Description Of Prototype Research Articles

A novel high frequency, high bandwidth, three phase Mach-Zehnder optical data link.

In inertial confinement fusion, hydrogen isotopes are fused together under high pressures and temperatures. Typically, the duration of these experiments is incredibly short, on the order of around 60-150ps. Due to the high radiation environment, a detector's signal is typically data linked far distances to a protected location. The diagnostic challenge for fusion reaction history measurements is to measure signals of interest maximizing dynamic range while also maintaining time resolution on the order of 10ps. In this work, we present a new experimental optical data link used to efficiently transport diagnostic signals over great distances to the recording system while not restricting the dynamic range. The concept of a three phase Mach-Zehnder modulator system is introduced as well as a description of the physical prototype. The initial results from testing at the OMEGA facility show that this system is a viable method for signal transportation.

Contributions to the Development of Tetrahedral Mobile Robots with Omnidirectional Locomotion Units

In this paper, the authors present the process of modeling, building, and testing two prototypes of tetrahedral robots with omnidirectional locomotion units. The paper begins with a detailed description of the first tetrahedral robot prototype, highlighting its strengths as well as the limitations that led to the need for improvements. The robot’s omnidirectional movement allowed it to move in all directions, but certain challenges related to stability and adaptability were identified. The second prototype is presented as an advanced and improved version of the first model, integrating significant modifications in both the structural design and the robot’s functionality. The authors emphasize how these optimizations were achieved, detailing the solutions adopted and their impact on the robot’s overall performance. This paper includes an in-depth comparative analysis between the two prototypes. The analysis highlights the considerable advantages of the second prototype, demonstrating its superiority. The conclusions of the paper summarize the main findings of the research and emphasize the significant progress made from the first to the second prototype. Finally, future research directions are discussed, which include refining control algorithms, miniaturizing the robot, improving structural performance by integrating shock-absorbing dampers, and integrating lighting systems and video cameras.

Exposing a dual-readout fibre calorimeter to electron beams, in preparation for HiDRa: High-resolution calorimeter for [formula omitted] colliders

Among the proposed accelerators for the post-LHC era are the Future Circular Collider (FCC) and the Circular Electron–Positron Collider (CEPC). Both projects would take advantage of the clean environment and low radiation damage of electron–positron collisions, providing the highest precision studies of electroweak and Higgs physics. The relatively high branching fraction of W, Z and Higgs bosons into hadronic jets makes the precise measurements of these objects an essential aspect on detector development for experiments at future collider facilities. One of the most promising calorimetry techniques for improved hadron energy reconstruction is the dual-readout method, which exploits signals from two different physics processes to correct for the fem of hadron showers, therefore boosting the standalone calorimeter performance. The usage of compact photosensors (e.g. Silicon PhotoMultipliers) for the readout enables a very fine segmentation, opening to particle-flow and advanced neural networks software reconstruction of events. In this contribution, the results of testing a small-scale dual-readout calorimeter prototype, characterised by a mixed PMT and SiPM readout solution, with an electron beam at the CERN SPS facility in the energy range [10, 120] GeV are presented. It follows the description of a larger prototype of the same type, currently under construction in the context of the INFN HiDRa project, that will be large enough to fully contain hadron showers. The design, construction technique and expected performance, as estimated through a Geant4 simulation parameterised on the previous prototype, are presented.

Tropical Shrimp Biofloc Aquaculture within Greenhouses in the Mediterranean: Preconditions, Perspectives, and a Prototype Description

Biofloc technology (BFT) offers an innovative eco-friendly approach that is particularly applicable in shrimp farming. Penaeus vannamei is the most important seafood species in terms of global economic value. Nevertheless, its increasing global demand highlights the necessity for sustainable production of P. vannamei shrimps outside their native range, assuring the avoidance of genetic pollution risk. Towards this direction, the present study focuses on the feasibility of tropical shrimp species aquaculture in indoor systems evaluating BFT application in temperate zones. The achievability of P. vannamei cultivation inside greenhouses in temperate latitudes is thoroughly examined and a representative experimental biofloc setup for P. vannamei within a greenhouse in Northern Greece is demonstrated. Nevertheless, there are two major limitations, related to economy and ecology, namely the energy demand for high seawater temperature and the fact that most reared shrimps are non-indigenous species setting risk for genetic pollution, respectively. To overcome the former, energy-saving measures such as tank and greenhouse insulation in combination with a microclimate chamber construction were implemented to optimize water temperature at minimal cost. Concerning the latter, there is clear evidence that P. vannamei populations cannot be established in the Mediterranean, setting aside any environmental risk. Overall, based on the developed and tested pilot prototype, employment of optimal management practices, innovative manufacturing and clean energy alternatives, and the utilization of ecosystem services could reduce the environmental impact and maximize the profitability of biofloc operations. These actions could probably permit sustainable and economically viable farming of P. vannamei employing BFT within greenhouses in the Mediterranean.

