Position In Field Research Articles

Biases in Volumetric Versus Surface Analyses in Population Receptive Field Mapping.

Population receptive field (pRF) mapping is a quantitative functional MRI (fMRI) analysis method that links visual field positions with specific locations in the visual cortex. A common preprocessing step in pRF analyses involves projecting volumetric fMRI data onto the cortical surface, typically leading to upsampling of the data. This process may introduce biases in the resulting pRF parameters. Using publicly available analysis containers, we compared pRF maps generated from the original volumetric with those from upsampled surface data. Our results show substantial increases in pRF coverage in the central visual field of upsampled datasets. These effects were consistent across early visual cortex areas V1-3. Further analysis indicates that this bias is primarily driven by the nonlinear relationship between cortical distance and visual field eccentricity, known as cortical magnification. Our results underscore the importance of understanding and addressing biases introduced by processing steps to ensure accurate interpretation of pRF mapping data, particularly in cross-study comparisons.

A novel heuristic programming-based intelligent controller for autonomous farming

Purpose This paper aims to develop one heuristic programming approach-based intelligent controller with unique necessary conditions for autonomous farming in a crop field, which improves path navigation and fewer damages to the vegetable crops in given environments. The proposed controller has also used the object detection and pesticide spraying technique with a ground robotic vehicle (GRv). Design/methodology/approach The controller contains a unique cost function, which approximates the cost of the easiest solution for the entire operation. Every time the main loop of the controller iterates, it detects the best-estimated solution from the given values. One path planning strategy is implemented in a crop field with the GRv in the simulated and experimental environment. The GRv moves to different planned positions of the crop field by avoiding obstacles and also optimizes the travelled path. Findings The proposed controller is also compared with the existing approaches to validate its efficacy. In comparison to the modified DAYANI and the advanced sine-cosine algorithm-advanced ant colony optimization strategy, the heuristic programming approach-based intelligent controller has convincingly improved the length of the navigational path by 4.53% and 3.7%, respectively. Originality/value In real time, the highest speed achieved by the GRv in the crop field is approximately 1.5 km/h. The proposed controller performs successfully in the given environments.

An examination of how fielding outcomes in international and franchise T20 and 50-over cricket are associated with bowling performances and field positions

ABSTRACT In this study, 4,660 fielding outcomes from international 50-over and T20 cricket as well as multiple international franchise T20 leagues between 2016 and 2020 were examined. A generalised linear model was applied and the results revealed that infielders are less likely to drop catches than outfielders. Furthermore, outfielders in front of square are most likely to drop catches. In addition, drop catches are more likely to occur from spin bowling rather than fast bowling and interestingly, the odds of dropping a catch are lower when bowling a leg-side line. With regards to mis-fields, infielders are revealed to be less likely to mis-field than outfielders. Furthermore, mis-fields are more likely to occur from spin bowling rather than fast bowling. Run-outs were discovered to be more likely to occur in deep fielding positions on the leg-side, less likely to occur during powerplay overs and more likely to occur when bowlers bowl leg-side lines. Stumpings were revealed in this study to be significantly less likely when bowling a leg-side line. From a practical perspective, these findings can offer some assistance to team captains when positioning fielders as well as guide coaching practice.

A comparative study of experimental and simulated ultrasound beam propagation through cranial bones

