Search Results (808)

Nonlinear photocurrents (NPs) are electrical currents expected to be measured at the electrodes of a device consisting of an active area, sensitive to light, with a higher-order in-electric field where light-impinging geometry (LIG) is the determining factor in the experimental observation. Although the phenomenology of this light–matter interaction is clear for light directed on a lateral device plane with well-defined azimuthal and incidence angles, as well as light polarization angle, it can be quite complicated for a vertical device structure and reconsideration of the expected NP contributions is necessary in the latter case. In this study, we used a visual approach to describe the LIG for vertical device structures using a specific example of a photodiode, and showed that these angles must be redefined, namely, the interchangeability of azimuthal and incidence angles. The influence of device geometry-dependent optical illumination is reflected on the behavior of NP; therefore, the NPs that are known to be forbidden in certain LIGs can be allowed and vice versa. These results pave the way for the utilization of NPs in flexible optoelectronic applications. Full article

Synthetic biology has fundamentally advanced cell engineering and helped to develop effective therapeutics such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells. For these applications, the detection, localization, and quantification of heterologous fusion proteins assembled from interchangeable building blocks is of high importance. The V5 tag, a 14-residue epitope tag, offers promising characteristics for these applications but has only rarely been used in this context. Thus, we have systematically evaluated the murine anti-V5 tag antibody mu_SV5-Pk1 as well as its humanized version, hu_SV5-Pk1, to analyze cells expressing V5-tagged receptors in samples from various in vitro and in vivo experiments. We found that the V5 tag signal on cells is affected by certain fixation and detachment reagents. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) mouse tissue samples was performed to sensitively detect cells in tissue. We improved IHC by applying the hu_SV5-Pk1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) to avoid cross-reactivity within and unspecific background signals arising on fixed mouse tissue. Conversely, the absence of unspecific binding by the mu_SV5-Pk1 mAb was evaluated on 46 human normal or cancer tissues. Our findings present a robust toolbox for utilizing the V5 tag and cognate antibodies in synthetic biology applications. Full article

Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the agreement and clinical interchangeability of intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements obtained with the mechanical Haag-Streit AT900 Goldmann applanation tonometer (mGAT) and the digital Huvitz HT5000 applanation tonometer (dGAT). Methods: This retrospective comparative study included 53 eyes of 28 patients undergoing routine ophthalmologic evaluation. Each eye underwent IOP measurement using both mGAT and dGAT in a randomized sequence. Central corneal thickness (CCT) was also recorded. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to determine correlation between paired IOP measurements. Bland–Altman plots were graphed for the analysis of differences for IOP between the instruments. Results: A total of 53 eyes of 28 patients (15 males) were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 62.6 years. The mean mGAT and dGAT measurements were 16.3 ± 6.6 mmHg (range 9–50) and 16.4 ± 6.2 mmHg (range 8.8–45.9), respectively (p = 0.53). A strong, significant positive correlation was found for paired IOP measurements by the two instruments (r = 0.98; p < 0.0001). Bland–Altman analysis revealed 95% limits of agreement from −2.5 to +2.3 mmHg, with a small but statistically significant proportional bias favoring mGAT at higher IOP levels. Additionally, 91% of paired measurements were within ±2 mmHg. CCT-related differences were statistically and clinically insignificant. Conclusions: IOP measurements obtained with mGAT and dGAT were highly correlated and clinically interchangeable for the range tested. The Huvitz HT5000 may serve as a reliable alternative to the classic Goldmann tonometer in routine clinical settings. Full article

