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The performance of high-resolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR) systems under degrading conditions such as uncontrolled platform motion can only be analyzed and evaluated by modeling the whole imaging system through simulation. A major scientific problem, however, is the generation of spotlight mode SAR raw data because of the need for high numerical and modeling accuracy, and restricted computer time and space. Taking into account a squinted geometry and platform instabilities, the common generation of raw data in the time domain becomes time inefficient. This letter proposes a raw data generator with which the spotlight mode raw data set of an extended scene can be simulated and which combines the precision obtainable when working in the time domain with the efficiency of work in the frequency domain. The generated raw data are processed and analyzed to quantify the quality of the proposed simulation tool. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objectives: Exercise training during the acute phase of burns is difficult to implement but offers potential benefits. This multicenter trial explored the effects of an exercise program on muscular changes and quality of life during burn center stay., Methods: Fifty-seven adults with burns ranging between 10% and 70% TBSA were allocated to receive either standard of care (n = 29), or additionally exercise (n = 28), consisting of resistance and aerobic training, commenced as early as possible according to safety criteria. Muscle wasting (primary outcome), quantified by ultrasound-derived quadriceps muscle layer thickness (QMLT) and rectus femoris cross-sectional area (RF-CSA), muscle strength and quality of life (Burn Specific Health Scale-Brief (BSHS-B) and EQ-5D-5L) were assessed at baseline, four and eight weeks later, or hospital discharge. Mixed models were used to analyze between-group changes over time with covariates of interest added in stepwise forward modeling., Results: The addition of exercise training to standard of care induced significant improvements in QMLT, RF-CSA, muscle strength and the BSHS-B subscale hand function (ß-coefficient. 0.055 cm/week of QMLT, p = 0.005). No added benefit was observed for other quality-of-life measures., Conclusions: Exercise training, administered during the acute phase of burns, reduced muscle wasting, and improved muscle strength throughout burn center stay., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest None., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.)

In this paper, we demonstrate an improvement in the accuracy of a low-cost smart temperature sensor, by measurement of the nonlinear curvature correction at multiple temperature references. The sensors were positioned inside a climate chamber and connected outside to a micro-controller via a network cable. The chamber temperature was increased systematically over a wide range from -20 °C to 55 °C. A set of calibration curves was produced from the best fitting second-order polynomial curves for the offset in temperature between the sensor and reference. An improvement in accuracy of ±0.15 °C is with respect to the mentioned temperature range, compared to the significantly higher value reported of ±0.5 °C by the manufacturer for similar conditions. In summary, we demonstrate a significant improvement in the calibration of a low-cost, smart sensor frequently used in research and academic projects over a useful range of temperatures.

This work explores an innovative strategy for increasing the efficiency of compressed sensing applied on mm-wave SAR sensing using multiple weighted side information. The approach is tested on synthetic and on real non-destructive testing measurements performed on a 3D-printed object with defects while taking advantage of multiple previous SAR images of the object with different degrees of similarity. The tested algorithm attributes autonomously weights to the side information at two levels: (1) between the components inside the side information and (2) between the different side information. The reconstruction is thereby almost immune to poor quality side information while exploiting the relevant components hidden inside the added side information. The presented results prove that, in contrast to common compressed sensing, good SAR image reconstruction is achieved at subsampling rates far below the Nyquist rate. Moreover, the algorithm is shown to be much more robust for low quality side information compared to coherent background subtraction., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.