This study proposed a spatially and temporally improving methodology adopting the Regional Frequency Analysis with L-moments approach to estimate rainfall quantiles from 22787 grids of radar rainfall in Taiwan for a 24-hour duration. Due to limited radar coverage in the eastern region, significant discordant grids were found in the coastal area of the eastern region. A K-means cluster analysis using scaled at-site characteristics was used to group the QPESUMS grids in Taiwan into 22 clusters/sub-regions based on their characteristics. Spatially, homogeneous subregions with QPESUMS data produce more detailed homogeneous subregions with clear and continuous boundaries, especially in the mountain range area where the number of rain stations is still very limited. According to the results of z-values and L-moment ratio diagrams, the Wakeby (WAK), Generalized Extreme Value (GEV), and Generalized Pareto (GPA) distributions of rainfall extremes fitted well for the majority of subregions. The Wakeby distribution was the dominant best-fitted distribution, especially in the central and eastern regions. The east of the northern part and southern part of Taiwan had the highest extreme rainfall for each return period. Both areas were frequently struck by typhoons. By using grid-based (at-site) as the basis for assessing regional frequency analysis, the results show that the regional approach in determining extreme rainfall is very suitable for large-scale applications and even better for smaller scales such as watershed areas. The spatial investigation was performed by establishing regions of interest in small subregions across the northern part. It showed that regionalization was correct and consistent.

The ANSYS 2024R1 student edition was used to create a finite element model of a basketball rim and backboard. This finite element model included the use of steel for the rim and its mount, a tempered glass backboard, and an aluminum frame behind the backboard. After a mesh was created, fixed support boundary conditions were applied to the four corners of the aluminum frame. The subsequently calculated mode shapes and frequencies were compared to empirical modal analysis previously done at the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. Four mode shapes and frequencies agreed rather well between the theoretical finite element analysis and previously published empirical modal analysis, specifically where the rim was vibrating in the vertical direction, which was the direction that the accelerometer was aligned for modal analysis. However, three mode shapes missed by the empirical modal analysis were found where the vibration of the rim was confined to the horizontal plane, which was orthogonal to the orientation of our accelerometer.

There is an increasing need for quantitative rockfall hazard and risk assessment that requires a precise definition of the terms and concepts used for this particular type of landslide. This paper suggests to use terms that appear to be the more logic and explicit as possible, and describes methods to derive some of the main hazard and risk descriptors. The terms and concepts presented concern the rockfall process (failure, propagation, fragmentation, modelling) and the hazard and risk descriptors, distinguishing the cases of localized hazards and diffused hazards. For a localized hazard, the failure probability of the considered rock compartment in a given period of time has to be assessed and the probability for a given element at risk to be impacted with a given energy must be derived combining the failure probability, the propagation probability and the exposure of the element. For a diffuse hazard that is characterized by a failure frequency, the number of rockfalls reaching the element at risk per unit of time and with a given energy (reach frequency) can be derived. However, when the element at risk is not replaced or repaired, the probability that it is impacted by at least one rockfall must be considered.

The manuscript presents the applicability of the Gumbel distribution in the frequency analysis of extreme events in hydrology. The advantages and disadvantages of using the distribution are highlighted, as well as recommendations regarding its proper use. A literature review was also carried out regarding the methods of estimating the parameters of the Gumbel distribution. Thus, for the verification of the methods, case studies are presented regarding the determination of the maximum annual flows and precipitations using nine methods for parameter estimation. The influence of the observed data lengths on the estimation of the statistical indicators, the parameters and the quantiles corresponding to the field of low annual exceedance probabilities (p <1%) is also highlighted. The results are compared to those obtained with the Generalized Extreme Value distribution, respectively the Burr and the Wakeby distributions with parameters estimated using the L-moments. The results highlight and reaffirm the statistical, mathematical and hydrological recommendation regarding the avoidance of using the Gumbel distribution in Flood Frequency Analysis and its use with reservations in the case of maximum precipitation, especially when the statistical indicators of the analyzed data are not close to the characteristic ones and unique to the distribution.

In this paper, we propose and demonstrate a network analysis optical frequency domain reflectometer (NA-OFDR) for distributed temperature measurements at high spatial (down to 3 cm) and temperature resolution. The system makes use of a frequency-stepped, continuous-wave (cw) laser, whose output light is modulated using a vector network analyzer. The latter is also used to demodulate the amplitude of the beat signal obtained by coherently mixing the Rayleigh backscattered light with a local oscillator. The system is capable of high measurand resolution (50 mK at 3-cm spatial resolution), thanks to the high sensitivity of coherent Rayleigh scattering to temperature. Furthermore, compared to the conventional optical-frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR), the proposed system does not rely on the use of a tunable laser, therefore it is less prone to limitations related to the laser coherence or sweep nonlinearity. Two configurations are analyzed, both numerically and experimentally, based on either a double sideband or single sideband modulated probe light. The results confirm the validity of the proposed approach.

For the elimination of radio-frequency interference (RFI) in a passive microwave radiometer, the threshold level is generally calculated from the mean value and standard deviation. However, a serious problem that can arise is an error in the retrieved brightness temperature from a higher threshold level owing to the presence of RFI. In this paper, we propose a method to detect and mitigate RFI contamination using the threshold level from statistical criteria based on a spectrogram technique. Mean and skewness spectrograms are created from a brightness temperature spectrogram by shifting the 2-D window to discriminate the form of the symmetric distribution as a natural thermal emission signal. From the remaining bins of the mean spectrogram eliminated by RFI-flagged bins in the skewness spectrogram for data captured at 0.1-s intervals, two distribution sides are identically created from the left side of the distribution by changing the standard position of the distribution. Simultaneously, kurtosis calculations from these bins for each symmetric distribution are repeatedly performed to determine the retrieved brightness temperature corresponding to the closest kurtosis value of three. The performance is evaluated using experimental data, and the error in the retrieved brightness temperature is observed to be less than approximately 3 K from a window with a size of 100 × 100 time-frequency bins according to the RFI levels and cases.

A problem of efficacy of crystal growth methods for crystallization from solution or melt has been investigated. Axial vibrational control (AVC) technique was considered as a perspective method to manage both heat-mass transfer and chemical component composition of the melts in the case of crystallization of complex chemical compounds. Numerical modeling and the search for generalized dependencies made it possible to predict the AVC parameters that provide optimal heat and mass transfer modes for creating flat liquid-solid interfaces, as well as the component composition of dissociated melts of various chemical compounds – Ge, NaNO3, CdTe.

The frequency synthesizer is a critical component in Cs beam clock technology. In this paper, we present a demonstration of a direct microwave frequency-synthesis chain for a cesium-beam atomic clock, which utilizes frequency multiplication and a dual-phase-locked loop mode. A detailed analysis of the frequency-synthesis chain is conducted, and a mathematical model is established. The phase settling time and system stability are simulated, measured, and verified. The experimental results for the phase settling time align with the simulation outcomes. The phase settling time can be adjusted within the range of 644.5 µs to 1.5 ms, and the absolute phase noise values are -63.7 dBc/Hz, -75.7 dBc/Hz, -107.1 dBc/Hz, and -122.5 dBc/Hz at 1 Hz, 10 Hz, 1 kHz, and 10 kHz offset frequencies, respectively. Additionally, the Ramsey fringes are detected, and the Allan deviations of the 10 MHz output from the cesium-beam atomic clock are measured to be 2.99×10−12 at 1s and 8.02×10−14 at 10,000 s.

The natural frequency of buildings decreases during a strong-motion earthquake, and the structure loses its stiffness. As a result, understanding the damaging process in the structure owing to changes in structural properties is critical during a seismic excitation. The time-frequency technique can detect the damaged building’s time-varying frequency contents. Wigner distributions (WD), Wigner-Ville distributions (WVD), pseudo-Wigner-Ville distributions (PWVD), smoothed pseudo-Wigner-Ville distributions (SPWVD), and synchrosqueezing transforms (SST) have all become popular in recent years for a variety of earthquake engineering applications, including building damage detection. This study proposes the local maximum synchrosqueezing transform (LMSST) for detecting frequency shifts in buildings during strong earthquakes. The data presented in the research show that the suggested method outperforms as compared to the conventional time-frequency methods for detecting frequency shifting in earthquake-damaged structures.

Deep Learning (DL) and Machine Learning (ML) are widely used in many fields, but rarely used in Frequency Estimation (FE) and Slope Estimation (SE) of signals. Frequency and slope estimation for Frequency-Modulated (FM) and single-tone sinusoidal signals are essential in various applications, such as wireless communications, sonar, and radar measurements. In this work, artificial neural network (ANN) and convolutional neural network (CNN) are used in frequency and slope estimation for FM signals under Additive White Gaussian Noise (AWGN) and Additive Symmetric alpha Stable Noise (SαSN). SαS distributions are impulsive noise disturbances found in many communication environments like marine systems; their distribution lacks a closed-form Probability Density Function (PDF), except for specific cases, and infinite second-order statistic, hence Geometric SNR (GSNR) is used in this work to determine the impulsiveness of noise in a mixture of Gaussian and SαS noise processes. ANN is a machine learning classifier, designed with few layers for reducing FE and SE complexity while getting higher accuracy as compared with classical techniques. CNN is a deep learning classifier, designed with many layers for FE and SE, and proved to be more accurate than ANN when dealing with big data and finding optimal features. Simulation results show that SαS noise can be much more harmful for FE and SE of FM signals than Gaussian noise. DL and ML can significantly reduce FE complexity, memory cost, and power consumption, which is important in many systems such as some Internet of Things (IoT) sensor applications. After training DCNN for frequency and slope estimation of LFM signals, the performance of DCNN (in terms of accuracy) can give acceptable results at very low signal-to-noise ratios where TFD fails, giving more than 20dB difference in the GSNR working range.

The experimental verification for the computational method sometimes varies due to numerous factors such as the manufacturing process and the materials' property change due to environmental aspects. In this work, we performed verification of experimental and computational evaluation of a hybrid composite moderate thick plate. The experiment was performed with simplistic approaches and without the advanced tools of preparing composite materials. This is due to the fact that most of the students in many developing countries around the world cannot have access to such equipment. As such, in this research, we are presenting cheap and easy preparation methods, with some details, for even equipment calibration and some tricks to attain a reliable composite structure for educational purposes. Moreover, the software and solvers used in this study are freely provided by the supplier for educational purposes. This study examined two methods for producing carbon and glass/polyester composite plates and discussed which one was best based on mechanical properties for different volume fractions, random stacking sequences, and ply angles (using OCTAVE's random estimation program). It also determined the three natural frequencies experimentally and with the aid of ANSYS. Less than 6% separated the experimentally determined natural frequencies from the calculated results.

In this paper, the concept of absolute airspace is further elaborated, and the time transform effect, the frequency transform relation of clock timing, and the principle of Doppler effect of special relativistic light are analyzed and demonstrated. Based on the concept of absolute airspace, a new and accurate Doppler effect relation of light (electromagnetic wave) is proposed. It is proved that there is a synchronous relationship between the time shift effect and the frequency change of the timing inside the clock. When the light (electromagnetic wave) source is in motion, the Doppler effect includes two physical mechanisms: the frequency change caused by time transformation effect and the frequency change caused by relative motion. When the light source is in motion, the Doppler effect of the light there are some differences in different directions due to the rotation of the earth. The relation of Doppler effect of special relativistic light is only a highly approximate relation, and its theoretical basis, special relativity, is flawed in principle.

