Analogous Measurements Research Articles

Atmospheric CO2 Concentrations in Caves Protected as Nature Reserves and Related Gas Hazard

Atmospheric CO2 concentrations can reach high levels inside natural caves, representing a hazardous condition for both humans frequenting the underground environment and its safeguard due to the corrosion of speleothems induced by the acidification of atmospheric moisture. These issues are particularly critical for the eco-sustainable management of caves protected as nature reserves and undergoing touristic exploitation. In this paper we present the results of the C6 project, which was activated in 1999 for the monitoring of air quality inside three caves protected as nature reserves in Sicily (Italy). Near-real-time and spot measurements of air temperature and CO2 concentration have been carried out since the year 2000, giving the opportunity of evaluating the gas hazard for visitors and its potential impact on the protected underground environments, as well as the influence of meteorological and hydrological conditions in driving carbon dioxide accumulations. The analysis of data acquired in the hypogeal atmosphere, and their comparison with analogous epigeal measures, indicates that carbon dioxide accumulation is controlled by a complex interaction among cave topography, meteorological dynamics, gaseous exchanges between groundwaters and the atmosphere, and human fruition. This last factor, under particular conditions, can surprisingly diminishing underground CO2 concentrations.

Is the analogue cognitive test from the ISPOCD equivalent to the digital cognitive test Mindmore? A protocol for a randomised cross-over study including qualitative interviews with self-reported healthy seniors

IntroductionPostoperative cognitive decline affects cognitive domains such as executive functions, memory, concentration and information processing. The analogue neuropsychological test developed by the International Study Group of Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction (ISPOCD)...

Wave-like behaviour in (0,1) binary sequences

A comprehensive study of the properties of finite (0,1) binary systems from the mathematical viewpoint of quantum theory is presented. This is a quantum-inspired extension of the GenomeBits model to characterize observed genome sequences, where a complex wavefunction psi _{n} is considered as an analogous probability measure and it is related to an alternating (0,1) binary series having independent distributed terms. The real and imaginary spectrum of psi _{n}vs. the nucleotide base positions display characteristic features of sound waves. This approach represents a novel perspective for identifying and “observing” emergent properties of genome sequences in the form of wavefunctions via superposition states. The motivation is to develop a simple algorithm to perform wave calculations from binary sequences and to apply these wave functions to sonification.

App-Based Evaluation of Older People's Fall Risk Using the mHealth App Lindera Mobility Analysis: Exploratory Study.

BackgroundFalls and the risk of falling in older people pose a high risk for losing independence. As the risk of falling progresses over time, it is often not adequately diagnosed due to the long intervals between contacts with health care professionals. This leads to the risk of falling being not properly detected until the first fall. App-based software able to screen fall risks of older adults and to monitor the progress and presence of fall risk factors could detect a developing fall risk at an early stage prior to the first fall. As smartphones become more common in the elderly population, this approach is easily available and feasible.ObjectiveThe aim of the study is to evaluate the app Lindera Mobility Analysis (LIN). The reference standards determined the risk of falling and validated functional assessments of mobility.MethodsThe LIN app was utilized in home- and community-dwelling older adults aged 65 years or more. The Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Tinetti Test (TIN), and the Timed Up & Go Test (TUG) were used as reference standards. In addition to descriptive statistics, data correlation and the comparison of the mean difference of analog measures (reference standards) and digital measures were tested. Spearman rank correlation analysis was performed and Bland-Altman (B-A) plots drawn.ResultsData of 42 participants could be obtained (n=25, 59.5%, women). There was a significant correlation between the LIN app and the BBS (r=–0.587, P<.001), TUG (r=0.474, P=.002), and TIN (r=–0.464, P=.002). B-A plots showed only few data points outside the predefined limits of agreement (LOA) when combining functional tests and results of LIN.ConclusionsThe digital app LIN has the potential to detect the risk of falling in older people. Further steps in establishing the validity of the LIN app should include its clinical applicability.Trial RegistrationGerman Clinical Trials Register DRKS00025352; https://tinyurl.com/65awrd6a

