Digital Section Research Articles

On the Improvement of Baseband Section of Frequency-Domain Vector Chipless RFID Readers

This paper presents the design and fabrication of a high-performance frequency-domain vector reader focused on improving the baseband section of the reader. First, a wideband directive filter for canceling out the strong IF harmonics and local oscillator (LO) leakages is implemented in the baseband of the reader to improve the sensitivity of the reader. Then, a modified gain-phase detector (GPD) module is implemented to find the accurate phase of the tag’s received response, enabling the digital background calibration process in the reader. Later, a high featured and compact control unit is proposed for the digital section of the vector reader. To demonstrate the reading performance of the vector reader, we fabricated a modular single-antenna (SNGA) reader to detect the resonances of frequency-coded-based chipless RFID tags over the C-band (4-8 GHz). The reader uses digital and analogue calibrations to yield a high reading range of up to 60 cm while being compatible with the UWB regulations and at desirably compact geometries.

Lora-Based Smart Sensor for PD Detection in Underground Electrical Substations

The paper deals with the development of an IoT smart sensor for the monitoring of Partial Discharges (PD) in underground substations. The sensor consists of (i) an ultrasonic receiver for the detection of discharges, (ii) a programmable conditioning circuit that adapts the output of the ultrasonic receiver to the noise floor of the environment, and (iii) a digital section of processing and transmission of eventual warning message if the presence of discharges is detected. Given the challenge of transmitting messages from underground substations, LoRaWAN has been adopted as transmission technology. In the paper, several tests for the sensor assessment have been reported. In particular, the analog section has been assessed through tests in high voltage laboratory; it was so possible to tailor the conditioning circuit to the ultrasonic signal and to establish the alarm thresholds, comparing the sensor signal with a reference instrument for PD detection based on the electrical method. The performance of the transmission module has been evaluated through on field tests, placing the transmission module in a manhole. Finally the entire smart sensor has been assessed through tests in a real electrical substation. All tests have shown that the developed sensor is capable of detecting discharges with a reliability comparable to reference systems currently used by electrical energy distributors, and that LoRaWAN transmission has remarkable reliability also in underground environments characterized by thick concrete walls and high electromagnetic interference.

Detailed structural analysis of digital outcrops: A learning example from the Kermanshah-Qulqula radiolarite basin, Zagros Belt, Iran

A digital outcrop example and associated structural analysis of highly deformed sedimentary strata from the Zagros Belt of Iran is presented. By providing this site in open-access, downloadable format, we aim to make this excellent outcrop exposure accessible to a wide range of geoscientists. Digital data extraction techniques are used to constrain structural interpretations and cross section orientation, as well as kinematic restorations of interpreted structures. Structural analysis protocols provided here are well-suited to learning outcomes associated with digital cross section construction, interpretation and restoration. Complex deformation at the study locality and associated uncertainties in horizon and fault mapping yield interpretation and structural restoration results that are likely non-unique. Interpretation uncertainties are discussed in the context of geoscience education, with specific reference to the need for considering and assessing data quality and underlying geological assumptions. Our workflow and results can be used to bridge the gap between field-based training at undergraduate level and the proficiency in 3D digital environments required of professional geoscientists. By using digital outcrops to achieve learning outcomes, knowledge of underlying geological processes and practical skills in digital data handling and treatment can be effectively communicated to future geoscientists within the virtual environment.

Complex table saw hand injury-case report

Abstract Currently, Romania lacks a tradition of trade schools. This is due to the lack of awareness on the importance of this educational structure. Such multiple trades have been learned by simple observation from one individual to another. The importance of security measures has been taken for granted if not ignored. The number of traumas produced in wood processing has decreased rapidly due to the appearance of wood processing robots, the human factor being reduced only to their programming. The cases that arrive in the emergency departments are in a major percentage from the rural area, where the wood processing is done in the household without an adequate training and without going through a learning process. Hand injuries represent a great part of the Emergency Department presentations, and because of their fundamental functional use in daily life, repair of such lesions should be done with utmost care. Wounds of the hand typically have different degrees of severity depending on the mechanism of injury. Hand trauma probably represents the most frequent pathology of a plastic surgery ER and it should be handled with utmost care because of the fundamental function in the daily routine. The present article presents the therapeutic conduct of a complex case, multiple wounds with bone exposure, digital nerve sectioning and destruction of the flexor system of several fingers.

