Pub Date : 2025-01-13DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2025.103169
Frederik Hennecke , Jonas Bömer , René H.J. Heim
In agriculture, the plant leaf angle influences light use efficiency and photosynthesis and, consequently, the overall crop performance. Leaf angle measurements are used in plant phenotyping, plant breeding, and remote sensing to study plant function and structure. Traditional manual leaf angle measurements have limited precision as they are labor- and time-intensive due to challenging environmental conditions and highly dynamic plant processes. To enable more detailed studies on leaf angles, we modified a well-established automated farming robot to obtain high-resolution 3D point clouds at customizable intervals of individual plants using stereo vision. We demonstrate the system's accuracy and reliability, with minimal deviation from reference values. The method can be utilized by other researchers to gather data on leaf angles and other structural plant traits at regular intervals to access the dynamics of leaves, plants, and canopies. The system's low cost and adaptability can enhance the efficiency of crop monitoring in plant breeding and phenotyping experiments. Detailed documentation and code are available on GitHub.
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An open-source farming robot is retrofitted to function as an automatic data collection platform
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Hard to access leaf angles can be retrieved with high accuracy
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Leaf angle dynamics can be observed with high temporal resolution
{"title":"Modification of an automated precision farming robot for high temporal resolution measurement of leaf angle dynamics using stereo vision","authors":"Frederik Hennecke , Jonas Bömer , René H.J. Heim","doi":"10.1016/j.mex.2025.103169","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mex.2025.103169","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In agriculture, the plant leaf angle influences light use efficiency and photosynthesis and, consequently, the overall crop performance. Leaf angle measurements are used in plant phenotyping, plant breeding, and remote sensing to study plant function and structure. Traditional manual leaf angle measurements have limited precision as they are labor- and time-intensive due to challenging environmental conditions and highly dynamic plant processes. To enable more detailed studies on leaf angles, we modified a well-established automated farming robot to obtain high-resolution 3D point clouds at customizable intervals of individual plants using stereo vision. We demonstrate the system's accuracy and reliability, with minimal deviation from reference values. The method can be utilized by other researchers to gather data on leaf angles and other structural plant traits at regular intervals to access the dynamics of leaves, plants, and canopies. The system's low cost and adaptability can enhance the efficiency of crop monitoring in plant breeding and phenotyping experiments. Detailed documentation and code are available on <span><span>GitHub</span><svg><path></path></svg></span>.<ul><li><span>•</span><span><div>An open-source farming robot is retrofitted to function as an automatic data collection platform</div></span></li><li><span>•</span><span><div>Hard to access leaf angles can be retrieved with high accuracy</div></span></li><li><span>•</span><span><div>Leaf angle dynamics can be observed with high temporal resolution</div></span></li></ul></div></div>","PeriodicalId":18446,"journal":{"name":"MethodsX","volume":"14 ","pages":"Article 103169"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11787487/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143079901","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Seedlessness in table grapes is a desirable trait for consumers. Plant growth regulators (PGRs) have been extensively utilized to induce seedlessness. However, the efficacy of these PGRs is not uniformly successful. In addition, the seedlessness is difficult to detect by cutting and counting technique. The shortwave-near infrared spectroscopy (SW-NIRS), coupled with suitable chemometric analysis, is a non-destructive method for sorting and prediction of seedlessness grapes. The NIRS is higher efficiency than original technique in term of accuracy, measuring time and waste reduction.
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The SW-NIR spectra of 240 grape berries were recorded. Each reflectance spectrum was acquired in the wavenumber of 3996–12,489 cm−1. After that all grape berries were cut and count for seedlessness sorting.All spectral together with seedlessness sorting were be analysis by chemometrics.
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The NIR spectral data were analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA). In addition, supervised self-organizing map (SSOM) and quadratic discriminant analysis (QDA) were applied to classify the seedlessness.
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The PCA results represented a negative tendency to classify the seedlessness. Clear classification tendency can be obtained from SOMs. Good predictive results from SSOM were obtained, as it gave a percentage correctly classified of 97.14 and 94.64% for training and test sample sets, respectively.