UAV-based magnetometry — Practical considerations, performance measures, and application to magnetic anomaly detection

Interest in ubiquitous low-cost unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for use in aeromagnetic surveying has grown dramatically over the past decade. While their appeal is alluring, caution is called for as high-quality airborne magnetometry requires diligent system design and performance qualification. This paper discusses considerations and trade-offs in UAV-based magnetometry, standard measures to qualify performance, and application to magnetic anomaly detection (MAD). The apparent simplicity of towed-bird installations needs careful consideration. Logistical complexities, stability, and safety issues aside, critical compensation for time-varying swing effects is seldom, if at all, standard practice. While well-compensated fixed-mount sensor installations are preferable, they require careful attention to a number of unique aspects including the complex magnetic signatures of typical UAVs. The paper introduces a novel anomaly detection method that is based on the entropy of the total-field magnetometer signal, gated by an analogous measure obtained from a vector magnetometer. Two field studies using a fixed-mount single-magnetometer configuration on a helicopter UAV empirically demonstrate the application of the performance measures and the performance of the MAD method. Notably, the latter clearly illustrates the importance of sound aeromagnetic compensation and enhances the output of an earlier entropy-based detection method.

A Novel Continuous Left Ventricular Diastolic Function Score Using Machine Learning

Unlike left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction, which provides a precise, reliable, and prognostically valuable measure of systolic function, there is no single analogous measure of LV diastolic function. We aimed to develop a continuous score to grade LV diastolic function using machine learning modeling of echocardiographic data. Consecutive echo studies performed at a tertiary-care center between February 1, 2010, and March 31, 2016, were assessed, excluding studies containing features that would interfere with diastolic function assessment as well as studies in which 1 or more parameters within the contemporary diastolic function assessment algorithm were not reported. Diastolic function was graded based on 2016 American Society of Echocardiography (ASE)/European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) guidelines, excluding indeterminate studies. Machine learning models were trained (support vector machine [SVM], decision tree [DT], XGBoost [XGB], and dense neural network [DNN]) to classify studies within the training set by diastolic dysfunction severity, blinded to the ASE/EACVI classification. The DNN model was retrained to generate a regression model (R-DNN) to predict a continuous LV diastolic function score. A total of 28,986 studies were included; 23,188 studies were used to train the models, and 5,798 studies were used for validation. The models were able to reclassify studies with high agreement to the ASE/EACVI algorithm (SVM, 83%; DT, 100%; XGB, 100%; DNN, 98%). The continuous diastolic function score corresponded well with ASE/EACVI guidelines, with scores of 1.00±0.01 for studies with normal function and 0.74±0.05, 0.51±0.06, and 0.27±0.11 for mild, moderate, and severe diastolic dysfunction, respectively (mean±1 SD). A score of <0.91 predicted abnormal diastolic function (area under the receiver operator curve=0.99), while a score of <0.65 predicted elevated filling pressure (area under the receiver operator curve=0.99). Machine learning can assimilate echocardiographic data and generate an automated continuous diastolic function score that corresponds well with current diastolic function grading recommendations.

Phonetic transfer in Diné Bizaad (Navajo)

Abstract Research on bilingual populations finds that phonetic transfer between languages is common, especially in similar sounds. Yet, phonetic studies that include bilingual speakers of Indigenous languages remain rare. This paper analyzes phonetic transfer in Diné Bizaad (Navajo), a Dene language indigenous to North America. Specifically, I examine the evidence for intergenerational change and convergence with English in the release period durations of Diné affricated stops [kx, tx]. The analysis is based on tokens of Diné [kx, tx] and English [kh, th] extracted from recent interviews with 51 Diné-English bilinguals. Release durations of targeted sounds are measured, compared with earlier analogous measurements, and statistically analyzed to assess age effects. Participants, especially younger speakers, are predicted to produce Diné [kx, tx] with shorter releases than earlier measurements, and with releases that align more with similar English sounds. Data confirm that speakers pronounce Diné [kx], but not [tx], with shorter durations; younger participants also produce [kx] with the shortest releases, and with durations closest to English [kh]. Results suggest that perceptual similarity between velar sounds leads to phonetic convergence, but alveolar sounds are sufficiently distinct to prevent transfer. Together, findings attest to the relevance of minority language contexts to theories of bilingual phonology.

