Instrument Design Research Articles

3D Digital Technologies for Studying Historical Musical Instruments

ABSTRACT This essay describes the authors experience engaging with digital technologies as a subject specialist who focuses on the history and design of musical instruments. While digital technologies (like 3D scanning and printing) offer exciting research opportunities, they should be tools for, not the focus of, research. Collaboration between subject specialists and technology experts is crucial. This essay reflects on how recent studies of musical instruments have used various technologies and includes new case studies from the authors own work. It is intended to be a resource for subject specialists in the Humanities wanting to engage with 3D digital technologies.

An atomic force microscopy and total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy correlated system (AFM-TIRF) for fluorescence imaging and spectroscopy of a single particle.

Combining atomic force microscopy (AFM) with other optical microscopic techniques is pivotal in nanoscale investigations, particularly leveraging the surface-sensitive properties of total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRF). A novel design that integrates AFM with a multi-wavelength TIRF is displayed, providing simultaneous fluorescence imaging and spectral acquisition capabilities. We elaborate on the considerations in the instrument design process and demonstrate the performance and potential applications of the instrument through fluorescence imaging and spectroscopy testing of individual nanoparticles. This AFM and TIRF correlated system (AFM-TIRF) emerges as a promising option for single-molecule fluorescence studies, enabling simultaneous manipulation and detection of fluorescence from individual molecules.

Proton Beam APerture MoniTor instrument design and overview for the Commissioning and Operation of ESS High Power Beam on Target

This paper presents a detector developed to protect the ESS spallation target. The detector is installed to receive a proton beam that has a peak current of 62.5 mA, an average power of 5 MW, and energy up to 2 GeV. It is designed to detect any part of the proton beam that goes outside a defined aperture, which is deemed as an errant beam condition. This detector is mainly used for machine protection. The detector works based on two physical processes. The first process is the generation of current in metallic blades, which is proportional to the intercepting beam. The second process is heat load from the beam energy deposition in interacting thermocouples. The combination of these two signals allows the detection of events ranging from microseconds to several minutes. This paper also presents the design of the instrument, its efficiency, and its range of operation.

Developing and Validating an Instrument for Assessing Learning Sciences Competence of Doctoral Students in Education in China

Learning science competence refers to a necessary professional competence for educators, which is manifested in their deep understanding of learning science knowledge, positive attitudes, and scientific thinking and skills in conducting teaching practice and research. It is of paramount importance for doctoral students in education to develop their competence in the field of learning sciences. This will enhance their abilities to teach and conduct research, and guide their educational research and practice toward greater sustainability. In order to address the shortcomings of current assessment instruments, we constructed a theoretical model for assessing learning sciences competence based on the PISA 2025 framework and Piaget’s theory of knowledge. A three-dimensional assessment framework was designed, along with an initial instrument. Furthermore, the “Delphi method based on large language models (LLM)” was employed to conduct two rounds of expert consultations with the objective of testing and refining the instrument. Throughout this process, we developed a set of guidelines for engaging AI experts to improve interactions with LLM, including an invitation letter to AI experts, the main body of the questionnaire, and the general inquiry about AI experts’ perspectives. In analyzing the results of the Delphi method, we used the “threshold method” to identify and refine the questionnaire items that performed sub-optimally. This resulted in the final assessment instrument for evaluating learning sciences competence among doctoral students in education. The assessment instrument encompasses three dimensions: the knowledge of learning sciences, application of learning sciences, and attitude towards learning sciences, with a total of 40 items. These items integrate Likert scales and scenario-based questions. Furthermore, the study examined potential limitations in the item design, question type selection, and method application of the assessment instrument. The design and development of the assessment instrument provide valuable references for the standardized monitoring and sustainability development of the learning sciences competence of doctoral students in education.

