dB Range Research Articles

Frequency-of-seeing curves (psychometric functions) for perimetric stimuli in age-related macular degeneration.

Frequency-of-seeing (FoS) curves (psychometric functions) for perimetric stimuli have been widely used in computer simulations of new visual field test procedures. FoS curves for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are not available in the literature and are needed for the development of improved microperimetry test procedures, which are of particular interest for use as clinical trial endpoints. Data were refitted from a previous study to generate FoS curves for 20 participants with AMD, each tested at nine locations within the central 10°. Stimulus parameters, background luminance and dB scale were matched to the MAIA-2 microperimeter, and stimuli were presented in a method of constant stimuli to build up FoS curves over multiple runs. FoS curves were fitted with a modified cumulative Gaussian function. The relationship between sensitivity and slope of fitted FoS curves was modelled by robust linear regression, producing models both with and without an eccentricity parameter. FoS curves were satisfactorily fitted to data from 174 visual field locations in 20 participants (age 65-83 years, 11 female). Each curve was made up of a median of 243 (range 177-297) stimulus presentations over a median of 12 (range 9-32) levels. Median sensitivity was 25.5 dB (range 3.8-31.4 dB). The median slope (SD of fitted function) was 1.6 dB (range 0.5-8.5 dB). As in previous studies of other conditions, the slope of fitted FoS curves increased as sensitivity decreased (p < 0.001). FoS are provided for participants with AMD, as well as models of the relationship between sensitivity and slope. These fitted models and data may be useful for computer simulation studies of microperimetry procedures. Full details of the fitted curves are provided as supporting information.

PDMS/CNT electrodes with bioamplifier for practical in-the-ear and conventional biosignal recordings

Objective.Potential usage of dry electrodes in emerging applications such as wearable devices, flexible tattoo circuits, and stretchable displays requires that, to become practical solutions, issues such as easy fabrication, strong durability, and low-cost materials must be addressed. The objective of this study was to propose soft and dry electrodes developed from polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and carbon nanotube (CNT) composites.Approach.The electrodes were connected with both conventional and in-house NTAmp biosignal instruments for comparative studies. The performances of the proposed dry electrodes were evaluated through electromyogram, electrocardiogram, and electroencephalogram measurements.Main results.Results demonstrated that the capability of the PDMS/CNT electrodes to receive biosignals was on par with that of commercial electrodes (adhesive and gold-cup electrodes). Depending on the type of stimuli, a signal-to-noise ratio of 5-10 dB range was achieved.Significance.The results of the study show that the performance of the proposed dry electrode is comparable to that of commercial electrodes, offering possibilities for diverse applications. These applications may include the physical examination of vital medical signs, the control of intelligent devices and robots, and the transmission of signals through flexible materials.

Interdigitated resonator based frequency selective rasorber with high selectivity

Abstract This paper investigates a highly selective Frequency Selective Rasorber (FSR) utilizing interdigitated resonators, characterized by a passband exhibiting low insertion loss and the introduction of a second-order passband response in the lossless layer enhances selectivity on both sides of the passband. The lossy unit is implemented by inserting interdigitated resonators on an octagonal ring loaded with lumped resistors, while the lossless layer is constructed with a five-layer structure. Simulation results demonstrate a low Insertion Loss&amp;#xD;(IL) value of 0.78 dB at 3.5 GHz. At vertical incidence, the S21&gt;-3 dB bandwidth ranges from&amp;#xD;3.41 to 3.67 GHz, and the S11&lt;-10 dB range spans from 2.2 to 8.2 GHz, obtaining two absorption bands on either side of the passband, with absorption rates exceeding 80%. The operating frequency bands are 1.95-3.27 GHz and 3.8-8.4 GHz. The designed FSR exhibits polarization insensitive. To validate simulation results, a prototype FSR was fabricated and tested, with experimental data aligning with simulation results.&amp;#xD;

Correction Factor Evaluation and Between-System Comparison of Behavioral Threshold Predictions From Auditory Brainstem Response Measures in Infants.

