Incremental Steps Research Articles

Optimum Parameters in Ultrasound Coherent Plane Wave Compounding for High LPWV Estimation: Validation on Phantom and Feasibility in 10 Subjects.

The aim of this study is to determine the optimum and fine values of the number and transmission angles of tilted plane waves for coherent plane-wave compounding (CPWC)-based high local pulse wave velocity (LPWV) estimation. A Verasonics system incorporating a linear array probe L14-5/38 with 128 elements and a pulsatile pump, CompuFlow1000, were used to acquire radio frequency data of 3, 5, 7, and 9 tilted plane wave sequences with angle intervals from 0° to 12° with a coarse interval increment step of 1°, and the angle intervals from 0° to 2° with a fine interval increment step of 0.25° from a carotid vessel phantom with the LPWV of 13.42 ± 0.90 m/s. The mean value, standard deviation, and coefficients of variation (CV) of the estimated LPWVs were calculated to quantitatively assess the performance of different configurations for CPWC-based LPWV estimation. Ten healthy human subjects of two age groups were recruited to assess the in vivo feasibility of the optimum parameter values. The CPWC technique with three plane waves (PRF of 12 kHz corresponding to a frame rate of 4000 Hz) with an interval of 0.75° had LPWVs of 13.52 ± 0.08 m/s with the lowest CV of 1.84% on the phantom, and 5.49 ± 1.46 m/s with the lowest CV of 12.35% on 10 subjects. The optimum parameters determined in this study show the best repeatability of the LPWV measurements with a vessel phantom and 10 healthy subjects, which support further studies on larger datasets for potential applications.

Bioinspired Genetic-Algorithm Optimized Ground-Effect Wing Design: Flight Performance Benefits and Aircraft Stability Effects

This paper presents a bioinspired, genetic-algorithm evolutionary process for Ground-Effect vehicle wing design. The study made use of a rapid aerodynamic model generation and results evaluation computational fluid dynamics vortex lattice method software, supervised by a genetic algorithm optimization Python script. The design space for the aircraft wing parametric features drew inspiration from seabirds, under the assumption of their wings being naturally evolved and partially optimized for proximity flight over water surfaces. A case study was based on the A-90 Orlyonok Russian Ekranoplan, where alternative bioinspired wing variations were proposed. The study objective was to investigate the possible increased flight aircraft performance when using bioinspired wings, as well as verify the static and dynamic aircraft stability compliance for Ground-Effect flight. The methodology presented herein along with the study results, provided an incremental step towards advancing Ground-Effect aircraft conceptual designs using computational fluid dynamics.

Engineering tertiary chirality in helical biopolymers

Tertiary chirality describes the handedness of supramolecular assemblies and relies not only on the primary and secondary structures of the building blocks but also on topological driving forces that have been sparsely characterized. Helical biopolymers, especially DNA, have been extensively investigated as they possess intrinsic chirality that determines the optical, mechanical, and physical properties of the ensuing material. Here, we employ the DNA tensegrity triangle as a model system to locate the tipping points in chirality inversion at the tertiary level by X-ray diffraction. We engineer tensegrity triangle crystals with incremental rotational steps between immobile junctions from 3 to 28 base pairs (bp). We construct a mathematical model that accurately predicts and explains the molecular configurations in both this work and previous studies. Our design framework is extendable to other supramolecular assemblies of helical biopolymers and can be used in the design of chiral nanomaterials, optically active molecules, and mesoporous frameworks, all of which are of interest to physical, biological, and chemical nanoscience.

The influence of the experimental methodology on evaluating the hydrogen embrittlement susceptibility of AISI 4340 steel manufactured by different routes

High strength low alloy steels are widely used in the offshore and marine industries for the manufacturing of fasteners. In this context, the occurrence of hydrogen embrittlement is a risk to the service life of these components. The scope of this work is to evaluate the impact of the steelmaking process on the hydrogen embrittlement susceptibility of AISI 4340 steel through different experimental methodologies. The effects of the presence of segregation bands and inclusions on the hydrogen interaction with the microstructure of the steel were studied through hydrogen electrochemical permeation tests and mechanical characterization. The hydrogen embrittlement susceptibility was investigated by performing uniaxial standard tensile tests with prior hydrogen charging, slow strain rate tests with in-situ hydrogen charging, and incremental step loading tests with notched specimens and in-situ hydrogen charging. Fractographic analyzes were carried out to support the interpretation and discussion of the results. It was observed that continuous casting route results in a microstructure more susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement, due to the presence of coarser segregation bands, with a greater density of impurities and inclusions.

