Counting Efficiency Research Articles

Shrimp Counting Algorithm Using a Small-Scale Labeling Model

This study presents an algorithm for shrimp counting using a small-scale labeling model. The aim is to enhance shrimp farming efficiency, reduce biosecurity risks, and minimize manual counting errors. Experimental evaluations were conducted using Litopenaeus vannamei samples divided into four growth stages. A comparison was made between the classical threshold segmentation method, small-scale labeling density estimation based on FamNet, and our proposed small-scale labeling density estimation based on FamNet-S models. The results showed that the proposed FamNet-S-based small-scale labeling density estimation method achieved a better level of accuracy than the classical FamNet model across different growth stages. In the first stage, it reduced the mean absolute error (MAE) by 8.7% and the mean squared error (MSE) by 9.6%. In the fourth stage, MAE and MSE further decreased by 18.9% and 21.6%, respectively. The research findings demonstrate that the small-scale labeling density estimation approach based on FamNet-S exhibits robust adaptability and accuracy across diverse growth stages, rendering it suitable for scenarios with limited annotated samples. It effectively tackles challenges associated with shrimp overlap and occlusion while mitigating interference from feed and excrement, thus enhancing the precision and efficiency of shrimp counting. This algorithm for small-scale labeling density estimation significantly reduces annotation workloads while facilitating rapid deployment, making it an ideal solution for counting and marking in practical aquaculture environments. The study provides a high-precision yet efficient methodology for shrimp counting and marking tasks, thus reducing labor intensity while improving farming management accuracy, thereby supporting intelligent control in shrimp farming.

Embracing Poisson Encapsulation Statistics for Improved Droplet Digital Immunoassay.

Digital immunoassays enable the detection of protein biomarkers with very low concentrations, but the analysis stringently requires single-bead encapsulation. Low bead density has been adopted to minimize multiple-bead encapsulations, but the trade-off is the low droplet effectiveness (∼10%) in droplet-based assays. Here we report the method of inclusive droplet digital ELISA (iddELISA) that embraces all types of encapsulations by factoring in their varied "on-off" probabilities in the statistical inference. We derived the statistical model, optimized the bead encapsulation and immunoreaction, and developed an image analysis pipeline for accurate droplet and bead recognition, showing that approximately 40% of the droplets could be used in the analysis. Using the detection of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein as a demonstration, the iddELISA achieved a limit of detection of 0.71 fg/mL, which was much lower than conventional ELISA as well as droplet digital ELISA. By effectively incorporating multiple bead encapsulations, the iddELISA simplified the digital immunoassay while improving the counting efficiency and sensitivity, representing a unique concept in digital immunoassays.

Monte Carlo modeling and simulation of a new 3D printed phantom for WBC calibration with ballistic gel as a tissue substitute

Whole-body counter (WBC) systems are used for in vivo monitoring in occupational internal dosimetry, typically calibrated using physical anthropomorphic phantoms. Our research group previously 3D-printed the Reference Female Phantom for Internal Dosimetry (RFPID) without internal organs specifically designed for WBC calibration. The RFPID and it is intended to fill it homogenously with ballistic gel, which is commonly used as a tissue equivalent in ballistic studies. However, comprehensive characterization of its physicochemical properties and radiological behavior as a tissue surrogate for dosimetry is limited. This study aims to evaluate the suitability of ballistic gel as a tissue substitute for physical phantoms in WBC system calibration and to analyze the RFPID as a model for WBC calibration. Ballistic gel tests determined its density and attenuation coefficients, comparing it to muscle, water, and PMMA. The RFPID was modeled and simulated using MCNP6.2 code and placed in an in vivo monitoring system using an 8”x4″ NaI(Tl) scintillator detector previously validated. The simulations were repeated with the RCP_AF of ICRP-110. Results indicate that ballistic gel has a density approximately 6% different from muscle and shows similar linear attenuation coefficients to muscle at intermediate and high energy levels (186–2200 keV). Simulations revealed a disparity of less than 9% in counting efficiency between RFPID and RCP_AF for energies from 100 to 3000 keV, confirming the phantom's suitability for WBC calibration and ballistic gel's viability as a tissue surrogate in internal dosimetry.