Objective.Transcranial ultrasound is used in a variety of treatments, including neuromodulation, opening the blood-brain barrier, and high intensity focused ultrasound therapies. To ensure safety and efficacy of these treatments, numerical simulations of the ultrasound field within the brain are used for treatment planning and evaluation. This study investigates the accuracy of numerical modelling of the propagation of focused ultrasound through cranial bones.Approach.Holograms of acoustic fields after propagation through four human skull specimens were measured for frequencies ranging from 270 kHz to 1 MHz, using both quasi-continuous and pulsed modes. The open-source k-Wave toolbox was employed for simulations, using an equivalent-source hologram and a uniform bowl source with parameters that best matched the measured free-field pressure distribution.Main results.The average absolute error in k-Wave simulations with sound speed and density derived from CT scans compared to measurements was 15% for the spatial-peak acoustic pressure amplitude, 2.7 mm for the position of the focus, and 35% for the focal volume. Optimised uniform bowl sources achieved calculation accuracy comparable to that of the hologram sources.Significance.This method is demonstrated as a suitable tool for prediction of focal position, size and overall distribution of transcranial ultrasound fields. The accuracy of the shape and position of the focal region demonstrate the suitability of the sound speed and density mapping used here. However, large errors in pressure amplitude and transmission loss in some individual cases show that alternative methods for mapping individual skull attenuation are needed and the possibility of considerable errors in pressure amplitude should be taken into account when planning focused ultrasound studies or interventions in the human brain, and appropriate safety margins should be used.

Faire de la non-fiction une profession de foi litteraire et politique : fabrique d’une œuvre « braconne », construction d’une posture auctoriale et usages litteraires stratégiques de la sociologie par Annie Ernaux

This article examines the uses of non-fiction in the autosociobiographical work of Annie Ernaux, winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature 2022, and the literary and political issues involved in blurring the boundaries between literature and sociology. From the “transpersonal I” of La Place (Gallimard, 1984) to the “collective autobiography” of Les Années (Gallimard, 2008), via her “exterior diaries” described as “ethnotexts”, the writer has gradually built up a distinctive authorial posture in which she shows herself as an ‘ethnologist of herself’ and of everyday life “down below”, that of her working-class social milieu of origin, in constant search of the “right” form for such narratives. Sociologically informed, this singular literary approach, characterized by a double rejection of the pitfalls of misery and populist posturing, but also by a constant concern to control her own reception, aims to objectify her upward social migration trajectory and those of her social peers, in a deliberately minimalist style, ostensibly sparing of literary means and effects, often described by literary critics as “flat” or “white” writing. Opposing her concern for the “truth” to the autofiction movement to which she is still sometimes misunderstood, the author, who sees literature as a political ‘weapon of combat’, has thus initiated a specific form of autosociobiography, which is not without risk with regard to her position and recognition in the contemporary French literary field.

Multi-Scale Robotics: A Numerical Investigation on Mobile Micro-Tweezers for Micro-Manipulation with Extreme Requirements.

An automated micro-tweezers system with a flexible workspace would benefit the intelligent sorting of live cells. Such micro-tweezers could employ a forced vortex strong enough to capture a single cell. Furthermore, addressable control of the position to the vortex would constitute a robotic system. In this study, a spherical micro-object composed of super paramagnetic particles tightly packed in a non-magnetic resin is rotated with a combined magnetic field of permanent magnets. The said magnetic field is articulated by an open-kinematic chain controlled with a simple adaptive PI-control scheme. A vortex is formed as the spherical particle, assumed to be submerged under the surface of fluid, and follows the position and orientation of the external magnetic field. This forced vortex induces a radial pressure gradient that captures the live cell orbiting around the spherical object combined with the inertial effects. Here, a comprehensive mathematical model is presented to reflect on the dynamics of such micro-tweezer systems. Numerical results demonstrate that it is theoretically possible to capture and tow a bacterium cell while meeting extreme tracking references for motion control. Magnetic and fluid forces on the spherical particle traverse the vortex and the bacterium cell, with orbiting and sporadic collusion of the bacterium cell around the spherical particle, and the positions of the end-effector, i.e., the magnets, are analyzed.

Differences in Anthropometric Parameters, Physical Fitness, and Kicking Speed in Young Football Players According to Performance Level, Playing Position, and Relative Age Effect: A Population-Based Study.

