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Introduction: Currently, progesterone is notably absent from conventional feminizing hormone therapies for transgender women. Anecdotal reports indicate the potential for health advantages following the incorporation of progesterone into treatment regimens. The primarily female hormone, progesterone naturally surges in women during the menstrual luteal phase. When administered exogenously, it may expedite bodily changes that are pivotal for gender transition. Progesterone holds promise as a potential remedy for various health conditions prevalent in the transgender woman population. Methods: This narrative review synthesizes existing literature and presents a comprehensive account of the administration of exogenous progesterone in transgender women. A literature search was conducted using the PubMed, Embase, ScienceDirect, and ResearchGate databases. The following keywords were used in the search: progesterone, transgender, breast neoplasms, lactation, prostate, testicular neoplasms, and thrombosis. These terms were combined using Boolean operators. The results of the initial search were screened by three independent reviewers based on their relevance to the topic under study. Results: A total of 104 studies were initially identified as meeting the criteria for inclusion. Following an assessment based on the contents of the title, abstract, and full text, 39 studies were deemed eligible for inclusion. A critical examination of health outcomes was conducted across key sections, including breast development, mental health, lactation, cancer risk (breast and prostate), thrombosis, and nervous and other systems. Discussion: The use of progesterone in the transgender woman population is a topic that has yet to be sufficiently researched. The limited sample size, short follow-up periods, and lack of randomization restrict the potential for achieving a robust scientific evidence base. In order to gain a fuller understanding of this topic, findings from studies on contraception, hormone replacement therapy, and animal models were considered. Conclusions: Progesterone may have a beneficial effect on the bodies of transgender women without significant adverse health effects. Further investigation through well-designed studies is recommended. Randomized controlled trials that include various dosages, broad and long-term effects, and precise demographics are needed. There is an immediate need for more knowledge to create appropriate patent and clinical practice guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the imaging performance of electronic portal imaging devices (EPIDs) is evaluated, comparing measurements collected from EPID images captured at 115 cm, with a field size of 15 × 15 cm2, monitor units (MUs) in the range of 2 MU-100 MU and dose rates (DRs) of 200 MU/min, 400 MU/min and 600 MU/min, using a 6 MV LINAC system and the QC-3V image quality phantom. The analysis includes the normalized contrast transfer function (CTFnorm), the noise power spectrum (NPS) and the information capacity (IC), as well as the signal-to-noise frequency response (SNFR), which can be used as a comprehensive quality index. The results of our study are compared with previously published data captured at 100 cm under similar exposure conditions. They show similar CTF curves with different source-to-phantom distances, with the lowest values observed at specific MU and DR combinations. Moreover, NPS graphs are found to decrease with respect to spatial frequency. SNFR values also display a reduction with increasing spatial frequency. In addition, irradiation with the phantom placed closer to the EPID, 115 cm from the LINAC, yields better SNFR and IC performance characteristics, indicating better delineation of the organs closer to the EPID. The testing of EPID performance may potentially benefit from our results, which may lead to improvements in the quality of radiotherapy treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flat objects like electronic boards are challenging samples for high-resolution X-ray computed tomography scanning because their largest dimension significantly limits the magnification using circular trajectory scans. One way to improve spatial resolution for such samples is to utilize variable zoom trajectory. During variable zoom trajectory scanning, the source-to-object distance changes during the 360° rotation to maximize the magnification in the projections. Here, we propose an automatic variable zoom trajectory generation algorithm for arbitrary object and region of interest (ROI). We analyze how such a trajectory can enhance resolution in different cases and how isotropic is the resolution in the reconstructed volume. We demonstrate that the resolution can be improved without destroying the sample. However, the improvement is manifested mainly in directions in which we achieved the highest magnification in the projection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ACMT recognizes the pivotal role of high-quality research in advancing medical science. As such, the establishment of a formal research agenda for ACMT is a leap forward in communicating the priorities of the College, its members, and the patient populations we serve. This thoughtfully crafted agenda will serve as a strategic compass for ACMT, guiding our pursuit of scientific discovery, fostering innovation, and enhancing outcomes for patients and communities affected by poisonings and exposures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blurring is a significant concern in electro-optical satellite imagery due to its negative effect on image quality, which is caused by an undesirable loss of bandwidth.Blurred images and compromised image quality may result from atmospheric distortions, camera aberrations, and relative motion during the imaging process. Deblurring is thus a process used to restore deteriorated images, reduce blur, and recover the original image. The major type of blur explored in this study is Gaussian blur, and its effects on the image are investigated by applying the blur in equal proportions. Furthermore, influence of blur on the Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) of an electro-optic satellite image as well as the impacts of deblurring techniques, namely the Richardson-Lucy Deconvolution Algorithm, the Regularization Filter, and the Blind Deconvolution Algorithm on MTF values, wereexplored.

Addressing the limitations of manually extracting features from small maritime target signals, this paper explores Markov transition fields and convolutional neural networks, proposing a detection method for small targets based on an improved Markov transition field. Initially, the raw data undergo a Fourier transform, feature fusion is performed on the series, and a spectrogram is generated using Markov transition fields to extract radar data features from both the time domain and frequency domain, providing a more comprehensive data representation for the detector. Then, the InceptionResnetV2 network is employed as a classifier, setting decision thresholds based on the softmax layer's output, thus achieving controllable false alarms in the detection of small maritime targets. Additionally, transfer learning is introduced to address the issue of sample imbalance. The IPIX dataset is used for experimental verification. The experimental results show that the proposed detection method can deeply mine the differences between targets and the maritime clutter background, demonstrating superior detection performance. When the observation time is set to 1.024 s, the IMIRV2 detector performs best. Cross-validation with different data preprocessing methods and classification models reveals a significant advantage in the performance of the IMIRV2 detector, especially at low signal-to-noise ratios. Finally, a comparison with the performance of existing detectors indicates that the proposed method offers certain improvements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Faults in three-core armored cable lines in distribution networks are frequent, and using only zero-sequence current time-frequency data to identify fault lines has its limitations. To increase the accuracy of cable fault identification, this paper utilizes the cable ground wire current and proposes a new fault line identification method that integrates a Bidirectional Gated Recurrent Unit (BiGRU), a Residual Network (ResNet), and a Multi-head Attention Mechanism (MA). Firstly, the Northern Goshawk Algorithm optimizes Variational Mode Decomposition (NGO-VMD) for denoising the ground wire current signal, reducing interference from the complex external environment. Secondly, the processed current signal is used to generate two-dimensional images using the Markov Transition Field (MTF), expanding signal features. Finally, BiGRU-ResNet-MA is utilized to deeply extract, enhance, and identify the multi-dimensional features of the ground wire current signal. The BiGRU-ResNet-MA model combines the two-dimensional image spatial characteristic extraction capability of ResNet with the temporal characteristic extraction capability of BiGRU, and further enhances feature weighting through MA, improving the fault line identification capability. The simulation findings show that this identification method can effectively address the issue of traditional methods relying too heavily on subjective selection. It accurately identifies fault lines even in the presence of strong noise, unstable faults, and asynchronous sampling, showcasing its strong robustness.

