Voltage Settings Research Articles

Quantitative evaluation of the effects of dual-energy CT acquisition, reconstruction and postprocessing parameters on virtual Non-Calcium (VNCa) images

PurposeThe appearance and associated interpretation of Virtual Non-Calcium (VNCa) images extracted from dual-energy CT (DECT) acquisitions are influenced by many parameters. This study aimed to investigate the effects of acquisition, reconstruction, and postprocessing parameters on VNCa images. Material and methodsA human cadaver leg was scanned using a dual-source DECT scanner, with variations in tube current, tube voltage, reconstruction kernels, and post-processing settings (resolution, upper threshold, lower threshold, beam-hardening correction). The impact of noise was investigated by scanning the specimen five times using the same standard acquisition, reconstruction and postprocessing parameters. VNCa values were measured in four different regions of interest within different bones. ResultsTube current and reconstruction kernels had no significant effect on VNCa values, with maximal standard deviations of 6.2 and 6.1 HU respectively. However, reducing the kVp difference between both tubes, reduced the spectral separation which resulted in lower VNCa values. For postprocessing parameters, variations in resolution and lower and upper thresholds as well as applying beam-hardening correction showed a large impact on VNCa values. ConclusionThe results of this study improve the understanding of the impact of certain CT parameters on VNCa images. Tube voltage and post-processing settings have a large impact on VNCa values. An inappropriate choice of threshold range, resolution and incorrect use of calcium beam-hardening correction can potentially lead to false positive findings of bone marrow edema. This can furthermore impact the ability to compare results from the literature and between institutions, which emphasizes the importance of optimizing and standardizing acquisition, reconstruction and postprocessing parameters for consistent VNCa imaging.

Optimizing Voltage for Effective X-ray Computed Tomography Scan: A Study on Varied Soil Bulk Densities and Container Sizes

Numerous studies have highlighted the role of X-ray computed tomography (X-ray CT) in understanding root architecture. Nevertheless, setting definitive scanning parameters for diverse soils in varied container sizes remains challenging. This study investigates the influence of X-ray CT system voltage on the penetration capability in diverse soils and container sizes, focusing on two key parameters: (1) gray values, which indicate X-ray attenuation and contribute to image contrast, and (2) signal-to-noise ratio, a measure of image clarity. Five soil samples were collected from various depths within a soil profile to encompass bulk density values ranging from 1.34 to 1.84 g·cm−3 to conduct the experiment. Containers with dimensions of 6 × 6 × 6 cm³, 8 × 8 × 6 cm³, 10 × 10 × 6 cm³, 12 × 12 × 6 cm³, 14 × 14 × 6 cm³, and 16 × 16 × 6 cm³ were used. Voltage levels spanning 75 to 225 kV, in 25-kV increments, were applied to each sample. The observed gray values of the X-ray images were fitted using a logistic model of three parameters. Results showed that increasing voltage leads to enhanced penetration up to a plateau point, irrespective of soil density or container size. This plateau could potentially yield higher quality scans, given that lower voltages result in subdued gray values and reduced image contrast. Notably, it was observed that soil properties, including mineral composition, directly affect image gray values. This study established optimal voltage settings for specific soil types at fixed densities, offering valuable insights for researchers investigating soil–root interactions. Although the current findings are based on five soils, a more extensive sampling encompassing diverse soil textures and densities is necessary for a comprehensive understanding of X-ray penetration behavior across various soil types.

Robust network topology for unbalanced active distribution networks with uncertain injections

AbstractThis research paper introduces a comprehensive formulation for robust dynamic network reconfiguration (NR) of unbalanced active electric distribution networks (DNs). Network reconfiguration is a potent strategy to minimise active power loss in DN as it involves altering network topology through sectionalising (normally closed) and tie‐line switches (normally open). However, NR is usually a mixed integer NP‐hard non‐linear optimisation problem due to the discrete nature of the switches. Hence, including variable injection uncertainties (from generation or load) for an unbalanced active DN with all its attributes further poses a significant challenge in solving NR. The proposed formulation addresses these challenges in a robust optimisation (RO) framework to get a robust topology and power and voltage set points for dispatchable Distributed Generators (DGs). Also, Chance‐Constrained robust formulations are proposed to regulate the conservatism of RO. Numerical analyses demonstrate the impact of conservative robust NR on DG set points compared to the non‐robust NR method. Tests on a modified unbalanced IEEE 34‐bus system and comparison with previous formulations verify the efficacy of the proposed approach, showcasing its effectiveness.

