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In the ever-evolving landscape of pharmaceutical formulation, the demand for rapid, cost-effective, and precise analytical techniques is paramount. This abstract presents an overview of the burgeoning field of smartphone camera-based image scanning densitometry and its transformative impact on pharmaceutical formulation processes. Leveraging the ubiquitous presence of smartphones, this technology offers a powerful and accessible tool for quantifying critical parameters in pharmaceutical products. This abstract highlights the key elements covered in the article, including the role of smartphone cameras, their applications in pharmaceutical formulation, the advantages they offer over traditional methods, challenges to consider, and future trends. Through case studies and real-world examples, it illustrates the practical implementation and potential benefits of smartphone-based densitometry in the pharmaceutical industry, emphasizing its potential to enhance quality control, streamline processes, and improve regulatory compliance. As the pharmaceutical sector continues to embrace technological innovations, smartphone camera-based image scanning densitometry emerges as a promising avenue to meet the evolving demands of precision and efficiency in pharmaceutical formulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1953 I heard of an experiment in 1925 by Bengt Strömgren where he observed transit times with the meridian circle at the Copenhagen University Observatory measuring the current in a photocell behind slits when a star was crossing. In 1954 just 22 years old I was given the task as a student to make first test observations with a new meridian circle of the observatory. I became fascinated by the instrument and by the importance of astrometry for astronomy. Work at four meridian circles, two in Denmark, one in Hamburg, one in Lund, and Pierre Lacroute's vision of space astrometry in France had by 1973 created the foundation for development of the Hipparcos satellite, and Gaia followed. In 2013 I proposed a successor satellite which has gained momentum especially thanks to the efforts of David Hobbs and it has a good chance to be launched by ESA about 2045. – But 70 years ago, optical astrometry was considered a dying branch of astronomy, unattractive compared with astrophysics. The following growth built on the still active interest in astrometry in Europe in those years and it was supported by ESA, the European Space Agency. – This review is only about astrometry where I was personally involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The key problem raised in the paper is the change in the position of the breast tumor due to magnetic resonance imaging examinations in the abdominal position relative to the supine position during the surgical procedure. Changing the position of the patient leads to significant deformation of the breast, which leads to the inability to indicate the location of the neoplastic lesion correctly. Methods: This study outlines a methodological process for treating cancer patients. Pre-qualification assessments are conducted for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and 3D scans are taken in three positions: supine with arms raised, supine surgical position (SS), and standing. MRI and standard ultrasonography (USG) imaging are performed, and breast and cancer tissue are segmented from the MRI images. Finite element analysis is used to simulate tissue behavior in different positions, and an artificial neural network is trained to predict tumor dislocation. Based on the model, a 3D-printed breast with a highlighted tumor is manufactured. This computer-aided analysis is used to create a detailed surgical plan, and lumpectomy surgery is performed in the SS. In addition, the geometry of the tumor is presented to the medical staff as a 3D-printed element. Results: By utilizing a comprehensive range of techniques, including pre-qualification assessment, 3D scanning, MRI and USG imaging, segmentation of breast and cancer tissue, model analysis, image fusion, finite element analysis, artificial neural network training, and additive manufacturing, a detailed surgical plan can be created for performing lumpectomy surgery in the supine surgical position. Conclusion: The new approach developed for the pre-operative assessment and surgical planning of breast cancer patients has demonstrated significant potential for improving the accuracy and efficacy of surgical procedures. This procedure may also help the pathomorphological justification. Moreover, transparent 3D-printed breast models can benefit breast cancer operation assistance. The physical and computational models can help surgeons visualize the breast and the tumor more accurately and detailedly, allowing them to plan the surgery with greater precision and accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anti-tachycardia pacing therapy (ATP) has shown comparable efficacy to shock therapy in ventricular tachycardia (VT) termination with better quality of life. However, some ATPs may lead to VT acceleration or degeneration to ventricular fibrillation (VF), which will result in more ICD shocks. The aim of this study was to investigate the predictors of VT acceleration by ATP therapy in a real-life patient cohort. Results: We retrospectively reviewed 448 monomorphic VT episodes that required ATP therapy in 60 patients with structural heart diseases implanted with ICD or CRTD. The clinical data of the patients and the episodes' details were evaluated. We found that patients with a higher ejection fraction (EF) were more likely to be cardioverted by ATP therapy (P: 0.024). VT acceleration was more frequent in patients with lower EF (mean 31.24 ± 4.08) compared with the non-accelerated patients with higher EF (mean 37.00 ± 9.4, P: 0.016). The percentage of accelerated episodes was 8.5%. VT episodes with a mean cycle length (CL) < 310 ms are more likely to accelerate (sensitivity 76.3%, specificity 67.7%, PPV value 45%, NPV 86%, and AUC 0.790). There was a statistically significant difference in the accelerated VT episodes as compared to non-accelerated episodes regarding the number of ATP bursts (mean 3.66 ± 2.22 vs. 1.76 ± 1.35, P: < 0.001), ramp (23.7% vs. 4.2%, P: < 0.001), scanning (55.3% vs. 31.3%, P: 0.003) and burst adaptive cycle length (mean 83.55 ± 2.92 vs. 84.64 ± 2.61, P: 0.016). In a multivariate analysis, the VT CL, number of ATP bursts and ramp pacing predicted VT acceleration by ATP therapy. Conclusions: Ventricular tachycardia in patients with low LV EF and fast VTs with a CL less than 310 ms were more likely to accelerate with ATP therapy. The number of ATP bursts and the use of ramp had a significant effect on VT acceleration. To avoid VT acceleration by ATP therapy, ramp pacing better be avoided, especially in fast VTs, and lesser number of bursts should be delivered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