The frequent occurrence of cable early faults can lead to permanent failure of cables, making the power grid damaged and unable to work normally. To avoid the cable early faults causing great damage to the power grid operation, in this paper, we propose a research method for cable early fault identification based on the fusion of Markov Transition Field (MTF)-Gramian Angular Field (GAF) and multi-head attention mechanism features to accurately identify the cable early faults. Firstly, the fault data are preprocessed by the least mean square algorithm optimized by the adaptive gradient method; then the preprocessed one-dimensional data are converted into two-dimensional (2D) images by using MTF and GAF, respectively, and then the two types of images are fused to serve as the input of the classification network; finally, a hybrid neural network for cable early fault identification composed of a deep convolutional neural network and dense convolutional network is established, the hybrid neural network is improved by using group convolution and Ghost convolution, and the output features of the hybrid neural network are fused and classified through the mechanism of multi-head attention, and the output results of the cable early fault identification are output. At the same time, the classification results of cable early faults are visualized using the t-distributed Stochastic Neighbor Embedding (t-SNE) method to visually observe the classification effect of the hybrid neural network. The experimental results show that the algorithm has a high recognition rate for cable early fault classification, and the least mean square algorithm optimized by the adaptive gradient method is more noise-resistant compared with other optimization methods.

In this study, the imaging performance of electronic portal imaging devices (EPIDs) is evaluated, comparing measurements collected from EPID images captured at 115 cm, with a field size of 15 × 15 cm2, monitor units (MUs) in the range of 2 MU-100 MU and dose rates (DRs) of 200 MU/min, 400 MU/min and 600 MU/min, using a 6 MV LINAC system and the QC-3V image quality phantom. The analysis includes the normalized contrast transfer function (CTFnorm), the noise power spectrum (NPS) and the information capacity (IC), as well as the signal-to-noise frequency response (SNFR), which can be used as a comprehensive quality index. The results of our study are compared with previously published data captured at 100 cm under similar exposure conditions. They show similar CTF curves with different source-to-phantom distances, with the lowest values observed at specific MU and DR combinations. Moreover, NPS graphs are found to decrease with respect to spatial frequency. SNFR values also display a reduction with increasing spatial frequency. In addition, irradiation with the phantom placed closer to the EPID, 115 cm from the LINAC, yields better SNFR and IC performance characteristics, indicating better delineation of the organs closer to the EPID. The testing of EPID performance may potentially benefit from our results, which may lead to improvements in the quality of radiotherapy treatments.

Assessing the performance of optical imaging systems is crucial to evaluate their capability to satisfy the product requirements for an Earth Observation (EO) mission. In particular, the evaluation of image quality is undoubtedly one of the most important, critical and problematic aspects of remote sensing. It involves not only pre-flight analyses, but also continuous monitoring throughout the operational lifetime of the observing system. The Ground Sampling Distance (GSD) of the imaging system is often the only parameter used to quantify its spatial resolution, i.e., its capability to resolve objects on the ground. In practice, this feature is also heavily influenced by other image quality parameters such as the image sharpness and Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). However, these last two aspects are often analysed separately, using unrelated methodologies, complicating the image quality assessment and posing standardisation issues. To this end, we expanded the features of our Automatic Edge Method (AEM), which was originally developed to simplify and automate the estimate of sharpness metrics, to also extract the image SNR. In this paper we applied the AEM to a wide range of optical satellite images characterised by different GSD and Pixel Size (PS) with the objective to explore the nature of the relationship between the components of overall image quality (image sharpness, SNR) and product geometric resampling (expressed in terms of GSD/PS ratio). Our main objective is to quantify how the sharpness and the radiometric quality of an image product are affected by different product geometric resampling strategies, i.e., by distributing imagery with a PS larger or smaller than the GSD of the imaging system. The AEM allowed us to explore this relationship by relying on a vast amount of data points, which provide a robust statistical significance to the results expressed in terms of sharpness metrics and SNR means. The results indicate the existence of a direct relationship between the product geometric resampling and the overall image quality, and also highlight a good degree of correlation between the image sharpness and SNR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depending on various design conditions, including optics and circuit design, the image-forming characteristics of the modulated transfer function (MTF), which affect the spatial resolution of a digital image, may vary among image channels within or between imaging devices. In this study, we propose a method for automatically converting the MTF to the target MTF, focusing on adjusting the MTF characteristics that affect the signals of different image channels within and between different image devices. The experimental results of MTF conversion using the proposed method for multiple image channels with different MTF characteristics indicated that the proposed method could produce sharper images by moving the source MTF of each channel closer to a target MTF with a higher MTF value. This study is expected to contribute to technological advancements in various imaging devices as follows: (1) Even if the imaging characteristics of the hardware are unknown, the MTF can be converted to the target MTF using the image after it is captured. (2) As any MTF can be converted into a target, image simulation for conversion to a different MTF is possible. (3) It is possible to generate high-definition images, thereby meeting the requirements of various industrial and research fields in which high-definition images are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The NIMO TEMPO (Lambda-X, Nivelles, Belgium) is a novel, user-friendly and compact device designed for in vitro optical analysis of refractive and diffractive intraocular lenses (IOLs). This device analyzes the IOL wavefront and generates a synthetic eye model for numerical computation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the precision of this innovative device. Intra- and inter-observer variability were calculated using a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) after conducting ten measurements of eight different IOL models, with each measurement being repeated by three distinct operators (resulting in a total of 30 measurements for each IOL). The device demonstrated satisfactory intra- and inter-observer variability in evaluating IOL power and modulation transfer function (MTF) profiles, with values of 0.066 and 0.078 diopters for IOL power and 0.018 and 0.019 for MTF measurements, respectively. Furthermore, this hybrid optical and numerical in vitro IOL wavefront analyzer appears to have several advantages over conventional optical bench devices. It reduces the need for operator manipulation, and allows for numerical modeling of various optical environments, including cornea models and apertures. In conclusion, this novel metrology device designed for refractive and diffractive IOLs appears to provide a satisfactory precision, making it a promising tool in the field of IOL metrology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blurring is a significant concern in electro-optical satellite imagery due to its negative effect on image quality, which is caused by an undesirable loss of bandwidth. Blurred images and compromised image quality may result from atmospheric distortions, camera aberrations, and relative motion during the imaging process. Deblurring is thus a process used to restore deteriorated images, reduce blur, and recover the original image. The major type of blur explored in this study is Gaussian blur, and its effects on the image are investigated by applying the blur in equal proportions. Furthermore, influence of blur on the Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) of an electrooptic satellite image as well as the impacts of deblurring techniques, namely the Richardson-Lucy Deconvolution Algorithm, the Regularization Filter, and the Blind Deconvolution Algorithm on MTF values, were explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the low accuracy of the traditional electricity theft detection method based on one-dimensional electricity consumption data mining and analysis， a detection method for electricity theft by distribution network users based on a hybrid neural network is proposed. Firstly， to enhance the characteristic difference between the electricity consumption of normal users and that of power theft users， the Markov transition field （MTF） is used to transform one-dimensional electricity consumption data into two-dimensional graphs. Moreover， to improve the accuracy and generalization of the model， profile data of users' electricity consumption is introduced. Then， the hybrid neural network is used to extract and fuse the feature quantities of the preprocessed two-dimensional electricity consumption graphs and profile data respectively to detect electricity theft by distribution network users. Finally， the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed method are verified through two sets of comparison experiments. The experimental results show that the method based on a hybrid neural network is superior to other models in detection accuracy of electricity theft， recall rate， and AUROC （area under the receiver operating characteristics）， and has higher detection performance.

