Innovative Measurement Techniques Research Articles

Low Thermal Resistance of Diamond‐AlGaN Interfaces Achieved Using Carbide Interlayers

AbstractThis study investigates thermal transport across nanocrystalline diamond/AlGaN (aluminum gallium nitride) interfaces, crucial for enhancing thermal management in AlGaN‐based electronic devices. Chemical vapor deposition growth of diamond directly on AlGaN resulted in a disordered interface with a high thermal boundary resistance (TBR) of 20.6 m2‐KGW−1. Sputtered carbide interlayers of boron carbide (B4C), silicon carbide (SiC), and a mixture of boron carbide and silicon carbide (B4C/SiC) are employed to reduce thermal boundary resistance in diamond/AlGaN interfaces. The carbide interlayers resulted in record‐low thermal boundary resistance values of 3.4 and 3.7 m2‐KGW−1 for Al0.65Ga0.35N samples with B4C and SiC interlayers, respectively. STEM imaging of the interface reveals interlayer thicknesses between 1.7 and 2.5 nm, with an amorphous structure. Additionally, Fast‐Fourier Transform (FFT) characterization of sections of the STEM images displayed sharp crystalline fringes in the AlGaN layer, confirming it is properly protected from damage from hydrogen plasma during the diamond growth. In order to accurately measure the thermal boundary resistance we develop a hybrid technique, combining time‐domain thermoreflectance and steady‐state thermoreflectance fitting, offering superior sensitivity to buried thermal resistances. The findings underscore the efficacy of interlayer engineering in enhancing thermal transport and demonstrate the importance of innovative measurement techniques in accurately characterizing complex thermal interfaces. This study provides a foundation for future research in improving thermal properties of semiconductor devices through interface engineering and advanced measurement methodologies.

A multilevel lightweight fish respiratory frequency measurement method – Segmentation instead of detection

Respiratory frequency is an important physiological parameter for fish health. Traditional respiration detection methods have inherent frequency measurement error problems, and segmentation provides an innovative technique for respiration measurement. By shifting the focus from detection to segmentation, this approach provides robust and reliable support for measuring fish respiratory frequency accurately. However, the existing segmentation network models face challenges related to their large scale, high computational demands, and limited deployability at the edge. To overcome these challenges, this paper introduces an easily portable, high-precision segmentation method based on lightweight network and network slimming technique, named PM-YOLOv5s-seg (Prune MobileNetv3-YOLOv5s Segmentation). PM-YOLOv5s-seg utilizes the MobileNetv3 network as its segmentation backbone, enabling the extraction of essential fish mouth features. Simultaneously, it employs depth separable convolution to reduce network parameters and calculation amounts. Furthermore, the model undergoes additional sparsification via channel pruning, significantly improving its efficiency. Finally, respiratory frequency modeling is performed on the obtained fish mouth segmentation results, utilizing innovative techniques such as Ellipse fitting, Kalman filtering, and polynomial fitting methods. Comparison with the state-of-the-art methods demonstrates the superiority of the multilevel lightweight segmentation model PM-YOLOv5s-seg in terms of detection accuracy, computational efficiency, and model size. This model achieves an optimal balance between the speed and accuracy in fish respiratory frequency measurement, which holds significant implications for fish welfare as well as disease detection.

A Novel Technique for Corneal Transepithelial Electrical Resistance Measurement in Mice.

We developed a technique that can measure corneal transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) in mice, which was used for evaluating corneal toxicity induced by ophthalmic drugs. We used a tissue culture well and its insert to mount the mouse globe and separated the cornea from the rest of the globe to enable corneal TER measurements to be taken. The explanted mouse eyes were divided into groups, and the corneal epithelia were exposed to different concentrations of BAC. Half of these eyes were fixed for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) examination and the other for ZO-1 immunohistochemical (IHC) evaluation. After exposure to control, 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.5% BAC, the TER was 100 ± 0%, 91 ± 14%, 83 ± 13%, and 34 ± 12% of the pre-exposure TER at 1 min, respectively, with a statistically significant decrease in the 0.5% group. After 3 min, the TER showed a statistically significant decrease in the 0.2% and 0.5% groups. The TEM examinations showed a loss of epithelial tight junctions between superficial cells in the 0.2% and 0.5% groups. The IHC examination showed decreased ZO-1 staining of the corneal epithelium of the same groups as compared to the control. To the best of our knowledge, we succeeded in developing an innovative technique for corneal TER measurement in mice.