{"title":"NIRS as an alternative method for table grapes Seedlessness sorting","authors":"Chaorai Kanchanomai , Parichat Theanjumpol , Phonkrit Maniwara , Sila Kittiwachana , Sujitra Funsueb , Shintaroh Ohashi , Daruni Naphrom","doi":"10.1016/j.mex.2024.103089","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mex.2024.103089","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Seedlessness in table grapes is a desirable trait for consumers. Plant growth regulators (PGRs) have been extensively utilized to induce seedlessness. However, the efficacy of these PGRs is not uniformly successful. In addition, the seedlessness is difficult to detect by cutting and counting technique. The shortwave-near infrared spectroscopy (SW-NIRS), coupled with suitable chemometric analysis, is a non-destructive method for sorting and prediction of seedlessness grapes. The NIRS is higher efficiency than original technique in term of accuracy, measuring time and waste reduction.<ul><li><span>•</span><span><div>The SW-NIR spectra of 240 grape berries were recorded. Each reflectance spectrum was acquired in the wavenumber of 3996–12,489 cm<sup>−1</sup>. After that all grape berries were cut and count for seedlessness sorting.All spectral together with seedlessness sorting were be analysis by chemometrics.</div></span></li><li><span>•</span><span><div>The NIR spectral data were analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA). In addition, supervised self-organizing map (SSOM) and quadratic discriminant analysis (QDA) were applied to classify the seedlessness.</div></span></li><li><span>•</span><span><div>The PCA results represented a negative tendency to classify the seedlessness. Clear classification tendency can be obtained from SOMs. Good predictive results from SSOM were obtained, as it gave a percentage correctly classified of 97.14 and 94.64% for training and test sample sets, respectively.</div></span></li></ul></div></div>","PeriodicalId":18446,"journal":{"name":"MethodsX","volume":"14 ","pages":"Article 103089"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143096627","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-11DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2025.103168
Ismail Xodabande, Mahmood Reza Atai, Mohammad R. Hashemi
This article introduces a protocol designed to analyze large corpora for vocabulary profiling, aimed at enhancing corpus-based studies of academic discourse. Given the complexity and volume of data typical in academic fields, this protocol integrates advanced corpus compilation techniques with lexical analysis tools to effectively identify and categorize vocabulary suitable for academic use. The study details the systematic process of compiling a large corpus of academic texts, and describes the adaptations made to corpus linguistics tools to handle and analyze a corpus with 278 million running words efficiently. Validation of the mid-frequency word list demonstrated its strong relevance to chemistry, with 6.4% coverage in chemistry research articles and 2.5–3% coverage in related disciplines like biology and life sciences. However, the coverage was much lower in general corpora, highlighting its specialized nature. This methodology not only provides a framework for academic vocabulary profiling but also offers scalable solutions for educators and researchers dealing with extensive text datasets. The findings contribute to advancing vocabulary research in chemistry and related fields, offering practical applications for improving educational resources and designing more effective curricula for academic English. The resulting vocabulary lists have significant implications for the design of curricula and educational resources, aiming to improve both the precision and effectiveness of language instruction in specialized academic settings.
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Developed a scalable protocol for analyzing large text data for vocabulary profiling.
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Applied advanced lexical analysis to a 278-million-word academic corpus.
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The mid-frequency vocabulary list produced offers pedagogical value in academic discourse.