Effective maintenance and management of road infrastructure are essential for community well-being, economic stability, and cost efficiency. Well-maintained roads reduce accident risks, improve safety, shorten travel times, lower vehicle repair costs, and facilitate the flow of goods, all of which positively contribute to GDP and economic development. Accurate intersection mapping forms the foundation of effective road asset management, yet traditional manual digitization methods remain time-consuming and prone to gaps and overlaps. This study presents an automated computational geometry solution for precise road intersection mapping that eliminates common digitization errors. Unlike conventional approaches that only detect intersection positions, our method systematically reconstructs complete intersection geometries while maintaining topological consistency. The technique combines plane surveying principles (including line-bearing analysis and curve detection) with spatial analytics to automatically identify intersections, characterize their connectivity patterns, and assign unique identifiers based on configurable parameters. When evaluated across multiple urban contexts using diverse data sources (manual digitization and OpenStreetMap), the method demonstrated consistent performance with mean Intersection over Union greater than 0.85 and F-scores more than 0.91. The high correctness and completeness metrics (both more than 0.9) confirm its ability to minimize both false positive and omission errors, even in complex roadway configurations. The approach consistently produced gap-free, overlap-free outputs, showing strength in handling interchange geometries. The solution enables transportation agencies to make data-driven maintenance decisions by providing reliable, standardized intersection inventories. Its adaptability to varying input data quality makes it particularly valuable for large-scale infrastructure monitoring and smart city applications. Full article

Background: Intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring is crucial in managing acute brain injury (ABI) to prevent secondary brain injury. While invasive techniques remain the gold standard, they can carry notable risks, such as infection and hemorrhage. Non-invasive techniques are increasingly used, but their inter-modality correlation and concordance have not been systematically evaluated. This study aimed to assess the correlation and concordance among four commonly used non-invasive neuromonitoring tools in patients with ABI undergoing invasive ICP monitoring. Methods: This was a secondary analysis of prospectively collected data from 100 adult patients admitted to the intensive care unit with traumatic brain injury (TBI), subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), or intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) who underwent invasive ICP monitoring. Simultaneous assessments using optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD), transcranial Doppler-derived pulsatility index (PI), estimated ICP (eICP), and the neurological pupil index (NPi) were performed. Correlation between modalities was assessed using Spearman’s correlation coefficient (ρ), and concordance was evaluated with Cohen’s kappa coefficient (k). Results: We found weak correlations between ONSD and PI (ρ = 0.29), ONSD and NPi (ρ = −0.33), and PI and NPi (ρ = −0.33); moderate correlations between ONSD and eICP (ρ = 0.54) and PI and eICP (ρ = 0.48); and a strong inverse correlation between eICP and NPi (ρ = −0.71; all p < 0.05). Concordance was generally low, with the highest agreement between PI and eICP (k = 0.69). Most other tool pairings showed poor-to-fair concordance (k ≤ 0.30). Conclusions: Non-invasive neuromonitoring tools show variable correlation and limited agreement, suggesting they are not interchangeable. Each modality captures different aspects of cerebral physiology, supporting the use of a multimodal approach to improve accuracy in ICP estimation. Full article

This paper presents the design and validation of a novel specialized fixture device for machining inclined planes with barrel cutters on 3-axis CNC machine tools. Barrel milling, also known as Parabolic Performance Cutting (PPC), is extensively used on 5-axis machines to enhance the efficiency of machining complex surfaces. While significant research has focused on optimizing barrel milling for aspects such as surface roughness and cutting forces, implementing this technique on 3-axis machines poses a challenge due to limitations in tool orientation. To overcome this, an innovative adaptable device was designed, enabling precise workpiece orientation relative to the barrel cutter. To overcome this limitation, an adaptable device was designed that enables precise workpiece orientation relative to the barrel cutter. The device utilizes interchangeable locating elements for different cutter programming angles (such as 18°, 20°, and 42.5°), thereby ensuring correct workpiece positioning. Rigid workpiece clamping is provided by the device’s mechanism to maintain precise workpiece positioning during machining, and probing surfaces are integrated into the device to facilitate the definition of the coordinate system necessary for CNC machine programming. Device control was performed using a Hexagon RA-7312 3D measuring arm. Inspection results indicated minimal dimensional deviations (e.g., surface flatness between 0.002 mm and 0.012 mm) and high angular accuracy (e.g., angular non-closure of 0.006°). The designed device enables the effective and precise use of barrel cutters on 3-axis CNC machines, offering a previously unavailable practical and economical solution for cutting tool tests and cutting regime studies. Full article

