Real-time Experiments Research Articles

Fall Detection in Q-eBall: Enhancing Gameplay Through Sensor-Based Solutions

The field of physically interactive electronic games is rapidly evolving, driven by the fact that it combines the benefits of physical activities and the attractiveness of electronic games, as well as advancements in sensor technologies. In this paper, a new game was introduced, which is a special version of Bubble Soccer, which we named Q-eBall. It creates a dynamic and engaging experience by combining simulation and physical interactions. Q-eBall is equipped with a fall detection system, which uses an embedded electronic circuit integrated with an accelerometer, a gyroscopic, and a pressure sensor. An evaluation of the performance of the fall detection system in Q-eBall is presented, exploring its technical details and showing its performance. The system captures the data of players’ movement in real-time and transmits it to the game controller, which can accurately identify when a player falls. The automated fall detection process enables the game to take the required actions, such as transferring possession of the visual ball or applying fouls, without the need for manual intervention. Offline experiments were conducted to assess the performance of four machine learning models, which were K-Nearest Neighbors (KNNs), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Random Forest (RF), and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), for falls detection. The results showed that the inclusion of pressure sensor data significantly improved the performance of all models, with the SVM and LSTM models reaching 100% on all metrics (accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score). To validate the offline results, a real-time experiment was performed using the pre-trained SVM model, which successfully recorded all 150 falls without any false positives or false negatives. These findings prove the reliability and effectiveness of the Q-eBall fall detection system in real time.

Gameplay 2.0: Toward a New Theory

The aim of this article is to present an updated version of our previous theory of gameplay. “Gameplay” is a term often used without a clear definition or consistent application. In this article, we propose categorizing gameplay into three distinct yet interconnected layers: the first emphasizing temporality, the second highlighting spatiality, and the third pinpointing emotion as anchor point. Our model and understanding are influenced by the philosophy of phenomenology, particularly Husserl's objective examination of the first-person perspective in perceptual experience—a commendable approach for blending formalism with real-time experience without resorting to subjectivism or psychologism. We offer an analytical and methodological framework for understanding gameplay, relying on micro-tensions to elucidate gameplay as a structural entity as well as an experiential phenomenon. As we shall demonstrate, micro-tensions are present within each of the three layers, paving the way for the entirety of gameplay—referred to by gamers as “great gameplay.”

Real-time full-duplex transmission experiment for an air and underwater invisible light communication system

Specifications for highly secure and large-capacity optical transceivers are necessary when wireless communication is used over different transmission channels, such as underwater and air, in shallow sea areas. We evaluated the dynamic characteristics of bidirectional real-time transmission using an LED Backhaul that can generate and process direct current-added orthogonal frequency division multiplexing signals in the 850 nm band to demonstrate the feasibility of invisibility light communication. A composite channel that is 1.2 m in water and 10 m in the air was used as an optical radio channel. This experiment is the first report on real-time and 4 K video stream transmission for a line-of-sight full-duplex optical wireless communication in the invisible light band via heterogeneous transmission channels such as shallow water and air.

ENGLISH SPEAKING BARRIERS IN VOCATIONAL EDUCATION: A STUDY OF SMK SPP SNAKMA STUDENTS

The English-speaking skills of students at SMK SPP SNAKMA remain underdeveloped due to specific challenges in using the language within a vocational context. This study explores and analyzes these barriers to understand the underlying factors that hinder effective English communication among vocational students. Employing a qualitative approach, the research gathers data through interviews, observations, and questionnaires to capture students’ perspectives and real-time experiences with English language use. Findings reveal four primary obstacles: limited vocabulary, grammatical difficulties, speaking anxiety, and insufficient practice opportunities. These factors collectively impact students’ confidence and fluency in speaking English, which is critical in vocational settings where practical language skills are increasingly required. The study suggests that a more communicative teaching approach, combined with structured and frequent speaking practice, could significantly address these challenges. By focusing on interactive and supportive teaching methods, educators can create an environment that encourages active language use, helping students overcome barriers and develop essential English-speaking skills for their careers.