Development of a method to use standard hospital gamma cameras as triage whole body monitors in UK emergencies

This paper outlines the process by which a medical gamma camera can be utilised to support assessment of internal radionuclides for the public. While hospital based gamma cameras are able to detect photopeaks, they are often limited to an energy range of 40-540 keV. However, radionuclides with photopeak energies above 540 keV can still be detected as the partial collection of photon energy increases the count rate at lower energies. By combining extensive mathematical modelling with empirical calibration of multiple gamma cameras it is possible to develop a linear correlation between the efficiency of counting point sources and the overall counting efficiency for the camera. Once established, a simple protocol can be used to characterise any gamma camera, using optimal system settings, and hence generate a system efficiency with sufficient accuracy to allow the camera to be used in a triage process to committed effective doses of 2 mSv.&#xD.

Determination of a standard efficiency using the ISOCS uncertainty estimator for calculating the activity concentration of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in concrete

The Activity Concentration Index (ACI) requires knowledge of the activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th (212Pb), and 40K, typically determined through gamma spectrometry. The inherent heterogeneity of concrete makes the determination of gamma counting efficiency a complex problem. For this reason, this study employed the ISOCS Uncertainty Estimator (IUE), which allows for probabilistic calculations based on variations in parameters affecting counting efficiency, such as dimensions, density, and composition. The IUE enabled the estimation of a representative efficiency for a standard concrete configuration applicable to concrete specimens and samples from existing structures. The results obtained with the proposed efficiency for natural radionuclides of the uranium and thorium series, along with 40K, compared to the classical material grinding method, showed no significant differences in the mean and variance. The maximum differences observed when applying regression analysis were less than 16 %, thus validating the representative efficiency obtained with the IUE.

TDCRPy: A python package for TDCR measurements

The TDCR (Triple-to-Double Coincidence Ratio) measurement technique is a primary standardization method used by metrology laboratories to accurately determine the activity of radioactive solutions, particularly for radionuclides unsuitable for traditional coincidence counting methods, such as pure beta emitters. The TDCR method leverages a liquid scintillation counter equipped with three photomultiplier tubes (PMTs). This paper introduces TDCRPy, a novel Python package developed by the BIPM, designed to calculate detection efficiency of liquid scintillation counters using Monte Carlo simulations and decay data evaluations from the Decay Data Evaluation Project (DDEP). The software simulates particle interactions within the liquid scintillation counter, utilizing pre-calculated probability distributions for energy deposition. Comparisons with the PENNUC/NUR code and tests with measurement from the BIPM.RI(II)-K1.Co-60 key comparison demonstrate the potential of TDCRPy. This open-source package is distributed at https://pypi.org/project/TDCRPy and available for collaborative development on GitHub https://github.com/RomainCoulon/TDCRPy, where detailed user documentation can be found.

Performances of halide scintillators for the dosimetry based on gamma-ray spectrometry for environmental monitoring systems

High pressure ion chambers (HPIC) and NaI(Tl) scintillation detectors are widely used to monitor the ambient dose equivalent rate H*(10) within and around the Korean nuclear facilities. However, HPIC cannot provide spectrometric information and NaI(Tl) detector is limited in identifying nuclides, such as 131I, 134Cs, and 137Cs, released from nuclear facilities owing to its insufficient energy resolution. This study employed four halide scintillators – LaBr3(Ce), CeBr3, and SrI2(Eu) – to measure the ambient dose equivalent rate and detect gamma nuclides from measured energy spectrum. First, the pulse–shaping time in the signal processing unit was optimized for each scintillator. Second, energy resolution and counting efficiency were estimated for 137Cs and 60Co. Finally, an irradiation test was performed to estimate the dose rate. Based on these results, LaBr3(Ce) and NaI(Tl) were selected as in situ gamma spectrometry system for measuring environmental radiation, and field experiments were conducted near the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant to measure the dose rate.

Implementation of 4-bit Universal Shift Register using Reversible Logic

The field of digital logic design is increasingly exploring reversible logic due to its potential in minimizing power dissipation, an essential criterion in low-power applications. This paper presents the design and implementation of a 4-bit universal shift register (USR) using reversible logic gates. The design leverages Fredkin gates, multiplexer (MUX), and D flip-flops to achieve functionality with minimal power consumption. Simulation results demonstrate the efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed design. Reversible logic is essential to low-power digital design and quantum computing because it makes it possible to reconstruct input signals from output signals, which reduces heat generation and information loss. The suggested shift register can be used for hold, parallel load, and left and right shift operations. To implement the functions of the shift register, we used a variety of reversible gates, including the Toffoli and Fredkin gates. When the architecture is contrasted with traditional non-reversible shift registers, it shows notable gains in reduced gate count and power efficiency

