Coupling of Modes in Step-Index Plastic Optical Fibers by Using D-Shape Technique.

This article presents a technique for reducing the stabilization length of steady-state modes in step-index plastic optical fibers (POFs), which is significant for sensor networks, Internet of Things, signal processing, and data fusion in sensor systems. The results obtained with the com- putational tool developed suggest that the D-shape created in the POF effectively reduces the stabi- lization length of the modes and, by extension, minimizes the dispersion effects of the modes by filtering out high-order modes. Applying the analysis to commercial POFs, the authors experimen- tally verified a reduction in the stabilization length of modes from 27 to 10 m and from 20 m to 5 m. Reducing the mode stabilization length minimizes the bit error rate (BER) in short-length SI-POF- based optical links operating at 250 Mbp/s. A reduction from 7.6 × 10-7 to 3.7 × 10-10 was achieved.

A Case-Study on the Photophysics of Chalcogen-Substituted Zinc(II) Phthalocyanines.

Singlet dioxygen has been widely applied in different disciplines such as medicine (photodynamic therapy or blood sterilization), remediation (wastewater treatment) or industrial processes (fine chemicals synthesis). Particularly, it can be conveniently generated by energy transfer between a photosensitizer's triplet state and triplet dioxygen upon irradiation with visible light. Among the best photosensitizers, substituted zinc(II) phthalocyanines are prominent due to their excellent photophysical properties, which can be tuned by structural modifications, such as halogen- and chalcogen-atom substitution. These patterns allow for the enhancement of spin-orbit coupling, commonly attributed to the heavy atom effect, which correlates with the atomic number ( Z ${Z}$ ) and the spin-orbit coupling constant ( ζ ${\zeta }$ ) of the introduced heteroatom. Herein, a fully systematic analysis of the effect exerted by chalcogen atoms on the photophysical characteristics (absorption and fluorescence properties, lifetimes and singlet dioxygen photogeneration), involving 30 custom-made ß-tetrasubstituted chalcogen-bearing zinc(II) phthalocyanines is described and evaluated regarding the heavy atom effect. Besides, the intersystem crossing rate constants are estimated by several independent methods and a quantitative profile of the heavy atom is provided by using linear correlations between relative intersystem crossing rates and relative atomic numbers. Good linear trends for both intersystem crossing rates (S1-T1 and T1-S0) were obtained, with a dependency on the atomic number and the spin-orbit coupling constant scaling as Z 0 . 4 ${{Z}^{0.4}}$ and ζ 0 . 2 ${{\zeta }^{0.2}}$ , respectively The trend shows to be independent of the solvent and temperature.

Fast and accessible T2 mapping using off-resonance corrected DESPOT2 with application to 3D prostate.

PURPOSE: Most T1 and T2 mapping take long acquisitions or needs specialized sequences not widely accessible on clinical scanners. An available solution is DESPOT1/T2 (Driven equilibrium single pulse observation of T1/T2). DESPOT1/T2 uses Spoiled gradient-echo (SPGR) and balanced Steady-State Free Precession (bSSFP) sequences, offering an accessible and reliable way for 3D accelerated T1/T2 mapping. However, bSSFP is prone to off-resonance artifacts, limiting the application of DESPOT2 in regions with high susceptibility contrasts, like the prostate. Our proposal, DESPO+, employs the full bSSFP and SPGR models with a dictionary-based method to reconstruct 3D T1/T2 maps in the prostate region without off-resonance banding. METHODS: DESPO+ modifies the bSSFP acquisition of the original variable flip angle DESPOT2. DESPO+ uses variable repetition and echo times, employing a dictionary-based method of the full bSSFP and SPGR models to reconstruct T1, T2, and Proton Density (PD) simultaneously. The proposed DESPO+ method underwent testing through simulations, T1/T2 phantoms, and on fourteen healthy subjects. RESULTS: The results reveal a significant reduction in T2 map banding artifacts compared to the original DESPOT2 method. DESPO+ approach reduced T2 errors by up to seven times compared to DESPOT2 in simulations and phantom experiments. We also synthesized in-vivo T1-weighted/T2-weighted images from the acquired maps using a spin-echo model to verify the map's quality when lacking a reference. For in-vivo imaging, the synthesized images closely resemble those from the clinical MRI protocol, reducing scan time by around 50% compared to traditional spin-echo T1-weighted/T2-weighted acquisitions. CONCLUSION: DESPO+ provides an off-resonance insensitive and clinically available solution, enabling high-resolution 3D T1/T2 mapping and synthesized T1-weighted/T2-weighted images for the entire prostate, all achieved within a short scan time of 3.6 min, similar to DESPOT1/T2.