The modulation transfer function (MTF) serves as a crucial technical index for assessing the imaging quality of remote sensing cameras, which is integral throughout their entire operational cycle. Currently, the MTF evaluation of remote sensing cameras primarily relies on the slanted-edge method. The factors influencing the slanted-edge method's effectiveness are broadly classified into two categories: algorithmic factors and image factors. This paper innovatively comprehensively analyzes the influencing factors of the slanted-edge method and proposes an improved slanted-edge method to calculate the MTF testing method of remote sensing cameras, which is applied to the MTF testing of remote sensing cameras. Since the traditional algorithm can only be applied in the small angle situation, this paper proposes a new method of slanted-edge method test calculation based on the optimal oversampling rate (OSR) adaptive model of the slanted edge and uses simulation experiments to verify the reliability of the algorithm model through the deviation of the slanted-edge angle calculation and MTF measurement, and the results show that the algorithm improves the accuracy of the MTF measurement compared with the ISO-cos and OMINI-sine methods. Then, the effects of the slanted-edge angle, image region of interest (ROI), as well as image contrast and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) on the accuracy of the MTF calculation by the slanted-edge method were quantitatively analyzed as the constraints of the slanted-edge method test. Based on the laboratory target experiment, the algorithm flow and various influencing factors obtained in the simulation stage are verified, and the experimental results are more consistent with the various test results obtained in the simulation stage. Consequently, the slanted-edge method introduced in this paper is applicable for future remote sensing camera MTF testing. This approach offers a valuable reference for on-orbit focusing, satellite operational condition monitoring, lifespan estimation, and image restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Planar diodes usually present a potentially degraded modulation transfer function (MTF) for small pixels due to lateral diffusion of photo-generated carriers in the absorption layer. Indeed, in such a configuration, there is no physical separation between adjacent pixels, and when dealing with high operating temperature (HOT), the diffusion length might be much longer than the pixel size due to the long lifetime required for small dark current. For the p-on-n HgCdTe (MCT) diodes performed at LETI-Lynred, this diffusion length is much larger than the pixel pitch targeted at 7.5 µm. MTF optimization is therefore necessary to obtain the full image resolution targeted by the pitch array. However, MTF characterization of such small pixels is not an easy task in the mid-wave infrared (MWIR) range, as the pixel size is close to the wavelength due to the diffraction limit. This work confirms a strong interest in using EBIC for MTF measurement of small pixel pitches, with a systematic study of 7.5 µm pixel pitch with different designs aimed at optimizing MTF. For an optimized diode of the new generation p-on-n technology, the measured MTF at Nyquist is 55%, value close to the ideal pixel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Microbial volatile metabolite 2-methylisoborneol (2-MIB) causes odor and taste issues in drinking water, making it unappealing for human consumption. It has been suggested that 2-MIB biosynthesis consists of two main steps, namely, methylation of geranyl diphosphate into 2-methyl geranyl diphosphate by geranyl diphosphate methyl transferase (GPPMT) and subsequent cyclization into 2-MIB by 2-MIB synthase (MIBS). Pseudanabaena foetida var. intermedia is a 2-MIB-producing cyanobacterium whose GPPMT and MIBS enzymes are encoded by adjacent mtf and mtc genes. The present study identified a 2-MIB-related gene cluster composed of cnbA, mtf, mtc, and cnbB genes in P. foetida var. intermedia. The two homologous cyclic nucleotide-binding protein genes, cnbA and cnbB, were detected adjacent to the mtf and mtc genes, respectively. The nucleotide sequence of the cnbA-mtf-mtc-cnbB gene cluster showed 99.55% identity with 2-MIB synthesis-associated gene cluster of Pseudanabaena sp. dqh15. RT-PCR results revealed that mtf and mtc genes are co-expressed, while cnbA and cnbB genes are expressed independently in P. foetida var. intermedia. To investigate whether only mtf and mtc genes are sufficient for 2-MIB synthesis, the two-gene unit (mtf-mtc) was introduced into Escherichia coli strain JM109 via overexpression vector pYS1C. Gas chromatograph-mass spectrometry results showed that the E. coli strain transformed with mtf-mtc was able to produce 2-MIB. The intracellular 2-MIB level in P. foetida var. intermedia was higher than the extracellular 2-MIB level, while the transformed E. coli strain showed an opposite trend. Growth inhibition was observed in the 2-MIB-producing transformed E. coli strain. IMPORTANCE Contamination of drinking water with odiferous microbial metabolite 2-MIB is a worldwide concern. Removal of 2-MIB from drinking water burdens the water purification process. Therefore, it is important to search for alternative methods, such as suppressing the production of 2-MIB by aquatic microorganisms. For that, it is necessary to expand the current knowledge about the mechanism of 2-MIB synthesis at the genetic level. This study revealed that mtf and mtc genes of the 2-MIB-related gene cluster are transcribed as a single unit in P. foetida var. intermedia, and the expression of both mtf and mtc genes is essential and sufficient for 2-MIB synthesis in E. coli heterologous gene expression system.

PurposeClinical use of dedicated breast computed tomography (bCT) requires relatively short scan times necessitating systems with high frame rates. This in turn impacts the x-ray tube operating range. We characterize the effects of tube voltage, beam filtration, dose, and object size on contrast and noise properties related to soft tissue and iodine contrast agents as a way to optimize imaging protocols for soft tissue and iodine contrast at high frame rates.MethodsThis study design uses the signal-difference-to-noise ratio (SDNR), noise-equivalent quanta (NEQ), and detectability (d´) as measures of imaging performance for a prototype breast CT scanner that utilizes a pulsed x-ray tube (with a 4 ms pulse width) at 43.5 fps acquisition rate. We assess a range of kV, filtration, breast phantom size, and mean glandular dose (MGD). Performance measures are estimated from images of adipose-equivalent breast phantoms machined to have a representative size and shape of small, medium, and large breasts. Water (glandular tissue equivalent) and iodine contrast (5 mg/ml) were used to fill two cylindrical wells in the phantoms.ResultsAir kerma levels required for obtaining an MGD of 6 mGy ranged from 7.1 to 9.1 mGy and are reported across all kV, filtration, and breast phantom sizes. However, at 50 kV, the thick filters (0.3 mm of Cu or Gd) exceeded the maximum available mA of the x-ray generator, and hence, these conditions were excluded from subsequent analysis. There was a strong positive association between measurements of SDNR and d' (R2  > 0.97) within the range of parameters investigated in this work. A significant decrease in soft tissue SDNR was observed for increasing phantom size and increasing kV with a maximum SDNR at 50 kV with 0.2 mm Cu or 0.2 mm Gd filtration. For iodine contrast SDNR, a significant decrease was observed with increasing phantom size, but a decrease in SDNR for increasing kV was only observed for 70 kV (50 and 60 kV were not significantly different). Thicker Gd filtration (0.3 mm Gd) resulted in a significant increase in iodine SDNR and decrease in soft tissue SDNR but requires significantly more tube current to deliver the same MGD.ConclusionsThe choice of 60 kV with 0.2 mm Gd filtration provides a good trade-off for maximizing both soft tissue and iodine contrast. This scanning technique takes advantage of the ~50 keV Gd k-edge to produce contrast and can be achieved within operating range of the x-ray generator used in this work. Imaging at 60 kV allows for a greater range in dose delivered to the large breast sizes when uniform image quality is desired across all breast sizes. While imaging performance metrics (i.e., detectability index and SDNR) were shown to be strongly correlated, the methodologies presented in this work for the estimation of NEQ (and subsequently d') provides a meaningful description of the spatial resolution and noise characteristics of this prototype bCT system across a range of beam quality, dose, and object sizes.

