Method For Direct Measurement Research Articles

Methods of Estimating Renal Function for Use in Clinical Trial Eligibility Criteria Widely Vary in Phase II and III Clinical Trials in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Background Renal function is an important parameter to inform drug-dosing in oncology. In acute myeloid leukemia (AML), commonly used therapies or their metabolites are renally cleared. Several equations are commonly used to estimate renal function, such as Cockcroft-Gault (CG) to estimate creatinine clearance (CrCl) and the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) or Chronic Kidney Disease-Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equations to calculate estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR). These equations frequently use endogenous serum markers, such as creatinine (Cr) and cystatin-C due to their ready availability but can have limitations. For example, Cr can be affected by muscle mass, diet, and age. Current ADDIKD international consensus guidelines recommend using the CKD-EPI creatinine formula to calculate eGFR to guide anti-cancer drug dosing unless direct GFR measurement is indicated. Renal function criteria are commonly used in clinical trial eligibility. In this study, we analyzed the types of reported renal eligibility criteria in phase II and III trials in AML and the methodology specified for renal function estimation, which can significantly impact treatment options for patients and potentially confound toxicity evaluation. Methods We examined the clinicaltrials.gov database to review publicly reported renal eligibility criteria for interventional phase II and III clinical trials recruiting adults with AML between 2021 to 2023. Trials including pediatric patients and exclusive phase I studies were excluded. Chi-square tests were used to evaluate for potential associations between eGFR cutoff criteria and disease variables. Results A total of 134 trials met criteria for review, including 84 (63%) trials specifically for AML and 50 (37%) allowing additional diagnoses. Of the total study cohort, 107 trials (80%) were evaluating chemotherapy, small molecule inhibitors, immunotherapy and/or combinations of these whereas 27 (20%) were evaluating primarily cell therapy and/or transplant-based regimens. Among the 134 trials, 21 (16%) did not mention renal or general organ function in eligibility criteria; 16 (12%) mentioned renal or organ function in inclusion/exclusion criteria but did not specify an eGFR cutoff value; and 15 (11%) specified a serum Cr cutoff value without a specific eGFR cutoff value. Among 82 (61%) studies specifying eGFR cutoffs: 18 required eGFR ≥60 ml/min and 64 specified cutoffs between 30 ml/min to 50 ml/min or greater (table 1). We found an association between studies requiring an eGFR of 60 ml/min or greater and studies investigating cell therapy or transplant-based regimens (p<0.01). We did not find associations between eGFR cutoff requirements and trials based on disease status (relapsed/refractory AML versus other AML states, p=0.24). We next evaluated methodologies reported in eligibility criteria to estimate renal function. Among the 113 trials commenting on renal function criteria: 15 (13%) did not report either an eGFR cutoff or methodology of determination; 67 (59%) specified eGFR cutoffs without specifying the methodology of determination and/or provided serum Cr-based cutoffs; and 31 (27%) specified either a method of direct measurement or equations to estimate eGFR (including CG-based in 25, CKD-EPI in 1, MDRD-based in 3 and radioisotope methodology in 1) (table 1). No trials mentioned cystatin-C as part of renal function determination. Conclusion In contemporary phase II/III clinical trials for adult patients with AML, we identified that while most trials include renal function in inclusion/exclusion criteria, there was tremendous heterogeneity in methodologies specified for determination of renal function which may make efficacy and toxicity comparisons challenging and impact patient eligibility across institutions. Several trials specified serum Cr cutoffs which can be impacted by factors besides renal function such as age or muscle mass. This study was limited by what trial criteria were publicly available and additional information specifying methodologies to calculate renal function may be available in full trial protocols. Further research is needed to determine the most suitable method for assessing eGFR in patients with AML to optimize treatment exposures for patients and to help reduce confounding of trial results or trial eligibility by institutional practice variation.