Prediction of cardiovascular risk factors from retinal fundus photographs: Validation of a deep learning algorithm in a prospective non-interventional study in Kenya.

Hypertension and diabetes mellitus (DM) are major causes of morbidity and mortality, with growing burdens in low-income countries where they are underdiagnosed and undertreated. Advances in machine learning may provide opportunities to enhance diagnostics in settings with limited medical infrastructure. A non-interventional study was conducted to develop and validate a machine learning algorithm to estimate cardiovascular clinical and laboratory parameters. At two sites in Kenya, digital retinal fundus photographs were collected alongside blood pressure (BP), laboratory measures and medical history. The performance of machine learning models, originally trained using data from the UK Biobank, were evaluated for their ability to estimate BP, glycated haemoglobin, estimated glomerular filtration rate and diagnoses from fundus images. In total, 301 participants were enrolled. Compared with the UK Biobank population used for algorithm development, participants from Kenya were younger and would probably report Black/African ethnicity, with a higher body mass index and prevalence of DM and hypertension. The mean absolute error was comparable or slightly greater for systolic BP, diastolic BP, glycated haemoglobin and estimated glomerular filtration rate. The model trained to identify DM had an area under the receiver operating curve of 0.762 (0.818 in the UK Biobank) and the hypertension model had an area under the receiver operating curve of 0.765 (0.738 in the UK Biobank). In a Kenyan population, machine learning models estimated cardiovascular parameters with comparable or slightly lower accuracy than in the population where they were trained, suggesting model recalibration may be appropriate. This study represents an incremental step toward leveraging machine learning to make early cardiovascular screening more accessible, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Dynamic Modeling and Simulation of a Discrete Incremental Hydraulic Positioning System Controlled by Binary Valves

This article presents the conceptual design, operation principle, dynamic modeling, and simulation results of a discrete incremental hydraulic positioning system (DIHPS) intended for use in high-precision, heavy-load industrial automation solutions. An original solution for precise incremental step positioning using DIHPS is proposed, comprising an n-step linear double-acting hydraulic actuator (HA) with a double rod, cylinder sleeve with outflow gaps, binary valves (BVs) bleed-off into the tank, and fixed throttle valves (TRVs) at the inlets of the actuator chambers. The discrete incremental shift of the HA is determined by controlling the opening and closing of the individual BVs, and the step shift of the HA piston stops at the opening location of the BV. A dynamic model of incremental step shift for DIHPS is developed, considering the behavior and relationships of its individual elements. A dynamic model of HA with and without a hydropneumatic accumulator (HPA) is presented. HPA has been shown to effectively dampen piston vibrations and pressure peaks at the HA stop position. The design assumptions, dynamic models, and discrete incremental positioning of the DIHPS are verified by simulation tests and assessed with quantitative indicators. Innovative DIHPSs have significant practical potential in the discrete incremental positioning of heavy loads.