No less than 90% of copper-containing ore extracted and processed by pyrometallurgical methods is currently subjected to electrolytic refining to obtain copper cathode. Improvement in the electrolytic refining process of copper to obtain products for the electrotechnical industry can be related to the extraction of precious metals from copper electrolytic sludge formed during the process. This solves the problem of obtaining a 99.99% copper cathode with the lowest impurity content, highest electrical conductivity, and excellent mechanical properties. During the electrolytic refining process, dendritic cohesion occurs between the electrodes, which lead to short circuits and power losses. The dendritic trebles between the anode and the cathode are destroyed mechanically and converted into sludge, accumulating at the bottom of the electrolytic cell as sludge with high concentrations of silver, selenium, tellurium, and other valuable elements. In the course of research on the electrolytic unit, the causes of cohesion between the electrodes were established, and the formation process of the three types of dendritic precipitation was analyzed. Measures associated with the control and optimization of the control system of electrolytic refining need to be developed to reduce the negative influence of short circuits with the solution to questions of the maximum transfer of precious and rare metals in slime. Additional control parameters are proposed to be introduced in case of deviations from technology related to the monitoring and registration of short circuits and the level of copper electrolyte precipitate in the cell to optimize the automation system in controlling the temperature regime and the electrolyte composition through the digital twin software. The measures developed reduce the specific power consumption and increase the efficiency of copper cathode production while extracting functional components from copper electrolyte sludge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A software- and hardware-based monitoring system has been developed for metallic components, on the basis of eddy current scanning of nonmagnetic materials. Design details are presented. Experimental results confirm that this system may be used to monitor metallic nanofilms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents a 12-element 360° azimuth plane scanning planar circular antenna array for compact THz wireless devices. Proposed array comprises of 12 bow-tie Yagi-Uda directional antennas, operating within 0.235–0.322 THz band where each antenna achieves a maximum radiation beam for an angle of around 30°, arranged in a circular fashion to cover 360°. Individual antennas are stamped on a silicon dioxide (SiO2) dielectric substrate having compact dimensions of 1.35 mm × 1 mm × 0.06 mm and employ gold material of thickness 5 µm as a conducting material in the top and bottom planes. Maximum peak gain of each antenna is found to be 10.4 dBi at 0.322 THz within the operating band. Three parasitic elements are employed as directors to enhance the directional properties. Initially, a single element bow-tie Yagi-Uda antenna design is presented and then followed by a 6-element and 12-element circular antenna array design. Exhibiting compact dimensions, higher directivity, better performance and simple design lead to a suitable module for smart THz wireless scanning devices in the range of IEEE 802.15.3d (0.252–0.325 THz) standard and H-band (0.22–0.32 THz). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil stabilization is essential to improve the undesirable geotechnical properties of soil. This study presents using nanoclay and nanosilica to improve the geotechnical properties of gypseous soils. Two types of gypseous soils were collected from two different Iraq sites. The first sample was obtained from Al-Najaf city (42% gypsum content), and the second sample was obtained from Al-Samawa city (54% gypsum content). To improve the geotechnical properties of gypseous soils, three percentages by mass (1, 2, and 4%) of nanoclay and nanosilica were mixed with each soil. The traditional geotechnical tests were performed on the soil samples treated with nanomaterials. Also, the collapsibility, compressibility, and shear strength in dry and soaked conditions were measured. These tests were compared with reference soil samples to measure the efficiency of using nanomaterials in improving the geotechnical properties of gypseous soils. To understand the interaction mechanism between the particles of gypseous soils and nanomaterials, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy were carried out on selected soil samples. Based on FT-IR, XRD, and SEM results, the nanomaterials construct bridges between particles of soil. Also, the results of collapse tests marked that using 4% of nanomaterials decrease the collapse potential of gypseous soils by more than 50%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the results of a vast experimental campaign on the applicability of a smartphone-based technique for bridge monitoring are presented. Specifically, the vehicle–bridge interaction (VBI)-based approach is exploited as a cost-effective means to estimate the natural frequencies of bridges, with the final aim of possibly developing low-cost and diffused infrastructure monitoring system. The analysis is performed using a common hybrid vehicle, fully equipped with classical piezoelectric accelerometers and a smartphone MEMS accelerometer, to record its vertical accelerations while passing over the bridge. In this regard, the experimental campaign is carried out considering the vehicle moving with a constant velocity on a bridge in the city of Palermo (Italy). Appropriate identification procedures are then employed