Objective Analysis Research Articles

The advantages and challenges with the usages of blockchain technology in management information systems, particularly in us e- commerce enterprises

In the last twenty years, information technology has relatively advanced different aspects of people’s cal, societal interactions and companies affecting the quality of life. The modern e- commerce organizations require MIS that is used in the acquisition, processing, and reporting of relevant data for decision making purposes. This paper focuses on how Blockchain has been incorporated into MIS within e-commerce firms located in the United States, and provides a literature review of the advantages and problems involved. By synthesizing academic research from management and business process journals, the study presents important areas where MIS can be improved by blockchain technology and solutions while also presenting important disadvantages such as scalability problems and regulatory challenges and high implementation costs. The results of this study are summarized in the following sections, ending with a discussion of the possible opportunities that blockchain-MIS can leverage for innovation and trust in today’s American e-businesses. To this end, this paper seeks to give an objective analysis of the effects of blockchain technology on MIS in e-commerce in order to help executive managers make better decisions on its adoption.

Key Takeaways From the ISASS Webinar Series on Current and Emerging Techniques in Endoscopic Spine Surgery | Part 2: Polytomous Rasch Analysis of Learning Curve and Surgeon Endorsement of Biportal, Interlaminar, and Transforaminal Endoscopic Stenosis Decompression, Discectomy, and Laminectomy in Combination With Interspinous Process Spacers.

The International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery hosted the second of a series of 4 webinars on endoscopic spine surgery techniques. The second webinar focused on the application of unilateral biportal endoscopy for discectomy and laminectomy in combination with interbody fusion and interspinous process spacers. This series was intended to identify current trends with contemporary modern endoscopic spine surgery techniques. To analyze the level of surgeon endorsement for the presented endoscopic spine surgery techniques before and after the webinar utilizing polytomous Rasch analysis, as well as to evaluate the potential for these insights to inform clinical guideline recommendations. A survey was available to 667 potential respondents during the Zoom webinar, collecting data on surgeon endorsements using a Likert scale. The polytomous Rasch model was employed to analyze responses while considering the complexity of decisions against surgeon expertise, developing a logarithmic measurement scale, allowing objective statistical analysis of categorical variables, highlighting incongruent or out of order items vs congruent and in order items, and driving improvement in clinical guidelines. Of the 667 surgeons who participated in the webinar, 224 accessed, 122 started, and 61 completed the prewebinar survey, achieving a 50.0% completion rate. Respondents comprised primarily orthopedic surgeons (70.5%) and neurosurgeons (24.6%), with fellows and medical students each making up 1.6%. These surgeons estimated that mastering the learning curve of endoscopic spine surgery required an average of 18.08 cases corroborated by postwebinar responses averaging 15.78 cases. Descriptive statistics revealed an acknowledgment of a learning curve in mastering endoscopic spine surgery, with a slight increase in recognition postwebinar (81.8% up from 80.3%). The data underscored the importance of cadaver courses and high-volume surgical practice before the webinar and highlighted the value of mentorship afterward, indicating a preference shift toward more interactive learning. The confidence in various endoscopic techniques saw notable changes, particularly for procedures involving interlaminar lateral canal decompression and the combined use of transforaminal endoscopic decompression with interspinous process spacers, which saw an increase in high-level endorsements postwebinar. Polytomous Rasch analysis provided insights into training methods and procedural techniques, with mentorship and cadaver courses emerging as key elements for mastering the learning curve. The analysis also highlighted a general consensus on the effectiveness of percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar decompression for lateral canal stenosis, reflecting evolving surgeon preferences and consensus on best practices. Infit and outfit statistics from the Rasch analysis suggested a good fit between the survey responses and the Rasch model both before and after the webinar, indicating minimal data distortion due to bias. Differential item functioning analysis showed no significant bias in item responses between orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons in the prewebinar survey, but it identified potential bias for one item postwebinar-unilateral biportal endoscopic laminectomy for central stenosis. This webinar highlighted the importance of hands-on training methods such as cadaver courses and mentorship in mastering the complex spinal endoscopy procedures. The application of polytomous Rasch analysis provided a detailed understanding of surgeons' current preferences and perceptions, as well as the evolving consensus on best practices in endoscopic spine surgery, displaying wide acceptance of the percutaneous interlaminar endoscopic decompression for lateral canal stenosis decompression and a growing interest in integrating endoscopic techniques for more comprehensive spinal care, including wide decompression and spinal stabilization. Assessing surgeon confidence and acceptance of endoscopic spinal surgeries using polytomous Rasch analysis. Level 2 (inferential) and 3 (observational) evidence because Rasch analysis provides statistical validation of instruments rather than direct clinical outcomes.