In Korea, the underground silo structure for low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste disposal facilities has been constructed and operated since 2014. Large-scale earthquakes occurred in 2016 and 2017, respectively, in Gyeongju and Pohang areas near the underground silo structures, and interest in the stability of the underground silo increased significantly. In this paper, one-dimensional free field analyses have been carried out before the three-dimensional silo dynamic analyses subjected to earthquake loadings. As an additional study, a new form of finite element equilibrium equation is derived in terms of relative motions, which is essentially the same equation as that expressed in terms of total motions where the base shear force is applied for earthquake load. The accuracy of conventional finite element solutions is evaluated by directly comparing them with closed-form solutions by frequency domain analysis such as SHAKE91.

This paper describes developing and analyzing an analytical model of Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) internal vibrating ring gyroscope. The internal ring structure consists of eight semicircular beams attached to the externally placed anchors. The paper analyses the vibrating ring gyroscope inplane displacement behavior and the resulting elliptical vibrational modes. The elliptical vibrational modes appear as pairs with the same resonance frequency due to the symmetric nature of the design. The analysis commences by conceptualizing the ring as a geometric structure with a circular shape, possessing specific dimensions such as thickness, height, and radius. We construct a linear model that characterizes the vibrational dynamics of the internal vibrating ring. The analysis encompasses comprehensive mathematical formulations for the radial and tangential displacements in local polar coordinates, considering the inextensional displacement of the ring structure. By utilizing the derived equations, we highlight the underlying relationships driving the vibrational characteristics of the MEMS vibrating ring gyroscope. These dynamic vibrational relationships are essential in enabling the vibrating ring gyroscope's future utilization in accurate navigation and motion sensing technologies.

Vehicle driveability is one of the important vehicle attributes in range-extender electric vehicles due to the electric motor torque characteristics at low-speed events. The process of validating and rectifying vehicle driveability attributes is typically utilised by a physical vehicle prototype that can be expensive and required several design iterations. In this paper, a model-based energy method to assess vehicle driveability is presented based on a high-fidelity 49 degree-of-freedom powertrain and vehicle systems. Multibody dynamics components were built according to their true centre of gravity relative to the vehicle datum for providing an accurate system interaction. The work covered a frequency at less than 20 Hz. The results that consisted of the component frequency domination are structured and examined to identify the low-frequency sensitivity based on different operating parameters such as a road surface coefficient. An energy path technique was also implemented on the dominant component by decoupling its compliances to study the effect on the vehicle driveability and low-frequency response. The outcomes of the research provided a good understanding of the interaction across the sub-systems levels. The powertrain rubber mounts were the dominant components that controlled the low-frequency contents (< 15.33 Hz) and can change the vehicle driveability quality.

Abstract: Steamed ginseng water (SGW), the by-product generated from the heated processing of red ginseng, with high content of active substances, better skincare activities, and large amount output ineffective utilization, resulted in environmental pollution and resource waste. In current study, UHPLC-Q-Exactive-MS/MS liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and multivariate statistical analysis were conducted to characterize the compositional features of the repeated thermal-treated SGW. The total sugar content, total sugar content, total reducing sugar content, total non-reducing sugar content, DPPH, ABTS+, Fe3+ reducing capacity, and the hydroxyl radical scavenging abilities were employed to evaluate the gross contents variation connect with anti-oxidant activities during heat processes. The result revealed the SGW content and antioxidant activity were highly correlated, the 7th SGW sample showed the highest content and the strongest ability on anti-aging capacities. 38 significant common differential markers were screened, by the four compared SGW groups (1- and 3-, 1- and 5-, 1- and 7-, and 1- and 9) through OPLS-DA analysis. The current study showed that the thermal proceeding times could be a vital index value during the recycling operation quality control of SGW, which has a huge potential in anti-aging cosmetic raw materials, In the meanwhile, our results provided a green, sustainable, low-cost thinking of rational application on ginseng resource.

Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by alterations in motile cilia func-tion. The diagnosis of PCD is challenging due to the lack of standardized methods in clinical practice. High-speed video microscopy analysis (HSVA) directly evaluates ciliary beat frequency (CBF) in PCD. Recently, open-source ciliary analysis software applications have shown promise in measuring CBF accurately. How-ever, there is limited knowledge about the performance of different software applications, creating a gap in understanding their comparative effectiveness in measuring CBF in PCD. We compared two open-source software applications, CiliarMove and Cilialyzer, against the manual count method. We used videos rec-orded at high-speed of nasal ciliary brush samples from PCD patients and healthy controls. All three meth-ods showed lower median CBF values in PCD patients than healthy controls. CiliarMove and Cilialyzer identified lower CBF in PCD patients, similar to the manual count. Cilialyzer, CiliarMove and manual count demonstrated statistical significance (p-value < 0.0001) in the difference of median CBF values be-tween PCD and healthy controls. These findings support the utility of open-source software-based analysis tools. Further studies are needed to validate these findings with other genetic variants and identify the op-timal software for accurate CBF measurement in PCD.

One of the challenges posed by renewable energies is the stabilization of parameters related to the quality of electrical energy. This study demonstrates the existence of a relationship between input blocks of hydropower and the variation of the fundamental frequency of the electricity grid. By mapping production data provided by Spanish Electric Network with frequency measured in the laboratory, it is shown that gradients of hydropower are correlated with frequency fluctuations for certain characteristic times. Considering hourly instances of energy input, the study compares two methods for calculating hydropower gradients (linear regression and pseudo-linear regression); and two methods for calculating local frequency extremes (the "specular inertia" method and analysis by comparison with the moving average), in order to corroborate the results.

Dietary habits, including meal frequency, meal timing, and skipping meals, have been extensively studied due to their association with the development of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This study describes dietary habits, meal timing, meal frequency, skipping meals, and late-night eating in Kuwaiti adults. The Kuwait National Nutrition Surveillance System data was utilized to reach the objectives of this study. The findings reveal that approximately 50% of the adults in Kuwait eat after 10 p.m., 29% skip breakfast, and 9.8% skip dinner. Furthermore, adults in Kuwait consume 4.4 meals per day on average. Women skip breakfast more often and have extended night fasting than men (p&lt;0.001). Married adults skip breakfast and dinner less than unmarried adults (p&lt;0.001). In conclusion, this descriptive study provides valuable insights into the dietary habits of Kuwaiti adults, emphasizing the importance of further investigating the association between meal timing, meal frequency, and the prevalence of NCDs in Kuwait.

These days, numerous organizations and Analysis Centers (AC) offer various Ambiguity Resolution (AR) products using various methodologies. To use it for time-frequency transfer, there is no associated study. This paper chooses 16 MGEX stations with external high-precision atomic clocks to constitute 15 international time comparison links and uses AR products data from CNES, SGG, CODE, and PRIDE laboratory, using three ambiguity-fixed strategies, to thoroughly evaluate the effects of various strategies and AR products for high-precision time-frequency transfer. We reach the following results by using the IGS final clock product as a reference and comparing it to ambiguity-float. With various ambiguity-fixed procedures, the time stability STD of time transfer is increased for a single GPS, and the improvement ranges from 10% to 40%. The frequency stability has barely improved; up to 40%, the most notable improvement comes from FCB with GRM products. The time stability STD of combinations has improved after the addition of the Galileo system compared to the single GPS, and the improvement ranges from 2% to 9%. Most strategies have improved, while a few techniques have weakened with the GEC (GPS+Galileo+BDS) combination. We feel that the stability has not significantly increased with the system's increase within short-term stability after comparing multiple groups of linkages.

Flood frequency analysis at large scales, essential for the development of flood risk maps, is hindered by the uncertainty in outputs of process-based hydrological models and the scarcity of gauge flow data. We develop a Bayesian hierarchical model (BHM) based on the Generalized Extreme Value (GEV) distribution for regional flood frequency analysis at high resolution across North America. Our model leverages annual maximum flow data from ≈20000 gauged stations and a dataset of 130 static catchment-specific covariates to predict extreme flows at all catchments over the continent as well as their associated statistical uncertainty. Additionally, a modification is made to the data layer of the BHM to include daily gauge discharge data when available, which improves the precision of the discharge level estimates. We validated the model using a hold-out approach and found that its predictive power is very good for the GEV distribution location and scale parameters and improveable for the shape parameter, which is notoriously hard to estimate. The resulting discharge return levels yield satisfying agreement when compared with available design peak discharge from various government sources. Assessment of the covariates’ contributions to the model also informs on the most relevant underlying factors influencing flood-inducing peak flows. The key covariates in our model are temperature-related bioindicators, the catchment drainage area and geographical location.

Recently, SMR (Small Modular Reactor) is expected to be able to operate flexibly in conjunction with a high renewable energy penetration grid as a result of improved safety and easy power control compared to large nuclear power plants. SMRs such as South Korea’s System-integrated Modular Advanced ReacTor (SMART) are designed to use canned motors (CMs) for their reactor coolant pumps (RCPs) to enhance safety. The CMs passively enhance the reactor’s safety by preventing leakage of radioactive reactor coolant. However, with motor sizes designed to be as small as possible, and the increased air gap of CMs between stator and rotor, starting torque may be insufficiently small compared to that of similar sized induction motors (IMs). Thusly, CMs may require variable frequency drives (VFDs) to start. This paper compares the torque characteristics of CMs with those of IMs for SMART’s RCPs. ETAP is then used to perform motor starting analysis for CMs started with and without VFDs. The results are presented and analyzed to find out if the VFDs deal with the CM starting torque issue.

Investigating transportation disasters in Western Asia over two decades (2003-2023), this study provides a meticulous examination of a comprehensive dataset, shedding light on the dynamics and nuances of these catastrophic events in terms of frequency, modality (air, rail, road, and water), and subsequent outcomes. The data reveals a concerning uptrend in mishaps from 2003 to 2010, which fortunately reverses into a notable decline in the subsequent years. Noteworthy is the predominance of road-related incidents, yet an alarming 73.8% of events are ambiguously categorized under "Unknown", hinting at potential gaps or inconsistencies in record-keeping. With Turkey being a significant epicenter, accounting for nearly 45% of all incidents, the regional distribution of these disasters becomes evident. Advanced ANOVA analyses discern marked variations in fatality rates over the years and between nations. However, the contrast in injury rates among different disaster categories did not achieve statistical significance. While the post-2010 era showcases a commendable reduction in calamities, the data punctuates the persistent necessity for robust safety measures, targeted public awareness campaigns, and infrastructural advancements. In synthesis, this study vehemently advocates for heightened regional collaboration and systematic knowledge dissemination as cornerstones for bolstering transportation safety across Western Asia.

This letter introduces a frequency response characteristic (FRC) curve and its application in high renewable power systems. In addition, the letter presents a method for fast frequency response assessment and frequency nadir prediction without performing dynamic simulations using detailed models. The proposed FRC curve and fast frequency response assessment method are useful for operators to understand frequency response performance of high renewable systems in real time.

