Search Results (54)

High unemployment rates, inaccessible housing markets, and funding challenges create barriers to finding suitable housing for adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who have less obvious support needs, also known as autistic adults. While public and community housing services in Aotearoa New Zealand (AoNZ) may be an option, a lack of accessible designs leaves families uncertain about future care options. This paper, part of the MBIE-funded Public Housing and Urban Regeneration: Maximising Wellbeing research programme in partnership with registered Community Housing Provider, Te Toi Mahana (TTM), takes an exploratory approach to ask how public and community housing can support and help enable semi-independent living for autistic adults. It investigates how design elements—such as dwelling layouts, material choices, colour schemes, lighting, acoustics, shared and community spaces, and external environments—impact the wellbeing of autistic adults. By extension, insights may also inform private housing design. The study focuses on autistic adults who may be considered ‘mid-to-high’ functioning or those who have been previously diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, whose housing needs are often overlooked. It develops guiding principles and detailed guidance points for public and community housing, informed by the literature, case studies, and data from a photo elicitation study and interviews undertaken with autistic adults in AoNZ. These guiding principles are tested through the speculative redesign of a large TTM site in Newtown, Wellington, AoNZ. Findings should be of interest to government agencies, housing providers, architects, stakeholders, and others involved in shaping the built environment, as well as autistic adults and their supporters, both in AoNZ and internationally. Full article

Laser marking on wafers can introduce various defects such as inconsistent mark quality; under- or over-etching, and misalignment. Excessive laser power and inadequate cooling can cause burning or warping. These defects were inspected using machine vision, confocal microscopy, optical and scanning electron microscopy, acoustic/ultrasonic methods, and inline monitoring and coaxial vision. Machine learning has been successfully applied to improve the classification accuracy, and we propose a random forest algorithm with a training database to not only detect the defect but also trace its cause. Four causes have been identified as follows: unstable laser power, a dirty laser head, platform shaking, and voltage fluctuation of the electrical power. The object-matching technique ensures that a visible image can be utilized without a precise location. All inspected images were compared to the standard (qualified) product image pixel-by-pixel, and then the 2D matrix pattern for each type of defect was gathered. There were 10 photos for each type of defect included in the training to build the model with various labels, and the synthetic testing images altered by the defect cause model for laser marking defect inspection had accuracies of 97.0% and 91.6% in sorting the error cause, respectively Full article

With the popularity of low-altitude small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), UAVs are often used to take candid photos or even carry out malicious attacks. Acoustic detection can be used to locate UAVs in order to prevent malicious attacks by UAVs. Aiming at the problem of a large error in the time delay estimation algorithm under a low SNR, a time delay estimation algorithm based on an improved weighted function combined with a generalized cubic cross-correlation is introduced. By analyzing and comparing the performance of generalized cross-correlation time delay estimation of different traditional weighting functions, an improved weighting function that combines improved smooth coherent transform (SCOT) and phase transform (PHAT) is proposed. Compared with the traditional generalized cross-correlation weighted function, the improved weighted function has a sharper and higher peak value, and the time delay estimation error is smaller at a low SNR. Secondly, by combining the improved weight function with the generalized cubic cross-correlation, the main peak value is further increased and sharpened, and the time delay estimation performance is better than that when combined with the generalized cubic cross-correlation and the generalized quadratic correlation. Experimental results show that in complex outdoor scenes, the positioning error of the unimproved GCC PHAT method is 45.22 cm, and the positioning error of the improved weighted function generalized cubic cross-correlation algorithm is no more than 22.1 cm. Compared with the unimproved GCC PHAT method, the performance is improved by 35.55%. It is proven that this method is helpful for improving the positioning ability of low-flying UAVs and can provide help for anti-terrorism security against malicious attacks by UAVs. Full article

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of current conventional and advanced irrigation techniques after minimally invasive instrumentation in necrotic oval root canals by histological analysis. Methods: Seventy extracted necrotic lower premolars with single oval canals classified utilizing bidirectional radiographs (mesiodistal diameter 2.5 times larger than buccolingual) were prepared up to 20.04 v. The samples were assigned to five experimental groups (n = 14) using the complementary irrigation technique: needle (control), passive ultrasonic, and shockwave-enhanced emission photo-acoustic streaming activation using Er:YAG laser (SWEEPS), Er,Cr:YSGG laser (Waterlase iPlus), and multisonic ultracleaning technology (GentleWave). After irrigation protocols, the roots were demineralized and the apical 5 mm was multi-sliced and processed for histologic examination. The residual necrotic tissue and debris percentage was calculated via image analysis software. One-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test were used to verify the variables influencing debridement (p < 0.05). Results: The mean value of the GentleWave group was the record low at 1.54 ± 1.46, and the utmost was needle irrigation with 15.64 ± 7.23. The main effect of techniques on the debridement was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The course of debridement effectiveness, according to the levels of significance between the groups, was as follows: Multisonic ultracleaning > Er:YAG > Er,Cr:YSGG > Passive ultrasonic irrigation > Needle irrigation (p <0.05). Conclusions: In necrotic oval-shaped canals after minimally invasive instrumentation, multisonic ultracleaning with updated software was considerably more effective in removing remnants in the apical level. Er:YAG and Er,Cr:YSGG lasers were highly promising, with results close to multisonic ultracleaning. It should be considered that needle irrigation and passive ultrasonic activation may not be able to provide competent debridement in treating such types of root canals. Full article

