Alignment System Research Articles

Verification and Validation of AI Systems Using Explanations

Verification and validation of AI systems, particularly learning-enabled systems, is hard because often they lack formal specifications and rely instead on incomplete data and human subjective feedback. Aligning the behavior of such systems with the intended objectives and values of human designers and stakeholders is very challenging, and deploying AI systems that are misaligned can be risky. We propose to use both existing and new forms of explanations to improve the verification and validation of AI systems. Toward that goal, we preseant a framework, the agent explains its behavior and a critic signals whether the explanation passes a test. In cases where the explanation fails, the agent offers alternative explanations to gather feedback, which is then used to improve the system's alignment. We discuss examples of this approach that proved to be effective, and how to extend the scope of explanations and minimize human effort involved in this process.

The Mason-Alberta Phonetic Segmenter: a forced alignment system based on deep neural networks and interpolation.

Given an orthographic transcription, forced alignment systems automatically determine boundaries between segments in speech, facilitating the use of large corpora. In the present paper, we introduce a neural network-based forced alignment system, the Mason-Alberta Phonetic Segmenter (MAPS). MAPS serves as a testbed for two possible improvements we pursue for forced alignment systems. The first is treating the acoustic model as a tagger, rather than a classifier, motivated by the common understanding that segments are not truly discrete and often overlap. The second is an interpolation technique to allow more precise boundaries than the typical 10 ms limit in modern systems. During testing, all system configurations we trained significantly outperformed the state-of-the-art Montreal Forced Aligner in the 10 ms boundary placement tolerance threshold. The greatest difference achieved was a 28.13 % relative performance increase. The Montreal Forced Aligner began to slightly outperform our models at around a 30 ms tolerance. We also reflect on the training process for acoustic modeling in forced alignment, highlighting how the output targets for these models do not match phoneticians' conception of similarity between phones and that reconciling this tension may require rethinking the task and output targets or how speech itself should be segmented.

Tire wear monitoring using feature fusion and CatBoost classifier

Addressing the critical issue of tire wear is essential for enhancing vehicle safety, performance, and maintenance. Worn-out tires often lead to accidents, underscoring the need for effective monitoring systems. This study is vital for several reasons: safety, as worn tires increase the risk of accidents due to reduced traction and longer braking distances; performance, as uneven tire wear affects vehicle handling and fuel efficiency; maintenance costs, as early detection can prevent more severe damage to suspension and alignment systems; and regulatory compliance, as ensuring tire integrity helps meet safety regulations imposed by transportation authorities. In response, this study systematically evaluates tire conditions at 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% wear, with an intact tire as a reference, using vibration signals as the primary data source. The analysis employs statistical, histogram, and autoregressive–moving-average (ARMA) feature extraction techniques, followed by feature selection to identify key parameters influencing tire wear. CatBoost is used for feature classification, leveraging its adaptability and efficiency in distinguishing varying wear patterns. Additionally, the study incorporates feature fusion to combine different types of features for a more comprehensive analysis. The proposed methodology not only offers a robust framework for accurately classifying tire wear levels but also holds significant potential for real-time implementation, contributing to proactive maintenance practices, prolonged tire lifespan, and overall vehicular safety.

New technology: Custom made implants, patient-specific alignment, and navigation – How to convince my hospital it's worth it: Current concepts

Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) faces significant challenges, including lower survival rates and higher revision rates than total knee arthroplasty (TKA). To address these issues, technological advancements like custom-made implants (CMI), patient-specific alignment (PSA), and computer-assisted systems (CAS) are being explored. These innovations aim to tailor procedures to individual joint morphology, soft tissue balance, and limb alignment, moving away from the traditional “one size fits all” approach. Early studies suggest that CMI may improve survival rates and patient-reported outcomes, though conclusive evidence is lacking. PSA shows potential for restoring pre-surgical alignment; however, its long-term benefits are uncertain. CAS improves implant placement precision and ligament balance; nevertheless, long-term survival data remain inconclusive. Moreover, economic and implementation challenges, such as cost and the need for specialized training, remain underexplored. While promising, further research is needed to fully understand the long-term efficacy and practical application of these technologies in UKA.

