Single Measurement Method Research Articles

The performance of green innovation: From an efficiency perspective

In this new stage of global economic development, we hope to achieve both economic development and environmental improvements via innovation. Green innovation aims to meet the dual goals of economic development and ecological protection. The scientific evaluation of the performance of China's green innovation appears to be quite meaningful. Some studies have evaluated the performance of green innovation, but are limited by the use of a single efficiency measurement method. To fill this research gap, this article uses a combination of two methods to evaluate green innovation efficiency, which provides a more precise evaluation of efficiency. Specifically, this article uses the vertical-and-horizontal scatter degree method to construct a pollutant index and then sets that index as the undesirable output in a slacks-based measure (SBM) model to evaluate efficiency. To further study the regional differences in green innovation efficiency, this article uses a convergence model. Most existing convergence analyses ignore spatial elements. Focusing on the influence of spatial factors, this article introduces a spatial econometric model into the convergence analyses. This article draws the following main conclusions. (i) The efficiency of green innovation in the country as a whole has been increasing each year, and green innovation efficiency in the central and western regions has increased significantly. (ii) Regional differences have narrowed each year. (iii) Green innovation efficiency is significantly positively spatially correlated, which is reflected in the spatial agglomeration of regions with the same efficiency level. (iv) Green innovation efficiency exhibits σ-convergence and spatial conditional β-convergence. (iv) Spatial factors accelerate the convergence of green innovation efficiency.

A CRITIQUE OF ENERGY SECURITY MEASUREMENT

Although ensuring energy security is a key concern of the countries all over the world; measuring energy security remains a challenge. There are several indicators and indices to measure energy security. However energy security measurement is a complicated issue because of the difficulty and sometimes impossibility to measure its components. Because the components differ by regions, countries and also by periods. Besides each of the indicators and indices has its advantages and disadvantages. Despite the growing energy security research there is still not an accepted, single measurement method. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of energy security measurement referring to the indicators and indices used by international organizations and governments to make comparisons and to yield policies. It is aimed to call attention to existing vagueness as a barrier to get high-quality and reliable data.

Development of Computer Vision Algorithms for Measurement and Inspection of Spur Gears (Dept.M)

Gears are one of the most common mechanisms for transmitting power and motion. Error in gears causes two main problems, increased acoustic noise in operation and increased wear, both of which are sufficiently troublesome to cause concern. Therefore, precision measurement of gears plays a vital role in gear measurement and inspection. The current methods of gear measurement are either time consuming or expensive. In addition, no single measurement method is available and capable of accurately measuring all gear parameters while significantly reducing the measurement time. The aim of this paper is to utilize the computer vision technology to develop a non-contact and rapid measurement system capable of measuring and inspecting most of spur gear parameters with an appropriate accuracy. The vision system has been established in the metrology lab and it is used to capture images for gears to be measured or inspected. A software (named GearVision) has been especially developed in-house using Microsoft Visual C++ to analyze the captured images and to perform the measurement and inspection processes. The introduced vision system has been calibrated for both metric and pixel units. After calibration, the system was verified by measuring two sample gears and comparing the calculated parameters with the actual values of gear parameters. The maximum variations between the calculated parameters and the actual values were +0.101 mm for a spur gear with 156 mm outside diameter. This variation can be decreased by measuring small gears.

Study on a Continuous Measurement Method for Unattached Radon Progeny.

A method that does not require changing wire screens is proposed to achieve continuous measurement of unattached radon progeny. This method uses cumulative activity functions to deduct the influence of previous measurements from the current measurements on the sampling wire screen. The continuous measurement method was compared with a single measurement method, including relative deviations, uncertainties, and fluctuation range, which indicated the effectiveness of the cumulative activity functions applied to the continuous measurement method. The establishment of a continuous measurement method based on alpha spectroscopy provides technical support for the monitoring device.