to determine the modal data of the bridge from the recorded accelerations. Further, comparisons with the results of a standard Operational Modal Analysis procedure, using accelerometers directly mounted on the structure, are presented. Experimental VBI-based analyses are performed also considering the effect of several different vehicle velocities. Further, the applicability of smartphone-based sensor data is investigated, exploiting the possibility of using up-to-date smartphone accelerometers for recording the vehicle accelerations. In this regard, comparison between piezoelectric accelerometers and MEMS ones is performed to assess the reliability of these sensors for the determination of bridge modal properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Statistical quality control is used in foundries to identify special cause defects and root causes by correlating process input variations with casting defects. A difficulty exists in associating process data collected with individual cast parts as the parts are processed through the foundry and then out into the supply chain. Typically, alphanumeric labels for marking castings and manual identification of the castings with route-paper based tracing approaches have been used. Such manual-based systems make root cause analysis of quality defect issues tedious. This study presents the development of a semi-automated approach using 3D printed sand mold inserts shaped as 2D matrix codes which thereby permit directly cast identification code into the parts. This enables automated part tracking at the very beginning of the casting process including mold making. Automated scan based tracking of parts through a foundry and subsequent supply chain allows for statistical process data collected to also be associated with each part processed with unique identification, building upon the part history and pedigree. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A self-propelled thermal flaw detector has been developed for testing large-sized flat parts by means of thermal scanning that provides higher efficiency and test performance than conventional thermal testing scheme over individual zones. The flaw detector is designed to detect delaminations, impact damage, and foreign inclusions in composite materials and can be used to test for corrosion in metal shells, providing continuous monitoring with a performance of up to 20 m2/h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To investigate the accuracy of three different 3D digital model registration software for tip, torque and rotation measurements, with reference to a 3D digital virtual setup. Twenty maxillary and mandibular pre-treatment scans of patients undergoing clear aligner therapy were used. Digital setups were generated from pre-treatment scans using a tooth movement software. Both the pretreatment digital scans (T1) and digital setups (T2) were converted to STL files to be exported to the 3 studied software that employed: (1) Semiautomatic best fit registration (S-BF), (2) Interactive surface-based registration (I-SB), and (3) Automatic best fit registration (A-BF) respectively. Changes in tip, torque and rotation were calculated for all the registered pairs. Results: The change in tooth position was compared between the calculated tooth movement using each of the registration software packages versus the actual generated tooth movement from the digital setups. Continuous data was expressed as mean and standard deviation. Intra Class Correlation Coefficient for agreement between digital simulation and each software was used. Intra and Inter-examiner reliabilities were also assessed using Intra Class Correlation Coefficient. Significance of the obtained results was expressed at p ≤ 0.01. Semiautomatic best fit registration software showed excellent agreement (> 0.90) for all tooth movements, except for good agreement for torque (0.808). Interactive surface-based registration software showed moderate agreement for all measurements (0.50 and < 0.75), except for good agreement for rotation (0.783). Automatic best fit registration software demonstrated excellent agreement (> 0.90) for rotation, good agreement for tip (0.890) and moderate agreement for torque (0.740). Conclusions: Overall, semiautomatic best fit registration software consistently showed excellent agreement in superimpositions compared to other software types. Automatic best fit registration software consistently demonstrated better agreement for mandibular superimpositions, compared to others. Accuracy of digital model superimpositions for tooth movements studied in superimposition studies, can be attributed to the algorithm employed for quantification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study outlines a variant of three-dimensional OH planar laser-induced fluorescence and its application in characterising a single bluff body stabilised flame inside a 12 burner annular combustor. In this variant of the method a relatively large volume was scanned slowly in order to calculate the full three-dimensional Flame Surface Density (FSD) distribution. The method used a combination of two scanning directions to overcome bias errors associated with laser sheet positions close to the flame edges. The source of this bias error was confirmed numerically through a complimentary synthetic PLIF study, which was also used to refine the experimental setup. The bias error resulted in a reduction of FSD magnitude, although the method was still capable of capturing the flame structure. This was demonstrated by comparing the reconstructions from the two independent scan directions. Combining the data from both directions overcame the bias, and allowed flame asymmetry due to the confinement to be assessed. The FSD was used to determine the heat release rate of the flame with varying local azimuthal angle for different downstream regions. This highlighted the highly asymmetric structure, produced by the asymmetric confinement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study designs polygonal mirror-based laser scanning optics for a stereolithographic 3D printer with a fast scanning speed and higher resolution than conventional systems. The optics can scan focused laser light on a 300 mm wide image width with a highly confined beam spot less than 60 µm in the full-width 1/e2-maximum of the beam spot profile. To achieve