Oddsson, HR, Friðgeirsdóttir, KÝ, Hafliðadóttir, L, Einarsson, IÞ, Kristjánsdóttir, H, and Saavedra, JM. Differences in anthropometric parameters, physical fitness, and kicking speed in young football players according to performance level, playing position, and relative age effect: a population-based study. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-The objectives of this study were to determine (a) the differences, both in male and female players, in anthropometric parameters, physical fitness, and kicking speed based on the players' level and position on the field; (b) whether there is a relative age effect based on the players' level, and (c) whether there is a relationship between the relative age effect and the anthropometric parameters, physical fitness, and kicking speed parameters. Eight hundred twenty-six football players (15.76 ± 2.60 year old, 75.7% male) participated in the study. Players were grouped into elite and nonelite, as well as based on their field position and birth quartile. Nonparametric tests were used to study differences by level and by position or trimesters. Chi-square goodness of fit analysis was performed to know the association between elite and nonelite players regarding the relative age effect. Physical fitness parameters and kicking speed were higher in elite players than in nonelite players (5.834 ≥χ2 ≤ 48.079; p < 0.001). There were differences in anthropometric and physical fitness parameters and kicking speed depending on the player's position: goalkeeper vs. outfield players (7.648 ≥χ2 ≤ 26.078; p < 0.001) except in jump tests. There was a relative age effect in elite male players (χ2 = 26.313; p < 0.001) but not in female players, and it was related to anthropometric and physical fitness parameters. This population-based study offers insights into the variables that differentiate elite from nonelite players at young ages, with differences in the relative age effect between male and female players, which can be used by coaches to identify key performance variables.

Multi-beam formation of a tiled fiber laser array with closed-loop control.

Tiled fiber laser arrays have attracted significant attention for their potential in power scaling and mitigation of atmospheric turbulence. In recent years, the capability to form multiple beams has been highly desirable across a variety of applications. However, existing tiled laser arrays have been limited to generating a single combined beam owing to optimization-based control algorithms. We present a novel approach for multi-beam formation using a tiled fiber laser array with closed-loop steering control. A tagging laser is divided and coupled into each beamlet. By modulating the sequence of the tagging laser pulses and synchronizing a far-field camera, the pointing of each beamlet is directly measured and individually controlled. The beamlets are then organized in groups, and the beamlets in each group are combined to a common position in the far field. Multiple beams can be formed on demand through corresponding group configurations. An experimental system comprising seven beamlets and an adaptive fiber collimator array achieved the formation of one, two, and three beams using the proposed method. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of closed-loop multi-beam formation using a tiled fiber laser array.

Classification and race characteristics of all-time best male 800m runners

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate all-time 80 best male 800m runners’ fastest ever 800m races in tactical aspect. Methods: After classifying the athletes into subgroups, we tried to reveal general and type specific tactical elements (pacing and positioning during the race) and to identify performance determinant racing characteristics within the groups. Athletes were classed into three subgroups: speed type (ST, 800m specialists (SP), and endurance type (ET). Temporal and positional details of the races were obtained via video analysis. Results: ST runners start with a significantly faster 200m compared to SP (p = .016) and ET (p = .0035) runners but there was no difference in the later 200m split times for the rest of the race. ST runners also took a more forward intermediate field position at 200m, 400m, and 600m compared to SP and ET athletes respectively (200m p = .026, p = .032; 400m p = .018, p = .030; 600m p = .034; p = .019). Conclusion: ST 800m runners might effectively operate with a faster start and more forward field position, while SP, and ET runners can benefit more from a slower first 200m, followed by a more even pacing during the race. It was found that speed between 400-600m had the strongest positive relationship with 800m performance in all groups.

Anthologisierung und Deanthologisierung

Abstract The article is dedicated to practices of anthologisation and de-anthologisation, that is the compilation and publication of anthologies that serve as the starting point for subsequent editions of poetry. Just like anthologies, author- or genre-centred collections based on anthologies play an important role within literary historiography and the positioning in the literary field. Departing from this thesis, the article examines the prerequisites and editorial strategies as well as the historical and discursive position of Gottsched’s edition of Benjamin Neukirch’s selected poems Auserlesene Gedichte, printed in 1744. This edition, which is largely based on the epoch-making anthology Herrn von Hoffmannswaldau und andrer Deutschen auserlesene und bißher ungedruckte Gedichte (1695–1727), provides ex negativo evidence of the functions of anthologies in the formation of literary-historical thought in the early eighteenth century.