Adaptive positioning of large-scale aircraft components using a simplified image-based visual servoing via online measurement of ball-head center

In digital alignment systems, ensuring fast and accurate alignment between the ball head on large aircraft components and the ball socket of the positioner is the key to aircraft assembly efficiency and quality. Image-based visual servoing is one of the most advanced techniques with high efficiency and positioning accuracy, but it does not account for measuring the ball-head position. Moreover, variable target positions, similar feature interference, and poor lighting conditions pose great challenges to the fast and robust visual measurement of ball-head position. Hence, an online visual measurement method is introduced to measure the absolute position of the ball head in real time. An adaptive region of interest extraction algorithm and an improved edge following method are introduced to extract the elliptical contour from the ball-head image, and ellipse detection is achieved through a simple triplet selection algorithm. A geometric model based on the perspective projection of the sphere is established for estimating the ball-head center. Then, the simplified image-based visual servoing method is developed by constantizing the image Jacobian matrix. Next, an adaptive positioning method of large-scale aircraft components with multiple ball heads is proposed from a holistic perspective. Finally, experiments show that the final positioning accuracy of each ball head in the X/Y plane is less than ± 0.05 mm, with an efficiency almost ten times that of the conventional method. After adaptive adjustment, the position and angle errors of the simulated component are reduced within 0.6 mm and 0.3°, respectively.

Comparison of microbial adhesion and biofilm formation on different orthodontic aligners

This study aimed to compare and evaluate time-dependent biofilm formation and microbial adhesion on 6 different clear aligner systems: Invisalign (Align Technology, San Jose, Calif), Clarity (3M ESPE Maplewood, Minn), ClearCorrect (Institut Straumann AG, Basel, Switzerland), Smartee (Smartee Denti-Technology, Shanghai, China), Orthero (Orthero, Istanbul, Turkey) and Graphy (Graphy Inc, Seoul, South Korea). Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 25175) and Lactobacillus acidophilus (ATCC 4356) were used to evaluate the microbial adhesion and biofilm formation on orthodontic clear aligners at the 0, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, 168, and 240 hours. Two-way repeated measures analysis of variance (Greenhouse-Geisser) test and post-hoc Bonferroni T2 tests were used for statistical evaluation. The statistical significance level was set at P<0.05. It was found that more bacterial formation occurred on ClearCorrect than on Smartee at 120, 168, and 240 hours (P<0.05). It was observed more biofilm formation at 168 hours on Graphy than on Smartee (P<0.05). It was found that S mutans+ L acidophilus formed more biofilm at 120 and 168 hours on Graphy than on Invisalign (P<0.05). Elevated biofilm formation across all materials carries substantial clinical implications. Orthodontists and patients should remain aware of the increased risk of microbial colonization with extended aligner usage.

К вопросу о совершенствовании качества ортодонтического лечения пациентов с дистальной окклюзией при помощи системы элайнеров

Orthodontic treatment with aligner systems is a relatively new treatment option for patients with distal occlusion. The small number of publications on the issue of improving and improving this type of treatment, as well as the lack of information about the possible amounts of movement and rotation of teeth during treatment with aligners, became the motivation for this study. A retrospective study was conducted based on the treatment protocols of 193 patients. Descriptive statistics methods were used for the selected group of patients. The real movements/rotations of the crowns and roots of teeth were assessed immediately after successful treatment by patients. The improvement and advancement of orthodontic treatment with the aligner system is that it is now possible to compare the treatment plan for that particular patient with the statistical distribution presented in this paper for exceeding the limit (third quartile) of translation or rotation. Exceeding the limit (third quartile) will signal to the attending orthodontist that the doctor should pay attention to this extreme movement/rotation and, if possible, adjust the treatment plan.