Imaging of atomic stress at grain boundaries based on machine learning

The mechanical behaviors of crystalline materials, in particular the atomic scale deformation and failure processes, are strongly influenced by the local atomic stress near crystalline defects such as vacancies, dislocations and grain boundaries (GBs). Modern electron microscopy techniques have achieved unprecedented capabilities to image the internal microstructure of crystalline materials with atomic resolution. In comparison, our ability to map the corresponding atomic stress field, especially at grain boundaries with complex atomic structures, remains lagging behind due to the lack of direct experimental methods for stress measurement. Here, we propose a machine learning-based framework to realize atomic structure-stress (Atom-S2) mapping based on in situ transmission electron microscopy images. We demonstrate that, with optimized anti-noise performance and generalization ability, the Atom-S2 framework enables quantitative mapping of atomic stress in symmetrical tilt GBs, twin boundaries (TBs) as well as general GBs with changing curvature in crystalline metals. Moreover, the Atom-S2 can help understand, interpret and predict grain boundary stress evolution and plastic deformation mechanisms based on high-resolution transmission electron microscopy images, which provides a powerful tool to study atomic scale deformation behaviors and holds promises for accelerating materials design through defect engineering.

Reliable and inexpensive dissolved oxygen sensing materials

Bare, non-pretreated platinum wires and screen-printed platinum electrodes were used as both working and counter electrodes in the measurement of dissolved oxygen using a chronoamperometric method. The oxygen reduction current response in the diffusion state was used for a linear determination of air saturation. We evaluated the two different materials in general for their sensing performance such as conditioning time, accuracy, resolution and stability over 13 h of continuous mid-term measurement. A good performance was found for the wire electrodes in terms of accuracy with a current slope of 1.0–1.6 µA (% as)-1 and a resolution of 10–15 nA (Lowest Level of Detection = 0.1% as), but with an unstable current response result over the course of the measurement. The screen-printed electrodes have a resolution of 10–18 nA (Lowest Level of Detection = 0.6–0.8% as) and an accuracy of 620–660 nA (% as)-1 but they showed promising reproducibility and stability. Both materials require several hours of conditioning in the chronoamperometric method before a stable current response is achieved. For biotechnological applications, the platinum screen printed electrodes were evaluated in typical parameter settings (pH 4.0 and 7.4, salinity 0.1 to 10x phosphate buffered saline and temperature 12 to 42 °C) and showed correlations between the response time and stability and the temperature. No correlations were found between salinity, pH and the current response. In this paper, we present inexpensive electrode materials and a simple to implement chronoamperometric method for reliable direct measurement of dissolved oxygen in aqueous media.Graphical abstract

Comparison of computational fluid dynamics with transcranial Doppler ultrasound in response to physiological stimuli.

Cerebrovascular haemodynamics are sensitive to multiple physiological stimuli that require synergistic response to maintain adequate perfusion. Understanding haemodynamic changes within cerebral arteries is important to inform how the brain regulates perfusion; however, methods for direct measurement of cerebral haemodynamics in these environments are challenging. The aim of this study was to assess velocity waveform metrics obtained using transcranial Doppler (TCD) with flow-conserving subject-specific three-dimensional (3D) simulations using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Twelve healthy participants underwent head and neck imaging with 3T magnetic resonance angiography. Velocity waveforms in the middle cerebral artery were measured with TCD ultrasound, while diameter and velocity were measured using duplex ultrasound in the internal carotid and vertebral arteries to calculate incoming cerebral flow at rest, during hypercapnia and exercise. CFD simulations were developed for each condition, with velocity waveform metrics extracted in the same insonation region as TCD. Exposure to stimuli induced significant changes in cardiorespiratory measures across all participants. Measured absolute TCD velocities were significantly higher than those calculated from CFD (P range < 0.001-0.004), and these data were not correlated across conditions (r range 0.030-0.377, P range 0.227-0.925). However, relative changes in systolic and time-averaged velocity from resting levels exhibited significant positive correlations when the distinct techniques were compared (r range 0.577-0.770, P range 0.003-0.049). Our data indicate that while absolute measures of cerebral velocity differ between TCD and 3D CFD simulation, physiological changes from resting levels in systolic and time-averaged velocity are significantly correlated between techniques.

