Laser-Based Raindrop Analyzer for Accurate Size and Distribution to Enhance Rainfall Wind Correction

Capture-recapture methods estimate the size of hidden populations by leveraging the proportion of overlap of the population on independent lists. Log-linear modeling relaxes the assumption of list independence, but best model selection criteria remain uncertain. Incorrect model selection can deliver incorrect and even implausible size estimates. We used simulations to model when capture-recapture methods deliver biased or unbiased estimates and compare model selection criteria. Simulations included five scenarios for list dependence among three incomplete lists of population of interest. We compared metrics of log-linear model selection, accuracy, and precision. We also compared log-linear model performance to the decomposable graph approach (a Bayesian model average), the sparse multiple systems estimation (SparseMSE) approach that accounts for zero or low cell counts, and the Sample Coverage approach. Log-linear models selected by Akaike's information criterion (AIC) calculated accurate population size estimates in all scenarios except for those with sparse or zero cell counts. In these scenarios, the decomposable graph and the Sample Coverage models produced more accurate size estimates. Conventional capture-recapture model selection fails with sparse cell counts. This naïve approach to model selection should be replaced with the implementation of multiple different models in order triangulate the truth in real-world applications.

Background: In adults, atrial septal defects (ASDs) may reach very large sizes (>40 mm), creating significant procedural challenges requiring precise imaging, including the combined use of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and fluoroscopy for real-time guidance during device deployment, specialized closure techniques, and close post-procedure follow-up. Adult ASD patients face hemodynamic impacts that necessitate lesion and chamber pressure measurements before closure, techniques like push-and-pull. Post-closure, antiplatelet therapy is essential to prevent thromboembolic complications. Case Illustration: A 53-year-old woman experienced recurrent palpitations and forceful heartbeats, especially during emotional stress. Initially dismissed as normal, she later sought medical attention due to worsening shortness of breath. A pulmonologist found no lung abnormalities and referred her to a cardiologist. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) identified a secundum ASD with a left-to-right shunt, prompting transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for detailed evaluation. TEE revealed a very large ASD (28–40 mm) with deficient rims: no aortic rim, minimal posterior rim, mitral rim 11 mm, IVC rim 10 mm, and SVC rim 7 mm. Transcatheter closure was guided by both fluoroscopy and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) via left upper pulmonary vein (LUPV) approach. Fluoroscopy played a crucial role in visualizing catheter and device trajectory, ensuring precise deployment despite deficient septal rims. Transcatheter closure was planned using a 44 mm Amplatzer Septal Occluder (ASO) without any complications. Conclusion: Transcatheter closure is preferred for most secundum ASDs, but large defects with deficient rims increase procedural complexity and complication risks. Adequate rim evaluation is vital for device anchoring. While ASDs >38 mm or with deficient rims carry higher risks and sometimes warrant surgery, advancements in device technology allow successful percutaneous closure with careful planning. The case highlighted the critical role of TEE and fluoroscopy in accurate sizing, rim assessment, and real-time guidance, ensuring proper device selection, positioning, and minimizing complications. Keyword: Accurate Defect Sizing; Atrial Septal Defect; Large Closure Device.

Design of analog integrated circuits requires extensive simulations at low levels of the analog design hierarchy. The simulations increase the overall design time and, thus, the analog part of a mixed ASIC requires most of the design time while using only a small part of the silicon die. To improve the efficiency of these simulations, it is necessary to use methodologies and tools based on hierarchical descriptions, where macromodels play an essential role. In this paper, an approach for applying fuzzy logic for accurate analog circuit macromodel sizing is presented. In our proposed method, multiple adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference systems are trained to predict the performance characteristics (gain, bandwidth) of CMOS analog circuits. Moreover, the presented methodology provides reusable macromodels, since it is applicable for large number and large range of design parameters. This technique is applied to the accurate sizing of fully differential telescopic operational transconductance amplifier macromodel, a circuit widely used in the design of high‐performance analog‐to‐digital converters. The neuro‐fuzzy computed characteristic values are in excellent agreement and one order of magnitude faster than those obtained from device level SPICE simulations. Moreover, this method offers the best accuracy in comparison with other classical techniques such as polynomial regression, spline interpolation or artificial neural networks. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Testing for multiple-period predictability between serially dependent time series

