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Article
Publication date: 18 July 2024

Anindya Bose, Sarthak Sengupta and Sayori Biswas

This study aims to provide a microfluidic blood glucose sensing platform based on integrated interdigitated electrode arrays (IDEAs) on a flexible quartz glass substrate, adhering…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to provide a microfluidic blood glucose sensing platform based on integrated interdigitated electrode arrays (IDEAs) on a flexible quartz glass substrate, adhering closely to pertinent electrochemical characterizations.

Design/methodology/approach

Sensors are the key elements of the modern electronics era through which all the possible physical quantities can be detected and converted into their equivalent electrical form and processed further. But to make the sensing environment better, various types of innovative architectures are being developed nowadays and among them interdigitated electrodes are quite remarkable in terms of their sensing capability. They are a well-qualified candidate in the field of gas sensing and biosensing, but even their sensitivities are getting saturated due to their physical dimensions. Most of the thin film IDEAs fabricated by conventional optical lithographic techniques do not possess a high surface-to-volume ratio to detect the target specified and that reduces their sensitivity factor. In this context, a classic conductive carbon-based highly sensitive three dimensional (3D) IDEA-enabled biosensing system has been conceived on a transparent and flexible substrate to measure the amount of glucose concentration present in human blood. 3D IDEA possesses a way better capacitive sensing behavior compared to conventional thin film microcapacitive electrodes. To transmit the target biological analyte sample property for the detection purpose to the interdigitated array-based sensing platform, the design of a microfluidic channel is initiated on the same substrate. The complex 3D Inter Digital array structure improves the overall capacitance of the entire sensing platform and the reactive surface area as well. The manufactured integrated device displays a decent value of sensitivity in the order of 5.6 µA mM−1 cm−2.

Findings

Development of a low-cost array-based integrated and highly flexible microfluidic biochip to extract the quantity of glucose present in human blood.

Originality/value

Potential future research opportunities in the realm of integrated miniaturized, low-cost smart biosensing systems may arise from this study.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 44 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 August 2024

Christopher Igwe Idumah, Raphael Stone Odera and Emmanuel Obumneme Ezeani

Nanotechnology (NT) advancements in personal protective textiles (PPT) or personal protective equipment (PPE) have alleviated spread and transmission of this highly contagious…

Abstract

Purpose

Nanotechnology (NT) advancements in personal protective textiles (PPT) or personal protective equipment (PPE) have alleviated spread and transmission of this highly contagious viral disease, and enabled enhancement of PPE, thereby fortifying antiviral behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

Review of a series of state of the art research papers on the subject matter.

Findings

This paper expounds on novel nanotechnological advancements in polymeric textile composites, emerging applications and fight against COVID-19 pandemic.

Research limitations/implications

As a panacea to “public droplet prevention,” textiles have proven to be potentially effective as environmental droplet barriers (EDBs).

Practical implications

PPT in form of healthcare materials including surgical face masks (SFMs), gloves, goggles, respirators, gowns, uniforms, scrub-suits and other apparels play critical role in hindering the spreading of COVID-19 and other “oral-respiratory droplet contamination” both within and outside hospitals.

Social implications

When used as double-layers, textiles display effectiveness as SFMs or surgical-fabrics, which reduces droplet transmission to <10 cm, within circumference of ∼0.3%.

Originality/value

NT advancements in textiles through nanoparticles, and sensor integration within textile materials have enhanced versatile sensory capabilities, robotics, flame retardancy, self-cleaning, electrical conductivity, flexibility and comfort, thereby availing it for health, medical, sporting, advanced engineering, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, military, automobile, food and agricultural applications, and more. Therefore, this paper expounds on recently emerging trends in nanotechnological influence in textiles for engineering and fight against COVID-19 pandemic.

Details

International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-6222

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 August 2024

Lei Ren, Guolin Cheng, Wei Chen, Pei Li and Zhenhe Wang

This paper aims to explore recent advances in drift compensation algorithms for Electronic Nose (E-nose) technology and addresses sensor drift challenges through offline, online…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore recent advances in drift compensation algorithms for Electronic Nose (E-nose) technology and addresses sensor drift challenges through offline, online and neural network-based strategies. It offers a comprehensive review and covers causes of drift, compensation methods and future directions. This synthesis provides insights for enhancing the reliability and effectiveness of E-nose systems in drift issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The article adopts a comprehensive approach and systematically explores the causes of sensor drift in E-nose systems and proposes various compensation strategies. It covers both offline and online compensation methods, as well as neural network-based approaches, and provides a holistic view of the available techniques.

