Optimization Techniques for Miniaturized Integrated Electrochemical Sensors

Electrochemical sensors are integral components of various integrated sensing applications. In this work, we provide details of optimizing electrochemical sensors for CMOS compatible integrated designs at sub-mm size scales. The focus is on optimization of electrode materials and geometry. We provide design details for both working electrode and reference electrode materials for hydrogen peroxide sensing applications which form the basis for many metabolic sensors. We also present results on geometrical variations in designing such sensors and demonstrate that such considerations are very relevant for optimizing the overall sensor performance. We also present results for such optimized sensors on actual CMOS platforms. The methods presented in this work can be adopted for countless applications of electrochemical sensing platforms

Silicon-on-insulator-based complementary metal oxide semiconductor integrated optoelectronic platform for biomedical applications

Microscale optical devices enabled by wireless power harvesting and telemetry facilitate manipulation and testing of localized biological environments (e.g., neural recording and stimulation, targeted delivery to cancer cells). Design of integrated microsystems utilizing optical power harvesting and telemetry will enable complex in vivo applications like actuating a single nerve, without the difficult requirement of extreme optical focusing or use of nanoparticles. Silicon-on-insulator (SOI)-based platforms provide a very powerful architecture for such miniaturized platforms as these can be used to fabricate both optoelectronic and microelectronic devices on the same substrate. Near-infrared biomedical optics can be effectively utilized for optical power harvesting to generate optimal results compared with other methods (e.g., RF and acoustic) at submillimeter size scales intended for such designs. We present design and integration techniques of optical power harvesting structures with complementary metal oxide semiconductor platforms using SOI technologies along with monolithically integrated electronics. Such platforms can become the basis of optoelectronic biomedical systems including implants and lab-on-chip systems

Optical power transfer and communication methods for wireless implantable sensing platforms

Ultrasmall scale implants have recently attracted focus as valuable tools for monitoring both acute and chronic diseases. Semiconductor optical technologies are the key to miniaturizing these devices to the long-sought sub-mm scale, which will enable long-term use of these devices for medical applications. This can also enable the use of multiple implantable devices concurrently to form a true body area network of sensors. We demonstrate optical power transfer techniques and methods to effectively harness this power for implantable devices. Furthermore, we also present methods for optical data transfer from such implants. Simultaneous use of these technologies can result in miniaturized sensing platforms that can allow for large-scale use of such systems in real world applications

Fair and Equitable Treatment Standard in International Investment Law: The Customary Status

Fair and equitable treatment (FET) is an important standard in international investment law. However, this standard is not free of controversy among governments, scholars and in arbitral tribunals. The historical challenge of FET is its relation with international minimum standard of treatment under customary international law. In recent times, a new challenge arose asking whether FET itself has entered into the family of customary international law or not. This inquiry is important because if the standard has, in fact, become a part of customary international law, then even where States exclude reference to FET for foreign investors in their treaty arrangements, this level of treatment will come into effect by operation of law to such investors. This paper seeks to find an answer for this question. In this respect, the paper first went through the opinions of different scholars. As observed, a few of them supported such a recognition by basing their ideas mostly on the inclusion of FET in the majority of for instance BITs. While the rest of scholars has opposed such an idea by backing the conventional status of FET or pointing on the lack of uniformity of State practice plus the absence of opinio juris among countries. In the second step, the paper analyzed the arbitral cases dealing with such a question. It found, that except a few cases, the rest have not agreed to such a recognition. Finally, the paper looked for the requirement of State practice and opinio juris to see if FET has become part of customary international law. It found that although State practice is general and representative but it is not uniform and consistent. In addition, there was no opinio juris or legally binding believe to accept the customary status of FET. In short, the majority of scholars, arbitral practice, as well as the practice of state and opinio juris does not confirm that FET has entered into the corpus of customary international law. Keywords: Fair and Equitable Treatment, Customary International Law, Multilateral Agreements, BITs, Arbitral Practice, State Practice DOI: 10.7176/JLPG/105-14 Publication date: January 31st 202

アフガニスタンにおける自然災害把握のためのリモートセンシング技術の応用に関する研究

広島大学(Hiroshima University)博士(工学)Doctor of Engineeringdoctora

Histological and immunohistochemical particularity of pectoralis gland cancer. Retrospective study in Oncology Institute from Moldova (2017-2022)