This paper presents a 612–1152 MHz Injection Locked Frequency Multiplier (ILFM). The proposed ILFM is only used for sending an input signal to the receiver in the I/Q mismatch calibration mode. Using the Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) to calibrate the receiver places a burden on this system due to the extra area required and power consumption. Instead of the PLL, to satisfy high frequency, low jitter, and low area, a Ring Oscillator is proposed. The free-running frequency of the ILFM is automatically digitally calibrated to reflect the frequency of the injected signal from the harmonics of the reference clock. To control the frequency of the ILFM, the load current is digitally tuned with 6-bit digital control signal. The proposed ILFM locks to the target frequency using a digitally controlled Frequency Locked Loop (FLL). This chip is fabricated using 1-poly 6-metal 0.18 µm CMOS and achieve the wide tuning range of 612–1152 MHz. The power consumption is 0.95 mW from a supply voltage of 1.8 V. The measured phase noise of the ILFM is −108 dBc/Hz at a 1 MHz offset.

This paper presents the development of an analytical model of Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) internal vibrating ring gyroscope. The internal ring structure consists of eight semicircular beams that are attached to the externally placed anchors. The research work analyses the vibrating ring gyroscope inplane displacement behavior and the resulting elliptical vibrational modes. The elliptical vibrational modes appear as pairs with the same resonance frequency due to the symmetric structure of the design. The analysis commences by conceptualizing the ring as a geometric structure with a circular shape, possessing specific dimensions such as thickness, height, and radius. We construct a linear model that characterizes the vibrational dynamics of the internal vibrating ring. The analysis develops a comprehensive mathematical formulation for the radial and tangential displacements in local polar coordinates, considering the inextensional displacement of the ring structure. By utilizing the derived motion equations, we highlight the underlying relationships driving the vibrational characteristics of the MEMS vibrating ring gyroscope. These dynamic vibrational relationships are essential in enabling the vibrating ring gyroscope's future utilization in accurate navigation and motion sensing technologies.

In recent times, the increasing concern for climate control has led to the widespread application of grid-connected inverter (GIC) based renewable energy systems. In addition, the increased usage of non-linear loads and electrification of the transport sector cause ineffective grid-frequency management and the introduction of harmonics. These grid conditions affect power quality and result in uncertainty and inaccuracy in monitoring and measurement. Incorrect measurement leads to overbilling/underbilling, ineffective demand and supply forecasts for the power system, and inefficient performance analysis. To address the outlined problem, a novel three-phase frequency component extraction and power measurement method based on Digital Lock-in Amplifier (DLIA) and Digital Lock-in Amplifier Frequency-Locked Loop (DLIA-FLL) is proposed to provide accurate measurement under the conditions of harmonics and frequency offset. A combined filter with a lowpass filter and notch filter for DLIA is employed to improve computation speed. A comparative study is performed to validate the performance of the proposed power measurement method, by comparing the proposed method to the windowed interpolated fast Fourier transform (WIFFT). The ZERA COM 3003 (a commercial high-accuracy power measurement instrument) is used as the reference instrument in the experiment

Compliant amplifying mechanisms are used widely in high-precision instruments driven by piezoelectric actuators, and the dynamic and static characteristics of these mechanisms are closely related to instrument performance. Although the majority of existing research has focused on analysis of their static characteristics, the dynamic characteristics of the mechanisms affect their response speeds directly. Therefore, this paper proposes a comprehensive theoretical model of compliant amplifying mechanisms based on the multi-body system transfer matrix method to analyze the dynamic and static characteristics of these mechanisms. The effects of the main amplifying mechanism parameters on the displacement amplification ratio and the resonance frequency are analyzed comprehensively using the control variable method. An iterative optimization algorithm is also used to obtain specific parameters that meet the design requirements. Finally, simulation analyses and experimental verification tests are performed. The results indicate the feasibility of using the proposed theoretical compliant amplifying mechanism model to describe the mechanism’s dynamic and static characteristics, which represents a significant contribution to the design and optimization of compliant amplifying mechanisms.

Modern electrical power systems integrate ancillary services to provide security and quality of service in real-time operation because of the intense variations in frequency caused by the massive development and uncertainty of solar-wind generation. Therefore, this ancillary services market focuses on power reserves for secondary and tertiary frequency control. Adjusting reserves and dispatching plants is a manual instruction executed by the system operator to maintain the frequency in the normal operating state (49.80≤f≤50.20 Hz). However, in the absence of an economic model for real-time power reserve reallocation in the ancillary services market, the reserve adjustments made by the system operator are not always optimal since they generate a displacement between the scheduled and actual marginal costs. Then, this work proposes a methodology for operating the ancillary services market in real-time through a dynamic and hourly mathematical model that integrates the variability of solar-wind generation, the demand monitoring curve, and the trajectory of the marginal cost. This model minimizes power reserve costs, which are governed by hourly price auctions, for candidate plants classified as supra/infra-marginal and can optimally reallocate power reserves for secondary and tertiary frequency control.

A nonlinear MEMS multimass sensor is investigated. The MEMS design consists of an array of nonlinear microcantilevers clamped to a shuttle mass which, in turn, is attached to a linear spring and a dashpot. The microcantilevers are made of a polymeric hosting matrix reinforced by aligned carbon nanotubes (CNT) with different CNT volume fractions in each cantilever so as to suitably tune the frequency bandwidth of the device. The advantages of a single input-single output (SISO) system are here exploited for the design, actuation and detection principles as in previous literature.

The aim of the study was to assess the frequency of fish consumption in Poland including sea and freshwater fish species referring to some socio-economic determinants. The frequency of consumption was assessed using Food Propensity Questionnaire data from 1489 adults (722 males, 767 females) in 2019–2020. The fish consumption frequency in Polish adults was too rare compared to the recommendations (at least twice a week). About 80% of respondents consumed fish less frequently than recommended. Sea fish were mostly consumed less than once a month (31.8%) or 1-3 times a month (30.9%). The most of subjects (44.8%) consumed freshwater fish less than once a month. It was also depended on: educational level, economic status, place of residence, declared health status, and on BMI value or BMI status. However, taking into account sex, the occurrence of these relationships was different in men and women. It seems that educational activities and dissemination of proper nutrition principles is necessary in order to increase the consumption of fish in Poland. It should be important to emphasize health benefits of fish consumption in relation to possible adverse effects of their contamination.

Magnetoelectric (ME) sensor is a new type magnetic sensor with ultrahigh sensitivity, low power consumption, and suitable for the measurement of low frequency weak magnetic field. In this study, metglas/PZT-5B ME sensor with a mechanical resonance frequency f_res of 60.041 kHz was prepared. It is interesting to note that its magnetic field resolution reaches 0.20 nT at f_res and 0.34 nT for DC field, respectively. In order to measure the ultralow frequency AC magnetic fields, a frequency upconversion technique was employed. Under this technique, a limit of detection (LOD) of AC magnetic field lower than 1 nT at 8 Hz is obtained, and the minimum LOD of 0.51 nT is achieved at 20 Hz. The high resolution ME sensor with sub-pT level is promising in the field of low frequency weak magnetic field measurement technology.

In this paper, initially a mathematical model is formulated for transient frequency of power system considering time delays which occur while transmitting the control signals in open communication infrastructure. Time delay negligence in a power system leads to improper measurement of frequency variation in power system. The study of impact of time delays on the stability of power system is performed by estimating the decay rate of frequency wave form using Kalman Filter (KF). In power system, there is a possibility of multiple time delays. This paper also focusses on developing Interacting Multiple Model (IMM) Algorithm with multiple model space using Kalman Filter (KF) as state estimator tool. The multiple time delays in power system is considered as multiple model space. The result shows that KF provides better estimate of correct model for a particular input-set. The qualitative properties of Riccati difference equation (RDE) in terms of state error covariance of IMMKF are also analyzed and presented.

This article analyzes 6 probability distributions from the Generalized Pareto family, with 3, 4 and 5 parameters, with main purpose to identify other distributions from this family with applicability in flood frequency analysis compared to the distribution already used in the literature from this family such as Generalized Pareto Type II and Wakeby. This analysis is part of a larger and more complex research carried out in the Faculty of Hydrotechnics regarding the elaboration of a norm for flood frequency analysis using the linear moments method. In Romania, the standard method of parameter estimation is the method of ordinary moments, thus the transition from this method to the method of linear moments is desired. All the necessary elements for the distributions use are presented like, the probability density functions, the complementary cumulative distribution functions, the quantile functions, the exact and approximate relations for estimating parameters, for both methods of parameters estimation. All these elements are necessary for a proper transition between the two methods, especially since the use of the method of ordinary moments is done by choosing the skewness of the observed data depending on the origin of the maximum flows. A flood frequency analysis case study, using annual maximum and annual exceedance series, was carried out for the Prigor river, to numerically present the analyzed distributions. The performance of this distributions is evaluated using relative mean error, relative absolute error and linear moments diagram.

Hydro generator sets serve as the peak and frequency regulation of the power system,and play a very important role in maintaining system stability and improving power quality.Based on the internal characteristics model of a specific type of hydro generator,this paper constructs a hydroelectric coupling model for hydropower units,studies the influence of the regulation system of hydropower units on low-frequency oscillations under different load conditions,and adopts variable speed reaching law and fuzzy sliding mode control strategy to improve the regulation quality of the system and ensure the stable operation of the units.Results of simulation and water turbine set under different load conditions show that varible speed reaching law can effectively improve the power-angle oscillation behavior of the hydropower set and suppress the occurrence of low-frequency oscillations of the system when the system is subject to power disturbance,which provide a new theoretical basis and solution for the vibration analysis and control optimization of hydraulic turbine units.

The demand of high data rate and ubiquitous coverage in heterogeneous cellular (HetNets) is increasing progressively. In order to meet this demand, sophisticated model having applied interference reduction scheme and cell association technique is needed. The small base station (sBS)are deployed inside the broadcasting area of macro base station (mBS), in heterogeneous cellular networks (HetNets). Since mBS has high transmission power therefore a large number of users get connected with mBS. This causes disproportion of load distribution across the HetNets. For load balancing users from high power mBS are migrated to low power sBS to increase network capacity and to decrease the load from mBS. This results in interference in the communication signal because of strong mBS Interference. Hence, we need interference management technique to mitigate interference and user association and to efficiently use sBSs’ resources. Inter-cell interference (ICI) limit the HetNets’ performance. Additionally, there exist deliberate jamming interference which depends on jammers transmission power and its proximity with the target, which notably degrades the network performance. In this paper, we employ reverse frequency allocation scheme (RFA) to reduce inter cell interference, deliberate jamming interference and to accomplish load balancing. The proposed setup is analyzed inquisitively and with the help of simulations. The result shows reduction in interferences as well as balance of load distribution in the network achieved by employing RFA scheme together with cell association.

The generalized dynamic model of the rotor system, presented in the paper, is the first model that takes into account the interconnected oscillations of the “rotor - weakly conductive fluid – foundation” system under the action of such parameters as fluid and rotor motion, linear eccentricity, friction forces, foundation vibration and nonlinear characteristics of rolling bearings, as well as the action of a magnetic field on the fluid. Consistent equations of motion for the system “rotor - weakly conductive fluid – foundation” were derived and solved analytically. Forced and natural oscillations of the system were analyzed, and the distinctive features of the rotor system dynamics were revealed. The values of frequencies and amplitudes, which are one of the main factors determining the dynamic behavior of the system, were obtained and studied.