Real-time experiences of racism and stress in association with postpartum weight retention: A longitudinal ecological momentary assessment study.

Racial inequities in postpartum weight have been documented with limited studies on the influences of racism and other forms of discrimination. In a prospective longitudinal study applying ecological momentary assessment (EMA) and ambulatory assessment of weight, we measured the association between discrimination, stress and postpartum weight change. The Postpartum Mothers Mobile Study (PMOMS) is a cohort of 313 pregnant and birthing individuals who were followed during their second and third trimester through 1 year postpartum. They were recruited in clinical settings between 2017-2020 in a major city center in Pennsylvania. Measures of racism and gender-based discrimination were collected via random EMA surveys throughout pregnancy and postpartum; and weight was collected via blue-tooth enabled scales at least weekly. Among Black participants, a 10% increase in the number of days a participant experienced racial discrimination in the past month was associated with retaining 0.3 more pounds; 10% increase in EMA gender discrimination was associated with retaining 0.4 more pounds; and EMA stress reported in the past month was associated with decreased weight retention. Chronic experiences of racial and gender discrimination may contribute to weight retention immediately after pregnancy and beyond.

Out of sight but in mind: Experimentally activating partner representations in daily life buffers against common stressors.

Lab experiments have shown that reminders of romantic partners buffer against stressors. Yet, tightly controlled experiments do not mimic what transpires in people's actual lives. Thus, an important question is as follows: To what extent do reminders of romantic partners confer affective benefits when they occur "in the wild" as people experience their daily activities? To capture people's emotional experience in real time, two studies, each spanning 3 months, used event-contingent ecological momentary assessments with a within-subject experimental manipulation. Prior to encountering a stressful event (taking an exam), participants received either a supportive text message from their partner or no message (Studies 1 and 2), or a supportive text message from the research team (Study 2). Receiving supportive partner messages, compared to no messages or messages from the research team, led to less negative affect and greater positive affect, and to less negative affect and greater positive affect about the exam itself. Receiving supportive partner messages had no statistically significant effects on subjective stress. Interestingly, the quality of the partner messages, as coded by independent raters, did not significantly predict the magnitude of the affective benefits. These findings suggest that receiving any supportive partner message, and not necessarily more subtle differences in the quality of the message, may be the key ingredient for these benefits to occur. The present work advances understanding of how the symbolic presence of partners confers affective regulatory benefits in everyday life. Implications for emotion regulation and the utility of integrating perspectives from adult attachment are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Genome-Wide Identification of the Oxidative Stress 3 (OXS3) Gene Family and Analysis of Its Expression Pattern During Ovule Development and Under Abiotic Stress in Cotton

Oxidative Stress 3 (OXS3) encodes a plant-specific protein that makes great contributions to a plant’s stress tolerance. However, reports on genome-wide identification and expression pattern analyses of OXS3 were only found for Arabidopsis, wheat, and rice. The genus Gossypium (cotton) serves as an ideal model for studying allopolyploidy. Therefore, two diploid species (G. raimondii and G. arboreum) and two tetraploid species (G. hirsutum and G. barbadense) were chosen in this study for a bioinformatics analysis, resulting in 12, 12, 22, and 23 OXS3 members, respectively. A phylogenetic tree was constructed using 69 cotton OXS3 genes alongside 8 Arabidopsis, 10 rice, and 9 wheat genes, which were classified into three groups (Group 1–3). A consistent evolutionary relationship with the phylogenetic tree was observed in our structural analysis of the cotton OXS3 genes and the clustering of six conserved motifs. Gene duplication analysis across the four representative Gossypium species suggested that whole-genome duplication, segmental duplication, and tandem duplication might play significant roles in the expansion of the OXS3 gene family. Some existing elements responsive to salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA), and abscisic acid (ABA) were identified by cis-regulatory element analysis in the promoter regions, which could influence the expression levels of cotton OXS3 genes. Furthermore, the expression patterns of the GhOXS3 gene were examined in different tissues or organs, as well as in developing ovules and fibers, with the highest expression observed in ovules. GhOXS3 genes exhibited a more pronounced regulatory response to abiotic stresses, of which ten GhOXS3 genes showed similar expression patterns under cold, heat, salt, and drought treatments. These observations were verified by quantitative real-time PCR experiments. These findings enhance our understanding of the evolutionary relationships and expression patterns of the OXS3 gene family and provide valuable insights for the identification of vital candidate genes for trait improvement in cotton breeding.