A High-Resolution LED Stimulator for Steady-State Visual Stimulation: Customizable, Affordable, and Open Source.

Visually evoked steady-state potentials (SSVEPs) are neural responses elicited by visual stimuli oscillating at specific frequencies. In this study, we introduce a novel LED stimulator system explicitly designed for steady-state visual stimulation, offering precise control over visual stimulus parameters, including frequency resolution, luminance, and the ability to control the phase at the end of the stimulation. The LED stimulator provides a personalized, modular, and affordable option for experimental setups. Based on the Teensy 3.2 board, the stimulator utilizes direct digital synthesis and pulse width modulation techniques to control the LEDs. We validated its performance through four experiments: the first two measured LED light intensities directly, while the last two assessed the stimulator's impact on EEG recordings. The results demonstrate that the stimulator can deliver a stimulus suitable for generating SSVEPs with the desired frequency and phase resolution. As an open source resource, we provide comprehensive documentation, including all necessary codes and electrical diagrams, which facilitates the system's replication and adaptation for specific experimental requirements, enhancing its potential for widespread use in the field of neuroscience setups.

Multi-channel and multi-harmonic analysis of Auditory Steady-State Response detection.

The Auditory Steady-State Response (ASSR) is a type of auditory evoked potential (AEP) generated in the auditory system that can be automatically detected by means of objective response detectors (ORDs). ASSRs are usually registered on the scalp using electroencephalography (EEG). ORD are univariate techniques, i.e. only uses one data channel. However, techniques involving more than one channel - multi-channel objective response detectors (MORDs) - have been showing higher detection rate (DR) when compared to ORD techniques. When ASSR is evoked by amplitude stimuli, the responses could be detected by analyzing the modulation frequencies and their harmonics. Despite this, ORD techniques are traditionally applied only in its first harmonic. This approach is known as one-sample test. The q-sample tests, however, considers harmonics beyond the first. Thus, this work proposes and evaluates the use of q-sample tests using a combination of multiple EEG channels and multiple harmonics of the stimulation frequencies and compare them with traditional one-sample tests. The database used consists of EEG channels from 24 volunteers with normal auditory threshold collected following a binaural stimulation protocol by amplitude modulated (AM) tone with modulating frequencies near 80 Hz. The best q-sample MORD result showed an increase in DR of 45.25% when compared with the best one-sample ORD test. Thus, it is recommended to use multiple channels and multiple harmonics, whenever available.

Automated detection of auditory response: non-detection stopping criterion and repeatability studies for multichannel EEG.

An Auditory Steady-State Response (ASSR) is a valuable tool for determining auditory thresholds in individuals who are either unable or unwilling to cooperate with conventional behavioral testing methods. This study proposes a sequential test technique for automatic detection of ASSRs, incorporating a non-detection stopping criterion. The electrophysiological thresholds of a normal hearing volunteer were established using data collected from multichannel EEG signals. The detection probabilities and critical values were obtained via Monte Carlo simulations. Remarkably, application of the non-detection stopping criterion resulted in a 60% reduction in exam time in the absence of a response. These findings clearly demonstrate the significant potential of the sequential test in enhancing the performance of automatic audiometry.

Mathematical expressions describing enzyme velocity and inhibition at high enzyme concentration.

Enzyme behaviour is characterised in the laboratory using diluted solutions of enzyme. However, in vivo processes usually occur at [S T ] ≈ [E T ] ≈ K m . Furthermore, the study of enzyme action involves characterisation of inhibitors and their mechanisms. However, to date, there have been no reports proposing mathematical expressions that can be used to describe enzyme activity at high enzyme concentration apart from the simplest single substrate, irreversible case. Using a continued fraction approach, equations can be easily derived for the most common cases in monosubstrate reactions, such as irreversible or reversible reactions and effector (inhibitor or activator) kinetic interactions. These expressions are an extension of the classical Michaelis-Menten equations. A first analysis using these expressions permits to deduce some differences at high versus low enzyme concentration, such as the greater effectiveness of allosteric inhibitors compared to catalytic ones. Also, they can be used to understand catalyst saturation in a reaction. Although they can be linearised, these equations also show differences that need to be taken into account. For example, the different meaning of line intersection points in Dixon plots. All in all, these expressions may be useful tools for modelling in vivo and biotechnological processes.