Background: Appendicular skeletal muscle (or lean) mass (ALM) estimated using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is considered to be a preferred method for sarcopenia studies. However, DXA is expensive, has limited portability, and requires radiation exposure. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is inexpensive, easy to use, and portable; thus BIA might be useful in sarcopenia investigations. However, a large variety of models have been commercially supplied by different companies, and for most consumer products, the equations estimating ALM are not disclosed. It is therefore difficult to use these equations for research purposes. In particular, the BIA equation is often age-dependent, which leads to fundamental difficulty in examining age-related ALM loss. The aims of the current study were as follows: (1) to develop and validate an equation to estimate ALM using multi-frequency BIA (MF-BIA) based on theoretical models, and (2) to establish sarcopenia cutoff values using the equation for the Japanese population. Methods: We measured height (Ht), weight, and ALM obtained using DXA and a standing-posture 8-electrode MF-BIA (5, 50, 250 kHz) in 756 Japanese individuals aged 18 to 86-years-old (222 men and 301 women as developing equation group and 97 men and 136 women as a cross validation group). The traditional impedance index (Ht²/Z₅₀) and impedance ratio of high and low frequency (Z₂₅₀/Z₅) of hand to foot values were calculated. Multiple regression analyses were conducted with ALM as dependent variable in men and women separately. Results: We created the following equations: ALM = (0.6947 × (Ht²/Z₅₀)) + (−55.24 × (Z₂₅₀/Z₅)) + (−10,940 × (1/Z₅₀)) + 51.33 for men, and ALM = (0.6144 × (Ht²/Z₅₀)) + (−36.61 × (Z₂₅₀/Z₅)) + (−9332 × (1/Z₅₀)) + 37.91 for women. Additionally, we conducted measurements in 1624 men and 1368 women aged 18 to 40 years to establish sarcopenia cutoff values in the Japanese population. The mean values minus 2 standard deviations of the skeletal muscle mass index (ALM/Ht²) in these participants were 6.8 and 5.7 kg/m² in men and women, respectively. Conclusion: The current study established and validated a theoretical and age-independent equation using MF-BIA to estimate ALM and provided reasonable sarcopenia cutoff values.

The identification of homogeneous flood regions is essential for regional flood frequency analysis. Despite the type of regionalization framework considered (e.g., region of influence or hierarchical clustering), selecting flood-related attributes to reflect flood generating mechanisms is required to discriminate flood regimes among catchments. To understand how different attributes perform across Canada for identifying homogeneous regions, this study examines five distinctive attributes (i.e., geographical proximity, flood seasonality, physiographic variables, monthly precipitation pattern, and monthly temperature pattern) for their ability to identify homogeneous regions at 186 gauging sites. We add an automatic component to enhance identification of homogeneous regions is proposed as an addition to the region of influence framework. Results are presented spatially for Canada to assess patterning of homogeneous regions. Memberships of two selected regions are investigated to provide insight into membership characteristics. Sites in eastern Canada are highly likely to identify homogeneous flood regions, while the western prairie and mountainous regions are not. Overall, it is revealed that the success of identifying homogeneous region is relevant to local hydrological complexities, to whether considered attribute reflects primary flooding mechanism, and to whether catchment sites are clustered in small geographic region. Formation of effective pooling groups affords the extension of record lengths across the Canadian domain (where gauges typically have <50 years of record), facilitating more comprehensive analysis of higher return periods floods need for climate change assessment.

Heart sounds and murmurprovidecrucial diagnosis information for valvular heart diseases (VHD). Phonocardiogram (PCG) combined with modern digital processing techniques, provides a complementary tool for clinicians. This article proposes a benchmark different time-frequency representations, which are spectogram, mel-spectogram and cochleagram for obtaining images, in addition to the use of two interpolation techniques to improve the quality of the images, which are Bicubic and Lanczos. Deep features are extracted from a pre-trained model called VGG16 and for feature reduction the Boruta algorithm is applied. To evaluate the models and obtain more precise results, nested cross-validation is used. The best results achieved in this study were for coclegram with 99.2% accuracy and mel-spectogram representation with the bicubic interpolation technique which reached 99.4% accuracy, both having support vector machine (SVM) as classifier 10 algorithm. Overall, this study highlights the potential of time-frequency representations of PCG 11 signals combined with modern digital processing techniques and machine learning algorithms for 12 accurate diagnosis of VHD.

The sustainable development of an area is highly dependable on reliable electrical energy supply. Microgrids are important in integrating distributed energy resources (DERs) using power electronic converters. However, microgrid control becomes challenging with the increasing number of distributed generators and loads. With the conventional droop control method, power contributions from DER converters cannot be accurately shared due to a mismatch of line impedances. In this paper, an augmented hierarchical control mechanism is proposed to solve the issues mentioned above. This hierarchical control mechanism consists of primary and secondary controllers. The primary stage utilized the droop controller to improve optimal power flow, mainly for the resistive network. The secondary stage is based on an improved methodology to compensate for the voltage and frequency variations during small and large signal disturbances. Moreover, the modelling and analysis for PMSG-based wind energy conversion systems are also presented. The response of the primary controller for the active and reactive power sharing is investigated. The analysis emphasizes the demonstration of optimal power-sharing under normal and abnormal conditions for the considered load. Finally, the suggested robust controller's performance is evaluated in MATLAB environment and simulation results show the proposed scheme's superiority under different operating conditions.

Childhood overweight/obesity (OV/OB) is a major public health problem, of greater concern when accompanied with comorbidities such as hypertension and insulin resistance leading to metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO). Aetiologic associations between meal patterns, OV/OB risk and MUO are limited. The aim of this systematic review was to explore associations between meal patterns and the risk of childhood OV/OB and MUO. Longitudinal studies and randomised controlled trials from PUBMED and Scopus published between January 2013 - April 2024 were retrieved. Twenty-eight studies were included, all of which reported on OV/OB risk; none on MUO risk. Regular consumption of breakfast and family meals and avoiding dining while watching TV may be protective factors against childhood OV/OB, whereas meal skipping (primarily breakfast) may be a detrimental factor. Mixed effects of meal frequency on OV/OB risk were observed; no effects of frequency of lunch or of fast-food consumption and of meals served at school were found. There was insufficient evidence to support the role of other patterns (meal timing, eating in other social contexts). Meals were mainly participant-identified, leading to increased heterogeneity. Research focusing on childhood MUO and improved methodological approach (e.g. harmonised definitions) regarding the assessment of meal patterns are highly warranted.

Introduction: Caries is a public health problem in Kosovo among children, Caries is a multifactorial microbial disease and connection of this disease with soft drinks and food habits between children and their poor oral health is very strong. Aim: The aim of present study is to evaluate prevalence of caries among 12 to 16 years old students in municipality of Suhareka and to analyze related risk factors that contribute in occurrence of caries. Material and methods: To observe parameters of soft drink we used experimental method and a cross-sectional study was carried out among 120 adolescents in “Sadri Duhla” elementary school in Duhel and “7 Marsi” elementary school in city of Suhareka. Oral clinical examination and self administered questionnaire were used to collect information about dental caries and its correlation to soft drinks and food habits. Examination was done between May and October in the year 2023. Impact of soft drink in caries was assessed through DMFT index and frequency of consumption of soft drinks. The data were collected statistically using SPSS version 26 and presented in tables and graphs. Results: The highest result of DMFT (4.36) with standard deviation 1.23 was noted in the group consuming more than 16 cans per week also the highest score in adolescent compared to frequency of consumed cans per week. Soft drinks found in Kosovo’s mar-kets are acidic with low pH, 93.75% of them had a pH below 4 which are considered erosive and only 6.25% are minimally erosive with a pH > 4, in terms of buffer capacity soft drinks can be ordered like this energy drinks >soda >100% fruit juice > fruit drinks. Improper tooth-brushing, dental visits only in case of pain and not preventive visits were significantly related to dental caries. Conclusion: The results of the research awarned us for high frequency consumption of soft drinks related to dental caries. It is recommended to be aware of the use of soft drinks, regular visits to the doctor, higher maintenance of oral health by using paste with sufficient fluoride content also brushing teeth 1 hour after consuming acidic food.

Pulsed electric fields of specific frequencies emitted by a glass plasma antenna tube have been shown to slow the growth of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia cells by as much as 43% when exposed to a series of frequencies between 156kHz and 162kHz. This narrow band of frequencies is termed a “Destructive Cancer Resonant Frequency Formant” (DCRFF).

This paper investigates portfolio optimization methodologies and short-term investment strate-gies in the context of the cryptocurrency market, focusing on ten major cryptocurrencies from January 2020 to November 2023. We employ high frequency data and utilize the Kurtosis Mini-mization methodology, alongside other optimization strategies, to construct and evaluate port-folios under different rebalancing frequencies. The empirical analysis reveals that cryptocurren-cies exhibit significant volatility, skewness, and kurtosis, necessitating sophisticated portfolio management techniques. We find that the Kurtosis Minimization methodology consistently outperforms other optimization strategies, delivering optimal returns to investors, particularly in shorter-term investment horizons. We demonstrate the diversification benefits of integrating cryptocurrencies into multi-asset portfolios and emphasize the importance of regular portfolio rebalancing in the volatile cryptocurrency market. Our findings offer insights for portfolio man-agers and investors seeking to optimize their investment outcomes in the cryptocurrency market, highlighting the importance of risk management, diversification, and dynamic portfolio man-agement strategies.

This paper proposes a linear eddy-current feature to determine the radius of a metallic ball in a non-contact manner. An electromagnetic eddy-current sensor with two coils is placed co-axially to the metal ball during measurement. It is well known that the distance between the sensor and test piece (i.e. lift-off) affects eddy-current signals. In this paper, it is found that the peak frequency feature of inductance spectrum is linear to the lift-off spacing between the centre of coil and ball. Besides, the slope of peak frequencies versus lift-offs is linked to the radius of ball. The radius of metallic balls is retrieved from the experimental and embedded analytical result of the slope. Measurements have been carried out on 6 metallic balls with different radii. The radius of the metallic ball can be retrieved with an error of less than 2 %.

In the field of Thermal Non-Destructive Testing and Evaluation (TNDT&E), active thermography gained popularity due to its fast, wide area monitoring and remote inspection capability to assess materials without compromising their future usability. Among the various active thermographic methods, pulse compression favourable frequency-modulated thermal wave imaging stands out for its enhanced detectability and depth resolution. In this study, experimental investigation has been carried out on a hardened steel sample used in ship building industry with a flat-bottom hole simulated defect using the Frequency Modulated Thermal Wave Imaging (FMTWI) technique. And the defect detection capabilities of FMTWI have been investigated from various statistical post processing approaches and compared by taking Signal to Noise Ration (SNR) as a figure of merit. Among various adopted statistical post-processing techniques, the pulse compression has been carried out using different methods: offset removal with polynomial curve fitting, and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) which is an unsupervised learning approach for data reduction and offset removal with median centering for data standardization. The performance of these techniques was assessed through experimental investigations on hardened steel specimen used in ship building to provide valuable insights into their effectiveness in defect detection capabilities.

A new low-pass filter (LPF) circuit with independent adjustment of various, incl. digitally controlled, pole frequency resistors, pole quality factor and transmission coefficient. The proposed low-pass filter is based on the use of the properties of a multi-differential operational amplifier that performs the functions of a signal adder. The peculiarity of the filter is that it has three inputs, with respect to which different transmission coefficients are implemented, incl. inverting (-1) and non-inverting (+1). To check these properties of a low-pass filter in the Micro-Cap environment, computer simulation of a specific circuit was performed on a multi-differential operational amplifier AD 8130. Mathematical expressions are given for the main parameters of the proposed low-pass filter, which allow parametric synthesis of elements of a specific circuit under given restrictions on the used element base.

