Complex Measurement Research Articles

Label Propagation Algorithm for Face Clustering using Shared Nearest Neighbor Similarity

Facial image datasets are particularly vulnerable to challenges such as lighting variations and occlusion, which can complicate data classification. Semi-supervised learning, using a limited amount of labeled facial data, offers a solution by enhancing face classification accuracy while reducing manual labeling efforts. The Label Propagation Algorithm (LPA) is a commonly used semi-supervised algorithm that employs Radial Basis Function (RBF) to measure similarities between data nodes. However, RBF struggles to capture complex nonlinear relationships in facial data. To address this, an improved LPA is proposed that integrates Shared Nearest Neighbor (SNN) to enhance the correlation measurement between facial data and RBF. Three known datasets were considered: FERET, Yale, and ORL. The experiments showed that in the case of insufficient label samples, the accuracy reached 89.76%, 92.46%, and 81.48%, respectively. The proposed LPA enhances clustering robustness by introducing 128 dimensional facial features and more complex similarity measurement. The parameter of similarity measurement can be adjusted based on the characteristics of different datasets to achieve better clustering results. The improved LPA achieved better performance and face clustering effectiveness by enhancing robustness and adaptability.

Surgical experience overcomes the impact of prostatic-urethral anatomy on continence recovery after robotic prostatectomy: comprehensive analysis on 366 cases.

To investigate the relationship between a set of prostate-urethral complex (PUC) measurements and incontinence after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). The study included data from patients undergoing RARP performed by 2 expert surgeons between 2019 and 2022, with data about preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and functional follow-up. Continence status was assessed according to a stringent definition (no PADS used). MRIs were evaluated to calculate prostatic urethral length, membranous urethral length, membranous urethral width, levator ani thickness, and prostate shape. The association of PUC measurements with continence after RARP was studied. Secondarily, we evaluated whether pre-determined cut-off values of PUC measurements could be associated with time to continence. Cumulative hazard incidence analysis was performed by the Nelson-Aalen hazard function. Cumulative incidence hazard curves were built; the Peto-Peto test was used to evaluate the difference among the curves. 366 patients were included. At the 12-month follow-up, 333 patients (90.1%) were continent. Classification of PUC measurements overlapped between continent and noncontinent patients. However, a statistically significant difference was observed for levator ani thickness, greater in continent patients (12.8mm vs. 11.7; p = 0.02). Multivariable models found BMI as independent predictor of incontinence (HR 1.04, 95% C.I 1.00-1.07, p = 0.04). None of PUC measurements associated with incontinence. Also, cumulative hazard incidence analysis at 3 / 6 / 12-months found no statistically significant difference in PUC measurements. No association was found between anatomical characteristics of PUC and continence or time to continence after RARP performed by proficient surgeons. Our data would suggest that once the surgeon has surpassed the learning curve, anatomical variations do not significantly affect the appropriate and proficient execution of the prostate apex dissection during RARP.

Quantifying Inequalities in Childhood Immunization Using Summary Measures of Health Inequality: An Application of WHO Stata and R ‘Healthequal’ Packages

Background: Monitoring immunization inequalities is crucial for achieving equity in vaccine coverage. Summary measures of health inequality provide a single numerical expression of immunization inequality. However, the impact of different summary measures on conclusions about immunization inequalities has not been thoroughly studied. Methods: We used disaggregated data from household surveys conducted in 92 low- and middle-income countries between 2013 and 2022. Inequality was assessed for two indicators of childhood immunization coverage [three doses of combined diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP) vaccine and non-receipt of DTP vaccine or “zero-dose”] across three dimensions of inequality (place of residence, economic status, and subnational region). We calculated 16 summary measures of health inequality and compared the results. Results: These measures of inequality showed more similarities than differences, but the choice of measure can affect inequality assessment. Absolute and relative measures sometimes produced differing results, showing the importance of using both types of measures when assessing immunization inequality. Outliers influenced differences and ratios, but the effect of outlier estimates was moderated through the use of complex measures, which consider all subgroups and their population sizes. The choice of appropriate complex measure depends on the audience, interpretation, and outlier sensitivity. Conclusions: Summary measures are useful for assessing changes in inequality over time and making comparisons across different geographical areas and vaccines, but assumptions and value judgements made when selecting summary measures of inequality should be made explicit in research.