{"title":"Analyzing large text data for vocabulary profiling in corpus-based studies of academic discourse","authors":"Ismail Xodabande, Mahmood Reza Atai, Mohammad R. Hashemi","doi":"10.1016/j.mex.2025.103168","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mex.2025.103168","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This article introduces a protocol designed to analyze large corpora for vocabulary profiling, aimed at enhancing corpus-based studies of academic discourse. Given the complexity and volume of data typical in academic fields, this protocol integrates advanced corpus compilation techniques with lexical analysis tools to effectively identify and categorize vocabulary suitable for academic use. The study details the systematic process of compiling a large corpus of academic texts, and describes the adaptations made to corpus linguistics tools to handle and analyze a corpus with 278 million running words efficiently. Validation of the mid-frequency word list demonstrated its strong relevance to chemistry, with 6.4% coverage in chemistry research articles and 2.5–3% coverage in related disciplines like biology and life sciences. However, the coverage was much lower in general corpora, highlighting its specialized nature. This methodology not only provides a framework for academic vocabulary profiling but also offers scalable solutions for educators and researchers dealing with extensive text datasets. The findings contribute to advancing vocabulary research in chemistry and related fields, offering practical applications for improving educational resources and designing more effective curricula for academic English. The resulting vocabulary lists have significant implications for the design of curricula and educational resources, aiming to improve both the precision and effectiveness of language instruction in specialized academic settings.<ul><li><span>•</span><span><div>Developed a scalable protocol for analyzing large text data for vocabulary profiling.</div></span></li><li><span>•</span><span><div>Applied advanced lexical analysis to a 278-million-word academic corpus.</div></span></li><li><span>•</span><span><div>The mid-frequency vocabulary list produced offers pedagogical value in academic discourse.</div></span></li></ul></div></div>","PeriodicalId":18446,"journal":{"name":"MethodsX","volume":"14 ","pages":"Article 103168"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11787486/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143080626","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ASD is a mental developmental disorder that significantly impacts the behavioural and communicational abilities of the child. ASD is affecting the world hard, and its global presence continuously increases. One of the reasons for this trend may be a pandemic, which increases screen time for children and decreases communication with peers or family. A lengthy and subjective non-clinical procedure is currently placed for detecting ASD, which is followed by a series of therapy sessions to cure it. This research introduces a novel method for eye gaze analysis to identify autistic traits in children. This proposed work offers
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A novel method of ConvNextBase and LightGBM leveraging eye position as a feature for early detection of autistic traits.
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A new ConvNextBase architecture proposed with few unfreezed layers and extra dense layers with units of 512 and 128, respectively, and dropout layers with a rate of 0.5 that extract rich, high-level, and more complex features from the images to improve generalization and mitigate overfitting.
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A LightGBM model performed classification using 3-fold cross-validation and found the best parameters for bagging_function, feature_fraction, max_depth, Number_of_leaves and learning_rate with values of 0.8, 0.8, −1, 31 and 0.1 respectively, to improve the model's robustness on unseen data.
This proposed method is trained and tested on the publicly available Kaggle dataset, and results are benchmarked with other state-of-the-art methods. The experimentation finding shows that the proposed systems outperform other cutting-edge techniques in accuracy and specificity by 95 % and 98 %, respectively. Furthermore, the model achieved a precision of 93 %, showing that the model effectively reduces false positives and identifies false positives correctly. The classification process yielded 91 % under the AUC-ROC curve, showing the model's strong classification capability.
{"title":"Leveraging hybrid model of ConvNextBase and LightGBM for early ASD detection via eye-gaze analysis","authors":"Ranjeet Bidwe , Sashikala Mishra , Simi Bajaj , Ketan Kotecha","doi":"10.1016/j.mex.2025.103166","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mex.2025.103166","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>ASD is a mental developmental disorder that significantly impacts the behavioural and communicational abilities of the child. ASD is affecting the world hard, and its global presence continuously increases. One of the reasons for this trend may be a pandemic, which increases screen time for children and decreases communication with peers or family. A lengthy and subjective non-clinical procedure is currently placed for detecting ASD, which is followed by a series of therapy sessions to cure it. This research introduces a novel method for eye gaze analysis to identify autistic traits in children. This proposed work offers<ul><li><span>•</span><span><div>A novel method of ConvNextBase and LightGBM leveraging eye position as a feature for early detection of autistic traits.</div></span></li><li><span>•</span><span><div>A new ConvNextBase architecture proposed with few unfreezed layers and extra dense layers with units of 512 and 128, respectively, and dropout layers with a rate of 0.5 that extract rich, high-level, and more complex features from the images to improve generalization and mitigate overfitting.