the imaging performance on a resolution, rotationally asymmetric F-theta lenses defined by high-order polynomials were designed to achieve a larger effective scan angle, which can yield a compact optical system. The designed optical system showed a performance of 60±3 µm at the full width of the 1/e2 maximum intensity value through a focal depth of 3 mm. The scanning linearity error and root-mean-squared wavefront error were designed to be less than 1 dot and 0.03 A, respectively. Furthermore, to evaluate the fabrication feasibility of each optical component of the designed F-theta optics, the effect on the optical performance of potential fabrication error items such as the decenter and the tilt of each optical component are analyzed. A tolerance analysis confirmed that the optical surface of each lens has sufficient tolerance for decenter and tilt errors. Although the error of rotation with respect to the optical axis of L2, γ, has the smallest tolerance as much as 0.16°, Δby y caused by γ as much as 0.16° exceeds 300 µm. The designed optical system capable of high-speed scanning with uniform physical characteristics is expected to significantly improve the building precision and speed of the desktop stereolithographic apparatus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ribosome profiling (riboseq) has opened the possibilities for the genome-wide studies of translation in all living organisms. This method is based on deep sequencing of mRNA fragments protected by the ribosomes from hydrolysis by ribonucleases, the so-called ribosomal footprints (RFPs). Ribosomal profiling together with RNA sequencing allows not only to identify with a reasonable accuracy translated reading frames in the transcriptome, but also to track changes in gene expression in response to various stimuli. Notably, ribosomal profiling in its classical version has certain limitations. The size of the selected mRNA fragments is 25-35 nts, while RFPs of other sizes are usually omitted from analysis. Also, ribosomal profiling "averages" the data from all ribosomes and does not allow to study specific ribosomal complexes associated with particular translation factors. However, recently developed modifications of ribosomal profiling provide answers to a number of questions. Thus, it has become possible to analyze not only elongating, but also scanning and reinitiating ribosomes, to study events associated with the collision of ribosomes during mRNA translation, to discover new ways of cotranslational assembly of multisubunit protein complexes during translation, and to selectively isolate ribosomal complexes associated with certain protein factors. New data obtained using these modified approaches provide a better understanding of the mechanisms of translation regulation and the functional roles of translational apparatus components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Accurate implant impression is an essential requirement for the fabrication of implant prosthesis. This in vitro study evaluated the accuracy of digital impressions by intraoral scanner (IOS) systems in comparison to conventional impressions for recording the position of 2 parallel implants and 2 divergent implants. Materials and methods: In vitro 3-unit prosthesis master models with 2 tissue level implants were fabricated; one model had parallel implants, and the other model had one 15° tilted implant. The conventional open-tray impressions were obtained with non-splinted (NSP) and splinted (SP) impression copings. Trios 4 (TS), Medit i500 (MT), and True Definition (TD) were used to make digital impressions with scan bodies. A total of 10 impressions were obtained with every technique. The virtual test images of the conventional and digital impressions were converted to 2 virtual implant images. For each group, trueness, precision, inter-implant distance deviation, and angle deviation were measured. Results: There was a general tendency for digital impressions to provide a more accurate outcome for trueness, precision, and angle deviation. The 2 conventional impressions showed similar accuracy, except for the angle deviation, where the NSP was significantly inferior than SP (p < 0.01) for the divergent implants model. The TD was generally the least accurate among all the IOS systems, especially for the inter-implant distance deviation (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Within the limitations of the laboratory set-up of the present study and the limited clinical resemblance, the digital impressions appeared to have sufficient accuracy for 2 implants and were least affected by the presence of angle between implants. The most inferior outcome was observed for the NSP technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An increase in the number of attacks of social engineering on users of protected information systems of organizations and a decrease in user resilience to them is revealed. The necessity of developing tools for protecting organizations from social engineering attacks is substantiated and the possibility of solving this problem using machine learning technologies is considered. The results of the development of a resilience scanner, a software application for testing employees of an organization to increase their resilience to attacks of social engineering, are described. Its multifunctionality is shown (detection of user vulnerability, increasing their involvement in the process of detecting social engineering attacks and in the formation of an organization's information security culture), as well as the prospects for further development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Every year, maritime archaeologists around the globe are faced with the daunting task of recording hundreds, if not thousands, of individual ship timbers. The in-depth recording of ship timbers is a process which is both challenging and laborious, but it is an indispensable step in order to fully understand the construction of the ship the timbers formed a part of, and as archaeologists it is our duty to document all the information these complex artefacts hold to the best of our abilities. In this article, the authors first provide an overview of the methods currently in use for ship timber recording, namely 2D scaled drawing, 2D tracing, 3D contact digitising and 3D scanning. The respective advantages and limitations