Search

Summary: The utilisation of in vitro digestive simulation models holds significant importance in the development, quality control, and safety evaluation of functional foods. This review presents an overview of the classification, design, and construction methods of in vitro digestive models while summarising the emerging trends towards miniaturisation and intelligence. Miniaturisation technology enhances the ability of these models to simulate physiological processes within the human digestive system more accurately, thereby improving experiment repeatability and controllability. Intelligent technology further facilitates optimal design, data collection, and analysis for in vitro digestive models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have developed an in vitro model for the evaluation of potential anticoccidial properties of novel compounds aimed to control chicken coccidiosis, a costly disease for the poultry industry. This disease is caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Eimeria (Apicomplexa), and it is mainly controlled by chemoprophylaxis with ionophores and chemical anticoccidials; however, there is an overall agreement about the limitation of these traditional drugs and the need to improve current methods of control. Anticoccidial activities of novel compounds is currently evaluated by expensive experiments that involve large numbers of chickens. The use of our in vitro model for the pre-screening of essential oils led to a reduction of 67% of the chickens used in the in vivo trials for validation. Eimeria parasites can only complete their life cycle in their animal host, therefore chickens are required for their propagation as they cannot be propagated in vitro. In this study, we describe how further optimisation of this in vitro model by miniaturisation can have an additional impact in reduction of the number of chickens used for the generation of parasite stocks for provision of the in vitro model. We have estimated that the use of one chicken could support the evaluation of 10 compounds with a 96-well plate format versus only two compounds with a 24-well plate format, which means an 80% reduction in chicken use. In this study we have proved that the miniaturisation into a 96-well plate format perfectly mimics the invasion and replication observed before in the 24-well plate format. In addition, the 96-well plate format has allowed the simultaneous pre-screening of higher numbers of anticoccidial drugs at different concentrations following streamlined protocols in a more cost-effective way, factors that are beneficial for a wider uptake of the model by other researchers investigating anticoccidial compounds.

Micro-additive manufacturing techniques have the potential to meet the demand for miniaturised functional components for minimally invasive surgical instruments. These techniques create monolithic, compliant mechanisms with micro-sized free-form structures that can be tailored to patient-specific surgical procedures. The automated design synthesis of the mechanisms using building blocks results in structures that are shape-programmable. This is achieved through an algorithmic-based computational workflow, which automatically converts user-specified 2D and 3D curves into discrete curve segments. The actuated motion of the mechanisms can be designed to move in a specific way, both forwardly and inversely. The mechanisms are manufactured using micro-laser powder bed fusion and hardenable stainless steel 17-4 PH. By carefully selecting the process parameters, it is possible to 3D-print micro-sized features such as a compliant beam thickness of 80 μm and an actuation hole of 100 μm. Both 2D planar curved mechanisms and 3D spatial curved mechanisms have been implemented and experimentally validated.

Abstract Background Acidic phytohormones are small molecules controlling many physiological functions in plants. A comprehensive picture of their profiles including the active forms, precursors and metabolites provides an important insight into ongoing physiological processes and is essential for many biological studies performed on plants. Results A high-throughput sample preparation method for liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry determination of 25 acidic phytohormones classed as auxins, jasmonates, abscisates and salicylic acid was optimised. The method uses a small amount of plant tissue (less than 10 mg fresh weight) and acidic extraction in 1 mol/L formic acid in 10% aqueous methanol followed by miniaturised purification on reverse phase sorbent accommodated in pipette tips organised in a 3D printed 96-place interface, capable of processing 192 samples in one run. The method was evaluated in terms of process efficiency, recovery and matrix effects as well as establishing validation parameters such as accuracy and precision. The applicability of the method in relation to the amounts of sample collected from distantly related plant species was evaluated and the results for phytohormone profiles are discussed in the context of literature reports. Conclusion The method developed enables high-throughput profiling of acidic phytohormones with minute amounts of plant material, and it is suitable for large scale interspecies studies.