</div></span></li><li><span>•</span><span><div>A LightGBM model performed classification using 3-fold cross-validation and found the best parameters for bagging_function, feature_fraction, max_depth, Number_of_leaves and learning_rate with values of 0.8, 0.8, −1, 31 and 0.1 respectively, to improve the model's robustness on unseen data.</div></span></li></ul>This proposed method is trained and tested on the publicly available Kaggle dataset, and results are benchmarked with other state-of-the-art methods. The experimentation finding shows that the proposed systems outperform other cutting-edge techniques in accuracy and specificity by 95 % and 98 %, respectively. Furthermore, the model achieved a precision of 93 %, showing that the model effectively reduces false positives and identifies false positives correctly. The classification process yielded 91 % under the AUC-ROC curve, showing the model's strong classification capability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18446,"journal":{"name":"MethodsX","volume":"14 ","pages":"Article 103166"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11782593/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143079799","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-10DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2025.103167
Hana Farizah Zamri , Mohammad Ridhuan Mohd Ali , Ahmad Izzan Irfan Sha'ari , Nurul Husna Mohd Mazalan , Norazah Ahmad , Nur Asyura Nor Amdan , Nusaibah Abdul Rahim , Zakuan Zainy Deris
Non-clinical pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PKPD) models are crucial in the initial design of drug-dosage regimens and in drug development but has rarely been employed for testing high-risk organisms due to stringent handling procedures. Burkholderia pseudomallei is classified as a Tier 1 select agent with international guidelines recommending this organism to be handled within a biosafety level 3 (BSL3) facility. Unfortunately, BSL3 facilities are not widely available in low-resource settings. This paper describes a detailed guide for setting up an in vitro pharmacodynamic infection model specific for testing B. pseudomallei outside BSL 3 laboratory. Briefly in this study,
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All procedures involving active handling of live B. pseudomallei cultures were performed strictly inside a class II BSC in BSL-2 plus negative airflow laboratory.
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The model was set to simulate B. pseudomallei-bacteremia treated with ceftazidime, a 1st-line anti-melioidosis drug with an approximate 2-hour half-life. Model validation was performed by simulating ceftazidime half-life.
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For the pharmacodynamic study, ceftazidime was given as bolus injections at 8-hour intervals into the central culture chamber containing actively growing B. pseudomallei.
{"title":"Adaptation of an in vitro one-compartment pharmacodynamic chemostat for testing efficacy of ceftazidime against Burkholderia pseudomallei outside a BSL3 facility","authors":"Hana Farizah Zamri , Mohammad Ridhuan Mohd Ali , Ahmad Izzan Irfan Sha'ari , Nurul Husna Mohd Mazalan , Norazah Ahmad , Nur Asyura Nor Amdan , Nusaibah Abdul Rahim , Zakuan Zainy Deris","doi":"10.1016/j.mex.2025.103167","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mex.2025.103167","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Non-clinical pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PKPD) models are crucial in the initial design of drug-dosage regimens and in drug development but has rarely been employed for testing high-risk organisms due to stringent handling procedures. <em>Burkholderia pseudomallei</em> is classified as a Tier 1 select agent with international guidelines recommending this organism to be handled within a biosafety level 3 (BSL3) facility. Unfortunately, BSL3 facilities are not widely available in low-resource settings. This paper describes a detailed guide for setting up an <em>in vitro</em> pharmacodynamic infection model specific for testing <em>B. pseudomallei</em> outside BSL 3 laboratory. Briefly in this study,<ul><li><span>•</span><span><div>All procedures involving active handling of live <em>B. pseudomallei</em> cultures were performed strictly inside a class II BSC in BSL-2 plus negative airflow laboratory.</div></span></li><li><span>•</span><span><div>The model was set to simulate <em>B. pseudomallei</em>-bacteremia treated with ceftazidime, a 1st-line anti-melioidosis drug with an approximate 2-hour half-life. Model validation was performed by simulating ceftazidime half-life.</div></span></li><li><span>•</span><span><div>For the pharmacodynamic study, ceftazidime was given as bolus injections at 8-hour intervals into the central culture chamber containing actively growing <em>B. pseudomallei</em>.</div></span></li></ul></div></div>","PeriodicalId":18446,"journal":{"name":"MethodsX","volume":"14 ","pages":"Article 103167"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11782592/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143080556","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-09DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2025.103154
Olha Biedunkova, Pavlo Kuznietsov, Oleg Pinchuk
A comprehensive method for the cooling water supply system (CWS) was investigated, which allows for the comprehensive assessment of corrosion, scale formation and biological pollution. Direct and indirect methods were used. Consequently, indirect methods included the calculation of differences in φ and ψ, the Langelier saturation index (LSI), and the Ryznar stability index (RSI), which characterise scale formation and corrosion processes based on the results of the pH, temperature, total dissolved salts, total hardness and total alkalinity measurements were measured using standard methods. Direct methods included bench tests to measure the corrosion rate (V) and scale formation rate (S). Additionally, the colony forming units (CFU) controlling with indication of an yeast and bacteria, the algae cell counts and hydrobox controlling water CWS were carried out. The comprehensive assessment method presented in this article includes adjustments to the existing method to improve its effectiveness, which is used for monitoring of spent fuel storage facilities at a Nuclear Power Plant (NPP).