Photonic sensor based on surface imprinted polymers for enhanced point-of-care diagnosis of bacterial urinary tract infections

Effective bacterial detection is crucial for health diagnostics, particularly for the detection of pathogenic species like Escherichia coli (E. coli), which is responsible for up to 90% of urinary tract infections (UTIs), is especially crucial. Current detection methods are time-consuming, often delaying diagnosis and treatment. This study introduces an innovative approach for rapid E. coli detection using porous silicon (PSi) substrates combined with Surface Imprinted Polymers (SIPs) for photoluminescence-based (PL-based) E. coli detection. The PSi/SIP substrates offer high sensitivity, selectivity, and a low limit of detection (LOD) without the need for natural recognition elements. These substrates, fabricated via metal-assisted chemical etching (MACE) and PDMS-based E. coli imprinting, demonstrate reliable repeatability and a fast detection. Real-time detection experiments in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and urine showed consistent stair-like quenching of the PL signal with increasing E. coli concentrations, achieving theoretical LODs of approximately 13 ± 2 CFU/mL in PBS and 17 ± 3 CFU/mL in urine. The substrates exhibited excellent selectivity, differentiating E. coli from other species such as Cronobacter sakazakii (C. sakazakii) and Listeria monocytogenes. The high sensitivity and reproducibility of PSi/SIP substrates, along with the ease of use and rapid detection capabilities of the resulting sensor, highlight the potential of this novel platform for point-of-care (PoC) applications in clinical diagnostics.

Robust super-twisting-based disturbance observer for autonomous underwater vehicles: Design, stability analysis, and real-time experiments

Robust super-twisting-based disturbance observer for autonomous underwater vehicles: Design, stability analysis, and real-time experiments

Experimental study of a distributed active noise control system with multi-device nodes based on augmented diffusion strategy.

Recently, distributed active noise control (DANC) algorithms have been explored as a way to reduce computational complexity while ensuring system stability, thereby outperforming conventional centralized and decentralized algorithms. Most existing DANC algorithms assume that each node has only one pair of loudspeaker and microphone, limiting their flexibility in practical applications. In contrast, this paper proposes a DANC algorithm with general multi-device nodes based on the recently developed augmented diffusion strategy, allowing flexible and scalable ANC applications. A real-time distributed ANC system based on a multi-core digital signal processor platform is developed in order to compare the control performance of the proposed extended augmented diffusion algorithm with that of existing centralized, decentralized and augmented diffusion algorithms. Real-time experiments demonstrate that the proposed algorithm exhibits noise reduction performance consistent with that of the centralized algorithm while achieving lower global computational complexity and avoiding the system instability risk of the decentralized algorithm. Further, the new algorithm improves convergence speed and reduces the global communication cost compared to the previous augmented diffusion algorithm. Experimental results indicate the application potential of the proposed DANC algorithm for a generalized system configuration.

EMIGRATIONAL TRAUMA OF WAR IN VLADYSLAV IVCHENKO’S LITERARY VISION

The Russian war against Ukraine has been going on for 10 years and continues to influence the national culture in a very distinctive way. Over the past decade, this traumatic event has created a peculiar cultural discourse where literature has taken a special place. Its new stage, which began in February 2022, not only gave rise to an even more intense artistic reaction to the lived experience of Ukrainians, but also opened up prospects for new literary themes and methods of their interpretation. Trauma in its individual and national dimensions naturally became the central issue in such texts. Vladyslav Ivchenko’s book “After the 24th” clarifies and complements the discourse of the cultural reception of the war, describing its front and rear experiences in real time. The trauma of forced emigration, triggered by the full-scale Russian invasion on February 24, 2022, is a new problematic aspect that requires special attention. The author of the paper analyzes a new dimension of the emigrational trauma, related to the war experiences of Ukrainian refugees. Through the fates of three individual women, Vladyslav Ivchenko demonstrates the prospects of Ukrainian national trauma, which includes the loss of homes, loved ones, and, most importantly, the belief that the world and life could return to what they were before February 24, 2022. The trauma of forced emigration continuously offers new perspectives for understanding the behavior of a national culture during the war, particularly in the context of creating wartime literature, which is an effective component of the trauma recovery process. Literature plays an important role in this context, and Ivchenko’s book exemplifies this role most effectively.

