Empty Room Research Articles

Visible light communication with OLEDs for D2D communications considering user movement and receiver orientations.

With the increasing use of organic light emitting diodes in lights, smart phones, wearable smartwatches, and computers, visible light-based device-to-device (D2D) communications has become more and more relevant. We propose D2D communications using smart phones' display pixels and their built-in cameras. We investigate the impact of receiver orientation and user mobility on the link performance. We derive a Gaussian model for the probability density function of the delay spread and optical path loss (OPL), and show that the channel delay spread decreases for a typical furnished room compared with an empty room, whereas the former has an increased OPL. In addition, we show that for the case of a furnished room and considering user mobility, the peak OPL values are about 64 and 62 dB, with and without considering the receiver's random orientation, respectively.

Human Fall Detection Using Passive Infrared Sensors with Low Resolution: A Systematic Review.

Systems using passive infrared sensors with a low resolution were recently proposed to answer the dilemma effectiveness–ethical considerations for human fall detection by Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in older adults. How effective is this type of system? We performed a systematic review to identify studies that investigated the metrological qualities of passive infrared sensors with a maximum resolution of 16×16 pixels to identify falls. The search was conducted on PubMed, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, IEEE Xplore Digital Library, and MDPI until November 26–28, 2020. We focused on studies testing only these types of sensor. Thirteen articles were “conference papers”, five were “original articles” and one was a found in arXiv.org (an open access repository of scientific research). Since four authors “duplicated” their study in two different journals, our review finally analyzed 15 studies. The studies were very heterogeneous with regard to experimental procedures and detection methods, which made it difficult to draw formal conclusions. All studies tested their systems in controlled conditions, mostly in empty rooms. Except for two studies, the overall performance reported for the detection of falls exceeded 85–90% of accuracy, precision, sensitivity or specificity. Systems using two or more sensors and particular detection methods (eg, 3D CNN, CNN with 10-fold cross-validation, LSTM with CNN, LSTM and Voting algorithms) seemed to give the highest levels of performance (> 90%). Future studies should test more this type of system in real-life conditions.

LIDAR-Assisted Channel Modelling for LiFi in Realistic Indoor Scenarios

We present a new, accurate, low complexity channel modelling methodology for LiFi in realistic indoor scenarios. A LIDAR scanner is used to capture the 3D environment in which the LiFi system is to be deployed. Next, the generated 3D point cloud data is pre-processed to determine the reflectance parameters of the walls and objects in the room. This is easier and more realistic than the manual definition of the environment, which is the current state of the art. As an additional innovation, the complexity of the channel modeling is reduced by i) modeling the line-of-sight and initial reflections precisely in the frequency-domain and ii) using a well-established analytical model based on the integrating sphere for all higher-order diffuse reflections. All steps together yield a substantially simplified channel modelling approach and model the links between multiple optical frontends and multiple mobile devices realistically. As a validation of our new approach, we compare measurements and simulations in two indoor scenarios: an empty room and a conference room with furniture. Simulations and measurements show excellent agreement with a mean square error below 3 percent. Moreover, we evaluate the performance of a distributed multiuser multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) link and found excellent agreement between the model and measurements. Finally, we discuss the fundamental trade-off between complexity and model error, which depends on the scenario.