As interventional procedures become more complicated, the need for accurate quantitative vascular information increases. In response to this need, many commercial vendors provide techniques for measurement of vessel sizes, usually based on derivative techniques. In this study, we investigate the accuracy of several techniques used in the measurement of vessel size. Simulated images of vessels having circular cross sections were generated and convolved with various focal spot distributions taking into account the magnification. These vessel images were then convolved with Gaussian image detector line spread functions (LSFs). Additionally, images of a phantom containing vessels with a range of diameters were acquired for the 4.5", 6", 9", and 12" modes of an image intensifier-TV (II-TV) system. Vessel sizes in the images were determined using a first-derivative technique, a second-derivative technique, a linear combination of these two measured sizes, a thresholding technique, a densitometric technique, and a model-based technique. For the same focal spot size, the shape of the focal spot distribution does not affect measured vessel sizes except at large magnifications. For vessels with diameters larger than the full-width-at-half-maximum (FWHM) of the LSF, accurate vessel sizes (errors approximately 0.1 mm) could be obtained by using an average of sizes determined by the first and second derivatives. For vessels with diameters smaller than the FWHM of the LSF, the densitometric and model-based techniques can provide accurate vessel sizes when these techniques are properly calibrated.

ABSTRACTWhile planning clinical trials, when simple formulas are unavailable to calculate sample size, statistical simulations are used instead. However, one has to spend much computation time obtaining adequately precise and accurate simulated sample size estimates, especially when there are many scenarios for the planning and/or the specified statistical method is complicated. In this article, we summarize the theoretical aspect of statistical simulation-based sample size calculation. Then, we propose a new simulation procedure for sample size calculation by fitting the probit model to simulation result data. From the theoretical and simulation-based evaluations, it is suggested that the proposed simulation procedure provide more efficient and accurate sample size estimates than ordinary algorithm-based simulation procedure especially when estimated sample sizes are moderate to large, therefore it would help to dramatically reduce the computational time required to conduct clinical trial simulations.

Single-particle inductively coupled plasma time-of-flight mass spectrometry (spICP-TOFMS) is a high-throughput method for the multiplexed analysis of nanoparticles (NPs). However, matrix interferences are a significant challenge that must be overcome for accurate NP sizing and number concentration determination. In online microdroplet calibration, multi-element droplet standards are mixed with nebulized aerosols from a NP-containing sample in a dual-sample introduction system before entering the ICP. Microdroplet standards are used to determine absolute sensitivities and calibrate the mass amount(s) of analyte element(s) in particle events. A plasma-uptake standard is added to NP-containing samples to account for variations in the nebulization and transport efficiency of aerosols into the plasma, which are used in the determination of particle number concentrations (PNCs). Since the microdroplets experience the same plasma conditions as analyte NPs, this creates a matrix-matched calibration. We studied the efficacy of online microdroplet calibration for the quantification of NPs in three organic matrices: ethanol, acetone, and acetonitrile. Organic solvents can cause a pronounced increase in sample uptake and cause plasma-related signal attenuation for nanoparticle measurements. Online microdroplet calibration corrects for both effects without the use of nanoparticle standards. Our results demonstrate accurate NP sizing and PNC determinations in organic matrices up to 98% (v/v), even when these matrices caused signals to be attenuated up to 35-times and nebulizer transport efficiencies to be up to four-times higher than that of a pure water matrix.

