Intensity Parameters Research Articles

Performance of UF-5000 in rapidly screening out urinary tract infection, predicting Gram-negative bacteria infection.

Urine culture is the gold standard for identifying microorganisms in urine. However, the process is time-consuming and usually takes days to get the results, which impedes timely treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of UF-5000 in excluding bacterial urinary tract infection (UTI) and detecting the presence of Gram-negative bacteria. A total of 1,522 urine specimens were subjected to routine urine analysis and culture. Bacteria, white blood cell counts, and UF-5000 bacteria information flags were compared with urine culture. Bacteria forward scatter (B_FSC), and bacteria fluorescent light intensity (B_FLH) parameters were assessed to determine the optimal angle for discriminating bacterial growth patterns, which was verified in the validation cohort. The optimal cut-off values were 42.2/µL and 100.2/µL to rule out UTI for bacteria at ≥104 CFU/mL and ≥105 CFU/mL, respectively. The agreement of UF-5000 bacterial classification and urine culture was fair (Kappa = 0.227). Regarding the discrimination of bacterial groups, "Gram Neg?" was associated with a specificity of 94.0% and a positive predictive value of 87.2% in the detection of Gram-negative bacteria. By estimating the B_FSC and B_FLH parameters, the best angle was 28° for distinguishing Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Among the 136 urine specimens with the low angle pattern (<28°) in the validation cohort, 127 specimens were confirmed to contain Gram-negative bacteria. The UF-5000 analyzer is a suitable and rapid tool to exclude negative urine specimens, and bacterial information flags for Gram-negative bacteria could be trusted by clinicians.IMPORTANCEThe strength of our study relied on being the first study assessing the bacteria forward scatter (B_FSC) and bacteria fluorescent light intensity (B_FLH) research parameters with a UF-5000 urine analyzer and establishing the best angle for distinguishing Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. When the bacterial scatter plot angle is less than 28°, the possibility of Gram-negative bacterial infection is more than 80%. Meanwhile, we find that UF-5000 bacterial information flags have a significant advantage in detecting Gram-negative bacteria with a specificity of over 90% and a positive predictive value of over 80%.

Maternal Parity Effect on Spine Posture Changes and Back Pain During Pregnancy

Background: Pregnancy can significantly alter posture and stability, thereby affecting spine curvatures. A positive relationship between the number of full-term pregnancies and the prevalence of low back pain (LBP) has been reported previously. This study aimed to analyze the impact of pregnancy on spine posture and LBP. Methods: Thirty pregnant females who were nulliparous (Group 1, n = 15) or had one or two pregnancies (Group 2, n = 15) were examined using the photogrammetric method in the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy. Further, a correlation analysis was conducted among the body mass index (BMI), pain intensity (VAS scale), and spine posture parameters. Results: The parous groups did not differ significantly in the parameters of the spinal posture. The thoracic angle decreased in trimester II compared to trimester I (157.77° vs. 160.55°, p = 0.004), which, according to the measurement methodology used, means that the thoracic kyphosis curvature increased. BMI was associated with the angle of trunk inclination in trimester I in Group 1 (r = 0.54, p = 0.04), as well as with the thoracic angle in trimesters II and III in Group 2 (r = 0.54–0.62, p &lt; 0.05). A statistically significant correlation between pain intensity and spine posture parameters was more frequently observed in Group 2. Conclusions: Parity does not affect spine posture during pregnancy or pain intensity. The intensity of LBP was associated with spine posture changes during pregnancy, but the character of association differs between groups of parity. Alterations in spine posture should be monitored during pregnancy to prevent back pain.

Debris flow simulations for hazard, vulnerability and risk assessment in the Karakorum mountain ranges, northern Pakistan