The interchanging energy systems are vital, as fossil fuel, on the other hand, is running out of time as its resources are facing scarcity and continue to endanger human life by having a huge contribution to climate change. The solar power still faces the challenge of not being easily sustainable after implementation, but promising investment soon. This study aims to investigate the possibilities of switching from fossil fuel to solar PV in the region of KwaZulu Natal. The study compares regression results of solar power in different categories to elaborate on the solar power performance. It further predicts solar power performance using a multiple regression method. The adopted multiple regression also revealed the high possibility of solar power performance of 0.75 r²-value with a tolerable error of 0.25. All challenges facing solar power are investigated using historical data. However, more work still needs to be done to investigate the potential growth of solar power in the region. Full article

Ports represent the point of intersection between sea and land, as well as a crucial node for the integration of maritime and land transport in the global logistics chain. Consequently, it is crucial to consider an articulated system that includes dry ports, freight interchange and intermodal logistics platforms, since the relationships between the port and the city, as well as those between the different decision-makers involved, are multiple and complex. Maritime transport and port operations have a direct and indirect impact on the surrounding contexts, with significant effects, particularly from an environmental point of view. Therefore, the green transition in logistics, port, and maritime systems is essential for reducing these impacts. In this context, the aspects related to operational practices and terminal design are of great importance. This paper aims to explore sustainable strategies for ports and maritime logistics in order to provide a methodological approach to green transition. The proposed methodology was divided into phases. First, an analysis of international and European legislation was conducted in order to identify the main critical issues. Subsequently, a review of the existing literature and best practices was carried out to identify tested solutions. The third phase included a Stakeholder Engagement Process, centred on the use of a thematic focus group to foster a collaborative approach to the definition of priorities and operational strategies. Part of the proposed methodology was implemented as part of the DEMASTER—Design of Maritime Sustainable Terminals—project, and it can allow for the evaluation of the different options and the identification of more effective and innovative solutions for the green transition. Full article

The generation of road interchange networks benefits various applications, such as vehicle navigation and intelligent transportation systems. Traditional methods often focus on common road structures but fail to fully utilize long-term trajectory continuity and flow information, leading to fragmented results and misidentification of overlapping roads as intersections. To address these limitations, we propose a forward and reverse tracking method for high-accuracy road interchange network generation. First, raw crowdsourced trajectory data is preprocessed by filtering out non-interchange trajectories and removing abnormal data based on both static and dynamic characteristics of the trajectories. Next, road subgraphs are extracted by identifying potential transition nodes, which are verified using directional and distribution information. Trajectory bifurcation is then performed at these nodes. Finally, a two-stage fusion process combines forward and reverse tracking results to produce a geometrically complete and topologically accurate road interchange network. Experiments using crowdsourced trajectory data from Shenzhen demonstrated highly accurate results, with 95.26% precision in geometric road network alignment and 90.06% accuracy in representing the connectivity of road interchange structures. Compared to existing methods, our approach enhanced accuracy in spatial alignment by 13.3% and improved the correctness of structural connections by 12.1%. The approach demonstrates strong performance across different types of interchanges, including cloverleaf, turbo, and trumpet interchanges. Full article