Universitatea de Stat de Medicină şi Farmacie „Nicolae Testemiţanu”, Chişinău, Republica MoldovaIntroduction. Pectoral Gland cancer in men is rare and occurs in 0.5-1% of all breast cancers. The risk factors are various, but the most common are the genetic mutation of BRCA2, familial history, and hormone disbalance. Most frequently in the past, pectoral gland cancer was detected in stages 3 and 4, more aggressive histological and immunohistochemical forms, so that makes the subject more interesting to study. Aim of study. Studying histological and immunohistochemistry particularity of the pectoralis gland cancer. Methods and materials. Studying the retrospective analysis of primary documentation, SIMU program of 40 patients with histological and immunohistochemistry of pectoralis cancer at IMSP Institute Oncology from 2017 – 2022 in the Republic of Moldova Results. In the study, 40 hospitalized patients from 2017 – 2022, were around the age of 41 – 80 years, the high incidence of pectoral gland cancer was between the ages 61 – 70 years with 22 cases (55%), and the low incidence is between 41 – 50 years with 3 cases (7.5%). The central part of the gland is most affected with 25 cases (62.5%), and the inferolateral quadrant with the least cases of 1 (2.5%). The most affected are the right gland with 23 cases (57.5%) and the left gland with 17 cases (42.5%). The diagnosis is confirmed by cytology with 28 cases (70%), cytology & histology with 3 cases (7.5%), histology with immunohistochemistry of 4 cases (10%) and 5 cases (12.5%) are not confirmed. Histology was done in 7 cases and 7 out 4 cases are confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Invasive Ductal Carcinoma was seen in 5 cases (71.42%) and 1 case (14.28%) of cancer of Paget's disease of the nipple. Immunohistochemistry confirms the histology of two types. 3 cases (75%) of Luminal subtype B and 1 case (25%) of Luminal subtype A. Stage 3B has the highest number of cases of 12 (30%) and Stage 1 and Stage 3C have the least cases of 1 (2.5%) respectively, 4 cases (10%) are not staged accordingly. Conclusion. The histological forms and immunohistochemistry of pectoral gland cancer are the diagnoses confirming characteristics in the assessment for the evolution of the malignant process. risk factors are various, but the most common are the ge netic mutation of BRCA2, familial history, and hormone disbalance. Most frequently in the past, pector al gland cancer was detected in stages 3 and 4, more aggressive histological and immunohistochemic al forms, so that makes the subject more interesting to study. Aim of study. Studying histological and immunohistochemistry particularity of the pectoralis gland cancer. Methods and materials. Studying the retrospective analysis of primary documentati on, SIMU program of 40 patients with histological and immunohistochemi stry of pectoralis cancer at IMSP Institute Oncology from 2017 – 2022 in the Republic of Moldova Results. In the study, 40 hospitalized patients from 2017 – 2022, were aro und the age of 41 – 80 years, the high incidence of pectoral gland cancer was bet ween the ages 61 – 70 years with 22 cases (55%), and the low incidence is between 41 – 50 years wit h 3 cases (7.5%). The central part of the gland is most affected with 25 cases (62.5%), and the inferolateral quadrant with the least cases of 1 (2.5%). The most affected are the right glan d with 23 cases (57.5%) and the left gland with 17 cases (42.5%). The diagnosis is confirmed by cytol ogy with 28 cases (70%), cytology & histology with 3 cases (7.5%), histology with immunohistoch emistry of 4 cases (10%) and 5 cases (12.5%) are not confirmed. Histology was done in 7 cases and 7 out 4 cases are confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Invasive Ductal Carcinoma was seen i n 5 cases (71.42%) and 1 case (14.28%) of cancer of Paget's disease of the nipple. Immun ohistochemistry confirms the histology of two types. 3 cases (75%) of Luminal subtype B and 1 case (25%) of Luminal subtype A. Stage 3B has the highest number of cases of 12 (30%) and Stage 1 an d Stage 3C have the least cases of 1 (2.5%) respectively, 4 cases (10%) are not staged accordingl y. Conclusion. The histological forms and immunohistochemistry of pecto ral gland cancer are the diagnoses confirming characteristics in the assessment f or the evolution of the malignant process

