Proper Calibration Procedures Research Articles

Fabrication and application of wearable ionic polymer metal composite sensors for sports science

Ionic polymer-metal composite (IPMC) sensors were fabricated and investigated for quantifying impact energy in sports applications. Nafion membranes were roughened and electroless plated with gold-platinum electrodes to form IPMCs. When subjected to impacts of varying energies, the IPMCs generated transient voltage spikes whose peak amplitudes and slopes showed exponential relationships with the impact energies. Empirical models were developed correlating the IPMC voltage response features to the impact energies, achieving measurement accuracy within ±10 % RMS error over the tested dynamic range from 0.005 J to 1 J. The IPMC voltage profile was found to depend primarily on the impact energy and resultant strain rate, rather than impactor properties or contact geometry. Proper calibration procedures for each IPMC sensor before deployment were required to account for device-to-device variations. The results demonstrate the potential of IPMC sensors for continuous monitoring of athletes' impacts during sports activities. Further optimization is needed to improve the robustness, repeatability, and stability of the IPMC sensors under realistic sports conditions for reliable field performance.

Calibration and validation of the HydroColor and Citclops smartphone applications for water quality monitoring

Water quality monitoring, essential for safeguarding ecosystems and human health, has gained increasing significance as societies worldwide prioritize environmental awareness and sustainable practices. Therefore, this study evaluates the performance of two smartphone applications (APPs), HydroColor and Citclops (now EyeOnWater), in estimating water quality parameters such as turbidity, the concentration of suspended particulate matter ([SPM]), and colour. By comparing laboratory and hyperspectral sensors measurements with water quality parameters estimated from smartphone images, the study assessed the accuracy and efficiency of the transfer functions employed by these APPs. The study findings revealed varying degrees of accuracy, with HydroColor R2 values of 0.36 and 0.83 for turbidity and [SPM], respectively, while Citclops achieved an R2 value of 0.7 for colour estimation. The study identified limitations in both APPs, particularly in their applicability to different water systems. These insights underscore the importance of proper calibration and validation procedures for smartphone-based water quality monitoring APPs. Also, the findings underscore the growing significance of smartphone APPs in enabling accessible and real-time monitoring of water quality, highlighting their potential to revolutionize the democratization of environmental monitoring practices through citizen science. Ultimately, this research contributes to the advancement of smartphone-based monitoring initiatives to inform decision-making processes in environmental management, and enhancing our understanding of water quality dynamics in diverse environments.

Feasibility Study of a Combined Tension-Torsion Hopkinson Bar

The increasing interest to improve the description of the plastic behavior and the fracture prediction for ductile materials under complex loading conditions conducted the researchers to overcome the J2 plasticity theory. To do this more sophisticated plasticity model base on ductile damage have been implemented. Material model parameters must be identified by means of proper testing and calibration procedures requiring different loading conditions. Different types of tests must be performed, imposing multiaxial stress paths to the specimens. Tensile tests on smooth and round notched bars, plane strain tests, torsion tests, compression and combined tension–torsion tests on hollow and solid cylindrical bars must be executed. While multiple works are present in literature for model assessment and validation in quasi-static conditions, nothing can be found at high strain rate in biaxial conditions (tension-torsion). Biaxial tests in dynamic conditions are very difficult to carry out especially if you are interested to register the entire story of stress and strain. In this work, analytical and numerical study to evaluate the feasibility to carry out dynamic tension, dynamic torsion, dynamic torsion-static tension/compression and dynamic tension–dynamic torsion tests is discussed. The tests will be performed using a properly designed Split Hopkinson Bar.

Validated data mining technique: a case study on pressure-field digital MEMS microphone calibration

Recently, in the field of environmental noise control and monitoring, a diffusion of a new generation of microphone sensors has been observed. This was met by the rapid development of MEMS (MicroElectroMechanical Systems) microphones, whose technology could open up the possibility of noise measurements based on extensive acoustic sensor networks, that use a large number of microphones spread across wide areas. Nevertheless, current standards do not provide proper calibration and test procedures for these microphones. In this work, calibration standard procedures was adapted for the complete characterization of digital MEMS microphones by comparison with laboratory standard microphones in pressure field condition. Large data-set obtained from comparison, is subjected to a statistical analysis in order to highlight any possible factor affecting calibration accuracy and robustness.