Mechanical Properties of Wheat Grains at Compression

Abstract Hook’s law for evaluation of the modulus of elasticity of wheat grains and its general behaviour under compressive loads were studied. Whole specimens were subjected to compressive loading between metal parallel plates. The mechanical properties of grains were determined in terms of average failure strengths of grain bran and whole grain; deformation; and modulus of elasticity. The mechanical properties of very dry grains of the winter wheat Triticum aestivum L. with the moisture content of 10.3% were studied. The failure strength of grain bran was 4.43 MPa at the deformation of 10.7%, and the failure strength of whole grains was 4.88 MPa at the deformation of 13.5%. The modulus of elasticity of grains was 43.67 MPa. The apparent energy density at bran failure strength was 0.261 MJ·m−3, and 0.470 MJ·m−3 on the level of grain failure strength of the whole grain. The bran border structure of central inner part of grains was studied using microscope digital sections of longitudinal cuts of the grains using the image computer processing method. The area proportion of starch and pericarp of the border parts of grains was studied to describe the border texture of central sections of grains.

SC8 - Focal secondary resection of neurovascular bundles after digital frozen section of prostate surface: a novel tailored surgical approach

SC8 - Focal secondary resection of neurovascular bundles after digital frozen section of prostate surface: a novel tailored surgical approach

Automated assessment of CD8+ T-lymphocytes and stroma fractions complement conventional staging of colorectal cancer.

BackgroundTumor development is critically dependent on the supporting stroma consisting of inflammatory cells and fibroblasts. This study intended to improve prognostic prediction for early colorectal cancer (CRC) by combined estimation of T-lymphocyte and stroma fractions with conventional markers.MethodsIn total 509 and 1041 stage II/ΙΙΙ CRC from the VICTOR and QUASAR 2 trials were included as a training set and a validation set, respectively. Intratumoral CD8+ T-lymphocytes and stroma were identified and quantified by machine-based learning on digital sections. The primary endpoint was to evaluate the prognostic value of the combined marker for time to recurrence (TTR).FindingsFor low-risk patients (n = 598; stage Ⅱ, and stage ΙΙΙ pT1-3 pN1 with neither lymphatic (L−) nor vascular (V−) invasion), low stroma fraction (n = 511) identified a good prognostic subgroup with 5-year TTR of 86% (95% CI 83–89), versus the high stroma subgroup TTR of 78% (HR = 1.75, 95% CI 1.05–2.92; P = 0.029). For high-risk patients (n = 394; stage ΙΙΙ pT3 pN1 L+/V+, pT4, or pN2), combined low CD8+ and high stroma fraction identified a poor prognostic subgroup (n = 34) with 5-year TTR of 29% (95% CI 17-50), versus the high CD8+ fraction and low stroma fraction subgroup (n = 138) of 64% (HR = 2.86, 95% CI 1.75–4.69; P < 0.001).InterpretationQuantification of intratumoral CD8+ T-lymphocyte and stroma fractions can be combined with conventional prognostic markers to improve patient stratification.

Digital whole mount sections of the prostate: heading towards new ways of communicating with clinicians and patients without microscope.

article: Digital whole mount sections of the prostate: heading towards new ways of communicating with clinicians and patients without microscope - Minerva Urology and Nephrology 2022 February;74(1):127-9 - Minerva Medica - Journals

Web based Augmented Reality for Information Delivery Services A Performance Study

Augmented Reality (AR) is the overlapping of the real world and the virtual world. AR is an evolving technology, and its implementation opens up a new direction to multiple types of information access services rendered to the users. The digital library section of the central library IIT Kharagpur has a rich collection of several items like CD/DVD ROMs, Digital Scanners, and VR Devices. Library developed in-house WebAR programs using “ar.js” that support “three.js” and “A-Frame” for Augmented Reality rendering on the web. This study tried to evaluate web-based AR programs’ performance on mobile devices with low-end hardware configuration supporting WebGL and WebRTC. We conducted quantitative research to find the performance of the web-based AR applications using the four independent variables, namely frames per second (fps), request animation frame (raf), load time (lt), entity object (eo). The paper is also helpful to the academic librarians who think about implementing augmented reality library services with no cost involved. The AR-based information service is beneficial to library users with new COVID norms1, as the user does not need to touch anything to get the information. Instead, it gets into his/ her mobile device.

