Digital Meter Research Articles

Noise Level Evaluation at Major Markets in Calabar, Nigeria

The aim of this study was to determine the prevailing noise levels at major markets in Calabar, Nigeria. Data was collected by measuring noise levels in three different markets using RS232 digital sound level meter with measuring range of 32- 80 dB for low range, 50 – 100 dB for medium range and 80-130dB for high range and the analysis was done using OriginPro software. The results obtained were compared with the World Health Organization regulatory standard and it showed that the average daily noise level value produced at Watt and Marian markets were 73.0 dB and 71.5 dB individually, which were beyond the safe limit recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for commercial areas while the daily average noise level produced at Goldie market was moderate and within the safe limit.

The ambient noise level in the city of Galati and surroundings

The intense and sustained noise to which we are subjected can cause disorders of the auditory system. It affects especially those who suffer from heart problems, but it also has dramatic consequences on the nervous system. It can cause stress, depression, sleep disturbances, cognitive problems and reduced ability to concentrate. The city of Galati is located in the southeastern part of Romania, in the southeastern part of the county with the same name. Galati ranked fifth in terms of noise pollution and unfortunately the local authorities do not run any noise reduction or control program. Through this paper we want to join those who sound the alarm to the authorities to take concrete measures in order to manage and control noise pollution. Data were collected in different areas of the city of Galati and its surroundings. Equivalent noise level was determined with a professional digital acoustic sound level meter with two frequency filters: “A” and “C”. The device can record sound values between 30 dB-130 dB in the 31.3 Hz and 8 kHz range. In general, the sound level exceeded the maximum admissible limit or came close to this value.

Drafting a Digital Transformation Strategy for Project Management Sector – Empirical Study on UAE

It is without a doubt that the impact of digital transformation and disruptive technologies has impacted all industries globally. There is hardly any sector that is left untouched by this form of innovation. This is also true for the power sector, which is the industry targeted for this study. The power sector is crucial for human existence, and hence, it is the use of different kinds of technology that must be employed at the helm of its operations. These different kinds of technology are related to AI, Robotics, IoT, and Big Data. The major intention behind these technologies should be to pace up different projects managed in the industry. Therefore, the company selected for this project is Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA). It is a company that is involved with various technological projects ranging from smart grids to digital meters to managing customer data. By interviewing thirteen key people from the company, the study highlights the current status of technology and how it is being employed by different power sector companies. In the end, it has been deduced that the future of the power industry relies on its adaption of green energy generation, and hence, all the efforts of the companies should be directed toward producing green energy with the help of modern technology. Also, it was found that the use of AI can enhance the efficiency of the projects, making them less risky. Therefore, the use of AI ensures that the projects are less prone to risks and have a higher chance of success.

Pilot Demonstration of a New Tip for Effective Gas Flaring in the Permian Basin: Part 1.