Howl by Shaun David Hutchinson

Reviewed by: Howl by Shaun David Hutchinson April Spisak Hutchinson , Shaun David Howl . Simon , 2022 [ 432 p] Trade ed. ISBN 9781534470927 $19.99 E-book ed. ISBN 9781534470941 $10.99 Reviewed from digital galleys R Gr. 9-12 Yanked from his life in Seattle, where he had a fantastic boyfriend, a great best friend, and still-married parents, Virgil now must deal with being the new kid in the small southern town of Merritt with his workaholic father. It does not begin well: while attending a party he is sexually assaulted by Jarrett, a boy who lures Virgil into an empty room, and that same night on his way home Virgil is brutally attacked by a monster—though everyone assures him it was a gator, bear, badger, or wild cat. Virgil stumbles through the next few months, haunted by scenes from Jarrett's assault and the party as well as memories of the monster's attack. Unfortunately, any support he had is crashing spectacularly: his long-distance boyfriend dumps him, his father retreats into his own depression, his strict grandparents offer little comfort, and his classmates torment him with cruel pranks, all too happy to riff on his trauma. There is strength to be found in hitting rock bottom, though, and Virgil eventually emerges scathed but newly aware of his own power, deciding to plumb those depths for tenacity and endurance rather than allowing the trauma to define him. If that seems a bit rosy and optimistic, particularly for Hutchinson, who brilliantly revels in unreliable narrators and tortured protagonists, rest assured [End Page 191] that Virgil's path to this new version of himself is a compelling one that readers will find authentic and insightful. Copyright © 2022 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois

Using Virtual Reality to Demonstrate and Promote Products: The Effect of Gender, Product Contextualization and Presence on Purchase Intention and User Satisfaction

Virtual Reality (VR) and its capability to replace real stimuli for synthesized ones as if they were real opened several research lines over the years. Many of those consist of trying to validate whether or not VR replicates the same user behaviours seen in reality. In this study, we investigated whether or not product contextualization and gender could influence users' intention to purchase as well as their satisfaction with the application and how presence levels correlate with purchase intention and user satisfaction. The product tested was a double door refrigerator with a touchscreen.We considered two independent variables: Contextualization (Context - The refrigerator was displayed in a kitchen and filled with food products and Neutral - The refrigerator was empty and displayed in an empty room) and gender (male and female). The results indicated that contextualization and gender had no effective impact on purchase intention, user satisfaction with the VR experience nor the sense of presence. A positive correlation was found between presence and user satisfaction. Evidence indicates that it is not necessary to represent products in their context, saving computational power and human resources.

A Mixed Integer Linear Formulation and a Grouping League Championship Algorithm for a Multiperiod‐Multitrip Order Picking System with Product Replenishment to Minimize Total Tardiness

Order picking, which is collecting a set of products from different locations in a warehouse, has repeatedly been described as one of the most laborious and time‐consuming internal logistic processes. Each order is issued to pick some products located at given locations in the warehouse. In this paper, we consider an order picking problem, in which a number of orders with different delivery due dates are going to be retrieved by a limited number of order pickers in multiperiods such that the total tardiness is minimized. The aim is to determine a retrieval plan in terms of order batching and order picker multitrip routing as decision variables. Besides, products are arrived and replenished at the predetermined locations at different periods. Therefore, products sitting in those locations should be delivered soon to provide empty rooms for replenishment. A mixed integer linear programming formulation is proposed for this new problem. The model is optimally solved for small‐size problems. For larger instances, grouping metaheuristic algorithms are proposed based on particle swarm optimization and the league championship algorithm that use group‐based operators to generate reasonable batches of orders. Improvement heuristics are designed as well. The performance of the MILP formulation and metaheuristic algorithms is analyzed for different problem instances whose designs are based on real data gathered from an auto parts warehouse. Results indicate that our algorithms can stably solve large instances of the problem in a reasonable time.

The carbon challenge

The carbon challenge

Wi-Fruit

People usually assess fruit qualities from external features such as color, shape, size, and texture. However, it is quite common that we select fruits with perfect appearances but rotten inside, especially for fruits with thick pericarps. Thus the accurate measurement is desirable to evaluate the internal conditions of fruits. As two key features of fruit internal qualities, existing methods on measuring fruit moisture and soluble solid contents (SSC) are either destructive or costly, limiting their adoption in daily life. In this paper, we propose Wi-Fruit, a non-destructive and low-cost fruit moisture and SSC measurement system leveraging Wi-Fi channel state information (CSI). First, to cope with the fruit structure dependency challenge, we propose a double-quotient model to pre-process CSI on adjacent antennas. Second, to address the fruit size and type dependency challenges, a lightweight artificial neural network (ANN) model with visual information fusion is proposed for fruit moisture and SSC estimations. Extensive evaluations are conducted on 6 types of fruits with both thick (i.e., watermelon and grapefruit) and thin pericarps (i.e., dragon fruit, apple, pear, and orange) over a month in either an empty laboratory room or a library with massive books. Results demonstrate that Wi-Fruit achieves an acceptable estimation accuracy (RMSE=0.319). It is independent of various fruit structures, sizes, and types, while also robust to time and environmental changes. The fruit internal sensing capabilities of Wi-Fruit can help fruit saving and safety in both pre-harvest and post-harvest applications.