The Karakorum mountainous ranges in northern Pakistan have frequently witnessed devastating debris flows with damaging impacts on surrounding communities and infrastructure. Debris flow runout modeling and hazard assessment are crucial to develop and implement effective mitigation and adaptation measures. In this study, debris flow runout modeling using multiple scenarios of slope failures is carried out for hazard and risk assessments in the Karimabad watershed of the Hunza Valley in northern Pakistan. A 3D numerical simulation tool RAMMS was used to estimate the hazard intensity parameters (runout distance, flow velocity and height) along the debris flow track, based on the Voellmy model. To calibrate the model inputs, a back analysis of the Haiderabad stream debris flow event of July 26, 2022 has been conducted based on the estimated initial volume and the known runout distance. The calibrated values of the dry friction coefficient μ = 0.07 and turbulent coefficient ξ = 550 m/s2 were utilized for the three potential release areas. Different initial volumes were considered, and the results were combined to determine the debris flow runout distance and other intensity parameters for each scenario. The failure of three selected release areas could potentially block or divert the river Hunza. The integration of RAMMS parameters mainly flow velocity and height into hazard mapping assists in the demarcation of the area and elements at risk which are exposed to the potential impacts of debris flows. The derived debris flow hazard maps show that the road network including the KKH is exposed to debris flows. The impact of the debris flows on the surrounding communities and infrastructure is carried out through the vulnerability assessment and combined with the hazard assessment to derive the risk. Due to the intensive incision in the channels as the path for debris flow, the settlements and populations are less vulnerable to debris flow, however, poses a risk to the communication network and KKH. The study should assist the concerned agencies in developing and implementing debris flow risk mitigation strategies.

Tailored microstructure in laser-based powder bed fusion of IN718 through novel beam shaping technology

Inconel 718, processed by Laser-based Powder Bed Fusion of Metals (PBF-LB/M), exhibits epitaxial dendrite growth, leading to an anisotropic columnar microstructure. While columnar microstructures offer creep resistance, equiaxed microstructures provide more balanced mechanical properties. Understanding how to tailor the as-built microstructure in the PBF-LB/M process remains a persistent challenge. Recent advancements in beam shaping offer solutions for customizing heat flow direction in the PBF-LB/M process and tailoring the as-built microstructure. This research aims to systematically study how the laser beam shape affects anisotropy in the as-built microstructure and tensile mechanical properties. By using an inverse calculated beam shape, called as chair-shaped, the texture strength represented by J-index was reduced from 4.6 (generated by a ring-shaped beam profile with the same beam intensity and laser process parameters) to 1.37. The study prioritizes high productivity, with a building rate of 16 mm3/s (80 μm layer thickness) across chosen process parameters compared to state-of-the-art with a build rate of 4.2 mm3/s (40 μm layer thickness). The findings indicate that rotational asymmetric laser beam profiles with a relative beam diameter of 400 μm significantly enhance productivity by broadening the process window. These profiles also have a profound impact on the microstructure and tensile properties compared to ring-shaped and core-ring laser beam profiles. The new microstructure features a notable reduction in grain size, elongation, and texture index, producing mechanical properties that are comparable to those of an isotropic microstructure.

Spectral Investigation of Enhanced Orange Emission in Eu3+ Activated LaPO4 Nanophosphors Through Codoping With Na+ and Bi3+ Ions.

Lanthanum phosphate is a well-known potential host for rare earth activators for phosphor-converted white LED application. Na+ and Bi3+ codoped Eu3+ activated LaPO4 nanophosphor is successfully synthesized using citrate-based hydrothermal method at ambient condition and confirmed by XRD, EDS and XPS analysis. The excitation spectra of the sample exhibit sharp f-f characteristics peak of Eu3+ at 393 nm that is found to be the most dominant. The comparative photoluminescence studies of La1-xPO4:xEu3+(x = 0.10), La1-x-y PO4:xEu3+, yNa+(x = 0.10, y = 0.05), and La1-x-y-zPO4:xEu3+, yNa+, zBi3+ (x = 0.10, y = z = 0.05) reveal a progressive enhancement of the orange emission from Eu3+ as Na+ and (Na+, Bi3+) ions are incorporated into the LaPO4 matrix. The dominance of 5D0-7F1 magnetic dipole transition contributing a major part of orange luminescence of the nanophosphors and the symmetric site occupancy of Eu3+ was justified from the observed trend of in the Judd-Ofelt intensity parameters. The CIE studies confirm the improvement in color purity of emission from 32.5% to 90.6% due to the presence of Na+ and Bi3+ions.