In the oil and gas industry, gas flaring through flare stacks plays a critical role in safely and efficiently releasing and burning gases and other materials from pressure-relief and vapor-depressurizing systems. Gas flaring is a contentious and formidable environmental challenge, both regionally and globally. Its adverse impacts encompass pollution, contribution to global warming, and substantial economic losses. Shockingly, gas flaring squanders approximately 5% of the global gas supply, resulting in the annual production of over 350 million tons of CO2 gas. While alternatives to gas flaring exist, they are either undergoing investigation or currently lacking economic viability. Consequently, the development of a more efficient gas flaring system is imperative. In addition, the reliable and efficient operation of flares is paramount, as they are expected to function seamlessly over extended periods under various service conditions. In this paper, a novel gas flaring tip to address the limitations of existing flaring systems is introduced. This innovative tip features a distinctive configuration, incorporating a bullet-shaped device positioned atop the flare. This bullet device boasts four strategically placed apertures equipped with internal deflectors, facilitating the convergence of gases into a single vortex outlet at its apex. For operational flexibility, the bullet is affixed to the flare tip using a system of three springs, enabling it to elevate at a pressure of 2.0 psig and achieve full extension at 8 psig. This dynamic design harnesses the Coanda effect, promoting efficient oxygen utilization. The comprehensive evaluation of this tip spanned a wide range of gas capacities, 4.0 and 10.0 MMSCFD. In this analysis, parameters such as the fraction of heat radiated, transmissivity, atmospheric humidity level, solar radiation adjustment, ambient temperature, and horizontal wind velocity were factored. The evaluation included both theoretical analysis and experimental investigation. The theoretical analysis employed a simplified open pipe flare tip approach to predict thermal radiation levels around the tip using the Brzustowski and Sommer model. The experimental setup included equipment such as thermocouple thermometers, heat flux sensors, digital sound level meters, mass flowmeters, and portable flue gas analyzers. Throughout testing, thermal radiation levels, isopleths, noise levels, and flue gas composition were measured. The collected data were subsequently compared to predictions generated using the Brzustowski and Sommer model for identical gas flow rates, flare heights, and flare diameters. Due to technical challenges and safety concerns, flue gas composition was not available. The authors are exploring different alternatives to overcome these obstacles and data should be available in the near future. The resulting data of heat radiation and noise levels unequivocally demonstrate the superiority of the new tip when compared to conventional gas flaring systems. With its cost-effectiveness, smokeless operation, heightened efficiency, and cleaner flame characteristics, the authors, due to the groundbreaking design of this tip, strongly advocate its adoption as a means to mitigate the environmental impact of gas flaring.

Assessment of Indoor Radon Gas Concentration in National Open University of Nigeria: A Case Study of Calabar Study Centre

The current work deals with indoor radon (222Rn) concentrations measurements in the Calabar Study Centre of the National Open University of Nigeria using a Corentium Arthings digital radon detector meter for seven days representing a short–term average measurement of indoor radon gas concentration level. The geographical coordinates were recorded using a hand-held geographical positioning system for the sample point. Measurement were taken for seven days and the following data where obtained 83±2.19 Bq/m3,80±3.69 Bq/m3,86±5.57 Bq/m3,84±1.59 Bq/m3,82±3.59 Bq/m3,81±4.89 Bq/m3 and 85 ±5.59 Bq/m3.The average radon(222Rn) concentration level was found to be 83 ± 3.87 Bq/m3 with a geometric mean of 82 ± 3.54 Bq/m3. It was observed that the radon concentration was below the reference level of 100 Bq/m3 recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Although the current exposure of members of the public to natural radiation is not critical, the situation could change abruptly when other activities commenced. The excess life time cancer risk calculated for 70 years, 60 years, 50 years, 40 years and 30 years were 1.72 × 10−3,1.65× 10−3,1.39× 10−3,1.44× 10−3 and 0.69× 10−3 respectively. The calculated values of the excess life time cancer risk are all higher than the set limit of 0.029 × 10−3 by International Commission on Radiological Protection. However, there are no observed cases of lung cancer epidemic in this Centre. Therefore, it is advised to use fans and effective ventilation techniques to reduce radon levels. Identifying the regions of the country where people are most at risk from radon exposure should be the main goal of any national radon policy.

Comparison of Salivary Secretion, pH, and Buffer Capacity Between COVID-19 Vaccinated and Unvaccinated Child Patients Visiting Dental Clinics of University Hospitals in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia.