A Practical Guide to Metal Ions Dynamic Nuclear Polarization in Materials Science

In this protocol we outline the practical aspects and methodology for performing metal ions-based dynamic nuclear polarization (MI-DNP), focusing on materials science applications. In MI-DNP polarization is transferred from unpaired electrons of paramagnetic metal ions to nearby nuclear spins, thereby increasing the sensitivity of NMR spectroscopy. The protocol encompasses detailed steps for i) selecting suitable metal ions dopants based on chemical, structural and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) considerations, ii) characterizing the concentration, homogeneity and EPR properties of the dopant and iii) performing the MI-DNP experiment itself, including optimization of the field position and reliable assessment of the DNP enhancement factors. By adhering to this protocol, the interested reader can implement the MI-DNP approach in an efficient way, facilitating spectroscopic studies of functional materials.

Binding Energy of Cylindrical Quantum Dots: Effects of External Electric Field and Impurity Position

We have investigated the binding energy properties of a cylindrical quantum dot (CQD) system layered as GaAs/AlGaAs under external electric fields. In our numerical calculations, we considered both on- and off-center impurity cases using the effective mass approximation. The eigenvalues and corresponding eigenfunctions of the system are obtained using a three-dimensional finite difference approach. It is found that the ground-state binding energy is significantly affected by the CQD dimensions (radius and height), impurity position, and the strength and direction of the external electric field. Additionally, the electron probability distributions are examined to provide deeper insight into the physical reasons underlying the behavior of the binding energy. These findings enhance our understanding of the tunable properties of CQDs, which may be useful in the design of optoelectronic and quantum devices.

Stem characteristics and yield of wheat is regulated to improve planting efficiency and reduce lodging risk by fertilizer rate and irrigation stage

Optimizing fertilizer and water application and using standardized and clean production methods are important for achieving green and sustainable agricultural development. The study was conducted from 2018 to 2021, arranged in a split-plot experimental design. Three fertilization levels (main plots) and four supplementary irrigation treatments (secondary plots) were set through three consecutive years of field positioning experiments. Chemical compound fertilizer application levels were 750 kg ha−1 (F1), 600 kg ha−1 (F2), 450 kg ha−1 (F3). Irrigation levels were as follows: no irrigation during the whole growth period after emergence (W0), irrigation only at jointing stage (W1), irrigation at jointing and anthesis stage (W2), irrigation at greening, jointing and anthesis stage (W3). The results indicated that the stem length of the base increased with the increase of irrigation and water and fertilizer, especially on the base stem node. There was a significant interaction between different fertilizer and water treatments. Correlation analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between stem strength and the stem lodging index. After anthesis, the lodging index was significantly lower in the F2 treatment than that in the F1 treatment. Moreover, the contribution of dry matter accumulation to the grain before anthesis was significantly higher under the W2 treatment than that under the W3 treatment but was significantly lower than that under the W0 treatment. Furthermore, the W2 treatment exhibited significantly greater fertilizer and water effects than those under the W3 treatment, irrigation benefit increased by 10.39 kg ha−1 mm−1, whereas the F2 treatment exhibited significantly greater effects than those of the F1 treatment. In terms of yield, grain yield of F2W2 treatment was significantly higher than that of F3W1 treatment. The maximum yield of F2W2 treatment over three years was 9900.05 kg ha−1. Therefore, reducing the amount of fertilizer and adjusting the irrigation regimes can enhance wheat growth and yield and mitigate the risk of lodging in the field.

Tuning Intermediate Band Solar Cell Efficiency: The Interplay of Electric Fields, Composition, Impurities, and Confinement.