An Alternative Model to Estimate Total Suspended Solids Concentrations using Landsat 8 Imagery in Indonesia

A regular monitoring program of water quality is generally performed using a direct measurement method, which requires substantial efforts and resources. These issues can be minimised using several options, one of which is Landsat 8 (L8). This imagery has been broadly used to measure several water quality parameters, especially Total Suspended Solids (TSS) concentrations, even in Indonesia. This paper will compare several models from previous studies and a modified model generated using data from various sites. The comparison is based on their competencies to estimate TSS concentrations. The competencies are determined by the coefficient of correlation (r), correlation of determination (R2), and residual standard error (RSE) parameters as these three parameters are strongly correlated, generally applied, and provide distinctive determinations. The best model should have the highest r and R2 values, while the RSE value should be the lowest. The results imply that TSS model 4 generated in this study provides comparable results with TSS model 1, which has been generally used in Indonesia and provided favourable results. Thus, it can be an alternative model to estimate TSS concentrations in Indonesia.

An Alternative Model to Estimate Total Suspended Solids Concentrations using Landsat 8 Imagery in Indonesia

A regular monitoring program of water quality is generally performed using a direct measurement method, which requires substantial efforts and resources. These issues can be minimised using several options, one of which is Landsat 8 (L8). This imagery has been broadly used to measure several water quality parameters, especially Total Suspended Solids (TSS) concentrations, even in Indonesia. This paper will compare several models from previous studies and a modified model generated using data from various sites. The comparison is based on their competencies to estimate TSS concentrations. The competencies are determined by the coefficient of correlation (r), correlation of determination (R2), and residual standard error (RSE) parameters as these three parameters are strongly correlated, generally applied, and provide distinctive determinations. The best model should have the highest r and R2 values, while the RSE value should be the lowest. The results imply that TSS model 4 generated in this study provides comparable results with TSS model 1, which has been generally used in Indonesia and provided favourable results. Thus, it can be an alternative model to estimate TSS concentrations in Indonesia.

Concentration Gradients of Ammonia, Methane, and Carbon Dioxide at the Outlet of a Naturally Ventilated Dairy Building

In natural ventilation system-enabled dairy buildings (NVDB), achieving accurate gas emission values is highly complicated. The external weather affects measurements of the gas concentration of pollutants (cP) and volume flow rate (Q) due to the open-sided design. Previous research shows that increasing the number of sensors at the side opening is not cost-effective. However, accurate measurements can be achieved with fewer sensors if an optimal sampling position is identified. Therefore, this study attempted to calibrate the outlet of an NVDB for the direct emission measurement method. Our objective was to investigate the cP gradients, in particular, for ammonia (cNH3), carbon dioxide (cCO2), and methane (cCH4) considering the wind speed (v) and their mixing ratios ([cCH4/cNH3¯]) at the outlet, and assess the effect of sampling height (H). The deviations in each cP at six vertical sampling points were recorded using a Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer. Additionally, wind direction and speed were recorded at the gable height (10 m) by an ultrasonic anemometer. The results indicated that, at varied heights, the average cNH3 (p &lt; 0.001), cCO2 (p &lt; 0.001), and (p &lt; 0.001) were significantly different and mostly concentrated at the top (H = 2.7). Wind flow speed information revealed drastic deviations in cP, for example up to +105.1% higher cNH3 at the top (H = 2.7) compared to the baseline (H = 0.6), especially during low wind speed (v &lt; 3 m s−1) events. Furthermore, [cCH4/cNH3¯] exhibited significant variation with height, demonstrating instability below 1.5 m, which aligns with the average height of a cow. In conclusion, the average cCO2, cCH4, and cNH3 measured at the barn’s outlet are spatially dispersed vertically which indicates a possibility of systematic error due to the sensor positioning effect. The outcomes of this study will be advantageous to locate a representative gas sampling position when measurements are limited to one constant height, for example using open-path lasers or low-cost devices.