Deep learning based ultra-low dose fan-beam computed tomography image enhancement algorithm: Feasibility study in image quality for radiotherapy.

We investigated the feasibility of deep learning-based ultra-low dose kV-fan-beam computed tomography (kV-FBCT) image enhancement algorithm for clinical application in abdominal and pelvic tumor radiotherapy. A total of 76 patients of abdominal and pelvic tumors were prospectively selected. The Catphan504 was acquired with the same conditions as the standard phantom test set. We used a CycleGAN-based model for image enhancement. Normal dose CT (NDCT), ultra-low dose CT (LDCT) and deep learning enhanced CT (DLR) were evaluated by subjective and objective analyses in terms of imaging quality, HU accuracy, and image signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The image noise of DLR was significantly reduced, and the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) was significantly improved compared to the LDCT. The most significant improvement was the acrylic which represented soft tissue in CNR from 1.89 to 3.37, improving by 76%, nearly approaching the NDCT, and in low-density resolution from 7.64 to 12.6, improving by 64%. The spatial frequencies of MTF10 and MTF50 in DLR were 4.28 and 2.35 cycles/mm in DLR, respectively, which are higher than LDCT 3.87 and 2.12 cycles/mm, and even slightly higher than NDCT 4.15 and 2.28 cycles/mm. The accuracy and stability of HU values of DLR were similar to NDCT. The image quality evaluation of the two doctors agreed well with DLR and NDCT. A two-by-two comparison between groups showed that the differences in image scores of LDCT compared with NDCT and DLR were all statistically significant (p<0.05), and the subjective scores of DLR were close to NDCT. The image quality of DLR was close to NDCT with reduced radiation dose, which can fully meet the needs of conventional image-guided adaptive radiotherapy (ART) and achieve the quality requirements of clinical radiotherapy. The proposed method provided a technical basis for LDCT-guided ART.

INFORMATION MODEL FOR SELECTING THE OPTIMAL SPATIAL FORM OF PARTS

A complex of interrelated methods and means of analysis, clustering, segmentation and classification of objects on images obtained by sensors of different physical nature (with the help of modern methods of radiography, computer and magnetic resonance imaging) is proposed, which will allow modeling the optimal form of a bone substitute with functional properties by CAD/CAM/CAE design methods, depending on the anatomical data, the nature and localization of the cavity bone defect, its size, load conditions and patterns of bone tissue neoplasm. Methods for making multi-criteria decisions have been developed, which will allow for their implementation for a wide range of optimization tasks of researching the correlation of the shape and size of porosity with indicators of the stress-deformed state of bone substitutes in order to maintain the structural integrity of the biomaterial in the process of regeneration of hard tissue.

Objective analysis of orbital rim fracture CT images using curve and area measurement.

The orbital bone presents a closed curve, and fracture results in disfigurement. An image analysis procedure was developed to examine before and after corrective surgery. An ellipse and circumscribed contour embodied the closed curve. Three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) images were collected from 25 patients. Orbital rim data were generated, and binary images were created to facilitate closed curve analysis. Various indices, including the solidity value (closed curve area/convex hull area) and ellipse distance (discrepancy between the closed curve and the ellipse traversing the curve), were utilized. The ratios of various indices-including the number of vertices, solidity value, and ellipse distance-between the affected and unaffected sides showed postoperative values that were closer to 1, which would indicate perfect symmetry, than the preoperative measurements (P < 0.05). The solidity value increased, while both the ellipse distance and curvature values decreased, reflecting the transformation of bends into smooth contours following reduction surgery (P < 0.05). Significant correlations were observed between 1-solidity, ellipse distance, and curvature using the Pearson correlation test (P < 0.05). This study validated postoperative changes in various indices and established correlations among multiple values, specifically solidity, ellipse distance, and curvature. Employing multiple indices with mutual complements has provided objective information confidently.