Spatial reconstruction of sound fields using local and data-driven functions.

Sound field analysis methods make it possible to characterize and reconstruct a sound field from a limited set of observations. Classical approaches rely on the use of analytical basis functions to model the sound field throughout the observed domain. When the complexity of the sound field is high, for example, in a room at mid and high frequencies, propagating wave representations can be suboptimal due to model discrepancy. We examine the use of local representations to alleviate this model discrepancy and explore data-driven approaches to obtain suitable models. Specifically, local representations are used to reconstruct the sound field over a large spatial aperture in a room. The performance of local models is compared against conventional plane wave reconstructions and the use of data-driven local functions is examined. Dictionary learning and principal component analysis are used to obtain functions from extensive spatial measurements in an empty room. The results indicate that local partitioning models conform to fields of high spatial complexity. Dictionary learning generalizes across different rooms and frequencies-conferring potential for modelling complex sound fields based on their local and statistical properties.

Microdebrider is less aerosol-generating than CO2 laser and cold instruments in microlaryngoscopy

ObjectiveCOVID-19 spreads through aerosols produced in coughing, talking, exhalation, and also in some surgical procedures. Use of CO2 laser in laryngeal surgery has been observed to generate aerosols, however, other techniques, such cold dissection and microdebrider, have not been sufficiently investigated. We aimed to assess whether aerosol generation occurs during laryngeal operations and the effect of different instruments on aerosol production.MethodsWe measured particle concentration generated during surgeries with an Optical Particle Sizer. Cough data collected from volunteers and aerosol concentration of an empty operating room served as references. Aerosol concentrations when using different techniques and equipment were compared with references as well as with each other.ResultsThirteen laryngological surgeries were evaluated. The highest total aerosol concentrations were observed when using CO2 laser and these were significantly higher than the concentrations when using microdebrider or cold dissection (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001) or in the background or during coughing (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001). In contrast, neither microdebrider nor cold dissection produced significant concentrations of aerosol compared with coughing (p = 0.146, p = 0.753). In comparing all three techniques, microdebrider produced the least aerosol particles.ConclusionsMicrodebrider and cold dissection can be regarded as aerosol-generating relative to background reference concentrations, but they should not be considered as high-risk aerosol-generating procedures, as the concentrations are low and do not exceed those of coughing. A step-down algorithm from CO2 laser to cold instruments and microdebrider is recommended to lower the risk of airborne infections among medical staff.

Юнгіанське розуміння індивідуації особистості в оповіданні Цань Сюе “Порожні кімнати”

Юнгіанське розуміння індивідуації особистості в оповіданні Цань Сюе “Порожні кімнати”

Random Forest-based Fingerprinting Technique for Device-free Indoor Localization System

The device-free indoor localization (DFIL) research is gaining attention due to the popularity of location-based service (LBS)-based advertisement. In DFIL, a user or an object does not need to bring any device to be localized. In this paper, we propose the Wi-Fi-based DFIL and the random forest algorithm for the fingerprint-based technique. The simple parameter commonly used in indoor localization is the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI). We apply the fingerprint technique because of its reliability to handle the RSSI fluctuation and time-varying effect in a static indoor environment. We conducted an actual measurement campaign to observe the DFIL's implementation visibility. The DFIL system works by comparing the database fingerprint in an empty open office with the database in which a person is inside the measurement area without bringing any devices. Thus, we have the device-free RSSI database for fingerprint technique from both empty rooms and RSSI affected by a person inside the room. We validated the random forest algorithm results by comparing them with the k-nearest neighbor (kNN) and artificial neural network (ANN). The results show that our proposed system's accuracy is better than kNN and ANN with a mean error of 0.63 m than kNN with 0.80 m and ANN with 1.01 m. Meanwhile, the precision of the random forest is 0.63 m, whereas kNN and ANN are 0.67 m and 0.80 m, showing that the random forest performed better. We concluded that our simple DFIL system is visible to apply with acceptable accuracy performance.