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Introduced a comprehensive methodology combining direct and indirect monitoring for assessing scale formation, corrosion, and biological pollution in nuclear power plant (NPP) cooling water systems.
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Enhanced monitoring techniques enable the simultaneous assessment of corrosion resistance and scale formation potential, overcoming limitations of traditional methods.
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Incorporated colony-forming unit analysis, algae cell quantification, and hydrobox-based evaluations for a detailed understanding of biofouling.
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Validated methodology offers predictive risk modelling and optimised strategies to ensure reliability and safety in NPP operations.
{"title":"Comprehensive assessment of scale formation, corrosion, and biological pollution in a cooling water supply system","authors":"Olha Biedunkova, Pavlo Kuznietsov, Oleg Pinchuk","doi":"10.1016/j.mex.2025.103154","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mex.2025.103154","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A comprehensive method for the cooling water supply system (CWS) was investigated, which allows for the comprehensive assessment of corrosion, scale formation and biological pollution. Direct and indirect methods were used. Consequently, indirect methods included the calculation of differences in φ and ψ, the Langelier saturation index (LSI), and the Ryznar stability index (RSI), which characterise scale formation and corrosion processes based on the results of the pH, temperature, total dissolved salts, total hardness and total alkalinity measurements were measured using standard methods. Direct methods included bench tests to measure the corrosion rate (V) and scale formation rate (S). Additionally, the colony forming units (CFU) controlling with indication of an yeast and bacteria, the algae cell counts and hydrobox controlling water CWS were carried out. The comprehensive assessment method presented in this article includes adjustments to the existing method to improve its effectiveness, which is used for monitoring of spent fuel storage facilities at a Nuclear Power Plant (NPP).<ul><li><span>•</span><span><div>Introduced a comprehensive methodology combining direct and indirect monitoring for assessing scale formation, corrosion, and biological pollution in nuclear power plant (NPP) cooling water systems.</div></span></li><li><span>•</span><span><div>Enhanced monitoring techniques enable the simultaneous assessment of corrosion resistance and scale formation potential, overcoming limitations of traditional methods.</div></span></li><li><span>•</span><span><div>Incorporated colony-forming unit analysis, algae cell quantification, and hydrobox-based evaluations for a detailed understanding of biofouling.</div></span></li><li><span>•</span><span><div>Validated methodology offers predictive risk modelling and optimised strategies to ensure reliability and safety in NPP operations.</div></span></li></ul></div></div>","PeriodicalId":18446,"journal":{"name":"MethodsX","volume":"14 ","pages":"Article 103154"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11782872/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143080627","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-08DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2025.103164
Mobin Dizisaz, Mohammad Sadegh Aghareb Parast, Mohammad Azadi
The current analysis studied the analyzing method and experimental datasets of the plain and fretting fatigue lifetime of 16MnCr5 steels and the impact of duplex plasma nitriding and diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings. Standard specimens were cut from industrial piston pins used in combustion engines and machined for this objective. Subsequently, plain and fretting fatigue tests, with a fretting force of 15 N, were performed on both as-received and DLC-coated specimens at stress levels ranging from 250 to 550 MPa and under a frequency of 100 Hz. The impact of the mentioned parameters on the fatigue behavior of the samples was carefully analyzed using regression models to identify the influential or significant factors.
