Instrument Design Research Articles

Data Quality Based Intelligent Instrument Selection with Security Integration

We propose a novel Data Quality with Security (DQS) integrated instrumentation selection approach that facilitates aggregation of multi-modal data from heterogeneous sources. As our major contribution, we develop a framework that incorporates multiple levels of integration in finding the best DQS-based instrument selection: data fusion from multi-modal sensors embedded into heterogeneous platforms, using multiple quality and security metrics and knowledge integration. Our design addresses the security aspect in the instrumentation design, which is commonly overlooked in real applications, by aggregating it with other metrics into an integral DQS calculus. We develop DQS calculus that formalizes the problem of finding the optimal DQS value. We then propose a Genetic Algorithm–based solution to find an optimal set of sensors in terms of the DQS they provide, while maintaining the level of platform security desirable by the user. We show that our proposed algorithm demonstrates optimal real-time performance in multi-platform instrument selection. To facilitate the framework application by the instrumentation designers and users, we develop and make available multiple Android applications.

Intercomparison of fast airborne ozone instruments to measure eddy covariance fluxes: spatial variability in deposition at the ocean surface and evidence for cloud processing

Abstract. The air–sea exchange of ozone (O3) is controlled by chemistry involving halogens, dissolved organic carbon, and sulfur in the sea surface microlayer. Calculations also indicate faster ozone photolysis at aqueous surfaces, but the role of clouds as an ozone sink is currently not well established. Fast-response ozone sensors offer opportunities to measure eddy covariance (EC) ozone fluxes in the marine boundary layer. However, intercomparisons of fast airborne O3 sensors and EC O3 fluxes measured on aircraft have not been conducted before. In April 2022, the Technological Innovation Into Iodine and GV Environmental Research (TI3GER) field campaign deployed three fast ozone sensors (gas chemiluminescence and a combination of UV absorption with coumarin chemiluminescence detection, CID) together with a fast water vapor sensor and anemometer to study iodine chemistry in the troposphere and stratosphere over Colorado and over the Pacific Ocean near Hawaii and Alaska. Here, we present an instrument comparison between the NCAR Fast O3 instrument (FO3, gas-phase CID) and two KIT Fast AIRborne Ozone instruments (FAIRO, UV absorption and coumarin CID). The sensors have comparable precision < 0.4 % Hz−0.5 (0.15 ppbv Hz−0.5), and ozone volume mixing ratios (VMRs) generally agreed within 2 % over a wide range of environmental conditions: 10 < O3 < 1000 ppbv, below detection < NOx < 7 ppbv, and 2 ppmv < H2O < 4 % VMR. Both instrument designs are demonstrated to be suitable for EC flux measurements and were able to detect O3 fluxes with exchange velocities (defined as positive for upward) as slow as −0.010 ± 0.004 cm s−1, which is in the lower range of previously reported measurements. Additionally, we present two case studies. In one, the direction of ozone and water vapor fluxes was reversed (vO3 = +0.134 ± 0.005 cm s−1), suggesting that overhead evaporating clouds could be a strong ozone sink. Further work is needed to better understand the role of clouds as a possibly widespread sink of ozone in the remote marine boundary layer. In the second case study, vO3 values are negative (varying by a factor of 6–10 from −0.036 ± 0.006 to −0.003 ± 0.004 cm s−1), while the water vapor fluxes are consistently positive due to evaporation from the ocean surface and spatially homogeneous. This case study demonstrates that the processes governing ozone and water vapor fluxes can become decoupled and illustrates the need to elucidate possible drivers (physical, chemical, or biological) of the variability in ozone exchange velocities on fine spatial scales (∼ 20 km) over remote oceans.