Design of ITER neutron flux monitor system back-end electronics

The primary aim of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) Neutron Flux Monitor (NFM) system is to diagnose the total neutron emission rate and fusion power of the plasma fusion reaction. The neutron flux is measured directly by the system and the fusion power can be calculated according to the neutron flux result. The NFM system is composed of detectors and back-end electronics. This paper focuses on the work of NFM#7 back-end electronics design and development. The back-end electronics consist mainly of four parts: Firstly, the pre-amplifiers are used to charge integrate and amplify the signal of fission chambers. Secondly, the output of pre-amplifiers will be transmitted to Signal Processing Unit (SPU) for analog signal conditioning, data processing, and measurement result uploading. Thirdly, pre-amplifiers and fission chambers have different electricity sources. Pre-amplifiers receive electricity generated from low voltage power whilst fission chambers receive electricity generated from high voltage power. Lastly, the Instrument and Control (I&C) is designed as the interface between NFM hardware and ITER central system and its functions are configuration & control, monitoring, calibration, data communication & archiving and clock synchronization. All the four parts are well integrated and tested in neutron field. The system design also follows the guidelines and standards of ITER.

X-ray Dating of a Turin Shroud’s Linen Sample

On a sample of the Turin Shroud (TS), we applied a new method for dating ancient linen threads by inspecting their structural degradation by means of Wide-Angle X-ray Scattering (WAXS). The X-ray dating method was applied to a sample of the TS consisting of a thread taken in proximity of the 1988/radiocarbon area (corner of the TS corresponding to the feet area of the frontal image, near the so-called Raes sample). The size of the linen sample was about 0.5 mm × 1 mm. We obtained one-dimensional integrated WAXS data profiles for the TS sample, which were fully compatible with the analogous measurements obtained on a linen sample whose dating, according to historical records, is 55–74 AD, Siege of Masada (Israel). The degree of natural aging of the cellulose that constitutes the linen of the investigated sample, obtained by X-ray analysis, showed that the TS fabric is much older than the seven centuries proposed by the 1988 radiocarbon dating. The experimental results are compatible with the hypothesis that the TS is a 2000-year-old relic, as supposed by Christian tradition, under the condition that it was kept at suitable levels of average secular temperature—20.0–22.5 °C—and correlated relative humidity—75–55%—for 13 centuries of unknown history, in addition to the seven centuries of known history in Europe. To make the present result compatible with that of the 1988 radiocarbon test, the TS should have been conserved during its hypothetical seven centuries of life at a secular room temperature very close to the maximum values registered on the earth.

Digitizing UK analogue magnetogram records from large geomagnetic storms of the past two centuries.

Continuous geomagnetic records of the strength and direction of the Earth's field at the surface extend back to the 1840s. Over the past two centuries, eight observatories have existed in the United Kingdom, which measured the daily field variations using light-sensitive photographic paper to produce analogue magnetograms. Around 350,000 magnetograms have been digitally photographed at high resolution. However, converting the traces to digital values is difficult and time consuming as the magnetograms can have over-lapping lines, low quality recordings and obscure metadata for conversion to SI units. We discuss our approach to digitizing the traces from large geomagnetic storms and highlight some of the issues to be aware of when capturing magnetic information from analogue measurements. These include cross-checking the final digitized values with the recorded hourly mean values from observatory year books and comparing several observatory records for the same storm to catch errors such as sign inversions or incorrect 'wrap-around' of data on the paper records.