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Fully reversed rotary bending plain and fretting fatigue testing was conducted at stress levels ranging from 250 to 550 MPa. The fatigue lifetime of the coated samples increased by 47.7 % under pure fatigue conditions and by 85.3 % under fretting fatigue conditions, respectively.
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OM and Raman spectroscopy were used to investigate the microstructure and the DLC coating. The thickness of the DLC coating was measured at 1.956± 0.1478 micrometers, while the thickness of the white layer was 4.4248± 0.5020 micrometers.
•
Obtained fatigue data were analyzed in Design-Expert software using the Poisson method and the linear regression (no transform) method. In the results of the Poisson regression model for all fatigue data, the McFadden Pseudo R² was 94.92 %, and the Adjusted McFadden Pseudo R² was also 94.92 %. For the linear regression model analyzing all logarithmic fatigue data, the R² was 92.87 %, the Adjusted R² was 90.75 %, and the Predicted R² was 82.76 %.
{"title":"The method for impact analyzing of duplex plasma nitriding and DLC coatings on the cyclic performance of 16MnCr5 piston pin steel under plain and fretting fatigue testing","authors":"Mobin Dizisaz, Mohammad Sadegh Aghareb Parast, Mohammad Azadi","doi":"10.1016/j.mex.2025.103164","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mex.2025.103164","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The current analysis studied the analyzing method and experimental datasets of the plain and fretting fatigue lifetime of 16MnCr5 steels and the impact of duplex plasma nitriding and diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings. Standard specimens were cut from industrial piston pins used in combustion engines and machined for this objective. Subsequently, plain and fretting fatigue tests, with a fretting force of 15 N, were performed on both as-received and DLC-coated specimens at stress levels ranging from 250 to 550 MPa and under a frequency of 100 Hz. The impact of the mentioned parameters on the fatigue behavior of the samples was carefully analyzed using regression models to identify the influential or significant factors.<ul><li><span>•</span><span><div>Fully reversed rotary bending plain and fretting fatigue testing was conducted at stress levels ranging from 250 to 550 MPa. The fatigue lifetime of the coated samples increased by 47.7 % under pure fatigue conditions and by 85.3 % under fretting fatigue conditions, respectively.</div></span></li><li><span>•</span><span><div>OM and Raman spectroscopy were used to investigate the microstructure and the DLC coating. The thickness of the DLC coating was measured at 1.956± 0.1478 micrometers, while the thickness of the white layer was 4.4248± 0.5020 micrometers.</div></span></li><li><span>•</span><span><div>Obtained fatigue data were analyzed in Design-Expert software using the Poisson method and the linear regression (no transform) method. In the results of the Poisson regression model for all fatigue data, the McFadden Pseudo R² was 94.92 %, and the Adjusted McFadden Pseudo R² was also 94.92 %. For the linear regression model analyzing all logarithmic fatigue data, the R² was 92.87 %, the Adjusted R² was 90.75 %, and the Predicted R² was 82.76 %.</div></span></li></ul></div></div>","PeriodicalId":18446,"journal":{"name":"MethodsX","volume":"14 ","pages":"Article 103164"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11782594/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143080332","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Clinical trials (CTs) are essential for medical advancements, yet their increasing complexity and cost demand improved efficiency in trial management. One major challenge in multicenter studies is the inconsistency in evaluating site performance. This study aims to develop and validate a Clinical Trial Site Performance Measure (CT-SPM) to assess “good performance” across trials. The tool will be tested and refined through psychometric analysis, resulting in both a comprehensive scale and a short form for universal application. The study is conducted in three phases: Phase 1 involves metric selection through expert consensus; Phase 2 focuses on psychometric testing to evaluate the reliability and validity of the instrument; and Phase 3 defines a cut-off for “good performance” using statistical models. This protocol aims to standardize site performance evaluation, potentially reducing research costs and enhancing trial quality.