Optimizing accuracy and efficiency in real-time people counting with cascaded object detection

Optimizing accuracy and efficiency in real-time people counting with cascaded object detection

LettuceNet: A Novel Deep Learning Approach for Efficient Lettuce Localization and Counting

Traditional lettuce counting relies heavily on manual labor, which is laborious and time-consuming. In this study, a simple and efficient method for localization and counting lettuce is proposed, based only on lettuce field images acquired by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with an RGB camera. In this method, a new lettuce counting model based on the weak supervised deep learning (DL) approach is developed, called LettuceNet. The LettuceNet network adopts a more lightweight design that relies only on point-level labeled images to train and accurately predict the number and location information of high-density lettuce (i.e., clusters of lettuce with small planting spacing, high leaf overlap, and unclear boundaries between adjacent plants). The proposed LettuceNet is thoroughly assessed in terms of localization and counting accuracy, model efficiency, and generalizability using the Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences-Lettuce (SAAS-L) and the Global Wheat Head Detection (GWHD) datasets. The results demonstrate that LettuceNet achieves superior counting accuracy, localization, and efficiency when employing the enhanced MobileNetV2 as the backbone network. Specifically, the counting accuracy metrics, including mean absolute error (MAE), root mean square error (RMSE), normalized root mean square error (nRMSE), and coefficient of determination (R2), reach 2.4486, 4.0247, 0.0276, and 0.9933, respectively, and the F-Score for localization accuracy is an impressive 0.9791. Moreover, the LettuceNet is compared with other existing widely used plant counting methods including Multi-Column Convolutional Neural Network (MCNN), Dilated Convolutional Neural Networks (CSRNets), Scale Aggregation Network (SANet), TasselNet Version 2 (TasselNetV2), and Focal Inverse Distance Transform Maps (FIDTM). The results indicate that our proposed LettuceNet performs the best among all evaluated merits, with 13.27% higher R2 and 72.83% lower nRMSE compared to the second most accurate SANet in terms of counting accuracy. In summary, the proposed LettuceNet has demonstrated great performance in the tasks of localization and counting of high-density lettuce, showing great potential for field application.

Influence of soot aerosol properties on the counting efficiency of instruments used for the periodic technical inspection of diesel vehicles

Abstract. In this work, we investigated the influence of different types of soot aerosol on the counting efficiency (CE) of instruments employed for the periodic technical inspection (PTI) of diesel vehicles. Such instruments report particle number (PN) concentration. Combustion aerosols were generated by a prototype bigCAST, a miniCAST 5201 BC, a miniCAST 6204 C, and a miniature inverted soot generator (MISG). For comparison purposes, diesel soot was generated by a Euro 5b diesel test vehicle with by-passed diesel particulate filter (DPF). The size-dependent counting efficiency profile of six PN–PTI instruments was determined with each one of the aforementioned test aerosols. The results showed that the type of soot aerosol affected the response of the PN–PTI sensors in an individualised manner. Consequently, it was difficult to identify trends and draw conclusive results about which laboratory-generated soot is the best proxy for diesel soot. Deviations in the counting efficiency remained typically within 0.25 units when using laboratory-generated soot compared to Euro 5b diesel soot of similar mobility diameter (∼ 50–60 nm). Soot with a mobility diameter of ∼ 100 nm generated by the MISG, the lowest size we could achieve, resulted in most cases in similar counting efficiencies as those generated by the different CAST generators at the same particle size, showing that MISG may be a satisfactory – and affordable – option for PN–PTI verification; however, further optimisation will be needed for low-cost soot generators to comply with European PN–PTI verification requirements.

A novel detector for 4D tracking in particle therapy

An innovative beam monitor for particle therapy applications was developed to count protons and carbon ions in clinical beams and was integrated with a Time-to-Digital Converter (TDC) to add the measurement of particles’ crossing time. The detector exploits strip-segmented planar silicon sensors with an active thickness of a few tens of μm and the front-end electronics is based on a 24-channel ASIC (named ABACUS) for the discrimination of the particles’ signals. The proton counting efficiency shows a dependence on the beam energy because of transversal dimension and pile-up effects, whereas an efficiency between 94 and 98 % with lower energy dependence is found for carbon ions. The time measurements with the TDC allow for the study of the time interval between consecutive particles in one strip, which appears to be compatible with the radio-frequency period of the synchrotron. These results indicate that thin silicon sensors and custom front-end readout with high counting rate capability allow for a full 4D tracking of clinical ion beams, opening the way to future technologies for online monitoring systems.