Active and passive chlorophyll fluorescence measurements at canopy level on potato crops. Evidence of similitude of diurnal cycles of apparent fluorescence yields.

We performed active and passive measurements of diurnal cycles of chlorophyll fluorescence on potato crops at canopy level in outdoors conditions for 26 days. Active measurements of the stationary fluorescence yield (Fs) were performed using Ledflex, a fluorescence micro-LIDAR described in Moya et al. (Photosynth Res 142:1-15, 2019), capable of remote measurements of chlorophyll fluorescence under full sun-light in the wavelength range from 650 to 800 nm. Passive measurements of solar-induced fluorescence (SIF) fluxes were performed with Spectroflex, an instrument based on the method of filling-in in the O2A and O2B absorption bands at 760 nm (F760) and 687 nm (F687), respectively.Diurnal cycles of Fs showed significant variations throughout the day, directly attributed to changes in photosystem II yield. Contrasting patterns were observed according to illumination conditions. Under cloudy sky, Fs varied in parallel with photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). By contrast, during clear sky days, the diurnal cycle of Fs showed a "M" shape pattern with a minimum around noon.F687 and F760 showed different patterns, according to illumination conditions. Under low irradiance associated with cloudy conditions, F687 and F760 followed similar diurnal patterns, in parallel with PAR. Under high irradiance associated with clear sky we observed an increase of the F760/F687 ratio, which we attributed to the contributions in the 760 nm emission of photosystem I fluorescence from deeper layers of the leaves, on one end, and by the decrease of 687 nm emission as a result of red fluorescence re-absorption, on the other end.We defined an approach to derive a proxy of fluorescence yield (FYSIF) from SIF measurements as a linear combination of F687 and F760 normalized by vegetation radiance, where the coefficients of the linear combination were derived from the spectral transmittance of Ledflex. We demonstrated a close relationship between diurnal cycles of FYSIF and Fs, which outperformed other approaches based on normalization by incident light.

A descrição teórica da determinação eletroquímica do fármaco perilartina, assistida pelo oxihidróxido de cobalto, emparelhado com o seu dióxido

Introdução: perilartina é um adoçante natural potente, considerado 2000 vezes mais doce que o açúcar comum. Ela pode ser alérgica para algumas pessoas. Além disso, ela se usa apenas no Japão, o que pressupõe a possibilidade de adulterar produtos japoneses sem o seu uso. Assim, o desenvolvimento de um método eficiente da sua determinação qualificativa e quantificação é realmente atual. Metodologia: um modelo matemático de um processo anódico foi desenvolvido e analisado mediante a teoria de estabilidade linear e análise de bifurcações. O modelo inclui os cenários mais prováveis do andamento do processo eletroanalítico. Resultados: a perilartina é oxidada no meio básico, formando o poliol e o sal do "pseudoácido" correspondente, o que contribui fortemente para a força iônica da dupla camada elétrica. Isto pode ser responsável pela aparição das instabilidades oscilatória e monotônica no processo eletroanalítico. Conclusão: malgrado o supracitado, o compósito é um modificador eficiente para a determinação eletroquímica da perilartina no meio básico.

Introducción: perilartina es un edulcorante natural potente, considerado 2000 veces más dulce que el azúcar común. Esta puede causar alergia a algunas personas. Además, ella solo se usa en Japón, lo que presupone la posibilidad de falsificar productos japoneses sin su uso. Así, el desarrollo de un método eficiente de su determinación cuantitativa y cualitativa es realmente actual. Metodología: un modelo matemático de un proceso anódico fue desarrollado y analizado mediante la teoría de estabilidad lineal e análisis de bifurcaciones. El modelo incluye los escenarios más probables del curso del proceso electroanalítico. Resultados: la perilartinase oxida en el medio básico, formando el poliol y la sal del "pseudoácido" correspondiente, lo que contribuye fuertemente para la fuerza iónica de la doble capa eléctrica. Esto puede ser responsable por la aparición de las inestabilidades oscilatoria y monotónica en el proceso electroanalítico. Conclusión: a pesar de lo mencionado, el compuesto es un modificador eficaz para la determinación electroquímica de la perilartina en el medio básico.

