Diss. (sammanfattning) Stockholm : Karol. inst., 2004. / Härtill 4 uppsatser.

Thesis (M.A.)--University of South Florida, 2006. / Title from PDF of title page. Document formatted into pages; contains 68 pages. Includes bibliographical references.

Το αντικείμενο της εργασίας είναι ο υπολογισμός του καρδιακού και αναπνευστικού παλμού με επεξεργασία του σήματος που λαμβάνεται με χρήση πιεζοηλεκτρικού αισθητήρα. Ο αισθητήρας είναι τοποθετημένος στον λαιμό και ανιχνεύει ένα σήμα που περιλαμβάνει τόσο τον καρδιακό, όσο και τον αναπνευστικό ρυθμό. Η δειγματοληψία και μετατροπή του σήματος σε ψηφιακό γίνεται με χρήση του microcontroller MSP430F149 ο οποίος προγραμματίζεται κατάλληλα για το σκοπό αυτό. Το ψηφιακό αυτό σήμα επεξεργάζεται με κατωδιαβατό φίλτρο πεπερασμένης κρουστικής απόκρισης προκειμένου να αποκοπούν οι υψηλές συχνότητες και υπολογίζεται η ενέργεια του προκύπτοντος σήματος. Εν συνεχεία με χρήση του FFT, και κατάλληλων φίλτρων γίνεται ο διαχωρισμός του σήματος σε αναπνοής και καρδιακού ρυθμού. / -

abstract: In the search for chemical biosensors designed for patient-based physiological applications, non-invasive diagnostic approaches continue to have value. The work described in this thesis builds upon previous breath analysis studies. In particular, it seeks to assess the adsorptive mechanisms active in both acetone and ethanol biosensors designed for breath analysis. The thermoelectric biosensors under investigation were constructed using a thermopile for transduction and four different materials for biorecognition. The analytes, acetone and ethanol, were evaluated under dry-air and humidified-air conditions. The biosensor response to acetone concentration was found to be both repeatable and linear, while the sensor response to ethanol presence was also found to be repeatable. The different biorecognition materials produced discernible thermoelectric responses that were characteristic for each analyte. The sensor output data is presented in this report. Additionally, the results were evaluated against a mathematical model for further analysis. Ultimately, a thermoelectric biosensor based upon adsorption chemistry was developed and characterized. Additional work is needed to characterize the physicochemical action mechanism. / Dissertation/Thesis / M.S. Bioengineering 2011

The Multiple Breath Washout (MBW) test is increasingly being recognised as a sensitive method of detecting early small airways lung disease. Indices of MBW include lung clearance index (LCI), Scond and Sacin. Factors that affect MBW variability have not been fully established. This thesis presents five studies which examine MBW repeatability in children with and without cystic fibrosis (CF) or asthma. MBW was performed using 0.2% sulphur hexafluoride and the modified Innocor (Innovision). Testing was performed at the Clinical Research Facility of the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh. (1) MBW and spirometry were performed in children with and without CF (n=20 in each group), initially while sitting and then 30 minutes after assuming a supine posture. LCI was found to significantly rise on lying supine in healthy children (p < 0.01) and children with CF (p=0.03). (2) Thirty two children with CF performed MBW and spirometry on four study visits, results were correlated with findings from high resolution chest computed tomography scans taken on the first visit. LCI showed the strongest correlation with extent and severity of bronchiectasis (r=0.66, p < 0.01 and r=0.69, p < 0.01 respectively). Variability of LCI was similar to FEV1 over the 4 visits. (3) MBW and spirometry of 66 healthy children were compared to 63 children with stable asthma; lung function of asthmatic children was related to symptoms and medication use. LCI was higher in the asthmatic group (6.7 vs 6.3, p < 0.01); within the asthmatic group LCI was significantly higher if asthma was less well controlled (p=0.02). (4) Children with and without asthma (n=21 in each group) performed MBW and spirometry before and after exercise and again after salbutamol, symptom data was collected from asthmatic children. Baseline LCI was abnormal in the asthmatic group who had severe exercise induced bronchospasm during testing. (5) Asthmatic children admitted to hospital due to exacerbation performed MBW and spirometry. Mean (SD) LCI was abnormally high at 8.5 (1.7) in the nine patients recruited and returned to normal 6.7 (0.6) in three patients who attended follow up. I have presented evidence that LCI is repeatable and sensitive to early disease in CF and asthma. I have described for the first time the effects of exercise and exacerbation on MBW indices in asthmatic children. MBW is potentially a very useful tool in paediatrics; standardisation of testing and equipment may enable clinical use.