BACKGROUND: In this work, a small-scale ceramic microbial fuel cell (MFC) with a novel type of metal-carbon-derived electrocatalyst containing iron and nicarbazin (Fe-NCB) was developed, to enhance electricity generation from neat human urine. Substrate oxidation at the anode provides energy for the separation of ions and recovery from urine without any chemical or external power additions. RESULTS: The catalyst was shown to be effective in clear electrolyte synthesis of high pH, compared with a range of carbon-based metal-free materials. Polarisation curves of tested MFCs showed up to 53% improvement (44.8 W m-3) in performance with the use of Fe-NCB catalyst.Catholyte production rate and pH directly increased with power performance while the conductivity decreased showing visually clear extracted liquid in the best-performing MFCs. CONCLUSIONS: Iron based catalyst Fe-NCB was shown to be a suitable electrocatalyst for the air-breathing cathode, improving power production from urine-fed MFCs. The results suggest electrochemical treatment through electro-osmotic drag while the electricity is produced and not consumed. Electro-osmotic production of clear catholyte is shown to extract water from urine against osmotic pressure. Recovering valuable resources from urine would help to transform energy intensive treatments to resource production, and will create opportunities for new technology development. © 2018 The Authors. Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Micro-additive manufacturing techniques have the potential to meet the demand for miniaturised functional components for minimally invasive surgical instruments. These techniques create monolithic, compliant mechanisms with micro-sized free-form structures that can be tailored to patient-specific surgical procedures. The automated design synthesis of the mechanisms using building blocks results in structures that are shape-programmable. This is achieved through an algorithmic-based computational workflow, which automatically converts user-specified 2D and 3D curves into discrete curve segments. The actuated motion of the mechanisms can be designed to move in a specific way, both forwardly and inversely. The mechanisms are manufactured using micro-laser powder bed fusion and hardenable stainless steel 17-4 PH. By carefully selecting the process parameters, it is possible to 3D-print micro-sized features such as a compliant beam thickness of 80 μm and an actuation hole of 100 μm. Both 2D planar curved mechanisms and 3D spatial curved mechanisms have been implemented and experimentally validated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physoschistura mango, new species, is described from Shan State, Myanmar. It is distinguished from congeners by having an extremely short and incomplete lateral-line canal on the body, with only 5-6 pores; several reductions in the cephalic lateral-line canal system; and by features of the colour pattern, including a dark black to brown horizontal stripe along body side combined with a bright orange-reddish background colour in mature males. With a maximum recorded length of 23.4 mm SL, it represents one of the smallest members of the family Nemacheilidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents a new design of a miniature patch antenna with metamaterials for 5G mobile applications. We used 8-CSRR (Complementary Split-Ring Resonator) cells etched in the ground plane of the antenna structure. The simulated and measured results of reflection coefficients are -33.51 dB and -28 dB respectively at 3.5 GHz and the gain reaches the value of 3.44 dB. The DGS (Defected Ground Structure) has been used to further improve the bandwidth of the miniature printed antenna for 5G applications [3.4-3.8] GHz, it reaches the value of 774 MHz which is very satisfactory. A comparison between the slot miniaturisation technique of the same initial antenna [1] and metamaterial miniaturisation technique was carried out to more evaluate the performance of the proposed method. The miniaturisation rate obtained with the slit miniaturisation is 42%, while that with the metamaterials is 48% with a measured reflection coefficient of -28dB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Particle image velocimetry is an important optical flow diagnostic tool due to its capacity for investigating a whole flow field without introducing disturbances. However, a significant drawback of PIV methods is their requirement for optical access, making capturing data in closed cavities and confined spaces extremely challenging. A potential approach to overcome this difficulty is miniaturising the system and placing the optical components inside the model. Conventional cross-correlation PIV methods do not allow this due to the size of current PIV cameras. In this study, a miniaturised autocorrelation-based stereo PIV system, which is volumetrically 1.2% of the conventional PIV cameras, was developed and tested. The miniature system is compared with a conventional stereo PIV in wind tunnel experiments up to 16 m/s free stream velocity and a 1.6% velocity difference is observed in the boundary layer flow. Despite a comparatively slow measurement rate of 4.5 Hz, the miniature PIV system demonstrates the ability to measure inside confined spaces and cavities and the ability to be mounted on board models and vehicles. However, limitations remain around conducting measurements with large velocity ranges and with regions of reversed flow due to the challenge of resolving a velocity of 0 m/s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acidic phytohormones are small molecules controlling many physiological functions in plants. A comprehensive picture of their profiles including the active forms, precursors and metabolites provides an important insight into ongoing physiological processes and is essential for many biological studies performed on plants. Results: A high-throughput sample preparation method for liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry determination of 25 acidic phytohormones classed as auxins, jasmonates, abscisates and salicylic acid was optimised. The method uses a small amount of plant tissue (less than 10 mg fresh weight) and acidic extraction in 1 mol/L formic acid in 10% aqueous methanol followed by miniaturised purification on reverse phase sorbent accommodated in pipette tips organised in a 3D printed 96-place interface, capable of processing 192 samples in one run. The method was evaluated in terms of process efficiency, recovery and matrix effects as well as establishing validation parameters such as accuracy and precision. The applicability of the method in relation to the amounts of sample collected from distantly related plant species was evaluated and the results for phytohormone profiles are discussed in the context of literature reports. Conclusion: The method developed enables high-throughput profiling of acidic phytohormones with minute amounts of plant material, and it is suitable for large scale interspecies studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper demonstrates the use of a ceramic stereolithography-based additive manufacturing process to fabricate higher-order mode dielectric resonators. In this work, dielectric resonators with concentric rings around a combline rod structure are 3D-printed using alumina. The integration of the concentric rings for the use of the TE112 mode allows for a more compact cavity structure and a higher unloaded quality factor when compared to a simple dielectric combline resonator with a similar S-parameter response. The achievable improvements in quality factor for the TE112-mode resonators utilising concentric rings are compared through simulations and experimental results. The measured results demonstrate an increased average in the unloaded quality factor of $\text{Q}_{u}\approx ~2172$ which is approximately 44%. Additionally, the application of the 3D-printed resonators is further demonstrated in a TE112 singlet, doublet, and dual-mode filter configuration.