PTR-ToF-MS product ion distributions and humidity-dependence of biogenic volatile organic compounds

Quantitative proton-transfer-reaction mass spectrometer (PTR-MS) measurements of ambient volatile organic compounds (VOCs) require proper calibration procedures. In particular, compound product ion distribution and humidity-dependent responses must be characterized. In this study, we generated twelve gas-phase terpenoid standards using a dynamic dilution system to calibrate the PTR-MS with time-of-flight mass spectrometer (PTR-ToF-MS): six monoterpenes, two monoterpene derivatives, and four sesquiterpenes. The humidity-dependent response was characterized for three terpenoid compounds to compare different molecular structures: α-pinene, δ-limonene, and longifolene. We provide the first comprehensive summary of PTR-ToF-MS product ion distributions for twelve common biogenic volatile organic compounds using two different reduced electric field (E/N) values, 80 Td and 130 Td. Results demonstrated that neglecting to correct for individual product ion distributions of different terpenoid isomers can result in an error of up to 26% for reported mixing ratios. δ-Limonene and longifolene exhibited a small humidity-dependent response in the PTR-ToF-MS, but this did not contribute significantly to the overall measurement error. These results will improve quantification of commonly-measured biogenic volatile organic compound emissions and chemistry in the atmosphere.

Center of gravity estimation using a reaction board instrumented with fiber Bragg gratings

The purpose of the present work is to construct a reaction board based on fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) that could be used for estimation of the 2D coordinates of the projection of center of gravity (CG) of an object. The apparatus is consisted of a rigid equilateral triangular board mounted on three supports at the vertices, two of which have cantilevers instrumented with FBGs. When an object of known weight is placed on the board, the bending strain of the cantilevers is measured by a proportional wavelength shift of the FBGs. Applying the equilibrium conditions of a rigid body and proper calibration procedures, the wavelength shift is used to estimate the vertical reaction forces and moments of force at the supports and the coordinates of the object’s CG projection on the board. This method can be used on a regular basis to estimate the CG of the human body or objects with complex geometry and density distribution. An example is provided for the estimation of the CG projection coordinates of two orthopaedic femur bone models, one intact, and the other with a hip stem implant encased. The clinical implications of changing the normal CG location by means of a prosthesis have been discussed.

Calibration and characterization of MEMS microphones

In recent years, the increase in the number of smartphones led to a remarkable demand for low-cost microphones. This was met by the rapid development of MEMS (MicroElectroMechanical Systems) microphones, whose technology is becoming a promising perspective for future noise measurements based on new acoustic sensor networks. Nevertheless, current Standards do not provide proper calibration and test procedures for these microphones. In this work, calibration standard procedures have been adapted to characterize condenser MEMS microphones by comparison technique with laboratory standard microphones. Microphone parameters (sensitivity, frequency response, linearity, directivity, stability, and dynamic range) and changes of sensitivity with temperature (from -10 °C to + 50 °C) and humidity (from 25% to 90%) have been evaluated in a hemi-anechoic room and in an environmental chamber, respectively. These procedures open up the possibility to provide a robust and metrological characterization of MEMS microphones for noise measurements.

Nanoparticle-based luminescent probes for intracellular sensing and imaging of pH.

Fluorescence imaging microscopy is an essential tool in biomedical research. Meanwhile, various fluorescent probes are available for the staining of cells, cell membranes, and organelles. Though, to monitor intracellular processes and dysfunctions, probes that respond to ubiquitous chemical parameters determining the cellular function such as pH, pO2 , and Ca(2+) are required. This review is focused on the progress in the design, fabrication, and application of photoluminescent nanoprobes for sensing and imaging of pH in living cells. The advantages of using nanoprobes carrying fluorescent pH indicators compared to single molecule probes are discussed as well as their limitations due to the mostly lysosomal uptake by cells. Particular attention is paid to ratiometric dual wavelength nanosensors that enable intrinsic referenced measurements. Referencing and proper calibration procedures are basic prerequisites to carry out reliable quantitative pH determinations in complex samples such as living cells. A variety of examples will be presented that highlight the diverseness of nanocarrier materials (polymers, micelles, silica, quantum dots, carbon dots, gold, photon upconversion nanocrystals, or bacteriophages), fluorescent pH indicators for the weak acidic range, and referenced sensing mechanisms, that have been applied intracellularly up to now. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2016, 8:378-413. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1366 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.