Prototype Description and Ex Vivo Evaluation of a System for Combined Endorectal Magnetic Resonance Imaging and In-Bore Biopsy of the Prostate.

We describe early ex vivo proof-of-concept testing of a novel system composed of a disposable endorectal coil and converging multichannel needle guide with a reusable clamp stand, embedded electronics, and baseplate to allow for endorectal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and in-bore MRI-targeted biopsy of the prostate as a single integrated procedure. Using prostate phantoms imaged with standard T 2 -weighted sequences in a Siemens 3T Prisma MR scanner, we measured the signal-to-noise ratio in successive 1-cm distances from the novel coil and from a commercially available inflatable balloon coil and measured the lateral and longitudinal deviation of the tip of a deployed MR compatible needle from the intended target point. Signal-to-noise ratio obtained with the novel system was significantly better than the inflatable balloon coil at each of five 1-cm intervals, with a mean improvement of 78% ( P < 0.05). In a representative sampling of 15 guidance channels, the mean lateral deviation for MR imaging-guided needle positioning was 1.7 mm and the mean longitudinal deviation was 2.0 mm. Our ex vivo results suggest that our novel system provides significantly improved signal-to-noise ratio when compared with an inflatable balloon coil and is capable of accurate MRI-guided needle deployment.

Balancing gain and dynamic range in a 25 µm pitch hybrid pixel detector

MÖNCH is a hybrid pixel detector featuring 25 µm pixel pitch and analogue readout for X-ray imaging at synchrotron radiation (SR) facilities. Sub-pixel spatial resolution has been demonstrated using charge sharing and interpolation algorithms. The current prototype version, MÖNCH0.4, features 19 different pixel architectures to assess the design choices and components for an optimised architecture to be used at SR facilities, and to explore the potential use of dynamic gain switching in fine pitch pixels for applications at X-ray free electron lasers (XFELs).Previous characterisation results of the pixel architectures without dynamic gain switching have shown noise levels as low as 21.7 e- r.m.s., which have now been pushed to sub-20 e- r.m.s at room temperature using standard 300 µm-thick silicon sensors. Achieving low noise values however requires high conversion gain and necessitates design choices such as the simplification of the pixel architecture (e.g. by limiting the available choice of in-pixel gains). These compromises ultimately restrain the available dynamic range and prevent the use of MÖNCH with low-gain avalanche diodes (LGADs) or high-Z sensors because of the large signals (internal amplification and high photon energies, respectively) and of large leakage currents.In this paper, we will introduce the MÖNCH project followed by a description of the current prototype along with characterisation results of the pixel architectures without dynamic gain switching for synchrotron applications with an emphasis on noise and dynamic range. These experimental results will be used to fine-tune the design of MÖNCH0.5 to validate the final pixel design. This small prototype should also include additional features from the continuous developments of the PSD detector group towards a full-scale 2 × 3 cm2 MÖNCH1.0.

Expression and detection of triarchic psychopathy traits in the self-defining memories of U.S. undergraduates

Research linking psychopathic personality to autobiographical memory and narrative identity is limited. We present preliminary evidence suggesting that traits from the triarchic model of psychopathy (measured via self-report) predict self-reported affect as well as researcher-coded affective themes, event specificity, and meaning making in self-defining memories (SDMs). We observed this in a small sample that was well-powered for multilevel modeling (1200 SDMs total obtained from 120 undergraduate participants from the U.S.). Additionally, we present preliminary evidence – using an extreme-groups approach – that raters can detect the expression of the triarchic psychopathy traits in written SDM transcripts. Ten research assistants (working independently, and without prior training in assessment) used prototype descriptions of the triarchic traits to rate 40 participants on each trait. Their ratings correlated meaningfully with a range of relevant self-reported traits. Thus, aspects of psychopathy could be detected, albeit imperfectly, solely from written autobiographical memories. This research contributes to the literatures on person perception, psychopathy, and narrative identity. It also supports the status of autobiographical narratives as a unique source of data in personality research and clinical inference.