E-ΔE detection module of DGFRS-2 setup

Thе paper describes a new E-ΔE detection module which includes a position-sensitive double-sided strip detector (DSSD) and a low-pressure pentane-filled ΔE chamber for detection of Evaporation Residues (ERs) in complete fusion reactions. The goal is to synthesize superheavy isotopes at the new DC-280 (Dubna Cyclotron) cyclotron of the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR). With the 48Ca ion beam intensity of about 5–7 pμA (particle micro ampere) and the ΔE counter count rate of approximately 104 sec−1, we observe a decrease in the overall registration efficiency of the gas ΔE counter. The paper proposes a solution to this problem: introduction of an additional negatively biased electrode, which results in the stabilization of the ΔE detector operation.

Calibration for in vivo monitoring of thyroid of exposed population at risk of intakes of radioiodine isotopes due to a nuclear or radiological emergency

This work presents an improvement of the calibration of a broad energy germanium detector (BEGe) using age dependent neck-thyroid phantoms for thyroid monitoring of exposed individuals (workers and members of the public), allowing the detection and quantification of incorporated radioiodine isotopes in a nuclear medicine frame or in case of accident of a nuclear reactor.A BEGe detector was calibrated using a family of age-dependent thyroid-neck phantoms that simulate thyroids of 1, 5, 10, 15 year-old children and (male and female) adults, based in ICRP Publication 8 (ICRP, 2002) and ANSI 13.44 Standard (ANSI, 2014).The calibration of the BEGe detector for all neck phantoms was performed with the same counting geometry, centered under the BE Ge detector and at the same distance of 15 cm. Using same counting parameters allows to compare efficiency curves of thyroid monitoring depending with age. The in vivo measurements with the BE Ge detector allow to identify X rays and gamma emissions between 10 and 1000 keV with a great resolution and to quantify activities of radioiodine isotopes in the thyroid of exposed population.Calibration curves have been obtained for different sizes of the thyroid, depending with age. This study of counting efficiency using the main energies of the most important radioiodine isotopes result in accurate activity calculations. Detection limits were obtained for each radioiodine isotope, using blank phantoms of each age.

Paper Scintillator Incorporated with Scintillator-Silica Fine Powders: Photophysical Characterization and Proof of Concept Demonstration of Tritium Detection.

In order to decrease the generation of radioactive waste, it is of interest to develop a scintillator capable of absorbing tritiated solutions for efficient detection of low-energy β-particles from tritium. In this work, paper scintillator incorporated with scintillator-silica fine powders (FPs), which is composed of scintillator-silica nanoparticles (NPs) attached to silica FP, was fabricated and evaluated. The scintillator-silica NPs contained liquid scintillators benzoic acid, 2,5-diphenyloxazole (PPO), and 1,4-bis(5-phenyloxazol-2-yl) benzene (POPOP). Photophysical characterization was executed by means of photoluminescence, fluorescence lifetime, quantum efficiency, and radioluminescence under X-ray excitation. POPOP emission was confirmed by absorbing the emissions from benzoic acid and PPO. Radioluminescence results confirmed POPOP emission. Fluorescence lifetime analysis yielded a 1.29 ± 0.01 ns main fast decay (64.2%) combined with a 4.00 ± 0.04 ns slower decay (35.8%). The combined luminescence results suggested that most POPOP in the paper scintillator was solvated. At 301 nm, the average quantum efficiency from both faces of the paper scintillator was about 4%, and at 370 nm, it was about 11%. The paper scintillator detected 3H β-particles by dipping the paper scintillator into tritiated water without a liquid scintillator. The counting efficiency depended on water content in the paper scintillator, and it increased to above 10% for tritium activity less than 200 dpm since it was preferentially adsorbed by vapor pressure isotopic effect and isotopic exchanged tritium on the surface of the scintillator-silica FP in the paper scintillator.