As the degree of AC-DC hybridization of power grids is increasing, their fault characteristics become more complex, and the current hybrid grid fault diagnosis methods, despite their high accuracy, are not sufficiently adaptable, so there is an urgent need to study new grid fault diagnosis methods. To this end, the Markov Transition Field combined with an improved Resnet fault line identification method for AC-DC hybrid grids is proposed. First, the data is reconstructed by the improved complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise, and then the MTF is used to transform the one-dimensional signal into a two-dimensional picture, then on the basis of residual neural network, the original network is improved by adding multi-branch cavity convolution structure and Ghost module, and the fault features are adaptively extracted and classified by the improved network, so as to realize faulty line identification. The experimental results show that the proposed method can effectively identify the fault lines of AC-DC hybrid power grid, the improved residual neural network can dig out the fault features more deeply, and has strong anti-noise and anti-data loss interference ability, the method has 99.91% fault line identification accuracy. It has higher recognition performance compared to traditional machine learning algorithms and various deep learning algorithms.

To overcome the limitations of traditional on-orbit modulation function transfer (MTF) measurement methods that are heavily dependent on natural features, scenery, artificial edges, and point source targets, this paper presents an on-orbit MTF measurement method of remote sensing imager based on the refined image kernel (RIK) acquired directly from remote sensing images. First, the kernel is estimated from some remote sensing sub-images with rich texture details by using an iterative support detection (ISD) algorithm; then, it is refined by central pixel energy concentration (EC) to obtain the RIK. Secondly, the MTF curves are calculated by interpolating RIK and Fourier transform. Finally, the final MTF is the average value of MTFs at Nyquist frequency acquired by each RIK. To demonstrate the feasibility and validity of this method, the MTFs were compared to the result of the ISO12233 edge method with an error of no more than 7%. The relative error of the measured results does not exceed 5% for image signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) above 20dB. The results obtained from the on-orbit MTF measurement using remote sensing images of the Jilin-1 satellite have a maximum error of less than 2% compared with the ISO12233 edge method. These demonstrate that the method proposed in this paper supplies highly accurate and robust results and can successfully increase the efficiency of on-orbit MTF measurement, providing a reference for high-frequency monitoring of satellite on-orbit stability and their optical imaging quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Addressing the limitations of manually extracting features from small maritime target signals, this paper explores Markov transition fields and convolutional neural networks, proposing a detection method for small targets based on an improved Markov transition field. Initially, the raw data undergo a Fourier transform, feature fusion is performed on the series, and a spectrogram is generated using Markov transition fields to extract radar data features from both the time domain and frequency domain, providing a more comprehensive data representation for the detector. Then, the InceptionResnetV2 network is employed as a classifier, setting decision thresholds based on the softmax layer’s output, thus achieving controllable false alarms in the detection of small maritime targets. Additionally, transfer learning is introduced to address the issue of sample imbalance. The IPIX dataset is used for experimental verification. The experimental results show that the proposed detection method can deeply mine the differences between targets and the maritime clutter background, demonstrating superior detection performance. When the observation time is set to 1.024 s, the IMIRV2 detector performs best. Cross-validation with different data preprocessing methods and classification models reveals a significant advantage in the performance of the IMIRV2 detector, especially at low signal-to-noise ratios. Finally, a comparison with the performance of existing detectors indicates that the proposed method offers certain improvements.

Depending on various design conditions, including optics and circuit design, the image-forming characteristics of the modulated transfer function (MTF), which affect the spatial resolution of a digital image, may vary among image channels within or between imaging devices. In this study, we propose a method for automatically converting the MTF to the target MTF, focusing on adjusting the MTF characteristics that affect the signals of different image channels within and between different image devices. The experimental results of MTF conversion using the proposed method for multiple image channels with different MTF characteristics indicated that the proposed method could produce sharper images by moving the source MTF of each channel closer to a target MTF with a higher MTF value. This study is expected to contribute to technological advancements in various imaging devices as follows: (1) Even if the imaging characteristics of the hardware are unknown, the MTF can be converted to the target MTF using the image after it is captured. (2) As any MTF can be converted into a target, image simulation for conversion to a different MTF is possible. (3) It is possible to generate high-definition images, thereby meeting the requirements of various industrial and research fields in which high-definition images are required.

The NIMO TEMPO (Lambda-X, Nivelles, Belgium) is a novel, user-friendly and compact device designed for in vitro optical analysis of refractive and diffractive intraocular lenses (IOLs). This device analyzes the IOL wavefront and generates a synthetic eye model for numerical computation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the precision of this innovative device. Intra- and inter-observer variability were calculated using a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) after conducting ten measurements of eight different IOL models, with each measurement being repeated by three distinct operators (resulting in a total of 30 measurements for each IOL). The device demonstrated satisfactory intra- and inter-observer variability in evaluating IOL power and modulation transfer function (MTF) profiles, with values of 0.066 and 0.078 diopters for IOL power and 0.018 and 0.019 for MTF measurements, respectively. Furthermore, this hybrid optical and numerical in vitro IOL wavefront analyzer appears to have several advantages over conventional optical bench devices. It reduces the need for operator manipulation, and allows for numerical modeling of various optical environments, including cornea models and apertures. In conclusion, this novel metrology device designed for refractive and diffractive IOLs appears to provide a satisfactory precision, making it a promising tool in the field of IOL metrology.