A Review of Weed Control Practices in Landscape Planting Beds: Part II—Chemical Weed Control Methods

Use of preemergence and postemergence herbicides is the most effective and economical method of weed control in landscape planting beds. When used correctly, herbicides can provide satisfactory weed control, reduce labor costs, and cause little or no negative environmental impacts. Major factors in herbicide efficacy include choosing the correct herbicide for the weed species present, following proper calibration procedures, and applying herbicides at the correct timing. The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the research pertaining to herbicide use in landscape planting beds and present 1) the advantages and disadvantages of common chemical weed control strategies, 2) the most effective preemergence and postemergence herbicides in various landscape scenarios, 3) potential environmental concerns pertaining to improper application of herbicides, and 4) highlight knowledge gaps where additional research is needed or improvements could be made.

Forecasting Energy Market Contracts by Ambit Processes: Empirical Study and Numerical Results.

In the present paper we exploit the theory of ambit processes to develop a model which is able to effectively forecast prices of forward contracts written on the Italian energy market. Both short-term and medium-term scenarios are considered and proper calibration procedures as well as related numerical results are provided showing a high grade of accuracy in the obtained approximations when compared with empirical time series of interest.

재난감시용 하천 CCTV를 활용한 홍수유출량 산정

The present study aims to apply a surface image velocimetry(SIV) system to video images captured with CCTV and estimate the flood discharge. The CCTV was installed at the Hancheon Bridge of the Han Cheon in Jeju Island for disaster surveillance, and seven flood events occurred in 2012 were used. During the image analyses, input parameters, interrogation areas and searching areas were determined with proper calibration procedures. To check for accuracy and applicability of SIV, the velocities and flood discharges estimated by SIV were compared with the measured ones by an electromagnetic surface velocimeter, Kalisto. The comparison results showed fairly good agreements. The RMSE(Root Mean Square Error) values between two instruments showed a range of 4.13 and 14.2, and the determination coefficients reached 0.75 through 0.85. It means that the SIV could be used as a good alternative method for other traditional velocity measuring instruments in measuring flood discharges.

A methodology to ensure and improve accuracy of Ki67 labelling index estimation by automated digital image analysis in breast cancer tissue

IntroductionImmunohistochemical Ki67 labelling index (Ki67 LI) reflects proliferative activity and is a potential prognostic/predictive marker of breast cancer. However, its clinical utility is hindered by the lack of standardized measurement methodologies. Besides tissue heterogeneity aspects, the key element of methodology remains accurate estimation of Ki67-stained/counterstained tumour cell profiles. We aimed to develop a methodology to ensure and improve accuracy of the digital image analysis (DIA) approach.MethodsTissue microarrays (one 1-mm spot per patient, n = 164) from invasive ductal breast carcinoma were stained for Ki67 and scanned. Criterion standard (Ki67-Count) was obtained by counting positive and negative tumour cell profiles using a stereology grid overlaid on a spot image. DIA was performed with Aperio Genie/Nuclear algorithms. A bias was estimated by ANOVA, correlation and regression analyses. Calibration steps of the DIA by adjusting the algorithm settings were performed: first, by subjective DIA quality assessment (DIA-1), and second, to compensate the bias established (DIA-2). Visual estimate (Ki67-VE) on the same images was performed by five pathologists independently.ResultsANOVA revealed significant underestimation bias (P < 0.05) for DIA-0, DIA-1 and two pathologists’ VE, while DIA-2, VE-median and three other VEs were within the same range. Regression analyses revealed best accuracy for the DIA-2 (R-square = 0.90) exceeding that of VE-median, individual VEs and other DIA settings. Bidirectional bias for the DIA-2 with overestimation at low, and underestimation at high ends of the scale was detected. Measurement error correction by inverse regression was applied to improve DIA-2-based prediction of the Ki67-Count, in particular for the clinically relevant interval of Ki67-Count < 40%. Potential clinical impact of the prediction was tested by dichotomising the cases at the cut-off values of 10, 15, and 20%. Misclassification rate of 5-7% was achieved, compared to that of 11-18% for the VE-median-based prediction.ConclusionsOur experiments provide methodology to achieve accurate Ki67-LI estimation by DIA, based on proper validation, calibration, and measurement error correction procedures, guided by quantified bias from reference values obtained by stereology grid count. This basic validation step is an important prerequisite for high-throughput automated DIA applications to investigate tissue heterogeneity and clinical utility aspects of Ki67 and other immunohistochemistry (IHC) biomarkers.