Hybrid personalized thermal comfort model based on wrist skin temperature

Indoor thermal comfort plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life in residential and work environments. However, existing thermal comfort models often rely on complex measurements or require a large number of personal thermal votes, which limits their practical application. To address these challenges, this study develops a hybrid thermal comfort model aimed at reducing the measurement burden and personal response while improving the accuracy of personalized thermal comfort prediction. The proposed hybrid model combines a mathematical model with machine learning techniques, integrating the generalization ability of the mathematical model and the self-learning capabilities of machine learning. Data were collected from an experiment conducted in the climate controlled chamber in an office building with 12 subjects. By monitoring only wrist skin temperature, indoor air temperature, and their temporal variations, the proposed model significantly simplifies the measurement. In the absence of available training data, the mathematical model can be used independently, improving prediction accuracy by 21.11% on median and up to 44.45% over the PMV model. In a 5-fold cross-validation with 45 data points per subject, the hybrid model outperforms the standalone machine learning model by up to 24.45%. The model demonstrates robust performance with limited training data across various metrics and scenarios, highlighting its potential for practical application in building environments.

Surface vs. skeleton: the relationship between surface topographic and radiographic measurements of shoulder symmetry in patients with scoliosis.

This study evaluates the relationship between existing radiographic measurements of shoulder asymmetry with novel surface topographic (ST) measurements, hypothesizing that these relationships will be weak. Data were gathered from a prospectively collected registry of patients who underwent ST scanning at a single tertiary care institution. Inclusion criteria were diagnosis of juvenile or adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, age 11-21, same-day ST and EOS radiographic evaluation. Twelve radiographic variables that evaluate shoulder height were measured, as well as curve magnitudes and vertebral axial rotation. ST data were collected using the 3dMDbody scanning system. Three ST measurements of shoulder symmetry were evaluated: ST-based AC angle (the angle between a line made between the surface of the AC joints and a line parallel to the ground), Shoulder Normal Asymmetry angle (the angle between the mirrored normals to the planes defined by the jugular notch, vertebral prominence, and AC joint), and Shoulder Volume Asymmetry Index (difference in volumes between the right and left shoulder). Univariate, followed by a stepwise multivariate linear regression was performed to evaluate the correlations of the radiographic measurements to the ST-based measurements. Correlation categories: weak (x < 0.4), moderate (0.4 ≤ x < 0.6), strong (0.6 ≤ x < 0.8), and very strong (x ≥ 0.8). 141 patients with idiopathic scoliosis were evaluated (65.2% female, mean age 15.1years, mean BMI 20.5kg/m2, with mean maximum curve 44.7 degrees). ST-based AC angle had moderate-to-strong correlations with several radiographic measurements, while ST-based Shoulder Normal Asymmetry angle and Shoulder Volume Asymmetry Index had weak or no correlation with individual radiographic measures. Multivariate models created using a combination of radiographic variables demonstrated a strongly positive correlation between radiographic variables and ST-based AC angle (R = 0.678) and moderately positive correlations with ST-based Shoulder Normal Asymmetry Angle (R = 0.488), and ST-based Shoulder Volume Asymmetry Index (R = 0.514). Radiographic measurements may be acceptable stand-ins for two-dimensional ST measurements such as AC angle, but not for more complex shoulder measurements based on three dimensions. This study demonstrates the inadequacy with which radiographic assessments evaluate shoulder height asymmetry and highlights the use of ST measurements.

Structural Effect of N-7 Alkylation in 6-Chloropurine on Cu (II) Binding: Effect of Anions and Magnetic Studies.