Introduction: The most important assessed quality-control (QC) criteria for improvements in high-resolution imaging are represented by the contrast-to-noise-ratio and spatial resolution. Ultra-High-Field (UHF) Magnetic-Resonance-scanners (B ≥ 7 T) for medical research allowed for the improvement in spatial resolution up to the microimaging and nominal microscopy range [pixel-size: ps < (100 μm)2], even in-vivo on humans just recently. Preclinical MRI- and dedicated MR-microscopy (MRM) scanners already allow for microimaging and MRM (1-256 μm) but lack a sensible spatial resolution phantom for QC and performance improvements in hardware, pulse-sequencing and MRprotocols. In most scientific MRI articles, the spatial resolution is characterized by the ps, though this measurement parameter only limits the actual resolution.Methods: Here the Modulation-Transfer-Function (MTF) is used as evaluation concept for the determination of the spatial resolution in MRM using simple intensity profiles. The resolution limit is defined using a critical modulation-level. In approaching visual impressions on spatial resolution an additional criterion derived from the Modulation-depth-to-Noise-Ratio (MNR) is proposed. A practical method for assessment based on a concrete phantom design and its realization is shown.Results: The phantom design consists of several sets of fine grids, specifically featuring high structural anisotropy for optimum SNR and CNR, with different spatial periods ranging from a1 = 256 μm down to a8 = 2 μm, not only for a quick visual qualitative check, but also for quantification of resolution using the MTF for two different spatial encodings in two orthogonal in-plane directions. The challenging demands on the manufacturing technology especially with regard to the aspect-ratio are approached using Deep-X-Ray-Lithography (DXRL) relying on the high brilliance of Synchroton-radiation. Smallest grid plates with width of 4 μm corresponding to 125 line pairs/mm at a plate depth of 100 μm were achieved.Discussion: MR-microscopic images, originating from a microscopy insert on a human UHF-MR-scanner, were used for demonstration of the evaluation process with two independent resolution-criteria. The developed prototype offers unique possibilities for quantitative resolution QC on UHF human and preclinical MR-scanners. Such a resolution-phantom might be very important for the improvement of MR-pulse-sequences, MR-protocols and even hardware. In principle the phantom can also be used for other microscopic imaging-modalities as for instance μCT and Optical-Coherence-Tomography (OCT).

Intraocular lenses (IOLs) are commonly implanted after surgical removal of a cataractous lens. A variety of IOL materials are currently available, including collamer, hydrophobic acrylic, hydrophilic acrylic, PHEMA copolymer, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), and silicone. High-quality polymers with distinct physical and optical properties for IOL manufacturing and in line with the highest quality standards on the market have evolved to encompass medical needs. Each of them and their packaging show unique advantages and disadvantages. Here, we highlight the evolution of polymeric materials and mainly the current state of the art of the unique properties of some polymeric systems used for IOL design, identifying current limitations for future improvements. We investigate the characteristics of the next generation of IOL materials, which must satisfy biocompatibility requirements and have tuneable refractive index to create patient-specific eye power, preventing formation of posterior capsular opacification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The modulation transfer function (MTF) is an important parameter for performance evaluation of optical imaging systems in photogrammetry and remote sensing; the slanted-edge method is one of the main methods for measuring MTF. To solve the problem of inaccurate edge detection by traditional methods under the conditions of noise and blur, this paper proposes a new method of MTF measurement with a slanted-edge method based on improved Zernike moments, which firstly introduces the Otsu algorithm to automatically determine the Zernike moment threshold for sub-pixel edge detection to precisely locate the edge points, then obtains LSF through edge point projection, ESF sampling point acquisition, smoothing, fitting, taking ESF curve differential and Gaussian fitting, and finally, accurately obtaining MTF by LSF Fourier transform and modulo normalization. Based on simulation experiments and outdoor target experiments, the reliability of the proposed algorithm is verified by the deviations of slanted-edge angle and MTF measurement, and the tolerance degree of edge detection to noise and ambiguity are analyzed. The results show that compared with ISO 12233, OMNI-sine method, Hough transform method and LSD method, this algorithm has the highest edge detection accuracy, the maximum tolerance of noise and ambiguity, and also improves the accuracy of MTF measurement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The modulation transfer function (MTF) serves as a crucial technical index for assessing the imaging quality of remote sensing cameras, which is integral throughout their entire operational cycle. Currently, the MTF evaluation of remote sensing cameras primarily relies on the slanted-edge method. The factors influencing the slanted-edge method’s effectiveness are broadly classified into two categories: algorithmic factors and image factors. This paper innovatively comprehensively analyzes the influencing factors of the slanted-edge method and proposes an improved slanted-edge method to calculate the MTF testing method of remote sensing cameras, which is applied to the MTF testing of remote sensing cameras. Since the traditional algorithm can only be applied in the small angle situation, this paper proposes a new method of slanted-edge method test calculation based on the optimal oversampling rate (OSR) adaptive model of the slanted edge and uses simulation experiments to verify the reliability of the algorithm model through the deviation of the slanted-edge angle calculation and MTF measurement, and the results show that the algorithm improves the accuracy of the MTF measurement compared with the ISO-cos and OMINI-sine methods. Then, the effects of the slanted-edge angle, image region of interest (ROI), as well as image contrast and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) on the accuracy of the MTF calculation by the slanted-edge method were quantitatively analyzed as the constraints of the slanted-edge method test. Based on the laboratory target experiment, the algorithm flow and various influencing factors obtained in the simulation stage are verified, and the experimental results are more consistent with the various test results obtained in the simulation stage. Consequently, the slanted-edge method introduced in this paper is applicable for future remote sensing camera MTF testing. This approach offers a valuable reference for on-orbit focusing, satellite operational condition monitoring, lifespan estimation, and image restoration.

A field study was established to determine the phytoextraction potential of six vegetable species, namely Amaranthus viridis L., Basella alba L., Brassica chinensis var. Parachinensis, Brassica rapa L., Capsicum frutescens L., and Ocimum tenuiflorum L.. These edible plants were selected for their short growth cycles and high biomass production, which are some traits for efficient phytoremediation. Following acid digestion of the soil and vegetable samples using the USEPA 3050B acid digestion method, the extracts were analyzed for Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn using ICP-OES. Results in soil samples showed that the concentrations of both beneficial and essential heavy metals, and non-essential heavy metals are below the WHO, USEPA, and CCME soil quality guidelines. Al is one of the highest concentrations found in the soil samples but it tends to accumulate in the root part of all vegetable species compared to the aboveground parts. In general, B. rapa L. accumulated the highest level of Cd (0.4 mg/kg) and Pb (5.71 mg/kg), while B. alba L. accumulated the highest Cr (2.62 mg/kg) in all plant parts. The findings in this study indicated that Co, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn were mostly accumulated in leaves of A. viridis L. (Co, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn), B. alba L. (Co, Fe and Mn), B. chinensis (Mn and Zn) and O. tenuiflorum L. (Mn), and roots of C. frutescens L. (Co, Cu, Fe and Mn), B. alba L. (Co, Cu and Zn), A. viridis L. and B. chinensis (Cu and Fe) and B. rapa L. (Fe). Cr, Pb and Ni were significantly greater in B. alba L. (Cr) And B. rapa L. (Ni and Pb) roots. MTF >1 was observed in the roots of all species for Co, Cd, Zn, and Ni. BTC values varied between the different vegetable species with A. viridis L. having the greatest heavy metal mobility between its plant parts and the best heavy metal phytoextraction potential among other species. The PCA biplots showed that heavy metals were partitioned differently between various plant parts of the vegetable species and can be explained by the first two components (PC1 and PC2) which were associated with the root and/or leaf parts for most vegetable species.