Auditory brainstem response (ABR) thresholds are corrected to estimate behavioral thresholds in infants. Corrections were validated, and a comparison of behavioral threshold estimates between systems was conducted to inform equipment transition and protocols in Ontario, Canada. In Study 1, a retrospective file review was conducted. ABR threshold estimates from 84 infants with hearing loss were compared to behavioral thresholds to validate the accuracy of the ABR corrections applied in the Ontario Infant Hearing Program since 2016. Study 2 examined the precision of two different ABR systems to estimate thresholds in 37 adult and 105 infant ears. Corrected ABR thresholds predicted behavioral thresholds in infants to within 1.77 dB (range of mean values across frequency: 1.18-2.26 dB) on average. The average differences decreased across frequency to 0.6 dB (range: 0.14 to -1.23) when ear canal acoustics were accounted for. The average between-system difference in ABR threshold estimates was 2.40 dB (range: 1.18-2.26). ABR correction factors used in Ontario's Infant Hearing Program provide accurate predictions of behavioral thresholds in infants with hearing loss. When calibration and collection parameters are similar between different ABR systems, threshold estimates are comparable and no further adjustment to correction factors was required.

Comparing a Head-Mounted Smartphone Visual Field Analyzer to Standard Automated Perimetry in Glaucoma: A Prospective Study.

Wang et al compare an FDA-registered head-mounted smartphone device (PalmScan VF2000) with standard automated perimetry (SAP) in glaucoma patients and find that the head-mounted device may not fully recapitulate SAP testing. This study prospectively compared visual field testing using the PalmScan VF2000 Visual Field Analyzer, a head-mounted smartphone device, with standard automated perimetry (SAP). Patients with glaucoma undergoing Humphrey Field Analyzer SAP testing were asked to complete in-office PalmScan testing using a Samsung S5 smartphone in a virtual reality-style headset. Glaucoma severity was defined as SAP mean deviation (MD) >-6 dB for mild, between -6 and -12 dB for moderate, and <-12 dB for severe. Global parameters MD and pattern SD from PalmScan and SAP were compared using t -tests and Bland-Altman analyses. Bland-Altmann analyses of PalmScan and SAP MD were conducted for the superonasal, superotemporal, inferonasal, and inferotemporal visual field quadrants. The repeatability of PalmScan was assessed using Spearman's correlations and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Fifty-one patients (51 eyes) completed both SAP and PalmScan testing and met the criteria for analysis. Compared with SAP, global MD and pattern SD measurements from PalmScan differed by an average of +0.62±0.26 dB (range: -3.25 to +4.60 dB) and -1.00±0.24 dB (range: -6.03 to +2.77 dB), respectively, while MD scores from individual visual field quadrants differed by as much as -6.58 to +11.43 dB. The agreement between PalmScan and SAP in classifying glaucoma severity was 86.3% across all eyes. PalmScan and SAP identified the same quadrant as having the worst visual field defect in 66.7% of eyes. Despite advantages in cost and accessibility, the PalmScan head-mounted perimetry device may not be able to fully recapitulate SAP testing.

Sound transmission loss optimization of clamped double-panels

The panel cavity structure is one of the key components of the aircraft (vehicle) body and is among the main noise transmission pathways. Based on the modal superposition and Galerkin method, this paper realizes the theoretical model of sound insulation of the clamped, double-panel structure. The non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-II (NSGA-II) is used to realize the sound insulation of the clamped double-panel structure. Through optimization, the fitting function and law of structural surface density and the optimized normal weighted sound insulation Pareto fronts were obtained. The results show that among the optimization, for the Pareto front cases, their double-panel thickness ratio h1/ h2 is relatively far away from 1, and the corresponding cavity thickness H is relatively large. The influence of boundary conditions and size effects of lightweight sound insulation optimization are also discussed. The research on the influence of boundary and size indicates that the difference in the optimal weighted sound insulation Pareto fronts corresponding to the same surface density is mostly within the 1 dB range. Both the boundary and thickness of the panel will affect the frequency STL, while the boundary conditions or structure size changed, even the total thickness of panels needs to be the same, and the structure can also have similar weighted sound transmission loss ( Rw) when the thickness ratio of the double-panel structure is chosen properly. The difference of material effects is also discussed. This research provides a method for the sound insulation optimization of clamped double-panel structures concerning the boundary and size effect.