The Research on the Translation Strategies of the English Version of Mu Xin’s An Empty Room from the Perspective of Diaspora

The successful translation and reception of Chinese contemporary fictions, to a large extent, based on the choice of translation strategies taken by translators. This article takes the English version of Mu Xin’s An Empty Room as an example to analyze the translator Tong Ming’s translation strategies from the perspective of diaspora and how he can set up a diaspora translator model in the translation process by adhering to his four-dimensional translational standards which are difference, replacement, transplantation and art. Through a detailed comparison between the source and target text, the article aims to explore how the translator can achieve a culturally dynamic balance between domestication and foreignization strategies.

The Influence of an Impedance Obstacle on the Acoustic Field Inside a Rectangular Room

Abstract The problem of sound propagation inside a rigid-walled room containing a rectangular obstacle was solved by dividing an acoustic field into subregions and using the continuity conditions. Acoustic waves were generated by a point source. The formulas valid for an impedance obstacle extending from a room floor to its ceiling were obtained. The considered obstacle can model such elements as a ventilation shaft, furniture, or construction pillar. The solution was expressed in the form of convergent series. To obtain accurate results, the error resulting from the use of truncated series was controlled. Additionally, to check the correctness of the proposed solution and its computer implementation, the results obtained for a negligibly small obstacle were compared with those given by the empty room model. An excellent agreement was achieved which proves a high accuracy of the used methodology. The numerical analysis shows that the calculation time of acoustic pressure in a part of an empty room can be significantly reduced using the obtained solution. An appropriate source location for noise reduction was found. The distribution of acoustic field was illustrated and some conclusions were formulated. The changes in acoustic field due to the presence of an obstacle were predicted and discussed.

360° Video virtual reality exposure therapy for public speaking anxiety: A randomized controlled trial

Public speaking anxiety (PSA) is a prevalent condition which is highly interrelated with social anxiety. PSA can be effectively treated with exposure therapy. Virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) is increasingly being explored as a novel and cost-effective mode of treatment. No previous randomized controlled trial has examined whether stand-alone 360° video VRET is an effective intervention for treating PSA and interrelated disorder relevant fears. Further, studies have not explored whether 360° video content influences VRET outcomes. Participants with high PSA (n = 51) were randomly allocated to: 360° video VRET incorporating stimuli of audiences (360°Audience) (n = 17), 360° video VRET incorporating stimuli of empty rooms (360°Empty) (n = 16) and no treatment control (n = 18). Outcomes were measured over five time-points. Mixed ANOVA revealed a significant interaction between time and intervention group for PSA, social anxiety and fear of negative evaluation (FNE). Within-group analysis demonstrated there was a significant pre-intervention to post-intervention reduction across measures for both 360° video VRET groups: PSA 360°Audience (ηp2 = .90, p<.001), 360°Empty (ηp2 = .71, p < .001); social anxiety 360°Audience (ηp2 = .49, p=.002), 360°Empty (ηp2 = .39, p = .009); FNE 360°Audience (ηp2 = .59, p<.001), 360°Empty (ηp2 = .43, p = .006). Active intervention participants showed significant improvement from pre-intervention to 10-week follow-up on all measures. Findings illustrate that 360° video VRET is an efficacious way to significantly reduce PSA, social anxiety and FNE.