Purpose: To investigate the effect of the exposure parameters on image quality (IQ) metrics of phantom images, obtained automatically using software or from visual evaluation. Methods: Three commercial phantoms and a homemade phantom constructed according to the instructions given in the IAEA Human Health Series No. 39 publication were used, along with the respective software that estimate automatically various IQ metrics. Images with various exposure parameters were acquired in a digital radiography (DR) unit. For the commercial phantoms, visual evaluations were also performed. The IQ scores obtained were analyzed to investigate the effects of increasing incident air kerma (IAK), tube potential (kVp), additional filtration, and acquisition protocol on IQ. Results: The effects of the exposure parameters on the IQ metrics, determined with the commercial and the IAEA phantoms, were not the same. For example, clear trends of improvement of IQ scores with increased IAK and reduction of most IQ scores with increased kVp were observed mostly with the IAEA phantom, but not with the commercial phantoms (for both automatic and visual scoring methods). For all phantoms, the maximum variations in IQ scores observed for repeated identical exposures were almost always below 10% with automatic evaluation whereas, for visual evaluation, reached 17%. Conclusions: Failure to detect some expected trends with the complex commercial phantoms may be attributed to the fact that IQ in DR is more strongly affected by the post‐processing procedures, which may mask the effect of other parameters on IQ, something that was not observed with the simple IAEA phantom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: There is limited data on human papillomaviruses (HPV) prevalence in transpeople due to low acceptance rate of screening methods. HPV tests from self-collected urine are gender-neutral, have a high acceptance, and have a comparable accuracy in females to clinician-collected samples. The aim of this study was to evaluate both the HPV prevalence in the urine in a large cohort of 200 transpeople with common risk profiles and the acceptability of such screening method. Methods: The study was conducted at the outpatient clinic for transpeople at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria. 200 transpeople have been enrolled between May and October 2021. Inclusion criteria were gender identity dysphoria, age over 18 years, and adequate language skills.Subjects were asked to answer a survey concerning gender identity, established risk factors for HPV infections as well as their preference regarding urine or provider-collected cytology-/HPV-based screening, and to provide a urine sample. Five patients not able to provide urine were excluded. HPV genotyping was performed using a validated multiplex real-time PCR assay, which simultaneously detects 28 HPV genotypes. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04864951. Findings: Overall HPV positivity was 19·0% (37/195), 24·2% in female to male, 11·8% in male to female, 26·3% in genderqueer/non binary/other subjects, 27·9% in subjects currently having a cervix, and 26·0% in subjects born with cervix. Independent of gender reassignment surgery, being born with a cervix was associated with a higher risk of HPV infections (p = 0·008), yet 42·3% (44/104) have never attended cervical cancer screening. Overall, 79·0% (154/195) of transpeople would prefer urine HPV tests to provider-collected HPV screening. Interpretation: HPV testing in self-collected urine samples provides a unique opportunity for screening of this hard-to-reach population and should be evaluated in further studies. Funding: None.

A magnetohydrodynamics solver ("mhdCompressibleInterFoam") has been developed for a compressible two-phase flow with a free surface by extending "compressibleInterFoam" solver within OpenFOAM suite. The primary goal is to develop a tool to simulate compression of magnetic fields in vacuum and simplified magnetized plasma targets by imploding rotating liquid metal liners in the context of a Magnetized Target Fusion (MTF) concept in pursuit by General Fusion Inc. At present, the solver is limited to axisymmetric problems and the magnetic field evolution is solved in terms of toroidal field component and poloidal flux functions. The solver has been validated and verified using a number of test cases for which analytical or other numerical solutions are provided. Those tests cases include: (i) compression of toroidal and poloidal magnetic fields in vacuum and cylindrical geometry, (ii) axisymmetric annular Hartmann flow, and (iii) compression of magnetized target initialized with a Grad–Shafranov equilibrium state in a cylindrical geometry. A methodology to incorporate conductive solid regions into simulation has also been developed. Capability of the code is demonstrated by simulating a complex case of compressing a magnetized target, which is injected during implosion of a rotating liquid metal liner with an initially soaked poloidal magnetic field. An application of the solver to simulate compression of a magnetized target in a geometry and parameters relevant to the Fusion Demonstration Plant (FDP) being developed by General Fusion Inc. is also demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To overcome the limitations of traditional on-orbit modulation function transfer (MTF) measurement methods that are heavily dependent on natural features, scenery, artificial edges, and point source targets, this paper presents an on-orbit MTF measurement method of remote sensing imager based on the refined image kernel (RIK) acquired directly from remote sensing images. First, the kernel is estimated from some remote sensing sub-images with rich texture details by using an iterative support detection (ISD) algorithm; then, it is refined by central pixel energy concentration (EC) to obtain the RIK. Secondly, the MTF curves are calculated by interpolating RIK and Fourier transform. Finally, the final MTF is the average value of MTFs at Nyquist frequency acquired by each RIK. To demonstrate the feasibility and validity of this method, the MTFs were compared to the result of the ISO12233 edge method with an error of no more than 7%. The relative error of the measured results does not exceed 5% for image signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) above 20dB. The results obtained from the on-orbit MTF measurement using remote sensing images of the Jilin-1 satellite have a maximum error of less than 2% compared with the ISO12233 edge method. These demonstrate that the method proposed in this paper supplies highly accurate and robust results and can successfully increase the efficiency of on-orbit MTF measurement, providing a reference for high-frequency monitoring of satellite on-orbit stability and their optical imaging quality.