Performance metrics of item developers for the assessment of learning outcomes

The evaluation of learning results is a strategy that generates inputs for curricular feedback and continuous improvement of the academic management of vocational training programs. On the one hand, it contributes to determining the level of achievement of the graduation profile that students reach according to the progress of the study plan and, on the other, it allows identifying the level of performance of the teachers who participate during the design and application processes of the evaluation instruments. This article shows the application of three performance indicators: efficiency, quality and estimation, to identify the potential of teachers according to the role they must assume in an evaluation process. The study was carried out based on the learning results evaluation methodology developed by the Technical University of Cotopaxi in which 224 teachers participated, of which 143 met acceptable parameters of efficiency, quality and estimation, allowing 67 to be categorized as developers. of items, 56 as technical reviewers and 20 as technical heads

Enhancing Transformative Competencies through the Internalization of Religious Moderation: A Vision for Islamic Boarding School's Educational Framework in 2030

Extremism, radicalism, hate speech, and even the rupture of inter-religious ties, are problems facing the Indonesian nation today. Al-Hikam as one of the boarding schools able to survive in those problems, by encouraging religious moderation. This study aims to explore the process of internalizing the value of religious moderation in Al-Hikam Islamic boarding schools and analyze the realization of transformative competencies in the process. An instrumental case study design was chosen for this research. Observation and in-depth interviews were conducted to obtain data. The results showed that there were 3 models of value transformation, verbal, symbolic, and written. The methods of imparting values are carried out in two ways, namely providing standardized sources of accurate information and structured practices through pesantren programs and activities. The internalization process is formed through joint service activities involving various elements of the moderation agency. This study arrived at the theoretical finding that maximizing the function of co-agency in pesantren consisting of the Kyai board, teachers, peer colleagues, and santri guardians at the transaction stage, is effectively facilitates the internalization of values by the agents (santri) of religious moderation obtained at the transformation stage into an inherent identity, namely moderate humans. This achieved identity also brings students to achieve transformative competencies: creating new values, reconciling tensions and dilemmas, and taking responsibility.

Design of instruments for modeling economic and commercial behavior in bovine production

Design of instruments for modeling economic and commercial behavior in bovine production

The effects of technical nuances of design and construction of laparoscopic instruments on the solution of the problems of surgical treatment of the hepatobiliary zone pathology

The effects of technical nuances of design and construction of laparoscopic instruments on the solution of the problems of surgical treatment of the hepatobiliary zone pathology

Analysis of signal-to-noise ratio of spatial heterodyne spectroscopy

We have established a novel spatial heterodyne spectroscopy (SHS) signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) model, relating the spectral SNR to the spectral band and resolution, which helps guide the instrument's design and optimization and assess the spectral quality. The experimental and simulation results show that the spectral resolution affects the SNR differently under different noise types and spectral characteristics of the measured targets, which fully validates the novel SHS SNR model. Despite the disadvantage of multiplexing in SHS, we determine the SNR advantage of SHS over the grating spectroscopy (GS) through rigorous theoretical derivations. In 94.34 % of the polychromatic light detections, the average SNR of SHS is 2–31 times higher than that of GS. In emission spectra detections, the SNR gain of SHS relative to GS is up to 1–2 orders of magnitude. In additive noise domination, the SNR gain reaches 1–3 orders of magnitude.

Compensating Image Distortions in a Commercial Reflectron-Type Atom Probe.

In atom probe tomography, the spatial resolution and accuracy of the data critically depend on the 3D reconstruction of the 2D detector data. Atom probes with a reflectron have an improved mass resolving power and must include a model of the imaging properties of the reflectron. However, for modern wide-angle reflectron instruments, these imaging properties are not trivial and need to be determined for the reflectron used. This is typically done by the instrument manufacturer, and due to the proprietary nature of the instrument design, the imaging properties are opaque to the user. In this paper, we provide a method to determine the imaging properties of a reflectron that can easily be carried out on commercial instrumentation. This method is used to provide the user with a transformation function from the provided detector data, which can already contain some corrections applied, to a virtual detector placed before the reflectron. From there on, 3D reconstructions can be carried out analogous to straight flight path instruments. Correction algorithms and reference data for Imago/CAMECA LEAP 3000, 4000, 5000, and 6000 series instruments are also provided.

Architectural History and Digital Humanities for the Knowledge and Conservation of the Built Heritage: An Italian Experience

This essay illustrates the ALOA project promoted by ICCD, whose aim is the reconfiguration of the ministerial records for the architectural heritage of Italy with the help of novel information technologies (ontology engineering, controlled vocabularies, interactive interface design, ecc.). By explaining every step of the design of the new instrument, it explores both the backstage and the final output of the new records. A panorama on the national and international experiences on both ontology‑based databanks and controlled vocabularies is also offered, to better understand the relevance of the project.

