N. Madhu Mohan

Bio: N. Madhu Mohan is an academic researcher from Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham. The author has contributed to research in topics: Photoplethysmogram & Capacitive sensing. The author has an hindex of 8, co-authored 21 publications receiving 219 citations. Previous affiliations of N. Madhu Mohan include Indian Institutes of Technology & Indian Institute of Technology Madras.

Linearising dual slope digital converter suitable for a thermistor

Abstract: To measure temperature using a thermistor as the sensing element, linearization to compensate for the inverse exponential nature of the resistance-temperature characteristic of the thermistor is required. A linearizing dual-slope digital converter (LDSDC) that accepts a thermistor sensor as input and provides a digital output that is directly proportional to the temperature being sensed is presented here. A logarithmic amplifier at the input of the LDSDC compensates for the exponential characteristics. The conversion logic of the underlying dual-slope converter is suitably modified to implement the required inversion and offset correction and thus obtain linearization over a wide range of input temperature. The efficacy of the proposed LDSDC is established through simulation studies and its practicality demonstrated with experimental results obtained on a prototype unit built and tested. Analysis of the proffered method to identify possible sources of errors is also presented.

Digital Converter for Differential Capacitive Sensors

Abstract: A digital converter that directly translates variations in the capacitances of a differential-type capacitive sensor to a proportional digital value is described in this paper. A conventional dual-slope, analog-to-digital converter is suitably modified to obtain direct capacitance-to-digital conversion (CDC). Analysis of the proposed technique indicates that the effects of nonidealities and variations in circuit parameters on the performance of the CDC is either in the form of a gain error and/or an offset, both of which can be easily compensated. Simulation studies and experimental results obtained from a prototype built and tested prove the efficacy of the proposed scheme.

Virtual Instrument for the Measurement of Haemo-dynamic Parameters Using Photoplethysmograph

Abstract: This paper presents the design and development of a virtual instrument for the measurement of haemo-dynamic parameters namely, pulse rate and oxygen saturation in arterial blood based on the popular photoplethysmographic (PPG) principle. A clip-on sensor, housing red and infrared (IR) light emitting diodes and suitable photo detectors is developed. The sensor is interfaced to a PC utilizing the audio channel of the sound card, thus dispensing with expensive analog to digital converter hardware. Since the frequency response of the audio channel is not suitable for the PPG waveforms of red and IR, FM modulation and demodulation are employed. An empirical relationship is developed for the computation of the oxygen saturation in arterial blood using the red and IR PPG data and the well-known and well-established extinction coefficients of haemoglobin with and without oxygen. Data acquisition and processing are accomplished under LabVIEW virtual environment.

A Linear Variable Differential Capacitive Transducer for Sensing Planar Angles

Abstract: A linear variable differential capacitive transducer for the measurement of planar angles (from 0deg to 360deg) is presented in this paper. The sensor part of the transducer is made of parallel plates of standard and easy-to-fabricate shapes, and the signal-conditioning electronics are realized, employing a couple of simple relaxation oscillators. The output of the transducer is only dictated by a pair of dc reference voltages, and hence, high accuracy and linearity over the entire range (from 0deg to 360deg) are easily obtained by the use of precision dc reference voltages. Detailed analysis indicates that the sensitivity of the transducer is minimal for variations in different parameters. Experimental results obtained on a prototype transducer that has been built and tested establish the efficacy of the proposed transducer. The worst-case error of the prototype transducer is found to be less than 0.1%.

Photoplethysmography Revisited: From Contact to Noncontact, From Point to Imaging

Abstract: Photoplethysmography (PPG) is a noninvasive optical technique for detecting microvascular blood volume changes in tissues. Its ease of use, low cost and convenience make it an attractive area of research in the biomedical and clinical communities. Nevertheless, its single spot monitoring and the need to apply a PPG sensor directly to the skin limit its practicality in situations such as perfusion mapping and healing assessments or when free movement is required. The introduction of fast digital cameras into clinical imaging monitoring and diagnosis systems, the desire to reduce the physical restrictions, and the possible new insights that might come from perfusion imaging and mapping inspired the evolution of the conventional PPG technology to imaging PPG (IPPG). IPPG is a noncontact method that can detect heart-generated pulse waves by means of peripheral blood perfusion measurements. Since its inception, IPPG has attracted significant public interest and provided opportunities to improve personal healthcare. This study presents an overview of the wide range of IPPG systems currently being introduced along with examples of their application in various physiological assessments. We believe that the widespread acceptance of IPPG is happening, and it will dramatically accelerate the promotion of this healthcare model in the near future.