This study investigates the anion-directed assembly of discrete copper (II) complexes. The ligands of choice are two N7-alkyl-purine-based neutral ligands. These ligands facilitate the exclusive coordination through the N3 and N9 positions, preventing polymeric chain formation. Perchlorate ions promoted the formation of discrete paddlewheel-like complexes with the general formula [Cu2(μ-Pur)4(CH3CN)2]4+, while chloride ions yielded chloride-bridged dimers of the form [Cu2(Pur)2(μ-Cl)2Cl2]. Copper-copper bond distances within these complexes ranged from 2.92 to 2.98 Å. Magnetic susceptibility measurement of chloride-bridged complexes exhibited antiferromagnetic coupling, whereas paddlewheel complexes displayed more complex alternating ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic interactions. Chloride-bridged compounds exhibited strong near-infrared absorption.

Potential of Low-Cost UAV Photogrammetry for Documenting Hard-to-Access Interior Spaces Through Building Openings

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are primarily used in the field of cultural heritage for mapping the exteriors of larger objects and documenting the roofs and façades of tall structures that cannot be efficiently or feasibly measured using conventional terrestrial technologies and methods. However, due to the considerable diversity of cultural heritage, there are practical demands for the measurement of complex and inaccessible objects in interior spaces. This article focuses on the use of two different off-the-shelf UAVs for partial photogrammetric reconstruction of the attic of a mining house, which was only visible through a window in the gable wall. Data from both UAVs were compared with each other and with terrestrial laser scanning. Despite the lower quality of the results from the DJI Mini 4 Pro compared to the DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise, the results from both UAVs would still be suitable for documenting the interior attic spaces. However, a detailed analysis of the photogrammetric data indicates that, when selecting a UAV for this purpose, it is necessary to consider the limitations of the camera system, which may lead to a reduction in the geometric accuracy and completeness of the point clouds.

Measuring environmental, social, and governance (ESG) firm performance: A new story resembling an old one

ABSTRACT An evolving set of measurements to assess the performance of firms focused on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors has emerged, resembling the early stages of knowledge management (KM) metrics development. Drawing from practical lessons from KM’s history, practitioners and policy makers can effectively integrate ESG practices. We underscore that overemphasis on complex measurements can hinder innovation and growth. Instead, accelerating the standardization of ESG metrics allows small and large businesses to embed ESG principles into their core strategies seamlessly. We highlight how sound ESG practices, exemplified by the sample companies reviewed (Walt Disney, Fiserv, and McDonald’s), represent solid investments that drive innovation and long-term success. For practitioners and policy makers, this means fostering an environment where ESG principles are foundational to business operations, ultimately benefiting the economy and society.

On-Chip NADH Detection in Multicellular Models Using an AlGaN/GaN Photodetector Array with Enhanced Sensitivity.

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is a pivotal coenzyme, existing in its oxidized form (NAD+) and reduced form (NADH). Both are essential in cellular redox reactions and are implicated in energy production and cancer. Current NADH detection methods often involve complex optical measurements. We propose a miniaturized, on-chip photoelectric sensor array using AlGaN/GaN two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) photodetectors for NADH quantification. The device exhibits an ultralow dark current and ultrahigh UV light responsivity, enabling sensitive NADH detection. By exploiting the absorbance disparity between NADH and NAD+, our sensor achieves rapid, sensitive detection, surpassing commercial assays. It effectively detects NADH levels in 3D multicellular models, promising cancer screening and monitoring. This sensor platform offers a significant advancement in NADH quantification, with the potential for high-throughput testing and point-of-care diagnostics. Our study presents an efficient approach for NADH sensing, addressing the need for rapid and sensitive detection methods in biomedical research and clinical practice.