A new circuit of a low-pass filter (LPF) is considered, which is switched on at the input of analog-to-digital converters to limit the spectrum of input signals. The peculiarity of the proposed low-pass filter is the independent adjustment of the pole frequency, the quality factor of the pole and the transmission coefficient by different resistors. Computer simulation performed in the Micro-Cap environment confirms these properties of the LPF. The basic mathematical expressions are obtained, which make it possible to carry out the parametric synthesis of the LPF circuit. It is shown that the sensitivity of the LPF transmission coefficient to changes in the parameters of the frequency-setting elements of the circuit is close to zero and depends only on the ratio of the resistances of the two resistors in the feedback circuit.

A novel means of applying radiotherapy in cancer treatment is the application of the radiation dose at a very high intensity for a very short time, FLASH radiotherapy (FLASH-RT). This technique involves exposure of tumors to >40 Gy/s, usually for less than one second. Studies conducted in cell and preclinical models suggest that FLASH-RT seems less damaging to normal tissues from adverse effects, relative to the same overall dose of radiation administered in conventional therapy (CONV-RT) which involves administration of lower levels of radiation repeated intermittently over a protracted period. In contrast, the susceptibility of tumor tissues to FLASH-RT is not diminished relative to CONV-RT. Within solid tumors both modes of dispensation of radiation produce an equivalent degree of cell damage. This differential between normal and malignant material has been found in isolated tissues, animal studies, and more recently in clinical trials. However, the classical radiation concept is that high energy linear transfer radiation (LET) is more damaging than the equivalent total dose of low LET. Thus, the susceptibility of cells should be greater to short-term exposure to high LET. This article discusses the potential reasons that may account for this discrepancy. While the relative protection given to untransformed tissues by FLASH-RT relative to tumor tissue is a major step forward in radiation therapy of cancer, the processes that lie behind this phenomenon are incompletely understood and are considered here.

Controlling the collective behavior of micro/nanomotors with ultrasound may enable new functionality in robotic, medicine and other engineering disciplines. Currently, various collective behaviors of nanomotors, such as assembly, reconfiguration and disassembly, have been explored by using acoustic fields with a fixed frequency, while regulating their collective behaviors by varying the ultrasound frequency still remains challenging. In this work, we design an ultrasound manipulation methodology allowing nanomotors to exhibit different collective behaviors by regulating the applied ultrasound frequency. This work has important implications for design of artificial actuated nanomotors and optimize their performances.

Successfully engaging in social communication requires efficient processing of subtle socio-communicative cues. Voices convey a wealth of social information, such as gender, identity and the emotional state of the speaker. We tested whether our brain can systematically and automatically differentiate and track a periodic stream of emotional utterances among a series of neutral vocal utterances. We recorded frequency-tagged EEG responses of 20 neurotypical male adults while presenting streams of neutral utterances at 4 Hz base rate, interleaved with emotional utterances every third stimulus, hence at 1.333 Hz oddball frequency. Four emotions (happy, sad, angry, and fear) were presented as different conditions in different streams. To control the impact of low-level acoustic cues, we maximized variability among the stimuli and included a control condition with scrambled utterances. This scrambling preserves low-level acoustic characteristics but ensures that the emotional character is no longer recognizable. Results revealed significant oddball EEG responses for all conditions, indicating that every emotion category can be discriminated from the neutral stimuli, and every emotional oddball response was significantly higher than the response for the scrambled utterances. These findings demonstrate that emotion discrimination is fast, automatic, and is not merely driven by low-level perceptual features.

A novel kind of power spectrum is constructed, the inter-spike spectrum, which transforms any signal into its spike-frequency domain. This method clearly shows the apparent cycles in the data and overcomes the problems for spike-train-like signals when using the obvious idea of Fourier-transforming it. We invent this instructive approach with the idea of transforming the τ-recurrence rate of a recurrence plot (RP), which often has a spiky appearance. The τ-recurrence rate is the density of recurrence points along diagonals of the RP, which are parallel to the main diagonal with a distance of τ. In this context the inter-spike spectrum can be interpreted as a nonlinear power spectrum of a potentially high dimensional system which constitutes the RP. The proposed measure is robust to noise and is able to detect and analyze bifurcations.

Pneumonic plague outbreaks are relatively infrequent in modern times but in the early part of the 20th century, they were commonplace including several well-documented epidemics responsible for the deaths of thousands. The transmissibility of this disease seems to be discontinuous since in some outbreaks few transmissions occur, while in others, the progression of the epidemic is explosive. Modern epidemiological studies explain that transmissibility within populations is heterogenous with relatively few subjects likely to be responsible for most transmissions and that ‘super spreading events’, particularly at the start of an outbreak, can lead to a rapid expansion of cases. These findings concur with outbreaks observed in real-world situations. It is often reported that pneumonic plague is rare and not easily transmitted but this view could lead to unnecessary complacency since future risks such as the spontaneous incidence of anti-microbial strains, climate change leading to a disruption of natural cycles within plague foci and use of plague as a bioweapon cannot be discounted. Carers and first responders are vulnerable, particularly in poorer countries where access to medicines may be limited, out-breaks occur in inaccessible areas or where there is a lack of surveillance due to a paucity of funds.

An antenna sensor is proposed to execute dual functions of antenna and sensor in the wireless sensor system, in order to reduce data loss and to increase transmission rate by omitting a certain interface. The as-made sensor was test at a center frequency of 46 MHz for measuring human finger postures using principle of dipole antenna. The antenna sensor was attached on a wearable glove. The results showed that the motion sensor can accurately identify finger angles at 0°, 20°, 40°, 60° and 80°.

The signal processing technique is one of the principal tools for diagnosing power quality (PQ) issues in electrical power systems. The Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) is a frequency analysis technique used to process power system signals and identify PQ problems. However, the DFT algorithm may lead to spectral leakage and picket-fence effect problems for asynchronously sampled signals that contain harmonic, inter-harmonic, and flicker components. To resolve this shortcoming, a hybrid method for frequency estimation based on a second-level DFT approach and a frequency-domain interpolation algorithm to obtain the accurate fundamental frequency of a power system is proposed in this paper. This method uses a second-level DFT to compute the cosine and sine parts for the fundamental frequency components of the acquired signals. Then, a frequency-domain interpolation approach is adopted to determine the amplitude ratio for the cosine and sine parts of the system's fundamental frequency. To demonstrate the performance of the proposed frequency estimation method, the observation window used by this paper to evaluate different estimation algorithms is 200 ms. According to the IEC standards, a 200 ms acquisition window is recommended for power system quality assessment. A set of mixed signals with harmonic, inter-harmonic, and flicker components with the fundamental frequency deviation is used. The evaluation results demonstrate the superiority of the new method over other approaches for assessing asynchronously sampled signals contaminated with noise, harmonic, inter-harmonic, and flicker components.

Accurate knowledge of flow rates is essential for hydraulic systems, as it allows for calculating hydraulic power when combined with pressure measurements. This data is helpful in applications such as predictive maintenance. However, most flow rate sensors in fluid power systems operate invasively, disrupting the flow and producing inaccurate results, particularly for transient flow conditions. A common approach is calculating the flow rate using the pressure difference along a pipeline based on the Hagen-Poiseuille law. However, this method is limited to laminar, steady, incompressible flow. This paper presents a novel soft sensor with an analytical model for transient, compressible pipe flow based on two pressure signals, thus no actual volumetric flow rate sensor is required. The model is derived by solving the fundamental fluid equations in the Laplace domain and converting the solution back to the time domain to obtain a physical representation. The relationship between the pressure difference signal and flow rate is derived using the four-pole theorem. The resulting analytical solution, including a convolution integral with a weighting function, shows high accuracy for transient and steady flows. This new equation enables the development of a soft sensor capable of non-invasive flow rate measurements for various pipe flow conditions.

Ombrian curves, i.e. curves linking rainfall intensity to return period and time-scale, are well-established engineering tools, crucial to the design against storm waters and floods. Whereas at-site construction of such curves is considered a standard hydrological task, it is a rather challenging one when large regions are of interest. Regional modelling of ombrian curves is particularly complex due to the need to account for spatial dependence together with the increased variability of rainfall extremes in space. We develop a framework for the parsimonious modelling of the extreme rainfall properties at any point in a given area. This is achieved by assuming a common ombrian model structure except for a spatially varying scale parameter which is itself modelled by a spatial smoothing model for the 24 h average rainfall maxima that employs elevation as an additional explanatory variable. The fitting is performed on the pooled all-stations data using an advanced estimation procedure (K-moments) that allows both for reliable high-order moment estimation and simultaneous handling of space-dependence bias. The methodology is applied in the Thessaly region, a 13 700 km2 water district of Greece characterized by varying topography and hydrometeorological properties.

In this study, the degradation characteristics of radio-frequency (RF) low-noise amplifier (LNA) based on silicon-germanium (SiGe) heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs) due to total ionizing dose (TID) are investigated. The small-signal equivalent model of a SiGe HBT is utilized to analyze circuit-level performance including the input and the output matching and noise figure (NF). As a target circuit, an LNA with a cascode common-emitter stage with emitter degeneration is studied and the equation of each performance parameter is derived. The RF LNA fabricated using commercial 350 nm SiGe technology was exposed to X-ray irradiation with the total dose up to 3 Mrad (SiO2). The experimental results exhibit that modeled device parameters estimate the degraded circuit performance. In addition, the relative impact of each parameter on the circuit metrics is revealed, which is expected from the derived design equations. The key device parameters for modeling TID-induced circuit degradations include the base resistance, the transconductance, and the base-to-emitter capacitance.

Recent algorithmic-based research in the stock market has predominantly focused on ultra-high-frequency trading and index estimation. We developed an improved algorithm to address the need for a low-frequency, real-world trading model to build on the existing high hit-ratio and low maximum drawdown. We utilized established price indicators, Stochastic and Williams %R, and introduced a volume factor to increase the model's safety to enhance the model's performance. This improved algorithm demonstrated superior returns while maintaining high hit-ratio and low maximum drawdown. Specifically, we leveraged the existing algorithm to trade using 2X and 3X signals, incorporating volume data, the 52-week average, standard deviation, and other factors. The data set comprised SPY ETF price and volume from 2010 to 2023, covering over 13 years. Our enhanced algorithmic trading model outperformed both the benchmark and previous results, achieving a hit rate of over 90%, a maximum drawdown of less than 1%, an average of 1.5 trades per year, a total return of +519.3%, and an annualized return (AnnR) of +15.1%. The analysis demonstrates that the model's simplicity, ease of application, and comprehensibility can assist investors in making informed investment decisions albeit the past performance does not guarantee future returns.

Background: Depression presents with altered energy regulation and neural plasticity. Previous electroencephalography (EEG) studies showed that practice increases power in beta range (13-30 Hz) in healthy subjects but not in those with impaired plasticity. Here, we ascertain whether depression presents with alterations of spectral activity and connectivity before and after practice. Methods: We used publicly available resting state EEG (64 electrodes) of 122 subjects. Based on Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score, they were assigned to either high BDI (hBDI, BDI&gt;13, N=46) or control (CTL, BDI&lt;7, N=75) group. We analyzed spectral activity, theta-beta and theta-gamma phase-amplitude coupling (PAC) of EEG recorded before and after a learning task. Results: At baseline, compared to CTL, hBDI group exhibited greater beta power over fronto-parietal regions and gamma over right parieto-occipital area. After practice, increases in all frequency ranges were observed only in CTL. Theta-beta and theta-gamma PAC were greater in hBDI before the task but not after the task. Conclusions: The lack of substantial post-task growth of beta power in depressed subjects likely represents power saturation due to greater baseline values. We speculate that inhibitory/excitatory imbalance, altered plasticity mechanisms, and energy dysregulation present in depression may contribute to this phenomenon.