Relationship between Facial Musculinity and Digit Ratio (2D:4D) Among Hausa Taxi and Tricycle Drivers in Kano Metropolis, Niger

Studies have recognized an association between 2D: 4D ratios and testosterone-dependent traits. The aim of the present study is to determine the relationship of 2D: 4D and facial masculinity. Four hundred and two (402) subjects were selected from the two association in Kano state (Tsaya da Kafarka Taxi Drivers Association and Tricycle Operators Association Kano (TOAKAN), using random sampling methods, the age range of the participants between 18-50 years. The lengths of the 2nd and 4th digits were determined by a direct method of measurement. Photographic approaches were used to capture the face, facial masculinity was derived from facial distances (captured image face). We use several approaches of measuring facial masculinity to study the association with digit ratio. The data were expressed as mean ± SD, Pearson correlation was used to quantify the relationships between the 2D: 4D and facial masculinity. None of the facial masculine- measures correlated with both right and left 2D:4D ratios. Keywords: Facial masculinity, 2D:4D (Digit ratio), Photographic methods, Correlation

A new criterion for the instability threshold of a square tube bundle subject to an air–water cross-flow

In this paper, we investigate the fluid-elastic instability of a square tube bundle subject to two-phase cross-flow. A dimensional analysis is carried out, leading to a new criterion of instability. This criterion establishes a direct link with the instability thresholds in single-phase flows. In parallel to the dimensional analysis, experimental work is carried out to i) determine the instability thresholds in single-phase flows (new relation between the Scruton, Stokes and Reynolds number), ii) to test the validity of the two-phase flow instability criterion, derived from the dimensional analysis. The experiments are carried out on a square tube bundle (pitch ratio of 1.5) consisting on 5 rows of 3 tubes (plus two end-rows of half tubes). The central tube is mounted on two flexible blades allowing a vibration in the transverse direction only, whereas all the other tubes are rigid. The instability threshold in single-phase (water) flow is obtained from a method of direct measurement of the fluid-elastic forces, in which the motion of the central tube is imposed. The instability threshold in two-phase (air–water) flow is obtained from a method of indirect measurement, with an active system stability control, of the fluid-elastic forces, in which the central tube vibrates freely. Three sets of blades with different stiffnesses are tested to investigate the stability of the central tube. The criterion of instability is in very good agreement with air–water experiments, predictive for all homogeneous void fractions, and so for all flow regimes (identified in our experiments with an optical probe). This new criterion is of theoretical interest for the understanding of complex two-phase flow excitations, as well as of practical significance for the predictive analysis of industrial components.

Development of Temperature Sensor Based on AlN/ScAlN SAW Resonators

Temperature monitoring in extreme environments presents new challenges for MEMS sensors. Since aluminum nitride (AlN)/scandium aluminum nitride (ScAlN)-based surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices have a high Q-value, good temperature drift characteristics, and the ability to be compatible with CMOS, they have become some of the preferred devices for wireless passive temperature measurement. This paper presents the development of AlN/ScAlN SAW-based temperature sensors. Three methods were used to characterize the temperature characteristics of a thin-film SAW resonator, including direct measurement by GSG probe station, and indirect measurement by oscillation circuit and antenna. The temperature characteristics of the three methods in the range of 30–100 °C were studied. The experimental results show that the sensitivities obtained with the three schemes were −28.9 ppm/K, −33.6 ppm/K, and −29.3 ppm/K. The temperature sensor using the direct measurement method had the best linearity, with a value of 0.0019%, and highest accuracy at ±0.70 °C. Although there were differences in performance, the characteristics of the three SAW temperature sensors make them suitable for sensing in various complex environments.

Large field of view aberrations correction with deformable lenses and multi conjugate adaptive optics.

Optical microscopes can have limited resolution due to aberrations caused by samples and sample holders. Using deformable mirrors and wavefront sensorless optimization algorithms can correct these aberrations, but the correction is limited to a small area of the field of view. This study presents an adaptive optics method that uses a series of plug-and-play deformable lenses for large field of view wavefront correction. A direct wavefront measurement method using the spinning sub-pupil aberration measurement technique is combined with correction based on the deformable lenses. Experimental results using fluorescence microscopy with a wide field and a light sheet fluorescence microscope show that the proposed method can achieve detection and correction over an extended field of view with a compact transmissive module placed in the detection path of the microscope. This method could improve the resolution and accuracy of imaging in a variety of fields, including biology and materials science.