The Future of Radar Space Observation in Europe—Major Upgrade of the Tracking and Imaging Radar (TIRA)

The use of near-Earth space has grown dramatically during the last decades, resulting in thousands of active and inactive satellites and a huge amount of space debris. To observe and monitor the near-Earth space environment, radar systems play a major role as they can be operated at any time and under any weather conditions. The Tracking and Imaging Radar (TIRA) is one of the largest space observation radars in the world. It consists of a 34m Cassegrain antenna, a precise tracking radar, and a high-resolution imaging radar. Since the 1990s, TIRA contributes to the field of space domain awareness by tracking and imaging space objects and by monitoring the debris population. Due to new technologies, modern satellites become smaller, and satellite extensions become more compact. Thus, sensitive high-resolution space observation systems are needed to detect, track, and image these space objects. To fulfill these requirements, TIRA is undergoing a major upgrade. The current imaging radar in the Ku band will be replaced by a new radar with improved geometrical and radiometric resolution operating in the Ka band. Due to its wideband fully polarimetric capability, the new imaging radar will increase the analysis and characterization of space objects. In addition, the tracking radar in the L band is also being currently refurbished. Through its novel modular structure and open design, highly flexible radar modes and precise tracking concepts can be efficiently implemented for enhanced space domain awareness. The new TIRA system will mark the start of a new era for space observation with radar in Europe.

A comprehensive analysis of anisotropic stellar objects with quadratic equation of state

A comprehensive analysis of anisotropic stellar objects with quadratic equation of state

A Low-Cost Remotely Configurable Electronic Trap for Insect Pest Dataset Generation

The precise monitoring of insect pest populations is the foundation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for pests of plants, humans, and animals. Digital technologies can be employed to address one of the main challenges, such as reducing the IPM workload and enhancing decision-making accuracy. In this study, digital technologies are used to deploy an automated trap for capturing images of insects and generating centralized repositories on a server. Subsequently, advanced computational models can be applied to analyze the collected data. The study provides a detailed description of the prototype, designed with a particular focus on its remote reconfigurability to optimize repository quality; and the server, accessible via an API interface to enhance system interoperability and scalability. Quality metrics are presented through an experimental study conducted on the constructed demonstrator, emphasizing trap reliability, stability, performance, and energy consumption, along with an objective analysis of image quality using metrics such as RMS contrast, Image Entropy, Image sharpness metric, Natural Image Quality Evaluator (NIQE), and Modulation Transfer Function (MFT). This study contributes to the optimization of the current knowledge regarding automated insect pest monitoring techniques and offers advanced solutions for the current systems.

Human Perception of the Emotional Expressions of Humanoid Robot Body Movements: Evidence from Survey and Eye-Tracking Measurements

The emotional expression of body movement, which is an aspect of emotional communication between humans, has not been considered enough in the field of human–robot interactions (HRIs). This paper explores human perceptions of the emotional expressions of humanoid robot body movements to study the emotional design of the bodily expressions of robots and the characteristics of the human perception of these emotional body movements. Six categories of emotional behaviors, including happiness, anger, sadness, surprise, fear, and disgust, were designed by imitating human emotional body movements, and they were implemented on a Yanshee robot. A total of 135 participants were recruited for questionnaires and eye-tracking measurements. Statistical methods, including K-means clustering, repeated analysis of variance (ANOVA), Friedman’s ANOVA, and Spearman’s correlation test, were used to analyze the data. According to the statistical results of emotional categories, intensities, and arousals perceived by humans, a guide to grading the designed robot’s bodily expressions of emotion is created. By combining this guide with certain objective analyses, such as fixation and trajectory of eye movements, the characteristics of human perception, including the perceived differences between happiness and negative emotions and the trends of eye movements for different emotional categories, are described. This study not only illustrates subjective and objective evidence that humans can perceive robot bodily expressions of emotions through only vision but also provides helpful guidance for designing appropriate emotional bodily expressions in HRIs.