of these methods are then discussed in light of the various scientific and practical considerations that go into choosing a recording method for a project. Next, a new approach to ship timber recording, termed the "3D annotated scans method", is introduced and discussed using a recent case study in northern Germany. At its core the method consists of two phases; a 3D scanning phase in which the timber is scanned in 3D, followed by a 3D annotation phase in which the recorder interprets the timber by tracing diagnostic features such as fasteners and toolmarks directly onto the timber's digital model. The authors conclude that this new approach represents an improvement over current methods—both in terms of the quality of the scientific outputs and in terms of recording efficiency—and that, besides being implemented for the recording of ship timbers, the same method can also be used for a wide range of other heritage applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The possibility of producing a scanned linearly polarized wave beam by using a multiwave Cherenkov generator was studied theoretically and experimentally. As shown theoretically, two periodically alternating transverse modes with the same carrier frequency (9 GHz) can be generated by using azimuthally inhomogeneous periodic slow-wave structures. In the output waveguide, the mode field is essentially linearly polarized. Its transverse distribution is identical to the field distribution of the ТЕМ00 and ТЕМ10 modes in a confocal resonator. Theoretical calculations have shown that the angular position of the maximum in the radiation intensity distribution at a fixed distance from such a source varies from –9° to +9° with a period of 17–20 ns. The results of the experiment are in agreement with the theoretical predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As high-pressure water combined with abrasive particles together comes out from a nozzle, a high-energy abrasive water jet beam is formed. And this high-energy water jet beam could be used as a sharp knife to cut all types of material. Different from a rigid knife, whose profile is fixed, this high-energy beam's profile is changing as the cutting parameters change. Therefore, if this knife is used to cut a workpiece accurately and precisely, the knife's profile under each set of cutting conditions has to be searched out. And further, based on the jet profile, compensation on the jet profile has to be carried out. In the past, a 2D model for the kerf profile cut by jet has been built; then, compensation on the jet based on the 2D model of the kerf profile has been carried out. However, using a 2D model to describe a 3D profile is definitely not enough. In this paper, a new method generating a 3D kerf profile through scanning an integrated sample has been provided. With this method, complete 3D abrasive water jet profiles under each cutting conditions could be obtained through the kerf profiles. With these precise 3D abrasive water jet profiles, better compensating the cutting errors becomes possible in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is obvious that providing continuous service for a Mobile Node (MN) which is in frequent movement is a major challenge nowadays. Finding and fixing the best neighboring Access Point (AP) for Mobile Node which is in movement is a tedious task. In the existing system time period of Mobile Nodes waiting for all neighboring APs to respond is too long. AP which are busy may not be able to respond to the request. For this reason, novel idea to fix target access point during handoff in WLAN is proposed. A Neighboring Graph Model (NGM) is used which is built to store and retrieve the neighbors of the current AP. The lists of neighboring APs are provided by the NG and target AP is selected based on the low load. The simulation results showed that the proposed handoff considerably decreases the time to fix the target Access Point. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses issues with monitoring systems that identify and track illegal drones. The development of drone technologies promotes the widespread commercial application of drones. However, the ability of a drone to carry explosives and other destructive materials may pose serious threats to public safety. In order to reduce these threats, we propose an acoustic-based scheme for positioning and tracking of illegal drones. Our proposed scheme has three main focal points. First, we scan the sky with switched beamforming to find sound sources and record the sounds using a microphone array; second, we perform classification with a hidden Markov model (HMM) in order to know whether the sound is a drone or something else. Finally, if the sound source is a drone, we use its recorded sound as a reference signal for tracking based on adaptive beamforming. Simulations are conducted under both ideal conditions (without background noise and interference sounds) and non-ideal conditions (with background noise and interference sounds), and we evaluate the performance when tracking illegal drones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achieving the maximum material removal rate (MRRmax) is not always desired in machining especially during laser milling. Actual volume of the material removed during laser beam machining (LBM) is not always precisely equal to the designed volume. Dimensional accuracy of the laser milled feature requires the controlled layer of the substrate removal after each scanning cycle so that the cumulative material removal after full length of canning cycle conforms to the designed depth or geometry. In this research, laser milling of aluminum alloy has been carried out. Percentage of material removal rate (MRR%) and the roughness of the machined surface (SR) are taken as the response indicators. Optimal parametric combinations resulting in MRR% close to 100% with minimum SR have been pursued. Strength of the effects of five significant variables (in terms of one-way, square, and two-way interactions) is also identified. Furthermore, mathematical models are developed to predict the machining responses prior to proceed for actual machining. The research outcomes may be utilized to perform laser milling of AA 2024 (aluminum alloy used in various fields including aerospace industry) with precise control over MRR which ultimately will strengthen