With the development of the autopilot system, the main task of a pilot has changed from controlling the aircraft to supervising the autopilot system and making critical decisions. Therefore, the human–machine interaction system needs to be improved accordingly. A key step to improving the human–machine interaction system is to improve its understanding of the pilots' status, including fatigue, stress, workload, etc. Monitoring pilots' status can effectively prevent human error and achieve optimal human–machine collaboration. As such, there is a need to recognize pilots' status and predict the behaviors responsible for changes of state. For this purpose, in this study, 14 Air Force cadets fly in an F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter simulator through a series of maneuvers involving takeoff, level flight, turn and hover, roll, somersault, and stall. Electro cardio (ECG), myoelectricity (EMG), galvanic skin response (GSR), respiration (RESP), and skin temperature (SKT) measurements are derived through wearable physiological data collection devices. Physiological indicators influenced by the pilot's behavioral status are objectively analyzed. Multi-modality fusion technology (MTF) is adopted to fuse these data in the feature layer. Additionally, four classifiers are integrated to identify pilots' behaviors in the strategy layer. The results indicate that MTF can help to recognize pilot behavior in a more comprehensive and precise way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motivation: Financial access limitations are a main barrier to the development of SMEs. One of the methods of bridging the capital gap is SME access to the stock markets, in particular to an alternative market (MTF). Compared to regulated markets, MTFs offer more liberal entry conditions and in many cases prior to MAR implementation they proposed more liberal disclosure requirements. Aim: The aim of the article is to analyze the disclosure requirements resulting from MAR directive and to test their perception by issuers listed on the alternative markets in Poland (NewConnect) and Germany (m:access). The research focused on the assessment of difficulties in performing disclosure requirements and checking whether there is a difference in perceiving the scale of difficulties in fulfilling disclosure duties in both countries. Results: Analysed markets are subject to MAR, so as a rule, there are no differences in the reporting requirements. There is, however, a difference in perceiving them in both countries. The analysis of German issuers shows that, unlike Polish companies, most of them defined their disclosure obligations as simple. This may result from higher knowledge of the regulations than in Poland. The opinion on disclosure requirements by NewConnect issuers had an impact on the amount of time and human resources devoted to disclosure obligations. The research has also shown that issuers in both markets generally assess well the cooperation with authorized advisers who help them, inter alia, in disclosure obligations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with gender dysphoria (transgender people), receiving gender-affirming hormone therapy and/or surgical treatment, often face specific skin conditions. Dermatological lesions can result in higher rates of body image dissatisfaction, gender dysphoria, anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation among transgender patients. The article provides a review of commonly observed skin conditions induced by gender-affirming therapy (acne vulgaris, hypertrophic and keloid scars, pseudofolliculitis barbae, melasma), their clinical manifestation, and current treatment strategies.

The measurement and control of high temperature play very important roles in national defense, military, scientific experiments, industrial and agricultural production. Photoelectric pyrometer is one of the important radiation thermometers for non-contact temperature measurement. It has an important application in the field of high temperature measurement, and its performance directly affects the accuracy of temperature measurement. By improving the design of the detection optical system of the photoelectric pyrometer, the imaging performance of the photoelectric pyrometer can be improved effectively, and the temperature measurement accuracy can be improved. In this paper, the temperature measurement principle of photoelectric pyrometer, the working principle of the detection optical system and the composition of the system are introduced. The optical components that affect the imaging of the optical system of the photoelectric pyrometer are analyzed. The optical pyrometer detection optical system is simulated by ZEMAX software, based on the analysis results, the Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) and the spot Diagram are used as the main evaluation criteria to optimize the design of the objective lens of the photoelectric pyrometer detection optical system. The imaging performance of the photoelectric pyrometer detection optical system and the accuracy of temperature measurement of the photoelectric pyrometer are improved by optimization design of the detection optical system.

The article is devoted to the issue of measuring the angular resolution characteristics and the modulation transmission function of panoramic video cameras, which determine the information content of the entire television system. A technique for assessing the potential capabilities of panoramic TV cameras in terms of object detection and recognition is considered. The found characteristics make it possible to calculate the permissible distance to the objects of interest if the linear dimensions of these objects are known.

The modulation transfer function (MTF) is an important parameter for performance evaluation of optical imaging systems in photogrammetry and remote sensing; the slanted-edge method is one of the main methods for measuring MTF. To solve the problem of inaccurate edge detection by traditional methods under the conditions of noise and blur, this paper proposes a new method of MTF measurement with a slanted-edge method based on improved Zernike moments, which firstly introduces the Otsu algorithm to automatically determine the Zernike moment threshold for sub-pixel edge detection to precisely locate the edge points, then obtains LSF through edge point projection, ESF sampling point acquisition, smoothing, fitting, taking ESF curve differential and Gaussian fitting, and finally, accurately obtaining MTF by LSF Fourier transform and modulo normalization. Based on simulation experiments and outdoor target experiments, the reliability of the proposed algorithm is verified by the deviations of slanted-edge angle and MTF measurement, and the tolerance degree of edge detection to noise and ambiguity are analyzed. The results show that compared with ISO 12233, OMNI-sine method, Hough transform method and LSD method, this algorithm has the highest edge detection accuracy, the maximum tolerance of noise and ambiguity, and also improves the accuracy of MTF measurement.

Introduction: This study aims to compare preclinical visual-quality metrics and halo size of intraocular lenses (IOL) with enhanced intermediate vision to a standard monofocal lens. Methods: Three monofocal- IOL models with an extended-depth-of-focus (EDoF) intended for monocular implantation (Tecnis ICB00, AE2UV/ZOE, and IsoPure) and one for monovision (RayOne EMV) were compared against a standard monofocal lens (Tecnis ZCB00). An optical-metrology station was used in the assessment of IOLs' optical quality in polychromatic light. The imaging quality was compared with metrics derived from the optical transfer function. Halo size was estimated from the projection of the point spread function under scotopic pupil. Results: The monofocal IOL showed the highest image quality at the far focus. The ICB00's, the AE2UV/ZOE's, and the IsoPure's performance at − 1D was superior to that of the monofocal lens. The monocular defocus tolerance of the RayOne EMV was comparable with that of the ZCB00. The RayOne EMV's intermediate range was improved in a monovision configuration (− 1D offset). This approach, however, yielded the largest halo area, i.e., 53% of the ZCB00's halo, compared to 34% for the IsoPure, 14% for the AE2UV/ZOE, and 8% for the ICB00. Conclusion: The mono-EDoF models have a clear advantage over the standard monofocal lens by expanded imaging capability beyond − 0.5D. Although the RayOne EMV provided the largest (binocular) visual-range extension, it was at the expense of monocular vision and higher susceptibility to halo. The ICB00's and the AE2UV/ZOE's halo-profile was similar to that of the ZCB00, indicating their low potential to induce photic phenomena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, a general equation was derived to represent the modulation transfer function (MTF) of the human eye with the presence of the contact lenses (CL) and during the vision with monochrome or multi-wavelength (polychromatic) light. This equation was used to fit the MTF's curves for the eye with pupil diameters (EPD) (2.5, 4, 6, and 8 mm). The fitting equation accuracy was revealed by using the standard deviation (STD). The results indicated that the image MTF is sensitive to (EPD). Moreover, eye vision degrades as (EPD) increases due to the increased spherical and chromatic aberrations. The new equation consists of two exponential terms in addition to a correction polynomial function (H) to fit the EPD effect. The results showed that H function with power two is sufficient to give a good accuracy when the EPD is less than 4 mm, while H with power five is necessary when the EPD is larger or equal to 5 mm. The equation gives a high accuracy also in the case of vision with white light for the eye with a contact lens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determination of heavy metal concentrations in vegetables and agricultural soils is crucial because high levels of heavy metals could affect soil quality, crop production and safe consumption of crops. A field study was conducted to determine the heavy metal concentrations and their transfer from agricultural soils to different parts (leaf, stem, and root) of Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. In addition, potential health risks of contamination in the vegetables grown in the field were evaluated. Acid digestion method USEPA 3050B in combination with ICP-OES were used to analyze heavy metal (Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) contents in both pre- and post-harvest soils and vegetable samples. Results showed that none of the heavy metals in soils had concentrations above the maximum safety limits based on the WHO, USEPA and CCME guidelines. Calculated metal transfer factor (MTF >1) showed B. juncea accumulated Cd, Co, Ni, Pb and Zn in leaves, stems and roots, but Cu and Mn, as well as Cr were only accumulated in stems and roots, respectively. There were variations in heavy metal contents between the different parts of B. juncea, but only Cd and Pb contents were above the maximum allowable limit recommended by FAO/WHO. PCA analysis was able to identify 4 major components corresponding to 38.38%, 28.98%, 14.39% and 10.67% of the total variance and PC1 was clearly associated to leaves of B. juncea. Based on the MTF values, only Cd was found to have a value of HRI >1 compared to the other heavy metals, implying potential health risk associated with long-term ingestion of the vegetable.