Identification and Categorization of Technical Errors and Hazard-zones of Robotic versus Laparoscopic total Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer: A Single Center Prospective Randomized Controlled Study.

The current research aimed to conduct a detailed analysis of intraoperative surgical performance, short-term outcomes, identify and categorize technical errors, and hazard-zones enacted during total gastrectomy performed robotically and laparoscopically by surgeons. Prospective research is needed to determine whether the technical advantages of robotic surgery translate to patient outcomes. Identify and process risk areas in robot-assisted total gastrectomy (RTG) and laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG) to get the best patient results. Patients undergoing RTG and LTG were recruited and randomized into the study. Six consultant/attending surgeons participated in this study and all surgical procedures were recorded. The unedited surgical video-recordings were handed over to third-party experts for granular analysis of the procedures using objective clinical human reliability analysis (OC-HRA) for the quality of intraoperative performance, technical errors, intraoperative complications. This study is a single center prospective randomized controlled trial. 82 patients were recruited and participated in this study with 40 cases undergoing RTG and 42 cases for LTG. RTG vs LTG. Determine whether RTG or LTG can provide the better intraoperative technical performance and identify the most hazardous zone (area) during total gastrectomy (TG). The technical errors enacted and identified in the RTG and the LTG were (46.11±5.63 VS 58.79±8.45, P＜0.001) respectively. The highest number of technical errors was identified during the dissection of the supra-pancreatic lymph nodes (Task Zones3, TZ3), including No.5, 7, 8a, 9, 11p, and 12a to complete the nodal clearance around the celiac artery and its trifurcation (7.29±1.88 VS 9.43±2.24, P <0.001) in both RTG and LTG. The number of lymph nodes harvested with RTG was higher than LTG (35.36±7.51 VS 30.54±6.95, P=0.016), especially in the upper margin of the pancreas (13.32±4.17 VS 9.36±3.81, P＜0.001). The total cost of hospitalization in the RTG group cost 3% more than LTG group ($15953.41±3533.91 VS $12198.26±2761.27, P＜0.001). This study offers compelling OC-HRA evidence demonstrating that RTG facilitates significantly superior technical performance compared to LTG. Whether examining short-term clinical outcomes or intraoperative operations, the robotic surgery system consistently outperforms laparoscopic surgery. Lymph node dissection in the supra-pancreatic region emerged as a major hazard zone in both procedures. chictr.org.cn: ChiCTR2000039193.

The Rise of Populism in America and Its Impact on Foreign Policy

Populism is a social trend sweeping across developed countries in Europe and America. Its emergence has divided society into two hostile groups. Trump marked the second stage of populism, which also became a mainstream political force. Whether it is the domestic economy, class policies, immigration policies, or foreign relations policies, extreme changes have been proposed. This paper explores the origins of populism from the 19th century. The purpose of writing is to analyze the starting point, outbreak process, and outbreak of left-wing and right-wing populism. The situation of American populism and its impact on foreign policy from different aspects are sorted out. This paper analyzes and presents that populism is divided into two basic forms of action: ideology and political discourse. Through the analysis of cases and research objects, it is found that the two have jointly promoted the transformation of diplomatic constitution. Based on the understanding of the nature of populism, three strong preferences of populism are analyzed.