Soluble Extract from Moringa oleifera Leaves with a New Anticancer Activity

Abstract: Moringa oleifera has been regarded as a food substance since ancient times and has also been used as a treatment for many diseases. Recently, various therapeutic effects of M. oleifera such as antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and antioxidant effects have been investigated; however, most of these studies described only simple biological phenomena and their chemical compositions. Due to the increasing attention on natural products, such as those from plants, and the advantages of oral administration of anticancer drugs, soluble extracts from M. oleifera leaves (MOL) have been prepared and their potential as new anticancer drug candidates has been assessed in this study. Here, the soluble cold Distilled Water extract (4°C; concentration, 300 µg/mL) from MOL greatly induced apoptosis, inhibited tumor cell growth, and lowered the level of internal reactive oxygen species (ROS) in human lung cancer cells as well as other several types of cancer cells, suggesting that the treatment of cancer cells with MOL significantly reduced cancer cell proliferation and invasion. Moreover, over 90% of the genes tested were unexpectedly downregulated more than 2-fold, while just below 1% of the genes were upregulated more than 2-fold in MOL extract-treated cells, when compared with nontreated cells. Since severe dose-dependent rRNA degradation was observed, the abnormal downregulation of numerous genes was considered to be attributable to abnormal RNA formation caused by treatment with MOL extracts. Additionally, the MOL extract showed greater cytotoxicity for tumor cells than for normal cells, strongly suggesting that it could potentially be an ideal anticancer therapeutic candidate specific to cancer cells. These results suggest the potential therapeutic implications of the soluble extract from MOL in the treatment of various types of cancers.

Use of Fourier Series Analysis for Motion Artifact Reduction and Data Compression of Photoplethysmographic Signals

Abstract: Pulse oximeters require artifact-free clean photoplethysmograph (PPG) signals obtained at red and infrared (IR) wavelengths for the estimation of the level of oxygen saturation ( SpO2) in the arterial blood of a patient. Movement of a patient corrupts a PPG signal with motion artifacts and introduces large errors in the computation of SpO2. A novel method for removing motion artifacts from corrupted PPG signals by applying Fourier series analysis on a cycle-by-cycle basis is presented in this paper. Aside from artifact reduction, the proposed method also provides data compression. Experimental results indicate that the proposed method is insensitive to heart rate variation, introduces negligible error in the processed PPG signals due to the additional processing, preserves all the morphological features of the PPG, provides 35 dB reduction in motion artifacts, and achieves a data compression factor of 12.

Biological, nutritional, and therapeutic significance of Moringa oleifera Lam

Abstract: The genus Moringa Adans. comprises 13 species, of which Moringa oleifera Lam. native to India and cultivated across the world owing to its drought and frost resistance habit is widely used in traditional phytomedicine and as rich source of essential nutrients. Wide spectrum of phytochemical ingredients among leaf, flower, fruit, seed, seed oil, bark, and root depend on cultivar, season, and locality. The scientific studies provide insights on the use of M. oleifera with different aqueous, hydroalcoholic, alcoholic, and other organic solvent preparations of different parts for therapeutic activities, that is, antibiocidal, antitumor, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardio-protective, hepato-protective, neuro-protective, tissue-protective, and other biological activities with a high degree of safety. A wide variety of alkaloid and sterol, polyphenols and phenolic acids, fatty acids, flavanoids and flavanol glycosides, glucosinolate and isothiocyanate, terpene, anthocyanins etc. are believed to be responsible for the pragmatic effects. Seeds are used with a view of low-cost biosorbent and coagulant agent for the removal of metals and microbial contamination from waste water. Thus, the present review explores the use of M. oleifera across disciplines for its prominent bioactive ingredients, nutraceutical, therapeutic uses and deals with agricultural, veterinarian, biosorbent, coagulation, biodiesel, and other industrial properties of this "Miracle Tree."