Tube voltage in chest and abdomen DR imaging: Which settings return maximal non-prewhitening model observer with eye filter (NPWE) detectability?

The non-prewhitening computational model observer with eye filter (NPWE) has been shown to reasonably predict human observer performance in general radiography and is an appropriate substitute when real clinical trials are not feasible. In this study, the NPWE model observer is used to detect specific tasks (circular designer nodules) ranging between 1 and 30mm in diameter using chest and abdomen phantom images acquired across the diagnostic energy range (60-125 kVp) with and without an anti-scatter grid. The aim of this study was to derive tube voltage (kVp) settings that return maximal NPWE detectability (d') of designer nodules, for digital radiography (DR) chest and abdomen imaging. Images of a chest phantom (LucAl phantom) and a surrogate for an abdomen (18.5cm PMMA) were acquired across the diagnostic energy range (60-125 kVp) with matched effective dose (for the respective anatomies), with and without an anti-scatter grid, on a general x-ray system. Images were captured using an Agfa DX-D 40C wireless indirect caesium iodide (CsI) imaging panel. Modulation transfer function (MTF), normalized noise power spectrum (NNPS), and contrast (C) were measured in each image and the detectability index d' was calculated for circular designer nodules with diameters ranging from 1 to 30mm (in steps of 1mm). The calculated d' peaked at a nodule diameter of 3mm irrespective of tube voltage, for both chest and abdomen images. A tube voltage of 80kVp returned maximal d' for chest imaging across all nodule diameters both with and without an anti-scatter grid. A tube voltage of 70 kVp returned maximal d' for abdomen imaging. The NPWE observer model has been used to derive tube voltages (kVp) that return maximal detectability (d') of designer nodules for chest and abdomen radiography using a modern DR imaging system. This will provide the medical physicist with a starting point in the task of optimising tube voltage range for chest and abdomen imaging.

Low-Energy Desalination Techniques, Development of Capacitive Deionization Systems, and Utilization of Activated Carbon

Water desalination technology has emerged as a critical area of research, particularly with the advent of more cost-effective alternatives to conventional methods, such as reverse osmosis and thermal evaporation. Given the vital importance of water for life and the scarcity of potable water for agriculture and livestock—especially in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia—the capacitive deionization (CDI) method for removing salt from water has been highlighted as the most economical choice compared to other techniques. CDI applies a voltage difference across two porous electrodes to extract salt ions from saline water. This study will investigate water desalination using CDI, utilizing a compact DC power source under 5 volts and a standard current of 2 amperes. We will convert waste materials like sunflower seeds, peanut shells, and rice husks into activated carbon through carbonization and chemical activation to improve its pore structure. Critical parameters for desalination, including voltage, flow rate, and total dissolved solids (TDS) concentration, have been established. The initial TDS levels are set at 2000, 1500, 1000, and 500 ppm, with flow rates of 38.2, 16.8, and 9.5 mL/min across the different voltage settings of 2.5, 2, and 1.5 volts, applicable to both direct and inverse desalination methods. The efficiency at TDS concentrations of 2000, 1500, and 1000 ppm remains between 18% and 20% for up to 8 min. Our results indicate that the desalination process operates effectively at a TDS level of 750 ppm, achieving a maximum efficiency of 45% at a flow rate of 9.5 mL/min. At voltages of 2.5 V, 2 V, and 1.5 V, efficiencies at 3 min are attained with a constant flow rate of 9.5 mL/min and a TDS of 500 ppm, with the maximum desalination efficiency reaching 56%.