We report the results of an analysis of the functional capabilities of the KTP crystal and its isomorphs for nonlinear-optical frequency conversion of all types of interaction in the transparency range of the crystal. The possibility of implementing angle-, wavelength- (frequency-) and temperature-noncritical phase matching is shown.

The superharmonic imaging of tissue has the potential for high spatial and contrast resolutions, compared to the fundamental and second harmonic imaging. For this technique, the spectral bandwidth of an ultrasound transducer is divided for transmission of ultrasound and reception of its superharmonics (i.e., higher than the second harmonic). Due to the spectral division for the transmission and reception, transmitted ultrasound energy is not sufficient to induce superharmonics in media without using contrast agents, and it is difficult that a transducer has a -6-dB fractional bandwidth of higher than 100%. For the superharmonic imaging of tissue, thus, multi-frequency array transducers are the best choice if available; transmit and receive elements are separate and have different center frequencies. However, the construction of a multi-frequency transducer for intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging is particularly demanding because of its small size of less than 1 mm. Here, we report a recently developed dual-element focused IVUS transducer for the third harmonic imaging of tissue, which consists of a 35-MHz element for ultrasound transmission and a 105-MHz element for third harmonic reception. For high quality third harmonic imaging, both elements were fabricated to have the same focus at 2.5 mm. The results of tissue mimicking phantom tests demonstrated that the third harmonic images produced by the developed transducer had higher spatial resolution and deeper imaging depth than the fundamental images.

Binaural beats are an acoustic-based form of brain stimulation that relies on engineering and neurophysiological principles. One important engineering factor in binaural beat stimulation is the carrier frequency Given the limited information available on the impact of carrier frequencies, our research aims to explore how carrier frequencies of 250 Hz and 400 Hz in binaural beats affect the theta, alpha, and gamma frequency bands in healthy individuals. The research involved 30 people between the ages of 20 and 30. It was conducted as a single-group comparative study. Prior to the test, brain maps were created for the participants. Based on these brain maps and the participants' resilience, various binaural beats with different carrier frequencies were played while the participants sat quietly in a chair and looked ahead. Their brain waves were then recorded. The results showed: 1- The relative power of the gamma frequency band changed significantly between the carrier frequencies of 250 and 400. However, there were no significant changes in the relative power of the alpha band, and no changes were observed in the theta frequency band. 2- Based on the principle of theta-gamma coupling in the theta frequency band, there have been positive changes in the gamma frequency band at the carrier frequency of 255 compared to 405. 3- The brain's topography map has shown changes at different carrier frequencies. The results indicate that as the carrier frequency increases, the energy also increases, but it must be proportional to the frequency band based on the energy equation between the carrier frequency and the frequency band. Based on the brain topography map, the carrier frequency mainly affects the intensity and extent of the involved areas.

This paper considers the problem of predicting earthquakes. It uses a small amount of information to create a descriptive key that can be used as a footprint to describe an event. A frequency grid clusters events that occurred at the same time and then the algorithm averages the history of these events over preceding days, in particular the gaps when the events did not occur. The gaps are measured for the clustered events only and can be used to create a description that is quite unique. Results suggest that seismic events can in fact be traced using this key and subsequently recognised again, if the same conditions reoccur. They also suggest that force direction may be more important than magnitude, for this type of earthquake. Greek and USA datasets have been looked at and the prediction accuracy can be 70% or better. The author therefore suggests that this is an interesting method that deserves attention.

Research into improving the functionality and capacities of wearable technology has surged as a result of its fast progress. The functioning of wearable technology is largely dependent on antenna design, which provides wireless connectivity and communication. This study of the literature searches many online sources for pertinent research on the various antenna designs for wearable technology. The findings verified that the materials vary based on the design being employed. An analysis was conducted on the gain, frequency, materials, and sizes. The review excels at synthesizing research and literature despite its restricted resources.

AbstraIncorporating knowledge of indigenous forage legumes or associated nutritional attributes in cultivated pastures has the potential to improve grazing conditions, rangeland conditions, and cattle productivity. Climate change and other site-specific factors such as land sizes and other grazing management practices play a significant role in food security, job creation, and environmental health. Several research results have reported that the utilization of forage legumes in most farming systems has proved to increase herbage yield and soil fertility. The major aim of this review is to elucidate the potential benefits of intercropping indigenous forage legumes such as cowpea (Vigna unguiculacta L.Walp) and Dolichols (Lablab purpureaus) intercropped with Chloris gayana, this is to assesses the principal advantages, productivity, and overall performance of forage legumes grown in conjunction with grasses. Moreover, this review seeks to provide insights into the optimal management practices for intercropping forage legumes with grasses. The promising feature of intercropping South African pastoral systems must target the ability of forage legumes in terms of performance and utilization of agro-symbiotic relationships of N2 fixation symbiotic relationship in pastures. Moreover, this review aims also to address this knowledge gap by assessing the effects of defoliation frequency on the biomass production of selected forage legumes when intercropped with Chloris gayana in different growing seasons. By examining how varying defoliation frequencies influence biomass production, this review aimed to provide practical recommendations for optimizing forage management practices and promoting sustainable forage production systems. Through this investigation, we can gain insights into the complex dynamics between the defoliation frequency, intercropping systems, and biomass production.

The earthquake alert of the early warning systems is based on the delay that the S waves have in reference to the P waves and on the interpretation of the P waves’ specific parameters. One of the most used parameters for estimating the moment magnitude of an earthquake is the characteristic period measured in the first 3 seconds of the appearance of the P wave. The typical method determines the characteristic period in the time domain, based on the velocity wave and the displacement wave. In the present work, we present a method for estimating the frequency of the characteristic period. This method includes zero padding of the P wave sequence, conversion of the extended sequence from the time domain to the frequency domain, the identification of local frequency maxima and the calculation of the weighted average of the frequency based on the identified maxima. Tests conducted on synthetic signals, as well as standard deviation evaluation tests for simultaneous recordings on several stations, reveal better performance to the usual method.

This study explores the relationship between mental and physical therapeutic through three dimensions: man-environment relationships; a sense of place and symbolic landscapes. The study used a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods. Local residents living in the coastal area of Xinglin Bay are the research objects. Quantitative data analysis revealed that the frequency of residents' visits was an important variable affecting their physical and treatment perceptions. In addition, the significance is higher for females than for males. The text analysis shows that the environment, especially the ecological restoration of water quality and migratory birds, is of great significance to the identity of local residents. Daily activities contribute to a sense of place and are what make the coast a place of therapeutic landscape function.

Modifiable THz spectral shapes are important tools that facilitate the comprehensive study of phonon dynamics in condensed matter systems. The generation of narrow bandwidth THz spectra with tunable center frequency which are suitable THz forms needed to achieve such objectives are currently less studied from the table top laser-induced plasma emitters’ perspective. This experimental research is aimed at developing a robust two-color laser induced plasma set-up comprising of a temporal pulse stretcher and an Optical Parametric Amplifier that generates chirped and wavelength tunable pulses respectively. By focusing and independently controlling the ω and 2ω arms of the chirped pulses resulting after the interaction with a β-BBO crystal, I aim to generate narrow bandwidth THz signal (from plasma) scalable at MV/cm intensity and tunable in a wide THz spectral range, in addition to varying the frequency ratio mix.

The vast rise in the number of Internet-connected devices necessitates a more accessible spectrum. As a result, Cognitive Radio was already proposed as a solution to the problem of restricted spectrum resources by utilizing available spectrum which is assigned to primary users. This method allows the secondary user to utilize the spectrum whenever the primary user is not using it, and it does so without intruding with the primary user. Whenever the secondary user detects the spectrum, it faced some issues, such as complexity in sensing leading to a lack of noise value, and the primary user is hidden to all secondary users. In order to tackle these challenges, an adaptive threshold matched filter detector and a cooperative matched filter detector are utilized in this paper to detect the spectrum. The probability of detection (Pd), probability of miss detection (Pm), and probability of false alarm (Pf) are the metrics used to assess sensing accuracy. To simulate suggested detectors, the MATLAB R2020a software was utilized. In comparison to earlier studies, the simulation conclusions reveal that the detection process starts with lower SNR values.

A The present investigation was undertaken in foothill regions of Uttarakhand from July-2016 up to December-2018. A total of thirty four different sites ranging from the roadside areas, grasslands to forests were studied and Mushroom fruiting bodies were collected. A total of One Hundred sixty six fruiting counts were obtained and 68 mushroom genera belonging to 15 orders and 43 families were identified. During collection visits mushroom were apparent from organic debris of diversified habitats ranging from humid soil; grassland; leaf litter; living tree trunk; dead wood log of forest zone. Maximum fruiting bodies (75%) were obtained between July to September and minimum i.e. 6% between November – February. Among the collected mushroom Stereum rugosum, Crepidotus variabilis, Laccaria laccata, Schizophyllum commune, Ganoderma applantum, Cantharellus cibarius were more prevalent. Out of all collected mushroom sample the frequency of Mushroom belonging to order Agaricales was 45.18% followed by Polyporales i.e., 27.7%. The collected mushroom were cultured on PDA medium and their mycelial forms were preserved for further studies.

Qualitative and quantitative values estimation is a crucial aspect of social data science and plays a vital role in social and psychological research. Numerous methods of personal values measurement such as Schwartz Value Survey (SVS) and its re-modified versions have been proposed and invented, but many are challenged with one or more limitations. In this article, an alternative approach in a new paradigm of values measurement called Kabiru’s Value Survey (KVS) was proposed to measure the relative degree of importance or significance attached to particular value-actions of an individual(s) in a given population over a period. The methodological innovations in KVS unlike other existing methods of human value measurement include the use of habitually reported practices associated with a particular value-action in place of judging the series of Schwartz hypothetical statements, the use of multiple dependent variables rather than a single coded hypothetical statement. In terms of data analysis, a new approach of multivariate compression is introduced which merges the chain of multiple dependent variables into one coded scale. Psychometric result interpretation is also another innovative aspect of KVS methodology. Finally, the proposed methodology however solved some of the criticized limitations of the other methods of human value measurement.

We report an all-optical radio-frequency (RF) spectrum analyzer with a bandwidth greater than 5 terahertz (THz), based on a 50-cm long spiral waveguide in a CMOS-compatible high-index doped silica platform. By carefully mapping out the dispersion profile of the waveguides for different thicknesses, we identify the optimal design to achieve near zero dispersion in the C-band. To demonstrate the capability of the RF spectrum analyzer, we measure the optical output of a femtosecond fiber laser with an ultrafast optical RF spectrum in the terahertz regime.

This paper studied the solar PV frequency control in the U.S. Eastern Interconnection (EI) and Texas Interconnection (ERCOT) systems. The studied frequency control approaches include droop frequency control, inertia control, and droop-inertia-combined frequency control. The control effects of different frequency controls of PV in the EI and ERCOT are studied using actual high PV penetration interconnection grid models to provide suggestions to the future revision of future PV frequency control standards.