More methods can result in more knowledge: Why psychology needs to use multi-method approaches

There is an overabundance of mono-method approaches and research designs used in psychology. Mono-method approaches (use of a single method of measurement) are problematic because, surprisingly, different methods for measuring the same thing often do not yield comparable scores. Multi-method assessment, however, often leads to more complete and precise findings. To better understand people, multi-method approaches in research and clinical practice need to become common practice in psychology. Intervening at an early stage of education might be the most fruitful tactic for initiating this change. Doing so by addressing current insufficiencies in psychological assessment training might be an advantageous route for facilitating successful transition.

Ubiquitination of MHC II Changes Dynamics of its Recognition Structure

Ubiquitination regulate the turnover of MHCII/peptide complex on antigen presenting cells. The rate of ubiquitination is tightly controlled by means of ubiquitin ligase expression as well as ubiquitin ligase inhibitor protein CD83 expression. The malfunction of MHCII turnover results in failure of both positive selection of CD4 T cell at thymus and induction of regulatory T cell in peripheral. To find the mechanism of such outcomes, we used dendritic cells that lack MARCHI ubiquitin ligase, which showed distinct T cell activation pattern from wild type cells. Then, we deployed X-ray single molecule measurement method, Diffracted X-ray Blinking (DXB), which revealed real time motion of proteins on living cells. The motion of MHC II on the WT cell was faster than MARCHI KO mutant that may due to ubiquitination, that explain the signals from ubiquitinated MHC II for TCR is different from non-ubiquitinated MHC II. We suggest ubiquitinated MHC II may not internalize promptly but also present antigens to T cell to induce various critical outcome such as regulatory T cell induction.

Investigation of single cell measurement method using opposed sharp electrode

Investigation of single cell measurement method using opposed sharp electrode

Perfusion index as a reliable parameter of vasomotor disturbance in complex regional pain syndrome

BackgroundDiscrepancy between a patient's subjective thermal symptoms and objective measured temperature value is common in complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) in clinical settings. For that reason, the diagnostic validity of a single temperature measurement method has been criticised. Several studies showed that the perfusion index (PI), which is derived from pulse oximetry, is a more sensitive and earlier indicator of sympathetic blockade than temperature measurement. MethodsForty-six participants (CRPS group, n=23; healthy control group, n=23) were enrolled. CRPS patients with subjective sensation of coldness on the affected side were chosen for this study. Temperature and PI were measured at the affected and contralateral hands in the CRPS group, and right and left hands in the healthy control group. To evaluate each method's efficacy for detecting thermal symptoms, differences in the parameters (temperature: ΔT, PI: ΔPI) were compared with receiver operating characteristic curves. ResultsΔPI was significantly larger in the CRPS compared with the healthy control group (P=0.002), but ΔT was not (P=0.171). The accuracy of PI measurement for reflecting thermal symptoms was good (area under the curve for ΔPI: 0.873, P<0.0001). The optimal cut off value of ΔPI was calculated as 0.50% with a sensitivity of 78.26%, whereas the sensitivity of ΔT using the conventional criterion of ≥1°C was only 34.78%. ConclusionsThe accuracy of detection of subjective abnormal thermal sensations was superior for PI compared with the temperature measurement method. PI was a more sensitive measure for detecting vasomotor symptoms in CRPS compared with temperature.

Simultaneous Determination of Young’s Modulus and Residual Stress in PECVD a-SiC from Postbuckling Vibration of MEMS Beams