Drying Strawberry Slices: A Comparative Study of Electrohydrodynamic, Hot Air, and Electrohydrodynamic‐Hot Air Techniques

ABSTRACTThe investigation encompassed an examination of the drying durations, modeling, and quality attributes (color, rehydration capacity, microstructural features, total soluble solid [TSS], and pH values) of strawberry slices subjected to diverse drying methodologies, namely electrohydrodynamic (EHD), EHD‐hot air, and hot air processes. Furthermore, 10 distinct thin‐layer drying models were applied, and their goodness‐of‐fit was assessed to identify the most suitable model for the drying process. This analysis encompassed applying two distinct temperatures (50°C and 55°C), and voltage levels (20 and 30 kV). The EHD method yielded the lengthiest drying durations for the strawberry samples, with hot air and EHD‐hot air drying techniques subsequent in descending order of drying time. The outcomes of the modeling analyses demonstrated that the thin‐layer drying behaviors of used drying methods were best described by the Midilli et al. and Wang and Singh models in terms of their goodness‐of‐fit. A decline in the L* values was noted with the elevation of temperature in the hot air drying method and with the escalation of voltage in the EHD drying. The minimum a* value was detected in the hot air drying method conducted at 55°C. The rehydration capacity of strawberry samples subjected to the EHD and EHD‐hot air combination drying methods (except 20 kV‐55°C) did not exhibit any statistically significant variation in response to different voltage settings. Although the structure of strawberry samples dried with 20 kV application was observed as smoother, cracks occurred on the product surface in other drying applications. In hot air and EHD methods, varying temperature and volt applications did not show a significant effect on TSS and pH values. As a result, it has been seen that EHD technology, which is a promising drying method used in this study, is a suitable method in terms of processing efficiency and consumer acceptability of dried strawberry products.

Optimal Reactive Power Dispatch and Demand Response in Electricity Market Using Multi-Objective Grasshopper Optimization Algorithm

Optimal Reactive Power Dispatch (ORPD) is a power system optimization tool that modifies system control variables such as bus voltage and transformer tap settings, and it compensates devices’ Volt Ampere Reactive (VAR) output. It is used to decrease real power loss, enhance the voltage profile, and promote stability. Furthermore, several issues have been faced in electricity markets, such as price volatility, transmission line congestion, and an increase in the cost of electricity during peak hours. Programs such as demand response (DR) provide system operators with more control over how small customers participate in lowering peak-hour energy prices and demand. This paper presents an extensive study on ORPD methodologies and DR programs for lowering voltage deviation, limiting cost, and minimizing power losses to create effective and economical operations systems. The main objectives of this work are to minimize costs and losses in the system and reduce voltage variation. The Grasshopper Optimization Algorithm (GOA) and Dragonfly Algorithm (DA) have been implemented successfully to solve this problem. The proposed technique has been evaluated by using the IEEE-30 bus system. The results obtained by the implementation of demand response systems show a considerable reduction in costs and load demands that benefit consumers through DR considerations. The results obtained from the GOA and DA are compared with those generated by other researchers and published in the literature to ascertain the algorithm’s efficiency.

Effect of Electrodeposition Time on the Growth Rate of Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs)

Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) are nano-sized carbon that resembles tubes and has the potential to be used in various aspects of applications. Some of the CNT carbon capture methods include arc discharge, lasser ablation, CVD and electrodeposition. The advantage of the electrodeposition method is that the production cost is cheap and the preparation is easy. Electrodeposition is the precipitation of substances by using a direct electric current, with CO2 as the reactant. Factors that affect the growth rate of CNT are voltage, temperature, carbon source, electrode and time. The variation of the electorative time used was 60 minutes, 90 minutes, 120 minutes, 150 minutes, 180 minutes. The data collection process begins by shaping and measuring the weight of the electrode (Ni) with a diameter of 2 cm CNT deposition area. measuring the weight and melting Li2CO3 at a temperature of 750. then the CO2 flow rate setting, voltage setting 5V and time setting were then characterized by SEM-EDX and XRD. The results of the study showed that the optimal time obtained with a time of 120 minutes, the resulting CNT deposition rate was 1,618 g cm-2 h-1. Then based on the characterization of XRD and SEM, it shows that the longer the electrodeposition time, the less impurities are contained in the results obtained.

Comprehensively Modulated Sub-Attojoule Operated Optoelectronic Synapses for Image Encryption and Inpainting.