Direct Ink Writing of Low-Concentration MXene/Aramid Nanofiber Inks for Tunable Electromagnetic Shielding and Infrared Anticounterfeiting Applications.

MXene inks offer a promising avenue for the scalable production and customization of printing electronics. However, simultaneously achieving a low solid content and printability of MXene inks, as well as mechanical flexibility and environmental stability of printed objects, remains a challenge. In this study, we overcame these challenges by employing high-viscosity aramid nanofibers (ANFs) to optimize the rheology of low-concentration MXene inks. The abundant entangled networks and hydrogen bonds formed between MXene and ANF significantly increase the viscosity and yield stress up to 103 Pa·s and 200 Pa, respectively. This optimization allows the use of MXene/ANF (MA) inks at low concentrations in direct ink writing and other high-viscosity processing techniques. The printable MXene/ANF inks with a high conductivity of 883.5 S/cm were used to print shields with customized structures, achieving a tunable electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) in the 0.2-48.2 dB range. Furthermore, the MA inks exhibited adjustable infrared (IR) emissivity by changing the ANF ratio combined with printing design, demonstrating the application for infrared anticounterfeiting. Notably, the printed MXene/ANF objects possess outstanding mechanical flexibility and environmental stability, which are attributed to the reinforcement and protection of ANF. Therefore, these findings have significant practical implications as versatile MXene/ANF inks can be used for customizable, scalable, and cost-effective production of flexible printed electronics.

Mechanically induced long period gratings in different silica multi-layered optical fibers

This work presents a thorough comparative investigation of mechanically induced long period gratings (MILPGs) realized in different unconventional multi-layered silica optical fibers: two double cladding fibers (DCF), with progressively three layered (PTL) and W-type structures, and a solid core photonic crystal fiber (PCF). A periodic interdigitated grooved structure, based on the stereo-lithography 3D printing technique, is developed for the grating formation in these fibers with simplicity and cost-effectiveness. Multiple grating periods are developed in the range 480–660 μm, resulting in attenuation bands with depth within 15–25 dB and wide range of tunability over the wavelength range of 1100–1700 nm. The results demonstrate effective management of transmission spectra evolution as a function of the applied weight, with minimal alteration in wavelength position when testing the fiber with or without its coating. Polarization dependent properties of these gratings are also investigated demonstrating a negligible impact. This is the first time that such a broad investigation is conducted about MILPGs in the fibers mentioned earlier with broad scouting in fabrication parameters, opening to the application of such devices for sensing and communication purposes.

A wideband and low-power mm-wave variable-gain phase shifter based on a source-switching scheme

This article presents a low-power and wideband variable-gain phase shifter (VGPS) designed and simulated in a CMOS 65 nm technology. It introduces a source-switching scheme for designing a variable gain amplifier (SSVGA) characterized by invariant linearity, impedance, and phase characteristics, showcasing improved gain and bandwidth compared to conventional VGAs. The current-reuse and staggered-tuning techniques are used to reduce power consumption and extend the bandwidth, respectively. The proposed VGPS enables gain tuning without the need for an additional gain tuning block, resulting in reduced chip area and sidelobe levels in phased array radar systems. The proposed VGPS, with a 5-bit resolution, achieves a 3-dB bandwidth of 18 GHz (53.5–71.5 GHz) and exhibits RMS gain error range from 0.23 to 0.5 dB and RMS phase error range from 0.54° to 2.65° with phase calibration based on simulation results. It achieves a peak average gain of 1.2 dB at 58.5 GHz while consuming a DC power consumption of only 5 mW with a 1.2 V power supply voltage. Moreover, it demonstrates a wide gain tuning of 20.6 dB, allowing for flexible gain adjustments.