SUMMARY Introduction: Perillartine is a strong natural sweetener, considered 2000 as sweet as a common sugar. It may be allergic to some people. Also, it is used only in Japan, which may presuppose the possibility of falsify Japanese products without its use. Thus the development of an eficiente method of its quantitative and qualitative determination is really actual. Methodology: A mathematical model of an anodic process has been developed and analyzed by means of linear stability theory and bifurcation analysis. The model includes the most probable scenarios of the course of the electroanalytical process. Results: Perillartine is oxidized in basic media, yielding the polyol and the correspondent pseudoacid salt, which strongly contributes to the double electric layer ionic force. This may be responsible for the oscillatory and monotonic instabilities appearance in the electroanalytical process. Conclusion: Despite of the above mentioned statements, the composite is na efficient modifier for the electrochemical determination of perillartine in basic media.

Automatic audiometry using auditory steady-state response and sequential test strategy applied to volunteers with normal hearing.

PURPOSE: In the present study, a new procedure to perform automatic audiometry using multifrequency Auditory Steady-State Response (ASSR) is proposed. METHODS: The automatic audiometry procedure consists of detecting the presence of multifrequency ASSR in real-time using the sequential test strategy and by adjusting the stimulus intensity independently. The ASSR audiometric thresholds of 18 adult volunteers with normal hearing were determined by automatically (four simultaneous frequencies per ear) at modulation frequencies in the 80 Hz range. The exam time and the difference between ASSR thresholds and pure-tone behavioural hearing thresholds were estimated as performance measures. RESULTS: The results showed that automatic audiometry can reduce the number of intensity levels used to obtain the ASSR threshold by up to 58% when compared to audiometry without using the techniques applied in automatic audiometry. In addition, the average of the difference between ASSR thresholds and Pure-Tone Behavioural Hearing thresholds was around 19 dB, which is similar to the results reported in similar studies. CONCLUSIONS: The audiometric procedure proposed in this study is fully automatic, i.e., does not require any human supervision throughout the exam, and is able to significantly reduce the conventional exam time.

A conversão eletrocatalítica de etanal em glioxal. Uma avaliação teórica

Introdução: uma proposta de modificação da síntese industrial de glioxal, o dial-deído mais simples, amplamente usado nas indústrias cosmética e farmacêutica, tem sido avaliada teoricamente. Trata-se, de fato, de uma adaptação de um método químico para a síntese eletroorgânica no ânodo, modificado por um revestimento polimèrico condutor, dopado pelo íon selenito. Metodologia: o modelo matemático correspondente tem sido desenvolvido e analisado mediante a teoria de estabilidade linear e análise de bifurcações. O conjunto de equações de balanço, para o modo potenciostático é bivariante. Resultados: foi provado que as capacitâncias da dupla camada elétrica (DCE) vêm sendo afetada tanto na etapa eletroquímica como na química. Essas influências são responsáveis pela aparição do comportamento osci-latório no sistema. Por outro lado, o estado estacionário se estabelece e se mantém facilmente, indicando um processo eletrocatalítico eficiente e com rendimento superior ao do processo químico. Conclusão: o elétrodo polimérico condutor, dopado pelo íon selenito é uma ferramenta eficiente para a conversão eletroorgânica do etanal em glioxal. Ao contrário do método clássico, este processo pode ser usado em escala industrial.

SUMMARY Introduction: A proposal for industrial synthesis for glyoxal, the simplest dialdehyde, widely used in cosmetics and pharmaceutical industry, has been theoretically evaluated. In fact, this is an adaptation of a chemical method for electroorganic synthesis over an anode, modified by a conducting polymer coating, doped by the selenite-ion. Methodology: A correspondent mathematical model has been developed and analyzed by means of linear stability theory and bifurcation analysis. The balance equation-set for potentiostatic mode is bivariant. Results: It was proven that the double electric layer (DEL) capacitances are affected on both electrochemical and chemical stages. These influences are responsible for the appearance of the oscillatory behavior in the system. On the other hand, the steady-state becomes stable and maintains stable, indicating an efficient electroorganic method. The yield is expected to be higher than for the chemical system. Conclusion: The selenite-doped conducting polymer electrode is an efficient tool for ethanal electroorganic conversion into glyoxal. Contrarily to the classic method, it may be used in industrial scale.