Approximately 300 different types of blood groups are identified so far, the ABO and Rh antigens are still the clinically most significant and genetically most polymorphic of all human blood group systems to date. A total of 200 unrelated individuals from Uttar Pradesh were studied for the phenotype and allele frequency distribution of ABO and Rh (D) blood groups. In total 200 samples analyzed, phenotype B blood type has the highest frequency 36.5% (n=73), followed by O (34.5%; n=69), A (20.5%; n=41) and AB (8.5%; n=17). The O, A and B frequencies were 0.5849, 0.1571 and 0.2580 respectively. The overall phenotypic frequencies of ABO blood groups were B>O>A>AB. The variation in phenotypic frequencies between male and female might be due to small sample size of male sample. The allelic frequency of Rh-negative was 0.2.

This work examines drought and wet events based on Standardized Precipitation-Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) over Kenya from 1981 to 2016. Spatiotemporal analysis of dry and wet events is conducted for 3 and 12-month SPEI. The drought incidences were observed during the period 1984, 1987, 2000, 2006, 2009, 2015, and 2016 for SPEI-3 whilst the SPEI-12 demonstrated the manifestation of drought during the year 2000 and 2006. SPEI clearly shows that the wettest period, 1997 and 1998 that coincide with the El Nino event in both time steps. SPEI -3 shows a reduction in moderate drought events while severe and extreme cases were on increase towards the end of the twentieth century. Conversely, SPEI-12 depicts an overall increase in severe drought occurrence over the study location with observed intensity of -1.54 and cumulative frequency of 64 months during the study period. The trend of wet events is upwards in the western and central highlands while the rest of the regions show increase in dry events during the study period. Moreover, moderate dry/wet events predominate whilst extreme events occur least frequent across all grid cells. It is apparent that the study area experiences mild extreme dry events in both categories although moderately severe dry events dominate most parts of the study area. High intensity and frequency of drought is noted in SPEI-3 while least occurrences of extreme events are recorded in SPEI-12. Although drought event prevails across the study area, there is evidence of extreme flood conditions over the recent decades. These findings form a good basis for next step of research that will look at projection of droughts over the study area based on regional climate models.

Methods of path integrals are used to develop multi-factor probabilities of bid-ask variables for use in high-frequency trading (HFT). Adaptive Simulated Annealing (ASA) is used to fit the nonlinear forms so developed to a day of BitMEX tick data. Maxima algebraic code is used to develop the path integral codes into C codes, and sampling code is used for the fitting process. After these fits, the resultant C code is very fast and useful for forecasting upcoming ask, bid, midprice, etc., when narrow and wide windows of incoming data are used. A bonus is the availability of canonical momenta indicators (CMI) useful to forecast direction and strengths of these variables.

We propose a probabilistic graphical model for discriminative substrate characterization, to support geological and biological habitat mapping in aquatic environments. The model, called a fully connected conditional random field (CRF), is demonstrated using multispectral and monospectral acoustic backscatter from heterogeneous seafloors in Patricia Bay, British Columbia, and Bedford Basin, Nova Scotia. Unlike previously proposed discriminative machine learning algorithms, the CRF model considers both the relative backscatter magnitudes of different substrates and their relative proximities. The model therefore combines the statistical flexibility of a machine learning algorithm with an inherently spatial treatment of the substrate. The CRF model predicts substrates such that nearby locations with similar backscattering characteristics are likely to be in the same substrate class. The degree of proximity and allowable backscatter similarity are controlled by parameters that are learned from the data. CRF model results were evaluated against a popular generative model known as a Gaussian Mixture model that doesn't include spatial dependencies, only covariance between substrate backscattering response over different frequencies. Both models are used in conjunction with sparse bed observations/samples in a supervised classification. A detailed accuracy assessment, including a leave-one-out cross-validation analysis, was performed using both models. Using multispectral backscatter, the GMM model trained on 50% of the bed observations resulted in a 75% and 89% average accuracies in Patricia Bay and Bedford Basin, respectively. The same metrics for the CRF model were 78% and 95%. Further, the CRF model resulted in a 91% mean cross-validation accuracy across four substrate classes at Patricia Bay, and a 99.5% mean accuracy across three substrate classes at Bedford Basin, which suggest that the CRF model generalizes extremely well to new data. This analysis also showed that the CRF model was much less sensitive to the specific number and locations of bed observations than the generative model, owing to its ability to incorporate spatial autocorrelation in substrates. The CRF approach therefore may prove to be a powerful `spatially aware' alternative to other discriminative classifiers.

Background: Variations in several clopidogrel-pharmacogenes have been linked to clopidogrel response variability and clinical outcomes. We aimed to determine the frequency distribution of major polymorphisms on CYP2C19, PON1, ABCB1 and P2RY12 pharmacogenes in Puerto Ricans. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, population-based study of 200 unrelated “Guthrie” cards specimens from newborns registered in the Puerto Rican Newborn Screening program (PRNSP) between 2004 and 2014. Taqman® SNP assay techniques were used for genotyping. Results: Minor Allele Frequencies (MAF) were 46% for PON1 (rs662), 41% for ABCB1 (rs1045642), 14% for CYP2C19*17, 13% for CYP2C19*2, 12% for P2RY12-H2 and 0.3% for CYP2C19*4. No carriers of the CYP2C19*3 variants were detected. All alleles and genotype proportions were found to be in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE). Overall, there were no significant differences between MAFs of these variants in Puerto Ricans and the general population (n=453) of the 1,000 Genome project, except for the Yoruba in Ibadan from Nigeria (YRI, West-African ancestry; p<0.05). As expected, the prevalence of these markers in Puerto Ricans most resembled those in the 181 subjects from reference populations of the Americas. Conclusions: These prevalence data provide a necessary groundwork for future clinical studies of clopidogrel pharmacogenetics in Caribbean Hispanics.

Evaluation of the effect of a high frequency acceleration device on clear aligner exchange intervals and treatment time required to achieve prescribed tooth movements. Sixteen subjects with similar Class I malocclusions, 5mm or less crowding, and treated with Invisalign were divided into two groups. Group 1 (experimental; N=8) underwent aligner treatment in conjunction with daily use of the high frequency acceleration device and exchanged aligners every 5 days. Group 2 (controls; N=8) underwent aligner treatment without use of the device and exchanged aligners every 14 days according to the manufacturer's recommended interval. All subjects were treated by one investigator, and results were evaluated by both; total number of aligners used, and number of refinements required, prior to final Vivera retention scan. A significant decrease in both treatment time, and number of aligners required to complete treatment was observed by experimental subjects as compared to controls. In addition, no refinements were required by experimental subjects, whereas 6 of 8 of the control subjects required 1 or more refinements. Use of the high frequency acceleration device in conjunction with Invisalign treatment resulted in more predictable tooth movement and a significant decrease in the length of treatment.

Ambient vibration energy is widely being harnessed as a source of electrical energy to drive low-power devices. The vibration energy harvester (VEH) of interest employs an electromagnetic transduction mechanism, whereby ambient mechanical vibration is converted to electrical energy. The limitations affecting the performance of VEHs, with an electromagnetic transduction structure, include its operational bandwidth as well as the enclosure-size constraint. In this study, an analysis and design of a nonlinear VEH system is conducted, using the Output Frequency Response Function (OFRF) representations of the actual system model. However, the OFRF representations are determined from the Generalised Associated Linear Equation (GALE) decompositions of the system of interest. The effect of both nonlinear damping and stiffness characteristics, to respectively extend the average power and operational bandwidth of the VEH device, is demonstrated.

This article proposes a measurement solution designed to monitor instantaneous frequency in power systems. It uses a data acquisition module and a GPS receiver for time stamping. A program in Python takes care of receiving the data, calculating the frequency, and finally transferring the measurement results to a database. The frequency is calculated with two different methods, which are compared in the article. The stored data is visualized using the Grafana platform, thus demonstrating its potential for comparing scientific data. The system as a whole constitutes an efficient low cost solution as a data acquisition system.

This study presents an exact solution to the free vibration analysis of a uniform Timoshenko beam, with a harmonic vibration being assumed. The Timoshenko beam theory covers cases associated with small deflections based on shear deformation and rotary inertia considerations. In this paper, a moment-shear force-circular frequency-curvature relationship was presented. The complete study was based on this relationship and closed-form expressions of efforts and deformations were derived. The free vibration response of single-span systems and spring-mass systems was analyzed; closed-form formulations of matrices expressing the boundary conditions were presented and the natural frequencies were determined by solving the eigenvalue problem. Systems with intermediate mass, spring, or spring-mass system were also analyzed. Furthermore, first-order dynamic stiffness matrices in local coordinates were derived. Finally, a second-order analysis of beams resting on an elastic Winkler foundation was conducted. The results obtained in this paper were in good agreement with those of other studies.

Using different frequency group period phase synchronization, a precise frequency detecting technology is presented. On the basis of the phase comparison for different frequencies, a high-accuracy frequency measuring can be achieved by quantization of phase comparison results and analysis of quantization results. Using the phase coincidence points between comparison signals as the counter’s open and close signals, the time interval between the same phase coincidence points is a group period. Via the detection and analysis of the phase coincidence points, the ±1-word counting error can be eliminated, and measuring speed is also improved. By using FPGA technology, the measuring device can be simplified, and the development cost can be reduced. Testing results indicate that the frequency measuring accuracy with 10−13/s level can be achieved. The technology is greater than the common frequency measuring technology in more ways than one, such as power consumption, device volume, measuring rate, etc., so it plays an important role in Beidou satellite positioning, precise timing, high-precision time frequency transfer and comparison, scientific metrology and other fields.

Whey protein was pretreated with multi-frequency ultrasound in mono, dual, and tri-frequency modes. The effect of multi-frequency ultrasound pretreatment on the hardness, chemical forces, and microstructure of acid-induced whey protein gel was investigated. Whey protein gels pretreated with dual and tri-frequency ultrasound showed higher hardness (p3.35 mm) in those samples were resisted to gastric digestion. Moreover, the tri-frequency ultrasound pretreatment of whey protein gel released the least free amino group during gastric digestion. In contrast, whey protein gel with the mono-frequency ultrasound pretreatment released the highest amount of free amino acid group during intestinal digestion. Findings from this study suggested that gel hardness and network density could modulate the digestion behaviors of protein gels.

Numerous experimental and theoretical studies undertaken to determine the effective-stress coefficient for seismic velocities in rocks stem from the importance of this geomechanical parameter both for monitoring changes in rock saturation and pore pressure distribution in connection with reservoir production, and for overpressure prediction in reservoirs and formations from seismic data. The present work pursues a task to determine, in the framework of a low-frequency laboratory study, the dependence of the elastic moduli of n-decane saturated sandstone on the relationship between pore and confining pressures. The study was conducted on a sandstone sample with high quartz and notable clay content in the quasi-static regime, when the 100 ml tank filled with n-decane was directly connected to the pore space of the sample. The measurements were carried out at a seismic frequency of 2 Hz and strains, controlled by semiconductor strain gauges, not exceeding 10-6. The study was performed using a forced-oscillation laboratory apparatus utilizing stress-strain relationship. The dynamic elastic moduli have been measured in two sets of experiments: at constant pore pressures of 0, 1 and 5 MPa and differential pressure (defined as a difference between confining and pore pressures) varied from 3 to 19 MPa; and at а constant confining pressure of 20 MPa and pore pressure varied from 1 to 17 MP. It was shown that the elastic moduli obtained in the measurements are in good agreement with the Gassmann moduli calculated for the range of differential pressures used in our experiments, which corresponds to the effective-stress coefficient equal to unity.