A 3D index for measuring economic resilience with application to modern financial crises

AbstractThis paper proposes a vector index R composed of monotonous functions capturing three theoretical aspects (3D) of economic resilience (engineering, ecological, evolutionary) and performs an analysis of GDP data of 200 countries worldwide for the period 1960–2020 and 15 economic crises (shocks). The empirical analysis, first, reveals that economic resilience appears positively related to gross value added (GVA), employment, education, sectorial structure and diversification, agricultural production, tax revenue and natural resources, whereas it is negatively associated with urbanization degree, primary sector specialization and trade activity. Also, it shows that the global economy shifted to a less resilient performance through time, and it reveals the pros and cons of the continents' performance in economic resilience, highlighting a relative sensitivity of European countries against the available shocks and relatively higher resilience of Asian and African countries. Finally, the analysis of transition probabilities reveals the 2008 economic crisis as the only shock with significant transitions among different states of resilience, providing insights into the insignificant geographical scale of previous shocks in the global economy. Overall, in the complex conceptualization and measurement framework of economic resilience, the proposed 3D index contributes to a multilevel consideration of diverse theoretical aspects of this concept, provides empirical insights into the global economy's resilience and facilitates better management of economic resilience‘s computational complexity.

Fully automated CT analysis with a deep-learning based algorithm for pre-procedural planning in transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Abstract Background Pre-procedural cardiac computed tomography analysis has emerged to an essential tool in transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). It facilitates the valve choice and allows for optimal vascular access planning. For this purpose, software programs have been specifically developed to assist a fast and precise analysis of the generated data set in high quality. However, these software programs only assist the evaluator and are not able to perform a complete analysis on their own. Purpose We report the performance of a fully-automated, deep-learning based algorithm for pre-procedural CT analysis as compared to the current clinical standard. Methods Ninety-eight patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis undergoing TAVI were retrospectively enrolled. The pre-procedural data set was analyzed in two ways: - conventionally with a commercially available TAVI CT-analysis software by experiences users . - by a fully-automated CT-analysis platform with a deep-learning based algorithm. The current beta-version of the platform allows the determination of the annulus diameter, -area, -perimeter and the distance measurements of the coronary arteries to the aortic annulus. Hence, analyzable parameters were limited to the aforementioned, to ensure comparability. Statistical analysis: Mean, standard deviation, mean of difference and the interclass-correlation coefficient (ICC) were calculated and Bland-Altman plots created. Results The mean annulus diameter was 24.5±2.5mm (conventional) vs. 24.1±2.4 mm (deep learning). The mean of difference was 0.42±0.82mm (Bland-Altmann diagram. Figure 1). The ICC was 0.964 (0.925; 0.980), showing an excellent correlation between the two values. The mean annulus perimeter was 77.7±7.4mm (conventional) vs. 75.6±9.3mm (deep learning), showing a very good correlation of the means [mean of difference: 2.11±5.75mm; ICC: 0.852 (0.759; 0.906)]. The distance from the annulus to the left coronary artery was 14.0±3.2mm (conventional) vs. 12.6±2.8mm (deep learning). We depicted a good correlation between the two values [mean of difference: 1.45±2.52mm; ICC 0.736 (IQR 0.483; 0.850)]. The distance from the annulus to the right coronary artery was 17.1±2.7mm (conventional) vs. 16.5±3.2mm (deep learning), respectively. A very good correlation between the two values could be shown [mean of difference 0.57±2.2mm; ICC 0.822 (0.730; 0.882)], as well. Additionally, both methods visualize the measurements and allow manual adjustments (Figure 2). Conclusion In this retrospective analysis, deep-learning based analysis of peri-procedural derived CT data sets showed an very good correlation with conventional assessment. If results can be sustained in a bigger patient cohort and extended to more complex measurements, this artificial intelligence based fully-automated CT-analysis could emerge to a valuable alternative to conventional CT assessment in the pre-procedural planning for TAVI.Figure 1 - Bland-Altman plotFigure 2- Measurements by both methods

The Role of Corporate Social Responsibility in Supporting SDGs: A Propriety and Fairness Perspective