abstract: The world of healthcare can be seen as dynamic, often an area where technology and science meet to consummate a greater good for humanity. This relationship has been working well for the last century as evident by the average life expectancy change. For the greater of the last five decades the average life expectancy at birth increased globally by almost 20 years. In the United States specifically, life expectancy has grown from 50 years in 1900 to 78 years in 2009. That is a 76% increase in just over a century. As great as this increase sounds for humanity it means there are soon to be real issues in the healthcare world. A larger older population will need more healthcare services but have fewer young professionals to provide those services. Technology and science will need to continue to push the boundaries in order to develop and provide the solutions needed to continue providing the aging world population sufficient healthcare. One solution sure to help provide a brighter future for healthcare is mobile health (m-health). M-health can help provide a means for healthcare professionals to treat more patients with less work expenditure and do so with more personalized healthcare advice which will lead to better treatments. This paper discusses one area of m-health devices specifically; human breath analysis devices. The current laboratory methods of breath analysis and why these methods are not adequate for common healthcare practices will be discussed in more detail. Then more specifically, mobile breath analysis devices are discussed. The topic will encompass the challenges that need to be met in developing such devices, possible solutions to these challenges, two real examples of mobile breath analysis devices and finally possible future directions for m-health technologies. / Dissertation/Thesis / M.S. Mechanical Engineering 2012

The objective of this study was to examine the handling influence on breath rate and plasma corticosterone in adult common voles. Furthermore, the examination of relationship between physiological and personality traits was performed. A device consisting of chamber, pressure sensor and oscilloscope measured the breath rate. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for corticosterone analysis. Behavioural characteristics were assessed in Open field test (OFT) and Elevated Plus Maze (EPM). The results did not prove the significant impact on resting breath rate and plasma corticosterone level. However, the handled individuals had nearly significantly lower stress breath rate compared to the non-handled individuals. Significant relationship between breath rate and behavioural traits was not detected. Nevertheless, the individuals with lower stress-induced plasma corticosterone performed significantly longer exploration in Elevated Plus Maze.

The major objective of this thesis is to systematically investigate the effect of hexagonal BN (h-BN) islands on electronic and vibrational properties of single wall carbon Nanotubes. All our investigation are based on first principle Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations. Our study is motivated by interesting metal-semiconductor transition recently found in periodically patterned graphene with h-BN islands. After reproducing the electronic band structure for pristine single wall zigzag carbon nanotubes (which shows metallic or semiconducting properties depending on their chirality), we investigated their electronic band structure in the presence of h-BN islands. The band structure depends not only on the defect concentration, but also on the pattern of the defect atoms. Our results also suggest that, if we start with a metallic /semiconducting mixture of ZSWCNTs, upon h-BN addition, the sample converts to fully semiconducting. This is a promising result for applications of CNTs in molecular electronics. Fundamental understanding of vibrational properties of nano electronics component is equally important in their applications especially in thermal management and thermoelectric applications. Defect engineering is one of the potential approach for tuning nanoelectronic devices for optimal thermal management and thermoelectric devices. In this work, I present a systematic investigation on how the group velocity and frequency of different phonon modes depend on various h-BN defect concentrations and defect patterns in ZSWCNTs. The study was extended to investigate the effect of hexagonal-C defects on the electronic and vibrational properties of zigzag single wall Boron Nitride nanotubes (ZSWBNNTs).