Predicting and evaluating the vitality level of public spaces of urban design is crucial before new construction and renewal, especially for developing countries, to avoid failures like "ghost neighborhood" and reduce resource waste. However, existing assessment methods for the urban vitality are either static and ignore changes in the time dimension, or rely on historical big data and are unable to predict unbuilt projects. This study combines previous methods and crowds’ characteristics observation in public space, puts forward the crowd-frequency hypothesis and constructs an algorithm, and establishes a time-dimensional urban vitality dynamic prediction model. Taking the Rundle Mall neighborhood in Adelaide, Australia, as an example, the effec-tiveness of the prediction model was proved through on-site observation sampling comparative verification method. In addition, the decision tree model was used to conduct machine learning on the case data, and a set of algorithm programs were obtained that can directly input some basic information to obtain the urban vitality level (high-medium-low) in a certain period. It can be used as a tool to support the design and decision-making processes of urban planners and government officials, providing a low-cost way to achieve sustainable urban vitality construction of late-developing cities directly.

We are currently investigating the ultrasound imaging of a sensor consisting of a randomized encoding mask attached to a single lead zirconate titanate (PZT) oscillator for use in a puncture microscope. The proposed model was performed using a finite element method (FEM) simulator. To increase the number of measurements required by a single element system, the transducer was rotated at different angles. The image was constructed by solving a linear equation of the image model. In a previous study, the image resolution was improved by extracting phase information. In this study, we propose a strategy by integrating the weighted frequency subbands compound and a super resolution method (SCM) to improve the resolution in range and lateral resolution. We also evaluated the image performance by applying different methods to improve the image quality. The results show that better image resolution and speckle suppression were obtained by applying the proposed method.

Six mode shapes, including bending and torsion, were documented for five different basketball rims and backboards at the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York, USA. The frequency and damping ratio of each mode shape were also determined. The empirical process began with the time-domain excitation and response of each rim-backboard system. The impulse of excitation came from an impact hammer separately applied to sequentially, to each node. The sinusoidal response was gathered from an accelerometer at a fixed location, node 1. Each time-domain excitation-response was then converted to a frequency domain Bode plot for each node by a B&K 2034 Signal Analyzer, giving transfer functions of output/input versus frequency. Structural Measurements System (SMS) Software was used to fit mode shapes to the Bode plots. Each of the six mode shapes were fitted to the Bode plots of each node at a specific modal frequency. Each of the six mode shapes were a function of the locations of the nodes, and the Bode plot gathered at each node. The first and second modes were critical for showing that the Energy Rebound Testing Device statistically correlated with the energy transferred to the rim and backboard. A known perturbation mass was selectively attached to the rim, to help isolate the dynamic masses and spring rates for the rim and backboard, to ascertain the kinetic energy transferred to the rim had a 95.67% inverse correlation with rim stiffness.

Dietary fiber has been associated with health benefits, therefore, the availability of validated tools to assess food consumption associated with high-fiber foods would allow the quantification of the intake of this functional nutrient, the identification of risk groups and target populations, and the development of public policies and/or programs aimed at improving the health of the population. In this study, a fiber intake short food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was translated into Spanish and its content validity was determined by a group of experts, to subsequently conduct a pilot test including 198 subjects aged 36+12.5 years, residing in Chile (46 men and 150 women), with the purpose of quantifying dietary fiber intake. The global assessment of the FFQ revealed a validity coefficient of 0.98+0.02; after the application of the pilot, mean dietary fiber intake in adult Chilean residents was of 13 g per day, with similar results to those found in the National Food Consumption Survey 2010 (12.5 g per day in men, and 11.5 g in women). The FFQ is a quick and valid tool to classify people on the basis of their habitual dietary fiber intake.

Classical numerical methods for solving ordinary differential equations often produce less accurate results when applied to problems with oscillatory or periodic behaviour. To adapt them for such problems, they are usually modified using the exponential fitting technique. This adaptation allows for the construction of new methods from their classical counterparts. The new methods are usually more accurate, efficient and suitable for handling the oscillatory or periodic behaviour of the problem. In this work, we construct a two-parameter exponentially-fitted Taylor method suitable for solving oscillatory or periodic problems that possess two frequencies. The construction algorithm is based on a proposed six-step flowchart discussed by authors in related literature. Two standard test problems were used to illustrate the accuracy and performance of the proposed method.

The increasing penetration of renewable energy sources in power grids highlights the role of battery energy stor- age systems (BESSs) in enhancing the stability and reliability of electricity. A key challenge with the renewables’, specially the BESSs, integration into the power system is the lack of proper dynamic model for stability analysis. Moreover, a proper control design for the power system is a complicated issue due to its complexity and inter-connectivity. Thus, the application of decentralized control to improve the stability of a large- scale power system is inevitable, especially in distributed energy sources (DERs). This paper presents an optimal distributed hybrid control design for the interconnected systems to suppress the effects of small disturbances in the power system employing utility-scale batteries based on existing battery models. The results show that i) the smart scheduling of the batteries’ output reduces the inter-area oscillations and improves the stability of the power systems; ii) the hybrid model of the battery is more user-friendly compared to the Western electricity coordinating council (WECC) model in power system analysis.

This paper proposes a forecast-centric adaptive learning model that engages with the past studies on the order book and high-frequency data, with applications to hypothesis testing. In line with the past literature, we produce brackets of summaries of statistics from the high-frequency bid and ask data in the CSI 300 Index Futures market and aim to forecast the one-step-ahead prices. Traditional time series issues, e.g. ARIMA order selection, stationarity, together with potential financial applications are covered in the exploratory data analysis, which pave paths to the adaptive learning model. By designing and running the learning model, we found it to perform well compared to the top fixed models, and some could improve the forecasting accuracy by being more stable and resilient to non-stationarity. Applications to hypothesis testing are shown with a rolling window, and further potential applications to finance and statistics are outlined.

We show broadband sum-frequency generation (SFG) in the Green-Yellow-Orange-Red spectral range using bismuth triborate, BiB3O6 crystal (BIBO) as nonlinear material. We perform a noncollinear phase-matching configuration within BIBO crystal using the remaining light behind the second harmonic generation stage and the infrared idler of an optical parametric amplifier (OPA). The obtained mixing radiation of ultrafast light sources to generate femtosecond pulses across 520.5 to 742.5 nm region is observed. SFG spectrum from single-pass cross-correlation intensity over such visible range is showed. The SFG wavelengths as a function of tunable wavelength idler OPA agrees with the expectations of parametric conversion condition and open the door to practical multi-beam or multi-color sum-frequency generators.

Background: Actually, resonance frequency analysis (RFA) is the most extended method for measuring implant stability. The implant stability quotient (ISQ) is the measure obtained by the different RFA devices, however, inter- and intra- rater reliability and validity of some devices remains unknown. Methods: Thirty implants were placed in 3 different pig mandibles. ISQ was measured axial and parallel with Osstell® Beacon, Penguin® and MegaISQ® by 2 different operators and one operator performed a test-retest. Intraclass correlation coefficient was calculated to assess the intra- and inter-rater reliability. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to assess the validity. Results: The higher inter- and intra- rater reliability was obtained by Penguin® when measuring axial. The highest ISQ values were obtained using Penguin® in an axial measurement; the lowest, using the MegaISQ® in an axial measurement. The highest correlation values with the other devices were obtained by MegaISQ® measuring axially. Conclusion: Penguin® had a good reliability for measuring ISQ both inter- and intra- rater. Osstell® had good validity for measuring ISQ both axial and parallel and MegaISQ® had the best validity for measuring ISQ axial.

We report a broadband radio frequency (RF) channelizer with up to 92 channels using a coherent microcomb source. A soliton crystal microcomb, generated by a 49 GHz micro-ring resonator (MRR), is used as a multi-wavelength source. Due to its ultra-low comb spacing, up to 92 wavelengths are available in the C band, yielding a broad operation bandwidth. Another high-Q MRR is employed as a passive optical periodic filter to slice the RF spectrum with a high resolution of 121.4 MHz. We experimentally achieve an instantaneous RF operation bandwidth of 8.08 GHz and verify RF channelization up to 17.55 GHz via thermal tuning. Our approach is a significant step towards the monolithically integrated photonic RF receivers with reduced complexity, size, and unprecedented performance, which is important for wide RF applications ranging from broadband analog signal processing to digital-compatible signal detection.

The exact etiology of myopia remains elusive. The author proposes the particle property of photon in living tissue and the photon-electron theory in living tissue, if the frequency of the photon exceeds the threshold, the photon has enough energy to strike the electron away and forms a hole of a diameter in photon diameter scale in living tissue include the eye. Longer time of high-frequency electromagnetic radiation will cause more holes and a larger radius of holes. The visual light which passes through the radiated hole in the eye cannot be refracted on the macula, this is myopia symptom of blurred vision, shortening the distance of the eye and the object will include more visual light into cornea and lens, this is myopia another symptom of nearsightedness. The particle property of photon causes elongation of the eye and the macular holes.Blue light and X-ray are two kinds of high-frequency electromagnetic radiation which can shot holes in eye and cause myopia.

This paper proposes a novel deterministic methodology for estimating the optimal sampling frequency (SF) of water quality monitoring systems. The proposed methodology is based on employing two-dimensional contaminant transport simulation models to determine the minimum SF considering all the potential changes in the boundary conditions of a water body. A two-dimensional contaminant transport simulation model (RMA4) was implemented to estimate the distribution patterns of the total dissolved solids (TDS) within the Al-Hammar Marsh in the southern part of Iraq for 30 cases of potential boundary conditions. Using geographical information system (GIS) tools, a spatiotemporal analysis approach was applied to the results of the RMA4 model to determine the minimum SF of the monitoring stations with an accuracy level of detectable change in TDS concentration (ALC) of 5%, 10% and 15%. The proposed methodology specified a minimum and maximum SF for each monitoring station (MS) that ranged between 12 and 33 times per year, respectively. Additionally, increasing the ALC to 10% and 15% increase the minimum SF for some MSs by approximately 18% and 21%, respectively. However, the proposed methodology includes all the potential values and cases of boundary conditions, which increases the certainty of monitoring the system and the efficiency of the SF schedule. Moreover, the proposed methodology can be effectively applied to all types of surface water resources.

Evaluation of the effects of a high-frequency acceleration (HFA) device on patient pain response to orthodontic forces. A multi-centered trial investigating pain sensitivity to orthodontic forces on 75 subjects at 4 study centers. Subjects underwent clear aligner treatment, with or without adjunctive HFA and documented their pain intensity using the validated NRS10 numeric rating scale. In-Office and At-Home ratings were measured separately for each subject for immediate and extended effect evaluations. Use of HFA devices in conjunction with clear aligner orthodontic treatment demonstrated significant reduction in subjects’ recorded pain ratings vs controls within 5 minutes of aligner exchange, (p = 0.006) and significant reduction in recorded pain ratings vs controls over a 7-day period following aligner exchange (p = 0.018). A 99.6% daily compliance rate with at home use of the HFA device was recorded for all subjects in the study. HFA significantly reduces pain attributed to orthodontic force. HFA delivers clinically significant immediate pain relief, and clinically significant extended pain relief over the 7 days following adjustment.