The aim of this study was to investigate the modulation transfer function (MTF) and the effective gain transfer function (eGTF) of a non-destruc¬¬tive testing (NDT)/industrial inspection complementary metal oxide semi¬conductor (CMOS) sensor in conjunction with a thin calcium tungstate (CaWO4) screen. Thin screen samples, with dimensions of 2.7x3.6 cm2 and thick¬ness of 118.9 �m, estimated from scanning electron microscopy-SEM im¬ages, were extracted from an Agfa Curix universal screen and coupled to the active area of an active pixel (APS) CMOS sensor. MTF was assessed using the slanted-edge method, following the IEC 62220-1-1:2015 method. MTF values were found high across the examined spatial frequency range. eGTF was found maximum when CaWO4 was combined with charge-coupled devices (CCD) of broadband anti-reflection (AR) coating (17.52 at 0 cycles/mm). The com¬bi¬nation of the thin CaWO4 screen with the CMOS sensor provided very pro¬mis¬ing image resolution and adequate efficiency properties, thus could be also con¬sidered for use in CMOS based X-ray imaging devices, for various applications

A magnetohydrodynamics solver (“mhdCompressibleInterFoam”) has been developed for a compressible two-phase flow with a free surface by extending “compressibleInterFoam” solver within OpenFOAM suite. The primary goal is to develop a tool to simulate compression of magnetic fields in vacuum and simplified magnetized plasma targets by imploding rotating liquid metal liners in the context of a Magnetized Target Fusion (MTF) concept in pursuit by General Fusion Inc. At present, the solver is limited to axisymmetric problems and the magnetic field evolution is solved in terms of toroidal field component and poloidal flux functions. The solver has been validated and verified using a number of test cases for which analytical or other numerical solutions are provided. Those tests cases include: (i) compression of toroidal and poloidal magnetic fields in vacuum and cylindrical geometry, (ii) axisymmetric annular Hartmann flow, and (iii) compression of magnetized target initialized with a Grad–Shafranov equilibrium state in a cylindrical geometry. A methodology to incorporate conductive solid regions into simulation has also been developed. Capability of the code is demonstrated by simulating a complex case of compressing a magnetized target, which is injected during implosion of a rotating liquid metal liner with an initially soaked poloidal magnetic field. An application of the solver to simulate compression of a magnetized target in a geometry and parameters relevant to the Fusion Demonstration Plant (FDP) being developed by General Fusion Inc. is also demonstrated.

With the development of the autopilot system, the main task of a pilot has changed from controlling the aircraft to supervising the autopilot system and making critical decisions. Therefore, the human–machine interaction system needs to be improved accordingly. A key step to improving the human–machine interaction system is to improve its understanding of the pilots’ status, including fatigue, stress, workload, etc. Monitoring pilots’ status can effectively prevent human error and achieve optimal human–machine collaboration. As such, there is a need to recognize pilots’ status and predict the behaviors responsible for changes of state. For this purpose, in this study, 14 Air Force cadets fly in an F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter simulator through a series of maneuvers involving takeoff, level flight, turn and hover, roll, somersault, and stall. Electro cardio (ECG), myoelectricity (EMG), galvanic skin response (GSR), respiration (RESP), and skin temperature (SKT) measurements are derived through wearable physiological data collection devices. Physiological indicators influenced by the pilot’s behavioral status are objectively analyzed. Multi-modality fusion technology (MTF) is adopted to fuse these data in the feature layer. Additionally, four classifiers are integrated to identify pilots’ behaviors in the strategy layer. The results indicate that MTF can help to recognize pilot behavior in a more comprehensive and precise way.

Platform capitalism in its own way adopts tools used at the end of the last century by powerless people to make their critical voices heard by means of boycotting as well as alternative cultural proposals, and turns gender issues into ethnic ones. It destroys class solidarity (typical of manufacturing capitalism) by transforming people into social users where ‘one is worth one’ and the important ‘commodity’ they produce are personal data. It also creates communities essentialized as ethnic groups: i.e. the queer and the transgender communities, who are no longer individuals with a sexual preference, but groups that claim rights and protections superior to and different from those of others. We propose here to demonstrate how the process of ethnicization in the Anglo-Saxon countries, and in particular in the USA, Canada and Great Britain, is spreading to other advanced countries by the way of the culture of the politically correct and is ethnicizing them through the cancel culture. In the LGBT+ area this ethnicization has extended to reach a legal and linguistic occupation of territories that tends to the cancellation of (biological) women not only from the public sphere but, in perspective, even physically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Multiple-choice examinations are frequently used in German dental schools. However, details regarding the used item types and applied scoring methods are lacking., Objective: This study aims to gain insight into the current use of multiple-choice items (ie, questions) in summative examinations in German undergraduate dental training programs., Methods: A paper-based 10-item questionnaire regarding the used assessment methods, multiple-choice item types, and applied scoring methods was designed. The pilot-tested questionnaire was mailed to the deans of studies and to the heads of the Department of Operative/Restorative Dentistry at all 30 dental schools in Germany in February 2023. Statistical analysis was performed using the Fisher exact test (P<.05)., Results: The response rate amounted to 90% (27/30 dental schools). All respondent dental schools used multiple-choice examinations for summative assessments. Examinations were delivered electronically by 70% (19/27) of the dental schools. Almost all dental schools used single-choice Type A items (24/27, 89%), which accounted for the largest number of items in approximately half of the dental schools (13/27, 48%). Further item types (eg, conventional multiple-select items, Multiple-True-False, and Pick-N) were only used by fewer dental schools (≤67%, up to 18 out of 27 dental schools). For the multiple-select item types, the applied scoring methods varied considerably (ie, awarding [intermediate] partial credit and requirements for partial credit). Dental schools with the possibility of electronic examinations used multiple-select items slightly more often (14/19, 74% vs 4/8, 50%). However, this difference was statistically not significant (P=.38). Dental schools used items either individually or as key feature problems consisting of a clinical case scenario followed by a number of items focusing on critical treatment steps (15/27, 56%). Not a single school used alternative testing methods (eg, answer-until-correct). A formal item review process was established at about half of the dental schools (15/27, 56%)., Conclusions: Summative assessment methods among German dental schools vary widely. Especially, a large variability regarding the use and scoring of multiple-select multiple-choice items was found., (© Lena Rössler, Manfred Herrmann, Annette Wiegand, Philipp Kanzow. Originally published in JMIR Medical Education (https://mededu.jmir.org).)