Digital sand patch: Using laser scanning and discrete element simulation for rapider pavement texture depth measurement

The sand patch method is one of the most basic methods for measuring pavement texture depth (TD), which is an important reference index for pavement anti-skid performance evaluation and road maintenance. However, manual sand patch method heavily relies on the experience of the operators. The emergence of laser 3D scanning and simulation has made it possible to conduct digital sand patch. This study introduces a digital sand patch framework based on 3D scanning and discrete element simulation for precise TD measurement. We developed a 3D scanner with an accuracy of 0.04 mm to obtain the pavement texture data, along with algorithms for outlier removal and slope correction in point cloud data. The method of 3D reconstruction of triangular meshes was adopted to transform discrete point clouds into continuous 3D models to build 3D pavement models. In addition, the virtual process of rotation-spreading-measurement of the digital sand patch method was constructed by discrete element simulation with reference to the physical principles of the manual sand patch method. At the same time, an adaptive dynamic feedback control logic was proposed to accurately determine the termination conditions of the sand patching process. To validate our method, we collected 126 samples from over 20 km of pavement surfaces with various gradations. The results demonstrated an average relative error of 2.92 % compared to the manual sand patch method, and a correlation coefficient of 0.9926 with the laser scanning Mean Profile Depth (MPD) algorithm. Stability and accuracy tests, including scanning downsampling and volatility assessments, confirmed the robustness of our method. This innovative technique for rapid and precise TD measurement not only offers immediate practical benefits but also sets the stage for future research on pavement skid resistance.

Innovative Measurement Techniques and Applications of Aqueous Graphene-Based Conductive Paint

Innovative Measurement Techniques and Applications of Aqueous Graphene-Based Conductive Paint

Comprehensive Evaluation Study of Innovative Measurement Techniques in Surface Roughness within Manufacturing Processes

Abstract With the advancement of modern technology, numerous advanced methods for measuring surface roughness have emerged. These are categorized into contact and non-contact methods, such as optical, ultrasonic, and machine vision measurements. By researching and integrating various characteristics, including cutting parameters, vibration, and force signals, with workpiece texture images, a comprehensive model for predicting surface roughness is formed. These novel multidimensional feature prediction equations significantly enhance practicality and accuracy in assessing the surface quality of machined workpieces, marking a clear advancement over traditional measurement techniques.

Air-Water Flow Properties In Highly Unsteady Flows

Recent catastrophic events caused by tsunamis, storm surges, flood waves, and the failure of dams (e.g. in Ukraine and Libya) have shown to be a significant threat to densely populated coastal communities. Interactions with built environments can lead to violent wave impacts that may have severe consequences, including significant infrastructural damage and potential loss of life. The frequency of these water-related disasters is increasing globally due to climate change and sea level rise, resulting in a rising demand for deeper knowledge related to the physical processes of such hazards. The dynamic behaviour of these type of wave phenomena is described by long-period, high translatory waves, where the on-shore propagation or inland inundation is associated with sudden free-surface deformations. This results in a steeping of the slope at the leading edge, causing non-linear flow behaviour to prevail and inducing the wave to collapse. The breaking process generates a breaking roller at the wave front, containing a rapidly fluctuating mixture of air and water, associated with a strong recirculation. The high degree of air-water interaction in these unsteady flows has a significant impact on the flow properties as it influences many dynamic processes, including viscous and surface tension effects at air-bubble level, as well as larger scale gravitational effects associated with the turbulent flow and eddy formation (Brocchini and Peregrine, 2001). New innovative measurement techniques have allowed experimental studies to more precisely quantify the air-water interactions in multiphase flows. However, most experimental research focused on air-water flow properties in hydraulic jumps and other steady flows (e.g. spillway flows, plunging jets). Currently, limited research is available for unsteady flows and mostly based on small datasets and limited flow conditions. This lack of availability and diversity of experimental data restricts the understanding of how these multi-phase flows behave under different conditions, hence the need for future research.