Potential and Characteristic of Biomass Pellet from Tea Plantation Wastes as Renewable Energy Alternative

Tea plantation biomass wastes, such as tea plantation pruning, shade trees, and woody weeds have not been utilized. The waste can be used as renewable energy in the form of wood pellets. The problem is the feasibility of biomass waste to be used as material for making wood pellets as energy. This paper aims to analyze the potential of tea plantation biomass waste as wood pellet material to meet energy needs. The research was conducted in a tea plantation owned by the Tea and Kina Research Center (PPTK). Quantification of biomass waste potential per unit area was conducted in the plantation using direct measurement method. Proximate analysis of each wood pellet variant of biomass waste was conducted to match the quality of Indonesian Wood Pellet Standard. The biomass waste potential in PPTK is 14,281 tons per year which can produce 8,186 tons of wood pellets per year. This potential can meet the needs of wood pellet consumption from the tea production process at PPTK which is around 1.8 tons / day for the tea processing process of 13 tons/day. Based on proximate analysis, the wood pellets produced have a calorific value of 4425 cal/gram, density of 1.35 grams/cm3, fixed carbon content of 85.2%, and volatile matter of 3.72%. These results confirm that the wood pellets comply with the National Wood Pellet Standard (SNI 8021:2014). This can be a model for the application of the Green Circular Economy concept in the plantation sector. Keywords: Biomass pellets; Green circular economy; Renewable energy; Tea plantation waste; Wood pellets

An investigation of Moroccan EFL Learners’ Explicit Attitudes towards World Englishes: Pedagogical Implications

The present study seeks to investigate the attitudes of Moroccan EFL learners (MEFLLs) towards different varieties of English speech (World Englishes (WE)). The study utilises a direct method of attitude measurement as the study’s participants are directly asked about their own explicit attitudes towards six English varieties of English speech[1] (namely, American English, British English, Indian English, Filipino English, Japanese English and Thai English). A sample of 544 MEFLLs was recruited in the study. The findings of the study show that MEFLLs’ attitudes towards varieties of English are aligned, to some extent, with those of previous studies conducted elsewhere (Jindapitak &amp; Teo, 2012; Chien, 2018; Almegren, 2017). For example, it was found that MEFLLs, on the one hand, prefer Inner Circle Englishes (ICE) over Outer Circle Englishes (OCE) and Outer Circle Englishes over Expanding Circle Englishes (ECE) on the other hand. Another interesting finding is that the participants surveyed are already aware of English language variation, and they are willing to learn more about the different varieties of English spoken worldwide. Generally speaking, the Moroccan context seems to be a fertile setting for the discussion of World Englishes-related issues as the participants do, in fact, recognise and appreciate the sociolinguistic variation exhibited in the English language. The study concludes with a number of pedagogical implications for the choice of linguistic model(s) to be employed in EFL classrooms both inside and outside Morocco.&#x0D; &#x0D; [1] American English, AmE; British English, BrE; Indian English, InE; Filipino English, FiE; Japanese English, JpE; Thai English, ThE

Использование способов начертательной геометрии для графического исследования параметров режущей части спирального сверла

The article presents examples of practical application of descriptive geometry methods for solving engineering problems of determining and studying the parameters of the cutting part of a spiral drill. The necessity of graphical constructions is noted, which is due to the fact that it is impossible to measure the rear angle by a direct measurement method using a universal measuring instrument due to the complex geometric shape of the measuring object. The analysis of the geometric shape of the working part of the spiral drill, which includes the main rear conical surface of the drill tooth, the front screw surface of the drill groove, the cylindrical surface of the tooth back, the main and transverse cutting edges are presented. Using the double contact theorem, a projection of the tooth profile of a spiral drill is constructed on a plane parallel to the drill axis with a given profile projection on a plane perpendicular to the drill axis. The tooth profile is determined by the lines of intersection of the conical surface with the cylindrical surface and with the helical surface of the drill groove. The shape of the drill groove is considered to be set. Projections of the transverse cutting edge of the drill are constructed as lines of intersection of two conical surfaces with intersecting axes. The problem is solved using a bundle of auxiliary planes. The tendency of an increase in the angle of inclination of the transverse cutting edge to the drill axis with a decrease in the distance between the intersecting axes of conical surfaces is shown. Graphically, at an arbitrary point of the drill blade, the value of one of the main geometric parameters of the drill - the rear angle is determined. It is shown that the closer the point of the blade is to the center of the drill, the greater the value of the rear angle. The constructions are made in the 2D Compass-Graph design system. The paper used alternative methods for solving geometric problems, which, unlike traditional ones, provide a simpler and more visual graphical solution.

