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Design optimization of multilayer piezoelectric transducers is intended for efficient and practical usage of wideband transducers for fault diagnosis, biomedical, and underwater applications through adjusting layer thicknesses and volume fraction of piezoelectric material in each layer. In this context, we propose a parallel differential evolution (PDE) algorithm to mitigate the complexities of multivariate optimization as well as the computation time to achieve an optimized wideband transducer for the particular application. For lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate (PMN PT)- and PZT5h-based piezoelectric materials, the fitness function is formulated based on uniformity of mechanical pressure at the first three harmonics to achieve wide bandwidth in the required functional frequency range. It is carried out using a one-dimensional model (ODM), while input layer thicknesses and volume fractions of active material are evaluated using PDE. The simulation is performed on a parallel computing platform utilizing three different host machines to reduce computational time. Results of the proposed methodology for PDE are statistically represented in the form of minimum, maximum, mean, and standard deviation of fitness value, while graphically represented in terms of speedup and time. It can be observed that the execution time for parallel DE decreases with the increasing number of cores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research is focused on enhancing the capabilities of scanning electrochemical impedance microscopy (SEIM) for detecting gold nanoparticle-labelled antibodies using electrochemically modified platinum ultramicroelectrode. The primary objective was to address the high resistance issue encountered in previous measurements with SEIM via the utilization of SEIM probes based on micro-electrodes modified by platinum microstructures, which improved the sensitivity and precision of the detection of targeted biomolecules. The modified probe resulted in a lowered charge transfer resistance by over ten times and a decrease in detection to around 100 fg/mL. We suggest potential applications in various biotechnological and biomedical fields, with future research expected to further refine this technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a new virtual laboratory developed with COMSOL multiphysics for the simulation of an acoustic levitator, as well as a three‐dimensional (3D) printed experimental setup. Our software application simulates the acoustic pressure field and its interaction with a set of particles. Students can interact with the system having the possibility to change the frequency and distance parameters between transducers in real time. We have also developed and shared for free use the 3D printing design files for the construction of the necessary components for the acoustic levitator, as well as the instructions for its experimental implementation. The experimental results are contrasted, along with those from the virtual laboratory, providing students with useful tools to understand and interpret the acoustic phenomenon in question. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryogenic environments are increasingly used in scientific and industrial fields. Recently, cryogenic environments are also used for storage and supply of liquid hydrogen, which is considered essential for the realization of a decarbonized society. Actuators to drive a valve that controls such a low-temperature fluid are required. In this study, a piezoelectric transducer that can be driven in the cryogenic environment has been fabricated and evaluated. Although the performance of piezoelectric elements degrades at cryogenic temperatures in general, the application of a preload can suppress the degradation of performance. Equivalent circuits were used for evaluation, and force factors and figures of merit were compared. As a result, the force factor was as high as that at RT even at cryogenic temperatures, and a high figure of merit was obtained. The result indicates that the transducer can be used for the driving of micro actuator at cryogenic temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Nature and occurrence of food-borne pathogens in raw and processed food products evolved greatly in the past few years due to new modes of transmission and resistance build-up against sundry micro-/macro-environmental conditions. Assurance of food health and safety thus gained immense importance, for which bio-sensing technology proved very promising in the detection and quantification of food-borne pathogens. Considering the importance, different studies have been performed, and different biosensors have been developed. This study aims to summarize the different biosensors used for the deduction of food-borne pathogens. Design/methodology/approach: The present review highlights different biosensors developed apropos to food matrices, factors governing their selection, their potential and applicability. The paper discusses some related key challenges and constraints and also focuses on the needs and future research prospects in this field. Findings: The shift in consumers' and industries' perceptions directed the further approach to achieve portable, user and environmental friendly biosensing techniques. Despite of these developments, it was still observed that the comparison among the different biosensors and their categories proved tedious on a single platform; since the food matrices tested, pathogen detected or diagnosed, time of detection, etc., varied greatly and very few products have been commercially launched. Conclusively, a challenge lies in front of food scientists and researchers to maintain pace and develop techniques for efficiently catering to the needs of the food industry. Research limitations/implications: Biosensors deduction limit varied with the food matrix, type of organism, material of biosensors' surface, etc. The food matrix itself consists of complex substances, and various types of food are available in nature. Considering the diversity of food there is a need to develop a universal biosensor that can be used for all the food matrices for a pathogen. Further research is needed to develop a