Highlights from the technical committee on noise

The Technical Committee on Noise (TCNS) includes researchers and industry practitioners interested in understanding noise generation from a variety of sources, its propagation, and its impact on structures, objects, and people. The goal of reducing the impact of this noise, or unwanted sound, has led to innovative model development, measurement techniques, mitigation strategies, and input towards the establishment of regulations. Community noise definition and abatement is of particular interest and motivates the advancement of research on a variety of topics, such as transportation noise from traditional and new vehicles, hearing protection, jet and rocket noise, building systems noise and vibration, atmospheric sound propagation, soundscapes, and low-frequency sound. The diverse technical background of TCNS members is essential, given the interdisciplinary nature of this research, and it is mirrored in the topics of special sessions typically held jointly with other ASA technical committees.

Examples of laser scanning application in JSW SA mines

Laser scanning offers timely assessments of mine sites despite challenges posed by operational environments. This article explores advancements in 3D scanning systems, data capture and processing techniques, and their primary applications in underground mining, using JSW SA mines as an example. While laser scanning has matured for tasks such as change detection, clearance measurements, and structure mapping, opportunities for enhancement exist in areas such as lithology identification, surface parameter measurements, and autonomous navigation. Limited infrastructure for data transfer and processing remains a constraint; however, laser scanners are increasingly pivotal in mine automation due to their affordability, accuracy, and mobility. Until recently, laser scanning was considered more of a curiosity than a mainstream measuring method. In Poland, creating maps for land surveying based on point clouds generated by laser scanners remains uncommon. Nevertheless, technological advances over the past decade have made surveyors, designers, architects, and conservators of historical monuments increasingly inclined and capable of utilizing point clouds generated by stationary scanners, which offer evergreater measurement accuracy. This article outlines how laser scanning, as an innovative measurement technique, has been integrated into the mining industry, particularly for shaft monitoring purposes.

Grand-Scale Atmospheric Imaging Apparatus (GAIA) and Wind Lidar Multiscale Measurements in the Atmospheric Surface Layer

Abstract Understanding the organization and dynamics of turbulence structures in the atmospheric surface layer (ASL) is important for fundamental and applied research in different fields, including weather prediction, snow settling, particle and pollutant transport, and wind energy. The main challenges associated with probing and modeling turbulence in the ASL are (i) the broad range of turbulent scales associated with the different eddies present in high Reynolds number boundary layers ranging from the viscous scale (on the order of millimeters) up to large energy-containing structures (on the order of kilometers); (ii) the nonstationarity of the wind conditions and the variability associated with the daily cycle of the atmospheric stability; and (iii) the interactions among eddies of different sizes populating different layers of the ASL, which contribute to momentum, energy, and scalar turbulent fluxes. Creative and innovative measurement techniques are required to probe near-surface turbulence by generating spatiotemporally resolved data in the proximity of the ground and, at the same time, covering the entire ASL height with large enough streamwise extent to characterize the dynamics of larger eddies evolving aloft. To this aim, the U.S. National Science Foundation sponsored the development of the Grand-scale Atmospheric Imaging Apparatus (GAIA) enabling super-large snow particle image velocimetry (SLPIV) in the near-surface region of the ASL. This inaugural version of GAIA provides a comprehensive measuring system by coupling SLPIV and two scanning Doppler lidars to probe the ASL at an unprecedented resolution. A field campaign performed in 2021–22 and its preliminary results are presented herein elucidating new research opportunities enabled by the GAIA measuring system.

Surveying of Old Underground Mining Works Using Innovative Measurement Techniques

W artykule przedstawiono pomiary geodezyjne prowadzone podczas prac w starej sztolni wodnej św. Antoniego Padewskiego w miejscowości Horni Mesto (Czechy) w ramach projektu udostepniania jej dla turystow. Prace obejmowaly wykonanie pomiarow geodezyjnych: pomiarow nawiązania, pomiarow orientacji oraz badania poligonowe w pierwszej otwartej cześci sztolni, sporządzania rzutow granic cześci otwartej w celu przygotowania do poprowadzenia szybu z powierzchni, a takze badania nawiązania, pomiary orientacji i badania poligonowe pozostalej cześci sztolni. W trakcie pomiarow wykorzystano niestandardowe i innowacyjne narzedzia i techniki. Jedno z tych narzedzi, podwieszany uchwyt pryzmatu, opracowane zostalo w Instytucie Geodezji Gorniczej VSB na Uniwersytecie w Ostrawie i zarejestrowane jako wzor uzytkowy.