We have developed an in vitro model for the evaluation of potential anticoccidial properties of novel compounds aimed to control chicken coccidiosis, a costly disease for the poultry industry. This disease is caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Eimeria (Apicomplexa), and it is mainly controlled by chemoprophylaxis with ionophores and chemical anticoccidials; however, there is an overall agreement about the limitation of these traditional drugs and the need to improve current methods of control. Anticoccidial activities of novel compounds is currently evaluated by expensive experiments that involve large numbers of chickens. The use of our in vitro model for the pre-screening of essential oils led to a reduction of 67% of the chickens used in the in vivo trials for validation. Eimeria parasites can only complete their life cycle in their animal host, therefore chickens are required for their propagation as they cannot be propagated in vitro. In this study, we describe how further optimisation of this in vitro model by miniaturisation can have an additional impact in reduction of the number of chickens used for the generation of parasite stocks for provision of the in vitro model. We have estimated that the use of one chicken could support the evaluation of 10 compounds with a 96-well plate format versus only two compounds with a 24-well plate format, which means an 80% reduction in chicken use. In this study we have proved that the miniaturisation into a 96-well plate format perfectly mimics the invasion and replication observed before in the 24-well plate format. In addition, the 96-well plate format has allowed the simultaneous pre-screening of higher numbers of anticoccidial drugs at different concentrations following streamlined protocols in a more cost-effective way, factors that are beneficial for a wider uptake of the model by other researchers investigating anticoccidial compounds.

Convoluted elements on a frequency selective surface (FSS) allow for low frequency elements to be contained in physically smaller unit cells. Smaller unit cells give the FSS greater angular stability, especially where a curved FSS is required, and so unwanted grating effects are avoided. A convoluted element FSS with a frequency rejection band centred at 2 GHz and unit cell area of 15 mm by 15 mm (0.10 λ × 0.10 λ) has been developed. To test its usefulness, the full structure FSS is used as a parabolic reflector in a dual band FSS reflector antenna operating at 1 GHz and 2 GHz. Simulated and measured results are close at both bands. The reflector antenna has high gain at 2 GHz of 12.7 dBi (simulated) and 11.7 dBi (measured). To observe the angular stability of the FSS and therefore its effectiveness as a reflector, it was compared with a copper test reflector at both bands. Simulation of the reflector antenna with test reflector produced a 2 GHz gain of 13.3 dBi which is very close to that with the FSS reflector. The simulated 2 GHz gain plot of the reflector antenna with FSS reflector is very similar to that with the test reflector indicating that the FSS has good angular stability. The gain at 1 GHz is also high with 9.3 dBi (simulated) and 8.7 dBi (measured). Simulation of the reflector antenna with no FSS and only a rear test reflector produced a 1 GHz gain of 10 dBi which is very close to that with the FSS reflector in place indicating that the FSS causes no significant attenuation at that frequency. The convoluted element FSS would be useful as a curved reflector in the creation of high gain, multiband, conformal antennas.

Sample preparation is an essential step focused on eliminating interfering compounds while pre-concentrating the analytes. However, its multiple steps are laborious, time-consuming, and a source of errors. Currently, automated approaches represent a promising alternative to overcome these drawbacks. Similarly, miniaturisation has been considered an ideal strategy for creating greener analytical workflows. The combination of these concepts is currently highly desired by analytical chemists. However, most automated and miniaturised sample preparation techniques are primarily concerned with liquid samples, while solids are frequently overlooked. We present an approach based on a cartridge packed with solids (soil samples) coupled with a capillary LC-MS, combining sample preparation and analytical steps into a unique platform. As a proof-of-concept, nine pesticides used in sugarcane crops were extracted and analysed by our proposed method. For optimisation, a fractional factorial design (25−1) was performed with the following variables: aqueous dilution of the sample (V1), extraction strength (V2), matrix washing time (V3), extraction flow (V4), and analytical flow (V5). After, the most influential ones (V1, V2, and V3) were taken into a central composite design (23) to select their best values. Under optimised conditions, the method reported linear ranges between 10 and 125 ng g−1 with R2 > 0.985. Accuracy and precision were in accordance with the values established by the International Council for Harmonisation (Q2(R1)). Therefore, the proposed approach was effective in extracting and analysing selected pesticides in soil samples. Also, we carried out initial qualitative tests for pesticides in honeybees to see if there is the possibility to apply our method in other solids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The miniature objects, the subjects of increasing research interest in recent years, are a group of finds frequently encountered in the domestic, funerary and cultic settings. The ongoing efforts to develop definitions and terminology alongside with the analytical attempts to discover the mindset behind miniaturization have had an impact in our attempt of perception of the nature of these objects. The miniature vessels stand as the expressions of miniaturization frequently -and often in large quantities- discovered in religious contexts. These vessels, the formerly assumed economic representations of their full-sized counterparts, are currently considered as the objects manipulating reality in line with the emotions. This study aims to provide an overview of the research in the field through a survey of the selected examples where miniature vessels were recorded in religious context in Anatolia. The first part of the study gathers the analyses on the phenomenon of miniaturization and the miniatures with a special focus on the representation of miniature vessels in the cult context, providing the inferences of the setting, arrangement, functionality, quantity, emotion, and the role of these objects in ritual. The second part of the study presents the examples displaying certain patterns among the centres where miniature vessels were found in the cult context in Anatolia. The miniature vessels have often been unearthed en masse in the deposits rather than in their original settings, which makes it difficult to interpret these objects evaluated based on the assumption that they gain meaning according to the context. However, some exceptional in situ contexts besides reflecting the religious arrangement of miniature vessels may also effectively identify the sacred space and/or define ritual and reach inferences of human behaviour. There are cases where these groups of finds were uncovered in already identified sacred spaces, whereas there are also some that these miniature vessels attribute “sacredness” to the spaces where they were found based on the vessel form, the assemblage and the setting.