Introducción: una propuesta de síntesis industrial de glioxal se ha evaluado teóricamente, este es el dialdehído más simple y es ampliamente utilizado en la industria cosmética y farmacéutica. De hecho, se trata de una adaptación de un método químico de síntesis electroorgánica sobre un ánodo, modificado por un recubrimiento de polímero conductor, dopado por el ion selenito. Metodología: se ha desarrollado y analizado un modelo matemático adecuado mediante la teoría de la estabilidad lineal y el análisis de bifurcaciones. El conjunto de ecuaciones de equilibrio para el modo potenciostático es bivariante. Resultados: se comprobó que las capacitancias de doble capa eléctrica (DEL) se ven afectadas tanto en las etapas electroquímicas como químicas. Estas influencias son las responsables de la aparición del comportamiento oscilatorio en el sistema. Por otro lado, el estado estacionario se vuelve estable y se mantiene estable, lo que indica un método electroorgá-nico eficiente. Se espera que el rendimiento sea mayor que para el sistema químico. Conclusión: el electrodo de polímero conductor dopado con selenita es una herramienta eficiente para la conversión electroorgánica de etanal en glioxal. A diferencia del método clásico, puede utilizarse a escala industrial.

Descripción teórica del desempeño electroanalítico del material compuesto de oxihidróxido de vanadio con el colorante escuárico en la detección de la carfedona

Introducción: en este trabajo se evalúa desde el punto de vista mecanístico teórico el comportamiento electroanalítico del compuesto oxihidróxido de vanadio-colorante escuárico en la detección de la carfedona. El proceso electroanalítico incluye la formación de dos formas de vanadio tetravalente, incluyendo el dióxido de vanadio e ion vanadilo. Método: un mecanismo, capaz de describir el comportamiento del sensor, ha sido sugerido y un modelo matemático fue desarrollado y analizado mediante la teoría de estabilidad lineal y análisis de bifurcaciones. Resultados: el análisis del modelo ha probado que la dependencia lineal entre la concentración del fármaco y el parámetro electroquímico se mantiene firme en la ancha región topo-lógica de parámetros. Las inestabilidades oscilatoria y monotónica suelen realizarse cuando son causadas por influencias fuertes de las etapas química y electroquímica en la capacitancia de la doble capa eléctrica. Conclusiones: el compuesto de nano-partículas de oxihidróxido de vanadio (estabilizadas con el colorante escuárico) puede servir como un modificador eficiente de electrodo para la detección de la carfedona. El oxihidróxido de vanadio desempeña funciones de sustancia activa y el colorante, de la mediadora.

SUMMARY Introduction: In this work, the electroanalytical behavor of the vanadium oxyhydroxide-squaraine dye composite for the carfedon detection is evaluated. The electroanalytical process includes the formation of two tetravalent vanadium forms, including vanadium dioxide and vanadylion. Methods: A mechanism, capable to describe the sensor behavior, has been suggested, and the correspondent mathematical model has been developed and analyzed by means of the linear stability theory and bifurcation analysis. Results: The model analysis has proved that the linear dependence between the drug concentration and the concentration is firmly maintained in a wide topological parameter region. As for the oscillatory and monotonic instabilities, they may be realized, being caused by strong influences of the chemical and electrochemical stages on double electric layer capacitance. Conclusions: The vanadium oxyhydroxide composite with the squaraine dye may serve as an efficient electrode modifier for carfedone determination. The vanadium oxyhydroxide works as an active substance and the dye as a mediator.

Introdução: neste trabalho, avalia-se, do ponto de vista mecanístico teórico, o comportamento eletroanalítico do compósito oxihidróxido do vanádio-corante esquárico na detecção da carfedona. O processo eletroanalítico inclui a formação de duas formas do vanádio tetravalente, incluindo o dióxido de vanádio e íon vanadila. Método: um mecanismo, capaz de descrever o comportamento do sensor, tem sido sugerido e um modelo matemático correspondente, desenvolvido e analisado por meio da teoria de estabilidade linear e análise de bifurcações. Resultados: a análise do modelo tem provado que a dependência linear entre a concentração do fármaco e o parâmetro eletroquímico se mantém firme numa ampla região topológica de parâmetros. Já as instabilidades oscilatória e monotônica soem realizar-se, sendo causadas pelas influências fortes das etapas química e electroquímica na capacitância da dupla camada elétrica. Conclusões: o compósito de nanopartículas do oxihidróxido de vanádio, estabilizadas pelo corante esquárico, pode servir de um modificador eficaz para a detecção da carfedona. O oxihidróxido de vanádio desempenha as funções de substância ativa, e o corante, de mediador.

FBDNN: filter banks and deep neural networks for portable and fast brain-computer interfaces.