Exploring the Design of Financial Instruments and Tax Incentives to Upscale Renewable Energy Generation in South Africa

South Africa is at the precipice of an existential energy crisis. Notably, the country’s endowment comprises vast stores of biomass, wind and solar energy potential that provide the country with a comparative advantage. Transiting from coal to renewable energy sources can stimulate the green economy and mitigate the country’s power shortages. Moreover, by advocating for the decarbonization of the energy sector, a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, this research underscores the potential for advancing South Africa’s decarbonization objectives. This paper explores the design of financial instruments and tax incentives to promote the upscale of renewable energy development in South Africa. A qualitative appraisal is conducted on South Africa’s incentive regime. The study contributes to the scholarship on policy design to stimulate renewable energy generation.

Exploring Soccer Coaching Methods: Design and Validation of a Measurement Instrument

Soccer coaches, although not prominently featured in the foreground, are essential to the outcomes of the sport. They are key figures between athletes and organizational goals. Choosing, retaining, and developing the greatest athletes is the cornerstone to a successful coaching career. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a questionnaire that was determine the characteristic soccer coaching styles. A experimental study involved the participation of 207 soccer coaches (B, A and PRO UEFA coaching license). The questionnaire comprises 14 themes and consists of 65 items designed to evaluate soccer coaching styles, developed from the updated Leadership Scale for Sport. The validation of the developed instrument in this empirical study was conducted using two procedures: (1) factor analysis (PCA with oblique rotation) and (2) an internal consistency assessment (Scale Reliability Analysis – Cronbach's Alpha). Nineteen significant factors were extracted, and they are as follows: Player contribution to the game system; Cooperation/ Opinions; Implementation of coach's requirements; Teaching; Motivation; Conflict resolution; Informations; Sanction; Expressing an opinion; Error correction at own discretion; Highlighting the good and bad sides of players; Instructions; Team goal setting; Highlighting positivism/ negativism; The coach's personal expectations; Team solutions; Strategy creation; Social support; The influence of the team on coaching decision-making. By analyzing the data, it was determined that “B” football coaches are characterized by the coaching style "positive feedback", “A” soccer coaches by the "training and instructor" and "positive feedback" styles, while “PRO” coaches are characterized by the "positive feedback" style and a slightly lower frequency by the "training and instructor" style. Using only one coaching/leadership style is certainly a limiting factor, as different situations require different coaching approaches.

Comparative Analysis of NiTi Instruments with Different Alloy Treatments.

This study aims to compare the cyclic fatigue resistance of nickel-titanium (NiTi) endodontic instruments, focusing on the impact of various alloy treatments and manufacturing processes across different generations of these instruments; Twenty instrumentation systems from different generations, comprising both continuous and reciprocating motion designs, were tested. Four hundred instruments underwent cyclic fatigue testing using an INSTRON machine, with the time and number of cycles to fracture (NCF) recorded for each instrument. Statistical analyses were performed to compare the fatigue resistance between systems, generations, and motion types; Instruments treated with advanced thermal processing, such as Excalibur, Reciproc Blue, and TruNatomy, demonstrated superior resistance to fracture, whereas systems like Protaper Universal, K3XF, and 2Shape showed the lowest resistance. Reciprocating instruments generally exhibited higher cyclic fatigue resistance than continuously rotating instruments; Technological advancements in NiTi instrument design, especially the implementation of heat-treated alloys, have improved cyclic fatigue resistance, enhancing the safety and efficiency of endodontic treatments. Reciprocating systems, in particular, exhibit superior fracture resistance, suggesting their greater utility in challenging clinical conditions.

Radiation Detectors and Sensors in Medical Imaging.

Medical imaging instrumentation design and construction is based on radiation sources and radiation detectors/sensors. This review focuses on the detectors and sensors of medical imaging systems. These systems are subdivided into various categories depending on their structure, the type of radiation they capture, how the radiation is measured, how the images are formed, and the medical goals they serve. Related to medical goals, detectors fall into two major areas: (i) anatomical imaging, which mainly concerns the techniques of diagnostic radiology, and (ii) functional-molecular imaging, which mainly concerns nuclear medicine. An important parameter in the evaluation of the detectors is the combination of the quality of the diagnostic result they offer and the burden of the patient with radiation dose. The latter has to be minimized; thus, the input signal (radiation photon flux) must be kept at low levels. For this reason, the detective quantum efficiency (DQE), expressing signal-to-noise ratio transfer through an imaging system, is of primary importance. In diagnostic radiology, image quality is better than in nuclear medicine; however, in most cases, the dose is higher. On the other hand, nuclear medicine focuses on the detection of functional findings and not on the accurate spatial determination of anatomical data. Detectors are integrated into projection or tomographic imaging systems and are based on the use of scintillators with optical sensors, photoconductors, or semiconductors. Analysis and modeling of such systems can be performed employing theoretical models developed in the framework of cascaded linear systems analysis (LCSA), as well as within the signal detection theory (SDT) and information theory.