Abstract In this paper, a novel method is proposed to increase the gain and radiation efficiency of a compact patch antenna. By employing a combination of three efficient techniques, we have developed a multi-resonance L-DGS antenna with a high gain of 5 dB and an efficiency of 99.6%. Furthermore, a novel compact Double Negative metamaterial unit cell and its equivalent circuit are investigated, to achieve high miniaturization of 30×30 mm2 and multi-band wireless applications (2.8 GHz, 4.1-4.45 GHz, 5.6 GHz). Koch snowflake fractal is introduced along radiation patch edges to improve the antenna matching. The antenna is designed using commercially available package CST software, printed on Rogers RT5880, and the probe feed mechanism is adopted for the antenna excitation. Then, to prove the validation of the antenna design, the equivalent circuit is presented and simulated using ADS of Agilent software. The compared simulation results given by CST, HFSS and ADS software have confirmed the antenna use for WIMAX, C-band and WLAN applications.

Particle image velocimetry is an important optical flow diagnostic tool due to its capacity for investigating a whole flow field without introducing disturbances. However, a significant drawback of PIV methods is their requirement for optical access, making capturing data in closed cavities and confined spaces extremely challenging. A potential approach to overcome this difficulty is miniaturising the system and placing the optical components inside the model. Conventional cross-correlation PIV methods do not allow this due to the size of current PIV cameras. In this study, a miniaturised autocorrelation-based stereo PIV system, which is volumetrically 1.2% of the conventional PIV cameras, was developed and tested. The miniature system is compared with a conventional stereo PIV in wind tunnel experiments up to 16 m/s free stream velocity and a 1.6% velocity difference is observed in the boundary layer flow. Despite a comparatively slow measurement rate of 4.5 Hz, the miniature PIV system demonstrates the ability to measure inside confined spaces and cavities and the ability to be mounted on board models and vehicles. However, limitations remain around conducting measurements with large velocity ranges and with regions of reversed flow due to the challenge of resolving a velocity of 0 m/s.

In this paper, a novel half T-square strip fractal antenna has been proposed. The antenna has been designed on FR4 (ɛr = 4.4) substrate with a size of 26 × 20 × 1 mm. The reported antenna resonates at 0.91 (0.89–0.95 GHz), 2.16 GHz (2.1–2.23 GHz), 4.19 GHz (3.9–4.4 GHz), 5.22 GHz (5.1–5.3 GHz), 7.69 GHz (7.3–8 GHz), and at 9.16 GHz (9.1–9.3 GHz) having a gain of 5.6 dB, 0.2 dB, 1.4 dB, 2.1 dB, 2.4 dB, and 2.5 dB, respectively. The antenna size has been miniaturised by 93% in terms of the lowest resonating frequency in comparison to a conventional patch antenna by using fractal geometry. The proposed antenna covers the frequency bands for applications such as Radiolocation, deep space research, Aeronautical Radio Navigation services (ARNS), Maritime Radio Navigation services (MRNS), and Fixed Satellite Services (FSS). The prototype of the proposed half T-square strip fractal antenna has been fabricated. The measured and simulated results are in good agreement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical analysis of different materials at the place where analytes are present (on-site analysis) has several advantages in comparison to analysis of these materials after delivering the samples to laboratory. Mobile devices, possessing expected properties in terms of using energy, mass and volume are needed for such analyses. The obtained results should be comparable to those obtained with the stationary instruments. Mass and ion mobility spectrometers are examples of the instruments fulfilling these requirements. At the beginning, the article describes the developments in combining of mass and ion mobility spectrometers (MS, IMS) with miniature gas chromatographs (GC). Both systems are used for analyses in the field, mainly for determination of environmental pollutions. They are used not only for analysis of typical chemicals present in different environmental compartments (in air, water and soil samples) but also for analysis of explosives, drugs and chemical warfare agents when fast results are needed. Particularly noteworthy is their applications in space exploration on the International Space Station. The selected examples of applications of miniaturised GC-MS and GC-IMS devices are presented in the second part of this mini review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Between the Final Bronze Age and the Early Iron Age (XI-VIII century BC) the cremation burials of Latium are characterized by a specific ritual costume, which consists in the partial or complete miniaturisation of grave goods. The miniaturisation, a quite common phenomenon in the ancient Mediterranean world within cult, funerary and settlement contexts is to be considered a specific ritual behaviour that involves the accurate reproduction of small size types of artefacts, with a symbolic meaning. This paper aims to analyse some production of miniaturised objects in the funerary