532 Application of the CTME Maturity Model in a CTSA Hub: An Initiative to Improve Clinical Research Operations

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: The CTSA consortium’s Informatics Enterprise Committee has developed a maturity assessment model for Clinical Trial Management Ecosystems (CTME). This poster will show the improvements achieved using this model at the University of Iowa as well as guidance on how to apply it at other CTSA hubs. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: The CTME maturity model consists of 11 categories including, study management; regulatory; financial; and reporting. Each category has 3 subcategories: standardization; complexity; and monitoring, while each subcategory is comprised of 1 to 5 maturity statements: initial; developing; aspiring; capable; and efficient. The maturity assessment team at Iowa—comprised of key personnel from clinical research and compliance, accounting, and administration—have used the CTME maturity model to assess Iowa’s research performance across the 11 categories. The initial maturity ratings for each category revealed any gaps in research operations, which led to developing strategies to address the gaps. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: The assessment team initiated a CTME maturity planning project—holding regular meetings to review Iowa’s CTME research maturity and plan changes to improve our CTME maturity ratings. This analysis is done at the statement level to minimize the scope of actions needed and keep resource loads for improvements low. Proposed improvements are assigned to a team member who serves as an “accountability leader.” Such leaders develop action plans aimed at increasing maturity at least one level. The leaders are responsible for acquiring the resources to carry out the plan. Each action plan identifies qualifiers reviewed by the team to confirm that the maturity level has been met. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: The CTME maturity model has been shown to be effective in identifying gaps in organizational operations at the University of Iowa, where it has led to incremental steps to improve clinical research operations. The utilization of the model at other CTSA hubs will be discussed at this session.

An Incremental Step Sensing MPPT Based SI-SIDO Energy Harvester With >99% Peak MPPT Efficiency for an Input Power Range of 30 μW to 33 mW

An Incremental Step Sensing MPPT Based SI-SIDO Energy Harvester With >99% Peak MPPT Efficiency for an Input Power Range of 30 μW to 33 mW

Deciphering interfacial properties and intermediaries via probing lattice deformations: Growth solution chemistry for mixed/pure phase metal oxide/perovskites

pH of the growth solution of nanomaterials has been employed as a controlling agent in the morphology and synthesis of various metal oxides. The key points in the reconciliation with the thus formed nanostructures inevitably revolve around the impact of H+ and OH- ions on the oxide phases formed during various stages of the phase evolution. Here, a careful elucidation of acidic and alkaline conditions that influence the evolution of the perovskite of Strontium titanate (STO) has been done taking care to avoid the influence of other reagents by avoiding their use altogether. Multiple incremental steps of the growth solution’s pH were the only variable, allowing a direct correlation of the alkalinity with the several interesting materializations of the perovskite composition. The fundamental aspects on the development of the different phases such as the lattice strains due to expansions and contractions of the lattice, integration of shallow level defects as a result of the growth conditions, visualizations of the interfaces between multiple phases which were always present when the growth conditions were not completely alkaline have been revealed through different structural and morphological characterizations. The catalytic property of the samples prepared at different pH levels investigated using UV light exhibited markedly different photocatalytic activity toward Rhodamine B (RhB). We propose that the tuned phase compositions and morphologies are the reason for the observed variations. The different compositions of intermediaries are interesting candidates for different applications that are concerned with defect and interface engineering, and the data presented herewith reveal precise conditions for achieving each of these interesting compositions as well as realizing pristine STO without the typical presence of secondary phases such as carbonates.

A new approach to MPPT hybrid incremental conductance-sliding mode control for PV grid-connected

As photovoltaic energy is clean, renewable, and less noisy, it is increasingly integrated into the grid. This integration aims to overcome energy deficits and get rid of pollution from conventional sources. In this paper, a two-stage configuration of PV energy conversion to a three-phase grid has been studied. The control of this configuration can be divided into two parts, such as DC bus control and AC bus control. The DC bus is controlled by MPPT control. The AC bus is controlled by DC link voltage control, phase-looked loop control, and voltage source inverter control. The contribution in this study aims to improve the quality of energy injected via a new hybrid approach to MPPT control. The proposed control is a combination of robust sliding-mode control and incremental inductance. Unlike conventional hybridization, the proposed control estimates correct the error upon entry of the conductance incremental control. This correction provides an adaptive incremental step for increment conductance control. The proposed control is compared with three other controls under MATLAB/Simulink. Such as incremental conductance, variable step size incremental conductance, and conventional hybrid MPPT incremental inductance-sliding mode control. The simulation results show a remarkable minimization of the ripple phenomenon and the chatter phenomenon. Thus, the quality of the energy injected into the network is improved, such as by reducing the total harmonic distortion of the current and increasing efficiency.