Why is regulation of the online world urgently needed to protect children’s wellbeing?

Abstract Background The online world affords children many benefits, such as connectivity and access to educational and cultural content. Simultaneously, it increases their likelihood of encountering harmful or distressing web-based content and behaviour, such as marketing for harmful products, violent or discriminatory material, and cyberbullying. Yet, there is a dearth of objective research globally on children’s real-time experiences, with current research relying on self-reports or observations made in experimental conditions. This paper reports on the nature and extent of children’s online world. Methods Kids Online Aotearoa is a cross-sectional observational study of children’s real-time experiences of the online world. A strategic sample of 180 12-year-olds from schools in the Wellington region of Aotearoa, New Zealand, used Zoom video conferencing software to record their online world for four days. Recordings were analysed manually and using AI. Results Children spend most of their time online on their phones, often using TikTok. Children spend 25 % of their online phone time gaming or watching games (game time). They encounter many gambling and gambling-like activities while doing so. Of game time, 16% of the time children are exposed to marketing. Preliminary analysis reveals that children are exposed to marketing for alcohol, junk food, tobacco, vapes and gambling. This is counter to national legislation prohibiting or restricting such marketing to children. Conclusions This novel methodology reveals the actual online experiences of children as they go about their daily lives. This includes engaging in harmful behaviours such as gambling and encountering harmful product marketing. While from New Zealand, this study is likely to be relevant for other countries given the global reach of the online world. The research indicates the urgent need for national and global government regulation of the online world to protect the rights of children and ensure their wellbeing. Key messages • Kids Online Aotearoa reveals the nature and extent of children’s online world, including their exposure to harmful product marketing. • National and global regulation of the online world is urgently needed to protect child rights and wellbeing.

Distributed robust tracking control for multiple unmanned aerial vehicles: theory and experimental verification

The distributed trajectory tracking problem for multiple UAVs under unknown external disturbance is investigated. A new nonlinear robust trajectory tracking strategy for multiple UAVs is proposed. The dynamic model for the UAVs' formation is illustrated in the Tangent frame. For the trajectory tracking problem, a Robust formation tracking control strategy based on robust integral of the signum of error (RISE) is designed to compensate for the effects of unknown external disturbances, which improves the robustness of the UAVs' formation system. Based on the Lyapunov stability analysis, it is proved that the global asymptotic convergence of the coordination errors and the semi-global asymptotic convergence of the UAVs' position tracking errors are achieved. The proposed formation control strategy is validated via real-time experiments that are performed on the self-build UAVs' formation flight control testbed. Flights without wind disturbance and flights with disturbance are all performed. The performance comparison experiment with the conventional sliding mode control algorithm is performed. The experimental results show that the designed control strategy can achieve good coordinated trajectory tracking of multiple UAVs, and has better control performance compared with normal sliding mode control law.

The Antecedents of the Experience of Light in Dreams

The experience of inner light and ecstasy is widely accepted as a universal mystical experience, regardless of cultural or religious context. While one can read first-hand accounts in the historical record, the direct experience of light remains elusive for most people. This study analyzes a series of dream-based experiences of light provided by a single subject. In our analysis of 19 dreams, we pursue a process-oriented, relational analysis based on co-creative dream theory, which views the dream as an interactive experience in real time rather than a fixed product of the unconscious mind. By analyzing dreams as relational events, in which the metaphoric content emerges alongside the dreamer’s responses, we see how the dream ego influences the outcome through feelings, choices, and reactions. Through this analysis, we identify an array of subjective antecedents to the experience of light and provide a potential avenue of access to the core mystical experience.

