A High CMRR Instrumentation Amplifier for Biopotential Signal Acquisition

Biopotential signals are important to physicians for diagnosing medical conditions in patients. Traditionally, biopotentials are acquired using contact electrodes together with instrumentation amplifiers (INAs). The biopotentials are generally weak and in the presence of stronger common mode signals. The INA thus needs to have very good Common Mode Rejection Ratio (CMRR) to amplify the weak biopotential while rejecting the stronger common mode interferers. Opamp based INAs with a resistor-capacitor feedback are suitable for acquiring biopotentials with low power and low noise performance. However, CMRR of such INA topologies is typically very poor. In the presented research, a technique is proposed for improving the CMRR of opamp based INAs in RC feedback configurations by dynamically matching input and feedback capacitor pairs. Two instrumentation amplifiers (one fully differential and the other fully balanced fully symmetric) are designed with the proposed dynamic element matching scheme. Post layout simulation results show that with 1 percent mismatch between the limiting capacitor pairs, CMRR is improved to above 150dB when the proposed dynamic element matching scheme is used. The INAs draw about 10uA of quiescent current from a 1.5 dual power supply source. The input referred noise of the INAs is less than 3uV/sqrt(Hz)

The relationship between students’ reading motivation and reading comprehension

Reading motivation has been viewed as a multifaceted construct with multiple constituents. Our investigation of motivational multiplicity expanded on previous literature by including motivation constructs (interest, perceived control, collaboration, involvement, and efficacy), text genres, specific versus general contexts, and the self-versus other evidence sources about motivation. We expected that this multiplicity would influence the identification of reading comprehension growth predictors. Reading motivation is one of the most important factors, receives the special focus in foreign language teaching. This paper is going to investigate the relationship between reading motivation and reading comprehension. This lack of good reading motivation skill is exacerbated by the central role of reading motivation in higher education success and also students usually have problem in reading comprehension in this trend sice their motivation. Motivation is vital in reading activities, the findings indicated that reading motivation had a significantly positive effect on the English reading comprehension. Keywords: Reading motivation, Types of motivation, Reading comprehension, Types of reading.

The effects of combined training on interluken-6 and C reactive protein as non-traditional cardio risk factors in inactive students

Studies have shown a positive association between regular physical activity and reduction of cardio risk factors. The objective of this research was to examine the effects of combined training on some cardio risk factors in inactive students. Thirty healthy inactive men were assigned into two groups: 1) combined training (CTG) (n=15), 2) no-training (NTG) (n=15). The CTG performed 5 resistance exercises and this was followed by 30 minutes of endurance training with 60% -80% HRmax for 8 weeks (3 days per week). Meanwhile, the NT group continued the same activity routine that they had used prior to becoming a study participant. Pre- and post-measures included VO2max, muscle strength, body composition, and blood cardio risk factors. The VO2max and muscle strength significantly (P0.05) and skeletal muscle mass significantly increased in CTG (+0.85kg, P = 0.003). However, these parameters did not show any change in NTG. The concentrations of total cholesterol, TG and LDL in the blood did not significantly change during the study in the two groups (P> 0.05). HDL significantly improved after week 8 of combined training in the CTG. Furthermore, CRP did not change in the two groups (P> 0.05), while the level of interleukin-6 had decreased significantly in the CTG. The results of this study have shown that combined training improves some cardio risk factors, cardiorespiratory fitness, as well as muscle strength and body composition in inactive students

Decoration of carbon nanotubes with gold nanopeprintss by electroless deposition process using ethylenediamine as a cross linker

Herein, we present a method for decorating multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using ethylenediamine (en) as a linker between MWCNTs and AuNPs. The amine group in en is as growth points for synthesis of AuNPs through electrostatic attraction between the amine groups and anion while sodium citrate act as reducing agent. The influence of HAuCl4 concentration on the size and distribution of AuNPs in the structure of the Au-decorated nanotubes were investigated. Morphology of the decorated nanotubes was characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy while the elemental composition of the decorated tubes and crystallography were investigated by energy dispersive x-ray, x-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared techniques. Cyclic voltammetric and electrochemical impedance spectroscopic analysis revealed that the Au-decorated nanotubes have increased the electro-active surface area and conductivity of electrochemical substrate

Isolation Hope and Threat of Mangrove Restoration Program in Bogowonto Lagoon, Yogyakarta - Indonesia (2002-2014)

Bogowonto Lagoon  has  the  largest  mangrove ecosystem in  southern coast  of  Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Several activities on mangrove restoration have been conducted to escalate this remnant mangrove forest area. Conversely, rapid increase of shrimp pond area become threat for mangrove ecosystem in Bogowonto lagoon since the early of 21st century. Hence, This study is aimed to investigate mangrove composition, distribution and abundance, progress of mangrove restoration program and shrimp pond extensification in 2002 to 2014. Conducted from April 2015 to May 2015, this research consists of several steps namely survey, vegetation analysis, literature study, sociological study using questionnaire, measurement of mangrove and shrimp pond area using Landsat 8 imageries and Arc GIS 10.1. We determined 15 sites along Bogowonto Lagoon using random sampling by quadratic plot (10 m × 10 m for tree, 5 m ×5  m for sapling) and total counts (for seedling). The result showed that there were seven species of mangrove and six species of associate mangrove. Rhizopora mucronata Lamb. was dominant in each growthform with clumped distribution. R. mucronata and Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh. also dominate from backswamp to rivermouth. Satellite imageries revealed that there was a hope due to upward trends of mangrove area in last 12 yr (approximately 5 ha). However, the significant increase sof shrimp pond area (approximately 34 ha) surrounding mangrove area become current and future threat. Based on sociological study, most of people around Bogowonto Lagoon have high awareness, but less participated on mangrove restoration program. Besides, the river mouth covered by sand become another obstacle of it. Keywords: Bogowonto lagoon, mangrove restoration, shrimp pond, vegetation analysi