This study aimed to assess and compare the salivary secretion, pH, and buffer capacity between COVID-19 vaccinated and unvaccinated child patients visiting the clinics of private university dental hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This is the first comparative assessment of salivary parameters between unvaccinated and COVID-19-vaccinated child patients. The study sample comprised COVID-19 unvaccinated (n = 66) and vaccinated (n = 66) pediatric dental patients aged 4-12 years seeking dental care in clinics of private university hospitals. Paraffin-stimulated saliva was collected from unvaccinated and vaccinated study participants, and the amount of saliva secreted per minute was noted. Salivary pH and buffering capacity (by 5 mmol Hydrochloric acid titration) were measured using a benchtop digital pH meter. The data obtained were compared between unvaccinated and vaccinated participants using an independent t-test. The results showed a significantly higher salivary secretion rate in unvaccinated than vaccinated study participants (0.83 ± 0.24 mL/min vs 0.67 ± 0.24 mL/min, p = 0.001). Similarly, unvaccinated subjects compared to vaccinated subjects exhibited a significantly higher pH (7.33 ± 0.39 vs 7.04 ± 0.46, p < 0.001) and buffering capacity (6.31 ± 1.55 vs 5.40 ± 1.22, p < 0.001). Moreover, unvaccinated females demonstrated a significantly higher salivary secretion (0.87 ± 0.23 vs 0.71 ± 0.25, t = 2.627, p = 0.011) and buffering capacity 6.19 ± 1.52 vs 5.34 ± 1.25, t = 2.404, p = 0.019) than vaccinated females. Similarly, unvaccinated male exhibited significantly higher salivary secretion (0.80 ± 0.25 vs 0.64 ± 0.23, t = 2.670, p = 0.009), salivary pH (7.39 ± 0.45 vs 6.94 ± 0.41, t=4.309, p<0.001) and buffering capacity (6.42 ± 1.60 vs 5.45 ± 1.21, t = 2.875, p = 0.005) than the vaccinated male subjects. The vaccinated subjects showed a significantly lower mean salivary secretion, pH, and buffering capacity than unvaccinated participants. Hence, COVID-19 vaccination is likely to affect salivary parameters among pediatric patients.

EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES OF NOISE POLLUTION OF MECHANICAL PROCESSING PLANTS

Purpose. Determination of noise pollution at the workplace of workers of metal-cutting machines of turning, milling and drilling groups. Methodology. An experimental study of the noise load at the workplace of workers working on lathes, milling and drilling group machines. The research was carried out using a testo 816-1 digital noise level meter, Sound Forge Pro software and a mathematical package for the formation of noise dependences on the type and mode of operation of the machines. Results. An experimental study of the noise load at the workplace of workers working on metal-cutting machines, namely universal lathe-screw-cutting machines (type 1K62 and CA6136), vertical milling machines (type 6P11A and F2-250), vertical milling machine with CNC (type XS5036C) and radial drilling machine (type 2L53U). In addition, it was established that the type of machine affects the level of noise pollution at the workplace of metal-cutting machine workers. For example, the machines used for drilling are characterized by high noise values in all octave frequency ranges and all operating modes, increasing the noise level by 15 dB (16.5%) on average. Milling machines, compared to lathes, show higher noise values at medium and high octave frequencies by 7 dB (8.4%). Based on the results of the study, an adequate polynomial dependence of the fifth order was determined, which describes the noise levels relative to the frequency and corresponds to the results of the natural experiment. The resulting dependencies have practical applications in the development of component materials for simultaneous shielding of both magnetic fields of an electromagnetic field of industrial frequency and electromagnetic fields of different frequencies. Scientific novelty. The solution of this problem can be used in the future to assess the risk of occupational diseases among workers working at mechanical processing stations. Practical significance. The determined dependence will allow further consideration of the issue related to the protection of employees of mechanical processing stations from noise pollution arising during the operation of metal-cutting machines of various groups. Key words: railway, metalworking machine, noise pollution, noise.

Lighting System Trainer: Implementation of the Practical using Digital Energy Meter

In the current situation, the lecturer had a problem in which the student still needs to be guided by the lecturer to implement the practical using a digital energy meter; the student always takes more time to implement the lighting technology practical task and still using the traditional ways for teaching and learning in the subject. Therefore, a Lighting System Trainer (LST) has been developed. The LST has been developed with two modules of learning: (1) lighting technologies and (2) lighting control. Various parameters, including current, voltage, real power, and power factor, can be measured. Based on the results, the LST performed well for both modules. Also, from the expert evaluation, all the experts agree that LST is suitable as a teaching aid. In addition, the expert also agreed that the LST can function well for lighting technology practical tasks. In conclusion, this study has successfully designed a Lighting System Trainer (LST) that can fully operate as a teaching assistant to help the teaching and learning process. For trainer development, systematic planning is essential to ensure that all activities carried out run well and in an orderly manner. Through the suggestions and comments given by experts on the LST, this study has made some improvements, and some have been proposed for further studies, e.g., improving the trainer. After all, the improvement process involves complex parts and requires a longer time.