First light simultaneous triple-channel optical observations of the OPTICAM system at the OAN-SPM

OPTICAM is a triple-band optical system developed for the 2.1 m telescope of the National Astronomical Observatory in the Sierra de San Pedro Mártir (OAN-SPM). Partial engineering tests were conducted in 2019, with the complete system experiencing its first light in March 2022. The system incorporates two beam splitters, enabling simultaneous observations on three channels. Users can choose three out of the five available filters from the SDSS filter set (u′g′r′i′z′), covering the wavelength range from 320 to 1000 nm. It offers an effective field of view of approximately 4.7, 4.7, and 5.6 arcminutes in each of its arms, respectively. Due to its design and capabilities, OPTICAM is suitable for coordinated observations with other ground-based and space-based observatories. This document presents the final instrument design and the current system status. Some of the optical tests carried out are described. We also present the results of scientific observations conducted during its first light and first year of operations.

Transformative Pathways: Implementing Intercultural Competence Development in Higher Education Using Kotter’s Change Model

This study explores the efficacy of Kotter’s eight-step change model in fostering intercultural competence among faculty and staff within a large Midwestern public university. Recognizing the need for intercultural development in higher education, this research applies a structured change framework coupled with the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) assessment tool to guide the change process. The development of intercultural competence among faculty and staff is crucial for creating inclusive learning environments, as they play a pivotal role in modeling intercultural competence and fostering students’ skills necessary to navigate an increasingly diverse and interconnected world. This study employs an instrumental case study design, utilizing interviews, document analysis, and Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) assessments to examine the change process over a three-year period. The findings demonstrate how each step of Kotter’s model was successfully adapted to drive organizational change and enhance intercultural competence among 639 faculty and staff members across 11 departments in the College of Agriculture. This study highlights the importance of creating a shared vision, empowering stakeholders, and anchoring changes in the institution’s culture and emphasizes the pivotal role of structured change management in achieving substantive improvements in intercultural learning environments. The insights and strategies presented can serve as a foundation for other higher education institutions seeking to implement similar initiatives and foster inclusive learning environments.

Cost-Efficient Oceanographic Instrument with Microfabricated Sensors for Measuring Conductivity, Temperature and Depth of Seawater.

The design, fabrication and characterization of a cost-efficient oceanographic instrument with microfabricated sensors for measuring conductivity, temperature and depth of seawater are presented. Conductivity and temperature sensors were fabricated using MEMS technology, which allows for customized small footprints and low production costs. Dedicated electronics for reading, processing and storing acquired sensor data are described. The developed instrument enables the measurement of seawater conductivity in a range from 4 mS/cm to 70 mS/cm. The conductivity measurement is temperature-compensated in the range from 2 °C to 40 °C, with an accuracy of ±0.1 mS/cm. The temperature sensor's stability is 0.025 °C. The depth/pressure measurement range is up to 2000 m/200 bar, with a resolution of 0.1 bar. Temperature and conductivity sensor performance was assessed using laboratory equipment and designed electronics. The conductivity sensor was temperature-compensated to 0.01 mS/cm. The conductivity sensor electrode corrosion effect is presented below and was eliminated through adaptation of a signal acquisition circuit. Custom software was developed for monitoring critical conductivity sensor parameters (currents, voltages). A variation of 0.4% between cell conductance currents and voltages was established as a criterion for stable conductivity sensor operation.

Promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in surveys: insights from a patient-engaged study to assess long COVID health-care needs in Brazil

Background and ObjectiveLong COVID (LC) refers to persistent symptoms after acute COVID-19 infection, which may persist for months or years. LC affects millions of people globally, with substantial impacts on quality of life, employment, and social participation. Ensuring access to effective, patient-centered care for LC demands evidence, grounded in inclusive representation of those affected by the condition. Yet survey studies frequently under-represent people with the most disabling disease presentations and racially and socioeconomically marginalized groups. We aimed to describe a patient-engaged approach to developing a survey to inform public LC health care and to assess its implementation in terms of enabling participation by diverse LC patients in Brazil. MethodsSurvey development was iterative, achieved through an interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers including people living with LC, and grounded in 3 guiding principles: (1) evidence-based; (2) inclusive, intersectional, and patient-centered understanding of chronic illness and research participation; and (3) sensitivity to the context of health-care access. ResultsThe product of our collaboration was a longitudinal survey using a questionnaire assessing: LC symptoms; their clinical and functional evolution; and impacts on quality of life, household income, health service access, utilization, and out-of-pocket expenses. We illustrate how we operationalized our 3 principles through survey content, instrument design, and administration. Six hundred fifty-one participants with diverse LC symptoms, demography, and socioeconomic status completed the survey. We successfully included participants experiencing disabling symptoms, Black and mixed race participants, and those with lower education and income. ConclusionBy centering patient experience, our novel, principles-based approach succeeded in promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in LC survey research. These principles guiding patient-engaged collaboration have broad transferability. We encourage survey researchers working on chronic illness and in other contexts of marginalization and inequality to adopt them.