(1) While photo-identification has been used to study sperm whales worldwide, no long-term photo-id studies are available from the Southern Tyrrhenian Sea for the Mediterranean endangered population. (2) Here, sperm whale occurrence, group size, and the type of encounters were investigated around the Aeolian archipelago (Southern Italy) by photo-ID data collected between 2013 and 2024. Data were obtained through dedicated boat surveys and recreational sailors’ reports. (3) During 58 sighting events, 125 sperm whales were encountered, 60 of whom were photo-identified and cataloged. Of these, two sperm whales were found entangled. Only five individuals were re-sighted in later years or seasons. Encounters were more frequent in autumn, consisting mainly of solitary individuals (53.4%, n = 31) and aggregations of clustered, often not sexed, animals (23.5%, n = 8). Social units of females and calves were also encountered (8.6%, n = 5). (4) The low site fidelity and the group types encountered suggest that dispersed young males and social groups could use the area simultaneously. (4) Future matching of these data with databases from other surveyed areas, acoustic surveys, and enhanced analysis of age classes are crucial to better define the ecological role of the study area for the Mediterranean sperm whale population. Full article

In diagnostics, photons are used in basic methods such as computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET), which are pivotal tools for high-resolution, non-invasive tumor detection, offering insights into tumor staging and progression. Mentioned techniques facilitate early diagnosis and the planning of therapeutic strategies. However, new methods are emerging, enhancing the precision and detail of diagnostics, such as ultra-weak photon emission (UPE) imagining, two-photon fluorescence imaging, photo acoustic imaging, and others. Therapeutically, external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) uses photons to target cancer cells while minimizing harm to healthy tissue. Photodynamic therapy (PDT), which uses light-sensitive compounds activated by specific wavelengths, represents a photon-based treatment applicable to certain malignancies. Other treatments include photo thermal therapy (PTT), radio dynamic therapy (RDT), intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), and more. These constantly evolving photon-driven technologies can be used to treat a broad spectrum of cancers, such as pancreatic, prostate, breast, and skin cancers. This review article discusses the latest photon-based methods in oncology, focusing on new possibilities, solutions, perspectives, and the potential disadvantages of these approaches. Full article

Mapping shallow-water bathymetry and morphology represents a technical challenge. In fact, acoustic surveys are limited by water depths reachable by boat, and airborne surveys have high costs. Photogrammetric approaches (either via drone or from the sea surface) have opened up the possibility to perform shallow-water surveys easily and at accessible costs. This work presents a simple, low-cost, and highly portable platform that allows gathering sequential photos and echosounder depth values of shallow-water sites (up to 5 m depth). The photos are then analysed in conjunction with photogrammetric techniques to obtain digital bathymetric models and orthomosaics of the seafloor. The workflow was tested on four repeated surveys of the same area in the Western Mediterranean and allowed obtaining digital bathymetric models with centimetric average accuracy and precision and root mean square errors within a few decimetres. The platform presented in this work can be employed to obtain first-order bathymetric products, enabling the contextual establishment of the depth accuracy of the final products. Full article