Optimal iterative learning PI controller for SISO and MIMO processes with machine learning validation for performance prediction

The multivariable process plays a significant role in industrial applications, and designing a controller for the Multi-Input Multi-Output process is challenging due to dynamic process changes and interactions between system variables. Traditionally, the PI family of controllers has been used for its simple design, easy tuning, and quick deployment. However, these processes require complex control actions due to multiple loops in process plants. Thus, this paper proposes an Iterative Learning Controller Dead-time compensating PI, which utilizes the newly developed hybrid Simulated Annealing-Ant Lion Optimization algorithm for Single-Input Single-Output process simulation and real-time experimentation on the Quadruple Tank System. To validate the effectiveness of the developed controller, Machine Learning techniques such as regression and ensemble trees are used to accurately predict the actual system response using error values from respective processes. The simulation and experimental results demonstrate that the proposed controller achieved better performance. The regression and ensemble tree algorithm models effectively predicted the actual response. The obtained data shows that the proposed controller improved system stability and robustness by minimizing nearly half of the overshoot and improving settling time, with an average of 29.9596% faster than the other controller in the SISO process and 14.6116% in the MIMO process.

Genome-Wide Scan for Copy Number Variations in Chinese Merino Sheep Based on Ovine High-Density 600K SNP Arrays

Sheep are a vital species in the global agricultural economy, providing essential resources such as meat, milk, and wool. Merino sheep (Junken type) are a key breed of fine wool sheep in China. However, research on fine wool traits has largely overlooked the role of SNPs and their association with phenotypes. Copy number variations (CNVs) have emerged as one of the most important sources of genetic variation, influencing phenotypic traits by altering gene expression and dosage. To generate a comprehensive CNVR map of the ovine genome, we conducted genome-wide CNV detection using genotyping data from 285 fine wool sheep. This analysis revealed 656 CNVRs, including 628 on autosomes and 28 on the X chromosome, covering a total of 43.9 Mbs of the sheep genome. The proportion of CNVRs varied across chromosomes, from 0.45% on chromosome 26 to 3.72% on chromosome 10. Functional annotation through Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses highlighted significantly enriched GO terms, including odorant binding, ATP binding, and sulfuric ester hydrolase activity. The KEGG analysis identified involvement in pathways such as neuroactive ligand–receptor interaction, axon guidance, ECM–receptor interaction, the one-carbon pool by folate, and focal adhesion (p < 0.05). To validate these CNVRs, we performed quantitative real-time PCR experiments to verify copy number predictions made by PennCNV software (v1.0.5). Out of 11 selected CNVRs with predicted gain, loss, or gain–loss statuses, 8 (IDs 68, 156, 201, 284, 307, 352, 411, 601) were successfully confirmed. This study marks a significant step forward in mapping CNVs in the ovine genome and offers a valuable resource for future research on genetic variation in sheep.

Comparative study of improved control strategies for DFIG in wind energy conversion systems: A dSpace real-time implementation approach

This research paper focuses on the comparison of two distinct strategies for direct power control (DPC) of a doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) in wind energy conversion systems (WECSs). The study places particular emphasis on algorithms based on low-pass filters for the estimation of stator and rotor flux, which have demonstrated good performance characteristics. Detailed theoretical analysis and implementation procedures of the proposed methods are presented. To evaluate and compare the performance of the control strategies, MATLAB/Simulink software is utilized for comprehensive analysis. The obtained results, both quantitative and qualitative, from this comparative analysis are expected to be of great interest to researchers engaged in the field of DFIG-based WECSs. Furthermore, real-time validation is conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy, specifically focusing on the DPC approach based on stator flux estimation. A dSpace 1104 real-time card is employed and tested with a wind turbine emulator. The experimental results obtained through this validation process provide evidence of the efficiency and validity of the proposed control strategy. Overall, this research contributes to the advancement of DPC strategies for DFIG-based WECS by comparing and evaluating different control methods, providing in-depth theoretical analysis, and validating the proposed approach through real-time experimentation. The findings affirm the efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed control strategy, further establishing its value in practical applications.