Objective.To propose novel SSVEP classification methodologies using deep neural networks (DNNs) and improve performances in single-channel and user-independent brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) with small data lengths.Approach.We propose the utilization of filter banks (creating sub-band components of the EEG signal) in conjunction with DNNs. In this context, we created three different models: a recurrent neural network (FBRNN) analyzing the time domain, a 2D convolutional neural network (FBCNN-2D) processing complex spectrum features and a 3D convolutional neural network (FBCNN-3D) analyzing complex spectrograms, which we introduce in this study as possible input for SSVEP classification. We tested our neural networks on three open datasets and conceived them so as not to require calibration from the final user, simulating a user-independent BCI.Results.The DNNs with the filter banks surpassed the accuracy of similar networks without this preprocessing step by considerable margins, and they outperformed common SSVEP classification methods (SVM and FBCCA) by even higher margins.Conclusion and significance.Filter banks allow different types of deep neural networks to more efficiently analyze the harmonic components of SSVEP. Complex spectrograms carry more information than complex spectrum features and the magnitude spectrum, allowing the FBCNN-3D to surpass the other CNNs. The performances obtained in the challenging classification problems indicates a strong potential for the construction of portable, economical, fast and low-latency BCIs.

Relationship of critical speed derived from a 10-min submaximal treadmill test to 5-km and 10-km running performances.

It has been shown that the critical speed (CS) predicted from a perceptually self-regulated 10-min submaximal treadmill test (T10) is reliable and closely matches the CS estimated from conventional methods. To assess the relationship between the T10 and 5-km and 10-km running performances, 36 recreational runners (mean SD: age: 32.2 ± 6.2 years, height: 173.2 ± 7.3 cm, weight: 70.9 ± 8.8 kg, maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max): 53.3 ± 6.1 mL·kg-1·min-1) performed a ramp incremental test and 2 T10 tests (the first as a familiarization trial). Results showed that the T10 CS (3.9 ± 0.44 m·s-1) was significantly correlated with runners' last 6 months best performances in 5 km (20.3 ± 2.7 min; r = -0.90) and 10 km (42.7 ± 5.7 min; r = -0.91), the V̇O2max (r = 0.75), the speed associated with the gas exchange threshold (vGET: 3.38 ± 0.36 m·s-1; r = 0.76), the speed associated with the second ventilatory threshold (vVT2: 4.15 ± 0.49 m·s-1; r = 0.84), and the speed associated with the V̇O2max (vV̇O2max: 4.78 ± 0.54 m·s-1; r = 0.87). Moreover, 79% and 83% of the variance in 5-km and 10-km performances could be explained solely by the CS predicted from the T10. Results evidenced the strong relationship and practical performance relevance of the T10 CS test. Novelty: Critical speed derived from a 10-min submaximal treadmill test (T10) is significantly correlated with 5-km and 10-km running performances. The T10 critical speed test may represent a useful tool for assessing running performance capabilities.

Artificial Intelligence Algorithms in Visual Evoked Potential-Based Brain-Computer Interfaces for Motor Rehabilitation Applications: Systematic Review and Future Directions.

Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) is a technology that uses electroencephalographic (EEG) signals to control external devices, such as Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES). Visual BCI paradigms based on P300 and Steady State Visually Evoked potentials (SSVEP) have shown high potential for clinical purposes. Numerous studies have been published on P300- and SSVEP-based non-invasive BCIs, but many of them present two shortcomings: (1) they are not aimed for motor rehabilitation applications, and (2) they do not report in detail the artificial intelligence (AI) methods used for classification, or their performance metrics. To address this gap, in this paper the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) methodology was applied to prepare a systematic literature review (SLR). Papers older than 10 years, repeated or not related to a motor rehabilitation application, were excluded. Of all the studies, 51.02% referred to theoretical analysis of classification algorithms. Of the remaining, 28.48% were for spelling, 12.73% for diverse applications (control of wheelchair or home appliances), and only 7.77% were focused on motor rehabilitation. After the inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied and quality screening was performed, 34 articles were selected. Of them, 26.47% used the P300 and 55.8% the SSVEP signal. Five applications categories were established: Rehabilitation Systems (17.64%), Virtual Reality environments (23.52%), FES (17.64%), Orthosis (29.41%), and Prosthesis (11.76%). Of all the works, only four performed tests with patients. The most reported machine learning (ML) algorithms used for classification were linear discriminant analysis (LDA) (48.64%) and support vector machine (16.21%), while only one study used a deep learning algorithm: a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). The reported accuracy ranged from 38.02 to 100%, and the Information Transfer Rate from 1.55 to 49.25 bits per minute. While LDA is still the most used AI algorithm, CNN has shown promising results, but due to their high technical implementation requirements, many researchers do not justify its implementation as worthwile. To achieve quick and accurate online BCIs for motor rehabilitation applications, future works on SSVEP-, P300-based and hybrid BCIs should focus on optimizing the visual stimulation module and the training stage of ML and DL algorithms.