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / A halitose se caracterizada pela emanação de um odor desagradável onde cerca de 90% de se origina dentro da cavidade oral. Estudos têm demonstrado uma relação direta entre a doença periodontal e o odor ofensivo do hálito. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a frequência e distribuição de halitose em um grupo de pacientes com doença periodontal em um estudo transversal observacional (n=112) e, em um estudo intervencionista, avaliar o efeito do tratamento periodontal full-mouth e convencional na redução da halitose em um grupo de pacientes com doença periodontal. Os pacientes responderam a uma anamnese, tiveram seu hálito mensurado pelo halímetro e teste organoléptico, além de realizados Índice de placa visível, Índice de sangramento gengival, Índice de saburra lingual e exame periodontal completo. No estudo 2, os pacientes foram submetidos a seis distintas formas de tratamento: terapia periodontal em sessão única, terapia convencional em quadrantes e, um grupo controle, com somente instrução de higiene oral. Todas as modalidades subdivididas: com e sem raspagem lingual diária. No primeiro estudo os resultados mostraram que, tanto para teste organoléptico quanto para o halímetro, houve maior grau de halitose nos grupos de idades mais avançadas, nos que relataram sangramento gengival e escovação menos que três vezes ao dia. Ainda no teste organoléptico a escovação de língua gerou diferença estatística. Não houve diferença estatística entre as medidas de halitose entre teste organoléptico e halímetro. Foram encontrados aproximadamente 75% de pacientes periodontais com halitose. No segundo estudo os resultados mostraram superioridade conforme análise do halímetro para 30, 60 e 90 dias para os grupos de raspagem em sessão única contra raspagem por quadrantes. Sendo todos os grupos superiores ao controle. Não houve diferença na abordagem com ou sem a raspagem de língua. De acordo com o teste organoléptico, não houve diferença entre os quatro tipos de tratamento periodontal comparados aos grupos controle. O mesmo aplica-se ao WTCI, onde os grupos de tratamento foram superiores ao controle, todavia semelhantes entre si. Concluiu-se que a idade e o sangramento gengival, assim como a frequência de escovação podem influenciar no grau de halitose, tanto no teste organoléptico quanto halímetro. A escovação de língua mostrou-se superior apenas na avaliação organoléptica. Quando avaliado através do halímetro o tratamento full-mouth foi superior ao tratamento convencional. Esta diferença não foi observada quando avaliado através do método organoléptico. Todas as modalidades de tratamento periodontal foram superiores aos grupos controle. A raspagem lingual não teve influência nos tratamentos. / Halitosis is characterized by the emission of an unpleasant odor about 90% originates in the oral cavity. Studies have shown a direct relationship between periodontal disease and the offensive odor of breath. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of halitosis in patients with periodontal disease in an observational cross-sectional study (n = 112) and, in an intervention study, the patients have had six distinct forms of treatment (n = 90) to verify the efficacy of full- vs. partial-mouth disinfection in the control of halitosis. Patients answered an interview, they have had their breath collected by halimeter, they have evaluated by organoleptic test, and visible plaque index, gingival bleeding index, index of tongue coating and periodontal examination. In the second step, patients have been submitted to six different forms of treatment: periodontal therapy in one session, conventional therapy in quadrants, and the control group, with only oral hygiene instruction. All types split: with and without tongue scraping daily. The first study results shown for both organoleptic test as halimeter, a greater degree of halitosis in the older age groups, we have reported that gum bleeding and brushing less than three times per day. Still in organoleptic test brushing of tongue generated statistical difference. There was no statistical difference between the measures between halitosis and organoleptic test halimeter. There was about 75% og periodontal patients with halitosis. In the second study the results shown the superiority analysis as halimeter for 30, 60 and 90 days for groups of scraping in single session against scraping by quadrants. Being all groups superior from control. There was no difference in approach with or without tongue scraping. According to the organoleptic test, there was no difference between the four types of periodontal treatment compared to the control groups. The same applies to WTCI, the treatment groups were superior to the control, but similar to each other. It was concluded that age and gingival bleeding, like brushing frequency can influence the degree of halitosis, both the organoleptic test as halimeter. Brushing the tongue was superior only in organoleptic evaluation. When assessed by halimeter treatment full-mouth was superior to conventional treatment. This difference was not observed when measured by the organoleptic method. All periodontal treatment modalities were superior to control groups. Scraping lingual had no influence on treatments.