Accurate submicron particle size measurement of alumina and quartz powders using a cuvette photocentrifuge

In this paper, we propose a novel method of automatic detecting urban facade repeatability by using probabilistic reasoning. The main advantage of this algorithm is that all the occluded building components can be detected as well as components that appear in facade image. First, we use the image entropy theory to derive qualified closed regions in image as the candidate repetitive components. Moreover, we introduce a repetitive characteristic surface which can be used to easily determine accurate locations, shapes and sizes of derived components. Finally, we detect all the occluded repetitive components with accurate locations, shapes and sizes by using the Bayesian probability network which obtained through an offline train from a facade images database. Experiment result demonstrates that the proposed algorithm improves the accuracy, robustness and efficiency on facades databases compared with the state-of-the-art methods.

Transmission property of light through rain is discussed in this paper. Instead of the scattering methods usually used in predicting rainfall attenuation, the principle of the blotting-out effect of raindrops on light transmission is introduced. Based on this principle and an accurate raindrop size distribution, an initial model for predicting the attenuation due to rain is first set up. However, when it rains heavily, this initial model is not accurate enough because the overlap effect between the projected circles of raindrops is not considered. Therefore, by considering the blotting-out and overlap effect of raindrops together with an accurate raindrop size distribution, a more accurate model for predicting the attenuation due to rain is finally derived. Numerical simulations show that this model is in good agreement with experimental results.

Green-synthesized gold nanoparticles from Plumeria alba flower extract to augment catalytic degradation of organic dyes and inhibit bacterial growth

Measuring flows of aerosol particles of less than 10 μm diameter has proven a challenge in the past. Previously, our work included a brief review of the current state-of-art for aerosol measurements where accurate sizing was limited to particles greater than 5 μm. We developed a sizing and positioning algorithm (SPA) to accurately calculate both the diameter of a spherical particle, and the relative position of that particle to the object plane of the imaging camera for particles down to 3 μm in diameter. Our current work further extends the measurement range down to 1 μm particles. This algorithm has great benefit for the scientific community interested in small-particle aerosol flows.

CT imaging prior to minimally invasive cardiac procedures is emerging as a vital tool. Excellent spatial and temporal resolution with wide-field views allows an understanding of the target and surrounding anatomy. Accurate sizing can determine appropriate device to minimize complications. Finally, higher-risk features can be identified to allow appropriate patient selection and minimization of morbidity and mortality.

<strong class="journal-contentHeaderColor">Abstract.</strong> The open source Video In Situ Snowfall Sensor (VISSS) is introduced as a novel instrument for the characterization of particle shape and size in snowfall. The VISSS consists of two cameras with LED backlights and telecentric lenses that allow accurate sizing and combine a large observation volume with relatively high resolution and a design that limits wind disturbance. VISSS data products include per-particle properties and integrated particle size distribution properties such as particle maximum extent, cross-sectional area, perimeter, complexity, and &ndash; in the future &ndash; sedimentation velocity. Initial analysis shows that the VISSS provides robust statistics based on up to 100,000 particles observed per minute. Comparison of the VISSS with collocated PIP and Parsivel instruments at Hyyti&auml;l&auml;, Finland, shows excellent agreement with Parsivel, but reveals some differences for the PIP (Precipitation Imaging Package) that are likely related to PIP data processing and limitations of the PIP with respect to observing smaller particles. The open source nature of the VISSS hardware plans, data acquisition software, and data processing libraries invites the community to contribute to the development of the instrument, which has many potential applications in atmospheric science and beyond.

Nasopalatine cysts are common nonodontogenic cysts that occur in the maxilla. During the nucleation of large cysts extending to the floor of the nasal cavity, care must be taken to avoid damage to the nasal mucosa. In the present report, an innovative custom-made surgical guide made by a Three-dimensional printer is introduced for accurate enucleation surgery. The patient's cone-beam computerized tomography and dental model scan data were obtained, and a tooth-supported type of surgical guide was designed containing a circular plate structure showing the size of the cystic region, an indicator that showed the position of the bottom of the cyst, and a sliding stopper that was used to accurately indicate the position of the deepest cyst wall. The surgical tool enabled us to indicate the accurate size, location of the cysts, and approach direction. Although effective and accurate navigation systems have become increasingly available, the cost-effective and accurate computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing surgical guide system introduced in the present report could support the safe enucleation of large nasopalatine duct cysts.