Correlation Analysis of Subjective and Objective Texture Properties: Color and Heterocyclic Amine Content of Grilled Chicken Breast Fillet

The present study discusses the technofunctional properties (color, texture) of grilled chicken with both objective (colorimeter, texture profile) analysis and subjective (sensory) analysis. Besides them, the total content of potentially carcinogenic heterocyclic amines (HCAs) was also monitored by the applied grilling time–temperature combinations. The same samples were analyzed during the heat treatment of chicken breast samples for 5–15 min at 150–230 °C on an electric contact grill. The grilling variables included the effect of skin cover. Among the structural parameters, hardness exhibited a significant difference between the groups of skin-covered and not-covered ones, and in this case, a linear connection was also found with the time and temperature values, respectively. The structural parameters obtained by sensory and instrumental analysis were compared to each other. In addition, the structural parameters were compared to the color ones (sensory, color according to the CIELAB system: brightness, redness, and yellowness) and to the total HCA content. In the case of closed grilling, sensory-evaluated parameters such as juiciness and tenderness showed a strong negative correlation to instrumentally measured hardness (R = −0.879; −0.749) and chewiness (R = −0.872; −0.718) due to the water loss from the increase in grilling temperature and time. The total HCA content positively correlated to chewiness (R = 0.789). The sensory color parameter and the brightness had a strong connection with juiciness (R = 0.738; 0.723), hardness (R = −0.795; −0.706), and chewiness (R = −0.843; −0.818); redness showed positive correlation to cohesiveness (R = 0.764) and chewiness (R = 0.829). Accordingly, juiciness and chewiness showed a connection to the total HCA levels, which makes it possible to carry out further research on instrumental and sensory parameters that may predict the formation of hazardous amounts of carcinogenic heterocyclic amines.

Insights From the ISASS Webinar Series on Current and Emerging Techniques in Endoscopic Spine Surgery | Part 1: Polytomous Rasch Analysis of Surgeon Endorsement of Endoscopic Discectomy/Foraminotomy, Interbody Fusion, and Importance of Patient Feedback During Surgery.

The International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery hosted the first of a series of 4 webinars on endoscopic spine surgery techniques, focusing on end§oscopic discectomy, foraminotomy, instrumented endoscopic fusion, standalone lumbar interbody fusion with innovative materials, and the role of patient feedback in awake procedures. This series aims to share knowledge and discuss the complexities and clinical evidence of modern endoscopic spine surgery. To analyze the level of surgeon endorsement for the presented endoscopic spine surgery techniques before and after the webinar, utilizing polytomous Rasch analysis, and to evaluate the potential for these insights to inform clinical guideline recommendations. A survey was available to 1311 potential respondents during the Zoom webinar, collecting data on surgeon endorsements using a Likert scale. The polytomous Rasch model was employed to analyze responses, considering the complexity of decisions against surgeon expertise, developing a logarithmic measurement scale, allowing objective statistical analysis of categorical variables, highlighting incongruent or out-of-order items vs congruent and in-order items, and driving improvement in clinical guidelines. All 4 topics received higher confidence ratings demonstrated by descriptive statistics, highlighting the webinar's effective role in surgeon education and in identifying ongoing trends in spine surgery. The logarithmic transformation of these data during Rasch analysis showed noticeable shifts in surgeon confidence levels postwebinar, with increased endorsement for transforaminal full-endoscopic thoracolumbar interbody fusion for hard disc herniation and standalone endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion. The Wright plot and person-item map analyses demonstrated that the webinar effectively targeted areas of initial low confidence, significantly impacting surgeons' perceptions. Disordered endorsement thresholds remained in the topics of uniportal transforaminal discectomy/foraminotomy and patient feedback during endoscopic spine surgery, indicating issues in response category discrimination or confounding factors not captured by the survey. Ongoing controversies were highlighted by the influence of confounding factors, stemming from preconceived notions and limited familiarity with high-grade evidence. The first in the 4-part webinar series effectively shifted professional confidence and acceptance of innovative surgical approaches among spine surgeons. Observations indicated a high level of interest in applying the endoscopic surgery platform with other advanced technologies. The polytomous Rasch analysis provided nuanced insights into ongoing trends and areas in need of further clarification. Assessing surgeon confidence and acceptance of endoscopic spinal surgeries using polytomous Rasch analysis. Level 2 (inferential) and 3 (observational) evidence because Rasch analysis provides statistical validation of instruments rather than direct clinical outcomes.