Doubly robust machine learning-based estimation methods for instrumental variables with an application to surgical care for cholecystitis

Abstract Comparative effectiveness research frequently employs the instrumental variable design since randomized trials can be infeasible. In this study, we investigate treatments for emergency cholecystitis—inflammation of the gallbladder. A standard treatment for cholecystitis is surgical removal of the gallbladder, while alternative non-surgical treatments include managed care and pharmaceutical options. We use an instrument for operative care: the surgeon’s tendency to operate. Standard instrumental variable estimation methods, however, often rely on parametric models that are prone to bias from model misspecification. Thus, we outline instrumental variable methods based on the doubly robust machine learning framework. These methods enable us to employ machine learning techniques, delivering consistent estimates, and permitting valid inference on various estimands. We use these methods to estimate the primary target estimand in an instrumental variable design. Additionally, we expand these methods to develop new estimators for heterogeneous causal effects, profiling principal strata, and sensitivity analyses for a key instrumental variable assumption. We conduct a simulation to identify scenarios where more flexible estimation methods outperform standard methods. Our findings indicate that operative care is generally more effective for cholecystitis patients, although the benefits of surgery can be less pronounced for key patient subgroups.

Validation of a Virtual Ray Tracing Instrument for Dimensional X-Ray CT Measurements

A new Forward Ray Tracing Instrument (FRTI) for simulating X-ray CT scanners is presented. The FRTI enables the modelling of various detector geometries to optimise instrument designs. The FRTI is demonstrated by comparing experimentally measured sphere centre-to-centre distances from two material measures with digital clones. The measured length deviations were smaller than the reconstructed grid spacing for both the experimental and simulated acquisitions. As expected the experimentally measured length deviations were larger than the simulated measurements. The results demonstrate the FRII’s capability of simulating an X-ray CT scanner and performing length measurements.

Assessment strategy based on authentic assessment to identify high school students' ability in assessing drama texts and drama performances

Drama learning plays an important role in training students to sharpen their expressive abilities in performing arts. This study aims to develop and implement an authentic assessment-based assessment strategy to identify high school students' ability to assess drama texts and drama performances. The research method used is research and development (R&D) which involves several stages, namely needs analysis, instrument design, and assessment model development. The R&D model used in this research is the ADDIE model (Analysis-Design-Develop-Implement-Evaluate). The results showed that the developed authentic assessment model can improve students' ability to assess drama texts and performances. Teachers who use this model find it helpful in developing more effective and comprehensive assessment instruments. In addition, students showed improvement in critical thinking and evaluation skills, as well as the ability to identify and assess important elements in drama and performance texts. This study suggests that the implementation of authentic assessment strategies can make a positive contribution towards improving the quality of assessment in a secondary school setting.

A Model-Based Systematic Innovative Design for Sonic Logging Instruments in Natural Gas Wells.

With the continued development of natural gas extraction technologies, the accurate determination of downhole temperature and pressure has become increasingly important. It is crucial for the optimization of gas well production and an important measure to prevent accidents. However, existing logging instruments have a series of deficiencies in measurement and cannot adequately monitor modern natural gas. In response to these problems, in this paper, we propose a new model-based systematic innovation design method for designing logging instruments and simulations using finite element software. Our research results confirm the theoretical and practical utility of this model-based design method and provide a novel approach to designing logging instruments.