Assessing comparability and uncertainty of analytical methods for methylated mercury species in seawater

BackgroundThe relative distribution and importance of monomethylmercury (MMHg) and dimethylmercury (DMHg) in seawater is still under debate. A lack of comparability between measurements at sub-picomolar levels hampered the further understanding of the biogeochemical Hg cycle. To overcome this, we assessed the relative standard measurement uncertainties (Uex,r) for direct measurements of MMHg and DMHg by species-specific isotope dilution ICP-MS and cryo-focusing GC-ICP-MS at femtomolar concentrations. Furthermore, Uex,r was determined for the indirect determination of DMHg (DMHgcalc = MeHg - MMHg) and MeHg (MeHgcalc = MMHg + DMHg) to compare the two methodologies. ResultsExpanded Uex,r (confidence interval of 95%) for cryo-focusing GC-ICP-MS was 14.4 (<50 fM) and 14.2% (>50 fM) and for SS-ID GC-ICP-MS 5.6 (<50 fM) and 3.7% (>50 fM). For concentrations above 50 fM, Uex,r for DMHgcalc was always lower than for direct measurements (14.2%). For MeHgcalc, on the other hand, Uex,r was always higher for concentrations above 115 fM (range: 3.7–13.9%) than for direct measurements (3.7%). We evaluated the comparability of directly measured and calculated DMHg and MeHg concentrations based on Hg speciation measurements for two vertical profiles in the Mediterranean Sea. We show that directly measured and indirectly determined DMHg and MeHg concentrations yield comparable results. SignificanceOur results validate the application of the indirect method for the determination of DMHg if a direct measurement method with a low Uex,r such as isotope dilution is used for MMHg and MeHg measurements. The validation of the indirect measurement approach opens new possibilities to generate more precise and accurate DMHg data in the global ocean.

Recent advances in in situ Notch signaling measurement.

Notch signaling is necessary for the development of many organ systems, including the nervous system, biliary system, and visual and auditory sensory systems. This signaling pathway is composed of DSL ligands and Notch receptors. Upon the interaction of those components between neighboring cells, the intracellular domain of the Notch receptor is cleaved from the cell membrane to act as a transcription factor. To date, many mechanistic insights, including lateral inhibition and lateral induction, have been proposed from observation of patterning morphogenesis and expression profiles of Notch signaling-associated molecules. The lack of a direct measurement method for Notch signaling, however, has impeded the examination of those mechanistic insights. In this mini-review, recent advances in the direct measurement of Notch signaling are introduced with a focus on the application of genetic modification of Notch receptors with the components of the Cre/loxP system and Gal4/UAS system. The combination of such conventional genetic techniques is opening a new era in Notch signaling biology by direct visualization of Notch "signaling" in addition to Notch signaling-associated molecules.

Battery SOC estimation from EIS data based on machine learning and equivalent circuit model

Estimating the state of charge (SOC) of batteries is fundamental for the proper management and safe operation of numerous systems, including electric vehicles, smart energy grids, and portable electronics. While there is no practical method for direct measurement of SOC, several estimation approaches have been developed, including a growing number of machine-learning-based techniques. Machine learning methods are intrinsically data-driven but can also benefit from a-priori knowledge embedded in a model. In this work, we first demonstrate, through exploratory data analysis, that it is possible to discriminate between different SOC from electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements. Then we propose a SOC estimation approach based on EIS and an equivalent circuit model to provide a compact way to describe the frequency domain and time-domain behavior of the impedance of a battery. We experimentally validated this approach by applying it to a dataset consisting of EIS measurements performed on four lithium-ion cylindrical cells at different SOC values. The proposed approach allows for very efficient model training and produces a low-dimensional SOC classification model that achieves above 93% accuracy. The resulting low-dimensional classification model is suitable for embedding into battery-powered systems and for online SOC estimation.