COVID-19 Pandemic: A Comparative Prediction Using Machine Learning

Coronavirus Disease 2019 or COVID-19 is an infectious disease which is declared as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) have a noxious effect on the entire human civilization. Each and every day the number of infected people is going higher and higher and so the death toll. Many of country Italy, UK, USA was affected badly, yet since the identification of the first case, after a certain number of days, the scenario of infection rate has been reduced significantly. However, a country like Bangladesh couldn't keep the infection rate down. A number of algorithms have been proposed to forecast the scenario in terms of the number of infection, recovery and death toll. Here, in this work, we present a comprehensive comparison based on Machine Learning to predict the outbreak of COVID-19 in Bangladesh. Among Several Machine Learning algorithms, here we used Polynomial Regression (PR) and Multilayer Perception (MLP) and Long Short Term Memory (LSTM) algorithm and epidemiological model Susceptible, Infected and Recovered (SIR), projected comparative outcomes

Randomized control trials on Otago exercise program (OEP) to reduce falls among elderly community dwellers in Shahroud, Iran

Background: Fall is a worldwide health problem among elderly people and a known leading cause of disabilities. Fall prevention programs have been implemented in various forms. The Otago exercise program (OEP) is one of the most recent home-base exercise training program. Objectives: This study was conducted to examine the effectiveness of OEP to reduce falls among elderly people in Shahroud, IR Iran. Materials and Methods: This randomised control trial was conducted among the elderly community dwellers in Shahroud city of the Semnan province, IR Iran, with experience of falls in the last 12 months. Subjects of the study (n = 317) were recruited from elderly senior citizens at public health centers. Block systematic random sampling was applied to categorize the subjects in experimental and control groups. The experimental group (n = 160) received OEP for six months and was compared with the control group (n = 157) who received general health training. This study was registered with the following ID, IRCT2014012016285N1. Results: The findings of the study showed that OEP improved physical performance (Berg-Balance-Score with P > 0.025, and Timed-Up-Go-Test with P > 0.017) and functional capacity (Arm-Curl-Test with P > 0.00 and Chair-Stand-Test with P > 0.01). In addition, OEP significantly reduced the incidence of falls (P ≤ 0.00) among senior citizens in the experimental group. Discussion: The OEP as a home-based exercise is effective for the reduction of the incidence of falls among senior citizens with a history of falls. The OEP can be recommended for elderly homebound people who do not have access to facilities

Observation of auditory perceptual and visuo-spatial characteristic of a patient with hemangiopericytoma in occipital lobe: a magnetoencephalography (MEG) study

The present study discussed functional reorganization and alteration in respond to the slow-growing tumour, hemangiopericytoma in the occipital cortex. Visual evoked field (VEF) and auditory evoked field (AEF) using magnetoencephalography (MEG) was used to evaluate the source localization and brain activity. Results of VEF source localization show a typical brain waves. Brain activity of the occipital lobe demonstrate low activation in the ipsilateral to the tumour. However, result shows the activation on the contralateral hemisphere was high and bigger in activation volume. AEF result shows an identical source localization and both side of the temporal lobe are activated. This result suggests that there is a positive plasticity in auditory cortex and slow-growing tumour can induce functional reorganization and alteration to the brain

Alteration in the functional organization of the default mode network following closed non-severe traumatic brain injury

The debilitating effect of traumatic brain injury (TBI) extends years after the initial injury and hampers the recovery process and quality of life. In this study, we explore the functional reorganization of the default mode network (DMN) of those affected with non-severe TBI. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a wide-spectrum disease that has heterogeneous effects on its victims and impacts everyday functioning. The functional disruption of the default mode network (DMN) after TBI has been established, but its link to causal effective connectivity remains to be explored. This study investigated the differences in the DMN between healthy participants and mild and moderate TBI, in terms of functional and effective connectivity using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Nineteen non-severe TBI (mean age 30.84 ± 14.56) and twenty-two healthy (HC; mean age 27.23 ± 6.32) participants were recruited for this study. Resting-state fMRI data were obtained at the subacute phase (mean days 40.63 ± 10.14) and analyzed for functional activation and connectivity, independent component analysis, and effective connectivity within and between the DMN. Neuropsychological tests were also performed to assess the cognitive and memory domains. Compared to the HC, the TBI group exhibited lower activation in the thalamus, as well as significant functional hypoconnectivity between DMN and LN. Within the DMN nodes, decreased activations were detected in the left inferior parietal lobule, precuneus, and right superior frontal gyrus. Altered effective connectivities were also observed in the TBI group and were linked to the diminished activation in the left parietal region and precuneus. With regard to intra-DMN connectivity within the TBI group, positive correlations were found in verbal and visual memory with the language network, while a negative correlation was found in the cognitive domain with the visual network. Our results suggested that aberrant activities and functional connectivities within the DMN and with other RSNs were accompanied by the altered effective connectivities in the TBI group. These alterations were associated with impaired cognitive and memory domains in the TBI group, in particular within the language domain. These findings may provide insight for future TBI observational and interventional research