Findings

The article provides a comprehensive overview of drift compensation algorithms for E-nose technology and consolidates recent research insights. It addresses challenges like sensor calibration and algorithm complexity, while discussing future directions. Readers gain an understanding of the current state-of-the-art and emerging trends in electronic olfaction.

Originality/value

This article presents a comprehensive review of the latest advancements in drift compensation algorithms for electronic nose technology and covers the causes of drift, offline drift compensation algorithms, online drift compensation algorithms and neural network drift compensation algorithms. The article also summarizes and discusses the current challenges and future directions of drift compensation algorithms in electronic nose systems.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 May 2024

Dadasikandar Kanekal, Eshan Sabhapandit, Sumit Kumar Jindal and Hemprasad Yashwant Patil

The purpose of this research is to study the performance of piezoresistive pressure sensors using polysilicon as the piezoresistive material, which is typically used to measure…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to study the performance of piezoresistive pressure sensors using polysilicon as the piezoresistive material, which is typically used to measure pressure in high-temperature environments.

Design/methodology/approach

The performance of this sensor is enhanced by studying the influence of multi-turn configuration at which the piezoresistors are arranged. Different configurations are studied and compared by laying down their analytical solution.

Findings

The validation of analytical results is accomplished through finite element analysis using the software COMSOL Multiphysics. The best configuration, which uses a partial triple-turn configuration, was able to achieve a sensitivity of 116.00 mV/V/MPa over a simulated pressure range of 0 to 500 KPa.

Originality/value

The literature shows the study of single-turn and double-turn meander-shaped configuration of micro-electromechanical systems piezoresistive pressure sensor but multi-turn meander-shaped configuration using a square silicon diaphragm has not been reported. Its study has reflected promising results than its counterparts based on key performance parameters such as sensitivity and linearity and are more effective to be used for automotive, aviation, biomedical and consumer electronics applications.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 44 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 December 2022

Fatimah A.M. Al-Zahrani

The purpose of this study aims to synthesize a novel donor–acceptor dye based on phenothiazine as a donor (D) and nonconjugated spacer was devised and synthesized by condensing of…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study aims to synthesize a novel donor–acceptor dye based on phenothiazine as a donor (D) and nonconjugated spacer was devised and synthesized by condensing of 2,2'-(1H-indene-1,3(2H)-diylidene) dimalononitrile with aldehyde and the practical synthesis methodology as given in Scheme 1.

Design/methodology/approach

The prepared phenothiazine dye was systematically experimentally and theoretically examined and characterized using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H,13C NMR), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (IR) and high-resolution mass spectrometry. Density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory DT-DFT calculations were implemented to determine the electronic properties of the new dye

Findings

The UV-Vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy of the synthesized dye was investigated in a variety of solvents with varying polarities to demonstrate positive solvatochromism correlated with intramolecular charge transfer (ICT). The probe’s quantum yields (Фf) are experimentally measured in ethanol, and the Stokes shifts are found to be in the 4846–9430 cm−1 range.

Originality/value

The findings depicted that the novel (D-π-A) chromophores may act as a significant factor in the organic optoelectronics.

Details

Pigment & Resin Technology, vol. 53 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0369-9420

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 September 2024

Weiwei Yue, Yuwei Cao, Shuqi Xie, Kang Ning Cheng, Yue Ding, Cong Liu, Yan Jing Ding, Xiaofeng Zhu, Huanqing Liu and Muhammad Shafi

This study aims to improve detection efficiency of fluorescence biosensor or a graphene field-effect transistor biosensor. Graphene field-effect transistor biosensing and…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to improve detection efficiency of fluorescence biosensor or a graphene field-effect transistor biosensor. Graphene field-effect transistor biosensing and fluorescent biosensing were integrated and combined with magnetic nanoparticles to construct a multi-sensor integrated microfluidic biochip for detecting single-stranded DNA. Multi-sensor integrated biochip demonstrated higher detection reliability for a single target and could simultaneously detect different targets.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the authors integrated graphene field-effect transistor biosensing and fluorescent biosensing, combined with magnetic nanoparticles, to fabricate a multi-sensor integrated microfluidic biochip for the detection of single-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Graphene films synthesized through chemical vapor deposition were transferred onto a glass substrate featuring two indium tin oxide electrodes, thus establishing conductive channels for the graphene field-effect transistor. Using π-π stacking, 1-pyrenebutanoic acid succinimidyl ester was immobilized onto the graphene film to serve as a medium for anchoring the probe aptamer. The fluorophore-labeled target DNA subsequently underwent hybridization with the probe aptamer, thereby forming a fluorescence detection channel.