Dy3+ ions in fluorophosphate glasses for luminescent white light applications

Abstract In this study, a series of fluorophosphate (FP) glasses, activated with Dy3+ ions and displaying concentration dependence, have been prepared and analysed for their suitability in luminescent white light applications. The melt quenching method was utilized to fabricate a set of FP glasses, doped with Dy3+ ions and possessing the composition of (60 − x) P2O5 + 10MgO + 10ZnO + 10BiF3 + 10KF + xDy2O3, where x ranges from 0.1 to 2.0 mol%. The structural properties of the samples were analysed using x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and Raman spectroscopy while the optical properties of the samples were studied using absorption and emission spectra. The amorphous nature of the FP glasses was confirmed through SEM analysis and XRD profiles. Moreover, the presence of elements in their composition was verified using EDX. The FTIR spectra of the FP glasses exhibited vibration bands consistent with the characteristic phosphate groups, which was further supported by Raman analysis. The absorption spectra were used to calculate oscillator strengths (f exp &amp; f cal) and Judd–Ofelt (JO) parameters Ω λ (λ = 2, 4, 6). The values of Ω λ (λ = 2, 4, 6) followed this order: Ω6 &gt; Ω2 &gt; Ω4. The emission spectra displayed three prominent transitions in the UV–visible region: (4F9/2 → 6H15/2) blue, (4F9/2 → 6H13/2) yellow, and (4F9/2 → 6H11/2) red. The peak at 553 nm (4F9/2 → 6H13/2) was the most intense and dominant. Radiative characteristics were evaluated from the emission spectra through the employment of JO intensity parameters and refractive indices. The Y/B intensity ratio values were greater than 1, indicating the high covalency of Dy3+ ions. The colour coordinates (x, y) and correlated colour temperature values of CIE 1931 were situated in the cool white region. The comprehensive analysis suggests that these glasses have the potential to become highly favourable candidates as luminescent components for solid-state white light emitting instruments.

A Vibrotactile Belt for Measuring Vibrotactile Acuities on the Human Torso Using Coin Motors

Accurate measurement of the vibrotactile acuities of the human torso is the key to designing effective torso-worn vibrotactile displays for healthcare applications such as navigation aids for visually impaired persons. Although efforts have been made to measure vibrotactile acuities, there remains a lack of systematic studies addressing the spatial, temporal, and intensity-related aspects of vibrotactile sensitivity on the human torso. In this work, a torso-worn vibrotactile belt consisting of two crossed coin motor arrays was designed and a psychophysical study was carried out to measure the spatial, temporal, and intensity-related vibrotactile acuities of a set of human subjects wearing the designed belt. The objective parameters of vibrational intensity and the timing latency of the coin motor were also determined before measuring the vibrotactile acuities. The experimental results indicated that the tested coin motor was able to generate a median number of five and six available just-noticeable differences in intensity and duration, respectively. Among the four parameters of vibrational intensity, the perceived intensity was the most relevant to vibrational displacement. The spatial acuities measured as the degree of two-point spatial thresholds (TPTs) showed less individual difference than the distance TPTs. The results from the current work provide valuable guidance for the design of a comfortable torso-worn vibrotactile display using coin motors.

Heliospheric Effect on Solar Activity Parameters during MaximumPhase of Solar Cycle 24 (2012-2015)

Abstract The time series of daily data of solar activity proxies, namely the sunspot number (SSN), sunspot area (SSA), solar radio flux (F10.7), modified coronal index (MCI), solar flare index (FI), and cosmic ray intensity (CRI), were analyzed to understand the solar activity modulations and short-term periodicities therein. Rieger-type, and other short-term periods, including the solar rotational period that covers the maximum activity phase period (maximum phase of solar cycle 24). The wavelet power spectra and Periodogram of SSN, SSA, F10.7, MCI, FI, and CRI exhibited a significant short-term period. The heliospheric effects exist for a particular period (~27 days) and it is related to the solar activity phenomena. The cross-correlation coefficients and time lags between the cosmic ray intensity and solar activity parameters were estimated to be 200, 46, 281, 39, and 47 days for SSN, SSA, F10.7, MCI, and FI respectively during the time series 2012-2015 (maximum phase of solar cycle 24).

