Measuring line parameters of multiconductor cables using a vector impedance meter

In the present paper, a method to measure the parameters of a multiconductor transmission line is given. The method is accurate, straightforward and only needs a single vector impedance meter or equivalent. The method has been applied for frequencies in a range from 20 kHz up to 30 MHz

Accurate detection of dysmorphic nuclei using dynamic programming and supervised classification

A vast array of pathologies is typified by the presence of nuclei with an abnormal morphology. Dysmorphic nuclear phenotypes feature dramatic size changes or foldings, but also entail much subtler deviations such as nuclear protrusions called blebs. Due to their unpredictable size, shape and intensity, dysmorphic nuclei are often not accurately detected in standard image analysis routines. To enable accurate detection of dysmorphic nuclei in confocal and widefield fluorescence microscopy images, we have developed an automated segmentation algorithm, called Blebbed Nuclei Detector (BleND), which relies on two-pass thresholding for initial nuclear contour detection, and an optimal path finding algorithm, based on dynamic programming, for refining these contours. Using a robust error metric, we show that our method matches manual segmentation in terms of precision and outperforms state-of-the-art nuclear segmentation methods. Its high performance allowed for building and integrating a robust classifier that recognizes dysmorphic nuclei with an accuracy above 95%. The combined segmentation-classification routine is bound to facilitate nucleus-based diagnostics and enable real-time recognition of dysmorphic nuclei in intelligent microscopy workflows

A20 deficiency sensitizes pancreatic beta cells to cytokine-induced apoptosis in vitro but does not influence type 1 diabetes development in vivo

SCOPUS: ar.jinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe

Alternative methodologies for the evaluation of the EMC-Behaviour of large machines

On the legal aspect, the new European Directive on ElectroMagnetic Compatibility 2004/108/EC concerns also large machines. The conformity assessment procedure in that case should be clarified and which standards should be applied and how. On a technical point of view, the special situation to characterise the EMC behaviour of large machines implies that current procedures are complex and very expensive, and in some cases even not possible. Adapted measuring methodologies and procedures are needed. As a response to this situation and within the European R&D Frameworks, the TEMCA2 project aimed to develop new and adapted methodologies for the assessment of EMC related to this type of industrial large machinery. The present paper describes the legal aspect for large machines and shows the objectives and the results of the European TEMCA2 project.D’un point de vue légal, la nouvelle directive européenne 2004/108/CE sur la compatibilité électromagnétique (CEM) concerne également les grandes machines. Dans ce cas, la procédure de mise en conformité doit être clarifiée ainsi que les normes applicables et comment les appliquer. D’un point de vue technique, la situation particulière de la caractérisation d’un point de vue CEM de ces grandes machines implique que les procédures actuelles sont complexes et très coûteuses, voire impossibles. Par conséquent, des méthodes et procédures de mesures adaptées sont requises. En réponse à cette situation et dans le cadre des projets de recherches européens, le projet TEMCA2 a développé des nouvelles méthodes adaptées à la mise en conformité d’un point de vue CEM de ce type de grosses machines industrielles. Ce papier décrit l’aspect législatif pour les grandes machines et présente les objectifs et résultats du projet européen TEMCA2.TEMCA

Man-made noise in our living environments

The ITU’s (International Telecommunication Union’s) man-made noise levels are based on measurements performed in the 1970s. Some measurements have been carried out since then, showing that noise caused by automotive ignition systems has been reduced, but manmade noise in business areas and city centers increased, especially due to the widespread use of electronic systems. The interference scenario also changed, from analog communication systems in relatively free-space conditions, to digital systems in living areas, often semi-enclosed such as offi ces, industrial production plants, and even inside cars and trains. Several measurements have therefore been carried out to estimate the level of man-made noise in these semi-enclosed environments

Digital implementation of the cellular sensor-computers

Two different kinds of cellular sensor-processor architectures are used nowadays in various applications. The first is the traditional sensor-processor architecture, where the sensor and the processor arrays are mapped into each other. The second is the foveal architecture, in which a small active fovea is navigating in a large sensor array. This second architecture is introduced and compared here. Both of these architectures can be implemented with analog and digital processor arrays. The efficiency of the different implementation types, depending on the used CMOS technology, is analyzed. It turned out, that the finer the technology is, the better to use digital implementation rather than analog

Directional perfect absorption using deep subwavelength low-permittivity films

We experimentally demonstrate single beam directional perfect absorption (to within experimental accuracy) of p-polarized light in the near-infrared using unpatterned, deep subwavelength films of indium tin oxide (ITO) on Ag. The experimental perfect absorption occurs slightly above the epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) frequency of ITO, where the permittivity is less than 1 in magnitude. Remarkably, we obtain perfect absorption for films whose thickness is as low as similar to 1/50th of the operating free-space wavelength and whose single pass attenuation is only similar to 5%. We further derive simple analytical conditions for perfect absorption in the subwavelength-film regime that reveal the constraints that the thin layer permittivity must satisfy if perfect absorption is to be achieved. Then, to get a physical insight on the perfect absorption properties, we analyze the eigenmodes of the layered structure by computing both the real-frequency/complex-wavenumber and the complex-frequency/real-wavenumber modal dispersion diagrams. These analyses allow us to attribute the experimental perfect absorption condition to the crossover between bound and leaky behavior of one eigenmode of the layered structure. Both modal methods show that perfect absorption occurs at a frequency slightly larger than the ENZ frequency, in agreement with experimental results, and both methods predict a second perfect absorption condition at higher frequencies, attributed to another crossover between bound and leaky behavior of the same eigenmode. Our results greatly expand the list of materials that can be considered for use as ultrathin perfect absorbers and provide a methodology for the design of absorbing systems at any desired frequencyopen9

Behind the scenes: Impact of virtual backgrounds in educational videos on visual processing and learning outcomes

The increasing use of instructional videos in educational settings has emphasized the need for a deeper understanding of their design requirements. This study investigates the impact of virtual backgrounds in educational videos on students' visual information processing and learning outcomes.  Participants aged 14-17 (N=47) were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: a video with a neutral, authentic, or off-topic background. Their prior knowledge and working memory capacity (WMC) were measured before watching the video, and eye tracking data was collected during the viewing. Learning outcomes and student experiences were assessed after viewing. The eye tracking data revealed that a neutral background was the least distracting, allowing students to pay better attention to relevant parts of the video. Students found the off-topic background most distracting, but the negative effect on learning outcomes was not statistically significant. In contrast to expectations, no positive effect was observed for the authentic background. Furthermore, WMC had a significant impact on visual information processing and learning outcomes. These findings suggest that educators should consider using neutral backgrounds in educational videos, particularly for learners with lower WMC. Consequently, this research underscores the significance of careful design considerations in the creation of instructional videos

It is all in the surv-eye: can eye tracking data shed light on the internal consistency in self-report questionnaires on cognitive processing strategies?

Although self-report questionnaires are widely used, researchers debate whether responses to these types of questionnaires are valid representations of the respondent’s actual thoughts and beliefs. In order to provide more insight into the quality of questionnaire data, we aimed to gain an understanding of the processes that impact the completion of self-report questionnaires. To this end, we explored the process of completing a questionnaire by monitoring the eye tracking data of 70 students in higher education. Specifically, we examined the relation between eye movement measurements and the level of internal consistency demonstrated in the responses to the questionnaire. The results indicated that respondents who look longer at an item do not necessarily have more consistent answering behaviour than respondents with shorter processing times. Our findings indicate that eye tracking serves as a promising tool to gain more insight into the process of completing self-report questionnaires