Comparative analysis of blast prediction software for far-field shock wave effects behind a blast wall

This paper investigates a selection of current and emerging software used in the prediction of overpressure generated through the detonation of a high explosive in the far field behind a blast wall. In particular, this paper compares the software Autodyn, blastFoam, ProSAir, Viper::Blast and WALAIR++. These packages are compared by simulating a 100 kg TNT explosive charge at a stand-off distance of 25 m from a complex structure, then reviewing the performance in terms of the overpressure results, speed of each modelling package, the degree of effect from mesh, and domain sizes and ease of use. A live experimental trial representing the simulation was also performed, although it used a similar but different explosive, for a high-level comparison. The live-trial instrumentation design details are reviewed and compared with best practice. The choice of software is found to lead to variations in peak pressure predictions of 28%, specific impulse by 10% and the simulation speed can vary by a factor of up to 1600 for this type of study. This shows that the choice of blast software package can have a significant impact on the accuracy and attainability of blast predictions.

Translation and Validation of a Transformational Leadership Scale in Peruvian Public Servants

Background Transformational leadership has been identified as an essential component for success and innovation within the public sector, especially in the digital age and in the face of global challenges. This form of leadership, which seeks to change and inspire people, has been shown to be crucial for improving organizational performance and the quality of public services. However, the application of these principles in Peru faces specific challenges, and there is a notable lack of empirical research on this phenomenon in the Peruvian public sector, particularly in the evaluation of the tools used for its measurement. Objective This study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Global Transformational Leadership (GTL) scale in a sample of Peruvian public servants. Methods An instrumental research design was adopted, using non-probabilistic sampling. The sample included 290 Peruvian public servants (M = 34.61, SD = 9.2), with an analysis that encompassed confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and reliability estimates. Results Descriptive analysis results indicated a high tendency to respond positively on the scale. The CFA confirmed the proposed unidimensional structure of the scale, with acceptable fit according to various indices (χ2 = 39.130, CFI = 0.97, TLI = 0.95, RMSEA = 0.08, SRMR = 0.03), and all factor loadings were significant and greater than 0.50, indicating a strong association with the transformational leadership dimension and exceptionally high internal consistency (α = 0.94). Conclusions The study confirmed that the GTL transformational leadership scale is a psychometrically robust tool and applicable to the Peruvian context. The unidimensional structure and high reliability of the scale suggest that it is suitable for measuring transformational leadership among public servants in Peru.

The relevance of indigenous knowledge systems in social work education and practice in Zimbabwe: A human rights perspective

Indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) are central to communities in Africa. They shape, influence, and define the behaviour of societies. Most communities in Zimbabwe have consistently recognised the human rights of individuals. Understanding how IKS can influence social work theory and practice to uphold human rights is important. Human rights are an inherent part of the social work profession. The article explores the views of social work educators in Zimbabwe on the intersection of IKS and human rights in social work education and practice. Data were qualitatively collected from ten purposefully selected social work educators using an instrumental case study design. Evidence from the participants shows four essential aspects, which are, the relevance of indigenous knowledge systems in social work education and practice in Zimbabwe, the role of indigenous knowledge systems in the application of human rights in social work in Zimbabwe, ways to utilise IKS best to uphold human rights; the challenges faced by educators in utilising indigenous knowledge systems in social work in Zimbabwe. The article concludes that IKS upholds human rights perspectives in social work theory and practice. The article recommends that IKS, informed by a human rights perspective, be integrated into social work education and practice in Zimbabwe and practised at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels.