High-performance optoelectronic synaptic transistors play a crucial role in developing and emulating artificial visual systems. However, due to the predominant use of single-structure material modulation in optimizing optoelectronic synapses, their energy consumption significantly trails behind that of electronic synapses by several orders of magnitude. Herein, polymer dielectric layers and optimized contact strategies are adopted to realize the ultralow consumption optoelectronic synapses. Integration of polyimide dielectric significantly enhances photogenerated charge carrier dissociation, leading to substantial improvements in photoresponsivity (1.5 × 106 A·W-1), photodetectivity (6.9 × 1012 Jones), and external quantum efficiency (4.0 × 108%). Additionally, optimized contact properties augment their appeal for ultralow energy consumption in optoelectronic synapse applications. Excitatory postsynaptic current is triggered at an incredibly low voltage of 5 μV and boosts an impressively low energy consumption of 0.05 aJ, ranking among the best-reported results in this field. Next, we demonstrate an integrated system combining the MoS2 optoelectronic synapses with a recurrent neural network enabling 100% accurate recognition of optical signals, particularly in scenarios with aJ-leveled energy consumption. Finally, an image encryption system has been developed, in which images are encrypted by photoelectronic conversion of synapse arrays with random voltage settings and decrypted according to the recurrent neural network-based accuracy. More importantly, once partially damaged images are encrypted, through the decryption image inpainting can be realized due to the high accuracy. The proposed innovative approach holds promise for advancing artificial intelligence applications with improved energy efficiency, information security, and computational capabilities.

Regenerative Braking Conscious Rule-Based Energy Management Strategy for Semi-Active Hybrid Energy Storage Systems for Electric Vehicles

Hybrid Energy Storage Systems (HESS) function as a solution to extend the lifespan of battery packs by maintaining a low charge/discharge rate. The integration of HESS in electric vehicles (EVs) is facilitated by supercapacitors (SC), known for their safe operation even under harsh conditions. The widely adopted rule-based power follower energy management strategy (EMS) is employed to control and restrict battery discharge within a defined range with SC support. Additionally, it charges the SC to accommodate regenerative energy, but it often neglects exploring the SC voltage set reference. This study investigates the SC voltage reference point and introduces a method to generate the reference point by equating the SC energy with the available kinetic energy in the moving vehicle. The proposed method was simulated and compared against the benchmark method using a portion of the medium segment Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) driving cycle. The results demonstrate a more stable discharge power for the battery bank, accompanied by improvements in battery voltage stability. The root mean square (RMS) battery current values were found to be 43.68 A and 42.92 A for the benchmarked and proposed methods, respectively, indicating a slight improvement of about 1%. Furthermore, the proposed method reduces the voltage deviation from 2.73% to about 2.57%, showcasing an additional positive outcome. These findings suggest that dynamically adjusting the SC voltage based on kinetic energy can enhance battery life and stability in EVs, offering a promising direction for future research and development of EMS.

Measurements of Atmospheric HO2 Radicals Using Br-CIMS with Elimination of Potential Interferences from Ambient Peroxynitric Acid.

As a promising direct measurement method of atmospheric hydroperoxyl radicals (HO2), bromide chemical ionization mass spectrometry (Br-CIMS) has been first demonstrated by Sanchez et al. (Atmos. Meas. Tech. 2016, 9, 3851-3861). However, field application of this method is currently still sparse, and there is still a gap between measured HO2 concentrations and calculated ones derived from the atmospheric equilibrium between HO2 and peroxynitric acid (HO2NO2). In this work, we constructed an improved Br-CIMS with optimizations of custom-built front-end devices, chamber pressures, and instrumental voltages to achieve a 3σ detection limit of 0.5 ppt at an integration time of 60 s and a sensitivity of 1-3 cps ppt-1 under a total reagent ion signal of 0.2 MHz for HO2 detection. HO2NO2, a product from atmospheric reactions between HO2 and NO2, can also be detected by Br-CIMS, whose interference on the HO2 measurement was found but nearly eliminated by regulating key CIMS voltages to minimize the decomposition of (BrHO2NO2)- ions in the MS. In addition, a 2 week field campaign was carried out in urban Shanghai, demonstrating that the interference of HO2 from ambient HO2NO2 was less than 10% of the true HO2 signal under our optimized CIMS voltage setting. Our study suggests that Br-CIMS is a reliable technique for atmospheric HO2 measurements.

Iodine concentration, HU accuracy, and metal artifacts evaluation on second-generation dual-layer spectral detector CT images with metal implants: a phantom study.