Explosion characteristics of two-phase ejecta from large-capacity lithium iron phosphate batteries

When a thermal runaway accident occurs in a lithium-ion battery energy storage station, the battery emits a large amount of flammable electrolyte vapor and thermal runaway gas, which may cause serious combustion and explosion accidents when they are ignited in a confined space. With the gradual development of large-scale energy storage batteries, the composition and explosive characteristics of thermal runaway products in large-scale lithium iron phosphate batteries for energy storage remain unclear. In this paper, the content and components of the two-phase eruption substances of 340Ah lithium iron phosphate battery were determined through experiments, and the explosion parameters of the two-phase battery eruptions were studied by using the improved and optimized 20L spherical explosion parameter test system, which reveals the explosion law and hazards of the two-phase battery eruptions. Studies have shown that in a two-phase system explosion, EMC can make the two-phase system more explosive and more powerful, and the thermal runaway gas expands its explosion concentration range. The coupling explosion of the two enhanced the sensitivity and explosive power of the two-phase ejecta. Increasing the concentration of any combustible in a two-phase system will cause the explosion intensity parameters of the system to increase. However, when the combustible concentration exceeds the optimal explosion concentration, the explosion intensity parameters will decrease or even no explosion will occur. Both explosion intensity parameters and sensitivity parameters are more sensitive to EMC concentration, and the higher the EMC concentration, the stronger its dominant role in the explosion of the two-phase system. This work can lay the foundation for revealing the disaster-causing mechanism of explosion accidents in lithium-ion battery energy storage power stations, guide the safe design of energy storage systems and the prevention and control of explosion accidents, and provide theoretical and data support for the investigation of explosion accidents in energy storage power stations.

Investigation of Acoustic Voice Characteristics of Individuals Diagnosed with Muscle Tension Dysphonia.

Muscle tension dysphonia (MTD) is a functional voice condition that causes irregular and imbalanced laryngeal and paralaryngeal muscle activation. Our study aimed to examine the acoustic characteristics of patients with MTD and reveal the differences between genders. The study retrospectively reviewed the acoustic examination findings from the files of patients diagnosed with MTD during evaluations in the laryngology outpatient clinic at a tertiary reference hospital between 2015 and 2022. The parameters assessed in prolonged vowel phonation analysis were fundamental frequency (F0), jitter, shimmer, noise-to-harmonic-to-ratio, and soft phonation index; in the counting task analysis, they were intensity, frequency, and semitone. Gender differences in acoustic measurements obtained during prolonged vowel phonation and counting tasks were also examined. The study included 80 individuals diagnosed with MTD. Although all parameters in the acoustic analysis of/a/ phonation were increased, differences were statistically significant only in the F0 and jitter parameters between females and males (p≤0.05). In the analysis of the counting task, the mean and minimum F0 parameters were significantly higher in females than in males (p=0.000). The mean dB level was decreased, particularly in the counting task, but the results for the intensity parameter did not differ significantly between genders (p>0.05). The values in the acoustic voice analysis parameters of patients with MTD were determined. These acoustic parameters are thought to guide the clinician in evaluating voice and determining voice therapy goals for MTD patients.

Relationship of chronic low back pain intensity with functional activity, stress and quality of life in working-age adults

Background. Low back pain (LBP) is a global problem in the modern world. A detailed study of the relationship between pain intensity and the indicators with which it may be associated will allow optimising approaches to the treatment and rehabilitation of patients with chronic LBP. The purpose was to eva­luate the relationship between the intensity of chronic LBP and indicators of functional activity, stress and quality of life in subjects of working age. Materials and methods. A survey was conducted among 159 persons aged 18-65 years with LBP lasting more than 3 months. Using a Google-form, the participants were given a questionnaire that included socio-demographic, anthropometric characteristics, lifestyle data, bad habits, physical activity (PhA) and stress levels, quality of life, and impairment. The intensity of pain was measured at the first visit to a PhRM doctor using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Results. The study involved 159 patients, 65.7 % women and 34.3 % men, with a mean VAS pain intensity of 46.5 ± 18.6 mm. A weak positive correlation was found between pain intensity and age (r = 0.30, p &lt; 0.001), but no significant relationship was found between pain intensity and anthropometric parameters. Subjects who smoke, have insufficient PhA and sleep disturbance had higher pain intensity scores (57.6 ± 15.2 mm (p = 0.04), 49.0 ± 18.8 mm (p = 0.12), 49.7 ± 19.9 mm (p = 0.002), respectively). Sitting time more than 6 hours had significant associations with pain intensity (p &lt; 0.001). A weak positive correlation was found between pain intensity on the VAS scale and stress le­vel (r = 0.24, p = 0.002), a moderate positive correlation between pain intensity and impairment (r = 0.36, p &lt; 0.001) and a mo­derate negative correlation between quality of life and pain intensity. ­Conclusions. There was a significant association between pain intensity and age, smoking, sleep disturbance, sedentary work for more than 6 hours, higher stress levels, impaired functioning and lower quality of life.