Silicon carbide is a highly desirable material for MEMS sensor applications due to its robustness against harsh environments, especially high temperature and chemically corrosive environments. It is also an excellent material for high frequency applications due to its high Young’s modulus (E). Unfortunately, it is also a very difficult material to grow on silicon as crystalline SiC. In comparison, it is much easier to grow SiC by PECVD and integrate into a MEMS stack. However, the PECVD grown SiC is amorphous and its material properties vary considerably depending on the process parameters. For example, the Young’s modulus of PECVD grown a-SiC has been reported in the range of 138-196 GPa. This large variation makes it difficult to design MEMS structures with desirable characteristics using a specific value of E. The other significant process induced uncertainty is due to the residual stress (σ) in the structure. In order to have reliable response from the micromechanical structures made of such SiC, it is important to have reliable values of both the residual stress and the Young’s modulus. In this work, we report a method for simultaneous determination of E and σ by designing the test structures in the form of fixed-fixed beams and using their frequency response in buckled state. We exploit the invariance of even mode frequencies on residual stress to uncouple the effects of E and σ on the frequency, thus making it possible to determine E, along with another possible unknown- the underetch length. We subsequently use this information to find the residual stress from the odd mode frequencies. This evaluation requires a single sweep of frequency response from the buckled beam. The only condition here is that the beams have to be designed such that they result in buckled structures after release. This condition is essential, as only the buckled state guarantees the invariance of even modes on residual stress. Compared to other methods for determination of these properties, the advantage here is that we use a single method of measurement – LDV based frequency response measurement and a single type of test structures. Since the proposed method does not involve electrostatic actuation, in general it is applicable for dielectric thin films. In order to ensure repeatability, we have used measured results from more than 100 test structures. For the procedure to work, we need at least one of each even and odd mode frequencies to estimate the unknown parameters. Since in our experiment we are able to measure first four frequencies, we have two modes each from odd and even category. Thus there are total four modal combinations of measured data available to proceed with estimation of material properties, i.e. 2nd – 1st, 2nd – 3rd, 4th – 1st, 4th – 3rd. However not all of these combinations are always equally feasible. We have developed a good understanding of the circumstances, which favours use of one combination against the others.

Multiple Approaches to the Investigation of Cell Assembly in Memory Research-Present and Future.

In this review article we focus on research methodologies for detecting the actual activity of cell assemblies, which are populations of functionally connected neurons that encode information in the brain. We introduce and discuss traditional and novel experimental methods and those currently in development and briefly discuss their advantages and disadvantages for the detection of cell-assembly activity. First, we introduce the electrophysiological method, i.e., multineuronal recording, and review former and recent examples of studies showing models of dynamic coding by cell assemblies in behaving rodents and monkeys. We also discuss how the firing correlation of two neurons reflects the firing synchrony among the numerous surrounding neurons that constitute cell assemblies. Second, we review the recent outstanding studies that used the novel method of optogenetics to show causal relationships between cell-assembly activity and behavioral change. Third, we review the most recently developed method of live-cell imaging, which facilitates the simultaneous observation of firings of a large number of neurons in behaving rodents. Currently, all these available methods have both advantages and disadvantages, and no single measurement method can directly and precisely detect the actual activity of cell assemblies. The best strategy is to combine the available methods and utilize each of their advantages with the technique of operant conditioning of multiple-task behaviors in animals and, if necessary, with brain–machine interface technology to verify the accuracy of neural information detected as cell-assembly activity.

Data fusion algorithm for rapid multi-mode dust concentration measurement system based on MEMS

As single measurement method cannot fully meet the technical requirements of dust concentration measurement, the multi-mode detection method is put forward, as well as the new requirements for data processing. This paper presents a new dust concentration measurement system which contains MEMS ultrasonic sensor and MEMS capacitance sensor, and presents a new data fusion algorithm for this multi-mode dust concentration measurement system. After analyzing the relation between the data of the composite measurement method, the data fusion algorithm based on Kalman filtering is established, which effectively improve the measurement accuracy, and ultimately forms a rapid data fusion model of dust concentration measurement. Test results show that the data fusion algorithm is able to realize the rapid and exact concentration detection.