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The study develops and validates a Clinical Trial Site Performance Measure (CT-SPM) using expert consensus and psychometric testing.
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A comprehensive and short-form tool will be created to evaluate site performance in multicenter clinical trials.
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A cut-off for “good performance” will be established using statistical models, facilitating consistent and efficient site evaluations.
{"title":"Development of the clinical trial site performance metrics instrument: A study protocol","authors":"Mattia Bozzetti , Rosario Caruso , Silvia Soncini , Monica Guberti","doi":"10.1016/j.mex.2025.103165","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mex.2025.103165","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Clinical trials (CTs) are essential for medical advancements, yet their increasing complexity and cost demand improved efficiency in trial management. One major challenge in multicenter studies is the inconsistency in evaluating site performance. This study aims to develop and validate a Clinical Trial Site Performance Measure (CT-SPM) to assess “good performance” across trials. The tool will be tested and refined through psychometric analysis, resulting in both a comprehensive scale and a short form for universal application. The study is conducted in three phases: Phase 1 involves metric selection through expert consensus; Phase 2 focuses on psychometric testing to evaluate the reliability and validity of the instrument; and Phase 3 defines a cut-off for “good performance” using statistical models. This protocol aims to standardize site performance evaluation, potentially reducing research costs and enhancing trial quality.<ul><li><span>•</span><span><div>The study develops and validates a Clinical Trial Site Performance Measure (CT-SPM) using expert consensus and psychometric testing.</div></span></li><li><span>•</span><span><div>A comprehensive and short-form tool will be created to evaluate site performance in multicenter clinical trials.</div></span></li><li><span>•</span><span><div>A cut-off for “good performance” will be established using statistical models, facilitating consistent and efficient site evaluations.</div></span></li></ul></div></div>","PeriodicalId":18446,"journal":{"name":"MethodsX","volume":"14 ","pages":"Article 103165"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11782877/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143080630","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-07DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2025.103153
Berino Francisco Silinto , Darlain Edeme , Silvia Corigliano , Aleksandar Dimovski , Marco Merlo , Christian Zuidema , André Faaij
Pursuing rural electrification in developing countries through hybrid generation systems is constrained by a lack of suitable energy modelling tools. Few tools include geographical parameters relevant to capturing specific spatial and socio-economic circumstances. Even less are openly available and find applications for rural areas of developing countries. This work presents an integrated geospatial energy modelling framework based on an extended tool, the GISEle (GIS for rural electrification) model, which aims for a least-cost energy solution. GISEle is an open-source tool supporting rural electrification planning strategies and challenges through optimal hybrid microgrid integration. The developed framework is universally applicable and explains how the extended GISEle tool can be used to become suitable for analysing decentralised hybrid generation systems within the context of rural areas of developing countries. This presented framework includes:
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Advancing the approach to proper data collection to better capture local specificities and (future) demand and reporting results in rural areas of developing countries;
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Adding the Remote-Areas Multi-energy systems load Profiles (RAMP) to improve load demand assessments, while considering the impact of electrification on growing demand scenarios;
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Linking the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model to allow for hydropower sizing in GISEle.