Anti-wear and vibration-noise control of nitrogen-doped graphene/C60 nano additives

Traditional lubricants can no longer meet the demand for vibration and noise reduction performance in industrial production. In order to reduce the vibration and noise caused by friction under heavy load conditions, nitrogen-doped graphene prepared by a bottom-up method is used as an additive. By incorporating nitrogen-doped graphene and C60 nanoparticles into PAO6 lubricant, a highly efficient nano-lubricant with both vibration and noise reduction properties is synthesized. The performance of the nano-lubricant is determined by rotational wear tests, and the obtained wear traces on steel balls and plates are evaluated by 3D depth-of-field microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy, and the vibration and noise signals are analyzed using vibration analyzers and digital sound level meters. The coefficient of friction and wear volume of N-doped graphene:C60 (0.4:0.5) can be reduced by 60% and 57%, respectively. Especially, the Z-axis vibration acceleration and noise sound pressure are reduced by 81% and 19%, respectively. The results indicate that the hybrid nanoparticles can directly reduce friction and wear through filling and adsorption. In addition, the slight deformation of the coupled nitrogen-doped graphene/C60 structure can absorb the load and reduce the stress concentration, thus indirectly attenuating the friction-induced vibration and noise.

The Impact of Radiation Dose Variation in Panoramic Dental Examination on Salivary Amylase Enzyme Activity

The surge in oral and dental diseases has amplified the significance of dental panoramic imaging as a diagnostic tool for healthcare professionals. However, such imaging subjects patients to radiation, impacting salivary pH and amylase enzyme activity. This study of 30 patients aimed to measure radiation doses and their effects on salivary pH and amylase enzyme activity. Radiation doses were quantified using a Thermoluminescent Dosimeter (TLD-100) and analyzed with a TLD reader. Salivary pH was determined using a digital pH meter, and amylase enzyme activity was assessed through the iodine method, involving a reaction between a 1% amylum solution, iodine solution, and saliva. Results showed an average radiation dose of 2.33 μSv, significantly affecting salivary pH. Specifically, 28 patients experienced an average pH decrease of 0.34, while 2 had an average pH increase of 0.385. These pH changes corresponded with variations in amylase enzyme activity. In 17 patients, amylase activity increased by an average of 0.75×10-4 units/mL, while 13 patients exhibited an average decrease of 0.96×10-4 units/mL. This underscores the intricate relationship between radiation dose, salivary pH, and amylase enzyme activity, warranting further exploration within dental panoramic imaging.

Statistical Analysis of Traffic Noise Status at Selected Junctions in Port Harcourt Metropolis