(1) Background: This study aimed to evaluate how laser-activated irrigation (LAI) influences the retention of a fiber post when used before an endodontic filling, as well as after post space preparation. (2) Materials and Methods: Sixty freshly extracted human incisors were selected. The teeth were randomly assigned to three groups—CONVENTIONAL (CONV), PIPS or SWEEPS—and treated endodontically. Each group received irrigation with 1 × 5 mL EDTA (17%) and 3 × 5 mL NaOCl (5.25%). In the first group, the irrigants were not activated, while in the second and third group, LAI was adopted using PIPS and SWEEPS protocols (Lightwalker from Fotona, Ljubliana, Slovenia). After post space preparation, each group received the same irrigation protocol initially established. Sticky posts (everStick Post, GC AUSTRIA GmbH Swiss) were individually adapted to the corresponding post spaces and cemented using dual cure resin cement (Gradia Core, GC Austria GmbH Swiss). All specimens were vertically embedded into self-curing acrylate (Duracryl plus, Spofa Dent, Europe), and each was sectioned into three segments of type A and type B samples for debonding through push-out and pull-out tests. The results were statistically analyzed. (3) Results: The pull-out test showed the superiority of the SWEEPS group, with a mean fracture force of 133.0 ± 50.7 N, followed by the PIPS group, with 102 N, with a lower standard deviation of ± 34.5 N. The CONV group registered the lowest fracture force. Concerning the push-out test, the SWEEPS group showed superior shear stress in comparison to the other two groups (13.45 ± 4.29 MPa); the CONV group was inferior, with shear tension values of 8.31 ± 4.67 MPa. (4) Conclusions: It can be stated that the SWEEPS and PIPS protocols resulted in considerably higher fiber post retention than the conventional method, whereas the SWEEPS protocol was superior to the PIPS protocol. Full article

The quartz tuning fork used as an acoustic sensor in quartz-enhanced photo-acoustic spectroscopy gas detection systems is usually read out by means of a transimpedance preamplifier based on a low-noise operational amplifier closed in a feedback loop. The gain–bandwidth product of the operational amplifier used in the circuit is a key parameter which must be properly chosen to guarantee that the circuit works as expected. Here, we demonstrate that if the value of this parameter is not sufficiently large, the response of the preamplifier exhibits a peak at a frequency which does not coincide with the series resonant frequency of the quartz tuning fork. If this peak frequency is selected for modulating the laser bias current and is also used as the reference frequency of the lock-in amplifier, a penalty results in terms of signal-to-noise ratio at the output of the QEPAS sensor. This worsens the performance of the gas sensing system in terms of ultimate detection limits. We show that this happens when the front-end preamplifier of the quartz tuning fork is based on some amplifier models that are typically used for such application, both when the integration time of the lock-in amplifier filter is long, to boost noise rejection, and when it is short, in order to comply with a relevant measurement rate. Full article

Bone tissue engineering using osteoconductive scaffolds holds promise for regeneration, with pearl powder gaining interest for its bioactive qualities. This study used freeze drying to create chitosan (CS) scaffolds with pearl/calcium phosphate (p/CaP) powders, mimicking bone tissue structurally and compositionally. Characterization included scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and mechanical testing. X-ray diffraction (XRD) Fourier-transform infrared–photoacoustic photo-acoustic sampling (FTIR−PAS), and FTIR- attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) were used to characterize p/CaP. In vitro tests covered degradation, cell activity, and SEM analysis. The scaffolds showed notable compressive strength and modulus enhancements with increasing p/CaP content. Porosity, ranging from 60% to 90%, decreased significantly at higher pearl/CaP ratios. Optimal cell proliferation and differentiation were observed with scaffolds containing up to 30 wt.% p/CaP, with 30 wt.% pearl powder and 30 wt.% p/CaP yielding the best results. In conclusion, pearl/calcium phosphate chitosan (p/CaP_CS) composite scaffolds emerged as promising biomaterials for bone tissue engineering, combining structural mimicry and favourable biological responses. Full article

We report on investigating the structural and electronic properties of semiconducting and insulating layers produced in a process resembling percolation in a unique cold plasma fabrication method (plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition—PECVD). Amorphous carbon–tin films (Sn–C) produced from tetramethyl tin (TMT) with an acoustic-frequency glow discharge in a three-electrode reactor were investigated. The layers, after air exposure, oxidized to SnO₂/Sn–C. Depending on the coupling capacitance applied to the plasma reactor, the films could be obtained in the form of an amorphous semiconductor or an amorphous insulator. We assume that the semiconductor consists of an internal network of channels auto-organized during deposition. The insulator does not demonstrate any internal structure features. An investigation on conductive filaments creating low-dimensional (LD) nanojunctions in the semiconductor and the location of energetic levels in the insulator was performed. The main parameters of the electronic band structure of the insulating film, such as the transport gap E_G (5.2 eV), optical gap E_opt (3.1 eV), electron affinity Χ (2.1 eV), and ionization potential J (7.3 eV), were determined. We have demonstrated a simple approach for developing a catalyst candidate consisting of amorphous semiconductor–insulator nanojunctions for (photo)catalytic hydrogen evolution or CO₂ reduction. Full article

Infrared laser photo-acoustic spectroscopy provides very high sensitivity of a gas sample analysis when high-power tunable laser radiation sources and resonant photo-acoustic detectors (PADs) are used. In the resonant PAD, the acoustic signal generated by absorbed laser radiation in a measurement chamber is amplified proportionally to a Q-factor of the acoustic resonator. But, compact tunable high-power lasers (with power above 100 mW) still are not widely spread in the terahertz spectral range. One of the ways to achieve an acceptable sensitivity of terahertz photo-acoustic spectroscopy is using PADs with a very high Q-factor. The latter can be achieved using PAD with a quartz tuning fork. The current state in this field is presented in the review. Full article