pathogen-specific biosensor that can be used for all the food products that may have accuracy to eliminate the traditional method of deduction. Originality/value: The present paper summarized and categorized the different types of biosensors developed for food-borne pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ultrasonic bone scalpel was often used in all kinds of clinical orthopedic surgery as a new type of medical instrument. Based on the working theory of the ultrasonic bone scalpel and combined with the design method of a quarter wavelength transducer and horn, this study proposed an optimization design method for the ultrasonic bone scalpel with a composite horn structure. The structure of the ultrasonic bone scalpel was simplified, and its length was shortened. Finite element analysis, modal analysis, and harmonic response analysis were used to optimize the design of the ultrasonic bone scalpel. The performance of the ultrasonic bone scalpel was explored through impedance analysis, amplitude measurement, temperature measurement, and cutting tests, and the feasibility of the design was verified through torque analysis. The results showed that when the torque force was 4.0 N, the resonance frequency of the ultrasonic bone scalpel was 30,540 Hz, and the maximum amplitude of the ultrasonic bone scalpel could reach 62 μm. After spray cooling, the maximum surface temperature of the rear end cover was reduced from 51.8 to 36.3 ℃, the maximum surface temperature of the composite horn was reduced from 71 to 45.3 ℃, and the maximum surface temperature of the cutter head was reduced from 101 to 46.1 ℃, demonstrating a good cooling effect. Under 89 Voltage, the optimal cutting force for cutting chicken leg bones was 0.1 N, the optimal cutting force for cutting pork ribs was 0.3 N, and the cutting process showed tissue selectivity.Highlights: Shorten the overall length of the ultrasonic bone scalpel, and design the overall length of the ultrasonic bone scalpel to half a wavelength. Propose an optimization design method of ultrasonic bone knife with compound horn and compound horn structure. Test the performance of the ultrasonic bone scalpel and complete the cutting experiments of the hard and soft tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the capacities of self-learning, acquainted capacities, high-speed looking for ideal arrangements, solid nonlinear fitting, and mapping self-assertively complex nonlinear relations, neural systems have made incredible advances and accomplished broad application over the final half-century. As one of the foremost conspicuous methods for fake insights, neural systems are growing toward high computational speed andmoo control utilization. Due to the inborn impediments of electronic gadgets, it may be troublesome for electronic-implemented neural systems to make the strides these two exhibitions encourage. Optical neural systems can combine optoelectronic procedures and neural organizationmodels to provide ways to break the bottleneck. This paper outlines optical neural networks of feedforward repetitive and spiking models to give a clearer picture of history, wildernesses, and future optical neural systems. The framework demonstrates neural systems in optic communication with the serial and parallel setup. The graphene-based laser structure for fiber optic communication is discussed. The comparison of different balance plans for photonic neural systems is made within the setting of hereditary calculation and molecule swarm optimization. In expansion, the execution comparison of routine photonic neural, time-domain with and without extending commotion is additionally expounded. The challenges and future patterns of optical neural systems on the growing scale and applications of in situ preparing nonlinear computing will hence be uncovered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrasound imaging of the eye was introduced over 50 years ago. While the physical principles of ultrasound imaging have not changed, technology has undergone tremendous and ongoing development. The fundamentals of ultrasound physics, biometry (A-scan), structural imaging (B-scan), and blood-flow imaging and measurement (Doppler) will be described. Emphasis will be placed on technological development and potential future advances. While A- and B-scan ultrasound of the eye has traditionally been performed with focused single-element transducers, the introduction of annular and linear arrays has enhanced clinical utility. Future advances, especially in multielement arrays, and point-of-care systems promise amazing new capabilities for diagnostic imaging of the eye and orbit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate arterial blood pressure measurement is crucial in order to provide safe and appropriate care to patients in both theatre and the intensive care setting. Blood pressure is a measure of haemodynamic status and stability. This article will review the physical principles of both non-invasive and invasive methods of blood pressure measurement. We will cover historical measurement, commonly used techniques in clinical practice and more recent developments in blood pressure monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The operation of working machines is accompanied by the constant occurrence of vibrations and shocks, generated by various constructive, kinematic and dynamic factors. The study of the vibro-acoustic aspect of mechanical transmissions and, in particular, of precessional planetary ones is a primary concern for engine ers in the field of machine building technologies. The paper presents the research of precessional planetary transmissions under the vibro-aco ustic aspect in the anechoic chamber, which is a room, in sulated with sound-absorbing material against external noises and isolated anti-vibration. To process the vibro-acoustic signals received as a result of the measurements, the Fourier harmonic series will be applied, a mathematical function that can be used to find the basic frequencies that make up a wave. The final result is the detection of vibration and noise generating sources, the decoding of signals by means of Fourier series and the advancement of constructive-technological solutions to minimize the vibro-acoustic level.