Horizontal sound localization in presence of noise in normal-hearing young adults

Objective: This study investigates the effect of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), frequency, and bandwidth on horizontal sound localization accuracy in normal-hearing young adults. Methods: From August 2022 to December 2022, a total of 20 normal-hearing young adults, including 7 males and 13 females, with an age range of 20 to 35 years and a mean age of 25.4 years, were selected to participate in horizontal azimuth recognition tests under both quiet and noisy conditions. Six narrowband filtered noise stimuli were used with central frequencies (CF) of 250, 2 000, and 4 000 Hz and bandwidths of 1/6 and 1 octave. Continuous broadband white noise was used as the background masker, and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was 0, -3, and -12 dB. The root-mean-square error (RMS error) was used to measure sound localization accuracy, with smaller values indicating higher accuracy. Friedman test was used to compare the effects of SNR and CF on sound localization accuracy, and Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the impact of the two bandwidths on sound localization accuracy in noise. Results: In a quiet environment, the RMS error in horizontal azimuth in normal-hearing young adults ranged from 4.3 to 8.1 degrees. Sound localization accuracy decreased with decreasing SNR: at 0 dB SNR (range: 5.3-12.9 degrees), the difference from the quiet condition was not significant (P>0.05); however, at -3 dB (range: 7.3-16.8 degrees) and -12 dB SNR (range: 9.4-41.2 degrees), sound localization accuracy significantly decreased compared to the quiet condition (all P<0.01). Under noisy conditions, there were differences in sound localization accuracy among stimuli with different frequencies and bandwidths, with higher frequencies performing the worst, followed by middle frequencies, and lower frequencies performing the best, with significant differences (all P<0.01). Sound localization accuracy for 1/6 octave stimuli was more susceptible to noise interference than 1 octave stimuli (all P<0.01). Conclusions: The ability of normal-hearing young adults to localize sound in the horizontal plane in the presence of noise is influenced by SNR, CF, and bandwidth. Noise with SNRs of ≥-3 dB can lead to decreased accuracy in narrowband sound localization. Higher CF signals and narrower bandwidths are more susceptible to noise interference.

Removal of Interference from Electromyogram based on Empirical Mode Decomposition and Correlation Coefficient Thresholding

Introduction:: Electromyography (EMG) signals are contaminated by various noise components. These noises directly degrade the EMG processing performance, thereby affecting the classification accuracy of the EMG signals for implementing various hand movements of the prosthetic arm from the amputee’s residual muscle. Methods:: This study mainly aims to denoise the EMG signals using the empirical mode decomposition (EMD) and correlation coefficient thresholding (CCT) methods. The noisy EMG signal is obtained from NinaPro Database 2. Then, EMD is used to decompose it into intrinsic mode functions. Each hand movement noise is identified within specific modes and removed separately using correlation coefficient–dependent thresholding and wavelet denoising. The performance metrics signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and root mean square error (RMSE) were used to evaluate the noise removal performance from the EMG signals of five intact subjects. The proposed method outperforms the wavelet denoising method in terms of noise interference removal. In this method, the SNR is obtained in the 17-22 dB range with a very low RMSE. Results:: The experimental results illustrate that the proposed method removes noise from six repetitions of six movements performed by five subjects. This study explores the special characteristics of EMD and demonstrates the possibility of using the EMD-based CCT filter for denoising EMG signals. Conclusion:: The proposed filter is more efficient than wavelet denoising in removing noise interference. It can also be used in any application that requires EMG signal filtering at the preprocessing stage, such as EMG pattern recognition.

An eight-year follow-up on auditory outcomes after neonatal hearing screening.