A descrição teórica da detecção eletroquímica do fármaco olanzapina, assistida pelo compósito do oxihidróxido de cobalto (III) com um corante esquaraínico

Introdução: a olanzapina é um dos fármacos antipsicóticos benzodiazepínicos mais usados no mundo. Apesar da sua eficiência, em concentrações excessivas, ela sói ser tóxica, como quaisquer outros fármacos desta classe. Assim, neste trabalho, se avaliou, pela primeira vez, a possibilidade da detecção eletroquímica do fármaco olanzapina, assistida pelo compósito do oxihidróxido de cobalto (III), emparelhado com o dióxido, com um corante esquaraínico. Método: o modelo matemático trivariante correspondente inclui dois cenários de oxidação do fármaco, possíveis para o caso, incluindo a eletropolimerização indireta da molécula da benzodiazepina condensada, bem como a oxidação do fármaco pelo átomo do enxofre. Este modelo tem sido desenvolvido e analisado mediante a teoria de estabilidade linear e análise de bifurcações. Resultados e discussão: a análise do modelo há mostrado que a hibridez do mecanismo do processo eletroanalítico, aliada à composição e descomposição dos compostos iônicos aquando da sua realização, aumenta a probabilidade da ocorrência do comportamento oscilatório, em relação ao caso mais simples e mais comum. No entretanto, a instabilidade oscilatória se realiza nos valores dos parâmetros, que estão além do limite de detecção. Por sua vez, o estado estacionário se obtém e se mantém facilmente, indicando um processo eletroanalítico eficiente, controlado pela difusão do analito. Conclusões: trata-se de um processo eletroanalítico eficiente, em que o composto de cobalto funciona como substância ativa, e o corante desempenha o papel de mediador

SUMMARY Introduction: olanzapine is one of the most used antipsychotic drugs in the world. Although it is efficient, it may be toxic in excess. Therefore, in this work the possibility of olanzapine electrochemical determination over an electrode, modified by the cobalt (III) oxyhydroxide in pair with its dioxide in a composite with squaraine dye. Methods: the trivariant correspondent mathematical model includes two scenarios of the drug oxidation, possible for the case, including the indirect electropolymerization of the condensed benzodiazepine molecule, like also its oxidation by sulfur atom. This model has been developed and analyzed by means of stability theory and bifurcation analysis. Results and discussion: the analysis of the model has shown that the mechanism hybridity of the electroanalytical process, alongside with the formation and decomposition of ionic compounds during its realization, augments the possibility for the oscillatory behavior realization, relatively to the simplest and commonest case. Nevertheless, the oscillatory instability is realized in parameter values far beyond the detection limit. On the other hand, the stable steady-state is easy to obtain and maintain, indicating an efficient electroanalytical process, controlled by the analyte diffusion. Conclusions: the electroanalytical process is efficient. The cobalt compound is acting as an active substance, and the dye is the mediator.

Introducción: la olanzapina es uno de los fármacos antipsicóticos más utilizados en el mundo. Aunque es eficaz, puede resultar tóxico en exceso. Por tanto, en este trabajo se plantea la posibilidad de la determinación electroquímica de olanzapina sobre un electrodo, modificado por el oxihidróxido de cobalto (III) en pareja con su dióxido en un composito con colorante de escuaraína. Métodos: el modelo matemático correspondiente incluye dos escenarios de oxidación del fármaco, posibles para el caso, que incluyen la electropolimerización indirecta de la molécula de benzodiazepina condensada, así como su oxidación por átomo de azufre. Este modelo ha sido desarrollado y analizado mediante teoría de estabilidad y análisis de bifurcación. Resultados y discusión: el análisis del modelo ha demostrado que el mecanismo de hibridación del proceso electroanalítico, junto con la formación y descomposición de compuestos iónicos durante su realización, aumenta la posibilidad de realización del comportamiento oscilatorio, relativamente al caso más simple y común. Sin embargo, la inestabilidad oscilatoria se realiza en valores de parámetros mucho más allá del límite de detección. Por otro lado, el estado estacionario estable es fácil de obtener y mantener, lo que indica un proceso electroanalítico eficiente, controlado por la difusión del analito. Conclusiones: el proceso electroanalítico es eficiente. El compuesto de cobalto actúa como sustancia activa y el colorante es el mediador.