Optical visualization of heat transfer in supercritical carbon dioxide under near-critical, liquid-like, and gas-like conditions

Heat transfer in supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2) is experimentally visualized, and a measurement method is proposed for evaluating the transport phenomena in near-critical, liquid-like, and gas-like conditions. There are various uses for sCO2 in engineering applications, such as abstraction, material processing, and soil remediation. However, the heat and mass transfer under supercritical conditions have not been fully revealed, and innovative measurement techniques with higher spatial and temporal resolutions are required. This study focuses on the evaluation of heat transfer in sCO2 using a high-speed phase-shifting interferometer. The density distribution of sCO2 under different temperature and pressure conditions is successfully visualized with the proposed interferometer. Characteristics of the density field patterns are observed near the critical point and in liquid-like and gas-like conditions. It is demonstrated that the sensitivity of the density (i.e., refractive index) to temperature changes is different for each condition. The transient heat transfer under gas-like condition is evaluated by the interferometer, and numerical simulations with 3D model are performed to evaluate the experimental results. Finally, the interference fringes pattern obtained by the interferometer is shown to be qualitatively in good agreement with the numerical temperature field change. Additionally, transient variations of optical path length difference obtained in the experiment, which means apparent temperature distribution, were compared with numerical simulations. Experimental results are quantitatively in good agreement with the numerical results under a thermal diffusivity of order 10−8 m2/s, confirming the feasibility of the proposed measurement technique for the transient heat transfer in sCO2.

Ultrasound Control of Cervical Regeneration after Large Loop Excision of the Transformation Zone: Results of an Innovative Measurement Technique

The objective of this research is to evaluate cervical regeneration after large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ) through the identification of a new sonographic reference point at the level of the uterine margins. In the period March 2021-January 2022, a total of 42 patients affected by CIN 2-3 were treated with LLETZ at the University Hospital of Bari (Italy). Before performing LLETZ, cervical length and volume were measured with trans-vaginal 3D ultrasound. From the multiplanar images, the cervical volume was obtained using the Virtual Organ Computer-aided AnaLysis (VOCAL™) program with manual contour mode. The line that connects the points where the common trunk of the uterine arteries reaches the uterus splitting into the ascending major branch and the cervical branch was considered as the upper limit of the cervical canal. From the acquired 3D volume, the length and the volume of the cervix were measured between this line and the external uterine os. Immediately after LLETZ, the removed cone was measured using Vernier's caliper, and before fixation in formalin, the volume of the excised tissue was evaluated by the fluid displacement technique based on the Archimedes principle. The proportion of excised cervical volume was 25.50 ± 17.43%. The volume and the height of the excised cone were 1.61 ± 0.82 mL and 9.65 ± 2.49 mm corresponding to 14.74 ± 11.91% and 36.26 ± 15.49% of baseline values, respectively. The volume and length of the residual cervix were also assessed using 3D ultrasound up to the sixth month after excision. At 6 weeks, about 50% of cases reported an unchanged or lower cervical volume compared to the baseline pre-LLETZ values. The average percentage of volume regeneration in examined patients was equal to 9.77 ± 55.33%. In the same period, the cervical length regeneration rate was 69.41 ± 14.8%. Three months after LLETZ, a volume regeneration rate of 41.36 ± 28.31% was found. For the length, an average regeneration rate of 82.48 ± 15.25% was calculated. Finally, at 6 months, the percentage of regeneration of the excised volume was 90.99 ± 34.91%. The regrowth percentage of the cervical length was 91.07 ± 8.03%. The cervix measurement technique that we have proposed has the advantage of identifying an unequivocal reference point in 3D cervical measurement. Ultrasound 3D evaluation could be useful in the clinical practice to evaluate the cervical tissue deficit and express the "potential of cervical regeneration" as well as provide the surgeon useful information about the cervical length.