A transfer function approach for measuring the characteristic impedance and propagation constant of porous materials

A four-microphone one-load transfer function (4M1L) method using an impedance tube is proposed for estimating the characteristic impedance and propagation constant of porous materials, referring to the standard two- and four-microphone methods (ISO 10534-2, ASTM E2611-09). The material in this single measurement method does not have to be geometrically symmetrical and homogeneous. Even the material is geometrically asymmetrical and inhomogeneous, like a multi-layered system, an equivalent-impedance model can be assumed. Moreover, this method can also be used in the presence of a mean flow. First, in this presentation, the measuring theories of conventional two-microphone transfer function (2M2L), three- and four-microphone transfer matrix (3M2L, 4M2L) methods are discussed and compared with this 4M1L method,. Second, a direct measurement for various multi-layered materials mounted with a hard termination is used to verify this measurement method and material characterization by the equivalent-impedance model. Last, measurement and calculation results are presented and compared with the conventional 4M2L method. The 4M1L method can be of help in acoustic properties measurement of sound absorbing materials.

Relationship between powder characteristics and part properties in laser beam melting of Ti–6Al–4V, and implications on quality

The technology of laser beam melting (LBM) has lately become a true option for series production of functional end products. Metallic materials such as steel, aluminum, and titanium alloys may be processed to fully dense parts with mechanical properties meeting or even exceeding their conventionally manufactured counterparts. However, the use of LBM for industrial applications also requires reliable quality assurance methods along the entire process chain. Besides monitoring and controlling the LBM process itself, this implicates a thorough understanding of the relationship between the powder feedstock characteristics and the properties of the manufactured parts. This paper provides an in-depth analysis of how the characteristics of different Ti–6Al–4V powder feedstocks influence the usual quality criteria of parts. Typical characteristics of virgin powders from three different manufacturing routes, namely gas atomization, plasma atomization, and induction plasma spheroidization, are studied. Besides the investigation of particle morphology, particle size distribution, and chemical composition, powder flowability is determined using different measurement methods. Applying methods such as Hall flowmeter, angle of repose, Hausner ratio, avalanche angle, powder rheology, and shear tests, the powders are tested under static and dynamic stress states. From the different feedstocks, specimens are manufactured and the part properties such as density and static strength are determined. Correlation between powder characteristics and the resulting part properties is investigated. Depending on the different powder analyzation methods, recommendations for quality assurance are derived. It is shown that quality assurance of Ti–6Al–4V powder for LBM is a complex task. Powder material quality for this process cannot be ensured using a single measurement parameter or method as it is a result of the interactions between various properties. Such being the case, the determination of powder flowability leads to ambiguous results, irrespective of the selected measurement method. Presumably, the application of powder with good flowability according to a specific test will regularly result in parts with high density and acceptable mechanical properties. However, powder with comparably low flowability might also be applicable for the manufacturing of parts that meet the required quality criteria. As a consequence, solely employing a flowability test for powder quality assurance would possibly reject a number of powder batches that would turn out to be suitable for the LBM process.

Computer vision algorithms for measurement and inspection of external screw threads

Abstract The current methods of measuring screw threads are either time consuming or expensive. In addition, no single measurement method is available and capable of accurately measuring all screw thread features while significantly reducing the measurement time. This paper introduces a vision system for automatic measurement and inspection of most types of screw threads. Many image processing and computer vision algorithms have been developed to analyze the captured images of screw threads and perform the measurement and inspection processes. Most of the common screw thread features (18 features) could be measured by the introduced vision system. The system has been calibrated for both imperial and metric units and was verified by measuring a standard ISO metric thread plug gage and comparing the results of the measurements with the standard values. The results showed that the maximum difference between the standard and measured values was ±5.4 μm, which provide a good accuracy for measurement.