Findings

This paper presents a novel approach using three channels of light, electricity and magnetism for the detection of single-stranded DNA, accompanied by the design of a microfluidic detection platform integrating biosensor chips. Remarkably, the detection limit achieved is 10 pm, with an impressively low relative standard deviation of 1.007%.

Originality/value

By detecting target DNA, the photo-electro-magnetic multi-sensor graphene field-effect transistor biosensor not only enhances the reliability and efficiency of detection but also exhibits additional advantages such as compact size, affordability, portability and straightforward automation. Real-time display of detection outcomes on the host facilitates a deeper comprehension of biochemical reaction dynamics. Moreover, besides detecting the same target, the sensor can also identify diverse targets, primarily leveraging the penetrative and noninvasive nature of light.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 July 2024

Xinran Yang, Junhui Du, Hongshuo Chen, Chuanjin Cui, Haibin Liu and Xuechao Zhang

Field-effect transistor (FET) has excellent electronic properties and inherent signal amplification, and with the development of nanomaterials technology, FET biosensors with…

Abstract

Purpose

Field-effect transistor (FET) has excellent electronic properties and inherent signal amplification, and with the development of nanomaterials technology, FET biosensors with nanomaterials as channels play an important role in the field of heavy metal ion detection. This paper aims to review the research progress of silicon nanowire, graphene and carbon nanotube field-effect tube biosensors for heavy metal ion detection, so as to provide technical support and practical experience for the application and promotion of FET.

Design/methodology/approach

The article introduces the structure and principle of three kinds of FET with three kinds of nanomaterials, namely, silicon nanowires, graphene and carbon nanotubes, as the channels, and lists examples of the detection of common heavy metal ions by the three kinds of FET sensors in recent years. The article focuses on the advantages and disadvantages of the three sensors, puts forward measures to improve the performance of the FET and looks forward to its future development direction.

Findings

Compared with conventional instrumental analytical methods, FETs prepared using nanomaterials as channels have the advantages of fast response speed, high sensitivity and good selectivity, among which the diversified processing methods of graphene, the multi-heavy metal ions detection of silicon nanowires and the very low detection limit and wider detection range of carbon nanotubes have made them one of the most promising detection tools in the field of heavy metal ions detection. Of course, through in-depth analysis, this type of sensor has certain limitations, such as high cost and strict process requirements, which are yet to be solved.

Originality/value

This paper elaborates on the detection principle and classification of field-effect tube, investigates and researches the application status of three kinds of FET biosensors in the detection of common heavy metal ions. By comparing the advantages and disadvantages of each of the three sensors in practical applications, the paper focuses on the feasibility of improvement measures, looks forward to the development trend in the field of heavy metal detection and ultimately promotes the application of field-effect tube development technology to continue to progress, so that its performance continues to improve and the application field is constantly expanding.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 44 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 August 2024

Nacira Mecheri, Leila Lefrada, Messaoud Benounis, Chedia Ben Hassine, Houcine Berhoumi and Chama Mabrouk

Ascorbic acid, a water-soluble antioxidant, is an essential component of the human diet and is known for its potent antioxidant properties against several diseases. In recent…

Abstract

Purpose

Ascorbic acid, a water-soluble antioxidant, is an essential component of the human diet and is known for its potent antioxidant properties against several diseases. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in the development of nonenzymatic sensors due to their simplicity, efficiency and excellent selectivity. The aim of this study is to present a selective and sensitive method for the detection of ascorbic acid in aqueous system using a new electrochemical non-enzymatic sensor based on a gold nanoparticles Au-NPs-1,3-di(4-bromophényl)-5-tert-butyl-1,3,5-triazinane (DBTTA) composite.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the square wave voltammetry (SWV) technique, a series of Au-NPs-DBTTA composites were successfully developed and investigated. First, DBTTA was synthesized via the condensation of tert-butylamine and a4-bromoaniline. The structure obtained was identified by IR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR analysis. A glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was modified with 10–1 M DBTTA dissolved in an aqueous solution by cyclic voltammetry in the potential range of 1–1.4 V. Au-NPs were then deposited on the DBTTA/GCE by a chronoamperometric technique. SWV was used to study the electrochemical behavior of the modified electrode (DBTTA/Au-NPs/GCEs). To observe the effect of nanoparticles, ascorbic acid in a buffer solution was analyzed by SWV at the modified electrode with and without gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs).