{"title":"An integrated geospatial modelling framework of hybrid microgrid sizing for rural electrification planning","authors":"Berino Francisco Silinto , Darlain Edeme , Silvia Corigliano , Aleksandar Dimovski , Marco Merlo , Christian Zuidema , André Faaij","doi":"10.1016/j.mex.2025.103153","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mex.2025.103153","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Pursuing rural electrification in developing countries through hybrid generation systems is constrained by a lack of suitable energy modelling tools. Few tools include geographical parameters relevant to capturing specific spatial and socio-economic circumstances. Even less are openly available and find applications for rural areas of developing countries. This work presents an integrated geospatial energy modelling framework based on an extended tool, the GISEle (GIS for rural electrification) model, which aims for a least-cost energy solution. GISEle is an open-source tool supporting rural electrification planning strategies and challenges through optimal hybrid microgrid integration. The developed framework is universally applicable and explains how the extended GISEle tool can be used to become suitable for analysing decentralised hybrid generation systems within the context of rural areas of developing countries. This presented framework includes:<ul><li><span>•</span><span><div>Advancing the approach to proper data collection to better capture local specificities and (future) demand and reporting results in rural areas of developing countries;</div></span></li><li><span>•</span><span><div>Adding the Remote-Areas Multi-energy systems load Profiles (RAMP) to improve load demand assessments, while considering the impact of electrification on growing demand scenarios;</div></span></li><li><span>•</span><span><div>Linking the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model to allow for hydropower sizing in GISEle.</div></span></li></ul></div></div>","PeriodicalId":18446,"journal":{"name":"MethodsX","volume":"14 ","pages":"Article 103153"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11782852/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143080625","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-07DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2025.103156
B. Cirera , A. Sáez-Coronado , D. Arribas , J. Méndez , A. Sagwal , R. de Campos Ferreira , M. Švec , P. Merino
Tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS), tip-enhanced photoluminescence (TEPL), and scanning tunneling microscope-induced luminescence (STML) combine the high spatial resolution of probe microscopies with the spectroscopic capabilities of optical techniques. Here, we describe the upgrade of an ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) variable-temperature scanning probe microscope (VT-SPM) to perform tip-enhanced spectromicroscopy experiments at cryogenic temperatures. The home-made design includes a portable focusing lens (NA=0.45) that allows the simultaneous collection and injection of light from the tip-sample junction while assuring easy tip and sample transfers. We demonstrate the capabilities of our upgrade to resolve electroluminescence (EL), Raman, and TERS spectra using plasmonically active probes (Ag and Au tips) on various surfaces. We are able to observe the vibrational levels of C60 deposited on Ag(111) with a lateral resolution of ∼2 nanometers. Moreover, we use the tunability of the gap plasmon distribution to observe intense anti-Stokes signals of C60, highlighting the spectral sensitivity of the system. This upgrade opens new possibilities for studying surface chemistry, catalysis, and molecular electronics at state-of-the-art spatial and spectral resolutions using accessible SPM systems.
•
Portable lens holder
•
In-situ adjustable position
•
Nanometer-scale vibrational spectroscopy
{"title":"Upgrade of a variable temperature scanning tunneling microscope for nanometer-scale spectromicroscopy","authors":"B. Cirera , A. Sáez-Coronado , D. Arribas , J. Méndez , A. Sagwal , R. de Campos Ferreira , M. Švec , P. Merino","doi":"10.1016/j.mex.2025.103156","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mex.2025.103156","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS), tip-enhanced photoluminescence (TEPL), and scanning tunneling microscope-induced luminescence (STML) combine the high spatial resolution of probe microscopies with the spectroscopic capabilities of optical techniques. Here, we describe the upgrade of an ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) variable-temperature scanning probe microscope (VT-SPM) to perform tip-enhanced spectromicroscopy experiments at cryogenic temperatures. The home-made design includes a portable focusing lens (NA=0.45) that allows the simultaneous collection and injection of light from the tip-sample junction while assuring easy tip and sample transfers. We demonstrate the capabilities of our upgrade to resolve electroluminescence (EL), Raman, and TERS spectra using plasmonically active probes (Ag and Au tips) on various surfaces. We are able to observe the vibrational levels of C<sub>60</sub> deposited on Ag(111) with a lateral resolution of ∼2 nanometers. Moreover, we use the tunability of the gap plasmon distribution to observe intense anti-Stokes signals of C<sub>60</sub>, highlighting the spectral sensitivity of the system. This upgrade opens new possibilities for studying surface chemistry, catalysis, and molecular electronics at state-of-the-art spatial and spectral resolutions using accessible SPM systems.<ul><li><span>•</span><span><div>Portable lens holder</div></span></li><li><span>•</span><span><div>In-situ adjustable position</div></span></li><li><span>•</span><span><div>Nanometer-scale vibrational spectroscopy</div></span></li></ul></div></div>","PeriodicalId":18446,"journal":{"name":"MethodsX","volume":"14 ","pages":"Article 103156"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11787449/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143080369","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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