Special Issue of Cancers: “Retinoblastoma: Current Challenges and Promising New Approaches”

Despite being a rare pediatric cancer arising in the developing retina from red/green cone precursors, retinoblastoma is the most common eye cancer worldwide and occupies an emblematic position in oncology and human genetics for the following reasons:-Historically, the discovery of RB1 and the recessive nature of its mutations led to the prototypic description of anti-oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes [...].

An Overview on Down-Looking UAV-Based GPR Systems

Radar imaging from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is a dynamic research topic attracting huge interest due to its practical fallouts. In this context, this article provides a comprehensive review of the current state of the art and challenges related to UAV-based ground-penetrating radar (GPR) imaging systems. First, a description of the available prototypes is provided in terms of radar technology, UAV platforms, and navigation control devices. Afterward, the paper addresses the main issues affecting the performance of UAV-based GPR imaging systems. such as the control of the UAV platform during the flight to collect high-quality data, the necessity to provide accurate platform position information in terms of probing wavelength, and the mitigation of clutter and other electromagnetic disturbances. A description of the major applicative areas for UAV GPR systems is reported with the aim to show their potential. Furthermore, the main signal-processing approaches currently adopted are detailed and two experimental tests are also reported to prove the actual imaging capabilities. Finally, open challenges and future perspectives regarding this promising technology are discussed.

Experimental Characterization of Losses in Bladeless Turbine Prototype

Abstract Multidisk bladeless turbines, also known as Tesla turbines, are promising in the field of small-scale power generation and energy harvesting due to their low sensitivity to down-scaling effects, retaining high rotor efficiency. However, low (less than 40%) overall isentropic efficiency has been recorded in the experimental literature. This article aims for the first time to a systematic experimental characterization of loss mechanisms in a 3 kW Tesla expander using compressed air as working fluid and producing electrical power through a high-speed generator (40 krpm). The sources of losses discussed are stator losses, stator–rotor peripheral viscous losses, end-wall ventilation losses, and leakage losses. After description of experimental prototype, methodology, and assessment of measurement accuracy, the article discusses such losses aiming at separating the effects that each loss has on the overall performance. Once effects are separated, their individual impact on the overall efficiency curves is presented. This experimental investigation, for the first time, gives the insight into the actual reasons of low performance of Tesla turbines, highlighting critical areas of improvement, and paving the way to next-generation Tesla turbines, competitive with state-of-the-art bladed expanders.

Logic prototyping: approach and use cases

In this article, we present an approach to prototyping complex systems and processes using classical predicate logic. The prototype is built by the interpreter based on a logical description of the properties and/or behavior of the designed system. The description contains the definitions of the prototype elements and the constraints that the correct prototype must satisfy. Definitions are used to build a prototype, and constraints are used to analyze it and check the required properties. Definitions are interpreted using direct logic inference, constraints are only checked on the resulting model. A wider class of formulas is used than in well-known logical languages. Computable logical and denotational semantics are defined for them. In the process of building a prototype, logical errors of uncertainty, redefinition of functions, and contradictions are diagnosed. We are given examples of prototype descriptions used for semantic program analysis, space training, transport system design.