In this study, we investigated the influence of structural parameters, including active region dimensions, electric field intensity, In-composition, impurity position, and potential profiles, on the energy levels, sub-gap transitions, and photovoltaic characteristics of a p-GaN/i-(In, Ga)N/GaN-n (p-QW-n) structure. The finite element method (FEM) has been used to solve numerically the Schrödinger equation. We found that particle and sub-gap energy levels are susceptible to well width, electric field, and impurity position. Particle energy decreases with increasing well size and electric field intensity, while impurity position affects energy based on proximity to the well center. Potential profile shapes, such as rectangular (RQW) and parabolic (PQW), also play a significant role, with PQW profiles providing stronger particle confinement. IB width increases with electric field intensity and saturates at higher In-content. Voc increases with field strength but decreases with In-content, and the parabolic profile yields higher efficiency than the rectangular one. Photovoltaic efficiency is improved with an appropriately oriented electric field and decreases with higher In-content and field intensity. These findings highlight the critical role of structural parameters in optimizing QW-IBSC performance.

Simultaneous measurement of temperature by Background-oriented Schlieren and speckle interferometry: Comparison and validation

The application of Background-oriented Schlieren (BOS) technology for measuring air flow temperatures is becoming increasingly popular due to its simplicity and practicality. However, there is still a lack of synchronous experimental measurement techniques to verify its measurement accuracy. Electronic Speckle Pattern Interferometry (ESPI), as a high-precision measurement technique, is currently being employed in the field of temperature field measurements. In this study, to verify the accuracy of BOS, an innovative optical setup was designed to achieve the synchronous measurement of temperature field by BOS and ESPI. A plate is set in the object beam path of ESPI, and the laser is irradiated on the plate to form a BOS measurement laser speckle background pattern, which forms a BOS measurement system with the camera. The two measurement systems can simultaneously capture speckle patterns before and after the hot air flow field is introduced into the optical path, enabling the calculation of air temperature. This approach avoids errors that may arise from slight variations in the flow field when comparing results from non-synchronous measurements. The quality of the laser speckle is optimized by adjusting the aperture, beam expander and laser power. The measurement accuracy, uncertainty and sensitivity of BOS are evaluated in the reconstruction of the temperature field of the hot air flow above the alcohol lamp flame. The results show that the temperature field measured by BOS is consistent with the temperature field measured by speckle interferometry, and its measurement sensitivity is related to the flow field position and the focal length of the camera.

Visualize the time dynamics and research trends of macrophage associated periodontitis research from 2004 to 2023: Bibliometrix analysis.

Macrophages play an important role in the symptoms and structural progression of periodontitis, and are receiving increasing attention. In recent years, research has shown significant progress in macrophage associated periodontitis. However, there is still lack of comprehensive and methodical bibliometric analysis in this domain. Therefore, this research aims to describe the state of the research and current research hotspots of macrophage associated periodontitis from the perspective of bibliometrics. This study collected and screened a total of 1424 articles on macrophage associated periodontitis retrieved between 2004 and 2023 from Web of Science Core Collection database. Use Citespace (6.1. R6), Bibliometrix-R (4.1.3), VOSviewer (1.6.19), and Graphpad Prism8 software to analyze and plot countries/regions, institutions, journals, authors, literature, and keywords to explore the research hotspots and development trends of macrophage associated periodontitis. After analysis, the amount of macrophage associated periodontitis publications has been rising consistently over time, with China having the most publications (29.32%). 3 countries accounted for 65.57% of the total publications: the United States, China, and Japan, occupying a dominant position in this research field. China publications have the fastest growth rate and played a driving role. The most productive institution is the Sichuan University in China. Journal of Periodontal Research is highly popular in the field of macrophage associated periodontitis, with the highest number of publications. Grenier, Daniel is the most prolific author. Inflammation and Bone Loss in Periodontal Disease are the most cited literature. "Biological pathogenic factors," "immune regulation," "mechanism research," "susceptibility factor research," "pathological processes and molecular correlation," "pathological characteristics," "inflammatory response" are the main keyword groups in this field. This study systematically analyzes and describes the development process, direction, and hotspots of macrophage associated periodontitis using bibliometric methods, providing a reference for future researchers who continue to study macrophage associated periodontitis.