contexts referring to their specific models, with the definition of combination “miniature-prototype”. The existence of the object in miniature is indissolubly related to its prototype, cognitive benchmark from which the symbolic reduction begins: each miniature has the ontological necessity to be related to a specific prototype, without which they do not have reason for being. It is therefore quite evident the reason why an analysis on miniaturised objects cannot leave a close examination aside of the system of dimensional and semantic relationships between miniatures and prototypes. After the analysis of the grave goods association, the article aims to offer new considerations about this ritual practice, considered one of the more significant features of the Latium funerary costume during the Final Bronze Age and the Early Iron Age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kassinula is a monotypic genus of small frog in the family Hyperoliidae, only represented by Kassinula wittei. This species morphologically resembles both Kassina Girard, 1853 and Afrixalus Laurent, 1944, and its taxonomic status has been debated for decades. It has previously been subsumed within Kassina, and is currently placed as a sister genus to Afrixalus, although it has not been included in any phylogenetic studies until now. This species is poorly represented in museum collections and is only known from fewer than 35 specimens from southern Democratic Republic of the Congo and adjacent Zambia. Newly collected material from central Angola, a range extension of 400–800 km west of previously known localities, allowed us to revisit the taxonomic placement of the genus with the aid of phylogenetic analysis and shed light on its geographic distribution, morphology and natural history. Although our phylogenetic analysis is limited to a single mitochondrial gene (16S), we place Kassinula in the subfamily Hyperoliinae and closely related to Afrixalus, with a high degree of confidence. Further phylogenetic studies are needed before formally synonymising Afrixalus with Kassinula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In neurostimulation, wireless power transfer is an efficient technology to overcome several limitations affecting medical devices currently used in clinical practice. Several methods were developed over the years for wireless power transfer. In this review article, we report and discuss the three most relevant methodologies for extremely miniaturised implantable neurostimulators: ultrasound coupling, inductive coupling and capacitive coupling. For each powering method, the discussion starts describing the physical working principle. In particular, we focus on the challenges given by the miniaturisation of the implanted integrated circuits and the related ad-hoc solutions for wireless power transfer. Then, we present recent developments and progresses in wireless power transfer for biomedical applications. Last, we compare each technique based on key performance indicators to highlight the most relevant and innovative solutions suitable for neurostimulation, with the gaze turned towards miniaturisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a novel method is proposed to increase the gain and radiation efficiency of a compact patch antenna. By employing a combination of three efficient techniques, we have developed a multi-resonance L-DGS antenna with a high gain of 5 dB and an efficiency of 99.6%. Furthermore, a novel compact Double Negative metamaterial unit cell and its equivalent circuit are investigated, to achieve high miniaturization of 30×30 mm2 and multi-band wireless applications (2.8 GHz, 4.1-4.45 GHz, 5.6 GHz). Koch snowflake fractal is introduced along radiation patch edges to improve the antenna matching. The antenna is designed using commercially available package CST software, printed on Rogers RT5880, and the probe feed mechanism is adopted for the antenna excitation. Then, to prove the validation of the antenna design, the equivalent circuit is presented and simulated using ADS of Agilent software. The compared simulation results given by CST, HFSS and ADS software have confirmed the antenna use for WIMAX, Cband and WLAN applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An LS Peano fractal antenna, which integrates the self-similarity and spatial filling features of fractal technology, was designed for detecting the ultra-high frequency (UHF) signals generated by gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) partial discharge (PD). Firstly, we used ANSYS HFSS to simulate and design the LS Peano fractal antenna. Then we made the antenna object according to the optimised simulation results. Finally, PD trials involving a metal protrusion defect are conducted therewith. The test results show that: the LS Peano fractal antenna has ellipsoidal directivity; the measured results indicate that the voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) of this antenna is less than 4.5 in the range from 300 MHz to 3 GHz, which has better PD monitoring ability; the VSWR of this antenna is less than 2 in the range from 1.1 GHz MHz to 3 GHz, which has a higher density of monitoring PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate a proof of concept