Objective: Analyze the vocal, aerodynamic and PH s characteristics before and after a PH s intensive physical therapy training in popular singers. Methods: A randomized clinical trial. Sample composed by singers, shared in Control Group (CG) ans Study Group (SG) that realized the PH s intensive physical therapy protocol. A comparison was made before and after the of the Maximum Phonation Times, voiceless /ė/ of sound pressure level, dynamic range, forced vital capacity (FVC), transversus abdominis activation and maximal expiratory pressures, the glottal source s acoustic voice analysis of was used the Multi Dimensional Advanced Program MDVPA by Kay PENTAX®. Was realized as well, a comparison before and after comparasion about the Simple Phonic Coefficients, Composed Phonic Coefficients, calculation of the ratios s/z, between voiceless and sonorous (ė/e) and the division of Phonation Maximum Time obtained/expected. Conclusion: Was evidenced the improvement of respiratory variables involved in phonation, have not been verified effects on the glottal source measures evaluated in the study, with the exception of two amplitude perturbation measures. The PH s intensive physical therapy training provides the decrease of the ratio of MPTO/MPTE values, suggesting a greater air leak phonation and the normalization of relations s/z and ė/e, suggesting a greater coordination pneumophonic, may bring benefits to the performance of these popular singers. / Objetivo: Analisar as características vocais, aerodinâmicas e do CF antes e após um protocolo de treinamento intensivo da musculatura que compõe o CF em cantores populares. Métodos: Ensaio clínico randomizado. Amostra composta por cantores populares, divididos em grupo controle (GC) e grupo de estudo (GE), este realizou o protocolo fisioterapêutico de treinamento intensivo do centro de força corporal. Realizou-se comparação antes e após dos Tempos máximos de fonação (TMF), do /ė/ áfono, do nível de pressão sonora, extensão dinâmica, capacidade vital forçada (CVF), da ativação do transverso do abdome e das pressões expiratórias máximas, a análise vocal acústica de fonte glótica foi utilizado o programa Multi Dimensional Advanced Program MDVPA da Kay PENTAX®. Realizou-se também a dos Coeficientes Fônicos Simples, Coeficientes fônicos Compostos, cálculo das relações s/z, entre o e áfono e sonoro (ė/e) e a divisão TMF obtido/previsto. Resultados: No grupo GE houve efeito sobre a CVF, a ativação do músculo transverso do abdome e sobre o Tempo Máximo de Fonação (TMF) /ė/. O GE não apresentou mudanças nas medidas acústicas de fonte glótica, com exceção do aumento de duas medidas de perturbação de amplitude que sugerem instabilidade da PS ou da amplitude da voz ciclo-a-ciclo. Foi verificado modificações estatisticamente significantes das relações s/z e ė/e e redução dos valores da relação TMFO/TMFP. Conclusão: evidenciou-se a melhora de variáveis respiratórias envolvidas na fonação, não foram verificados efeitos sobre as medidas de fonte glótica avaliadas no estudo, com exceção de duas medidas de perturbação de amplitude. O protocolo fisioterapêutico de treinamento intensivo do CF corporal proporcionou a diminuição dos valores da relação TMFO/TMFP, sugerindo maior escape aéreo à fonação e a normalização das relações s/z e ė/e, indicando maior coordenação pneumofônica, podendo trazer benefícios ao desempenho desses cantores populares.