AbstractObjective To observe the characteristics of a new extracorporeal high intensity focused ultrasound transducer, titled Haifu system JCQ-B, and to compare its safety and efficacy for breast ablation with the standard Haifu system JC transducer.Materials and methods Ox liver with pig skin and pork ribs were prepared in a semi-sphere shape, served as in vitro acoustic model. The udders of female goats were used as in vivo acoustic model. Both in vitro and in vivo models were ablated by either JCQ-B or JC transducer. The morphology of biological focal region (BFR), the coagulative necrosis volume, and the temperature increase were observed and compared.Results The BFR morphology of JCQ-B transducer was circular both in vitro and in vivo, with a length-width ratio close to one. Under the same sonication parameters (sonication power, time and depth in tissue), coagulation necrosis volume caused by JCQ-B transducer was larger than that caused by JC transducer both in vitro and in vivo. The increase in temperature in the near and far acoustic pathways with JCQ-B transducer was significantly lower than that of JC transducer in vitro. After receiving high sonication energy during in vivo experimentation, there were no complications observed after the ablation of JCQ-B transducer, while small skin damage was observed after the ablation of JC transducer.Conclusions The JCQ-B transducer improved the safety and efficacy of treatment by optimizing BFR morphology and ablation efficiency, which could be applied in the treatment of breast tumor.

Capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (cMUT) technology has steadily advanced since its advent in the mid-1990’s. Though cMUTs have not supplanted piezoelectric transducers for medical ultrasound imaging to date, researchers and engineers are continuing to improve cMUTs and leverage unique cMUT characteristics toward new applications. While not intended to be an exhaustive review of every aspect of cMUT state-of-the-art, this article provides a brief overview of cMUT benefits, challenges, and opportunities, as well as recent progress in cMUT research and translation.

In the field of ultrasonic seismic physical simulation, the physical simulation technology of 3D in-seam wave seismic has rarely been carried out and there are limited related works reported. To successfully make the Love in-seam wave be simulated, the consideration of wave field characteristics of the in-seam wave, model design, data acquisition system, and solid acquisition coupling systematically is necessary. Therefore, the experimental researches were conducted on the key technological characteristics analysis of the 3D in-seam wave seismic physical simulation, and the performance characteristics of the key device of transmitting and receiving system called transducer. Also, the researches focused on the excitation and receiving methods of transducer groups with different diameters, the design and manufacture of the in-seam wave physical model and the data acquisition of the solid model. The Love transmission in-seam wave with obvious characteristics was successfully simulated. The results show that ① when the model is designed, the thickness of the coal seam should not be greater than 30 mm, but must be greater than 2 times the size of the transducer and equivalent to the probe excitation wavelength, otherwise the obvious Love in-seam wave cannot be successfully excited. ② The plane transducer with a diameter of 8 mm are superior to the point transducer with a diameter of 1 mm in terms of energy transmission efficiency, wavelet amplitude-frequency characteristics and other parameters without any load. ③ Different groups of point transducers and plane transducers are used as excitation and receiving points. When aluminum plate and organic glass plate are adopted as loads for synthetic testing, to achieve the physical simulation of the 3D in-seam wave, the plane transducer can only be used as the receiving point, and the excitation source can be optional randomly. ④ The Love in-seam wave collected and excited by planar transducer has a high signal-to-noise ratio and strong airy phase energy, clearly distinguishing the collapse columns and faults in the model. While the in-seam wave recorded and excited by point transducer has a weak signal-to-noise ratio and airy phase energy, which cannot identify the structure in the model.

This research is focused on enhancing the capabilities of scanning electrochemical impedance microscopy (SEIM) for detecting gold nanoparticle-labelled antibodies using electrochemically modified platinum ultramicroelectrode. The primary objective was to address the high resistance issue encountered in previous measurements with SEIM via the utilization of SEIM probes based on micro-electrodes modified by platinum microstructures, which improved the sensitivity and precision of the detection of targeted biomolecules. The modified probe resulted in a lowered charge transfer resistance by over ten times and a decrease in detection to around 100 fg/mL. We suggest potential applications in various biotechnological and biomedical fields, with future research expected to further refine this technique.