Nonparametric Bayesian Networks as a Tool of Multiscale Time Series Analysis and Remote Sensing Data Integration

Introduction. Nonparametric Bayesian networks are a promising tool for analyzing, visualizing, interpreting and predicting the structural and dynamic characteristics of complex systems. Modern interdisciplinary research involves the complex processing of heterogeneous data obtained using sensors of various physical nature. In the study of the forest fund, both methods of direct dendrological measurements and methods of remote observation using unmanned aerial vehicles are widely used. Information obtained using these methods must be analyzed in conjunction with hydrometeorological monitoring data.Aim. Investigation of the possibility of automating the monitoring of the well-being of the forest fund based on the integration of ground survey data, remote multispectral measurements and hydrometeorological observations using the mathematical apparatus of nonparametric Bayesian networks.Materials and methods. To assess the long-term joint dynamics of natural and climatic indicators and the radial growth of trees, a modified method of multiscale cross-correlation analysis was used with the removal of the background trend described by the moving average model. Relationships between various indicators were estimated based on the unconditional and conditional nonparametric Spearman correlation coefficients, which were used to reconstruct and parameterize the nonparametric Bayesian network.Results. A multiscale nonparametric Bayesian network was constructed to characterize both unconditional and conditional statistical relationships between parameters obtained from remote sensing, hydroclimatic and dendrological measurements. The proposed model showed a good quality of the plant fund state forecasting. The correlation coefficients between the observed and predicted indicators exceed 0.6, with the correlation coefficient comprising 0.77 when predicting the growth trend of annual tree rings.Conclusion. The proposed nonparametric Bayesian network model reflects the relationship between various factors that affect the forest ecosystem. The Bayesian network can be used to assess risks and improve environmental management planning.

Characterization of developed low thermal scanner for DC voltage measurement

A low thermal scanner has been completely developed for improving DC voltage calibration from semi-automatic to fully automatic measurement system. The application of the switching system inside the built-up scanner introduced offset voltage to the measurement due to thermal electromotive force (EMF). A differential measurement method was proposed to characterize the thermal EMF of the scanner, and this method has been compared to previous characterization using the direct measurement method. The results show that the differential measurement method could minimize the thermal EMF effect, and the thermal EMF had a negligible contribution to the measurement for uncertainty levels around 10 to 11 ppm. Therefore, the differential measurement method is recommended for DC voltage calibration with uncertainty levels below 10 ppm since the thermal EMF can significantly affect the measurement. Furthermore, the direct measurement method is suggested for DC voltage calibration with uncertainty levels above 11 ppm since it can speed up the measurement process.

Syllogism of Li-FePO4 Battery Cell Voltage Parameter Guess Under Aperiodic Dynamic Current Profile by Some Data-Driven Techniques: A Error-Based Statistical Comparison Between Decision Tree, Support Vector, Bee Colony, and Neural Network

The various procedures are used in the literature for defining battery parameter change such as direct measurement methods, model-based methods, and data-driven methods, which contain the algorithms used in this paper also. The main aim of this study is to present a powerful and highly correct way of parameter forecasting of the A123 Systems 26650 cylindrical type Li-FePO4 battery cell. A few of the goal of this paper is to show the guessing performance of the artificial bee colony algorithm, which has a very limited number of applications on the battery parameter of literature, under the non-periodic dynamic charge/ discharge current profile. Then, a comparison has been made between artificial bee colony, artificial neural networks, support vector machine, and decision tree algorithms used in the paper. The load-connected terminal voltage is defined by considering the 100%-60% state of charge range in the primary usage areas of the batteries. A statistical comparison has been made by considering the absolute errors, squared errors, and the regression values information regarding the results presented by the methods. Consequently, the regression values that give information about the consistency of the confidence interval and results, of the bee colony, neural network, support vector, and decision tree methods have been determined as 99.92%, 99.75%, 96.00% and 95.79%, respectively. Moreover, mean squared errors of the methods has been calculated as 0.00202%, 0.00648%, 0.00998%, and 0.11%, respectively. As a new generation algorithm, artificial bee colony, which gave the most successful results according to the results obtained in the study, has been compared with two different methods selected from the existing literature, eXtreme Gradient Boosting and Smoothed eXtreme Gradient Boosting.