Digital Frozen Sections with Fluorescence Confocal Microscopy During Robot-assisted Radical Prostatectomy: Surgical Technique

BackgroundRobot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) involves a tradeoff between oncological control and functional outcomes. Intraoperative control of surgical margins (SMs) may help in ensuring the safety of the dissection. Fluorescence confocal microscopy (FCM) is an effective method for interpretation of prostate tissue and provides digital images with an appearance similar to hematoxylin-eosin staining. ObjectiveTo describe an alternative technique to NeuroSAFE for intraoperative evaluation of neurovascular-adjacent margins shaved from ex vivo specimens using FCM analysis. Design, setting, and participantsThis was a prospective study of 24 patients undergoing RARP with intraoperative FCM control of margin status. Surgical procedureAfter surgical dissection, SMs are sectioned from the fresh prostate using the Mohs technique (shaving): three slices from the apex and the right and left posterolateral aspects are obtained. Digital images of the shavings are immediately acquired via FCM and shared with a remote pathologist. In the case of a positive SM, a focal secondary resection of the bundle can be performed owing to the ability of FCM to locate a region of interest on the flat sample. MeasurementsThe primary outcome measure was the rate of negative margins at neurovascular-adjacent sites. Oncological and functional outcomes for patients with 1 yr of follow-up are also reported. Results and limitationsAll patients had negative SMs in shavings from neurovascular-adjacent areas at final histopathology; four underwent a secondary resection with final conversion to negative SM status. Nine of ten patients with 1-yr follow-up are free of biochemical recurrence (prostate-specific antigen persistence in one pN1 case), nine are fully continent, and four of the five with preoperative potency have recovered their sexual function. ConclusionsDigital frozen sections with FCM during RARP may represent an alternative to NeuroSAFE for possible optimization of functional outcomes without compromising oncological safety. Patient summaryWe developed a technique to ensure complete removal of cancer tissue during surgical removal of the prostate. Tissue specimens are examined via digital microscopy in real time during the operation. This allows the surgeon to remove more tissue if cancer is detected at the margins of a specimen, while avoiding unnecessary removal of healthy tissue.

Comparison Between the Classical Classification and Digital Classification for Selected Samples of Igneous and Carbonate Rocks

As igneous rocks have widely chemical and mineralogical compositions, there are many ways to classify these rocks. These ways are classical approved methods to give a reliable classification and nomenclature of rocks. Some igneous rocks may be classified by digital image processing to assist in classical methods. Five igneous samples were cut, prepared of thin sections, and polished to classify them by classical methods and digital image processing by ENVI software. Moreover, part of these samples crushed an analysis of major oxides. The current igneous samples have referred to the basic and mesocratic rocks based on the classical methods and this has corresponded to ENVI software. The igneous samples have reflected the leucogabbros when classify them by classical and ENVI classifications, except the G5 sample, which has been referred to as gabbro by ENVI. There is a clear similarity between the classical and ENVI classifications. ENVI classification is a reliable classification to assist the classical methods in the nomenclature of igneous rocks, especially, plutonic rocks, it can be also applied to thin sections of volcanic rocks to classify and nomenclature classification by ENVI has been applied on fifty thin sections of limestones to identify microfacies which are classified beforehand by classical (optical) classification. According to optical classification, microfacies have classified as mudstone, wackestone, packstone, and grainstone. When the digital classification is applied to them, there is no grainstone texture found in these them. Digital thin sections, where the true name of these microfacies is packstone. Therefore, the positive sides of the digital image processing by ENVI software appeared and contrasted to the optical classification which contained some mistakes when applied to the nomenclature of these microfacies.

Current innovative trends in the CIS national libraries

The findings of the study of the development strategies of the CIS na-tional libraries with the reference to the national specifics of the innovative ac-tivities are presented. The goal of the study is to facilitate the cooperation of the libraries within the Commonwealth of Independent States. The analyzed vast em-pirical data is based on expert assessments, consultation papers, publications in periodicals, reports and the libraries’ websites. Sociological and statistical me-thods and comparative analysis were applied. The major problem the national libraries are facing is due to their different degree of digitalization. Based on the empirical data analysis, the major trends were revealed: the key projects are aimed at providing online access to the possibly most complete collections of the CIS national libraries. The current data provided in the paper are predominantly about technological innovations. The CIS national libraries are focused on the programs of e-libraries including national electronic libraries (NELs); projects of global academic Open Access, and structural transformations (designing virtual reading rooms, digital resources sections, book museums, etc.), and educational projects. Innovations have been the strategic priority of the CIS national libraries. Implementing modern information communication technologies facilitates buil-ding common library and information space of the CIS states, while innovative activities enables sharing plans and projects for the CIS national libraries.