The use of marine cabled video observatories with multiparametric environmental data collection capability is becoming relevant for ecological monitoring strategies. Their ecosystem surveying can be enforced in real time, remotely, and continuously, over consecutive days, seasons, and even years. Unfortunately, as most observatories perform such monitoring with fixed cameras, the ecological value of their data is limited to a narrow field of view, possibly not representative of the local habitat heterogeneity. Docked mobile robotic platforms could be used to extend data collection to larger, and hence more ecologically representative areas. Among the various state-of-the-art underwater robotic platforms available, benthic crawlers are excellent candidates to perform ecological monitoring tasks in combination with cabled observatories. Although they are normally used in the deep sea, their high positioning stability, low acoustic signature, and low energetic consumption, especially during stationary phases, make them suitable for coastal operations. In this paper, we present the integration of a benthic crawler into a coastal cabled observatory (OBSEA) to extend its monitoring radius and collect more ecologically representative data. The extension of the monitoring radius was obtained by remotely operating the crawler to enforce back-and-forth drives along specific transects while recording videos with the onboard cameras. The ecological relevance of the monitoring-radius extension was demonstrated by performing a visual census of the species observed with the crawler’s cameras in comparison to the observatory’s fixed cameras, revealing non-negligible differences. Additionally, the videos recorded from the crawler’s cameras during the transects were used to demonstrate an automated photo-mosaic of the seabed for the first time on this class of vehicles. In the present work, the crawler travelled in an area of 40 m away from the OBSEA, producing an extension of the monitoring field of view (FOV), and covering an area approximately 230 times larger than OBSEA’s camera. The analysis of the videos obtained from the crawler’s and the observatory’s cameras revealed differences in the species observed. Future implementation scenarios are also discussed in relation to mission autonomy to perform imaging across spatial heterogeneity gradients around the OBSEA. Full article

Developing eco-friendly strategies to produce green fuel has attracted continuous and extensive attention. In this study, a novel gas-templating method was developed to prepare 2D porous S-doped g-C₃N₄ photocatalyst through simultaneous pyrolysis of urea (main g-C₃N₄ precursor) and ammonium sulfate (sulfur source and structure promoter). Different content of ammonium sulfate was examined to find the optimal synthesis conditions and to investigate the property-governed activity. The physicochemical properties of the obtained photocatalysts were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), specific surface area (BET) measurement, ultraviolet-visible light diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV/vis DRS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy and reversed double-beam photo-acoustic spectroscopy (RDB-PAS). The as-prepared S-doped g-C₃N₄ photocatalysts were applied for photocatalytic H₂ evolution under vis irradiation. The condition-dependent activity was probed to achieve the best photocatalytic performance. It was demonstrated that ammonium sulfate played a crucial role to achieve concurrently 2D morphology, controlled nanostructure, and S-doping of g-C₃N₄ in a one-pot process. The 2D nanoporous S-doped g-C₃N₄ of crumpled lamellar-like structure with large specific surface area (73.8 m² g⁻¹) and improved electron−hole separation showed a remarkable H₂ generation rate, which was almost one order in magnitude higher than that of pristine g-C₃N₄. It has been found that though all properties are crucial for the overall photocatalytic performance, efficient doping is probably a key factor for high photocatalytic activity. Moreover, the photocatalysts exhibit significant stability during recycling. Accordingly, a significant potential of S-doped g-C₃N₄ has been revealed for practical use under natural solar radiation. Full article

This work focuses on presenting a novel model describing a layer of an excited microelongated semiconductor material. During the photo-excitation processes, the model is investigated in a rotational field. The model introduced the microelongation scalar function, which describes the microelement processes according to the micropolar-thermoelasticity theory. The model studies the interaction case between optical-thermo-mechanical waves under the effect of rotation parameters when the microelongation parameters are taken into consideration according to the photo-thermoelasticity theory. The main governing equations have been taken in a dimensionless form during the electronic and thermoelastic deformation and they have been studied under the harmonic wave technique. The general solutions of the basic fields of isotropic, homogeneous, and linear microelongated semiconductor medium are obtained in two dimensions (2D). Many conditions are taken at the free surface of the medium to obtain the complete solutions. The physical parameters of silicon (Si) are used to illustrate the numerical simulation of the main fields. Several comparisons were performed and illustrated graphically under the influence of different parameters of relaxation time and rotation. Full article