the dimensional accuracy of the machined profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Web Vehicular Ad Hoc Network becomes the major research platform these days. This web vehicular ad hoc network is fundamentally different from the earlier vehicular ad hoc network communication models as it makes use of web technology to disseminate the messages among the nodes. When web technology is integrated in vehicular ad hoc network, the communication performance is greatly increased. However, the new web vehicular ad hoc network communication model should be prevented from various security threats. The major security threat to web vehicular ad hoc network is worm propagation. As web VANET operates through web technology, it is possible to the nodes to get infected with the worms. Once a node is infected with worm, it can spread out to the other nodes in the network that are vulnerable. This worm can propagate to all the vulnerable nodes and infect them within a fraction of time. The entire communication architecture can be collapsed due to this worm propagation and even these worms can broadcast false messages in the network to create accidents or to divert the nodes in such a way it will lead to collision. All the nodes should not be vulnerable to prevent itself from worm infection. This paper provides the worm propagation model for web vehicular ad hoc network. Further it provides detection measures of worm to enhance the security concern of web vehicular ad hoc network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) have been considered as the future vision for the automotive industry. An increasing number of concepts and prototypes have been introduced in the last decade. In parallel with the technological development, recent discussions about global warming and climate change bring public support for emission free vehicles. Despite of the advancements and support, the speed of introduction of FCEVs is still not at the desirable levels. From a transition management perspective, the present paper seeks to answer the underlying factors behind the implementation of the FCEVs. The discussion goes beyond a technical one to cover broad factors and interests of stakeholders with an 'eagle-eye view'. Following a discussion the key drivers of change for the FCEV sector and wild cards with disruptive effects, the paper proposes a strategic roadmap template to set an agenda for a successful transition towards FCEVs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post-harvest hydrothermal processing of grains are targeted at improving milling performances and nutritional properties. In this study, the effects of two hydrothermal processes, namely steam parboiling and soaking in boiling water for different durations on properties of buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum L.) grown in the Indian Himalayan regions were assessed. Both treatments significantly improved milling yield. Changes in grain section morphology were evidenced under scanning electron microscope. Milder processing for 5 and 10 min mostly exerted annealing effect, represented by increased intensities of X-ray diffraction peaks. Starch gelatinization occurred upon prolonged processing for 15 and 20 min. This resulted in decreased crystallinity, increased sedimentation volume, paste thinning during rapid viscosity analysis and lower thermal transition in differential scanning calorimetry. Marginal changes in oil uptake suggested limited protein denaturation. Natural antioxidant compounds were variably denatured. Maillard browning was indicated by CIE L* a* b* colour and antioxidant levels. The starchy flour samples showed partial resistance to enzymatic amylolysis post retrogradation. Soaking in boiling water can be considered as a feasible alternative to conventional steam parboiling for better milling yield of buckwheat. Altered physicochemical and nutritional properties of buckwheat suggested that the hydrothermally modified flours can be used in ready to eat therapeutic food products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on fundamental investigations of laser radiation of above-threshold power performed by Townes (laser beam splitting) and Askaryan (self-focusing and sublimation evaporation), we develop a new highly productive technology for outdoor growth of nanowhiskers of metals and their oxides, semiprecious crystals, and polycarbonate-based composite materials. Possible practical applications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problem of detection and estimation of spatial coordinates of moving objects by a passive scanning system of vision is solved. Algebraic and algorithmic approaches to determining the spatial coordinates and parameters of object motion are proposed. These approaches differ by taking into account the object velocities in searching for conjugate vectors of directions to the objects. The algorithms developed on the basis of these approaches show that the approach with allowance for motion parameters offers significant advantages of higher accuracy of coordinate estimation and higher probability of detecting all objects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Type K thermocouples are the most commonly used thermocouple for industrial measurements because of their low cost, wide temperature range, and durability. As with all base-metal thermocouples, Type K is made to match a mathematical temperature-to-emf relationship and not a prescribed alloy formulation. Because different manufacturers use varying alloy formulations and manufacturing techniques, different Type K thermocouples exhibit a range of drift and hysteresis characteristics, largely due to ordering effects in the positive (K+) thermoelement. In this study, these effects are assessed in detail for temperatures below $$700\, {^{\circ }}\hbox {C}$$ in the Type K wires from nine manufacturers. A linear gradient furnace and a high-resolution homogeneity scanner combined with the judicious use of annealing processes allow measurements that separately identify the effects of cold-work, ordering, and oxidation to be made. The results show most K+ alloys develop significant errors, but the magnitudes of the contributions of each process vary substantially between the different K+ wires. In practical applications, the measurement uncertainties achievable with Type K therefore depend