Traffic noise is one of the dominant forms of environmental pollution in most urban cities that adversely affect human health globally. The traffic noise emanating from motor vehicles has become a common health problem in many metropolitan cities in developing countries of the world. This study evaluated traffic noise at selected major junctions (Rumuola, Garisson, Boro Pack, and Lagos Bus stop) in Port Harcourt Metropolis. Traffic noise levels at four congested junctions and a control junction in the Metropolis were monitored using a digital sound level meter. Noise indices, L10, L50, L90 equivalent noise levels (Leq), noise climate (NC), noise pollution index (NPI); traffic noise index (TNI); noise pollution level (Lnp); day-evening-night equivalent metric (LDEN) and percentage highly annoyed (%HA) were statistically determined. Traffic noise at Rumuola junction showed traffic noise ranging from 51.9 to 107.9dBA with a mean deviation of 91.3±8.4dBA; traffic noise at Garrison junction ranged from 52.8 to 107.6dBA with a mean deviation of 88.5±9.7dBA; Boro Park junction showed traffic noise ranging from 48.9 to 106.4dBA with a mean deviation of 83.7±10.1dBA; Lagos Bus Stop junction ranged from 45.4 to 94.9dBA with a mean deviation of 81.5±10.8dBA; while the Control junction (Ibadan Street junction)showed a traffic noise ranging from 48.4 to 61.3dBA with a mean deviation of 51.6±5.3dBA. Noise levels at the studied junctions were significantly high and exceeded permissible limit compared to the control junction (p-value = 0.00485; 95%CI). L10 (94.8dBA), L50 (86.8dBA), L90 (76.1dBA) and Leq (92.4dBA) were highest at Rumuola junction and lowest at Control junction (with 57.3dBA, 52.8dBA, 48.4dBA and 54.1dBA, respectively). Computed NPI values (1.25-1.34) indicated high traffic noise levels at the four junctions and low (0.77) at the control junction; Lnp values (105.0-116.6dBA) indicated high traffic noise pollution at the four junctions and low (63.0dBA) at the control junction; TNI values (120.9-138.5) indicated high traffic noise impacts at the four junctions and low (54.0) at the control junction. Computed LDEN and %HA indicated high level of traffic noise annoyance to the four junctions. The study revealed high traffic noise pollution at the four junctions that may significantly affect public health and therefore requires further investigation by concerned authorities to assess the health effects of traffic noise on the surrounding residents and traders at the studied junction.

Evaluation of Daily Vehicular Traffic Flows and Noise Levels at Major Junctions in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Nigeria

This study evaluated vehicular traffic flows and associated traffic noise levels at major junctions in Port Harcourt metropolis. Traffic volume was determined using visual traffic count method. Noise level was determined using an Extech digital sound level meter. Data were statistically analyzed and noise descriptors determined. Average daily traffic flows ranged from 149 to 4224. Average daily total traffic volume was minimum at Eliozu junction and maximum Eleme junction. Traffic noise varied proportionally with traffic flow. The result showed that Average noise levels varied from 70.5dB(A) to 95.9dB(A). The result showed that L10 mean values were 89.0, 90.2 91.7, 94.7 and 97.2dB(A) for Eliozu, Choba, Runuokuta, Runuokoro and Eleme junctions respectively; L50 mean values were 80.5, 81.2, 83.8, 85.2 and 89.3dB(A) for Eliozu, Choba, Runuokuta, Runuokoro and Eleme junctions respectively; L90 mean values were 69.5, 70.1, 70.4, 72.0 and 78.2dB(A) for Choba, Eliozu, Runuokuta, Runuokoro and Eleme junctions respectively. Noise climate (NC) aggregated mean values were 18.9, 19.0, 20.7, 21.3 and 22.7 for Eliozu, Eleme, Choba, Runuokuta and Runuokoro junctions respectively; Leq aggregated mean values were 86.5, 88.3, 91.4, 93.8 and 95.3dB(A) for Eliozu, Choba, Runuokuta, Runuokoro and Eleme junctions respectively; noise pollution index (Lnp) aggregated mean values were 105.4, 109.0, 113.0, 114.3 and 116.6dB(A) for Eliozu, Choba, Runuokuta, Eleme and Runuokoro junctions respectively; traffic noise index (TNI) aggregated mean values were 115.7, 122.3, 124.2, 125.6 and 132.8dB(A) for Eliozu, Choba, Runuokuta, Eleme and Runuokoro junctions respectively. The study showed evidences of high traffic noise pollution at major junctions in Port Harcourt metropolis, which may adversely affect public health and therefore requires intervention by all stakeholgers, including decision makers.