highly miniaturised fluorescence imager and its application to detecting cancer in resected human colon cancer tissues. Fluorescence imaging modalities have already been successfully implemented in traditional endoscopy. However, the procedure still causes discomfort and requires sedation. Wireless fluorescence capsule endoscopy has the potential to improve diagnostic accuracy with less inconvenience for patients. In this paper we present a 5 mm $\times6$ mm $\times5$ mm optical block that is small enough to integrate into a capsule endoscope. The block integrates ultrathin filters for optical isolation and was successfully integrated with a sensitive CMOS SPAD array to detect green fluorescence from Flavin Adenine Dinucleotide (FAD), which is an endogenous fluorophore responsible for autofluorescence in human tissues, and fluorescence from the cancer selective molecular probe ProteoGREEN™-gGlu used to label colorectal cancer cells. In vitro studies were validated using a commercial Modulus™ Microplate reader. The potential use of the device in capsule endoscopy was further validated by imaging healthy and malignant resected human tissues from the colon to detect changes in autofluorescence signal that are crucial for cancer diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper comes out with an experimental investigation of the expansion of refrigerant HFC-134a through adiabatic capillary tubes with internal diameters ranging from 0.23 mm to 0.53 mm aiming at the so-called mesocooling applications. To this end, an experimental apparatus was designed and constructed to emulate the operating conditions of mesoscale refrigerating devices, with condensing pressures ranging from 9 to 19 bar, and inlet refrigerant subcooling ranging from 5 to 10 K. The tube length was varied from 1 to 2 m. The tests were carried out following a factorial design. The experimental data were used to assess the mass flow rate prediction capabilities of an explicit, algebraic model for adiabatic capillary tubes devised in a prior work. The results revealed that the model is not suitable for small-bore capillary tubes. Correction factors were proposed, so that the model predictions for more than 90% of the experimental dataset fell within ±10% error bounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A robust, portable and miniature battery powered gradient capillary liquid chromatograph (total weight ∼2.7 kg, without battery ∼2.0 kg), with integrated microfluidic injection, column heating and high sensitivity low-UV absorbance detection is presented. The portable capillary chromatograph, was applied with a packed reversed-phase capillary column (100 mm × 300 μm I.D., 5 μm ODS), housed within an integrated capillary column heater controlled by a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) chip module. The system delivered retention time and peak area relative standard deviation in isocratic mode of <0.7% (n = 10) and <3.3% (n = 10), respectively, and <0.1% (n = 10) and <2.3% (n = 10) respectively, for gradient elution mode. Detection was based upon a 255 nm light-emitting diode (LED) using one of two commercial capillary flow-cell options, namely a high sensitivity 12 nL Agilent capillary z-cell (HSDC) and a 45 nL Thermo Fisher Scientific UZ-View™ flow cell (UZFC). The HSDC, housed within a 3D printed detector arrangement, gave an effective pathlength of 1.01 mm (84% of nominal pathlength) and stray light of only 0.2%. Limits of detection for four test small molecule pharmaceuticals ranged from 65 to 101 μg L−1 based upon a 316 nL injection volume, with separation efficiencies of between 18,000 and 29,700 N m−1, with sub-4 min run times. The portable capillary LC system was successfully coupled to a small footprint portable mass spectrometer (Microsaic 4500 MiD) to demonstrate compatibility and 'point-of-need' miniaturised LC-MS capability. Image 1 • A hand-portable (2.7 kg) and battery-operated liquid chromatograph is presented. • Highly repeatable gradient capillary chromatography with UV absorbance detection. • Developed UV-LED based z-cell provides linearity up to 1.6 AU with low stray light of ∼0.2%. • Demonstrated coupled with miniature single quadrupole mass spectrometer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The state of insecurity occasioned by fraudulent practices in Africa has been of concern economically, both at home and abroad. In this paper, we propose ways to mitigate this problem, using Nigeria as a case study. Based on surveys in West Africa, the paper examines the security situation in the continent and its mutual impacts with computerisation, miniaturisation and Location-Based Authentication (LBA). It was discovered that computerisation and miniaturisation had negative effects on cyber-security, as these were being exploited by fraudsters, using advance fee fraud; called 419. As a countermeasure, the paper examines the possibility of using LBA and digitisation of the GSM Mobile country codes down to city/area codes along with GSM/GPS authentications. These could also be combined with the use of a web-based Secret Sharing Scheme for services with very high security demands. The challenges of roaming were also examined and considered to be of negligible impact.