not only on the wire formulation but also on the temperature, period of exposure, and, most importantly, the thermal treatments prior to use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is focused on tools used in the industrial hot forging process of a front wheel forging (eventually-gear wheel) manufactured for the automotive industry. Four different variants were applied for the tools: 2 die inserts were coated with two different hybrid layers (GN + PVD type), i.e. AlCrTiN and AlCrTiSiN, one insert was only nitrided, and one was pad welded, to improve tool durability. The tool wear was analysed and represented by the material degradation on the working surface, based on the 3D scanning and the material growth of the periodically collected forgings. Additionally, the scanned tools were divided into two areas, in which it was found, based on the reliminary analysis, that various degradation mechanisms are predominant. Microstructural and hardness measurements of the analyzed tools were also performed. Based on the results, it was found that, in the central part of the die insert (area A), thermo-mechanical fatigue and wear occurred, while in the area of the bridge insert (area B), only abrasive wear could be observed. For these areas (A and B), the loss of material was determined separately. In area A for the inserts with hybrid layer GN+AlCrTiSiN and gas nitrided, an intensive increase of wear took place, which was not observed for the pad welded and GN+AlCrTiN layer insert, for which, together with the increase of the forging number, a proportional growth of the loss of material occurred. In area B the weakest results were obtained for the insert with GN+AlCrTiSiN layer, while wear of other die inserts grew similar and proportional. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure of PbTe films after anodic electrochemical etching in Norr electrolyte is studied by high resolution X-ray diffractometry and reflectometry. Lattice defects before and after etching are estimated. The quantitative parameters of the pores are determined. The advantage of the complex application of high resolution X-ray methods for the determination of the real structure of lead-telluride porous films is shown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A triangulation-based laser displacement sensor using the diffuse reflection light has a strong practical advantage in its robustness against the tilting of the object surface to the sensor's sensitive direction. On the other hand, it is often subject to higher-frequency noise-like measurement error in scanning operations. This error is caused by the movement of the speckle in the reflected laser beam spot with the scanning operation. This paper first discusses how the dual-view triangulation, using two image sensors aligned symmetrically about the laser beam axis, can reduce the scanning noise in principle. Then, its inherent limitation is discussed. Since different points on the target surface cast the specular reflection to each image sensor, the influence of the sensor's lateral movement cannot be canceled by comparing the reflected spot's displacement on each image sensor. This issue can be observed clearer when measuring a surface of a less random surface profile. It is experimentally validated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficiency of any machining process firmly depends on the final outcome and its effectiveness, irrespective of the regime at which it is being carried out. This study attempts to discuss the effect of various electrical and non-electrical parameters on responses like overcut and tool wear rate during generation of micro-slots by micro-electro-discharge slotting (μ-EDS) process. Effect of current, gap voltage, pulse ON time, pulse OFF time, scanning speed of the tool electrode, and aspect ratio of the micro-slots to be generated on overcut and tool wear rate has been studied using Taguchi's methodology. Results suggest that current has the most statistically significant effect on overcut. In case of tool wear rate, scanning speed of the tool electrode is observed to be the most dominant factor. Further, possibility of application of μ-EDS for generation of features other than linear slots has been investigated and encouraging results observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical foundations for a technique of revealing cracks in laminated metal and nonmetal constructions by a low-frequency acoustic method are considered. In this technique, elastic vibrations in a product with one-sided access are excited and recorded by a double-crystal transducer when the product surface is scanned with simultaneous rotation of the transducer about its longitudinal axis. The technique allows one to improve the reliability and productivity of testing of multilayered constructions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An analytical model of Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) for Time-Delay-Integration CMOS Image Sensor (TDI-CIS) in the scanning direction is proposed. Impacts of pixel valid sensitive ratio, scanning efficiency, velocity mismatch ratio and TDI stage on MTF are studied based on the analysis of TDI-CMOS temporal oversampling rolling-shutter readout timing principle. By establishing a TDI-CIS imaging-simulation system according to geometric perspective and light transmission relationship from continuous known objects to a discrete image on the pixel plane, simulations of TDI-CIS imaging process under different circumstances are carried out. Then knife-edge method is used to calculate MTF of the TDI image. The simulation results show that MTF is inversely proportional to valid sensitive ratio and scanning efficiency. MTF keeps steady when velocity mismatch ratio is 0, and it decreases with the increase of TDI stage when velocity mismatch ratios are non-zero values. At the same time, the tendency that the MTF decreases with the increase of velocity mismatch ratio is getting more obvious when TDI stage increases. MTF at a specific frequency can even drop to almost 0 when the velocity mismatch ratio increases to 30 % and the number of TDI stages is 16. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achieving effective wildlife disease surveillance is challenging. The incorporation of citizen science (CS) in wildlife health surveillance can be beneficial, particularly where resources are limited and cost-effectiveness is paramount. Reports of wildlife morbidity and mortality from the public facilitate large-scale surveillance, both in time and space, which would otherwise be financially infeasible, and raise awareness of incidents occurring on privately owned land. CS wildlife disease surveillance schemes benefit scientists, the participating public and wildlife alike. CS has been employed for targeted, scanning and syndromic surveillance of wildlife disease. Whilst opportunistic surveillance is most common, systematic observations enable the standardisation of observer effort and, combined with wildlife population monitoring schemes, can allow evaluation of disease impacts at the population level. Near-universal access to digital media has revolutionised reporting modalities and facilitated rapid and economical means of sharing feedback with participants. Here we review CS schemes for wildlife disease surveillance and highlight their scope, benefits, logistical considerations, financial implications and potential limitations. The need to adopt a collaborative and multidisciplinary approach to wildlife health surveillance is increasingly recognised and the general public can make a significant contribution through CS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Space-filling curves (SFCs) have been widely used in image compression as a way to assist prediction-based schemes by providing a method to map an $$m$$ -dimensional space into a highly correlated unidimensional space. In this paper, we not only analyze the effect of different state-of-the-art curves but also propose a novel scanning procedure applied to the preprocessing stage of an ultraspectral lossy compression architecture. Specifically, we focus on Atmospheric infrared sounder images that are good compression candidates as they account for well over 25 megapixels of information per cube. In addition, we introduce a metric to estimate the efficiency of the different SFCs and present a mathematical model that, based on the Laplacian nature of the pixels, it is used to derive bounds. Finally, to verify the accuracy of this metric, we obtain rate-distortion ratios calculated by applying the corresponding curve to the compression architecture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A device for the impact excitation of concrete products and the recording of electrical responses is described. The device consists of a remote probe, a portable power supply, input/output board, and a laptop computer. A differential electrical sensor that consists of receiving measuring and compensating electrodes is used for the measurements. This makes it possible to significantly improve the signal/noise ratio. The probe is equipped with long wires that make it possible to examine different parts of extended concrete products. An example of the scanning of the surface of a concrete product and defect detection is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider the basic parameters for accuracy of a new method of determining object displacement by scanning its image relative to the components of a multi-element radiation detector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are two EXAFS beamlines at 2.5 GeV Indus-2 synchrotron source at Raja Ramanna Center for Advanced Technology, Indore (India). One is BL-8 dispersive type beamline and another is BL-9 scanning type beamline. In order to evaluate the performance and usefulness of the two beamlines, studies of the XAFS spectra at Cu K-edge in copper metal and in a copper complex recorded at these beamlines have been presented. From this sample study and in general, it has been found that the range of the EXAFS data is more in BL-9 than BL-8. However, the bond lengths obtained from EXAFS data analysis are comparable for both the beamlines. Due to larger damping of EXAFS oscillations at higher energies in BL-8, higher disorder is obtained in BL-8. The resolution in the pre-edge and XANES region has been found to be more in BL-9. The advantage of BL-8 is that spectra can be recorded very quickly (~300 ms) and hence beamtime is easily available. Further, BL-8 is useful for performing in situ and time resolved studies. In BL-9, the time taken to record the spectrum is quite large (~40 min) and hence it takes longer to get access to this beamline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Standard procedure for the measurement of masticatory performance is the fractionated sieving of fragmented test food, which is substantially time consuming. The aim of this study was to introduce a less laborious, comparable, and valid technique based on scanning. Methods: Fifty-six Optocal chewing samples were minced by wearers of complete dentures with 15 and 40 chewing strokes and analyzed by both a sieving and a scanning method. The sieving procedure was carried out using ten sieves (5.6, 4.0, 2.8, 2.0, 1.4, 1.0, 0.71, 0.5, 0.355, and 0.25 mm) and measuring the weight of the specific fractions. Scanning was performed with a flatbed scanner (Epson Expression1600Pro, Seiko Epson Corporation, Japan, 1,200 dpi). Scanned images underwent image analysis (ImageJ 1.42q, NIH, USA), which yielded descriptive parameters for each particle. Out of the 2D image, a volume was estimated for each particle. In order to receive a discrete particle size distribution, area-volume-conversion factors were determined. The cumulated weights yielded by either method were curve fitted with the Rosin-Rammler distribution (MATLAB, The MathWorks, Inc., Natick, USA) to determine the median particle size X. Results: The Rosin-Rammler distributions for sieving and scanning resembled each other and showed an excellent correlation in 15/40 chewing strokes ( r = 0.995/ r = 0.971, P < 0.01, Pearson's correlation coefficient). The median particle sizes varied between 4.77/3.04 and 5.36/5.28 mm (mean 5.07/4.67) for scanning and 4.69/2.39 and 5.23/5.43 mm (mean 5.03/4.57) for sieving. On average, scanning overestimated the X values by 1/2.4 %. The scanning method took 10 min per sample in contrast to 50 min for sieving. Conclusion: Optical scanning is a valid method comparable to sieving. Clinical relevance: The described method is feasible and appropriate for the measurement of masticatory performance of denture wearers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]