Background and Objectives: Traditionally, we evaluate the size of a wound by using Opsite Flexigrid transparent film dressing, placing it over the wound, tracing the edges of the wound, and then calculating the area. However, this method is both time-consuming and subjective, often leading to varying results depending on the individual performing the assessment. In this study, our goal is to provide an objective method to calculate the wound size and solve variations in photo-taking distance caused by different medical practitioners or at different times, as these can lead to inaccurate wound size assessments. To evaluate this, we employed K-means clustering and used a QR code as a reference to analyze images of the same wound captured at varying distances, objectively quantifying the areas of 40 wounds. This study aims to develop an objective method for calculating the wound size, addressing variations in photo-taking distance that occur across different medical personnel or time points—factors that can compromise measurement accuracy. By improving consistency and reducing the manual workload, this approach also seeks to enhance the efficiency of healthcare providers. We applied K-means clustering for wound segmentation and used a QR code as a spatial reference. Images of the same wounds taken at varying distances were analyzed, and the wound areas of 40 cases were objectively quantified. Materials and Methods: We employed K-means clustering and used a QR code as a reference to analyze wound photos taken by different medical practitioners in the outpatient consulting room. K-means clustering is a machine learning algorithm that segments the wound region by grouping pixels in an image according to their color similarity. It organizes data points into clusters based on shared features. Based on this algorithm, we can use it to identify the wound region and determine its pixel area. We also used a QR code as a reference because of its unique graphical pattern. We used the printed QR code on the patient’s identification sticker as a reference for length. By calculating the ratio of the number of pixels within the square area of the QR code to its actual area, we applied this ratio to the detected wound pixel area, enabling us to calculate the wound’s actual size. The printed patient identification stickers were all uniform in size and format, allowing us to apply this method consistently to every patient. Results: The results support the accuracy of our algorithm when tested on a standard one-cent coin. The paired t-test comparing the first and second photos shot yielded a p-value of 0.370, indicating no significant difference between the two. Similarly, the t-test comparing the first and third photos shot produced a p-value of 0.179, also showing no significant difference. The comparison between the second and third photos shot resulted in a p-value of 0.547, again indicating no significant difference. Since all p-values are greater than 0.05, none of the test pairs show statistically significant differences. These findings suggest that the three randomly taken photo shots produce consistent results and can be considered equivalent. Conclusions: Our algorithm for wound area assessment is highly reliable, interchangeable, and consistently produces accurate results. This objective and practical method can aid clinical decision-making by tracking wound progression over time. Full article

Poyang Lake in China is the most critical habitat and final refuge for the Yangtze finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis), YFP. In 2022, its population reached approximately 492 individuals, an increase of 35 from the 457 individuals recorded in 2017, showing a steady upward trend. The infrequent movement of YFPs between Poyang Lake and the Yangtze River represents a considerable threat to the long-term viability of this population. Additionally, serious water shortages in the lake during the dry season have led the government to consider the establishment of a hydraulic project. Therefore, a reliable risk assessment and quantitative analysis of conservation scenarios are urgently needed for this population. Population viability analysis of the YFP population in Poyang Lake was conducted using the VORTEX software. The baseline model predicted a probability of extinction of 0.241 over the next 100 years, with no probability of extinction in the first 30 years; the genetic diversity would be on a continuous downward trend and decline by 91.5%. The comprehensive protection model predicted a probability of extinction of 0.0028 and that the genetic diversity would be maintained at about 0.996 in 100 years. Breeding rate, sex ratio at birth, mortality rate, and gene flow were the factors that were sensitive to maintaining population viability. The results showed that the population of YFPs in Poyang Lake was at a high risk of extinction due to the decline in genetic diversity and the higher mortality and lower birth rate caused by habitat degradation. A total ban on productive fishing and the rescue and interchange of YFPs are conducive to enhancing the viability of the YFP population in Poyang Lake. Full article

Objectives: CA19-9 elevation in non-gastrointestinal tumor patients may be influenced by various non-tumor factors, which poses challenges for clinical diagnosis. This study aims to assess the consistency between initial elevated CA19-9 levels detected by the ARCHITECT/Alinity i system (Abbott Diagnostics) and subsequent retesting using the Elecsys CA19-9 assay (Roche Diagnostics) in 5372 non-gastrointestinal tumor patients, and to explore potential factors contributing to CA19-9 non-specific elevation. Methods: Bland-Altman and Passing-Bablok analyses were used to assess the agreement between the two assays. Nonparametric Spearman and Pearson’s chi-square tests were used to assess the correlation between CA19-9 and different clinical comorbidities/antigen concentration strata and to compare the categorization by age/disease, respectively. Results: Bland–Altman and Passing–Bablok regression analyses revealed that the CA19-9 test results from Abbott and Roche platforms show significant systematic bias and weak correlation, making the two methods not directly interchangeable. After excluding common confounders, the study focused on heterophilic antibodies (HAs) as target. Blood samples were treated with a commercial blocking agent demonstrated alignment with baseline Elecsys CA19-9 results but differed significantly from initial ARCHITECT/Alinity i measurements. Furthermore, non-specific CA19-9 elevation was also associated with comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus, pulmonary infections, breast nodules, uterine leiomyoma, and its incidence increased with age. Conclusions: The study highlights the need to consider potential interferences and underlying disorders when results conflict with clinical diagnoses. Method-specific validation and comprehensive clinical correlation are crucial for accurate interpretation of CA19-9 levels to prevent misdiagnosis and ensure appropriate patient management. Full article