A Method of Radial Nerve Length Measurement Based on Cadaveric Investigation

ObjectiveTo determine the most reliable method to measure the length of the radial nerve during a nerve conduction study (NCS). DesignCadaveric investigation. SettingA practical anatomy research laboratory in a university. ParticipantsFresh cadavers (N=10), with 1 cadaver for study design and 9 for data. InterventionsDesign of measurement methods using cadaver dissection and comparison of the measured values to the true length in 18 arms of 9 cadavers. Main Outcome MeasuresFour points (A, B, C, D) were determined: (A) proximal stimulation point in NCS; (B) point at the elbow crease; (C) point in the midforearm; and (D) distal stimulation point 5cm above the extensor indicis. The true length of the radial nerve between the stimulus points (points A and D) in NCS was compared with the measured values by summation of the straight line segments between those points with various combinations. The difference in root mean square error (RMSE) of the distance measured by each method compared with the true length was calculated to determine the best measurement method. ResultsThe closest distance to the true length (28.7±2.8cm) in the cadaveric investigation was obtained using the summation of straight line segments between points A, B, and D (A-B-D, RMSE=.72cm), followed by the A-B-C-D distance (RMSE=.87cm) and the A-D distance (RMSE=1.38cm) methods, in sequence. The former 2 distance measurements were relatively closer to the true length than the latter measurement method. ConclusionsMultiple segmentation measurement methods reflected the course of the radial nerve better than a single linear measurement method. We suggest that the distance measured using a stopover point near the lateral epicondyle between 2 stimulus points (A-B-D distance) is closer to the true length of the nerve.

User Influence on Two Complementary Residual Stress Determination Methods: Contour Method and Incremental X-Ray Diffraction

The combination of various residual stress measurement methods is a common practice to complete knowledge that a single measurement method cannot provide. In this study, incremental X-Ray diffraction is combined with the contour method to measure a bent notched specimen to study the methods robustness. A finite element analysis model is built and validated with strain measurement of the bending process thus providing prior knowledge of the residual stress field. Three-dimensional neutron diffraction residual stress measurements are also performed to obtain a reference measurement with a non-destructive method and to validate the simulated stress field. In-depth stress gradient measured by X-ray diffraction is corrected with four different methods that all show good correlation with neutron diffraction measurements. Correction methods, assumptions and uncertainties are discussed and differences are observed on the robustness of the methods. Contour method measurements are performed and results are also in agreement with neutron measurements. The results provided by the contour method are complementary to those of the X-Ray diffraction since, despite a lower accuracy on the edges where X-ray diffraction is performed, the contour method offers the complete cartography of longitudinal stress in a symmetry plane of the bent specimen. Uncertainty of the contour method due to the post-processing procedure is discussed.

Low intra-tree variability in resistance to embolism in four Pinaceae species

Variability of embolism resistance within individual trees was assessed in four Pinaceae species by using a single method of measurement: the Cavitron. Contrary to what has been previously observed, our findings show a small variability in embolism resistance within and between organs. Indeed, we found (i) a lack of variability between branches within the crown, and (ii) that roots and trunks are either equally resistant or slightly more vulnerable to embolism than branches. This contradicts the vulnerability segmentation hypothesis proposed in the early 1990s. This paper also demonstrates that only few branches are necessary to determine the embolism resistance of a given tree. Embolism formation in xylem has an important impact on plant growth and survival. Since most studies on xylem embolism resistance focus on branches, it remains questionable how the entire plant deals with embolism across organs. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the variability of embolism resistance within a given organ and between different organs within a single tree. Based on the Cavitron method, we estimated the intra-organ and the intra-plant variability of embolism resistance for four Pinaceae species. In addition, we compared pit anatomical characters for wood of all organs and species. We found no variability of embolism resistance for a given organ within a tree. At the tree level, trunks and roots were either equally or more vulnerable to embolism than branches. For all species, organs that showed a similar range of embolism resistance presented similar torus-aperture overlap values. However, the least negative P 50 value for roots of Pinus pinaster was associated with the lowest torus-aperture overlap value. Our findings suggest that P 50 values are constrained within a particular organ and that intra-tree variation in embolism resistance is less substantial than previously reported. Moreover, our data do not support the vulnerability segmentation hypothesis which suggests that distal organs are more vulnerable to xylem embolism.