Metal implants may affect the image quality, iodine concentration (IC), and CT Hounsfield unit (HU) quantification accuracy. To investigate the quantitative accuracy of IC and HU from dual-layer spectral detector (DLCT) in the presence of metal artifacts. An experimental cylindrical phantom containing eight iodine inserts and two metal inserts was designed. The phantom underwent scanning at three radiation dose levels and two tube voltage settings. A set of conventional images (CIs), virtual monoenergetic images (VMIs), and iodine concentration maps (ICMs) were generated and measured for all the eight iodine inserts. Quantitative indicators of mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), artifact index (AI), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and standard deviation (SD) on CIs and VMIs were calculated for IC and HU. Subjective score evaluation was also conducted. The MAPEiodine values of all regions of interest across different scanning configurations were all <5%. Almost all APEiodine values were <5%, indicating that metal artifacts had little impact on IC measurements. When the tube voltage was fixed, the SD value of attenuation decreased with the increase of the tube current; this is also true when the tube current was fixed. The middle energy reconstructions seemed to give a good balance between reducing artifacts and improving contrast. VMIs from DLCT can reduce metal artifacts, the accuracy of IC quantification is not sensitive to imaging parameters. In summary, metal implants exhibit minimal impact on image quality and IC quantification accuracy in reconstructed images from DLCT.

A Redundant Secondary Control Scheme to Resist FDI Attacks in AC Microgrids

Hierarchical control of AC microgrids, despite providing stable voltage, frequency, and optimal power distribution, is susceptible to false data injection (FDI) attacks on its secondary control. Electric power systems in countries such as the United States and Venezuela have suffered cyberattacks. This paper proposes a redundant secondary control method to resist FDI attacks. This method uses distributed generators (DGs) online as redundant units on standby, generating dynamic corrections to the attacked DGs, thus eliminating the attack impact. It effectively addresses the numerical tampering and addition brought by FDI to the frequency and voltage setting values of the secondary control, ensuring the microgrid can still output stable frequency and voltage. The principle of this control method is direct and practical; it doesn't require complex controllers and can respond quickly to FDI attacks. Then, focusing on a microgrid system containing six DGs, the setting values of the microgrid system are tampered by multiple values in different time periods, the simulation results confirm that the proposed method can effectively resist FDI attacks under various scenarios. Finally, FPGA-in-the-loop experiments further verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Development and experimental evaluation of hybrid K-edge/X-ray fluorescence densitometer for uranium solution measurement

The hybrid K-edge/X-ray fluorescence densitometer (HKED) is a combination of K-edge absorption technology (KED) and characteristic X-ray fluorescence (XRF), which has the advantages of direct, fast and non-destructive determination, and is an ideal non-destructive measurement technology for uranium and plutonium concentrations. In this paper, a new HKED was developed, primarily utilizing an X-ray tube from COMET, alongside high-purity germanium (HPGe) and cadmium telluride (CdTe) detectors from AMETEK ORTEC. This manuscript delves into several variables that influence measurement outcomes under predefined experimental conditions and operational prerequisites to pinpoint critical parameters. It was discerned that the adoption of a 160 kV high voltage setting markedly diminishes experimental interferences, while the beam current, optimally set at 2 mA, not only ensures a linear correlation with the count rate but also maximizes the effective count detected. The incorporation of a 2 cm fixed-length iron rod along the trajectory between the sample and the detector, complemented by an additional 3 mm external absorber before the KED detector, effectively mitigates direct X-ray exposure, thereby enhancing transmittance values to attainable extents. Subsequent to the determination of these pivotal parameters, validation of the HKED system's efficacy was conducted via performance evaluation tests on a laboratory-scale HKED setup. Measurements undertaken for both KED and XRF across an interval ranging from 300 to 3000 s fell within the 2σ boundary, affirming the system's stability. Repeated measurements of 50 g/L and 150 g/L uranium solutions yielded KED precision rates of 0.56% and 0.19%, respectively. Moreover, linear regression analyses linking transmittance, characteristic X-ray fluorescence, and uranium concentrations across a spectrum of 0–150 g/L underscored the laboratory HKED instrument's robust analytical capabilities. Notably, the relative discrepancy between theoretical predictions and empirical findings for the 150 g/L uranium sample was minimized to a commendable 0.58%.