Comparison between stone and digital cast measurements in mixed dentition : Validity, reliability, reproducibility, and objectivity.

PurposeTo assess the validity, reliability, reproducibility, and objectivity of measurements on stone casts of patients with mixed dentitions compared to measurements on three-dimensional (3D) digital models derived from surface scans of the stone casts.MethodsPairs of stone casts of 30 young patients in their mixed dentition stage were included and processed into 3D digital models using an intraoral scanner (iTero Element 2; Align Technology, San Jose, CA, USA). Then an experienced and an inexperienced examiner independently performed measurements of five defined parameters, each in triplicate, both on the digital models with analysis software (OnyxCeph3™; Image Instruments, Chemnitz, Germany) and on the original casts with a vernier calliper. Paired t-tests were used for validity and interexaminer objectivity, Pearson correlation coefficients for intermethod reliability, and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for reproducibility testing.ResultsSignificant (p < 0.05) intermethod differences were identified for four parameters, but only the differences for overbite and intermolar distance exceeded the threshold of clinical relevance (≥ 0.5 mm). Intermethod reliability was high and method error invariably lower for the digital measurements and for the experienced examiner. Both examiners achieved ICCs > 0.907 with both methods. Interexaminer variation involved significant differences for all parameters but one (intermolar distance) on the stone casts and for three parameters on the digital models.ConclusionMeasurements performed on digital models of mixed dentitions can yield clinically acceptable outcomes with OnyxCeph3™ software. Both the digital and the analogue measurements were highly reproducible and reliable. Objectivity of the measurements could not be confirmed, as operator experience did make a difference.

Local diffusion indicators: A new tool for analysis of electrochemical mass transport

• Numerical simulation of chronoamperometry on a plane-truncated sphere is performed. • A local diffusion indicator is introduced. • Linear, convergent and thin layer diffusion contributions to flux are identified. • Otherwise indistinguishable diffusional processes are resolved. The recently introduced diffusion indicator (Haonan et al, J. Electroanal. Chem., 2019, 855, 113602) is generalised to characterise local mass transport fluxes to a non-uniformly accessible electrode to probe both qualitatively and quantitatively the nature of the diffusion to different parts of an electrode surface at different times following electrochemical perturbation. The approach is illustrated in respect of diffusion to a truncated sphere on a plane surface. The relative contributions of thin layer, linear and convergent diffusion following potential step chronoamperometry are evaluated. Comparison is made with analogous measurements on a micro-disc electrode. The results have implications for the transients accompanying the impact of nanoparticles on planar electrodes and for hanging mercury drop electrodes.

Developing PTS Device (pH, TDS, and Salinity) to Determine the Water Quality for Cultivating Milkfish (Chanos chanos Forsk) in Pati District

The importance of water management for milkfish cultivation determines the yields. This research aims to find the performance specification and pH, TDS, and Salinometer measurement (PTS) design validity and relevance. These tools are combinations from various sensors connected by Arduino nano 328 system, pH meter analogue, turbidity, and salinity measurement sensors complemented by Liquid Crystal Display and battery. They are connected by data cable. The findings showed that 1) the system’s performance specification was applying copper electrodes as the salinity, turbidity, and pH meter sensors. The Arduino system did the readings of the data. 2) the device-design specification was valid and relevant to measure the pond water quality for cultivating milkfish (Chanos chanos Forsk).

Comparative assessment of cephalometric with its analogous photographic variables.