Spectroscopic Properties of TmF3-Doped CaF2 Crystals.

In this study, we report the growth and comprehensive spectroscopic analysis of TmF3-doped CaF2 crystals, grown using the vertical Bridgman method. The optical absorption and photoluminescence properties of both trivalent (Tm3+) and divalent (Tm2+) thulium ions were investigated. Optical absorption spectra in the UV-VIS-NIR range reveal characteristic transitions of Tm3+ ions, as well as weaker absorption bands corresponding to Tm2+ ions. The Judd-Ofelt (JO) formalism was applied to determine the intensity parameters Ω2, Ω4, and Ω6, which were used to calculate radiative transition probabilities, branching ratios, and radiative lifetimes for the Tm3+ ions. The emission spectra showed concentration-dependent quenching effects, with significant emissions observed for the concentration of 0.1 mol% TmF3 under excitation at 260 nm and 353 nm for Tm3+ ions and at 305 nm for Tm2+ ions. A new UV emission associated with divalent Thulium is reported. The results indicate that higher TmF3 concentrations lead to increased non-radiative energy transfer, which reduces luminescence efficiency. These findings contribute to the understanding of the optical behavior of Tm-doped fluoride crystals, with implications for their application in laser technologies and radiation dosimetry.

Tuned quantum cutting efficiency by Li+/Na+ molar content in LixNa1-xGd(MoO4)2:Er3+/Yb3+ phosphors

Quantum cutting materials have garnered significant interest due to their potential applications in enhancing photoelectric conversion efficiency in devices such as solar cells. The host matrices that accommodate rare earth ions play a pivotal role in determining the optical transition properties, which are crucial for quantum cutting. In this study, both Er3+ single-doped and Er3+/Yb3+ co-doped LixNa1-xGd(MoO4)2 (x = 0, 0.01, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 0.9, 0.99 and 1.0) were synthesized via a high-temperature solid-state reaction to tune the optical transitions properties and enhance quantum cutting efficiency. Optical transition intensity parameters (Judd-Ofelt parameters) of Er3+ were calculated and shown to vary significantly with the Li+/Na+ molar content, demonstrating that these optical properties can be effectively tuned by adjusting the sample composition. The reliability of these calculations was confirmed by comparing the radiative transition rate ratios between two green emissions of Er3 obtained through both theoretical and experimental methods. A two-step energy transfer mechanism was identified as the basis for quantum cutting process, and the relevant energy transfer and nonradiative relaxation rates were determined. Notably, the quantum cutting efficiency reached a peak value of 155.65 % in Li0.5Na0.5Gd(MoO4)2 sample, indicating that successful tuning of the sample's optical transition properties effectively enhanced its quantum cutting efficiency. These findings underscore the viability of tuning the optical properties of rare earth-doped materials to design highly efficient quantum cutting materials.

Analytical Overview of the Methods of Controlling the Parameters of Vibratory Compaction of the Concrete Mixes

Introduction. A historical (retrospective) overview of the evolution and application of the methods of concrete mixture compaction by vibration, as well as an overview of the breakthrough scientific+ advancements in the studied field have been presented. The use of the dry concrete mixes that reduce cement consumption, accelerate the strength gain of concrete, reduce the shrinkage strain and heat emission and increase the strength and durability of products has been proposed. The theoretical and practical issues of vibratory compaction of the concrete mixes, the research on the effect reached by the various vibration modes of the vibrating tables, the issues of choosing an efficient mode of vibration impact during compacting the concrete mixes and optimisation of their parameters have been studied. The vibrating table design, the installation layout of the vibrator’s eccentric weights to obtain a given value of the exciting force and the layout of a vibration module with the directed vibrations have been studied in detail. The criteria of duration of the concrete mixture compaction have been defined, changes of the impact parameters during compacting the concrete mixes have been characterised and technical specifications of the vibrating tables have been defined. In the article considerable attention has been paid to the main parameters of the vibrocompacting machines: frequency, amplitude and acceleration of the working member. Most often, the parameter of intensity is used to assess the efficiency of the vibration impact received by the mixture during the compaction process.Materials and Methods. A mixture that turns into concrete after compaction, setting and hardening was selected for the research. The various methods and parameters of concrete mixture compaction to obtain the high-quality concrete were studied. The impact of the various vibration modes on the process of compaction of concrete mixes was investigated, the criteria for the efficient selection and optimisation of the vibration impact parameters were revealed. The paper presents the criteria for assessing duration of the concrete mixture compaction and describes the changes in the parameters during compaction of the concrete mixes. The technical specifications of the vibrating tables of different types and sizes were also presented. The choice of the vibration compaction mode for the concrete mixture is a complicated task, which includes many parameters.Results. Upon the research, the data on the process of concrete mixture compaction under the impact of vibration forces has been obtained. The process results in the destruction of the structural bonds and weakening the bonds between the particles, which leads to the emergence of a variable stress-strain condition. It has also been found that under such settings, the mineral particles get transferred and a denser packing is formed.Discussion and Conclusion. The resulting denser packing of the concrete mixture particles ensures the undoubted economic advantage due to reduced consumption of a binder without loss of the strength properties of concrete.