Design and optimization of THz coupling in zirconia MAS rotors for dynamic nuclear polarization NMR

We present 3D electromagnetic simulations of the coupling of a 250 GHz beam to the sample in a 380 MHz DNP NMR spectrometer. To obtain accurate results for magic angle spinning (MAS) geometries, we first measured the complex dielectric constants of zirconia, sapphire, and the sample matrix material (DNP juice) from room temperature down to cryogenic temperatures and from 220 to 325 GHz with a VNA and up to 1 THz with a THz TDS system. Simulations of the coupling to the sample were carried out with the ANSYS HFSS code as a function of the rotor wall material (zirconia or sapphire), the rotor wall thickness, and the THz beam focusing (lens or no lens). For a zirconia rotor, the B1 field in the sample was found to be strongly dependent on the rotor wall thickness, which is attributed to the high refractive index of zirconia. The optimum thickness of the wall is likely due to a transmission maximum but is offset from the thickness predicted by a simple calculation for a flat slab of the wall material. The B1 value was found to be larger for a sapphire rotor than for a zirconia rotor for all cases studied. The results found in this work provide new insights into the coupling of THz radiation to the sample and should lead to improved designs of future DNP NMR instrumentation.

How to Prevent Nerve Root Injury in Uniportal Full Endoscopic Lumbar Fusion Surgery? Insights From a Cadaveric Anatomic Study With Simulation Surgery.

The study included 2 fresh-frozen cadavers. To elucidate the positional relationship between surgical instruments and nerve roots during full endoscopic facet-sparing (FE fs-TLIF) and full endoscopic facet-resecting (FE fr-TLIF) transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion and propose safe instrumentation insertion procedures and recommend cage glider designs aimed at protecting nerve roots. Endoscopic surgical techniques are increasingly used for minimally invasive lumbar fusion surgery, with FE fr-TLIF and FE fs-TLIF being common approaches. However, the risk of nerve root injury remains a significant concern during these procedures. Eight experienced endoscopic spine surgeons performed uniportal FE fr-TLIF and FE fs-TLIF on cadaveric lumbar spines, totaling 16 surgeries. Postoperation, soft tissues were removed to assess the positional relationship between the cage entry point and nerve roots. Distances between the cage entry point, traversing nerve root, and exiting nerve root were measured. Safe instrumentation design and insertion procedures were determined. In FE fr-TLIF, the mean distance between the cage entry point and traversing nerve root was significantly shorter compared with FE fs-TLIF (3.30 ± 1.35 vs . 8.58 ± 2.47mm, respectively; P < 0.0001). Conversely, the mean distance between the cage entry point and the exiting nerve root was significantly shorter in FE fs-TLIF compared with FE fr-TLIF (3.73 ± 1.97 vs . 6.90 ± 1.36mm, respectively; P < 0.0001). For FE fr-TLIF, prioritizing the protection of the traversing root using a 2-bevel tip cage glider was crucial. In contrast, for FE fs-TLIF, a single-bevel tip cage glider placed in the caudal location was recommended. This study elucidates the anatomic relationship between cage entry points and nerve roots in uniportal endoscopic lumbar fusion surgery. Protection strategies should prioritize the traversing root in FE fr-TLIF and the exiting root in FE fs-TLIF, with corresponding variations in surgical techniques. Level V.