Introduction: Increasingly complex environmental challenges demand transparent and accountable measurement of corporate social responsibility (CSR). To create corporate value and monitor social, environmental, and economic impacts, companies and governments collaborate to promote ethical CSR practices and meet existing regulatory requirements, while supporting transparency and accountability in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, varying CSR measurement standards often make it difficult to compare performance between companies. Objective: To uncover how stakeholders define the propriety and fairness of companies to achieve the SDGs. Method: Research data were obtained from interviews with company leaders/internal auditors/external auditors/teams involved in the company's CSR evaluation process totaling 81 people. The data collection process was carried out in a hybrid manner. Results and Discussion: In terms of regulations, most companies have complied with regulations related to transparency, financial reporting, and CSR. In terms of propriety and fairness, CSR costs cannot be classified as income, but rather as a reduction in taxable income (expenses). However, it turns out that there are still companies that include CSR costs in other income. Research Implications: This study develops a model for assessing the propriety and fairness of CSR in sustainability reporting, including the social and environmental impacts of its business to support the achievement of SDGs. Originality/Value: This study produces a measurable assessment of the propriety and fairness of corporate CSR, which supports SDGs in improving corporate accountability and transparency.

3D Printed Metallic Pillar Nanomechanical Resonators Decorated with TiO2 Nanotubes for Highly Sensitive Environmental Applications

AbstractMicro and nanomechanical devices offer enhanced sensing capabilities for detecting biological and chemical small molecules. However, miniaturization necessitates advanced fabrication processes and complex measurement systems, hindering routine sensor analysis. While alternative methods like 3D printing show promise, challenges such as low device resolution persist due to intrinsic damping of polymer inks. In this study, an array of micrometric pillar resonators is fabricated in Ti6Al4 V alloy using additive manufacturing based on laser powder bed fusion technology. These metallic nanomechanical resonators exhibit a very high quality factor with minimal difference between air and vacuum measurements due to low intrinsic damping. Furthermore, titania nanotubes grown on the pillars via anodic oxidation heighten sensitivity for molecular dye degradation evaluation. Leveraging the weak coupling phenomenon among the pillars in the array, these devices facilitate large‐scale parallelized measurements, here demonstrated with real‐time analysis of dye degradation process. This approach to creating mass sensing devices via metallic additive manufacturing can usher in a new generation of highly performing resonating sensor arrays, offering a cost‐effective and efficient alternative to traditional silicon microfabrication methods.

Finite Sum of Integral Operators from the Fractional Cauchy Spaces to Bloch-Type and Zygmund-Type Spaces

The family of fractional Cauchy transforms, defined on the open unit disc in the complex plane, is of classical and modern interest. Membership of an analytic function in the family is determined by the requirement that the function can be expressed as an integral of a certain kernel against a complex Borel measure on the disc. Such an integral representation imposes a growth condition on the function and its derivatives. This exposes a connection between the families of Cauchy transforms and familiar spaces of analytic functions, such as the Bloch spaces and the Zygmund space. The notion of a composition operator has been a fruitful area of study. More generally, many authors have studied weighted composition operators, the differentiation operator, integral-type operators, and various products of such operators, acting from one normed linear space of analytic functions to another such space. A common theme of such works is to characterize the operator-theoretic notions of boundedness and compactness in terms of the inducing symbols of the operator. We extend these studies to a specific linear transformation which will be defined as the sum of finitely many integral operators. Our conclusions include a complete characterization of boundedness and compactness of the integral sum, acting from the fractional Cauchy spaces to the Bloch-type and Zygmund-type spaces.

Asking for Verbal Sexual Consent and Experiences of Sexual Violence and Sexual Behaviors Among High School Students - Youth Risk Behavior Survey, United States, 2023.