Accurate and Rapid 3D Full-Maxwell Simulations of Very Fast Transients in GIS Based on a Novel Busbar Voltage Setting Method

Accurate and Rapid 3D Full-Maxwell Simulations of Very Fast Transients in GIS Based on a Novel Busbar Voltage Setting Method

Impact of different peak tube voltage settings on adrenal adenomas attenuation at unenhanced CT.

To assess the influence of peak tube voltage peak setting on adrenal adenomas (AA) attenuation on unenhanced abdominal CT. IRB-approved retrospective observational cohort study. We included 89 patients with imaging-defined AAs with shortest diameter > 6 mm who underwent two or more unenhanced abdominal CTs using at least two different peak tube voltage settings. Two readers independently measured adenoma attenuation on different CT acquisitions by drawing a round ROI on 3 mm thick axial MPR reconstructions encompassing at least 2/3 of the lesion's surface. The mean of the values measured by the two readers was used for further analysis. Interobserver variability was assessed (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient). Attenuation values measured on 100, 110 and 140 kVp acquisitions were compared with standard 120 kVp ones (Bland-Altman analysis). We included 275 unenhanced abdominal CTs (3.1 ± 0.9/patient) in image analysis; 131 acquired at 120 kVp, 65 at 100 kVp, 59 at 110 kVp, and 20 at 140 kVp. 107 lesions were detected in 89 patients (1-4/patient), with a mean maximum diameter of 17 ± 6 mm. Interobserver agreement in attenuation measurement was excellent (ICC: 0.95, CI (92-97)). Median adenoma attenuation was significantly lower on 100 kVp images than on 120 kVp ones (-1 HU, IQR (-5 to 3.6), vs, 2.5 HU, IQR (-1.5 to 8.5); p < 0.001) whereas we didn't find statistically significant differences in adenoma attenuation between 110 kVp or 140 kVp and 120 kVp ones. AA attenuation is significantly lower on unenhanced CT scans acquired at 100 kVp than on those acquired at "standard" 120 kVp. AA attenuation is significantly lower at 100 kVp in comparison to 120 kVp. This might be exploited to increase unenhanced CT sensitivity in adenoma characterisation, but further studies including non-adenoma lesions are mandatory to confirm this hypothesis. CT scans are often acquired using peak tube voltage settings different from the "standard" 120 kVp. AA attenuation varies if CT scans are acquired using different tube peak voltage settings. At 100 kVp AAs show a significantly lower attenuation than at 120 kVp.

Dual polarity open circuit voltage in triboelectric nanogenerators originated from two states series impedance

Experimental and simulation studies demonstrated that the initial voltage setting significantly influences the open-circuit voltage (VOC) in triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). Utilizing diode configurations, we consistently observed two distinct VOCs independent of the initial settings. A lower VOC corresponded to the surface voltage (VSurface), while a higher VOC was amplified by the product of the VSurface and the TENG's characteristic impedance ratio. Notably, a lower measurement system capacitance provided a more precise representation of the inherent characteristics of the TENG. Conversely, an increase in system impedance led to a convergence of the two VOCs and a reduction in their magnitudes relative to VSurface. These findings suggest that optimizing the initial/repeated charge balancing and minimizing capacitive loads are crucial for maximizing TENG output power in practical applications.

Performance of the electromagnetic and hadronic prototype segments of the ALICE Forward Calorimeter

