Simple Evaluation Method Research Articles

Development of an Odor Evaluation Method for Citrus Unshiu Peel Using an Electronic Nose Based on the Intensity of Per Unit Length (INPULTH)

Although odor is an important indicator of herbal medicine quality, an objective odor evaluation method remains undiscovered. Quantitative measurement using previous methods is complicated as Citrus Unshiu Peel (Chimpi) emits an odor when broken. To establish odor evaluation methods for herbal medicines using chimpi as an example, we developed a reproducible method for breaking samples and an objective odor evaluation method using an electronic nose (e-nose). First, an odor-emitting device (OED) was fabricated by modifying a pill cutter, which suppressed the spread of odor components into the room air while cutting the samples. The odor was emitted from chimpi with an OED and measured using an e-nose. The cut length was then measured. The sensor intensity was positively correlated with the cut length (r=0.840-0.927) in the same sample, and the intensity per unit length (INPULTH) calculated from the sensor intensity and cut length enables the comparison of the sensor intensity among different samples. In addition, average d-limonene emission level measured by GC-MS was positively correlated with average INPULTH (r=0.999), which suggests that this OED and e-nose method enables the comparison of the sensor intensity and d-limonene emissions. INPULTH also positively correlated with other seven monoterpenes such as p-cymene, β-myrcene, β-phellandrene, α-pinene, β-pinene, γ-terpinene, and α-terpinolene (r=0.701-0.865). Therefore, monoterpene content can be evaluated by measuring the odor in the same way as d-limonene. In conclusion, we developed a simple odor intensity evaluation method optimized for chimpi to establish an odor evaluation method for herbal medicines.

The Ability of Physical Education Teachers in Implementing Learning at Elementary Schools in Southwest Aceh Regency

Physical education teachers are responsible for preparing quality Learning Implementation Plans and implementing effective learning processes so that learning objectives are achieved. A good Learning Implementation Plan will make it easier for teachers to implement structured and directed learning. Physical education teachers face challenges in implementing effective learning processes. The physical education learning process must actively involve students and train their motor skills. However, in practice, physical education teachers often face difficulties in managing classes and making students actively engaged in learning. The approach used by the author in this study was a mixed-method approach (combined method) with an explanatory sequential design type. The research sample comprised nine physical education teachers working in elementary schools throughout Aceh Barat Daya Regency. The data collection techniques used by the researcher were observation and interview techniques. 1) Physical education teachers' ability to implement learning in elementary schools in Aceh Barat Daya Regency obtained the "Good" category with an average score of 6.5. Teachers can display personality aspects that include indicators of being charming, authoritative, firm, full of calling, and alert. In learning activities, teachers can carry out activities to open lessons, master materials, determine learning steps (activities), evaluate the process and learning outcomes, and close learning well. 2) The obstacles felt by physical education teachers in implementing the learning process at Elementary Schools in Southwest Aceh Regency are related to the limited availability of physical education learning facilities and infrastructure at schools. This has an impact on the less-than-optimal implementation of learning and evaluation activities. In addition, the limited time in learning activities, especially to evaluate the learning process of each student as a whole, so that teachers choose a fast and simple evaluation method. 1) The ability of physical education teachers to implement learning in Elementary Schools in Aceh Barat Daya Regency obtained the "Good" category. Teachers can display personality aspects and implement learning well. 2) The obstacles felt by physical education teachers in implementing the learning process at SD Negeri Aceh Barat Daya Regency are related to the limited availability of physical education learning facilities and infrastructure at the school and limited time in learning activities, especially to evaluate the learning process of each student as a whole.

Improved Simplified Engineering Fault Displacement Hazard Evaluation Method for On-Fault Sites

The safety of high-potential risk facilities concerned with fault displacement hazards is a complex technical issue, especially if the fault is revealed beneath the facility during the operation. Applying simple conservative engineering hazard evaluation methods is rational if an urgent decision should be made to continue operation or implement protective measures. Engineering methods are being published for strike-slip on-fault sites and structures. Their crucial point is to estimate the probability of the rupture at the site intersection and consider the displacement distribution over the rupture length relative to the site’s on-fault location. It is shown in the paper that strict geometrical relations between the site location, length and initial point of the rupture determine whether the principal fault displacement intersects the site. The paper considers these geometrical parameters as independent random variables and applies a screening of ruptures contributing to the hazard. Magnitude- and on-fault coordinate-dependent empirical relations have been analysed and selected to evaluate the site displacements. The procedure resulted in realistic but conservative hazard curves for different on-fault site locations using data from the Paks site in Hungary. The results were compared to those obtained by the conservative engineering method for the same site and some published analyses.