Objective:The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of photographic measurements and compare it with its analogous cephalometric variables.Materials and Methods:Lateral cephalograms and standardized facial profile photographs were obtained from a sample of 120 subjects (92 females, 28 males; age 12–22 years with mean age of 17.5 years). A total of 4 linear and 7 angular measurements along with 3 ratios analogous to one another were measured on both. Descriptive statistics for all measurements were computed. Pearson's correlation coefficients were computed between analogous measurements, and regression analysis was done for each variable measured on the photograph to accurately predict the cephalometric variable.Results:The reliability of the standardized photographic technique was satisfactory. Most photographic measurements showed highly significant correlations (P < 0.001) with cephalometric variables. Among all measurements used, the A'N'B' angle was the most effective in explaining the variability of its analogous cephalometric (r2= 0.35). The Frankfort-mandibular plane angle' angle showed best results for vertical assessment (r2= 0.81) along with anterior face height (AFH) and lower anterior facial height (r2= 0.859) and ratio lower posterior facial height/AFH (r2= 0.702).Conclusions:Although we cannot rule out lateral cephalogram as the primary record in orthodontics, photographic assessment can always be used through proper standardization, as an alternative diagnostic aid, and also for large-scale epidemiological purposes and places with unavailability of cephalostat.

IoT-Based Data Logger for solar systems applications

A data logger is an electronic device that senses temperature, relative humidity, and other characteristics such as voltage and pulse by combining analog and digital measurements with programming methods. Thus, data acquisition systems (DAQSs) are frequently used in PV facilities to capture all system data to analyze and optimize plant performance. The major purpose of the project is to create a low-cost DAQS. The suggested monitoring system has been used to continuously gather and display the electrical output characteristics of a stand-alone PV system. PV produced voltage, current, and power are examples of such parameters. Furthermore, because the PV module short circuit current is directly proportional to the molar concentration, the global solar radiation may be determined by monitoring it. The proposed system is considered a good solution for collecting the system database to be ready for the analysis and optimization of the PV plant’s performance. The configurations of software and hardware of the proposed system are presented, and the proposed system's performance is tested when integrated with a small size PV system.

Magneto-mechanical deformation of Ni50Mn28Ga22 shape memory alloy

This study deals with pseudoplastic deformation of Ni50Mn28Ga22 alloy exhibiting mechanically and magnetically induced crystal reorientation. The new approach was introduced, taking into account crystals with single initial variant as well as nucleation of different orientation. Initially, observations from optical microscope and AFM (atomic force microscope) were correlated with the mechanical measurements from stress-strain machine to characterize boundaries between crystal variants. These observations were subsequently used to clarify the results of the mechanical deformation tests. By magnetizing samples in VSM (vibrating-sample magnetometer), analogous magnetic measurements to mechanical tests were conducted. The two types of measurements were then compared with respect to energy. The discrepancy found between the model and measurements is in agreement with previous studies. Some experimental factors and possible errors that may affect measurement have been discussed. Nevertheless, the observed differences remain an unresolved issue suggesting a need for a modification of the model.

Digital manometry to measure cerebrospinal fluid pressure during lumbar puncture.

Accurate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure measurements are critical for diagnosis and treatment of pathologic processes involving the central nervous system. Measuring opening CSF pressure using an analog device takes several minutes, which can be burdensome in a busy practice. The purpose of this study was to compare accuracy of a digital pressure measurement device with analog manometry, the reference gold standard. Secondary purpose included an assessment of possible time savings. This study was a retrospective, cross-sectional investigation of 71 patients who underwent image-guided lumbar puncture (LP) with opening CSF pressure measurement at a single institution from June 2019 to September 2019. Exclusion criteria were examinations without complete data for both the digital and analog measurements or without recorded needle gauge. All included LPs and CSF pressures were measured with the patient in the left lateral decubitus position, legs extended. Acquired data included (1) digital and analog CSF pressures and (2) time required to measure CSF pressure. A total of 56 procedures were analyzed in 55 patients. There was no significant difference in mean CSF pressures between devices: 22.5 cm H2O digitally vs 23.1 analog (p = .7). Use of the digital manometer resulted in a time savings of 6min (438s analog vs 78s digital, p < .001). Cerebrospinal fluid pressure measurements obtained with digital manometry demonstrate comparable accuracy to the reference standard of analog manometry, with an average time savings of approximately 6min per case.