A reproducible and repeatable digital method for quantifying nasal and sinus airway changes following suture palatine expansion

PurposeThe airway complex is modified by palatine expansion. Computer tomography has been used in the past to determine the change in volume, but there was a lack of a specific, reproducible method for this purpose. The present study sought to determine the accuracy, reproducibility, and repeatability of an innovative digital measurement technique for analyzing the volume of maxillary and nasal sinus airways following suture palatine expansion performed with the Hyrax disyuntor appliance.MethodsPatients underwent preoperative and postoperative cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. The datasets were subsequently uploaded into a digital treatment planning software to record the volume of the right and left maxillary sinus, as well as the nasal and maxillary sinus airway complex. The Gage Repeatability & Reproducibility statistical analysis methodology was used to evaluate the repeatability and reproducibility of this measurement technique when measuring the volume of maxillary and nasal sinus airways following suture palatine expansion with the Hyrax disyuntor appliance. Additionally, comparative analysis between preoperative and postoperative measures was performed using Student’s t-test for statistical analysis.ResultsIn 5 patients, paired t-tests found statistically significant differences before and after treatment in the volumes of the left maxillary sinus (p = 0.002), right maxillary sinus (p = 0.001), and nasal and maxillary sinus airway complex (p = 0.005) after suture palatine expansion with the Hyrax disyuntor appliance.ConclusionThe proposed digital technique is an accurate, repeatable, and reproducible measurement technique for analyzing the volume of maxillary and nasal sinus airways following suture palatine expansion using the Hyrax disyuntor.

Thermo-physical properties and heat transfer potential of novel silica-ethylene glycol mono nanofluid: Experiments and multi-layer perceptron (MLP) modelling

The aim of this research is to estimate the thermophysical properties and heat transfer potential of silica-ethylene glycol (EG) mono nanofluid. Silica nanoparticles were dispersed in pure ethylene glycol in four different concentrations of 0.01, 0.05, 0.10 and 0.50 vol% via two-step method. The dispersion stability of the nanofluid was enhanced including Gum Arabic (GA) as surfactant. Colorimeter and Zeta potential analyses were employed to determine the stability of the as-prepared samples. Thermal conductivity of nanofluid was determined by innovative sonic velocity measurement technique. Viscosity was measured by capillary viscometer. The highest augmentation in thermal conductivity was found to be 19.19% at 60 °C and in viscosity was found to be 5.07% at 40 °C with the 0.50 vol% SiO2 particle dispersion. A set of new data fitting-based correlations and optimal multi-layer perceptron (MLP) models for thermal conductivity and viscosity of Silica-EG nanofluids with high prediction capacities (R-square > 90%) were proposed based on the experimental data. The MLP models were more accurate than fitting models. Evaluation criterion was implemented to estimate the potential heat transfer of nanofluid.

Radar Interferometric Experimental Reconstruction of Three-Dimensional Displacement Vectors and Mode Shapes for Masonry Constructions

Abstract Radar interferometry is an innovative measurement technique capable of remotely measuring vibrations in terms of displacement history. It apparently allows overcoming some major drawbacks of the plodding and time-consuming conventional accelerometric experimental setup for vibration testing. Indeed, radar interferometry does not require any access to the structure; moreover, its use is simpler and faster. Therefore, this technique appears very appealing for ambient vibration testing on structures, and in particular on architectural heritage masonry constructions. However, radar interferometry is still affected by some relevant limitations, that currently outweigh the advantages. One of the most important limitations is that displacements are measured only along the line-of-sight; therefore, it is not possible to determine the whole three-dimensional displacement vector for moving structural points and, consequently, to reconstruct three-dimensional mode shapes of structures, whose knowledge is crucial for characterizing the dynamic behavior of structures and for detecting eventual damages. In this paper, a theoretical and experimental approach for reconstructing both three-dimensional displacement vectors and mode shapes of masonry constructions is proposed. This approach is based on the simultaneous use of two synchronized radar interferometers, and on the application of a theoretical model assuming a specific kinematical constraint, which is generally plausible in the case of masonry constructions. The proposed approach has been validated through in-situ experimental tests on a masonry bell tower.