Purpose: To determine whether a 24 MHz transducer significantly improves sensitivity, specificity and accuracy in evaluating flexor tendon repair integrity compared with an 18 MHz transducer. Methods: One hundred and twelve cadaveric digits were randomised to an intact repair or simulated 'failed' repair, and to a two‐ or eight‐strand repair of a flexor digitorum profundus laceration. A blinded sonologist evaluated specimens in static mode using 18 and 24 MHz transducers. Gaps were remeasured after scanning, and final gap width recorded. McNemar's exact test calculated differences between sensitivity, specificity and accuracy, and chi‐squared test to compare sensitivity, specificity and accuracy between number of strands (2 vs. 8) and repair gap (≥4 mm). Results: The 24 MHz transducer had higher sensitivity (81 vs. 59%), lower specificity (67 vs. 70%) and higher overall accuracy (74 vs. 64%), than the 18 MHz transducer. The difference for sensitivity was significant (P = 0.011), but not differences for specificity and overall accuracy (P > 0.05). Pearson's correlation (r = 0.61) demonstrated a moderate‐to‐strong positive correlation between measured and true gap sizes. Increased number of suture strands (2 vs. 8) did not impair sensitivity, specificity nor accuracy. Discussion: Ultrasound may tend to overestimate gap width, and a slight risk that some intact repairs, or those with small, clinically insignificant gaps may undergo surgical exploration that may not be indicated. Conclusions: A 24 MHz transducer is a more sensitive and accurate transducer for assessing flexor tendon repair integrity and measuring small gaps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scanning acoustic microscopy (SAM) is a potent and nondestructive technique capable of producing three‐dimensional topographic and tomographic images of specimens. This is achieved by measuring the differences in time of flight (ToF) of acoustic signals emitted from various regions of the sample. The measurement accuracy of SAM strongly depends on the ToF measurement, which is affected by tilt in either the scanning stage or the sample stage. Hence, compensating for the ToF shift resulting from sample tilt is imperative for obtaining precise topographic and tomographic profiles of the samples in a SAM. In the present work, we propose an automated tilt compensation in ToF of acoustic signal based on proposed curve fitting method. Unlike the conventional method, the proposed approach does not demand manually choosing three separate coordinate points from SAM's time domain data. The effectiveness of the proposed curve fitting method is demonstrated by compensating time shifts in ToF data of a coin due to the presence of tilt. The method is implemented for the correction of different amounts of tilt in the coin corresponding to angles 6.67°, 12.65° and 15.95°. It is observed that the present method can perform time offset correction in the time domain data of SAM with an accuracy of 45 arcsec. The experimental results confirm the effectiveness of the suggested tilt compensation technique in SAM, indicating its potential for future applications. LAY DESCRIPTION: Scanning Acoustic Microscopy (SAM) is like a special microscope that helps us look inside objects without breaking them. It does this by using sound waves and measuring how long they take to bounce back. This measurement helps us make 3D images of what is inside. But sometimes, the things we want to look at are not perfectly flat, like a tilted coin. When objects are not perfectly flat and are tilted, the images produced by SAM can contain errors or inaccuracies. These errors can affect the quality and precision of the images, making it important to find ways to correct for these tilt‐related issues. So, in this study, we found a way to fix those mistakes automatically. Normally, a person has to choose specific points on the pictures to fix them, but our new way does not need that. We tested our new method on a tilted coin, and it worked well. It made the images more accurate, even when the coin was tilted at different angles. This means that our method can make SAM even better at showing us what is inside things, and it could be really useful in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Propellantless propulsion with a greater thrust-to-power ratio than photon rockets and functioning independently from the Sun or Earth-based lasers promise to revolutionize interstellar space travel. Claims of micronewtons in force for a Mach-Effect-Thruster on a torsion balance in vacuum, along with theories predicting mass fluctuations in a device with large fluctuations in internal energy, have paved the way for experimental investigations. In this experiment originally conceived by Woodward, devices are subjected to high centrifugal acceleration for direct measurement of mass fluctuations using an embedded force transducer. The test devices included a