Simplified evaluation method of shear strength characteristics of embankment materials applied to aseismic diagnosis of existing embankments

Simplified evaluation method of shear strength characteristics of embankment materials applied to aseismic diagnosis of existing embankments

A Simple Method for Visualization and Quantitative Evaluation of Single and Collective Cell Migration in Bright Field Microscopy Images

A Simple Method for Visualization and Quantitative Evaluation of Single and Collective Cell Migration in Bright Field Microscopy Images

Building Safety Evaluation and Improvement for Northern Vietnam Mountainous Environments Empirical Study Combining Japanese Experience with Local Conditions

This study addressed the insufficient structural strength and inadequate disaster resistance in building designs in the mountainous regions of Northern Vietnam. By integrating Japanese construction experience with local conditions, we proposed optimized building structures and simplified safety evaluation methods. Through an analysis of climate, terrain, geological hazards, soil conditions, and construction material costs, building design and foundation construction were optimized, and these optimizations were validated through wind tunnel experiments and finite element analysis. The results indicated that the optimized structures exhibited superior wind load stability, with external wind pressure coefficients ranging from −1.5 to −0.7, compared with the traditional structure’s range of −1 to −3.5. The redesigned foundation improved landslide resistance, reducing excavation and foundation construction costs relative to Japanese methods. The foundation’s safety factor reached 4.42–5.13, surpassing the standard of 2.5, and the retaining wall’s sliding resistance safety factor reached 1.87, exceeding the requirement of 1.5. These enhancements dramatically boosted building safety under extreme weather conditions. This study provides practical solutions for building design in Vietnam’s mountainous regions and serves as a valuable reference for similar research in other developing countries, underscoring significant practical and social implications.

A Simple and Versatile Evaluation Method of Thermal Stability of NI HTS Magnets

A Simple and Versatile Evaluation Method of Thermal Stability of NI HTS Magnets

Prediction of peak overpressure from hydrogen-air cloud explosions in vented cylindrical vessels

Hydrogen as one of the most promising clean energies, has received a lot of attention. Intensive research has been devoted to developing techniques for the effective usage of hydrogen energy. However, hydrogen is prone to gas explosion incidents, which may impose significant threats to people and structures in the vicinity. Blast overpressure is one of the main hazards from hydrogen explosion incidents. A simplified evaluation method for the prediction of peak overpressure from hydrogen-air cloud explosions in vented cylindrical vessels is proposed. Detailed three-dimension numerical models of vented cylindrical vessels with premixed hydrogen-air clouds were generated and validated with testing data. The numerical simulation results were used to establish the empirical correlation between peak overpressure and cylindrical vessels parameters including length and diameter, vent size and vent activation pressure. The influence of ambient temperature in the vented cylindrical vessels on the peak overpressure is also discussed. The simplified prediction method could be used for quick and reliable prediction of the peak blast overpressures in vented cylindrical vessels from accidental hydrogen explosions.

Chemical composition combined with network pharmacology and quality markers analysis for the quality evaluation of Qing-fei-da-yuan granules.

Qing-fei-da-yuan granules (QFDYGs) had been proved to be an effective TCM prescription for treating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which are composed of a variety of TCMs, and characterized by multiple components, multiple targets and overall regulation. It is meaningful to further study the chemical composition and pharmacology of QFDYGs for quality evaluation. However, due to the complexity of the components of QFDYGs, there are no reliable and simple analytical methods for current quality evaluation. In this work, antipyretic activity assessment of QFDYGs in the LPS-induced New Zealand rabbit model was carried out to verify the efficacy firstly. It was proved that QFDYGs can be used to relieve fever to help preventing or controlling the prevalence of influenza and pneumonia. Subsequently, UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS combined with network pharmacology, quality markers and fingerprint analysis were used to establish the quality control condition. The chemical compositions were analyzed by UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS, and 79 of them were identified, such as arecoline, mangiferin, paeoniflorin, etc. Then, the network pharmacology strategy based on 45 candidate components (CCs) in conjunction with influenza and pneumonia diseases was employed to screen the potential active ingredients. According to the drug-CCs-genes-diseases (D-CCs-G-D) networks, baicalein, honokiol, baicalin, paeoniflorin, saikosaponin A, glycyrrhizic acid and hesperidin were selected as quality markers. And a method for content determination of the 7 quality markers was established by optimizing extraction methods, chromatographic conditions and methodological verification. Finally, the quality of 15 batches of QFDYGs was evaluated by using the 7 quality markers combined with fingerprints and principal component analysis (PCA). The analyzed results showed that baicalin, paeoniflorin, glycyrrhizic acid and hesperidin were the high content and stable quality markers. QFDYGs were characterized by overall consistency and individual ingredient differences among the 15 batches. Our quality evaluation study will provide reference for the further development and research of QFDYGs.