The aim of this study is to assess the neonatal click Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) results in relation to the subsequently determined mean hearing loss (HL) over 1, 2 and 4 kHz, as well as over 2 and 4 kHz. Between 2004-2009, follow-up data were collected from Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA) at 1 and 2 years and playaudiometry at 4 and 8 years of newborns who had failed neonatal hearing screening in the well-baby clinics and who had been referred to a single Speech and Hearing center. Hearing Level data were compared with ABR threshold-levels established during the first months of life. The Two One-Sided Tests equivalence procedure for paired means was applied, using a region of similarity equal to 10 dB. Initially, in 135 out of 172 children referred for diagnostic procedures hearing loss was confirmed in the neonatal period. In 106/135 of the HL children the eight-year follow-up was completed. Permanent conductive HL was established in 5/106 cases; the hearing thresholds were predominantly stable over time. Temporary conductive HL was found in 48/106 cases and the loss disappeared by 4 years of age at the latest. Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) was found in 53/106 cases, of which 13 were unilateral and 40 bilateral. ABR levels were equivalent (within a 10 dB range) to VRA levels at age 1 and 2 and play audiometry levels at age 4 and 8, both when VRA and play audiometry were averaged over both frequency ranges. Long term follow-up data of children with SNHL suggest that the initial click ABR level established in the first months of life, are equivalent to the hearing threshold measured at the age of 1, 2, 4 and 8 years for both mean frequency ranges. Click ABR can reliably be used as starting point for long-term hearing rehabilitation.

Investigation of the Effect of Tinnitus and Hearing Loss on Hippocampus Volume

Objective: This study aims to compare hippocampal changes with a correlation of audiological testing results in patients suffering from tinnitus. Methods: Patients diagnosed with tinnitus in the university hospital between February 2021 and March 2022 were prospectively included in the study by performing magnetic resonance imaging. The volume was determined by manually tracing the hippocampus' margins on the images using the Vitrea2® workstation (Canon Medical Systems Vital Images, Minnesota, USA). Statistics were used to assess the correlation between the parameters of the hearing test. Results: The distribution of the patient group (21 males, 19 females) and control group (15 males, 15 females) was uniform, and the mean ages of the two groups were 50.23±12.09 and 32.30±7.97, respectively. Significant statistical differences existed in the mean ages of the groups (p&lt;0.05). Bilateral hippocampal volumes, right bone, and air conduction all differed significantly (p&lt;0.05). The median values in the patient group were as follows: right HC 2620 mm3 (range 1600-3610), left HC 2450 mm3 (range 1610-3990), right air conduction 20 dB (range 10-61), left air 21 dB (range 11-65), and right bone 13.5 dB (range 8-49). Age was positively correlated with bilateral measurements of air and bone hearing levels (p 0.05; right air r=0.513, right bone r=0.438, left air r=0.589, left bone r=0.487). Between the 30-39 and 60-69 age groups, there was a significant difference in bone and air conduction levels (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: In this study, it was found that the hippocampus volumes of healthy hearing people with tinnitus complaints were significantly higher in MRI examinations compared to the control group. In addition, in cases of tinnitus accompanied by bone conduction hearing loss, hippocampus volumes were found to be less than those of tinnitus alone, but not less than in the control group. It is suggested that chronic acoustic stimulation caused by tinnitus causes an increase in hippocampus volume and that problems in sensorineural integrity prevent this increase.

Machine Learning-Based Approach for bandwidth and frequency Prediction for N77 band 5G Antenna

Yagi antennas are useful for wireless communications because of the directional gain they provide, allowing the antenna to concentrate the signal in either the transmission or reception direction. It is built on a substrate made of FR-4, this antenna has a return loss of −46.85 dB at 3.6 GHz and a bandwidth of 3.3–4.2 GHz within a −10 dB range, making it ideal for use in the n77 bands. Not only is it small, with a size of 0.642λ 0 × 0.583λ 0, but it also has a maximum gain of 7.95 dB and a maximum directivity of 8.58 dB. This study investigates several approaches to estimating the performance of an antenna. These approaches include simulation with a variety of software tools, including as CST, HFSS, and Altair Feko; curve fitting technology; and the RLC equivalent circuit model. After that, simulation with CST MWS is used to collect a large amount of data samples, and then supervised regression machine learning (ML) methods are used to determine the resonance frequency and bandwidth of the antenna. When it comes to predicting bandwidth and frequency, Random Forest Regression demonstrates an exceptional level of performance, particularly when comparing with the results produced by curve-fitting tools, neural networks, and regression machine learning models. When all of these considerations are taken into account, it is clear that the antenna is an outstanding option for the n77 band of a 5G communication system.