VACuum INtubation (VACcIN) box restricts the exhaled air dispersion generated by simulated cough: description and simulation-based tests of an innovative aerosolization protective prototype.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused personal protective equipment shortages worldwide and required healthcare workers to develop novel ways of protecting themselves. Anesthesiologists in particular are exposed to increased risks of contamination when performing interventions such as airway manipulations. We developed and tested an aerosolization protective device which contains aerosols around the patient’s airway and helps eliminate particles using negative pressure. This intubation box is a polymethyl methacrylate prism with openings for gloves, integrated suction and ventilation connectors. We conducted a randomised controlled series of tests to detect 0.5 µm particles after a simulated cough inside the intubation box, using a high-fidelity simulation mannequin. Setting and main outcome: We measured particle concentrations inside the box with and without suction turned on, in both negative and positive pressure operating rooms. We also obtained particle concentrations outside our box and compared them to non-airtight barrier devices. One minute following simulated cough, the mean number of particles per cubic foot in our box with suction on is around 45% that with the suction off (1,462,373 vs 3,272,080, P < 0.0001) in the negative pressure room, and four times lower than with the suction off (760,380 vs 3,088,700, P < 0.0001) in the positive pressure room. After a simulated cough inside the box, particles can be detected in front of the anesthesiologist’s face with a non-airtight device, while none are detected when our box is sealed and its suction turned on. The use of our negative pressure intubation box prevents contamination of surroundings and increases particle elimination, regardless of room pressure.

Sensory methodology in product optimization of cold smoked Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) processed with atomized purified condensed smoke.

Atomized purified condensed smoke (PCS) is a smoke processing technique, producing fewer harmful substances during processing, than conventional smoking. Manufacturers of cold smoked salmon (CSS) are however skeptical to PCS due to expected decrease in perceptual quality. The aim of this study was to use sensory methodology (Check All That Apply [CATA], Descriptive Analysis [DA] and Napping® ) in optimization of PCS processed CSS. A three-step experiment was performed using five unique PCS condensates and varying process parameters. In each step, PCS processed CSS were perceptually evaluated and compared with conventional CSS. In Step one, PCS processed CSS was compared to conventional CSS, initiating process changes prior to the next step. In Step two, conventional CSS, two new condensates and the altered CSS from Step one, were screened to choose two prototypes for Step three. In Step three, perceptual differences, consumer acceptance, and physiochemical parameters of the two PCS prototypes and conventional CSS were examined. Napping® was proven effective for sorting and describing samples, distinguishing the dry and smoky ones from the shiny, soft, and mild varieties. CATA with hedonic scaling successfully characterized samples and the ideal CSS, gave useful information about consumer acceptance, and identified salty, smokey and natural to be important drivers of liking. The two descriptive tests CATA and DA in Step three, processing yield and physiochemical parameters gave a complete prototype description and input for further development. By combining the results from sensory perception and the physicochemical measurements, the experiment succeeded to produce a promising PCS prototype with sensory quality and consumer acceptance similar to conventional CSS. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The use of atomized purified condensed smoke (PCS) is considered healthier than conventional smoke processing (EU Regulation 2065/2003; Lingbeck etal., 2014). Even if PCS is widely used in meat processing, manufacturers of cold smoked salmon (CSS) are hesitant, fearing loss of perceptual quality. However, by using sensory methodology in product optimization of PCS processed CSS, a promising prototype was developed. With some more testing and adjustments, it will be possible to produce healthier CSS with similar sensory quality and consumer acceptance to conventionally CSS and offer this to a world-wide market.

Network Science in Law: A Framework for Polish Case-Law Citation Network Analysis

Social sciences have already for some time been interested in the use of data-intensive methods for their research. In this article, integrating insights from network science, we present how this method of inquiry can be used in the area of law. In addition to the state-of-the-art review, a framework for the network analysis of Polish case-law is presented, alongside with the description of first prototype that uses a Cray Graph Engine for analysis. This proof-of-concept implementation is treated as a starting point for the discussion of future research directions, involving the analysis of case-law's semantically enriched citation network.

Jak uporządkować terminologiczny chaos w glottodydaktyce i po co?

How to put order into the terminological chaos in language pedagogy and what should one want to do this for?&#x0D; The terminology used in language pedagogy does not constitute a coherent system because it is not based on definitions of terms but rather on descriptions of prototypes and illustrating them with examples. As a result, different terms overlap. This is disadvantageous for discourse in language pedagogy, because it enforces terms to be redefined anew in every statement. The current article proposes a way to order and systematize terminology referring to, on the one hand, languages as viewed from the perspective of language pedagogy, and on the other, to the phenomenon of bi- and multilingualism. Based on five systematically employed criteria, a discrete set of terms has been obtained which reflect the language pedagogical (i.e. prepared from the point of view of language pedagogy) classification of languages. The first criterion allows also a bi- or multilingual person to be unambiguously distinguished from a polyglot. The first term describes someone who has acquired two or more native languages, while the second a person who has learned several or many foreign languages. The criteria of competence or of circumstances of use, which have so far been in common use, do not allow for such a clear distinction.