Evidence for a VP-internal analysis of postverbal arguments in an SOVX language

Mande languages are known for their typologically unusual SOVX word order, in which the subject and direct object precede the verb, while adjuncts and other complements must follow it. Koopman (1992) argues for Bambara that this unique word order arises when the direct object obligatorily raises to a preverbal position for Case, while any other postverbal elements surface in their base-generated position within the VP. However, Nikitina (2019) proposes for Wan that postverbal elements are located in a high, clause-adjoined position. This paper presents syntactic evidence from Mandinka in support of the former analysis of postverbal indirect objects. In particular, I provide word order, pronominalization, and binding facts that show that postverbal indirect objects must be located in a low, VP-internal position, which is incompatible with a clausal-adjunction analysis.

Impact of behavioral finance on financial decision making

This paper highlights the disproportionate effect of behavioral finance on investor’s investing decisions. While making any financial decisions, one easily gets influenced by psychological and emotional factors. Past individual experiences, tendency or opportunity for herd behavior, personal judgment, overconfidence in one's abilities, aversion to feelings of regret, reliance on advice from experts, and last but not least, something known as the disposition effect—by which investors tend to hold on to losing investments and professionally sell profitable ones too early. The impact of these factors on the investment decision-making process varies; on the one hand, they may enhance the quality of the decision-making process by aligning investments with risk tolerance and financial goals. However, on the other hand, behavioral factors can be a cause of inefficiency if investment decisions are based more on emotions than objective analysis. In our recent research, we questioned 187 investors, using a questionnaire from whom we acquired crucial information regarding the impact of behavioral finance on financial decisions. The primary objective of the questioning was to determine the effect of behavioral finance on financial decision-making. The secondary objective was to suggest some methods for making one aware of the repercussions of impulsive or emotional decision-making and making prudent investments.

Analisis semiotika pidato kenegaraan terakhir Presiden Joko Widodo pada sidang tahunan MPR 2024

This research aims to examine the semiotic analysis of President Jokowi's final state speech at the 2024 MPR annual session through Charles Sanders Pierce's semiotic approach which involves the analysis of representamen (signs), objects (sign references), and interpretants (use of signs). This research using descriptive qualitative methods to understand the meaning and content contained in the speech. The results of the study show that "Semiotic analysis of President Jokowi's final state speech at the 2024 MPR annual session" effectively conveys emotional messages about apologies, conveying achievements, and leadership hopes. in the future. This speech teaches that whatever we do there must be something good and not good. As humans we need to be humble and apologize for what we have done so far

Elucidating carbon dot research coupled with bibliometric analysis

Over the past two decades, carbon dots (CDs) have been a subject of extensive research. Despite this progress, a holistic view of the research trajectory and future directions remains elusive. In an effort of shedding light on the evolution of CD research, herein an objective and comprehensive analysis was conducted using bibliometric techniques. By examining the relationships among different research components such as publications, citations, authors, institutions, and keywords, research questions related to identifying trends, key themes, prominent journals, influential authors and the overall intellectual structure of CD research has been addressed. This involved examining 24,599 publications from the Web of Science Core Collection spanning from 2004 to 2024. These publications represent the collective work of approximately 66,000 authors from around 8,000 institutions across 115 countries. China accounted for nearly 50 % of these publications, with the Chinese Academy of Sciences standing out as the most prolific institution. Authors with nine or more publications emerged as the core authors. Publications were categorized in accordance with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The primary areas of CD research have been identified as synthesis (emphasizing green, simple, and hydrothermal methods), sensing capabilities, photoluminescence properties, photocatalytic activity, composite materials, drug delivery systems, and bioimaging techniques. Lastly, the factual state of CD research has been subjectively stated quite briefly.