Extended high gain DC‐DC converter with switched‐inductors, switched‐capacitors and soft‐switching: Analysis and implementation

AbstractThis paper proposes an extended DC‐DC converter with high voltage conversion ratio and soft‐switching ability. The proposed converter has active switched‐inductors, switched‐capacitors included in the conventional high gain converter and operates in continuous conduction mode (CCM). Simple auxiliary resonant elements are added on the primary leg of the converter to provide design freedom for soft‐switching operation. The significant merits of the proposed converter are lesser voltage and current stresses, high voltage gain with reduced component count and better efficiency. Additional feature of this converter is soft‐switching operation under different load conditions and duty ratios without considerably increasing stresses. The zero voltage switching (ZVS) turn‐on operation is obtained for all switching devices. Therefore, switching power losses are minimized greatly. This paper presents the description, principles of operation and steady state analysis in comparison with the existing high gain converters. The theoretical analysis is verified with a 350 W prototype operated at input is 20 V and output is 220 V. The overall efficiency achieved is 96.7%. The obtained results confirm ZVZCS operation at full load.

Absolute decay counting of 146Sm with [formula omitted] cryogenic microcalorimetry

We present a methodology for absolute activity counting of long-lived isotopes based on cryogenic Decay Energy Spectroscopy. A 146Sm source was produced at the TRIUMF Laboratory and then processed and purified at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, yielding a pure sample. The source was embedded within a 4π thermal absorber coupled to a magnetic microcalorimeter achieving nearly 100% counting efficiency. Experimental uncertainties were studied and modeled, including thermal coupling of the source to the absorber, pulse pile-up, trigger, and event selection efficiencies. The absolute activity of the pure 146Sm source was measured to better than 1% uncertainty.

μDOSE+: Environmental radioactivity and dose rate measurement system with active shielding boosted by machine learning

The μDOSE+ is a novel measurement system designed for environmental radioactivity measurements and trapped charge dating applications. This study describes improvements integrated into the μDOSE+ system. These enhancements include a redesigned counting chamber equipped with an active radon removal system, passive shielding and an active shielding module that is further refined by machine learning algorithms for precise pulse classification. These advancements collectively lead to a significant reduction in background in the β counting window, improved α and β counting efficiency and easier sample handling. This is demonstrated through a comparative analysis with its predecessor, the classical μDOSE system.

Milk somatic cell count affects feed efficiency through increased heat production of lactating dairy cows

The objective was to evaluate the relationships between somatic cell count (SCC) and feed efficiency using the data from two respiration chamber studies using Nordic Red cows (n = 136). The cows were fed ad libitum a total mixed ration (forage: concentrate 45:55 on dry matter (DM) basis) containing 162 and 379 g crude protein and neutral detergent fibre in kg DM, respectively. Average (± SD) DM intake and energy corrected milk (ECM) yield were 23.6 ± 3.4 and 37.7 ± 6.1 kg/d, respectively. Blood samples were collected in one of the studies (n = 86). Feed efficiency was expressed as ECM/DM intake, residual feed intake (RFI) and residual ECM yield (RECM). Feed efficiency decreased significantly with increased SCC irrespective of how the efficiency was expressed. Data from energy metabolism indicated that conversion of dietary gross energy to metabolizable energy (ME) was not influenced by SCC, but the efficiency of ME utilization decreased as a result of increased heat production. Increased heat production might be associated with the greater energy demand for immune function. Blood haptoglobin increased with SCC also indicating the role of immune function in increased heat production. Methane intensity increased by 1.0 g/kg ECM above cut-off value of 47 000 cells/mL. It is concluded that in addition to economic losses and animal welfare issues, increased milk SCC has negative environmental impact.

HIGHLY EFFICIENT INVERTER BLOCKS IN QCA TECHNOLOGY

QCA technology presented as a new paradigm to replace CMOS technology in the nanoscale. QCA technology represents binary information by cell polarization, not as a voltage level. The basic blocks in QCA technology are the majority gate and inverter. Efficient building blocks are important to get whole efficient circuits. This article aims to present novel configurations for the inverter block that offer advantages in terms of temperature tolerance, cell count, and area efficiency. Moreover, a Repeater gate with high efficiency is proposed to demonstrate their versatility. The proposed inverter has efficient improvements by 2%, 4.4%, 11%, and 17.5% over the best-reported inverter block at 10 K, 100 K, 150 K, and 200 K, respectively. The circuits presented in this study were designed and validated using QCADesigner software v 2.0.3, and the energy consumption of the proposed designs was assessed using QCAPro tools.