TIKP: Text-to-Image Knowledge Preservation for Continual Semantic Segmentation

Continual Semantic Segmentation (CSS) is an emerging trend, where catastrophic forgetting has been a perplexing problem. In this paper, we propose a Text-to-Image Knowledge Preservation (TIKP) framework to address this issue. TIKP applies Text-to-Image techniques to CSS by automatically generating prompts and content adaptation. It extracts associations between the labels of seen data and constructs text-level prompts based on these associations, which are preserved and maintained at each incremental step. During training, these prompts generate correlated images to mitigate the catastrophic forgetting. Particularly, as the generated images may have different distributions from the original data, TIKP transfers the knowledge by a content adaption loss, which determines the role played by the generated images in incremental training based on the similarity. In addition, for the classifier, we use the previous model from a different perspective: misclassifying new classes into old objects instead of the background. We propose a knowledge distillation loss based on wrong labels, enabling us to attribute varying weights to individual objects during the distillation process. Extensive experiments conducted in the same setting show that TIKP outperforms state-of-the-art methods by a large margin on benchmark datasets.

Comparative analysis of two custom-made mandibular advancement devices with varied designs for treating moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea

IntroductionCustom-made titratable mandibular advancement device (MAD) treatment can nowadays be considered a promising first-line treatment in patients with mild to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Specific manufacturing designs and titration mechanisms of MAD are on the market, characterized by their titration approach, vertical opening, and materials selection.The wing-designed MAD (SomnoDent® Flex™, SomnoMed Ltd, Sydney, Australia) has a lateral screw mechanism to advance the lower jaw in incremental steps of 0.1 up to 6.0 mm. The newer uniquely designed custom-made MAD with passive mouth closing (SomnoDent® Avant™ SomnoMed Ltd, Sydney, Australia) has a frontal exchangeable advancement strap of fixed lengths as a specific titration mechanism, all supporting freedom of lateral movement.We aimed to assess the associations between the type of MAD prescribed and OSA treatment outcome. MethodsData from 209 patients (165 male, mean age 53.9 (±10.9) years, median baseline BMI and AHI 27.02 [24.8; 29.7] kg/m2 and 22.8 [17.7; 31.6]/hour sleep, respectively) were collected.Of this cohort, 91 patients with the traditional, wing-based SomnoDent® Flex™ and 118 patients with SomnoDent® Avant™. All patients were diagnosed with a type 1 polysomnography demonstrating moderate to severe OSA (15 ≤ AHI ≤65 per hour sleep). The selected MAD was fitted in the so-called maximal comfortable protrusion.After 3 months of subjective titration until resolution of subjective symptoms and/or achieving physical limits, a checkup with validated home sleep monitoring was conducted. Treatment success was defined as “AHI reduction ≥50% with MAD compared to baseline AHI and AHI with MAD <10 events per hour”. ResultsThese real-world data set showed that 67% of patients achieved treatment success, with a statistically significant reduction in AHI from 22.8 [17.7; 31.6] to 7.45 [3.4; 15.0]/h sleep. The SomnoDent® Avant™ achieved 75% treatment success versus 56% for the traditional, wing-based SomnoDent® Flex™ (P < 0.05). Overall, AHI reduction was 70% for SomnoDent® Avant™ (P < 0.05) vs. 63% for SomnoDent® Flex™ (P < 0.05). ConclusionsThis study shows that choice of MAD design can impact the treatment outcome and could become an important consideration in selecting the type of MAD for personalized treatment for OSA patients. While the results of the traditional wing-based MAD design were comparable to the therapeutic outcome with other titratable, custom-made MADs, the MAD with the passive mouth closing feature showed significantly greater reduction in total AHI potentially due to encouraged nasal breathing, reduced mouth breathing and lesser vertical opening thereby decreasing the probability of tongue base collapse.