capacitor stack, a toroid and a pre-stressed, multi-layer piezoelectric stack in which electromechanical energy was varied. This paper first describes the design of a centrifugal balance: a rotating apparatus with low eccentricity and maximal angular frequency of 3600 rpm, capable of applying an acceleration above 1000 g's to the test device. The piezoelectric force transducer was characterized and calibrated under quasi-static conditions using an electrodynamic test instrument. The second harmonic response of the force transducer was then examined at different rotational rates to identify the presence of mass fluctuations. The experiment revealed a maximal resolution of 40 μg over a 100 kHz measurement bandwidth. Results with the electrostatic and inductive devices did not show mass fluctuations, orders of magnitude below the prediction. Even if the measurement resolution with the piezoelectric stack was more strongly affected by the centrifugal force, electromagnetic interaction, and nonlinear behavior, the measured noise reached one order of magnitude below the mass fluctuation prediction as well. Despite some limitations with the calibration and with the piezoelectric test device, the experiments have successfully demonstrated the feasibility of the centrifugal balance for high-frequency and high-precision mass variation measurements and have ruled out the postulated Mach-Effect mass fluctuations. • Development of novel thrust balance to investigate mass fluctuations in high frequency regime up to 100 kHz • Direct measurement of mass fluctuation claim for Mach-Effect thruster concept • Null-measurement sets new limits for theory [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current fundamental electrochemical research shows the potential of utilizing polymeric nanostructured materials as ion-to-electron transducers. In this paper, aniline was polymerized in the presence of TiO2 and CuO nanoparticles to yield a bimetallic/PANI nanocomposite. It was applied as a transducer in a carbon paste electrode for the potentiometric determination of vildagliptin in the presence of 18-crown-6-ether as a recognition element. The electrode's potentiometric performance was studied according to the IUPAC guidelines. It exhibited a wide linearity range of 1 × 10−2 M to 1 × 10−8 M, remarkable sensitivity (LOD of 4.5 × 10−9 M), and a fast response time of 10 s ± 1.3. The sensor did not show any potential drift due to the absence of the water layer between the carbon paste and the metallic conductor. This endowed the sensor with high stability and a long lifetime, as 137 days passed without the need to change the carbon paste surface. The electrode was utilized for the determination of the concentration of vildagliptin in bulk, pharmaceutical tablets, and human plasma, with average recovery ranging from 97.65% to 100.03%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Design optimization of a multilayer transducer is desired for flaw detection, biomedical and underwater applications by controlling layer thicknesses of active material and volume fractions of ceramic in each piezocomposite layer. To handle the computational complexity in solving such multivariate optimization and the complex nature of the problem, we propose a parallel genetic algorithm (GA)-based strategy. The complexity of the problem increases with the number of layers and layer-wise ceramic volume fraction to achieve an optimized transducer working efficiently in an operational frequency range as desired by the application specification. The fitness function is formulated based on the transducer response in terms of about the same value of pressure magnitude at the first three harmonics at functional frequencies. The fitness value is computed using a one-dimensional model (ODM) for PMNPT, PZT4d, and PZT5h-based materials initially, while input layer thicknesses and volume fractions are evaluated through GAs and passed to ODM. The overall scheme is maintained through parallel GAs. The simulation is performed by using 1, 4, 6, and 8 core machines to reduce time complexity. The results for parallel GA-ODMs are statistically represented in the minimum, maximum, mean and standard deviation of fitness, while graphically represented for speedup and time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An all‐solid‐state impedance metric hydrogen‐phosphate ion sensor device has been tried to fabricate using BaTiO3 as a transducer and spinel‐type oxide receptor. AC impedance measurement was carried out using flow‐cell system with boric‐acid buffer solution with hydrogen‐phosphate ion The Co2RhO4/BaTiO3 sensor device was found to show impedance responses to hydrogen‐phosphate ion at 5 × 10−4 M and 1.0 × 10−2 M with the 90% response time of ca. 150 s. The Co2RhO4/BaTiO3 device showed good response characteristics among the tested devices in terms of sensitivity and restoration rate. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accurate measurement of physiological pressures is vital in both anaesthesia and intensive care. To obtain the greatest accuracy, invasive and semi-invasive pressure monitors can be used to measure different fluid and compartment pressures (arterial, venous, intracranial, abdominal, etc.). This article will focus primarily on the measurement of arterial blood pressure. Pressure is a measure of force applied over an area; pulsatile pressure can be measured using waveform analysis. Accurate measurement of this requires a transducer to convert a pressure wave into a form of energy that can be accurately displayed. A pressure waveform seen in an arterial line trace is composed of multiple sine waves 'layered' on top of one another (The fundamental or 'biggest' wave and multiple harmonics). Blood pressure can be affected by pressure wave frequencies interacting with the measuring system causing amplification (resonance). Equally the measuring system can absorb energy leading to a reduction (damping) of the size of the measured pressure wave. These two effects lead to inaccuracy in blood pressure measurement, but can be compensated for. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past few decades, the rapid and expanding usage of high-pressure technologies in science and engineering has prompted researchers to focus on developing better instruments and technologies with improved measurement uncertainties for various applications. Such efforts resulted in the development of new and advanced measurement techniques and standards to address calibration challenges and provide traceability to users. In the present study, an indigenous strain gauge-type pressure transducer has been designed, developed, tested, and calibrated for pressure measurements up to 1000 MPa. The sensing element's cylindrical shape was used, providing a cost-effective and straightforward approach for designing a pressure transducer over a wide pressure range. It also ensures a leak-proof and locked connection to the external environment, with no over-constrained contacts. The calibration and performance checking of the pressure transducer has been carried out using the national primary pressure standard with the internationally accepted calibration procedure. The transducer response under pressure is highly linear during its performance evaluation. As a result, the transducer performs satisfactorily within the reasonable measurement uncertainty of 0.5% of the full scale. The pressure transducer developed may help trace the user industries and calibration laboratories in the high range of pressure measurement and serve as a pressure transfer standard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Receptor functions of metal‐carbonates for solid‐electrolyte impedancemetric gas sensor based on Li‐ionic conductor (Li1.5Al0.5Ti1.5[PO4]3) were studied. It was revealed that sensors attached with metal‐carbonate receptors rarely responded to CO2, on the contrary, they well responded to NOx. In addition, it was found that the responses to NOx differed depending on the metal‐carbonates. The sensor using the binary carbonate (Li2CO3 + CaCO3) receptor showed high NO2 sensitivity and different NO responses at 300 °C, 50 Hz, i.e., other devices responded to NO2 and NO with same direction, while the binary carbonates (Li2CO3 + CaCO3) system responded to NO2 and NO in the opposite direction, which should give selective detection among NO and NO2. © 2023 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This paper develops an analytical 3D model of ultrasonic welding transducers. The presented model investigates the effects of the workpiece's stiffness and material properties on transducers' frequency response and mode shape. Longitudinal and lateral vibration is taken into account in the model. To analyze the forced vibration of the transducer, the effect of piezoelectric and excitation electrical fields are considered. The structural damping is considered as an imaginary Young's modulus. For validation of the model, a transducer, booster, and horn with specific dimensions and physical properties is modeled in ANSYS software. Its resonant frequency is compared with the mathematical model. Then, the system is fabricated for experimental tests. The resonant frequency in the analytical model, simulation, and experimental test is achieved, 19,208, 19,280 , and 19,203 Hz, respectively. There is a 0.02% error between the analytical model and the experimental test. The Anti-resonant frequency in the analytical model is 19265 Hz which has a 0.02% error with the experiment (19,270 Hz). The admittance at a resonant frequency in the analytical model is 0.01755 mS which has a 0.2% error with the experiment (0.0176 mS). The mechanical quality factor of the transducer and its vibration amplitude is calculated by the developed analytical model according to the mechanical properties of the components.