Findings

The DBTTA/Au-NPs/GCE showed better electroanalytical results. The detection limit of 10–5 M was obtained and the electrode was proportional to the logarithm of the AA concentration in the range of 5 × 10−3 M to 1 × 10−1 with very good correlation parameters.

Originality/value

It was also found that the elaborated sensor exhibited reproducibility and excellent selectivity against interfering molecules such as uric acid, aspartic acid and glucose. The proposed sensor was tested for the recognition of AA in orange, and satisfactory results were obtained.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 March 2024

João Eduardo Sampaio Brasil, Fabio Antonio Sartori Piran, Daniel Pacheco Lacerda, Maria Isabel Wolf Morandi, Debora Oliveira da Silva and Miguel Afonso Sellitto

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of a Brazilian steelmaking company’s reheating process of the hot rolling mill.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of a Brazilian steelmaking company’s reheating process of the hot rolling mill.

Design/methodology/approach

The research method is a quantitative modeling. The main research techniques are data envelopment analysis, TOBIT regression and simulation supported by artificial neural networks. The model’s input and output variables consist of the average billet weight, number of billets processed in a batch, gas consumption, thermal efficiency, backlog and production yield within a specific period. The analysis spans 20 months.

Findings

The key findings include an average current efficiency of 81%, identification of influential variables (average billet weight, billet count and gas consumption) and simulated analysis. Among the simulated scenarios, the most promising achieved an average efficiency of 95% through increased equipment availability and billet size.

Practical implications

Additional favorable simulated scenarios entail the utilization of higher pre-reheating temperatures for cold billets, representing a large amount of savings in gas consumption and a reduction in CO2 emissions.

Originality/value

This study’s primary innovation lies in providing steelmaking practitioners with a systematic approach to evaluating and enhancing the efficiency of reheating processes.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 35 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 June 2024

Dorsaf Bentaleb

This article aims to elucidate the effect of transformational leadership on commitment to change, assuming the existence of mediating variables (Leader–Member Exchange…

Abstract

Purpose

This article aims to elucidate the effect of transformational leadership on commitment to change, assuming the existence of mediating variables (Leader–Member Exchange) influencing this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected through a survey based on a sample of 240 observations (Tunisian context with respondents from the healthcare sector). These findings were processed using SPSS and AMOS 23 software, employing exploratory factor analysis and structural equation modeling.

Findings

Research results affirm that leader–member exchange plays a mediating role between leadership styles and commitment to change.

Research limitations/implications

Methodologically, the sample choice lacked diversity. Only hospitals were encompassed in this study. Hence, the generalizability of the results might be questioned. It is crucial to acknowledge that outcomes could vary based on culture and organizational type (Yu et al., 2002; Hechanova and Cementina-Olpoc, 2013). Moreover, our assessment of commitment to change relies on a unidimensional measurement scale focused on affective commitment. However, a multidimensional approach (Herscovitch and Meyer, 2002) could provide a more detailed understanding of the relationship between transformational leadership and different dimensions of commitment to change, including affective, normative and continuance commitment.

Practical implications

On a practical level, the outcomes of this study hold significance for the healthcare domain, especially concerning change management and leadership within healthcare institutions. Grasping how transformational leadership can positively influence commitment to change through leader–member exchange offers healthcare managers concrete strategies to foster employee adherence to change initiatives. This understanding can be particularly crucial in a constantly evolving environment, where practices and protocols need adaptation to meet new requirements and medical advancements.

Originality/value

This research clarifies how transformational leadership influences commitment to change through leader–member exchange. Furthermore, this study guides organizations toward cultivating transformational leaders. The strength of transformational leadership lies in its ability to channel and transform energies to evoke enthusiastic motivation for achieving anticipated goals (Bass, 1985). However, it's pivotal to recognize that transitioning from a manager-directed approach to an empowerment approach presents inherent challenges (Manz et al., 1990). Investing in leadership development, as underscored by this study, can yield tangible enhancements in commitment to change.

Details

Journal of Management Development, vol. 43 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0262-1711

Keywords

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