An ANS/ATFs‐based unsymmetric solid‐shell finite element algorithm for high‐quality finite deformation analysis of hyper‐elastic shell

AbstractAn effective updated Lagrangian (UL) algorithm is designed for extending the recent distortion‐tolerant unsymmetric 8‐node, 24‐DOF hexahedral solid‐shell element, US‐ATFHS8, to finite deformation analysis of hyper‐elastic shell structures. The distinguishing feature of this unsymmetric element is that two different interpolation schemes are employed for virtual displacement and real stress calculations, respectively. The assumed natural strain (ANS) method with shell assumptions, referring to the current configuration, is introduced to modify the strain tensors derived from the assumed virtual displacement fields in terms of isoparametric coordinates, thereby mitigating shear locking and trapezoidal locking. On the other hand, the analytical trial functions (ATFs) derived from the general solutions of homogenous governing equations for linear elasticity are updated in each increment step to obtain the incremental deformation gradient, which is then utilized for calculating the real stresses for curing the numerical difficulties in large deformation problems. Numerical examples show that the proposed algorithm enables the hyper‐elastic solid‐shell element US‐ATFHS8 to exhibit excellent performance in both regular and distorted meshes and yield considerable results even when other models cannot work.

Achieving Sustainable Development Goals Through Microfinance: An Incremental Steps Towards Growth.

In order to access a brighter and more sustainable future for all by the year 2030 the UN Members have adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The three most important global challenges they tackle are ensuring that everyone lives in peace and prosperity, protecting the environment, and ending poverty. The 17 Goals are critical worldwide development initiatives that balance social, economic, and environmental sustainability. They are all interconnected and interdependent. At present Microfinance Institutions (MFINs) are playing very crucial role to make banking and financial services available for remote people which is contributing directly or indirectly for achievement of SDG. Among four of SDGs, notably No Poverty, Quality Education, Gender Equality and promoting Decent work &amp; Economic growth, and reducing inequality, are closely tied to the concepts of microfinance. Their growth is depicted through increasing Gross loan Portfolio (GLP) in recent years. The purpose of this paper is to look into how these 4 goals can be met in India through microfinance practices. For investigating the linkage between SDG and Microfinance tools like CAGR, Pearson Correlation has been used.

Reliability Improvement in Vertical NAND Flash Cells Using Adaptive Incremental Step Pulse Programming (A-ISPP) and Incremental Step Pulse Erasing (ISPE)

Reliability Improvement in Vertical NAND Flash Cells Using Adaptive Incremental Step Pulse Programming (A-ISPP) and Incremental Step Pulse Erasing (ISPE)

Heart Rate Variability Thresholds: Agreement with Established Approaches and Reproducibility in Trained Females and Males.

To determine in trained females and males i) the agreement between the gas exchange threshold (GET), lactate threshold 1 (LT1), and heart rate variability threshold 1 (HRVT1), as well as between the respiratory compensation point (RCP), lactate threshold 2 (LT2), and heart rate variability threshold 2 (HRVT2), and ii) the reproducibility of HRVT1 and HRVT2 during 2-min incremental step protocols. Fifty-seven trained participants (24 females) completed a 2-min step incremental test to task failure. Nineteen participants (eight females) completed a second test to evaluate reproducibility. Gas exchange and ventilatory responses, blood lactate concentration, and RR time series were recorded to assess the oxygen consumption (V̇O 2 ) and heart rate (HR) associated with the GET, RCP, LT1, LT2, HRVT1, and HRVT2. V̇O 2 -GET versus V̇O 2 -HRVT1 and HR-GET versus HR-HRVT1 were statistically different for females (29.5 ± 4.0 vs 34.6 ± 6.1 mL·kg -1 ·min -1 ; 154 ± 11 vs 166 ± 12 bpm) and for males (33.9 ± 4.2 vs 42.7 ± 4.6 mL·kg -1 ·min -1 ; 145 ± 11 vs 165 ± 9 bpm; P < 0.001). V̇O 2 and HR at HRVT1 were greater than at LT1 ( P < 0.05). V̇O 2 -RCP versus V̇O 2 -HRVT2 and HR-RCP versus HR-HRVT2 were not statistically different for females (40.1 ± 4.7 vs 39.5 ± 6.7 mL·kg -1 ·min -1 ; 177 ± 9 vs 176 ± 9 bpm) and males (48.4 ± 5.4 vs 47.8 ± 4.8 mL·kg -1 ·min -1 ; 176 ± 8 vs 175 ± 9 bpm; P > 0.05). V̇O 2 and HR responses at LT2 were similar to HRVT2 ( P > 0.05). Intraclass correlation coefficient for V̇O 2 -HRVT1, HR-HRVT1, V̇O 2 -HRVT2, and HR-HRVT2 indicated good reproducibility when comparing the two different time points to standard methods. Whereas HRVT2 is a valid and reproducible estimate of the RCP/LT2, current approaches for HRVT1 estimation did not show good agreement with outcomes at GET and LT1.