Reducing Data Uncertainties: Fuzzy Real-Time Safety Level Methodology for Socio-Technical Systems

This paper presents the fuzzy real-time safety level (Fuzzy RealTSL) methodology. It aims to address the data uncertainties resulting from a lack of sensors in complex sociotechnical systems and reduce the need for the determination of their safety level in real-time during their operation. To achieve this, the methodology utilizes: (1) safety constraints from STPA (systems theoretic process analysis) analysis and EWaSAP (early-warning-signs analysis process), (2) fuzzy logic as the mathematical backbone to identify the degree of confidence about the occurrence of unsafe system states, (3) a modified centroid point and spread ordering to enable ordering sequences of unsafe system states that can lead to accidents according to how detrimental they are to the system safety. The RealTSL methodology is presented through its step-by-step application to the panel alignment system of a solar park utilizing rotating solar arrays. This paper aims to open a new perspective on the STAMP literature for discussions of uncertainties from a lack of information about the system’s state and to make it easier to measure its safety level. Knowing the safety level of a system in real-time is crucial for the systems in question as it enables proactive risk management and enhances decision-making by providing immediate insights into potential hazards, thus safeguarding against accidents.

Application of remote sensing navigation system in total knee arthroplasty

To explore clinical accuracy of remote sensing navigation alignment (RSNA) system in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and its influence on postoperative clinical efficacy. From May 2021 to May 2022, 60 knee osteoarthritis (KOA) patients with Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) grade Ⅲ to Ⅳ treated by unilateral primary TKA were selected and divided into RSNA group and traditional operation group according to treatment methods, and 30 patients in each group. There were 6 males and 24 females in RSNA group, aged from 55 to 86 years old with an average of (68.06±8.23) years old;body mass index (BMI) ranged from 22.15 to 34.58 kg·m-2 with an average of (28.20±3.01) kg·m-2;the courses of disease ranged from 2 to 60 months with an average of (18.80±14.80) months;13 patients with grade Ⅲ and 17 patients with grade Ⅳ according to K-L grading. In traditional operation group, there were 8 males and 22 females, aged from 57 to 85 years old with an average of (67.26±6.32) years old;BMI ranged from 23.94 to 34.55 kg·m-2 with an average of (27.49±2.32) kg·m-2;the courses of disease ranged from 3 to 60 months with an average of (21.30±16.44) months;14 patients with grade Ⅲ and 16 patients with grade Ⅳ according to K-L grading. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) osteoarthritis index and Knee Society score(KSS) were used to evaluate functional recovery of patients. Hip-knee-ankle angle (HKAA), distal femoral valgus angle (FVA) and distal fermoral flexion angle (DFFA) were measured before operation. HKAA and HKAA deviation angle were measured at 1 week after operation, and defective rate of lower limb force line, femur prosthesis valgus angle (FPVA) and femoral prosthesis flexion angle (FPFA), respectively, were calculated. There were no serious complications such as vascular and nerve injury during operation, and wound healed at stage Ⅰ. Both groups were followed up for 6 months. There were no significant difference in WOMAC index, KSS, HKAA, FVA and DFFA between two groups before operation (P>0.05). The force line defect rate, HKAA, HKAA deviation angle, FPVA deviation angle and FPFA of RSNA group were 6.7%, (178.74±1.56) °, (1.25±1.56) °, (1.84±0.16) ° and (4.85±2.46) °, respectively;while in traditional operation group were 20%, (176.73±3.46) °, (3.27±3.46) °, (2.44±0.26) °, (6.60±1.86) °;the difference between two groups were statistically significant (P<0.05). There were no significant difference in WOMAC index and KSS between two groups at 3 and 6 months after operation (P>0.05). RSNA system could reduce defective rate of lower limb force line, FPVA deviation angle and FPFA after TKA, which is more accurate and easy to operate than traditional intramedullary localization surgery while ensuring postoperative efficacy.