DEVELOPMENT AND RESEARCH OF THE AUTOMATED LABORATORY STAND BASED ON THE PROTOTYPE OF THE INDUSTRIAL ROBOT «SCARA»

Experimental development and manufacture of a SCARA-robot prototype for further use in laboratory stands is underway. The description of the experimental prototype, the control principle and the analysis of the results are given.

AwARE: a framework for adaptive recommendation of educational resources

Recommender systems appeared in the early 90s to help users deal with cognitive overload brought by the internet. From there to now, such systems have assumed many other roles like help users to explore, improve decision making, or even entertain. The system needs to look to user characteristics to accomplish such new goals. These characteristics help understand what the user task is and how to adapt the recommendation to support such task. Related research has proposed recommender systems in education. These recommender systems help learners to find the educational resources most fit for their needs. In this paper, we present an integration model between recommender and adaptive hypermedia systems. It results in a new process for educational resource recommendation, using a new algorithm of adaptive recommendation. Through a prototype and an online experiment on the educational scenario, we proved that AwARE could improve the recommendation accuracy, interaction with the system, and user satisfaction. Besides the prototype description, the paper presents a protocol to evaluate the proposed approach by both the providers’ and consumers’ point of view.

Personality Traits and Disorders in Adolescents at Clinical High Risk for Psychosis: Toward a Clinically Meaningful Diagnosis.

Aims: Recent meta-analytic data show that approximately 40% of individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis (CHR) receive at least one personality disorder (PD) diagnosis. Personality pathology could significantly influence CHR patients' prognosis and response to treatment. We aimed at exploring the PD traits of CHR adolescents, in order to outline a prototypic description of their most frequently observed personality characteristics.Methods: One hundred and twenty-three psychiatrists and psychologists used a Q-sort procedure [i.e., the Shedler–Westen Assessment Procedure-200 for Adolescents (SWAP-200-A)] to assess personality traits and disorders in 58 (30 male; mean age = 16 years, range = 13–19 years) CHR adolescents and two gender- and age-matched samples, respectively, with (n = 60) and without PDs (n = 59).Results: Differences between the CHR, PD, and clinical groups showed that CHR adolescents had pervasive and more clinically relevant schizoid, schizotypal, borderline, and avoidant traits, as well as poorer adaptive functioning. Moreover, by collecting the highest mean SWAP-200-A items, we empirically outlined a prototypic description of CHR youths, comprised of avoidance of social relationships; suspiciousness; obsessional thoughts; lack of psychological insight; dysphoric and overwhelming feelings of anxiety and depression; odd and anomalous reasoning processes or perceptual experiences; symptoms of depersonalization and derealization; and negative symptoms of avolition, abulia, blunted affects, and impaired role functioning.Conclusions: The results suggest that avoidant interpersonal strategies, impaired mentalization, and difficulties in emotional regulation could become important targets for psychosocial interventions with CHR adolescent populations.

DESIGN AND RESEARCH OF AN AUTOMATED LABORATORY STAND BASED ON APROTOTYPE OF THE "HAND" TYPE INDUSTRIAL ROBOT

Experimental development and production of a robotic arm prototype with five axis of motion is being carried out for further use as a laboratory bench. The description of the experimental prototype, the control principle, and the analysis of the results are given.

The prototype of PISA-like digital mathematical tasks

This article describes a part of study aimed to develop digital mathematical tasks like PISA which are valid, practice, and having potential effect to secondary students’ 21th century competencies. The discussion of this article is limited to the description of the first prototype of PISA-like digital mathematical tasks. Design research type development study is chosen as research methodology in this study that consisted of three stages namely preliminary stage, prototyping stage, and evaluation stage. Data were gathered using printed documents such as curriculum document, PISA framework, and PISA problems and digital documents including mathematical tasks in the form of digital video. The first prototype was produced after experiencing changes in the choice of context, content, mathematical process, and conformity with the level of the PISA problem.