Aligning Tools on a Press by Means of 3D Scanning

The paper presents the way the 3D scanning was used to correct miss-alignment of the tools on a metal sheet bending press. Parts obtained by bending where not conform to requirements, and the reason was unknown. In order to find the error, the shape, size, and alignment of bending board and stamp had to be checked. The particular very long tools imposed as the single appropriate method of measurement: 3D scanning. The point clouds gathered by 3D scanning were processed to get the 3D models of the tools. Analyzing the models of the tools and their relative position led to conclusions that revealed the error and allowed fixing the problem.

When Phase Contrast Fails: ChainTracer and NucTracer, Two ImageJ Methods for Semi-Automated Single Cell Analysis Using Membrane or DNA Staining.

Within bacterial populations, genetically identical cells often behave differently. Single-cell measurement methods are required to observe this heterogeneity. Flow cytometry and fluorescence light microscopy are the primary methods to do this. However, flow cytometry requires reasonably strong fluorescence signals and is impractical when bacteria grow in cell chains. Therefore fluorescence light microscopy is often used to measure population heterogeneity in bacteria. Automatic microscopy image analysis programs typically use phase contrast images to identify cells. However, many bacteria divide by forming a cross-wall that is not detectable by phase contrast. We have developed ‘ChainTracer’, a method based on the ImageJ plugin ObjectJ. It can automatically identify individual cells stained by fluorescent membrane dyes, and measure fluorescence intensity, chain length, cell length, and cell diameter. As a complementary analysis method we developed 'NucTracer', which uses DAPI stained nucleoids as a proxy for single cells. The latter method is especially useful when dealing with crowded images. The methods were tested with Bacillus subtilis and Lactococcus lactis cells expressing a GFP-reporter. In conclusion, ChainTracer and NucTracer are useful single cell measurement methods when bacterial cells are difficult to distinguish with phase contrast.

Comparing the predictive validity of behavioral codings and behavioral ratings in a working-dog breeding program

Most working-dog breeding programs have a substantial interest in using behavioral assessments of their young dogs to predict their subsequent success. Different methods of measuring behavior may capture different aspects of behavior yet working-dog programs typically use only a single measurement method. Thus, the primary aim of this study was to test whether two different measurement methods (ratings or codings) would differ in their predictive validity with respect to working-dog selection outcomes. Rating methods require observers to intuitively aggregate their observations into a single rating and in doing so may reduce error variance in measurement, resulting in improved validity. Coding methods on the other hand do not demand so much judgment on the part of the observer so may be less influenced by observer biases. Here we analyzed the two methods with respect to their ability to predict selection for training in a sample of odor-detection dogs bred at the U.S. Transportation Security Administration Canine Breeding and Development Center. Behaviors observed in two standardized tests (search & retrieve and environment) at four different time points across the first year of life were measured using nine ratings and 23 codings. Data reduction techniques identified two underlying dimensions in ratings (environmental stability and hunt drive) and nine in codings (confidence, anxiety, exploration, excitability, search performance, dominant possession, independent possession, energy management, and search aptitude). There were no differences in predictive validity between the two methods; both ratings and codings correctly classified a high percentage of dogs that were/were not selected for training at 12 months of age (84.6–88.5%). In the search & retrieve test, codings and ratings appeared to be measuring the same construct. In the environment test the only significant coding predictor of training selection (confidence) was strongly related to the single rating predictor (environmental stability). Rating methods tended to capture behavior that was more consistent, while coding methods tended to capture behavior that was more situation-specific. Our mixed-models approach also allowed us to discriminate between average behavior (between-individual variation) and behavioral change through time (within-individual variation); such findings emphasize different aspects of development that may need to be monitored during rearing. Our results suggest that, in some cases, the use of ratings versus codings may be inconsequential from the standpoint of predicting which dogs get selected for training. Virtually all research on animal behavior assesses behavior via coding or rating methods; further work is needed to verify these results.