Solution Properties of Polyelectrolytes with Divalent Counterions

Divalent ions are known to strongly influence the phase behavior, conformation, and flow properties of polyelectrolytes in solution. Here, we report small-angle neutron scattering and viscosity data for the magnesium salt of polystyrene sulfonate (MgPSS) in salt-free water and compare these results with analogous measurements for NaPSS. In a dilute solution, both salts are found to exhibit a rod-like conformation for high degrees of polymerization, but the chain dimensions of MgPSS are significantly smaller than for NaPSS, which is consistent with the lower charge density of MgPSS found from conductivity data. In the semidilute regime, the correlation length scales as ξ ≃ 3.7c–1/2 nm for NaPSS and ξ ≃ 5.4c–1/2 nm for MgPSS. At high concentrations, deviations to weaker power laws are observed for both salts. The variation of the viscosity with the degree of polymerization (ηsp ∼ N) is consistent with unentangled, Rouse-like dynamics. Fuoss-law-type behavior (ηsp ∼ c1/2) is observed at low polymer concentrations, which turns into a stretched exponential dependence at high c, perhaps due to an increase in the local friction experienced by polymer segments.

Development and psychometric characteristics of analog measures of parental empathy.

Despite substantial literature on the effect of empathy on parenting, empathy research has historically suffered from definitional and methodological limitations. Parental empathy can be characterized as parents’ ability to recognize, take the perspective of, and appropriately react to children’s emotions. Current parental empathy assessment largely relies on self-report measures of dispositional empathy, but many argue parental empathy is distinct from dispositional empathy. Despite efforts to measure parental empathy implicitly, such analog approaches are labor intensive. The current report describes the preliminary development of the Empathy Measure for Parents Analog Task (EMPAT), two novel analog measures of parental empathy: one EMPAT analog uses audio stimuli and a second version uses written evocative scripts. After piloting with a sample of undergraduate students (Study 1), the measures were then administered to a sample of 212 parents (Study 2). For each study, the accuracy of the audio and script stimuli were first confirmed by examination of frequency distributions, then exploratory factor analyses were conducted to determine factor structure for each emotion subscale (i.e., Happy, Mad, Sad, Scared), and finally the composition of each emotion subscale was confirmed with scale reliability analyses. Correlations between each EMPAT version and measures of dispositional empathy, parental empathy, and positive parenting indicators were examined to assess the initial validity of the EMPAT measures. The new analog tasks demonstrated good reliability as well as preliminary evidence of validity, with potential utility in assessing cognitive elements of empathy in particular. With continued efforts to examine measure validity, the implications of these studies suggest the EMPAT tasks show promise in providing improved implicit, efficient assessments of child-directed empathy, which may be important for understanding positive and problematic parenting.

Improving the Performance of Distance Relay Using Wavelet Transform

With proliferation of power grids, different types of faults are more likely to occur. The purpose of system protection relays is to detect abnormal signals that indicate faults in the transmission system and to separate the fault section from the rest of the system to prevent the fault from propagating to other parts of the system. Proliferation of electronic devices led to creation of digital relays made of microprocessors. Hence, analog measurements are converted into digital signals for processing by microprocessors. Air grids are more likely to cause faults than other components of the power system; thus, disturbances affecting the system must be detected quickly and accurately. Therefore, the problem of fault detection and classification is an important factor for economic exploitation of the power grid. Accurate fault handling results in faster repair operations, better system availability, lower operating costs and timesavings. The proposed design in this study was based on detecting the type of fault caused in transmission lines. In order to improve the condition of the relays in the transmission grid, analysis of the signals reached to the relay on both sides of the line was used to detect the fault and its type. The main purpose was to quickly detect the type of fault using wavelet transform. For this purpose, the signal was sampled after the fault occurs and the feature signal was extracted after analysis by wavelet transform. These features were included in the decision tree classifier and the type of the fault was decided.