A new approach to modelling schistosomiasis transmission based on stratified worm burden

Multiple factors affect schistosomiasis transmission in distributed meta-population systems including age, behaviour, and environment. The traditional approach to modelling macroparasite transmission often exploits the 'mean worm burden' (MWB) formulation for human hosts. However, typical worm distribution in humans is overdispersed, and classic models either ignore this characteristic or make ad hoc assumptions about its pattern (e.g., by assuming a negative binomial distribution). Such oversimplifications can give wrong predictions for the impact of control interventions. We propose a new modelling approach to macro-parasite transmission by stratifying human populations according to worm burden, and replacing MWB dynamics with that of 'population strata'. We developed proper calibration procedures for such multi-component systems, based on typical epidemiological and demographic field data, and implemented them using Wolfram Mathematica. Model programming and calibration proved to be straightforward. Our calibrated system provided good agreement with the individual level field data from the Msambweni region of eastern Kenya. The Stratified Worm Burden (SWB) approach offers many advantages, in that it accounts naturally for overdispersion and accommodates other important factors and measures of human infection and demographics. Future work will apply this model and methodology to evaluate innovative control intervention strategies, including expanded drug treatment programmes proposed by the World Health Organization and its partners.

Inter-laboratory performance between two nanoparticle air filtration systems using scanning mobility particle analyzers

The performance of two aerosol testing systems, at two different laboratories (University of Nebraska Medical Center—UNMC and 3M Company), was compared to evaluate which calibration procedures minimized variability in filter testing of nanoparticles. Both charged electret and uncharged flat-web fibrous filters were used with Scanning Mobility Particle Sizers to give upstream and downstream size distributions and calculate filter penetration. Challenge aerosols were polydisperse nanoparticles of sodium chloride (NaCl) ranging from approximately 10–300 nm and monodisperse polystyrene latex (PSL) spheres of preselected sizes, including 40, 60, 100, and 200 nm. The implementation of optimized procedures resulted in comparable filtration performance at the two testing sites with challenges of NaCl particles and PSL spheres. The penetration results for the uncharged filter were nearly identical for both challenges, while lower penetration through the charged filter was observed with NaCl aerosol, probably due to differences in NaCl and PSL dielectric constants. Results showed that reproducible, comparable nanoparticle filtration data could be achieved between two separate laboratories when sources of error and proper calibration procedures were addressed.

High-resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy in studies of self-assembled organic monolayers

This article reviews recent progress in the characterization of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) with a chalcogen headgroup by synchrotron-based high-resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HRXPS). We present reference data for archetypical, most frequently used SAM systems and discuss specific effects and SAM properties which can only be observed at high energy resolution. We show that not only the emissions related to a SAM but also those related to the substrate can provide important information on the system under study. We demonstrate that the standard chemical shift framework is not always sufficient to explain photoemission from SAMs, but, in some selected cases, electrostatic effects should be taken into account as well. General aspects of XPS and HRXPS experiments on SAMs are discussed, including X-ray induced damage and proper calibration procedures.

Reproducibility and uncertainty of wastewater turbidity measurements

Turbidity monitoring is a valuable tool for operating sewer systems, but it is often considered as a somewhat tricky parameter for assessing water quality, because measured values depend on the model of sensor, and even on the operator. This paper details the main components of the uncertainty in turbidity measurements with a special focus on reproducibility, and provides guidelines for improving the reproducibility of measurements in wastewater relying on proper calibration procedures. Calibration appears to be the main source of uncertainties, and proper procedures must account for uncertainties in standard solutions as well as non linearity of the calibration curve. With such procedures, uncertainty and reproducibility of field measurement can be kept lower than 5% or 25 FAU. On the other hand, reproducibility has no meaning if different measuring principles (attenuation vs. nephelometry) or very different wavelengths are used.