We present the performance of a full-length prototype of the ALICE Forward Calorimeter (FoCal). The detector is composed of a silicon-tungsten electromagnetic sampling calorimeter with longitudinal and transverse segmentation (FoCal-E) of about 20X 0 and a hadronic copper-scintillating-fiber calorimeter (FoCal-H) of about 5λ int. The data were taken in various test beam campaigns between 2021 and 2023 at the CERN PS and SPS beam lines with hadron beams up to energies of 350 GeV, and electron beams up to 300 GeV. Regarding FoCal-E, we report a comprehensive analysis of its response to minimum ionizing particles across all pad layers, employing various operational modes including different pre-amplifier and bias voltage settings. The longitudinal shower profile of electromagnetic showers is measured with a layer-wise segmentation of 1X 0. As a projection to the performance of the final detector in electromagnetic showers, we demonstrate linearity in the full energy range, and show that the energy resolution fulfills the requirements for the physics needs. Additionally, the performance to separate two-showers events was studied by quantifying the transverse shower width. Regarding FoCal-H, we report a detailed analysis of the response to hadron beams between 60 and 350 GeV. The results are compared to simulations obtained with a Geant4 model of the test beam setup, which in particular for FoCal-E are in good agreement with the data. The energy resolution of FoCal-E was found to be lower than 3% at energies larger than 100 GeV. The response of FoCal-H to hadron beams was found to be linear, albeit with a significant intercept that is about factor 2 larger than in simulations. Its resolution, which is non-Gaussian and generally larger than in simulations, was quantified using the FWHM, and decreases from about 16% at 100 GeV to about 11% at 350 GeV. The discrepancy to simulations, which is particularly evident at low hadron energies, needs to be further investigated.

CT image quality and dose optimization by combining tube voltage, dose reduction setting and ASIR-V (explorative study using VCT phantom)

Utilization of ASIR-V software to improve CT scan images with lower exposure factor settings has enormous potential to produce CT scan images with minimal dose and optimal image quality. Otherwise, the excessive use of iterative reconstruction may lead to poor image quality. The purpose of this study was to determine the differences in radiation dose and image quality in the combination of tube voltage, dose reduction and ASIR-V settings and giving recommendation out of it. This type of research is quasi-experimental with a pretest posttest design. VCT Quality Assurance phantom scanned with abdominal CT parameters with the combination of tube voltage variations and dose reduction settings then reconstructed using ASIR-V. Image quality data including noise, LCD and HCR obtained were analyzed by using the paired t-test statistical test. The lowest dose (2.01 mGy) resulted from the combination of tube voltage setting 80 kV, 60% dose reduction, and the dose reduction in the treatment group was in the range of 49% - 87%. The lowest noise was produced by a combination of tube voltage settings of 80 kV, 60% dose reduction, and 100% ASIR-V and noise reduction in the treatment group in the range of 15% -68%. There are significant differences in low contrast detectability of image obtained from 15 combination of tube voltage settings, and dose reduction setting after ASIR-V reconstruction on CT scans. Meanwhile, there are significant differences of extreme contrast spatial resolution in 13 combinations of the tube voltage and dose reduction setting after ASIR-V reconstruction showed. Decreasing the tube voltage and increasing the dose reduction value results in a lesser radiation dose accompanied by a decrease in image quality, while the application of ASIR-V is proven to improve the quality of CT scan images including noise and low contrast detectability, in the other hand the excessive use of ASIR-V may also decrease high contrast spatial resolution of the image. The combination of image quality that is closest to the image quality of the control group is a combination of tube voltage settings of 120 kV, 60% dose reduction and 60% ASIR-V which produces a radiation dose of 6.37 mGy.

Performance analysis of amd ryzen 5 4600h mobile processor undervolting using AMD APU tuning utility on cinebench R23

In an effort to optimize laptop performance for gaming and high-demand applications without costly hardware upgrades, this research investigates the impact of CPU undervoltage using the AMD Ryzen Mobile 4600H processor. Undervolting, the process of reducing the CPU's voltage supply, is proposed as a strategy to enhance performance by lowering operational temperatures, potentially allowing for more efficient processing. This study uses the AMD APU Tuning Utility to adjust voltage settings and assesses performance changes using a series of benchmarks. Initial findings indicate that undervoltage can indeed have beneficial effects. The most significant data point from the research is the comparison of Cinebench R23 scores before and after applying undervolting settings. From a baseline score of 6835 points, system performance increased to 7880 points in the optimal undervolting scenario, an improvement of 1045 points. This shows a noticeable enhancement in processing efficiency. However, the study also reveals some complexities in undervolting, such as an initial drop in performance in the first configuration before gains are realized in subsequent adjustments. Efficiency values varied across different settings, starting with a decrease (-0.41) and culminating in a substantial gain (+1.54) by the fourth configuration. These results suggest that while undervolting can improve performance, the outcomes depend significantly on finding the right voltage balance, highlighting the nuanced nature of CPU voltage manipulation for performance optimization.