Multifunctional BiOCl: Sm3+ nanophosphors: A luminescent platform for solid-state lighting applications, optical thermometry, photocatalytic and forensic applications

Rare earth-activated phosphor materials have been widely used as active probes in optical materials for multidimensional applications. Here, we report a series of ultrahigh purity orange-red emitting BiOCl: xSm3+ (x= 0.5- 2.5 mol %) nanophosphors synthesized via conventional solid-state method at relatively low temperatures for various photonic and forensic applications. XRD and Rietveld refinement results confirmed the tetragonal crystal structure of the synthesized phosphor materials with space group P4/nmm. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and Raman spectroscopy were used to perform the functional group analysis. The UV-Vis-NIR spectra were analyzed to determine the Judd-Ofelt (JO) intensity parameters (Ω2, Ω4, Ω6) and to identify the bonding structure and spontaneous emission properties of the samples. The prepared phosphors exhibit intense orange-red emission under 408 nm excitation and beyond 1 mol% doping of Sm3+ ions, the emission intensity decreases due to concentration quenching mechanism via, dipole-dipole interaction between the optically active Sm3+ ions in the phosphor sample. The synthesized BiOCl: Sm3+ nanophosphors possess low correlated color temperature (CCT), admirable high color purity (99.4%) and outstanding internal quantum efficiency (IQE) of 95.27%. The optical thermometry behavior of the optimized sample has been investigated in detail. Moreover, the optimized nanophosphor stains on porous and non-porous surfaces show clear ridge patterns with high sensitivity, efficiency, and minimal background hindrance for latent fingerprints and lip print detection in forensic applications and are used as security ink in anti-counterfeiting applications. Overall, the results revealed the potential prospects of BiOCl: Sm3+ nanophosphors in the field of display applications, optical thermometry, and forensic sciences.

Spectral and Luminescence Study of Er3+ Doped Phosphate Glasses for the Development of 1.5 µm Broadband Amplifier

Ytterbium zinc lithium lead alumino antimony borophosphate glasses containing Er3+ in (25-x)P2O5: 10ZnO: 10Li2O: 10PbO: 10Al2O3: 10Sb2O3: 10Y2O3: 15B2O3: Er2O3 (where x=1, 1.5,2 mol %) have been prepared by melt-quenching method. The amorphous nature of the glasses was confirmed by x-ray diffraction studies. Optical absorption, excitation Spectrum and fluorescence spectra were recorded at room temperature for all glass samples. Judd-Ofelt intensity parameters Ωλ (λ=2, 4, 6) are evaluated from the intensities of various absorption bands of optical absorption spectra. Using these intensity parameters various radiative properties like spontaneous emission probability, branching ratio, radiative life time and stimulated emission cross– section of various emission lines have been evaluated.

Photoluminescence and Raman analysis of Nd3+ doped in Ytterbium Zinc Lithium Sodium Barium Calcium Aluminophosphate glasses

Glass of the system:(30-x)P2O5:10ZnO:10Li2O:10Na2O:10BaO:10CaO:10Al2O3: 10Y2O3: x Nd2O3. (where x=1, 1.5,2 mol %) have been prepared by melt-quenching method. (where x=1,1.5 and 2 mol%) have been prepared by melt-quenching technique. The amorphous nature of the prepared glass samples was confirmed by X-ray diffraction. Optical absorption, Excitation, fluorescence and Raman spectra have been recorded at room temperature for all glass samples. Judd-Ofelt intensity parameters Ωλ (λ=2, 4 and 6) are evaluated from the intensities of various absorption bands of optical absorption spectra. Using these intensity parameters various radiative properties like spontaneous emission probability, branching ratio, radiative life time and stimulated emission cross–section of various emission lines have been evaluated