Comparison of two digital alignment systems for toric intraocular lens implantation

PurposeTo compare the two most used digital alignment systems regarding precision, repeatability and loss of track.Methods15 eyes of 15 patients older than 21 years with cataracts were included in this...

A Digital Twin System for Adaptive Aligning of Large Cylindrical Components

Most large aerospace cylindrical components still adopt a manual aligning method with low automation, large manual intervention, and heavy dependence on operator workers, resulting in the low quality and efficiency of large component aligning, which seriously prolongs the manufacturing time of aerospace products. To cope with this issue, based on closed-loop adaptive control and digital twin (DT) technologies, an adaptive aligning system for large cylindrical components, i.e., the DT aligning system, is proposed in this study. For the DT aligning system, through the DT multi-dimensional modeling, i.e., geometric modeling, physical modeling, functional modeling, and data modeling, it can be divided into a physical space, a virtue space, and twin data. Note that the association, mapping, and interaction between physical space and virtual space of the aligning system can be realized via the twin data, thereby realizing real-time virtual display, monitoring, and control of the large component aligning. In addition, based on the measured pose data, aligning stress, and predicted aligning error, an adaptive force/position control method for large component aligning is proposed, and it can achieve real-time decision-making and precise execution of the aligning process. Finally, through application validation, the DT process system can realize the real-time status perception and process execution decision during the large component aligning. Finally, through experimental validation, it is found that the proposed system, i.e., the DT aligning system, can improve the quality and efficiency of the large aerospace cylindrical component aligning, as well as the automation and intelligent level of the aligning system.

Completeness of Medical Records Documents with Diagnosis of Bronchial Asthma in Outpatients at Pondok Kopi Islamic Hospital Jakarta

Completeness of medical record documents is the assessment or review of documents, and contents of medical records related to documentation, services and/or assessing the completeness of medical records. Medical records are written or recorded information or notes regarding identity, which contain 1). Notes, which include a description of the patient's identity, patient examination, diagnosis results, treatment, actions and other services carried out by doctors, dentists or other health workers according to their competence; 2). Documents, which are complete records, include x-ray photos, laboratory results and other information by scientific competence. Types of medical records consist of conventional medical records; and electronics. Medical Records can be stored alphabetically and numerically. The record management process is carried out by Medical Records officers at the Hospital at RSIJ Pondok Kopi Jakarta starting from the stage of preparing the Medical Record document (Assembling), the Indexing process (list of illnesses, actions, doctors and deaths), Quantitative analysis of medical records (Analysing) and finally storage of medical records according to the applicable alignment system (Filling). The factors that influence incomplete medical records are: 1). HR; 2). Tools/Machines; 3). Method/Method; 3). Material; and 4) Finance/Money.

Impact of Smart Greenhouse Using IoT for Enhanced Quality of Plant Growth

Greenhouses play a crucial role in manipulating environmental conditions for optimal plant growth. While existing greenhouses enhance control over environmental factors, manual controls such as watering and humidity regulation often lead to suboptimal production and increased costs. This study proposes the development of a smart greenhouse with an automatic control system using fuzzy logic, specifically fuzzy Sugeno, to regulate watering and lighting based on soil moisture, temperature, and light intensity. The system's architecture involves sensor inputs, microcontroller processing, and the activation of actuators, such as UV lights and water pumps. Fuzzy logic is applied to interpret soil moisture and temperature inputs and determine optimal irrigation durations. The system's functionality is tested and validated through functional testing, Blynk application testing, and fuzzy Sugeno testing. Results indicate the successful implementation of the proposed smart greenhouse system. Functional testing demonstrates accurate sensor readings, including temperature and soil moisture. The Blynk application enables real-time monitoring and control of environmental conditions. Fuzzy Sugeno testing validates the irrigation control system, with an average error rate of 1.3%, affirming the system's alignment with desired specifications. Plant testing in different conditions showcases the effectiveness of the smart greenhouse in supporting plant growth and development.