Monitoring the Blast furnace working state by a combination of innovative measurement techniques

At blast furnace B at Salzgitter Flachstahl a series of innovative measuring techniques are installed to monitor the processes at the blast furnace top, making this furnace one of the best equipped furnaces in Europe. These techniques comprise full 2D measurement of the temperature profile of the top gas shortly above the burden surface, 3D radar scan of the whole burden surface and online measurement of the dust concentration in the top gas. After more than 5 years’ experience with most of these techniques, they enable to better understand the complex chemical and physical interrelations occurring in the BF stack between the ascending process gas and the descending solid burden. A couple of examples of incidents that were monitored are presented in this article, including influences of charging programmes on top gas temperature profiles and influences of disturbed gas solids interaction on the BF working state. The new measuring techniques with tailor-made data processing enable the operators to gain a better picture of the processes currently occurring in the blast furnace, consequently supporting them in keeping the blast furnace operation as stable and efficient as possible.

Technical Committee on Noise: Researchers and practitioners

The Technical Committee on Noise (TCNS) includes researchers and industry practitioners interested in understanding noise generation from a variety of sources, its propagation, and its impact on structures, objects, and people. The goal of reducing the impact of this noise, i.e., unwanted sound, has led to innovative model development, measurement techniques, mitigation strategies, and input towards the establishment of regulations. Community noise definition and abatement is of particular interest and motivates the advancement of research on a variety of topics, such as transportation noise, hearing protection, jet and rocket noise, building systems noise and vibration, atmospheric sound propagation, soundscapes, and low-frequency sound. The diverse technical background of TCNS members is essential, given the interdisciplinary nature of this research, and it is mirrored in the topics of special sessions typically held jointly with other ASA technical committees.

Resilience and mental health in children and adolescents: an update of the recent literature and future directions.

Purpose of reviewIn order to promote optimal development of children and adolescents at risk for psychiatric disorders, a better understanding of the concept resilience is crucial. Here, we provide an overview of recent work on clinical and epidemiological correlates of resilience and mental health in children and adolescents.Recent findingsOur systematic literature search revealed 25 studies that unanimously show that higher levels of resilience are related to fewer mental health problems, despite the heterogeneity of study populations and instruments. Correlates of resilience included multisystem factors, such as social, cultural, family and individual aspects, which is in line with the multisystem approach as described by recent resilience theories. Longitudinal studies are scarce but confirm the dynamical character of resilience and mental health. The application of longitudinal studies and innovative measurement techniques will improve our understanding on the cascade effects of stressors on resilience and mental health outcomes.SummaryResilience is strongly associated with mental health in children and adolescents and deserves a more prominent role in research, prevention programs and routine clinical care. Including social, cultural and family context in the evaluation of resilience is of great value, as this can identify targets for early and preventive interventions.

Embedding and generalization of formula with context in the retrieval of mathematical information

Retrieval of mathematical information from scientific documents is one of the crucial tasks. Numerous Mathematical Information Retrieval (MIR) systems have been developed, which mainly focus on the improvement over the indexing and the searching mechanism, the poor results obtained for evaluation measures depict major limitations of such systems. These enhance the scope of improvement and new innovations through the inclusion of functionalities, which can resolve the challenges of MIR system. Further, to improve the performance of the MIR systems, this paper proposed a formula embedding and generalization approach with the context, in addition to innovative relevance measurement technique. In this approach, documents are preprocessed by the document preprocessor module and extracted the formulas in Presentation MathML format with their context. The formula embedding and generalization modules of the proposed approach formed the binary vectors where ‘1’ represents the presence, and ‘0’ represents the absence of a particular entity in a formula, and subsequently, the vectors of formulas with context are indexed by the indexer. The innovative relevance measurement technique of the proposed approach ranked those documents first, which are retrieved by both formula embedding and generalization modules as compared to the individual one. The proposed approach has been tested on the MathTagArticles of Wikipedia of NTCIR-12, and the obtained results verify the significance of the context of the formula and the dissimilarity factor in the retrieval of mathematical information.