Spectral, Thermal and Upconversion Properties of Dy3+ Doped Borotellurite Glasses with Large Stability Parameter

Glass sample of yttrium zinc lithium lead sodium alumino borotellurite (25-x) TeO2:10ZnO:10Li2O:10PbO:10Na2O:10Al2O3:10Y2O3:15B2O3:xDy2O3. (wherex=1,1.5 and 2 mol%) have been prepared by melt-quenching technique. The amorphous nature of the prepared glass samples was confirmed by X-ray diffraction. Optical absorption, excitation spectrum and fluorescence spectra were recorded at room temperature for all glass samples. Judd-Ofelt intensity parameters Ωλ (λ=2, 4 and 6) are evaluated from the intensities of various absorption bands of optical absorption spectra. Using these intensity parameters various radiative properties like spontaneous emission probability, branching ratio, radiative life time and stimulated emission cross–section of various emission lines have been evaluated

Genetic parameters for methane production, intensity, and yield predicted from milk mid-infrared spectra throughout lactation in Holstein dairy cows

Genetic selection to reduce methane (CH4) emissions is a promising solution for reducing the environmental impact of dairy cattle production. Before such a selection program can be implemented, however, it is necessary to have a better understanding of the genetic determinism of CH4 emissions and how this might influence other traits of interest. In this study, we performed a genetic analysis of 6 CH4 traits predicted from milk mid-infrared spectra. We predicted 4 CH4 traits in g/d (MeP, calculated using different prediction equations), one in g/kg of fat- and protein-corrected milk (MeI), and one in g/kg of dry matter intake (MeY). Using an external data set, we determined these prediction equations to be applicable in the range of 70 to 200 DIM. We then estimated genetic parameters in this DIM range using random regression models on a large data set of 829,025 spectra collected between January 2013 and February 2023 from 167,514 first- and second-parity Holstein cows. The 6 CH4 traits were found to be genetically stable throughout and across lactations, with average genetic correlations within a lactation ranging from 0.93 to 0.98, and those between lactations ranging from 0.92 to 0.98. All 6 CH4 traits were also found to be heritable, with average heritability ranging from 0.24 to 0.45. The average pairwise genetic correlations between the 6 CH4 traits ranged from -0.15 to 0.77, revealing that they are genetically distinct, including the 4 measurements of MeP. Of the 6 traits, 2 measures of MeP and MeI did not present antagonistic genetic correlations with milk yield, fat and protein contents, and SCS, and can probably be included in breeding goals with limited impact on other traits of interest.

Validation of an algorithm that separates gaseous micro-embolic signals and artifacts during transcranial Doppler persistent foramen ovale examinations

ObjectivePersistent foramen ovale (PFO) is a risk factor for young stroke. Agitated saline serum is used to deliver small gaseous emboli to the brain in transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD) for the detection and grading of PFO. In this study we validated a PFO algorithm that can differentiate between gaseous emboli and artifacts. MethodsThe validation cohort comprised 18 patients with positive PFO examinations. The PFO algorithm uses a binary tree that separates high-intensity transients signals (HITs) into gaseous emboli or artifacts based on intensity, zero-crossing, and velocity parameters. ResultsThe cohort exhibited 385 macroscopic gaseous emboli meeting the >3 dB criterion. An additional 137 gaseous emboli were noticed below the 3-dB intensity cutoff value. The low-intensity gaseous emboli included both macroscopic and microscopic air bubbles observed in curtains. Nearly all emboli (98 %) above the 3-dB level showed overt frequency modulation. The overall accuracy of the PFO algorithm in discriminating macroscopic gaseous emboli and artifacts was 96.4 %, with a similar percentage of sensitivity and specificity (96.4 %). The inter-observer agreement of human experts was excellent (ic-CC 0.989 and 0.953). ConclusionsMacroscopic gaseous emboli and artifacts during PFO exams can be accurately discriminated by the PFO algorithm. The PFO algorithm cannot be used as a standalone system as microscopic air bubbles might escape proper identification. This knowledge will be important in the design of future PFO algorithms which should make it possible to classify the PFO grade without the interference of humans.