Bidirectional association between physical activity and depression: the “Como Vai?” cohort study

To evaluate bidirectional and longitudinal association between physical activity (PA) and depressive symptoms (DS). This is a cohort study called “Como Vai?” (How are you?), conducted by older population representative sample of the city of Pelotas-Rio Grande do Sul. The analyses used data from the first interview (2014) and follow-up (2019/20). The long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was applied to assess PA in the leisure, commuting and total domains. The presence of DS was measured using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-10). Linear regression models were used to evaluate bidirectional associations between PA and DS. Analytical sample included 515 individuals with a mean age of 70.7 (± 9.2) years. Each weekly minute of total PA (β: -0.0006; 95% CI: -0.0011; -0.0001) and commuting PA (β: -0.0008; 95% CI: -0.0016; -0.0001) in 2014 predicts worse DS scores in 2019/20. At the same time, DS score in 2014 (β: -9.79; 95% CI: -18.81; -0.76) was a negative predictor of leisure-time PA in the 2019/20 follow-up adjusted for sociodemographic and other health behaviors. However, when adjusted for the respective outcomes at baseline, the associations found were not statistically significant. The present study did not find evidence of bidirectionality between PA and DS and the prospective associations lost statistical significance after adjustment for the respective outcomes at baseline. Other investigations are necessary including more periods of follow-up, objective analyses of PA to complement analyses by domains and, therefore, provide a better understanding of this complex relationship.

Agricultural spray drone deposition, Part 2: Operational height and nozzle influence pattern uniformity, drift, and weed control

Abstract Agricultural spray drone (ASD) use in managed turfgrass has been given limited attention in the scientific literature. Further, deposition patterns of ASD spray have been obscured in previous research by ambient wind, crop canopy interference, and limited sampling resolution. Using a continuous sampling method involving blue colorant and water sprayed over white Kraft paper that was assessed via digital image analysis of stain objects and referenced spectrophotometric analysis of extractant, deposition metrics were estimated across a 29.3-m transect perpendicular to an ASD or ground sprayer spray swath. The ASD applies very fine droplets that are highly concentrated with herbicide, similar to ultra-low volume treatments, that improved smooth crabgrass [Digitaria ischemum (Schreb.) Schreb. ex Muhl.] control compared to a ground sprayer when the ASD was operated at 2 m above the turf. Unfortunately, these very fine droplets also drift, leading to four times greater droplet density at distance of almost 12 m away from the targeted spray swath following an operational height of 10 m compared to that at 2 m. As ASD operational height increases, drift and effective swath width at 30% coefficient of variation uniformity increases while effective application rate, total deposition, and D. ischemum control by quinclorac herbicide decreased. Total deposition decreased 6% for each m increase in ASD operational height, likely due to evaporation. The potential losses due to evaporation is a serious consideration for ASD use that has received little attention in the scientific literature. Our data suggest that ASD operational height should be as low as possible, but modification of spray systems may be needed to improve homogeneity of spray pattern.

Elucidation of spacecraft surface wear phenomena in the plasma environment emitted by electric propulsion vehicles based on spacecraft charging analysis

Professor Takanobu Muranaka, Chukyu University, Japan, is part of a collaborative research effort to investigate and elucidate surface wear phenomena in electric propulsion spacecraft vehicles. He and his team are exploring how injected plasma emitted by these vehicles interacts with the spacecraft, leading to potential electrical and mechanical issues. For example, the ions and electrons in the plasma can collide with the spacecraft, causing wear and tear. This can compromise the spacecraftâ–™s durability and lifespan. In order to analyse these interactions, Muranaka and the team are utilising numerical calculations. To overcome limitations associated with the analysis of spacecraft systems and plasma in space, the researchers perform analyses of objects under predetermined conditions without consideration of space or timescales. Although it isnâ–™t possible to fully replicate space conditions in ground-based vacuum chambers, in their analyses the researchers are able to obtain important raw measurement data on physical phenomena that have not been modelled, such as parameter measurements of electrically propelled plasma plumes. Through its research, the team hopes to contribute to spacecraft design by informing design parameters such as the spacecraft shape and thruster parameters. Ultimately, the researchers are expanding and verifying numerical models and developing advanced plasma interference analysis technologies that will prove invaluable to spacecraft design. The researchers’ investigations on the Hayabusa2 spacecraft’s side-cathode ion thruster system have yielded exciting results on the ion energy distribution function (IEDF) of backflowing ions at multiple points around this thruster, expanding their findings on the significance of thruster reference potential on ion energy distribution, which is key to understanding spacecraft surface erosion.