive Layer Based on Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) Components.

In this paper, we presented a novel, compact, conceptually simple, and fully functional low-cost prototype of a pH sensor with a PANI thin film as a sensing layer. The PANI deposition process is truly low-cost; it performs from the liquid phase, does not required any specialized equipment, and comprises few processing steps. The resulting PANI layer has excellent stability, resistance to solvents, and bio- and chemical compatibility. The pH sensor's sensing part includes only a few components such as a red-light-emitting diode (LED) as a light source, and a corresponding photodiode (PD) as a detector. Unlike other PANI-based sensors, it requires no sophisticated and expensive techniques and components such lasers to excite the PANI or spectrometry to identify the PANI color change induced by pH variation. The pH sensor is sensitive in the broad pH range of 3 to 9, which is useful for numerous practical applications. The sensor requires a tiny volume of the test specimen, as little as 55 µL. We developed a fully integrated packaging solution for the pH sensor that comprises a limited number of components. The pH sensor comprises exclusively commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components and standard printed circuit boards. The pH sensor is assembled using standard surface mounting technology (SMT).

Association between physical activity and taste-The advantage of increased intensity for some but not all individuals.

INTRODUCTION: Taste is a key sensory modulator of energy intake, and while the effects of acute physical activity (PA) on taste have been recently confirmed, its chronic effects remain poorly documented. METHODS: Data were extracted from the NHANES database, including salty and bitter taste tests, moderate PA (MPA) and vigorous PA (VPA) levels, and anthropometric data. Binary logistic regressions were conducted, and odds ratios (ORs) represent the association between physical activity level and successful taste tests. RESULTS: 3,114 participants (51.5% women, mean age 58.5±11.9 years, mean BMI 29.5±7.0 kg/m2) were analyzed. For the tongue tip test, the frequency of VPA was associated with a better score for the bitter and total taste test, while duration of VPA was associated with a better score for the bitter, salty, and total taste test (OR [1.01-1.06], p<0.05). For the whole mouth test, MPA frequency improved the bitter taste score (OR = 1.06, p = 0.01) while VPA frequency and duration were associated with better scores for bitter, salty, and total taste tests (OR [1.01-1.15], p<0.05). These findings were distinctively influenced by weight status and gender, with males and individuals without obesity mainly beneficiating from an active lifestyle. PERSPECTIVES: This study underlines the link between PA, particularly its frequency and intensity, and improved taste preservation. These findings emphasize the potential benefits of regular VPA for optimizing taste perception, although questions remain regarding the advantages for individuals with obesity and the lack of association observed in women who might already have a preserved profile.

Package Design Thermal Optimization for Metal-Oxide Gas Sensors by Finite Element Modeling and Infra-Red Imaging Characterization.

We designed a 3D geometrical model of a metal-oxide gas sensor and its custom packaging and used it in finite element modeling (FEM) analysis for obtaining temperature and heat flux distribution. The 3D computer simulation, performed with GetDP software (version 3.5.0, 13 May 2022), accurately predicted the temperature distribution variation across the entire assembly. Knowing the temperature variation and the location of the hot spots allowed us to select the best electrical interconnect method and to choose the optimal materials combination and optimal geometry. The thermal modeling also confirmed the need to use a low thermal conductivity material to insulate the MOX sensor since the latter is heated to its operational temperature of 250 °C. For that purpose, we used the in-house formulated xerogel-epoxy composite of thermal conductivity of 0.108 W m-1 K-1, which is at least 30% less compared to the best-in-class among commercially available materials. Based on the 3D FEM outputs, we designed, assembled, and characterized a fully functional packaged MOX gas sensor in several configurations. We measured the temperature distribution on all parts of the MOX gas sensor assembly using a thermal imaging infrared (IR) microscope. The results of 3D FEM are in good agreement with the temperature distribution obtained by the non-contact IR thermal characterization.

Health and productivity at work: which active workstation for which benefits: a systematic review.

In order to reduce sedentary behaviour at work, research has examined the effectiveness of active workstations. However, despite their relevance in replacing conventional desks, the comparison between types of active workstations and their respective benefits remains unclear. The purpose of this review article is thus to compare the benefits between standing, treadmill and cycling workstations. Search criteria explored Embase, PubMed and Web of Science databases. The review included studies concerning adults using at least two types of active workstations, evaluating biomechanical, physiological work performance and/or psychobiological outcomes. Twelve original articles were included. Treadmill workstations induced greater movement/activity and greater muscular activity in the upper limbs compared with standing workstations. Treadmill and cycling workstations resulted in elevated heart rate, decreased ambulatory blood pressure and increased energy expenditure during the workday compared with standing workstations. Treadmill workstations reduced fine motor skill function (ie, typing, mouse pointing and combined keyboard/mouse tasks) compared with cycling and standing workstations. Cycling workstations resulted in improved simple processing task speeds compared with standing and treadmill workstations. Treadmill and cycling workstations increased arousal and decreased boredom compared with standing workstations. The benefits associated with each type of active workstation (eg, standing, treadmill, cycling) may not be equivalent. Overall, cycling and treadmill workstations appear to provide greater short-term physiological changes than standing workstations that could potentially lead to better health. Cycling, treadmill and standing workstations appear to show short-term productivity benefits; however, treadmill workstations can reduce the performance of computer tasks.