Examining the psychometric properties of the Columbia Speech Quality Instrument in cochlear implant users

ObjectiveAlthough speech recognition among cochlear implant (CI) users improved over the past few decades, many still report poor speech quality. Currently, there is no validated tool to measure speech quality. The objective was to examine whether a previously validated speech quality tool is applicable in the CI population using psychometric analysis.DesignCross-sectional psychometric analysis of the Columbia Speech Quality Instrument (CSQI; previously validated in normal-hearing individuals; consists of 2 original and 7 manipulated speech clips designed to accentuate selected speech characteristics) was performed in adult English-speaking CI recipients (N = 36). Subjects rated each clip using a visual analog scale (VAS) on 14 characteristics: cartoonish/not-cartoonish, clear/unclear, like/dislike, breathy/not-breathy, smooth/rough, echo-y/not-echo-y, tinny/bassy, soothing/not-soothing, natural/unnatural, mechanical/not-mechanical, hoarse/smooth, pleasant/unpleasant, male/female, and speech-like/not-speech-like. Main outcome measures included validity, reliability, and factor structure.ResultsContent validity was previously confirmed during instrument design. Construct validity by item-item correlation analysis demonstrated correlation of 12/14 items with ≥1 other retained item (r ≥ 0.35, Spearman). Reliability was confirmed by internal consistency; factor analysis using two subsets selected by Scree plot and factor loading ≥0.4 demonstrated Cronbach alpha coefficients of 0.89 and 0.74 for factors 1 and 2, respectively. Tinny/bassy and male/female were the only characteristics that did not pass construct validity or internal consistency.ConclusionsThe CSQI has strong psychometric properties in the CI population; however, our findings support removal of tinny/bass and male/female characteristics from the final instrument prior to implementation in the CI population. The CSQI can be utilized in cochlear implantees to investigate effects of changes in speech processing strategies and postoperative outcomes with different devices.

3D ground-penetrating radar data analysis and interpretation using attributes based on the gradient structure tensor

In near-surface geophysics, ground-penetrating radar (GPR) surveys are routinely used in a variety of applications including those from archaeology, civil engineering, hydrology, and soil science. Thanks to recent technical developments in GPR instrumentation and antenna design, 3D surveys comprising several hundred thousand traces can be performed daily. Especially in complex environments such as sedimentary systems, analyzing and interpreting the resulting GPR volumes is a time-consuming and laborious task that is still largely performed manually. In the past few decades, several data attributes have been developed to guide and improve such tasks and assure a higher degree of reproducibility in the resulting interpretations. Many of these attributes have been developed in image processing or computer vision and are routinely used, for example, in reflection seismic data interpretation. Especially in sedimentary systems, variations in the subsurface are accompanied by variations of GPR reflections in terms of the amplitudes, continuity, and geometry in view of the dip angle and direction. A promising tool to analyze such structural features is known as the gradient structure tensor (GST). To date, the application of the GST approach has been limited to a few 2D GPR examples. Thus, we take the basic idea of GST analysis and introduce and evaluate the corresponding attributes to analyze 3D GPR data. We apply our GST approach to one synthetic and two field data sets imaging diverse sedimentary structures. Our results demonstrate that our set of GST-based attributes can be efficiently computed in three dimensions and that these attributes represent versatile measures to address different typical interpretation tasks and, thus, help for an efficient, reproducible, and more objective interpretation of 3D GPR data.

PENGEMBANGAN KUESIONER KEBUTUHAN DAN HAMBATAN PENERAPAN ETIKET OBAT BERBASIS BRAILE

Indonesia has around 1.5% or more than 3.75 million blind people. Of concern is that people with visual impairment are at high risk of medication errors. Even though there are many solutions for implementing Braille labels in daily practice, there are not many agencies that provide this service. Therefore, it is necessary to have an instrument that can measure the needs and barriers to implementing Braille etiquette. The research includes developing an instrument to measure the needs and barriers to implementing Braille etiquette in pharmaceutical services. The research instrument developed was a questionnaire with the name EKREB, which is an acronym for "Evaluation of Braille Etiquette Needs and Barriers". The development of the questionnaire went through the instrument design stages which included planning, construction, reliability testing and validity testing. The total number of EKREB questionnaire design items was 23 items which were then distributed online. The testing involved 30 respondents consisting of 11 undergraduate pharmacy students, 8 pharmaceutical technical staff, and 11 pharmacists in the Situbondo area. Of the 20 items tested, the Crobach's Alpha value obtained was 0.908 (0.6) so a decision could be made that the questionnaire was declared reliable and entered the high reliability category. The results of the Pearson Product Moment test have a sig value. From each questionnaire item obtained 0.05 so that the questionnaire items are declared valid. Based on the research results that have been obtained, it can be concluded that the results of the development of the EKREB questionnaire are declared as valid and reliable instruments to be used as data collection tools for evaluating needs and barriers to service implementation. Braille labels in clinical-community pharmacy practice.