Studi tentang Karakteristik Light Dependent Resistor

The purpose of the study was to analyze the relationship between the light intensity received by the LDR and the resistance it produces. In this study, the LDR components are arranged in series and parallel. Then the measurements are placed in 4 different light condition with the light source used, namely 5 watt lamps, 10 watt lamps, 15 watt lamps and conditions before the lights are turned on (dark). The tool used to measure the intensity of light is a digital lux meter and to measure the resistance value using a digital multimeter. The results of this study indicate that the greater the light intensity received by the LDR, the smaller the resulting resistance is 2 KΩ for the series circuit and 55 Ω for the parallel circuit at a light intensity of 7242 lux. Conversely, the smaller the intensity of the light received by the LDR, the greater the resistance it produces, namely when in dark conditions the resistance produced by the LDR in series is 994 KΩ and in the parallel LDR the resulting resistance reaches 1194 Ω. The resistance of a series LDR circuit is greater than the resistance of a parallel LDR circuit for each intensity of light it receives.

Assessment of noise pollution level in a tertiary care hospital of Imphal, Manipur

Background: Noise pollution is a major public health problem. Previous studies reported the presence of noise pollution in various hospital settings around the world. There are few studies conducted on noise pollution in the north eastern part of India especially in Manipur. Therefore, the study was undertaken to assess noise pollution in a tertiary hospital of Manipur for future suggestive measures to reduce noise and associated health impacts. Methods: An observational study was conducted in a public tertiary care hospital of Imphal, Manipur. Data collection for noise level measurement was done by using a digital sound level meter instrument and mobile sound meter app. The data was analyzed using IBM SPSS for Windows, version 21.0. Armonk, NY. Results: The highest sound level of 87.6 dB(A) was recorded in the general OPD counter. Among the OPDs, Medicine OPD recorded the highest sound level of 85.2 dB(A). Parking areas recorded an average maximum of 80.5 dB(A). Hospital wards recorded an average maximum sound of 77.4 dB(A). Conclusions: In this study, the maximum sound level in a week average was found in parking areas of the hospital. Majority of the places around the hospital recorded a noise level which is beyond the recommended CPCB noise level 2000.

Impact of Particulate Matter as an Air Quality Pollutant Released from Quarry Activities in Akamkpa, Cross River State, Nigeria

This study examines the impact of particulate matter (PM2.5) and (PM10) as an air quality pollutant released from quarry operations at a quarry site in Akamkpa, Cross River State, Nigeria. Rock quarrying is the practice of obtaining quarry materials, typically rocks, from above or below land surfaces and crushing or grinding them into fragments to produce various rock sizes. For air quality assessment, concentrations of the air pollutants were measured at different locations within and around the quarry site, from a height of 1.5m above ground level. Highly sensitive digital portable meter was used for the measurement of PM2.5 and PM10. The Inverse Distance Weighted model (IDW) tool in ArcGIS was used to perform a spatial interpolation analysis on the data measured from the field monitoring during the dry and wet seasons. The findings indicate that during the dry season, PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations ranged from 292µg/m3 to 127.33µg/m3 and from 377.67µg/m3 to 222.67µg/m3 respectively, while during the wet season, they ranged from 239.67µg/m3 to 92.00µg/m3 and from 276.33µg/m3 to 124µg/m3. The findings suggest that residents of the study area should limit their exposure, especially during the dry season.

Development of an Ultrasonic-based Digital Height Measurement System

This paper presents the design, sensor selection, circuitry, firmware development, and testing of an ultrasonicbased digital height meter. An Atmega328 microcontroller is used in the design to handle sensor measurements as it investigates the utilization of HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor technology. Firmware was developed in the Arduino IDE environment, and the sketch was uploaded to the microcontroller. The designed circuit was constructed on a Veroboard, and the casing was designed for convenience of use. Ultrasonic digital height meters are more accurate, dependable, and quick when compared to hospital meter rules. The apparatus was mounted at a height of 2 meters to ease the measurement of humans. Results from the measurement of nine people were compared with those of the hospital scale, and a percentage error of 0.55% was obtained. A digital height meter can be a very useful instrument for many different applications, including medical, educational, engineering, and surveying, with careful planning and implementation.