Adolescents' sexual consent behaviors are critical for developing healthy sexual relationships and preventing experiences of sexual violence. This report uses 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey data to describe prevalence of asking for sexual consent verbally at last sexual contact among U.S. high school students. Differences in prevalence of asking for sexual consent verbally by sex, age, race and ethnicity, sexual identity, sex of sexual contacts, and gender identity were examined. Differences in asking for sexual consent verbally also were examined by experiences of sexual violence and sexual behaviors. Sex-stratified logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the association between asking for sexual consent verbally with experiences of sexual violence and sexual behaviors. In addition, data were analyzed using adjusted logistic regression models controlling for age, race and ethnicity, and sexual identity. Among high school students who reported ever having sexual contact, 79.8% reported asking for sexual consent verbally at last sexual contact. A lower percentage of female students (74.5%) reported asking for sexual consent verbally than male students (84.6%). In adjusted sex-stratified analyses, female students who asked for sexual consent verbally had higher prevalence of ever having had sexual intercourse. Male students who asked for sexual consent verbally had higher prevalence of ever having had sexual intercourse and being currently sexually active. Female and male students who asked for sexual consent verbally had higher prevalence of having first sexual intercourse before age 13 and using condoms. In addition, female students who asked for sexual consent verbally during last sexual intercourse had lower prevalence of using alcohol or drugs at last sexual intercourse. Public health researchers and practitioners, health care providers, schools, and youth-serving organizations can use these findings to better understand high school students' verbal sexual consent, improve complex measurement of consent-seeking behaviors, and guide multicomponent sexual health and violence prevention efforts across various settings.

Transverse dentoalveolar development in Chinese children and adolescents: A cross-sectional study using revised Andrews’ Element III analysis

This study investigated the prevalence of maxillary transverse deficiency (MTD) in Chinese children and adolescents using revised Andrews' Element III analysis and studied transverse developmental characteristics of the maxillomandibular complex. Plaster or digital casts of 794 participants aged 7-18 years were evaluated. MTD was diagnosed when the maxilla-mandible width difference, represented by the decompensated maxillary and mandibular first molars, exceeded 4 mm. The average prevalence of MTD among patients aged 7-18 years was 31.1%. Patients with MTD exhibited narrower maxillary and/or wider mandibular arches. Strikingly, 32.3% of participants with posterior crossbite because of local crowding or mandibular deviation were not diagnosed with MTD. Dental compensation, such as a greater buccolingual inclination of the first molars, was common in patients with MTD. Transverse growth of the maxillomandibular complex was completed by 17 years old, with the maxilla undergoing greater transverse growth than the mandible. The physiological buccolingual inclination of first molars was observed in patients without MTD. The 95% reference value of the palatal arch width was 31.9-42.3 mm. The prevalence of MTD is 31.1% among Chinese children and adolescents. However, it is often camouflaged by dental compensation and sagittal discrepancy. The etiology of MTD is uncoordinated width in the maxillomandibular complex, which is not solely attributed to a narrow maxilla but also to an excessively wide mandible. To enhance diagnostic accuracy, individualized measurements of the maxillomandibular complex and a revised dental decompensation formula, rather than posterior crossbite alone, are recommended for transverse diagnosis. A potential presence of MTD is indicated when the palatal arch width is<31.9 mm.

A Latitudinal Cline in the Taxonomic Structure of Eelgrass Epifaunal Communities is Associated With Plant Genetic Diversity

ABSTRACTAimBiogenic structural complexity increases mobile animal richness and abundance at local, regional and global scales, yet animal taxa vary in their response to complexity. When these taxa also vary functionally, habitat structures favouring certain taxa may have consequences for ecosystem function. We characterised global patterns of epifaunal invertebrates in eelgrass (Zostera marina) beds that varied in structural and genetic composition.LocationNorth America, Europe and Asia.Time Period2014.Major Taxa StudiedPeracarid crustaceans and gastropod molluscs.MethodsWe sampled epifaunal invertebrate communities in 49 eelgrass beds across 37° latitude in two ocean basins concurrently with measurements of eelgrass genetic diversity, structural complexity and other abiotic and biotic environmental variables. We examined how species richness, abundance and community composition varied with latitude and environmental predictors using a random forest approach. We also examined how functional trait composition varied along with community structure.ResultsTotal species richness decreased with latitude, but this was accompanied by a taxonomic shift in dominance from peracarid crustaceans to gastropods, which exhibited different sets of functional traits. Greater eelgrass genetic diversity was strongly correlated with both richness and abundance of peracarids, but less so for gastropods.Main ConclusionsOur results add to a growing body of literature that suggests genetic variation in plant traits influences their associated faunal assemblages via habitat structure. Because peracarids and gastropods exhibited distinct functional traits, our results suggest a tentative indirect link between broad‐scale variation in plant genetic diversity and ecosystem function.