Momentary awareness of body sensations is associated with concurrent affective experience.

Affect is thought to be a low-dimensional representation of ongoing body activity. Recent studies have demonstrated that individual differences in the ability to objectively detect one's body activity are related to affective experience, particularly the experience of affective arousal. However, less is known about the role of subjective awareness of body sensations in affective experience, a facet of interoception that has been distinguished from objective detection on theoretical and empirical grounds. Moreover, there is a lack of evidence concerning how affective experience relates to the perception of body activity in the moment; that is, how awareness of sensations from the body may covary with affective and emotional experiences in real time. In the present studies, we examine within-person relationships between subjective awareness of body sensations and self-reported affect in real-world settings using ecological momentary assessment (EMA) paradigms. Across two EMA studies with international samples of adults, we found participants reported greater awareness of body sensations in moments where they also reported experiencing heightened arousal and more negatively valenced affect. In Study 1 (N = 109; data collected and analyzed 2022), we found that the associations held across a 4-week EMA protocol. In Study 2 (N = 116; data collected 2020, analyzed 2022), we also derived measures of affective valence from participants' freely generated descriptions of their ongoing thoughts, and we explored the consistency of this relationship with awareness of several individual body sensations (e.g., awareness of one's breathing, awareness of one's heart rate). We conclude that affective experience covaries moment to moment with subjective awareness of the body. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Experimental validation of a novel hybrid Equilibrium Slime Mould Optimization for solar photovoltaic system

Maximizing Power Point Tracking (MPPT) is an essential technique in photovoltaic (PV) systems that guarantees the highest potential conversion of sunlight energy under any irradiance changes. Efficient and reliable MPPT technique is a challenge faced by researchers due to factors such as fluctuations in irradiance and the presence of partial shading. This paper introduced a novel hybrid Equilibrium Slime Mould Optimization (ESMO) MPPT-based algorithm combining the advantages of two recent algorithms, Slime Mould Optimization (SMO) and Equilibrium Optimizer (EO). The ESMO algorithm is compared with highly efficient MPPT-based techniques such as SMO, EO, Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO), and Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA), both under a Simulink environment and a real-time experimental laboratory setup using a Dspace1104 controller and PV emulator. The comparison focuses on performance under several irradiance cases, including instant irradiance change, partial shading, complex partial shading, and dynamic partial shading. The key advantage of ESMO is the fact that it has a single tunable parameter, which makes implementation much easier and, at the same time, reduces the computational resources that are required by the control system. Extensive testing proves the superiority of ESMO over all other techniques, the average efficiency of which is 99.98% under all conditions. Additionally, ESMO provides fast average tracking times of 244 ms under simulation experiments and 200 ms for real-time experiments. These results show that ESMO can be very important for future implementation in large-scale solar PV systems.

Single-cell RNA Sequencing Reveals the Diversity of the Immunological Landscape Response to Genital Herpes

Genital herpes (GH) is a common sexually transmitted disease, which is primarily caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), and continues to be a global health concern. Although our understanding of the alterations in immune cell populations and immunomodulation in GH patients is still limited, it is evident that systemic intrinsic immunity, innate immunity, and adaptive immunity play crucial roles during HSV-2 infection and GH reactivation. To investigate the mechanisms underlying HSV-2 infection and recurrence, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was performed on immune cells isolated from the peripheral blood of both healthy individuals and patients with recurrent GH. Furthermore, the systemic immune response in patients with recurrent GH showed activation of classical monocytes, CD4+ T cells, natural killer cells (NK cells), and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), especially of genes associated with the Toll-like receptor signaling pathway and T cell activation. Circulating immune cells in GH patients show higher expression of genes associated with inflammation and antiviral responses both in the scRNA-Seq data set and in independent quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis and ELISA experiments. This study demonstrated that localized genital herpes, resulting from HSV reactivation, may influence the functionality of circulating immune cells, suggesting a potential avenue for future research into the role of systemic immunity during HSV infection and recurrence.