New objective simple evaluation methods of amyloid PET/CT using whole-brain histogram and Top20%-Map

ObjectiveThis study aims to assess the utility of newly developed objective methods for the evaluation of intracranial abnormal amyloid deposition using PET/CT histogram without use of cortical ROI analyses.MethodsTwenty-five healthy volunteers (HV) and 38 patients with diagnosed or suspected dementia who had undergone 18F-FPYBF-2 PET/CT were retrospectively included in this study. Out of them, 11C-PiB PET/CT had been also performed in 13 subjects. In addition to the conventional methods, namely visual judgment and quantitative analyses using composed standardized uptake value ratio (comSUVR), the PET images were also evaluated by the following new parameters: the skewness and the mode-to-mean ratio (MMR) obtained from the histogram of the brain parenchyma; Top20%-map highlights the areas with high tracer accumulation occupying 20% volume of the total brain parenchymal on the individual’s CT images. We evaluated the utility of the new methods using histogram compared with the visual assessment and comSUVR. The results of these new methods between 18F-FPYBF-2 and 11C-PiB were also compared in 13 subjects.ResultsIn visual analysis, 32, 9, and 22 subjects showed negative, border, and positive results, and composed SUVR in each group were 1.11 ± 0.06, 1.20 ± 0.13, and 1.48 ± 0.18 (p < 0.0001), respectively. Visually positive subjects showed significantly low skewness and high MMR (p < 0.0001), and the Top20%-Map showed the presence or absence of abnormal deposits clearly. In comparison between the two tracers, visual evaluation was all consistent, and the ComSUVR, the skewness, the MMR showed significant good correlation. The Top20%-Maps showed similar pattern.ConclusionsOur new methods using the histogram of the brain parenchymal accumulation are simple and suitable for clinical practice of amyloid PET, and Top20%-Map on the individual’s brain CT can be of great help for the visual assessment.

1D Topological Interface States for Improving Optical Sensors

AbstractThe field of compact optical microcavities has received significant research in the past decades, and a broad range of cavity‐based micromechanical sensors has been demonstrated. The present approach replaces the frequently employed, complex etched cantilever and membrane structures with a simple thin‐film system based on a compressible photonic microcavity to achieve pressure‐sensitive wavelength shifting of resonant modes. The effects of a topological dielectric mirror architecture on the light propagation in the system are extensively investigated. Topologically improved light‐matter interaction is experimentally demonstrated for systems where thin‐film devices are mounted on one side of the photonic cavity due to mechanical constraints. Coupled topological states are examined under the aspect of mode splitting and exhibit advantageous splitting tunability compared to non‐topological systems. The findings are complemented by the proposal of a simple spectral evaluation method allowing significant improvement in the precision of integrated Fabry‐Pérot sensors. The readout concept of the presented sensor allows a scalable improvement of the measurement precision by evaluating the resonant‐mode order in the deformable cavity. The experimental results and conceptual advancements provide pathways for significant improvements addressing the efficiency of light‐matter interaction in Fabry‐Pérot cavities and the readout precision of sensors incorporating thin‐film photodiodes in multimode photonic cavities.

Key-Point-Descriptor-Based Image Quality Evaluation in Photogrammetry Workflows

Photogrammetry depends critically on the quality of the images used to reconstruct accurate and detailed 3D models. Selection of high-quality images not only improves the accuracy and resolution of the resulting 3D models, but also contributes to the efficiency of the photogrammetric process by reducing data redundancy and computational demands. This study presents a novel approach to image quality evaluation tailored for photogrammetric applications that uses the key point descriptors typically encountered in image matching. Using a LightGBM ranker model, this research evaluates the effectiveness of key point descriptors such as SIFT, SURF, BRISK, ORB, KAZE, FREAK, and SuperPoint in predicting image quality. These descriptors are evaluated for their ability to indicate image quality based on the image patterns they capture. Experiments conducted on various publicly available image datasets show that descriptor-based methods outperform traditional no-reference image quality metrics such as BRISQUE, NIQE, PIQE, and BIQAA and a simple sharpness-based image quality evaluation method. The experimental results highlight the potential of using key-point-descriptor-based image quality evaluation methods to improve the photogrammetric workflow by selecting high-quality images for 3D modeling.