Void number counts as a cosmological probe for the large-scale structure

ABSTRACT Void number count (VNC) indicates the number of low-density regions in the large-scale structure (LSS) of the Universe, and we propose to use it as an effective cosmological probe. By generating the galaxy mock catalogue based on Jiutian simulations and considering the spectroscopic survey strategy and instrumental design of the China Space Station Telescope (CSST), which can reach a magnitude limit $\sim$23 AB mag and spectral resolution $R\gtrsim 200$ with a sky coverage of 17 500 deg2, we identify voids using the watershed algorithm without any assumption of void shape and obtain the mock void catalogue and data of the VNC in six redshift bins from $z=0.3$ to 1.3. We use the Markov chain Monte Carlo method to constrain the cosmological and VNC parameters. The void linear underdensity threshold $\delta _{\rm v}$ in the theoretical model is set to be a free parameter at a given redshift to fit the VNC data and explore their redshift evolution. We find that the VNC can correctly derive the cosmological information, and the constraint strength on the cosmological parameters is comparable to that from the void size function method, which can reach a few per cent level in the CSST full spectroscopic survey. This is because, since the VNC is not sensitive to void shape, the modified theoretical model can match the data better by integrating over void features, and more voids could be included in the VNC analysis by applying simpler selection criteria, which will improve the statistical significance. It indicates that the VNC can be an effective cosmological probe for exploring the LSS.

Income Inequality Considering the Cost of Living. An Admin-Data Approach Studying the Swiss Case

Cost of living is an important aspect of economic well-being, which is often neglected in inequality studies. Based on a Gini decomposition using admin data, this study estimates the relevance of minimum and average cost of living in Switzerland in relation to inequality and highlights the significance of direct taxes, everyday goods, housing, and health care premiums. Cost of living significantly increases disposable income inequality. Regional differences exist, which are primarily attributed to the design of welfare instruments.

Using Wearable Sensors to Study Musical Experience: A Systematic Review.

Over the last few decades, a growing number of studies have used wearable technologies, such as inertial and pressure sensors, to investigate various domains of music experience, from performance to education. In this paper, we systematically review this body of literature using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) method. The initial search yielded a total of 359 records. After removing duplicates and screening for content, 23 records were deemed fully eligible for further analysis. Studies were grouped into four categories based on their main objective, namely performance-oriented systems, measuring physiological parameters, gesture recognition, and sensory mapping. The reviewed literature demonstrated the various ways in which wearable systems impact musical contexts, from the design of multi-sensory instruments to systems monitoring key learning parameters. Limitations also emerged, mostly related to the technology's comfort and usability, and directions for future research in wearables and music are outlined.

In-Vitro Investigation on the Tribological Properties of Nickel-Titanium (NiTi) Alloy Used in Braided Vascular Stents

The integration of diverse weaving angles in vascular stent design proves beneficial for addressing complex applications such as bending, branching, and load-bearing. However, the weaving process may introduce frictional corrosion issues among threads, necessitating further investigation into frictional behaviors at different weaving angles. This study simplifies the contact between nickel-titanium (NiTi) alloy threads in woven stents as line-to-line contact between rods. A proposed in vitro experiment, based on weaving angles of 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, and 90°, systematically analyzes friction and wear characteristics, including friction coefficients, wear parameters, and morphology. Findings indicate significant impacts of weaving angles on tribological behaviors, with 30° weaving angle stents exhibiting the lowest wear rate. The study identifies four developmental stages in the life cycle of line-to-line contact wear: breaking-in wear, steady wear, severe wear, and post-stable wear. Under 25% calf serum lubrication, lower friction coefficients and wear rates are observed, validating NiTi alloy suitability for lubricated human environments. The investigation reveals a nonlinear correlation between weaving angles, friction cycles, and wear rates, offering insights for the tribological design of woven instruments.

GGR Handbook of Rock and Mineral Analysis Chapter 1 (Part 1) Geoanalytical Metrology