Assessment of Functional Capacity in Clinical and Research Settings

The assessment of functional capacity reflects the ability to perform activities of daily living that require sustained aerobic metabolism. The integrated efforts and health of the pulmonary, cardiovascular, and skeletal muscle systems dictate an individual’s functional capacity. Numerous investigations have demonstrated that the assessment of functional capacity provides important diagnostic and prognostic information in a wide variety of clinical and research settings. This scientific statement, an update of the previously published American Heart Association (AHA) document,1 highlights the major clinical and research applications of functional capacity assessment. For a comprehensive review of exercise testing, the reader is referred to the American College of Cardiology (ACC)/AHA Guidelines for Exercise Testing.2,3 Functional capacity is the ability of an individual to perform aerobic work as defined by the maximal oxygen uptake (Vo2max), that is, the product of cardiac output and arteriovenous oxygen (a−Vo2) difference at physical exhaustion, as shown in the following equation: ![Formula][1] Where HR indicates heart rate and SV indicates stroke volume. Because Vo2max typically is achieved by exercise that involves only about half of the total body musculature, it is generally believed that Vo2max is limited by maximal cardiac output rather than peripheral factors.4 Although Vo2max is measured in liters of oxygen per minute, it usually is expressed in milliliters of oxygen per kilogram of body weight per minute to facilitate intersubject comparisons. In addition, functional capacity, particularly when estimated from the work rate achieved rather than directly measured Vo, is frequently expressed in metabolic equivalents (METs), with 1 MET representing the resting energy expenditure (≈3.5 mL O2 · kg−1 · min−1). In this instance, functional capacity is commonly expressed clinically as a multiple of the resting metabolic rate. Vo2max … [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif

Deuterium in-vessel retention characterisation through the use of particle balance on Tore Supra

Fuel retention inside plasma facing components will be a crucial issue not only in fusion reactors of the future, but also in ITER. The estimation of the fraction of the fuel which remains trapped inside the vessel is quite a difficult task. Particle balance analysis provides information for the whole vacuum chamber as a function of time and can be use to monitor the tritium in-vessel retention in real-time. On Tore Supra with a careful choice and position of pressure sensors, proper calibration procedures, the accuracy of the balance is around 10%. Particle balance analysis have been performed on many long pulse discharges and deuterium in-vessel retention has been found to be a constant around 5×1020D/s after several minutes of plasma. The evolution of the retention rate with plasma parameters indicates that deuterium bulk implantation and diffusion could dominate codeposition with carbon atoms. Particle balance is a powerful tool that should be implemented in ITER.

Radiocarbon dating and the “old shell” problem: direct dating of artifacts and cultural chronologies in coastal and other aquatic regions

Archaeologists have long recognized the problem of the “old wood” effect in radiocarbon dating charcoal and wood samples, the age of which may be hundreds of years older than their use by humans. Such problems have resulted in significant changes in how most researchers select wood and charcoal samples for 14C dating, with many now using relatively short-lived carbonized materials for dating. Despite the significant strides made in our understanding of the potential biases of the “old wood” effect, little emphasis has been placed on the possible impacts of dating “old shell” in archaeological deposits. The use of marine shell for 14C dating is widespread in coastal areas around the world, including a growing emphasis on the dating of individual shell artifacts via Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS). In dating shell artifacts, we have obtained several dates older than associated 14C dates for short-lived subsistence remains from the same deposits, including great disparities (>10,000 years) and more subtle differences (≥100 years). These discrepancies appear to be due to the use of old shells by humans to make beads and other artifacts, including shells collected from fossil deposits, older archaeological sites, and beaches. The problems caused by the use of old shells to make beads and other artifacts are surmountable through careful sample selection, analysis of multiple 14C dates on a variety of materials, and proper calibration procedures.

Specification of channel filters for an interferometric radiometer

Differences among the channels that form an interferometric radiometer result in amplitude and phase errors in the cross correlations measured from the signals collected by each pair of antennas (visibility samples). Since point source calibration of a satellite‐embarked instrument operating in a radio astronomy protected band is, in principle, not possible, and although separable phase errors can be corrected, the nonseparable ones produce an irrecoverable loss of information and have to be kept below specified limits. Preliminary work performed by the authors established basic requirements on the channel transfer function so as to meet these strict specifications imposed by proper calibration and inversion procedures. These requirements were set, from a simple filter model, in terms of three basic parameters: center frequency, bandwidth, and overall group delay. The purpose of this work is, for any kind of filter, to translate these requirements into a given insertion loss mask that must be satisfied by all filters so as to keep nonseparable error terms under certain specified bounds. The numerical results and computer simulations presented are based on the specifications of MIRAS, a two‐dimensional aperture synthesis radiometer currently under study by the European Space Agency, and its proposed in‐orbit calibration procedure.