A lumped-parameter model of the free-flooded ring transducer array.

The free-flooded ring (FFR) transducer is an extensively used ring-type acoustic transducer in underwater environments owing to its broad operating frequency bandwidth and small size. However, achieving high sound pressure levels with a single FFR transducer is often difficult, thus necessitating the construction of vertically arranged FFR transducer arrays. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the electrical and acoustic characteristics of an FFR transducer array by considering the mutual radiation load and the effects of gaps between adjacent piezoelectric rings. The lumped-parameter models of the piezoelectric ring, cylindrical cavity, cylindrical gap, and radiation impedance constitute an entire impedance matrix. The radiation impedance matrix for the FFR transducer array is calculated using the Helmholtz-Kirchhoff integral formula by considering the interaction of the FFR surfaces with the surrounding fluid medium. The proposed model predicts the resonance peaks in the admittance and transmitted voltage response (TVR) with a relative error of 5%, and the TVR level within a 3 dB range. Detailed analyses of a four-FFR transducer array reveal that a wider gap between each FFR leads to a decreased chance of negative conductance and broader operating bandwidth. The proposed model offers valuable insights into the design of FFR transducer arrays.

Ceramic-on-Ceramic Total Hip Arthroplasty: I Can Hear You.

Squeaking is a known complication of ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC) total hip arthroplasty (THA), yet there is a lack of studies specifically quantifying its loudness. The aims of this study were: (1) to determine the incidence of squeaking in CoC THAs at long-term follow-up; (2) to identify risk factors; and (3) to quantify the loudness of the squeaking. A specifically designed prospective questionnaire was used to determine the prevalence, characteristics, and loudness of squeaking in 130 (110 patients) primary THAs with fourth-generation CoC bearings at a mean follow-up of 10.5 years. The loudness of the squeaking was determined by the decibel (dB) scale from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Overall, 28% of the CoC hips experienced squeaking. The mean onset was 5.7 years postoperatively, with 39% of the cases having their onset more than 5 years after their THA. Patients with a lower body mass index were more likely to report squeaking (P= .009). The mean loudness of the squeak was 35 dB (range, 10-70 dB) and was loud in 36% of the hips. Patients who developed squeaking early postoperatively had louder squeaking than those with a later onset (P= .007). The loudness of the squeaking sound progressed in 25% of the cases, and these hips had louder squeaking (P= .04). Squeaking after CoC THA is not uncommon, can be relatively loud, and increases over time. This needs to be considered in young patients that are candidates for CoC THAs.

Gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy in patients with advanced glaucoma.

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (GATT) in patients with advanced glaucoma. Records of 46 patients with advanced glaucoma were reviewed retrospectively in this single-center chart review. The main outcome measure was surgical success; intra-ocular pressure (IOP) and IOP lowering medication use were secondary outcome measures. Success was defined as an IOP of 18 mmHg or lower (criterion A) or 14 mmHg or lower (criterion B) and one of the following: IOP reduction >30% from baseline on the same or fewer medications or IOP ≤ of baseline on fewer medications as compared to baseline. Forty-seven eyes were included in the analysis. The average mean deviation was -17.5 ± 7.2 dB (range -8.0 to -33.0). The average follow-up was 6.8 months (range 3.2-22.3). Success at 6 months was 91% for criterion A and 75% for criterion B (n = 33). Mean IOP was reduced from 19.3 ± 6 mmHg (12-40) on 3.7 ± 1.4 medications to 13.2 ± 5.8 mmHg on 1.6 ± 1.4 medications at the 6th post-operative month (P < 0.001 for both IOP and medications). At the last follow-up visit, 37 patients (78%) had an IOP of 14 mmHg or lower, and ten of these patients were unmedicated. Transient hyphema and IOP spikes were the most prevalent adverse events following surgery. Three eyes required further surgery for IOP control. None of the patients lost vision because of surgery. GATT is a viable surgical option in cases of advanced glaucoma. Careful patient selection and attentive post-operative management are imperative.