Left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) is characterized by excessive trabeculation, which may impair left ventricular function over time. While cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) is considered the gold standard for evaluating LV morphology, the optimal modality for follow-up remains uncertain. This study aimed to assess the correlation and agreement among two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (2D_TTE), three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (3D_TTE), and CMR by comparing volumetric and strain parameters in LVNC patients and healthy individuals. Thirty-eight LVNC subjects with preserved ejection fraction and thirty-four healthy controls underwent all three imaging modalities. Indexed end-diastolic, end-systolic, and stroke volumes, ejection fraction, and global longitudinal and circumferential strains were evaluated using Pearson correlation and Bland–Altman analysis. In the healthy group, volumetric parameters showed strong correlation and good agreement across modalities, particularly between 3D_TTE and CMR. In contrast, agreement in the LVNC group was moderate, with lower correlation and higher percentage errors, especially for strain parameters. Functional data exhibited weak or no correlation, regardless of group. These findings suggest that while echocardiography may be suitable for volumetric follow-up in LVNC after baseline CMR, deformation parameters are not interchangeable between modalities, likely due to trabecular interference. Further studies are warranted to validate modality-specific strain assessment in hypertrabeculated hearts. Full article

Over the last three decades, the once-distinct terms ‘asylum’ and ‘immigration’ have become conceptually intertwined. This process is almost complete in Europe, where politicians, media, the public, and even academia often speak of these concepts interchangeably. Blurring these concepts has implications for migratory people: it removes legal rights borne by the state and diminishes the claims of humanitarian protection seekers within these movements. We have simultaneously witnessed the recategorization and reinterpretation of the statuses of vulnerable populations on the move, using geolegality to exclude them from otherwise legally entitled protections. We speak to the problems with narrowing the eligibility for protection through geolegality while simultaneously contributing to conceptual indistinction between people that discredits their identities as rights bearers. This short essay reflects on the ethical dilemmas of language use by researchers in shaping and contributing to this situation. Full article

The present article offers a detailed analysis of helium jet velocity and vorticity intensity distribution using the particle image velocimetry (PIV) technique. A gaseous fuel injector featuring an interchangeable tip was implemented. The test campaign involved the use of three nozzle patterns characterized by different orifices shape and orientations. The helium was injected into a constant volume chamber (CVC) and the delivery pressure varied, as well as that inside the chamber, in order to obtain pressure ratios (PRs) ranging from 2 to 20. The synchronization system was set to record two consecutive frames at different time-instants after the start of energizing (aSOE). Green light from a dual cavity Nd:YAG laser was used for illumination and a 4-megapixel PIV-camera for image capture. Vegetable oil particles were seeded into the chamber to trace the helium jet structure and cross-correlation methodology employed to measure their instantaneous displacements. The role of orifices size and orientations has been deeply scrutinized and related to the morphological outcomes. The least-oriented nozzle (first) exhibited the highest values of jet penetration and well-defined vortex structures. In contrast, the more the orifices are oriented, the wider the regions interacting with surrounding environment. Specifically, geometry with smaller orifice sizes (third) returned an overall absence of localized significant vortex structures. This deficiency is counterbalanced by a large distribution of small vortices that were observed to replace the main rings for each condition examined. Full article