We explored the macroevolutionary dynamics of miniaturisation in New World anchovies by integrating a time‐calibrated phylogeny, geometric morphometrics and phylogenetic comparative methods. We found that the paedomorphic species Amazonsprattus scintilla occupies a novel region of shape space, while the dwarf species Anchoviella manamensis has an overall shape consistent with other anchovies. We found that miniaturisation did not increase overall clade disparity in size or shape beyond the expectations of Brownian motion, nor were there differences in rates of size or shape evolution among clades. Overall, our study shows that while the mode of miniaturisation influences shape evolution, the phenotypic novelty produced by the evolution of miniaturisation did not seem to alter macroevolutionary dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel, highly stable, selective, and sensitive non‐enzymatic glucose sensor was developed by simple and effective modification procedure. The modification of gold microelectrodes by electrochemically deposited gold nanoparticles resulted in increase of surface area up to 37 %. The nanostructured surfaces of the gold microelectrodes obtained by different modifications were studied by confocal microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The gold nanoclusters exhibit great electrocatalytic properties toward glucose with a wide linear range from 0.5 to 50 mM, with a limit of detection 218 μM, and sensitivity of 185.2 mA mM−1cm−2. Moreover, the modified microelectrodes display good reproducibility, stability, and selectivity in the presence of poisoning compounds. Due to the small dimensions of gold microelectrodes and a very small volume of the sample, the microelectrodes make a contribution to miniaturisation of the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new genus and two new species of miniature clingfishes are described based on specimens collected from dense stands of macroalgae in intertidal and shallow subtidal areas along the coast of southern Australia. The new genus, Barryichthys, is distinguished from other genera of the Gobiesocidae by unique features of the adhesive disc, including elongate papillae in adhesive disc regions A and B, the reduction and/or loss of several elements of the cephalic lateral line canals, the lower gill arch skeleton, and the neurocranium, and by having two distinct types of pectoral-fin rays. Barryichthys hutchinsi is described based on 19 specimens (12.4-18.7 mm SL) from Western Australia and South Australia. Barryichthys algicola is described based on 22 specimens (9.0-21.0 mm SL) from Victoria, New South Wales and Tasmania. The new species are distinguished from each other by characters of body and head shape, vertebral counts, and aspects of live colour pattern. The new genus shares several characters in common with Parvicrepis, another genus of miniature gobiesocids from southern Australia that also inhabits macroalgae habitats. The many reductions and novel characters of Barryichthys are discussed within the context of miniaturisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The measurement of airborne particles continues to attract increased interest for the detection and characterisation of air pollution, emissions, fire detection, occupational and climate impacts. Concerted efforts have reduced the size and cost of optical counters that have enabled widespread sensor deployment. Currently the World Health Organisation (WHO) enforces particle regulations that are mass-based which has resulted in an influx of low-cost portable optical particle counters (OPCs) calibrated to mass standards and widely utilised for research and personal monitoring. However, OPCs are incapable of measuring particles with diameters d p ≲ 300 nm which misses ultrafine particles (≤ 100 nm) that often represent the majority of particles by number concentration. Condensation particle counters (CPCs) capable of measuring ultrafine particle number concentration with high instrument sensitivity, accuracy and precision have recently been targeted for miniaturisation. Herein, we explore the limitations of the miniaturisation of a CPC growth chamber (CPC-GC). Results presented in this work use water, but equivalent expressions can be obtained for other working fluids or design criteria using the same methods. Scaling analysis considers phenomenological constraints of supersaturation, heat transfer, particle penetration and droplet growth to establish limits during miniaturisation. The results showed that optimal thermal and saturation conditions are similar where the optimum device aspect ratio is L ∗ ≥ L min,s ∗ = 1.68 Re + 7.98 and L ∗ ≥ L min,th ∗ = 1.78 Re + 8.02 respectively. L ∗ is the non-dimensional aspect ratio and L min ∗ is the minimum non-dimensional device length required as a function of the flow Reynolds number Re. Higher Reynolds numbers lead to a convection-dominated regime, where the saturation and temperature profiles take a parabolic shape. As the Reynolds number approaches unity, the reduced mass and thermal Péclet numbers result in vapour and heat diffusing upstream of the condenser, creating ellipsoidal saturation and temperature profiles. To achieve a satisfactory performance, the heat and mass transport within the CPC-GC must be convection-dominated, leading to a minimum value of Re ≳ 2. Desired penetration P ≥ 0. 9 for particles with an initial diameter d p init = 10 nm is achieved by designs with an aspect ratio, L ∗ ≤ L max,p ∗ = 2.5 Re. Together, these constraints define an allowable range of aspect ratios for a CPC-GC as a function of the Reynolds number. The final size of the grown droplets can be controlled by varying the interaction residence time τ int , defined as the time a particle spends in the supersaturation profile. Having defined a target final droplet size for optical detection, and hence having fixed τ int , the aspect ratio necessary to achieve the desired growth is a function of the Reynolds number and of the dimensional radius of the CPC-GC (R i cpc) according to: L growth ∗ = γ Re / (R i cpc) 2 with γ = 2 τ int ν , where ν is the kinematic viscosity of air. Selecting a value of R i cpc such that the line for L growth ∗ falls in the centre of the allowable operating region defined above will optimise the dimensional CPC-GC for the selected design criteria. Limits from this model were used to realising a prototype successfully tested