An Assessment of the Mechanical Deformation Behavior of Three Different Clear Aligner Materials: A Digital Image Correlation Analysis

Introduction: The present study aimed to investigate the deformation behavior of three different clear aligner systems, CA® Pro+ Clear Aligner (Scheu Dental, Iserlohn, Germany), Taglus Premium (Taglus Company, Mumbai, India), and Spark Trugen (Ormco Corp., Orange, CA, USA), under compression testing, using the digital image correlation (DIC) technique. Materials and Methods: A total of 15 patients were treated with each of the three aligner systems, resulting in 45 sets of aligners. Each aligner set was fixed on the 3D-printed dental arches and then in an articulator. Then, the samples were subjected to occlusal forces using a purpose-built test stand to allow for controlled force application and precise displacement determination. The DIC technique was used for capturing the deformation behavior, providing detailed strain and displacement fields. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc tests with a significance of 0.05. Results: The results indicate that the Spark system exhibited the most substantial rigid displacement. Furthermore, the elastic deformation values of the Spark and Taglus systems were significantly higher than those of the CA Pro+ system (p &gt; 0.05). Conclusions: The Spark Trugen clear aligner system demonstrated a lower stability to rigid displacement and elastic deformation under compression testing compared to the Scheu CA® Pro+ Clear Aligner and Taglus Premium. All three tested clear aligner systems showed an increased resistance to elastic displacement and rigid deformation in the mandibular arch.

The Innovation of Digital Payment System with QRIS in National Open API and Maqasid al-Sharia Standards

QRIS is a digital payment system innovation standardized as a national QR code in Indonesia. This paper analyzes the National Open API and Maqasid al-Sharia standards within the QRIS digital payment system. Employing a qualitative descriptive methodology, the study determined that Bank Indonesia formulated three National Open API standards: governance guidelines, data standards with technical specifications, and technical and safety standards. Aligned with Maqasid al-Sharia, the analysis reveals a significant correlation between QRIS and its core tenets, specifically Hifz ad-Din (safeguarding religion) and Hifz al-Mal (preserving wealth). Moreover, viewing maqasid as a methodological framework, QRIS is deemed a legal and halal system conforming to maqasid. This topic can be examined from five dimensions: the payment system's alignment with Sharia law, its widespread use among traders (urf tujjar), the contractual adherence (ijab qabul) to Islamic sharia and user benefits, the reflection of service value in QRIS service fees, and mutual advantages for both parties. Regarding maslahah, QRIS falls under dzanni maslahah, necessitating its implementation to be entrusted to contemporary mujtahids for the continued benefit of users

A Proof-of-Concept FPGA-Based Clock Signal Phase Alignment System

Phase alignment of periodic events between multiple systems is required in multiple fields and applications. Most of the existing solutions focus on either low frequency and relatively low accuracy or high complexity, high accuracy and precision. In contrast, this work aimed to develop an intermediate solution, supporting high frequencies and relatively high accuracy and precision, with relatively low complexity. A hypothetical concept and mathematical model is presented with a hardware test implementation based entirely on FPGA resources. Deliberate resource selection and utilization enables a significant simplification of calculations and, as a result, a reduction in logic resource utilization. The proposed concept was implemented and verified using the AMD/Xilinx Artix 7 35T FPGA platform.

Effect of the ICT‐enabled reclaimer system on the informal waste recycling system in Cape Town, South Africa: The Regenize model