Annotationen. Zur autoreflexiven Dimension von Fußnoten im portugiesischen und brasilianischen Epos der Romantik

Abstract In Portugal and Brazil, epic poetry is still a prominent genre in the 19th century. However, under the conditions of Romanticism, it must find both its particular position in the literary field and its own aesthetics. Aesthetic innovations are accompanied by a contemporary debate on the epic genre. This debate is held not only in poetological writings and public discussions, but especially in the various forms of paratexts, such as prefaces and annotations, as well as in the poetic text itself. This article focuses on footnotes and endnotes and shows the intricate relationship between Romantic epic poetry and scientific, especially historiographic annotations. The discourse of the annotations is dominated by three topics: epic and history; authenticity; communality and knowledge. These auto-reflective dimensions of footnotes and endnotes illustrate the problematic reconceptualization of the epic genre in the context of nation-building processes.

Motion-induced blindness shows spatial anisotropies in conscious perception

Polar angle asymmetries (PAAs), the differences in perceptual experiences and performance across different regions of the visual field are present in various paradigms and tasks of visual perception. Currently, research in this area is sparse, particularly regarding the influence of PAAs during perceptual illusions, highlighting a gap in visual cognition studies. We aim to fill this gap by measuring PAAs across the visual field during an illusion applied to test conscious vision widely. Motion-induced blindness (MIB) is an illusion when a peripheral target disappears from consciousness as the result of a continuously moving background pattern. During MIB we separately measured the average disappearance time of peripheral targets in eight equidistant visual field positions. Our results indicate a significant variation in MIB disappearance times and frequencies as a function of target location. Specifically, we found shorter and fewer disappearances along the cardinal compared to oblique directions, and along the horizontal compared to the vertical meridian. Our results suggest specific consistencies between visual field asymmetries and conscious visual perception.

Experimental study for a field diversity phase retrieval wavefront sensing approach

Field diversity wavefront sensing is one of the image-based wavefront methods, where the intensity measurements with phase diversities are directly obtained from different field positions of one image, without the need for any additional instruments (e.g., beam splitter) or operations (e.g., focus adjusting). While the phase diversities between different positions are unknown to us, this method is realized based on an in-depth understanding of the net aberration fields induced by misalignments and figure errors. However, this novel, to the best of our knowledge, image-based wavefront sensing method has not been experimentally studied, which restricts the application and promotion of this method. In this work, the analytic gradient of the field diversity wavefront sensing is derived, and the accuracy and effectiveness of this method in the active alignment of real three-mirror anastigmatic (TMA) optical systems are systematically demonstrated. The results show that this method can be applicable to wavefront sensing of large space telescopes.

Movable surface acoustic wave tweezers: a versatile toolbox for micromanipulation

Surface acoustic wave (SAW) tweezers are a promising multifunctional micromanipulation method that controls microscale targets via patterned acoustic fields. Owing to their device structure and bonding process, most SAW tweezers have limitations in terms of controlling the position and motion of the acoustic traps, as they generate an acoustic field with a fixed region and adjust the manipulation effects via signal modulation. To address this challenge, we propose movable SAW tweezers with a multilayer structure, achieving dynamic control of their wave field and acoustic trap positions; we demonstrate their precise manipulation functions, such as translation, in-plane rotation, out-of-plane rotation, and cluster formation, on a wide spectrum of samples, including particles, bubbles, droplets, cells, and microorganisms. Our method not only improves the degree of freedom and working range of SAW tweezers but also allows for precise and selective manipulation of microtargets via microtools and localized wavefields. Owing to their flexibility, versatility, and biocompatibility, the movable SAW tweezers can be a practical platform for achieving arbitrary manipulation of microscale targets and have the potential to play significant roles in biomedical microrobotics.