Introduction: Both curvilinear and phased array transducers are commonly used to perform lung ultrasound (LUS). This study seeks to compare LUS interpretation accuracy of images obtained using a curvilinear transducer with those obtained using a phased array transducer. Methods: We invited 166 internists and trainees to interpret 16 LUS images/cineloops of eight patients in an online survey: eight curvilinear and eight phased array, performed on the same lung location. Images depicted normal lung, pneumothorax, pleural irregularities, consolidation/hepatisation, pleural effusions and B‐lines. Primary outcome for each participant is the difference in image interpretation accuracy scores between the two transducers. Results: A total of 112 (67%) participants completed the survey. The mean paired accuracy score difference between the curvilinear and phased array images was 3.0% (95% CI: 0.6 to 5.4%, P = 0.015). For novices, scores were higher on curvilinear images (mean difference: 5.4%, 95% CI: 0.9 to 9.9%, P = 0.020). For non‐novices, there were no differences between the two transducers (mean difference: 1.4%, 95% CI: −1.1 to 3.9%, P = 0.263). For pleural‐based findings, the mean of the paired differences between transducers was higher in the novice group (estimated mean difference‐in‐differences: 9.5%, 95% CI: 0.6 to 18.4%; P = 0.036). No difference in mean accuracies was noted between novices and non‐novices for non‐pleural‐based pathologies (estimated mean difference‐in‐differences: 0.6%, 95% CI to 5.4–6.6%; P = 0.837). Conclusions: Lung ultrasound images obtained using the curvilinear transducer are associated with higher interpretation accuracy than the phased array transducer. This is especially true for novices interpreting pleural‐based pathologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The following document presents the development of a humidity sensor for cocoa crops using IoT and Arduino. Its purpose is to showcase the various applications that new technologies can offer, particularly in the cocoa industry. It involves designing a humidity sensor node to measure changes in humidity and temperature using the electronic design tool Proteus. The measurement module is programmed in Arduino IDE and connected to the cloud via IoT, incorporating Node-RED as a means to remotely visualize real-time results. This is achieved through a presentation dashboard as the final output of the measurement process, collecting data on climate changes received by the transducer and comparing them with data obtained from the web over a specified period. This process verifies the sensor's efficiency and data accuracy, setting a precedent for future research in applied electronics, IoT, and telecommunications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regular synchronization languages can be used to define rational relations of finite words, and to characterize subclasses of rational relations, like automatic or recognizable relations. We provide a systematic study of the decidability of uniformization and definability problems for subclasses of rational relations defined in terms of such synchronization languages. We rephrase known results in this setting and complete the picture by adding several new decidability and undecidability results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We selected a novel biotin-binding peptide for sensing biotin, biotinylated proteins, and nucleotides. From a 15-mer library displayed on the RNA coliphage Qβ, a 15-amino acid long peptide (HGHGWQIPVWPWGQG) hereby referred to as a nanotag was identified to selectively bind biotin. The target selection was achieved through panning with elution by infection. The selected peptide was tested as a transducer for an immunogenic epitope of the foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) on Qβ phage platform separated by a linker. The biotin-tag showed no significant influence on the affinity of the epitope to its cognate antibody (SD6). The nanotag-bound biotin selectively fused either to the C- or N-terminus of the epitope. The epitope would not bind or recognize SD6 while positioned at the N-terminus of the nanotag. Additionally, the biotin competed linearly with the SD6 antibody in a competitive ELISA. Competition assays using the selected recombinant phage itself as a probe or transducer enable the operationalization of this technology as a biosensor toolkit to sense and quantify SD6 analyte. Herein, the published Strep II nanotag (DVEWLDERVPLVET) was used as a control and has similar functionalities to our proposed novel biotin-tag thereby providing a new platform for developing devices for diagnostic purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, the demand for advanced functional materials in transducer technology is growing rapidly. Piezoelectric materials transform mechanical variables (displacement or force) into electrical signals (charge or voltage) and vice versa. They are interesting from both fundamental and application points of view. Ferrooelectrets (also called piezoelectrets) are a relatively young group of piezo-, pyro- and ferroelectric materials. They exhibit ferroic behavior phenomenologically undistinguishable from that of traditional ferroelectrics, although the materials per se are essentially non-polar space-charge electrets with artificial macroscopic dipoles (i.e., internally charged cavities). A lot of work has been done on ferroelectrets and their applications up to now. In this paper, we review and discuss mostly the work done at University of Potsdam on the research and development of ferroelectrets. We will, however, also mention important results from other teams, and prospect the challenges and future progress trend of the field of ferroelectret research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents an experimental study of the influence of radiation on structural health monitoring systems based on the electromechanical impedance method using low-cost piezoelectric diaphragms. For application of the method, the baseline was obtained without radiation and then compared by damage indices after application of radiation. Considering applications in nuclear power plants, the irradiation and calculation of damage indices were performed in the range of 10 kGy–60 kGy at 10 kGy intervals. Impedance measurements were performed in seven frequency bands between 0 and 65 kHz. The results show that, due to the change in the impedance signatures, the damage indices values increase according to the total applied radiation dose, which may indicate a false indication of damage. Besides, results indicate that there are frequency bands less sensitive to radiation and a threshold can be defined to distinguish radiation from structural damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]