Thoracic shape changes in newborns due to their position

The highly compliant nature of the neonatal chest wall is known to clinicians. However, its morphological changes have never been characterized and are especially important for a customised monitoring of respiratory diseases. Here, we show that a device applied on newborns can trace their chest boundary without the use of radiation. Such technology, which is easy to sanitise between patients, works like a smart measurement tape drawing also a digital cross section of the chest. We also show that in neonates the supine position generates a significantly different cross section compared to the lateral ones. Lastly, an unprecedented comparison between a premature neonate and a child is reported.

Design and comparative analysis of on-chip sigma delta ADC for signal processing applications

Advent in VLSI technology made digital signal processing to take over analog signal processing. Analog to digital converter plays a vital role in modern digital signal processing applications. Various signal processing applications incorporated sigma delta ADC among different analog to digital converters because of its digital dominant architecture. This paper presents the design of a low pass continuous time sigma delta analog to digital converter on-chip architecture with a very few passive components connected externally to FPGA suitable for signal processing applications, wireless application, sonar and radar beamforming. Schematic level architecture of high speed comparator working at a differential swing which is not allowed by FPGA standard differential pads is designed. By applying various differential swings at the input to LVPECL, the performance and power is analyzed. High performance comparator schematic is designed as on-chip continuous-time sigma-delta analog to digital converter architecture. SPICE simulations are carried out to verify the maximum input frequency for given RC values. Xilinx provided Spartan 6 I/O pad and package SPICE models are used. Power analysis is carried out with LVPECL logic family based differential buffers along with external RC circuit. The analog and digital sections simulations along with mixed signal simulations at different stages are performed. Power and performance analysis are carried out using h-Spice and questasim simulations. schematic level architecture of a high speed comparator at a differential swing of 1.65 ± 1.5 V which is not allowed by standard differential pads is designed. Analysis illustrates that proposed on-chip continuous-time sigma-delta analog to digital converter exhibits a sampling rate of 400 MHz designed with high speed comparator with varied differential swing. Power analysis resulted with 1.86 mW for an input signal of 1 MHz. Optimal filtering is achieved with total decimation of 400, out of which the decimation of 100 is achieved by CIC filter and PFIR filter achieves remaining decimation factor of 4. Output data rate of 1 MHz with a dynamic range of 72 dB is achieved with less bill of material that suites for signal processing applications.

Prototype pre-Class Website Development as an Improvement of Java Language Learning in SMK

This study aims to produce a website as enrichment for Javanese learning material in vocational schools. This study uses the Research and Development (R&D) research method. The results of this study consisted of three discussions, namely the needs of teachers and students for material enrichment, enrichment of website prototypes, and the results of website prototype validation tests as enrichment of Javanese learning in vocational schools. Questionnaires for teacher and student needs were used to construct a prototype pre-class enrichment site. The developed prototype of the enrichment website is categorized into four main sections, namely homepage, about me, enrichment, digital library, and contacts. The homepage contains an introduction, developer profile, and buttons for enrichment pages and digital libraries. The about me section contains a website developer biography. The enrichment section contains enrichment material for Javanese learning materials for Javanese speech levels. The digital library section contains digital e-books as supporting material for learning Javanese. The contact section contains a form that can be used to contact the developer. Based on the assessment conducted by website and book experts, this website can attract students' interest to learn Javanese independently

Methodological considerations for a model of endodontic treatment in Wistar rats

The use of correctly designed animal models is a fundamental step prior to clinical trials in humans. Although rats are easy to house and handle, and have molars that resemble those of humans, very few researchers use them as a model for root canal treatment, probably due to their small size and the lack of relevant data necessary to reproduce the model. Our aims were to describe the anatomic and histologic characteristics of the mandibular first molar of the Wistar rat and present a standardised model for its experimental endodontic treatment. Twenty female rats were used. The characteristics of the mesial and distal roots were described histologically and the quality of the results achieved following the treatment protocol presented herein was assessed by means of digital radiographs, microCT and histological sections. The age of 55 days was found to be the most adequate for performing this technique, but we consider the interval of 50 to 60 days to be suitable. Both canals are oval, although in opposite planes, and the furcating-facing walls present the minimum dentine thickness. It was essential to become familiar with these aspects in order to decide upon the most appropriate instrumentation and obturation techniques that would enable replication of this model in basic science research.

Application of High Definition Digital Interactive Microscope and Digital Section in Pathology Experiment Teaching

The high-definition digital microscope interactive telescope and digital section should be able to effectively improve the observation efficiency of pathological images and the quality and level of pathological experiment teaching. Based on this, this paper first studies the advantages of high-definition digital interactive microscope and digital slice in the process of pathology experiment teaching, then analyzes the application effect of them, and finally gives the prospect of their application.