KOMPARASI KITAB-KITAB TAFSIR AL-QUR’AN ERA KLASIK DAN MODERN ATAS TEORI DAN MODEL KOMUNIKASI KELOMPOK UNTUK PENDIDIKAN ANAK PADA QS. LUQMAN/31: 13-19

Efforts of interpretation by a mufassir cannot be separated from the context of his social space. Because the interpretation process that is done is not in a empty room that is independent of social life. This thing cannot be separated from the effort of an interpreter with the surrounding of social environment. Under these circumstances, it is very fascinating to analyze the interpretation with the currently developing educational nowadays, for instance, knowing the extent to which interpretation embraces the science of child education in the Qur’an. From here, then the question arises, how the interpretation of the classical and modern era of verse Q.S. Lukman / 31: 13-19? How is the compatibility of theories and models of child education delivered by education experts and explanations of classical, modern era commentators on this verse? Looking at the context of this research, the theoretical review used is the theory of group communication, which in this theory said that a group is the minimum that occurs between two people. This theory also states that in communication a group must contain three types; Learning Group, Growth Group, and Problem solving group.

Experimental Study of Indoor Air Quality for Cooling Condition Using ARDUINO System and PMV Index Testing the Effect of Heat Sources

The human thermal comfort and the indoor healthy air quality in the houses and the offices have become a vital necessity, especially in the state of the development of the contagious virus as the COVID-19. In this study, the evaluation of the air distribution was investigated using a DHTT sensor connected to an ARDUINO card to benefit their simple use and their reasonable price comparing to other tools such as the infrared camera. The measurement of the temperature is made in 14 points divided on two directions: one near the sitting manikin and another in front with the cooling system. The impact of the heat sources was tested. In these conditions, the indoor temperature was examined for an empty room, a room occupied by one person and one computer, a room occupied by two persons and two computers and a lighted room. The experimental results prove that the indoor temperature increases with the multiplication of the heat sources. From a temperature equal to [Formula: see text]C, the PMV curves move away from the comfort zone and the indoor climate becomes hot.

In Memoriam: José Baselga's Journey in Cancer Medicine.

In Memoriam: José Baselga's Journey in Cancer Medicine.

Finding means to encourage greatness: Words to promote group cohesion

Finding means to encourage greatness: Words to promote group cohesion

Automated Audiometry in Quiet and Simulated Exam Room Noise for Listeners with Normal Hearing and Impaired Hearing.

Up to 80% of audiograms could be automated which would allow more time for provision of specialty services. Ideally, automated audiometers would provide accurate results for listeners with impaired hearing as well as normal hearing. Additionally, accurate results should be provided both in controlled environments like a sound-attenuating room but also in test environments that may support greater application when sound-attenuating rooms are unavailable. Otokiosk is an iOS-based system that has been available for clinical use, but there are not yet any published validation studies using this product. The purpose of this project was to complete a validation study on the OtoKiosk automated audiometry system in quiet and in low-level noise, for listeners with normal hearing and for listeners with impaired hearing. Pure tone air conduction thresholds were obtained for each participant for three randomized conditions: standard audiometry, automated testing in quiet, and automated testing in noise. Noise, when present, was 35 dBA overall and was designed to emulate an empty medical exam room. Participants consisted of 11 adults with hearing loss and 15 adults with normal hearing recruited from the local area. Thresholds were measured at 500, 1,000, 2,000, and 4,000 Hz using the Otokiosk system that incorporates a modified Hughson-Westlake method. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and also by a linear mixed-effects model to compare thresholds obtained in each condition. Across condition and participant group 73.6% of thresholds measured with OtoKiosk were within ± 5 dB of the conventionally measured thresholds; 92.8% were within ± 10 dB. On average, differences between tests were small. Pairwise comparisons revealed thresholds were ∼3.5-4 dB better with conventional audiometry than with the mobile application in quiet and in noise. Noise did not affect thresholds measured with OtoKiosk. The OtoKiosk automated hearing test measured pure tone air conduction thresholds from 500 to 4,000 Hz at slightly higher thresholds than conventional audiometry, but less than the smallest typical 5 dB clinical step-size. Our results suggest OtoKiosk is a reasonable solution for sound booths and exam rooms with low-level background noise.