Tribological investigations of hemp reinforced NAO brake friction polymer composites with varying percentage of resin loading

NAO brake friction materials with 4%, 5%, and 6% (w/v) sodium hydroxide treated hemp fiber reinforcement having 25% wt. fiber loading and fixed percentage of phenol formaldehyde resin content (20% wt.) along with other fillers have been studied and reported by the authors earlier. However, the effect of variations in the resin content on the tribological performance has been studied and reported in the present paper. Five variants were prepared with varying percentages of phenol formaldehyde resin from 12% wt. to 22% wt. with incremental steps of 2% wt, along with the optimum of 6% (w/v) sodium hydroxide treated hemp fibers and other fillers. The prepared test variants’ tribological characterization was done using Taguchi’s L25 orthogonal array on a pin-on-disc experimental setup, as per ASTM G99, at room temperature and compared with the best of the earlier studied friction composite. Fade and recovery tests of the best of the earlier studied and present ones were performed on a chase tribology tester per SAE J661 standards. The results revealed moderate coefficient of friction of 0.4496, lower wear rate of 0.57 gm, and better fade recovery for the HF25P20 variant compared to its counterparts studied here.

Lighting the Path: Rekindling Innovation and Joy in Nursing Leadership: A Conversation and Reflection with Dr. Marilyn Chow.

In the dynamic and complex landscape of health care, rekindling innovation requires a blend of courage, connection, and joy. This article, drawing from an interview with Dr Marilyn Chow, a recognized "Living Legend" by the American Academy of Nursing (AAN), outlines a transformative approach for nurse leaders. Marilyn emphasizes the significance of listening to staff, patients, and communities, taking appreciative and incremental steps toward innovation, and fostering an environment where risks are encouraged and voices are amplified. Through her narrative, we explore how nurse leaders can inspire their teams, lead with joy, and drive impactful change, offering a blueprint for leading with intention and creating a legacy of innovation and care.

Measurement properties of the incremental step test for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a cross-sectional study

ObjectivesThe new incremental step test (IST) is a field test that was developed for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), based on the characteristics of the incremental shuttle walk...

Aerodatabase Development and Integration and Mission Analysis of a Mach 2 Supersonic Civil Aircraft

The request for faster and greener civil aviation is urging the worldwide scientific community and aerospace industry to develop a new generation of supersonic aircraft, which are expected to be environmentally sustainable and to guarantee a high-level protection of citizens. A key aspect to monitor the potential environmental impact of new configurations is the aerodynamic efficiency and its impact onto the real mission. To pursue this goal, this paper discloses increasing-fidelity aerodynamic modeling approaches to improve the conceptual design of high-speed vehicles. The disclosed methodology foresees the development of aerodynamic aerodatabases by means of incremental steps starting from simplified methods (panels methods and/or low-fidelity CFD simulations) up to very reliable data based on high-fidelity CFD simulations and experimental measurements with associated confidence levels. This multifidelity approach enables the possibility of supporting the aircraft design process at different stages of its design cycle, from the estimation of preliminary aerodynamic coefficients at the beginning of the conceptual design, up to the development of tailored aerodatabases at advanced design phases. For each design stage, a build-up approach is adopted, starting from the investigation of the clean external configuration up to the complete one, including control surfaces’ effects and, if any, the effects of the integration of the propulsive effects. In addition, the applicability of the approach is guaranteed for a wide range of supersonic and hypersonic aircraft, and the developed methodology is here applied to the characterization of Mach 2 aircraft configuration, a relevant case study of the H2020 MORE&amp;LESS project.