Towards Provably-Secure Analog and Mixed-Signal Locking Against Overproduction

Similar to digital circuits, analog and mixed-signal (AMS) circuits are also susceptible to supply-chain attacks, such as piracy, overproduction, and Trojan insertion. However, unlike digital circuits, the supply-chain security of AMS circuits is less explored. In this work, we propose to perform “logic-locking” on the digital section of the AMS circuits. The idea is to make the analog design intentionally suffer from the effects of process variations, which impede the operation of the circuit. Only on applying the correct key, the effect of process variations are mitigated, and the analog circuit performs as desired. To this end, we render certain components in the analog circuit configurable. We propose an analysis to dictate which components need to be configurable to maximize the effect of an incorrect key. We conduct our analysis on the bandpass filter (BPF), low-noise amplifier (LNA), and low-dropout voltage regulator (LDO) for both correct and incorrect keys to the locked optimizer. We also show experimental results for our technique on a BPF. We also analyze the effect of aging on our locking technique to ensure the reliability of the circuit with the correct key.

1.C. Workshop: How are digital solutions contributing to enhance immunization programmes and policies?

Abstract As vaccine hesitancy and decreasing immunization coverage have been identified by the World Health Organization as global alarming health threats, it is of crucial importance to exploit the potential offered by digital solutions to enhance immunization programmes and ultimately increase vaccine uptake. We have previously developed and published a conceptual framework outlining how digitalization can support immunization at different levels: i) when adopted for health education and communication purposes, ii) in the context of immunization programmes delivery, and iii) in the context of immunization information systems management. The proposed workshop is co-organized by the EUPHA Digital health section (EUPHA-DH) and EUPHA Infectious diseases control section (EUPHA-IDC) and aims at discussing the current AVAILABILITY, USE and IMPACT of digital solutions to support immunization programmes at the international, national and local level, as well as, debating on how technical infrastructures on one side and normative and policy frameworks on the other side enable their implementation. We plan to have a rich set of contributions covering the following: the presentation of a conceptual framework identifying and mapping the digital solutions' features having the potential to bolster immunization programmes, namely: i) Personalization and precision; ii) Automation; iii) Prediction; iv) Data analytics (including big data and interoperability); and v) Interaction; the dissemination of key results and final outputs of a Europe-wide funded project on the use of Information &amp; Communication Technology to enhance immunization, with particular reference to the use and comparative impact of email remainders and personal electronic health records, as well as the results of an international survey conducted to map and collect best practices on the use of different digital solutions within immunization programmes at the national and regional level; the firsthand experience of the United Kingdom NHS Digital Child Health Programme which developed, implemented and is currently evaluating a number of solutions to increase childhood vaccination uptake in England, including an information standard and information sharing services developed to ensure that the details of children's vaccinations can be shared between different health care settings the perspective and experience of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) for Europe and of the World Health Organization (WHO) for the global level of what has worked so far in the digitalization of immunization programmes around the world, what recommendations were developed and which barriers identified at the technical normative and policy level Key messages Digitalization has great potential to support immunization programmes but its practice and impact need to be measured. Country-level and international experiences have created qualitative and quantitative evidence on the effectiveness of digital intervention aimed at increasing vaccine uptake.

Morphology and Affinities of Ampelocissites Seeds (Vitaceae: Ampelopsis clade) from the Paleogene of Texas, USA

Abstract—The type material on which the fossil genus name Ampelocissites was established in 1929 has been reexamined with the aid of X-ray micro-computed tomography (μ-CT) scanning and compared with seeds of extant taxa to assess the relationships of these fossils within the grape family, Vitaceae. The specimens were collected from a sandstone of late Paleocene or early Eocene age. Although originally inferred by Berry to be intermediate in morphology between Ampelocissus and Vitis, the newly revealed details of seed morphology indicate that these seeds represent instead the Ampelopsis clade. Digital cross sections show that the seed coat maintains its thickness over the external surfaces, but diminishes quickly in the ventral infolds. This feature, along with the elliptical chalaza and lack of an apical groove, indicate that Ampelocissites lytlensis Berry probably represents Ampelopsis or Nekemias (rather than Ampelocissus or Vitis) and that the generic name Ampelocissites may be useful for fossil seeds with morphology consistent with the Ampelopsis clade that lack sufficient characters to specify placement within one of these extant genera.