This chapter (Geoanalytical Metrology) is a contribution to the Geostandards and Geoanalytical Research Handbook of Rock and Mineral Analysis – an online textbook that is a fully revised and updated edition of Handbook of Silicate Rock Analysis, which was written by Philip J. Potts and published in 1987 by Blackie and Son (Glasgow). This second edition comprises chapters, written by prominent research scientists, designed to provide comprehensive overviews of the relevant techniques for the elemental characterisation of rocks and minerals. Chapters are designed to allow new practitioners to the field (including research students) to attain a comprehensive understanding of the theory, practice and capabilities of each technique, as well as being of benefit to established research geoanalysts. In addition to the content, chapter titles have been revised where appropriate to reflect progress in this field.Chapter 1, Part 1 (from Section 1 of the handbook dealing with fundamentals of measurement and instrument design) first sets out the overarching conventions that operate in analytical chemistry, including a description of the international organisations and systems that regulate the standards governing the discipline. This is followed by coverage of the statistical basis on which geoanalytical data sets are treated, analysed and interpreted, which summarises most of the relevant tests and terminology employed in this field. The methods by which the calibration of measured signals from instrumental techniques is tackled, followed by method validation, which covers aspects including measurement uncertainty, bias, precision and trueness. Sections detailing metrological traceability and quality management conclude this chapter.

The Peregrine Ion Trap Mass Spectrometer (PITMS) Investigation Development and Preflight Planning

The Peregrine Ion Trap Mass Spectrometer (PITMS) is a mass spectrometer instrument that operated during the Astrobotic Peregrine Mission-1 as part of the NASA Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative. This paper describes the instrument and investigation design, development, and planning conducted by the PITMS team, consisting of a successful partnership between NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), The Open University, NASA, and ESA. PITMS was designed to measure the abundance and temporal variability of volatile species in the near-surface lunar exosphere from a landed platform on the lunar surface. The PITMS instrument consisted of a European Space Agency–provided Exospheric Mass Spectrometer (including sensor, electronics, controller, and power supply boards) and a GSFC wrapper that provided structural elements, thermal control, and a deployable dust cover. PITMS was designed to operate as a passive sampler, where ambient gases would enter PITMS through an aperture, diffuse around the mass analyzer cavity, become ionized by electron impact and trapped in an RF field, and then sequentially be released to a detector to build a mass spectrum. PITMS was capable of measuring species with a mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) from 10 to 150 Da, with a mass resolution of approximately 0.5 amu. The PITMS science investigation was planned to be operated by GSFC with an international team of scientists. Though the mission did not achieve its lunar landing, information about the PITMS instrument and planning is provided to be able to understand and effectively use data that will be forthcoming from the investigation.

An Observation Instrument for Technical and Tactical Actions in the Soccer Offense Phase: Design, Validation, and Reliability

Coaches and other sports professionals are given adaptable tools by using observational methods in the context of sports. These tools are frequently used in team sports for technical and tactical analysis of the match. The goal was to build, validate, and evaluate the dependability of a mixed observational instrument of field formats and category systems to study technical and tactical activities in the offensive phase of soccer, taking into account the significance of data quality in these instruments. The device records data on the attacking team’s and goalkeeper’s actions with the ball, play moments (start, development, and end), and surrounding circumstances. Four steps were taken in the instrument design, validation, and reliability calculation: (a) literature review; (b) initial draft design; (c) qualitative and quantitative expert assessment of the instrument; and (d) observer training test (reliability calculation). Ten experts (soccer coaches with at least ten years of coaching experience or sports scientists with a PhD) determined the content validity. The Delphi process was applied. A quantitative (scale 0 10) and qualitative examination was performed by experts. The following topics were covered in the questionnaire for experts: (a) understanding of the criteria, categorical cores, degree of openness, and their definitions; (b) applicability of the categorical cores and degree of openness; and (c) decision-making on the inclusion of further categorical cores or degree of openness in the observation instrument. The categorical core “numerical situation with opponent goalkeeper” has the lowest Aiken’s V index of 0.91. The levels of agreement between and among observers were good. The category core “defensive pressing lines” had the lowest Kappa index (0.96 for inter-reliability and 0.98 for intra-reliability), as did the category core “ball height (start of ball possession),” “distance of the defensive player,” “ball height (end of ball possession”),” “numerical situation,” and “defensive pressing lines.” The generalizability analysis’ results demonstrated the instrument’s excellent level of accuracy, validity, and reliability. The findings demonstrate that the tool can be used to gather unbiased, trustworthy information regarding soccer’s offensive phase.