AbstractThe impact of information and communication technology (ICT)‐enabled waste management systems on municipal solid waste, waste reclaimer integration, and resource recovery is critical, particularly in the informal recycling sector. This study investigates the effects of the ICT‐enabled waste management system in Cape Town, South Africa, with a focus on the Regenize model. Leveraging digital technologies, the Regenize model aims to improve waste picker integration and resource recovery within the local waste management system. A qualitative research methodology involving semi structured interviews with key stakeholders in Cape Town's ICT‐enabled waste reclaimer system, data triangulation, and thematic content analysis was employed to investigate the system's transformative potential. Preliminary findings indicate the Regenize system's alignment with extended producer responsibility (EPR) principles and its embodiment of local entrepreneurial innovation. Waste pickers' active participation as cocreators of waste management mobile platforms has transitioned them from traditional waste collectors to technological contributors, enhancing their role in the waste management ecosystem. Furthermore, the ICT‐enabled waste reclaimer system has significantly regularized the status of foreign waste pickers, providing them with essential rights and access to banking services through mobile platforms. By utilizing Internet and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and the Internet of Things (IoT), the Regenize model not only improves resource recovery but also promotes sustainable waste management practices. This represents a substantial step towards inclusive urban waste management in Cape Town. The study's implications extend beyond Cape Town, offering valuable insights for enhancing waste management practices and promoting sustainability across South Africa's broader waste management landscape.

Color Stability of Various Orthodontic Clear Aligner Systems after Submersion in Different Staining Beverages.

This study aimed to compare the color changes in two different orthodontic clear aligner systems after submersion in various beverages for 14 days. The tested aligner systems were Taglus Premium made of polyethylene terephthalate glycol (the TAG group) and CA® Prodin+ made of a transparent copolyester and a thermoplastic elastomer (the PRO group). A total of 56 samples were firstly divided into two groups according to the tested system-TAG and PRO. Each group was subsequently divided in four subgroups according to immersion solution: A-artificial saliva, B-cola, C-coffee, D-red wine. Color measurements were performed on Days 1, 7 and 14 using a portable colorimeter and the CIE L*a*b* system. The obtained results showed significant color changes in both materials when exposed to coffee and red wine (p > 0.05). Samples in the PRO group showed a greater susceptibility to discoloration (higher ΔE values) when compared to the TAG group after submersion in cola (p = 0.025), coffee (p = 0.005) and red wine (p = 0.041) solutions. Statistical analysis revealed that all of the color parameters ΔL*, Δa*, Δb* and ΔE of both tested materials were affected by submersion in coffee solution for 14 days. In conclusion, the CA® Pro+ aligner system is more prone to staining compared to the Taglus material after submersion for 14 days in cola, coffee and red wine solutions. Submersion for 14 days in coffee solution alters all of the color parameters (ΔL, Δa, Δb and ΔE) of both tested aligner materials.

Development of Wafer Bonding System for High Precision Bonding Alignment

Development of Wafer Bonding System for High Precision Bonding Alignment

Assessment of preoperative planning and intraoperative accuracy of the AIKNEE system for total knee arthroplasty

BackgroundThe aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the effectiveness and accuracy of the AIKNEE system in preoperative planning and intraoperative alignment for total knee arthroplasty (TKA).MethodsA total of 64 patients were planned preoperatively by the AIKNEE system, including the measurement of mechanical femorotibial angle (mFTA), lateral distal femoral angle (LDFA), and medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) using three-dimensional reconstructed images. Intraoperatively, the actual prosthesis size and alignment were compared to the planned parameters. Postoperative outcomes, including pain levels, range of motion (ROM), and Knee Scoring System (KSS) scores, were assessed after surgery. Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate the correlation between alignment deviations and postoperative function.ResultsThe AIKNEE system accurately predicted the prosthesis size in thirty-one of femoral cases (48%) and forty-seven of tibial cases (73%). Deviations of mFTA, LDFA, and MPTA from the target value were within 3° in 88%, 92%, and 95% of cases, respectively. A significant improvement was observed in postoperative pain, ROM, and KSS scores (p < 0.001). Correlation analysis revealed that greater deviations in mFTA and LDFA were associated with increased pain (p = 0.004, 0.047) and lower KSS scores (p = 0.027).ConclusionThe AIKNEE system demonstrated promising results in predicting prosthesis size and achieved alignment within the desired range in a majority of cases. Postoperative outcomes, including pain levels and functional improvement, were favorable.