experimentally against a reference commercial CPC within a laboratory environment. The outcome of the present work enables designers and researchers with a toolkit to optimise the next generation of high performance miniaturised CPC-GC designs. • L ∗ ≥ L min , s ∗ and L ∗ ≥ L min , th ∗ must be satisified for supersaturation and thermal transfer. • L ∗ ≤ L m ax , p ∗ = 2.5Re is the aspect ratio needed for desired particle penetration. • L growth ∗ for Re ≥ 10 when tuned with R i cpc can hit the allowable range. • The fundemental limits discovered provides a toolkit for miniaturised CPC-GC designs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of three portable NIR spectrometers was compared by analysing the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of different species of gluten-free grains. TAC is often used to evaluate the quality of foods and was determined using Folin-Ciocalteu measurements and used as reference data for establishing PLS-R models with NIR data. NIRS enables fast and non-invasive measurements. The microPhazir RX and the MicroNIR 2200 are broadly used in chemical and pharmaceutical industries, whereas SCiO is a pocket-sized, consumer-oriented spectrometer. The devices work in different regions of the NIR spectrum and their performances was compared using statistical parameters. 77 samples were measured and analysed using the software The Unscrambler X, as well as SCiO-Lab. All models established were cross- and test set validated. The multivariate data processing using The Unscrambler X yielded similar results as SCiO-Lab. The best model was established for non-milled samples measured with the MicroNIR 2200 and analysed using The Unscrambler X. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insects are well known to orient using celestial cues. The pattern of polarised skylight is the dominant celestial compass information that insects use, which they detect using a specialised set of ommatidia. The number of ommatidia decreases with body size, and it is unknown how this reduction in the number of ommatidia affects the precision of orienting using celestial cues. We investigated this in eight different ant species that had varying numbers of ommatidia. We captured ants returning home, displaced them to an unfamiliar location and measured their precision in determining heading direction using celestial cues. The heading direction of the ants measured at a fixed distance from the release and also at a distance scaled to their body size was not correlated with the number of ommatidia. However, both the path straightness and walking speed were lower in smaller ants indicating the ability to orient at a finer scale was affected by miniaturisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Miniature objects from non-European contexts have ideological elements which are often overlooked in the museum space because their small size and iconic relations make them difficult to accurately interpret and disrupt curatorial efforts to impose meaning upon them; a situation I term miniature dissonance. This article will examine this phenomenon using three related case studies featuring miniatures from the Northwest Coast of North America. It will consider what might have been misunderstood in these objects and what they might originally have been intended to achieve, followed by an example from a recent Ancient Egyptian exhibition which demonstrates that this problem is both more widespread and problematic than is often recognised. These miniatures disrupt curatorial intentionality in the museum space, and it is only by carefully considering their origins and affordances that they can be adequately and accurately interpreted and displayed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demand for complex micro-feature-based miniaturised products has grown over the last few decades due to their higher utility in many fields such as micro-fluidic devices, biomedical devices, orthopaedic implants, automotive industries, aerospace industries, etc. To fulfil the growing demand of these micro-feature-based products, several micromanufacturing techniques have been developed over the years. Micro-end milling is considered to be one of the favourable types among these techniques due to its higher flexibility and applicability over a wide range of materials. This technique is even more prominent when ball-end mill is used as a cutting tool due to its additional ability of finishing complicated surfaces and producing various 3D micro-textured surfaces. The present article provides an inclusive review of the tool fabrication, cutting mechanism, performance analysis, modelling and simulation and industrial applications of micro ball-end milling process. Furthermore, comments on future research scope have been emphasised in the direction of micro ball-end milling of different materials and their applications for producing new products with micro-features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional PCNL leads to a high stone-free rate but is associated with a significant treatment morbidity. To decrease the morbidity of PCNL but to achieve an equal stone-free rate, in 2001 a miniaturised version of a conventional PCNL (Mini-PCNL) was introduced. Meanwhile numerous modifications of the Mini-PCNL were reported. The ongoing experience with the Mini-PCNL technique showed that Mini-PCNL is not only a miniaturisation but also a different method to remove the stones, as the stones come out of the calyceal system only by means of the irrigation flow without any further need of forceps or baskets. Due to a limited number of papers in the literature, the guidelines so far do not distinguish between conventional and Mini-PCNL, although the Mini-PCNL already became a frequent treatment modality in daily routine worldwide. From the current point of view, Mini-PCNL can be recommended to treat all kinds of upper urinary tract stones exceeding a diameter of 10 mm. In this context, Mini-PCNL is a treatment alternative to flexible ureterorenoscopy, SWL and conventional PCNL. The available literature shows that the morbidity of Mini-PCNL is less and the stone-free rate is equal to that of conventional PCNL. It seems that there is no limitation to Mini-PCNL in the treatment of upper urinary tract stones. The future will show what kind of further miniaturisation of the Mini-PCNL procedure will be appropriate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]