Experimental feasibility analysis of quantum/classical coexistence over fibre and free space links

AbstractThe authors present a novel approach to Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) research, emphasising cost‐effectiveness and practicality using a single photon polarisation‐encoded system employing mainly commercial off‐the‐shelf components. This study diverges from previous high‐cost, high‐end setups by exploring the viability of QKD in more accessible and realistic settings. Our approach focuses on practical measurements of the signal‐to‐noise ratio by analysing polarisation‐encoded photonic qubits over various transmission scenarios. The authors introduce a simplified evaluation method that incorporates experimental measurements, such as noise sources and losses, into a semi‐empirical theoretical framework. This framework simulates the standard DS‐BB84 protocol to estimate Secure Key Rates (SKRs), offering an alternative approach on the evaluation of the practical implementation of QKD. Specifically, the authors examine the feasibility of QKD over a 2.2 km intra‐campus fibre link in coexistence scenarios, identifying optimal Wavelength‐Division Multiplexing allocations to minimise Raman noise, achieving an expected SKR of up to 300 bps. Additionally, the authors’ study extends to 40 m indoor and 100 m outdoor Free‐Space Optical (FSO) links using low‐cost components, where the authors recorded Quantum Bit Error Rate (QBER) values below 3.2%, allowing for possible SKRs up to 600 bps even in daylight operation. The converged fibre/FSO scenario demonstrated robust performance, with QBER values below 3.7% and an expected SKR of over 200 bps. Our research bridges the gap between high‐end and economical QKD solutions, providing valuable insights into the feasibility of QKD in everyday scenarios, especially within metropolitan fibre based and FSO links. By leveraging cost‐effective components and a simplified single photon exchange setup, the authors work paves the way for the effortless characterisation of deployed infrastructure, highlighting its potential in diverse settings and its accessibility for widespread implementation.

Security evaluation of China's indium industrial chain: Perspective on substance flow throughout the whole life cycle

As the world's largest supplier of primary indium, China's indium industrial chain structure and demand change affect global supply. It is necessary to evaluate the security of China's indium industrial chain and determine the reasons that affect security. The past substance flow analysis (SFA) of indium and mineral industrial chain security evaluation has problems such as a lack of timeliness, a single dimension mainly focusing on the upstream, and simple evaluation methods. In this paper, based on the SFA, an integrated evaluation system for the whole life cycle is constructed from 2000 to 2022 according to mineral industrial chain security characteristics. The results show that since introducing liquid crystal in 2003, China's indium industrial chain security level has been low despite a slight increase. Although China has gradually broken through the production technology of high-purity indium and indium tin oxide (ITO) targets, the large consumption and export of refined indium has reduced China's indium metal stock to 2214 t, while the resource reserves advantage is also diminishing. Mass consumption has also led China to import more ores, while China still imports high-end products from other countries with high import source concentrations. The pollutants emitted by the large production and the declining environmental governance level pose a significant environmental threat. Finally, suggestions for strengthening international cooperation, increasing technological research, establishing a reserve system, risk monitoring mechanisms, and strict emission standards can improve China's indium industrial chain security.

Ultrasound Evaluation and Guided Injection of the Subscapularis and Serratus Anterior Muscles Between the Scapula and the Thoracic Cage: A Technical Note.

Most subscapularis and serratus anterior muscles lie between the scapula and the thoracic cage. Evaluation of this area in patients with scapulothoracic dyskinesis, snapping scapular syndrome, or interscapular pain can provide valuable information to clinicians. However, ultrasound scanning of pathologies in this area is hindered by anatomical limitations. In this study, we described a simple patient setup position and scanning method for ultrasound evaluation and guided intervention of the subscapularis and serratus anterior muscles between the scapula and thoracic cage.

Development and Validation of UPLC-MS/MS Analysis for Sphingolipids Isolated from Velvet Antlers of Cervus elaphus.

Deer velvet antlers, known as tonics, have created a large market as dietary supplements and have been consumed worldwide. Despite the high consumption of velvet antlers as dietary supplements, analytical methods for their identification and standardization remain limited. Quantitative analysis for gangliosides, considered quality indexes for velvet antlers, was developed to indirectly analyze the sialic acid obtained from chemical degradation. Owing to the complex and time-consuming chemical derivatization of gangliosides, a simple and rapid quality evaluation method for velvet antlers must be developed. For the first time, this study reports the isolation and structural elucidation of two new sphingomyelins (1 and 2), two known sphingomyelins (3 and 4), and four ceramides (5-8) as chemical markers from the velvet antlers of Cervus elaphus. To expedite and simplify the quality control of velvet antlers, advanced quantitative analysis of sphingolipids has been developed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy.