An Attention-Based Fusion of ResNet50 and InceptionV3 Model for Water Meter Digit Recognition

Digital water meter digit recognition from images of water meter readings is a challenging research problem. One key reason is that this might be a lack of publicly available datasets to develop such methods. Another reason is the digits suffer from poor quality. In this work, we develop a dataset, called MR-AMR-v1, which comprises 10 different digits (0 to 9) that are commonly found in electrical and electronic water meter readings. Additionally, we generate a synthetic benchmarking dataset to make the proposed model robust. We propose a weighted probability averaging ensemble-based water meter digit recognition method applied to snapshots of the Fourier transformed convolution block attention module (FCBAM) aided combined ResNet50-InceptionV3 architecture. This benchmarking method achieves an accuracy of 88% on test set images (benchmarking data). Our model also achieves a high accuracy of 97.73% on the MNIST dataset. We benchmark the result on this dataset using the proposed method after performing an exhaustive set of experiments.

Hough transform and line rotation on analog gauge reading: A case study

While digital meters can automatically communicate with a database to store reading values, many industries still utilize analog meters which are not economically or physically viable to replace. Instead, computer vision modules may be attached to cameras to automatically read values and record them. This paper tests three implementations of gauge reading, two simple Hough line and circle transform methods and one lightweight naive line rotation method. A dataset was created for testing purposes, consisting of 46 images from various sources and variations including pointer rotations, binarizations, and text or logo removal. Results showed the line rotation technique substantially more robust and accurate than both Hough line implementations. Two major obstructions were detected: pointer tails and dense text/logos, and their removal via photoshop tools improved the average accuracy to roughly 1 degree from ground truth. This is accurate enough to replace human readers in most imprecise situations and is lightweight enough to function under nearly all circumstances. Future research seeks to validate these findings further by testing line rotation on more varied gauges.

Evaluation of calibration factors of digital survey meters in a secondary standard dosimetry laboratory.

The calibration of radiological survey meters is an important consideration in achieving standardisation of doses. This provides traceability for field instruments to an International System of Units. Seventy-one digital survey meters were calibrated by the substitution method in a 137Cs beam in a secondary standard dosimetry laboratory using a PTW spherical ionisation chamber coupled to a Physikalisch-Technische-Werkstaetten (PTW) UNIDOS Electrometer. The calibration factors determined ranged from 0.59 to 1.98. Thirty-six pieces of equipment have their calibration factors within 0.9-1.1. A total of 36% of the survey meters recorded calibration factors corresponding to a percentage deviation above 20% whilst 64% fell within 20% deviations from the true value. The best value of a calibration factor obtained in this work was 1.00 from two survey meters. The errors due to survey meters being out of calibration can usually be corrected by frequent recalibration.

Deep learning-based autonomous real-time digital meter reading recognition method for natural scenes

Natural scenes with variable illumination, variable target scale and angular tilt pose significant challenges to the autonomous recognition of digital meter readings. Based on this, this paper proposes a deep learning-based autonomous real-time digital meter reading recognition method for natural scenes. First, the YOLO-style corner point detection method (YOLO-CPDM) for the reading area is proposed by reconstructing the detection heads and incorporating the corner detection loss function. Its localization accuracy is further refined by embedding attention mechanism module, implementing dynamic loss function and enhancing training data diversity through offline augmentation techniques like image rotation and flipping. Then, the detected corner points are used to geometrically correct the distorted reading area by perspective transformation to mitigate the interference caused by the shooting angle. Next, the YOLO-style end-to-end reading recognition method (YOLO-EERRM) is proposed to accurately extract the characters in the reading area. Finally, the validity of the YOLO-CPDM and YOLO-EERRM was verified on a produced dataset named SYSU-DM and 2 public datasets. Compared with the State of the arts (SOTA) keypoint detection model, the mean Average Precision @ 50:95 scores of the YOLO-CPDM improved by 2.8, 4.1, and 1.1 points, respectively, while the inference latency was only 5.3 ms, and YOLO-EERRM achieved 100 % accuracy and 3.1 ms inference latency on the SYSU-DM dataset. Statistically, the complete digital meter reading recognition method has 99.6 % accuracy and 8.6 ms inference latency, indicating that the system has high recognition accuracy and practicality.