The Psychometric Function for Focusing Attention on Pitch

What is the effect of focusing auditory attention on an upcoming signal tone? Weak signal tones, 40 ms in duration, were presented in 50 dB continuous white noise and were either uncued or cued 82 ms beforehand by a 12 dB SL cue tone of the same frequency and duration as the signal. Signal frequency was either constant for a block of trials or was randomly one of 11 frequencies from 632 to 3140 Hz. Slopes of psychometric functions for detection in single-interval (Yes/No) trials were obtained from three listeners by varying the signal level over a 1–9 dB range. Plots of log(d’) against signal dB were fit by linear functions. Slopes were similar whether signal frequency was constant or varied, as found by D. Green. Slopes for uncued tones increased by 14% to 20% more than predicted by signal energy (i.e., 0.10), as also found previously, whereas slopes for cued tones followed signal energy corrected for an 8 dB sensory threshold. That pre-cues help attention focus rapidly on signal frequency and permit listeners to act as near-ideal detectors of signal energy, which they do not do otherwise, supports a key hypothesis of Grossberg’s ART model that attention guided by conscious awareness can optimize perception.

Visual Field Pointwise Analysis of the Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Weight Trial (IIH:WT).

This study was designed to determine if point analysis of the Humphrey visual field (HVF) is an effective outcome measure for people with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) compared with mean deviation (MD). Using the IIH Weight Trial data, we performed a pointwise analysis of the numerical retinal sensitivity. We then defined a medically treated cohort as having MDs between -2 dB and -7 dB and calculated the number of points that would have the ability to change by 7 dB. The HVF 24-2 mean ± SD MD in the worse eye was -3.5 ± 1.1 dB (range, -2.0 to -6.4 dB). Total deviation demonstrated a preference for the peripheral and blind spot locations to be affected. Points between 0 dB and -10 dB demonstrated negligible ability to improve, compared with those between -10 dB and -25 dB. For the evaluation of the feasibility for a potential medical intervention trial, only 346 points were available for analysis between -10 dB and -25 dB bilaterally, compared with 4123 points in baseline sensitivities of 0 to -10 dB. Patients with IIH have mildly affected baseline sensitivities in the visual field based on HVF analyzer findings, and the majority of points do not show substantial change over 24 months in the setting of a randomized clinical trial. Most patients with IIH who are eligible for a medical treatment trial generally have the mildest affected baseline sensitivities. In such patients, pointwise analysis offers no advantage over MD in detection of visual field change.

Graphene based rectangular microstrip patch antenna for UWB applications

According to the findings of the article, researchers looked at graphene-based hexagonal microstrip patch antennas. In place of a U-shaped slot and an elliptical slot, an ellipse-shaped slot was cut into the surface of the hexagonal radiators that were used in the designs that were recommended. This helped to improve the radiation performance of the radiators. A frequency known as ultra-wideband (UWB) is used in the modelling process for the anticipated structures. Through the use of comparative studies, an investigation into the effect of U-shaped and elliptical-shaped slots on the radiation performance of proposed graphene antenna designs has been carried out. The use of ellipsoidal slot-loaded structures results in considerable enhancements and advancements in directivity. The impedance bandwidths for S11 antennas with a gain of 10 dB range from 0.68 to 1.63 terahertz for U-shaped and elliptical-shaped slot loaded hexagonal printed antennas, respectively. Extensive research is presented for the various characteristics of the proposed THz antenna types. The designs that were offered provide excellent impedance matching over the full operating range. This is made possible by the high reflection and VSWR values that they possess. The cutting-edge antenna design may be used for spectrum imaging, the detection of explosives, medical diagnostics, radio transmission, and the monitoring of the weather.