Methylation analysis of DCC gene in saliva samples is an efficient method for non-invasive detection of superficial hypopharyngeal cancer

BackgroundAdvances in upper gastrointestinal endoscopic technology have enabled early detection and treatment of hypopharyngeal cancer. However, in-depth pharyngeal observations require sedation and are invasive. It is important to establish a minimally invasive and simple evaluation method to identify high-risk patients.MethodsEighty-seven patients with superficial hypopharyngeal cancer and 51 healthy controls were recruited. We assessed the methylation status of DCC, PTGDR1, EDNRB, and ECAD, in tissue and saliva samples and verified the diagnostic accuracy by methylation analyses of their promoter regions using quantitative methylation-specific PCR.ResultsSignificant differences between cancer and their surrounding non-cancerous tissues were observed in the methylation values of DCC (p = 0.003), EDNRB (p = 0.001), and ECAD (p = 0.043). Using receiver operating characteristic analyses of the methylation values in saliva samples, DCC showed the highest area under the curve values for the detection of superficial hypopharyngeal cancer (0.917, 95% confidence interval = 0.864–0.970), compared with those for EDNRB (0.680) and ECAD (0.639). When the cutoff for the methylation values of DCC was set at ≥0.163, the sensitivity to detect hypopharyngeal cancer was 82.8% and the specificity was 90.2%.ConclusionsDCC methylation in saliva samples could be a non-invasive and efficient tool for early detection of hypopharyngeal cancer in high-risk patients.

Investigation on deformation behavior and bearing capacity of a segmental ring based on the horizontal convergence

AbstractIn this study, a refined numerical model, which contains the detailed geometric construction of the longitudinal joints, is established to investigate the bearing performance of the segmental ring based on the horizontal convergence. Firstly, the model is verified by comparing it with the reported results of a documented full‐scale model test. Then, according to the load‐structure method, this numerical model is employed to investigate the deformation behavior and bearing capacity of the segmental ring. Moreover, the effects of the coefficient of lateral pressure and subgrade reaction are extensively taken into consideration through comprehensive numerical analyses. According to the numerical results, a bilinear model is proposed to describe the relation between the convergent displacement and the stratum pressure, which could be used to preliminarily estimate the convergence after the completion of tunnel construction. Otherwise, the development of structural defects, such as the joint opening and the water leakage, has close association with the horizontal convergence. Therefore, a simple evaluation method for tunnel structure safety assessment is proposed using horizontal convergence deformation as an indicator to predict the tunnel service state. Since this indicator is easy to obtain during the tunnel operation, it is convenient for the engineers to assess the bearing capacity of the segmental ring and the service state of the tunnel structure quickly.

Simple derivation of L-absorption spectra of 3d transition metal elements by the self-absorption effect observed in soft X-ray emission spectra.

This study proposes a simple evaluation method for deriving L-absorption information from two L-emission spectra of 3d transition metal (TM) elements obtained at two different accelerating voltages. This method realizes a spatial identity for X-ray emission and absorption spectroscopies. This method was evaluated for the Fe L-emission spectra of Fe and its oxides and was applied to the TM L-emission spectra of MnO, Co, CoO and NiO. The derived absorption peak positions were consistent with those obtained previously at synchrotron orbital radiation facilities, which considered the core-hole effect. This simple derivation method could be useful for obtaining X-ray absorption spectroscopy distribution images from X-ray emission spectroscopy mapping data obtained by scanning electron microscopy.

A windowed fourier transform-based method of numerically analyzing phase shifts of SPR sensors

This study presents a simple and reliable method for numerical evaluation of the sensitivity of SPR systems. A Windowed Fourier Transform (WFT) based method is applied to extract shifts of SPR interferogram. By applying the WFT, the frequencies consisting of SPR interferogram are extracted, and phase shifts of relevant frequencies are also obtained. The normalized amplitude of the frequencies larger than 0.35 is regarded as the most prominent frequency. The summation of the phase shifts of the most prominent frequencies is regarded as an index to numerically analyzing phase shifts of SPR sensors. Through this method, the small change in the sensing surface can be monitored. By using a homemade SPR system with the proposed calculation method, it can detect the NaCl solutions ranging from 0.00003% to 0.03% (wt%), indicating its great promise for applications in fields such as medicine, food safety, and biotechnology.