Broken Rotor Bar Detection in Induction Motors through Contrast Estimation.

Induction motors (IM) are key components of any industrial process; hence, it is important to carry out continuous monitoring to detect incipient faults in them in order to avoid interruptions on production lines. Broken rotor bars (BRBs), which are among the most regular and most complex to detect faults, have attracted the attention of many researchers, who are searching for reliable methods to recognize this condition with high certainty. Most proposed techniques in the literature are applied during the IM startup transient, making it necessary to develop more efficient fault detection techniques able to carry out fault identification during the IM steady state. In this work, a novel methodology based on motor current signal analysis and contrast estimation is introduced for BRB detection. It is worth noting that contrast has mainly been used in image processing for analyzing texture, and, to the best of the authors' knowledge, it has never been used for diagnosing the operative condition of an induction motor. Experimental results from applying the approach put forward validate Unser and Tamura contrast definitions as useful indicators for identifying and classifying an IM operational condition as healthy, one broken bar (1BB), or two broken bars (2BB), with high certainty during its steady state.

An Approach to Steady-State Power Transformer Modeling Considering Direct Current Resistance Test Measurements.

Measurements obtained in transformer tests are routinely used for computing associated steady-state model parameters, which can then be used for load flow simulation and other modeling applications. The short circuit and open circuit tests are most commonly performed with this purpose, allowing estimation of series and parallel branch transformer parameters. In this study, an extended model is proposed which does not employ the usually assumed cantilever circuit approximation and explicitly accounts for transformer connection resistance. An estimation of the proposed model parameters is enabled by usage of additional measurements yielded by the direct current (DC) resistance test. The proposed approach is validated by means of an experiment carried out on a real distribution power transformer, whose results demonstrate that the proposed model and parameter computation approach effectively decompose total transformer resistance into winding and contact components. Furthermore, the numerical results show that contact resistance is not negligible especially for low voltage windings, which reinforces the usefulness of the proposed model in providing detailed modeling of transformer resistances.

Solving the SSVEP Paradigm Using the Nonlinear Canonical Correlation Analysis Approach.

This paper presents the implementation of nonlinear canonical correlation analysis (NLCCA) approach to detect steady-state visual evoked potentials (SSVEP) quickly. The need for the fast recognition of proper stimulus to help end an SSVEP task in a BCI system is justified due to the flickering external stimulus exposure that causes users to start to feel fatigued. Measuring the accuracy and exposure time can be carried out through the information transfer rate-ITR, which is defined as a relationship between the precision, the number of stimuli, and the required time to obtain a result. NLCCA performance was evaluated by comparing it with two other approaches-the well-known canonical correlation analysis (CCA) and the least absolute reduction and selection operator (LASSO), both commonly used to solve the SSVEP paradigm. First, the best average ITR value was found from a dataset comprising ten healthy users with an average age of 28, where an exposure time of one second was obtained. In addition, the time sliding window responses were observed immediately after and around 200 ms after the flickering exposure to obtain the phase effects through the coefficient of variation (CV), where NLCCA obtained the lowest value. Finally, in order to obtain statistical significance to demonstrate that all approaches differ, the accuracy and ITR from the time sliding window responses was compared using a statistical analysis of variance per approach to identify differences between them using Tukey's test.

Space-time filter for SSVEP brain-computer interface based on the minimum variance distortionless response.

Brain-computer interfaces (BCI) based on steady-state visually evoked potentials (SSVEP) have been increasingly used in different applications, ranging from entertainment to rehabilitation. Filtering techniques are crucial to detect the SSVEP response since they can increase the accuracy of the system. Here, we present an analysis of a space-time filter based on the Minimum Variance Distortionless Response (MVDR). We have compared the performance of a BCI-SSVEP using the MVDR filter to other classical approaches: Common Average Reference (CAR) and Canonical Correlation Analysis (CCA). Moreover, we combined the CAR and MVDR techniques, totalling four filtering scenarios. Feature extraction was performed using Welch periodogram, Fast Fourier transform, and CCA (as extractor) with one and two harmonics. Feature selection was performed by forward wrappers, and a linear classifier was employed for discrimination. The main analyses were carried out over a database of ten volunteers, considering two cases: four and six visual stimuli. The results show that the BCI-SSVEP using the MVDR filter achieves the best performance among the analysed scenarios. Interestingly, the system's accuracy using the MVDR filter is practically constant even when the number of visual stimuli was increased, whereas degradation was observed for the other techniques.