3D Optical and Mechanical Roughness Measurements of Complex and Irregular Structures on the Basis of Polypropylene Moldings

3D Optical and Mechanical Roughness Measurements of Complex and Irregular Structures on the Basis of Polypropylene Moldings

A Comparative Morphological and Anatomical Study of Juniperus communis L., J. sibirica Burgsd., and J. pygmaea K. Koch from Bulgaria.

Of the six juniper species found in the Bulgarian flora, three of the species have controversial taxonomic positions. Juniperus pygmaea K. Koch and J. sibirica Burgsd. exhibit similar morphological characteristics to J. communis L. in terms of leaves and female cones (galbuli). This is one of the reasons why, in the recent taxonomic developments, J. pygmaea and J. sibirica were united in a common variety of J. communis, namely, J. communis var. saxatilis. However, such a grouping of species in the Flora of Bulgaria has not been adopted. This study aimed to evaluate the degrees of similarity or difference in the structure of the leaves, galbuli, seeds, and pollen of J. communis, J. sibirica, and J. pygmaea using the methods of comparative anatomy by light microscope (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations and complex morphological measurements. The working hypothesis of this study was that the three species would show a different degree of similarity with each other, which would clarify their taxonomic rank. The morphological parameters revealed differences between the length/width ratio of galbuli and seed length of the three species, while leaf characteristics (length and width) showed a stronger resemblance between J. sibirica and J. pygmaea. Furthermore, a greater distinction between the leaves and galbili of J. communis and J. sibirica was found. The SEM analyses showed variations in the seed shape and spermoderm among the three species. The shape of J. communis seeds was oval and elongated, while J. pygmaea seeds were pear-shaped, and J. sibirica seeds were triangular-rhombic. The length and height of striations were diverse on seed spermoderm in the three species. The epicuticular waxes of leaves, located on the tips of the anticlinal walls of the elongated epidermal cells in J. pygmaea and J. communis, were oval, while they formed raised comb-like crystals in J. sibirica. The morphological, anatomical, and SEM analysis affirmed the accepted taxonomic status of J. communis and J. sibirica as independent species within the Bulgarian flora. Based on most of the analyzed parameters, J. pygmaea exhibits significant similarity with J. sibirica. Additionally, the similar habitats of these two species support the determination of J. pygmaea as a variety or form of J. sibirica rather than J. communis (J. sibirica forma pygmaea).

Goertzel based phasor and frequency measurement for low-cost PMUs

The need for low cost phasor measurement unit (PMU) devices in power system demands less complex measurement algorithms that can be implemented on inexpensive processing platforms. Unlike the widely used DFT, the Goertzel algorithm, having low complexity is not explored much for synchrophasor estimation. An efficient integration of zero crossing detection (ZCD) with Goertzel technique is presented in this work for the design of low cost synchrophasor devices. An extensive analysis has been done in the design of pre-filtering stage, selection of suitable window length, sampling rate, and other parameters to exploit the benefits of proposed algorithm. The metrological characterization of the proposed algorithm is delineated by showing the different test results following the IEEE synchrophasor standards. The proposed method exhibits the lowest computational time in comparison to the state-of-the-art methods with similar low computational complexity. Simulations and experimental results are obtained by using Raspberry Pi 3 model B+ board.