The Role of Logar River in Sustaining Agricultural Production: A Case Study

This study explores the impact of diminished water flow from the Logar River on water system practices and agricultural productivity within the Logar Province, Afghanistan. As climate change worsens water scarcity, nearby agriculturalists face critical challenges in maintaining trim yields and supporting their livelihoods. The research aims to quantify the percentage of agricultural products in the Logar Province that are directly attributed to the irrigation provided by the river and investigate the critical challenges faced in water management within the province, particularly in the context of climate change. Using quantitative data analysis and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), the research identifies trends and correlations between water availability and agricultural productivity. Around 61% of the total agricultural products within the Logar Province are ascribed to the Logar River, implying its central role in driving agricultural yield and maintaining agricultural production in the region. Approximately 90,740 people, constituting around 21% of the province\u27s population, benefit specifically from the agricultural products irrigated by the Logar River

Integrated Microsystems for Wireless Sensing Applications

Personal health monitoring is being considered the future of a sustainable health care system. Biosensing platforms are a very important component of this system. Real-time and accurate sensing is essential for the success of personal health care model. Currently, there are many efforts going on to make these sensors practical and more useful for such measurements. Implantable sensors are considered the most widely applicable and most reliable sensors for such accurate health monitoring applications. However, macroscopic (cm scale) size has proved to be a limiting factor for successful use of these systems for long time and in large numbers. This work is focused to resolve the issues related with miniaturizing these devices to a microscopic (mm scale) size scale which can minimize many practical difficulties associated with their larger counterparts currently. To accomplish this goal of miniaturization while retaining or even improving on the necessary capabilities for such sensing platforms, an integrated approach is presented which focuses on system-level miniaturization using standard fabrication procedures. First, it is shown that a completely integrated and wireless system is the best solution to achieve desired miniaturization without sacrificing the functionality of the system. Hence, design and implementation of the different components comprising the complete system needs to be done according to the requirements of the overall integrated system. This leads to the need of on-chip functional sensors, integrated wireless power supply, integrated wireless communication and integrated control system for realization of such system. In this work, different options for implementation of each of these subsystems are compared and an optimal solution is presented for each subsystem. For such complex systems, it is imperative to use a standard fabrication process which can provide the required functionality for all subsystems at smallest possible size scale. Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) process is the most appropriate of the technologies in this regard and has enabled incredible miniaturization of the computing industry. It also provides options for designing different subsystems on the same platform in a monolithic process with very high yield. This choice then leads to actual designs of subsystems in the CMOS technology using different possible methods. Careful comparison of these subsystems provides insights into different design adjustments that are made until the desired functions are achieved at the desired size scale. Integration of all these compatible subsystems in the same platform is shown to provide the smallest possible sensing platform to date. The completely wireless system can measure a host of different important analyte and can transmit the data to an external device which can use it for appropriate purpose. Results on measurements in phosphate buffer solution, blood serum and whole blood along with wireless communication in real biological tissues are provided. Specific examples of glucose and DNA sensors are presented and the use for many other relevant applications is also proposed. Finally, insights into animal model studies and future directions of the research are discussed. </p

A key bacterial cytoskeletal cell division protein FtsZ as a novel therapeutic antibacterial drug target

Nowadays, the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacterial strains initiates the urgent need for the elucidation of the new drug targets for the discovery of antimicrobial drugs. Filamenting temperature-sensitive mutant Z (FtsZ), a eukaryotic tubulin homolog, is a GTP-dependent prokaryotic cytoskeletal protein and is conserved among most bacterial strains. In vitro studies revealed that FtsZ self-assembles into dynamic protofilaments or bundles and forms a dynamic Z-ring at the center of the cell in vivo, leading to septation and consequent cell division. Speculations on the ability of FtsZ in the blockage of cell division make FtsZ a highly attractive target for developing novel antibiotics. Researchers have been working on synthetic molecules and natural products as inhibitors of FtsZ. Accumulating data suggest that FtsZ may provide the platform for the development of novel antibiotics. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the properties of FtsZ protein and bacterial cell division, as well as in the development of FtsZ inhibitors

Fixed Point Theorems for Ciric's and Generalized Contractions in b-Metric Spaces

In this article we obtained b-metric variant of common fixed point results for Ciric's and generalized contractions. We have also proved some fixed point results for rational contractive type conditions in the context of b-metric space. A particular example is also given in the support of our established result regarding Ciric's type contraction