Eindhoven University of Technology

About: Eindhoven University of Technology is a education organization based out in Eindhoven, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Catalysis & Computer science. The organization has 22309 authors who have published 52936 publications receiving 1584164 citations. The organization is also known as: Technische Hogeschool Eindhoven & TU/e.

Cognitive dysfunction after minor surgery in the elderly

Abstract: Keywords:General anesthesia;minor surgery;out-patient surgery;cognitive dysfunction Background: Major surgery is frequently associated with postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) in elderly patients. Type of surgery and hospitalization may be important prognostic factors. The aims of the study were to find the incidence and risk factors for POCD in elderly patients undergoing minor surgery. Methods: We enrolled 372 patients aged greater than 60 years scheduled for minor surgery under general anesthesia. According to local practice, patients were allocated to either in- (199) or out-patient (173) care. Cognitive function was assessed using neuropsychological testing preoperatively and 7 days and 3 months postoperatively. Postoperative cognitive dysfunction was defined using Z-score analysis. Results: At 7 days, the incidence (confidence interval) of POCD in patients undergoing minor surgery was 6.8% (4.3–10.1). At 3 months the incidence of POCD was 6.6% (4.1–10.0). Logistic regression analysis identified the following significant risk factors: age greater than 70 years (odds ratio [OR]: 3.8 [1.7–8.7], P = 0.01) and in- vs. out-patient surgery (OR: 2.8 [1.2–6.3], P = 0.04). Conclusions: Our finding of less cognitive dysfunction in the first postoperative week in elderly patients undergoing minor surgery on an out-patient basis supports a strategy of avoiding hospitalization of older patients when possible.

Mechanisms of bacterial inactivation in the liquid phase induced by a remote RF cold atmospheric pressure plasma jet

Abstract: A radio-frequency atmospheric pressure argon plasma jet is used for the inactivation of bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) in solutions. The source is characterized by measurements of power dissipation, gas temperature, absolute UV irradiance as well as mass spectrometry measurements of emitted ions. The plasma-induced liquid chemistry is studied by performing liquid ion chromatography and hydrogen peroxide concentration measurements on treated distilled water samples. Additionally, a quantitative estimation of an extensive liquid chemistry induced by the plasma is made by solution kinetics calculations. The role of the different active components of the plasma is evaluated based on either measurements, as mentioned above, or estimations based on published data of measurements of those components. For the experimental conditions being considered in this work, it is shown that the bactericidal effect can be solely ascribed to plasma-induced liquid chemistry, leading to the production of stable and transient chemical species. It is shown that HNO2, ONOO − and H2O2 are present in the liquid phase in similar quantities to concentrations which are reported in the literature to cause bacterial inactivation. The importance of plasma-induced chemistry at the gas‐liquid interface is illustrated and discussed in detail. (Some figures may appear in colour only in the online journal)

Co-Design of a CMOS Rectifier and Small Loop Antenna for Highly Sensitive RF Energy Harvesters

Abstract: In this paper, a design method for the co-design and integration of a CMOS rectifier and small loop antenna is described. In order to improve the sensitivity, the antenna-rectifier interface is analyzed as it plays a crucial role in the co-design optimization. Subsequently, a 5-stage cross-connected differential rectifier with a 7-bit binary-weighted capacitor bank is designed and fabricated in standard 90 nm CMOS technology. The rectifier is brought at resonance with a high-Q loop antenna by means of a control loop that compensates for any variation at the antenna-rectifier interface and passively boosts the antenna voltage to enhance the sensitivity. A complementary MOS diode is proposed to improve the harvester's ability to store and hold energy over a long period of time during which there is insufficient power for rectification. The chip is ESD protected and integrated on a compact loop antenna. Measurements in an anechoic chamber at 868 MHz demonstrate a -27 dBm sensitivity for 1 V output across a capacitive load and 27 meter range for a 1.78 W RF source in an office corridor. The end-to-end power conversion efficiency equals 40% at -17 dBm.

Using equity theory to examine the difference between burnout and depression

Abstract: This study among a sample of 154 Dutch teachers examines the discriminant validity of burnout and depression, as measured by the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), respectively. Confirmatory factor analyses show that burnout can be statistically discriminated from depression. Results corroborate the three-factor structure of the MBI and partly confirm the four-factor structure of the CES-D. Furthermore, results of structural equation modeling analyses show that a lack of reciprocity in the relationship with one's partner predicts depression (and not burnout), and that a lack of reciprocity in the relationship with students predicts burnout (and only indirectly depression). These findings are consistent with equity theory, and confirm the central hypothesis that burnout is work-related, whereas depression is context-free.