scholarly journals Design and Performance Analysis of an Ultrasonic System for Health Monitoring of Concrete Structure

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (19) ◽  
pp. 6606
Author(s):  
Jinhui Zhao ◽  
Tianyu Hu ◽  
Ruifang Zheng ◽  
Penghui Ba ◽  
Qichun Zhang

The development and research of an ultrasonic-based concrete structural health monitoring system encounters a variety of problems, such as demands of decreasing complexity, high accuracy, and extendable system output. Aiming at these requirements, a low-cost extendable system based on FPGA with adjustable system output has been designed, and the performance has been evaluated by different assessment parameters set in this paper. Besides the description of the designed system and the experiments in air medium, the residual similarity and Pearson correlation coefficients of experimental and theoretical data have been used to evaluate the submodules’ output. The output performance of the overall system is evaluated by the Pearson correlation coefficient, root-mean-square error (RMSE), and magnitude-squared coherence with 40 experimental data. The maximum, median, minimum, and mean values in three-parameter datasets are analyzed for discussing the working condition of the system. The experimental results show that the system works stably and reliably with tunable frequency and amplitude output.

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Tháıs de Sous Pereira ◽  
Cristina Hiromi Kuniyoshi ◽  
Cristiane de Almeida Leite ◽  
Eloisa M. M. S. Gebrim ◽  
Mário L. R. Monteiro ◽  
...  

Background. A number of orbital diseases may be evaluated based on the degree of exophthalmos, but there is still no gold standard method for the measurement of this parameter. In this study we compare two exophthalmometry measurement methods (digital photography and clinical) with regard to reproducibility and the level of correlation and agreement with measurements obtained with Computerized Tomography (CT) measurements. Methods. Seventeen patients with bilateral proptosis and 15 patients with normal orbits diseases were enrolled. Patients underwent orbital CT, Hertel exophthalmometry (HE) and standardized frontal and side facial photographs by a single trained photographer. Exophthalmometry measurements with HE, the digital photographs and axial CT scans were obtained twice by the same examiner and once by another examiner. Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) was used to assess correlations between methods. Validity between methods was assessed by mean differences, interintraclass correlation coefficients (ICC’s), and Bland–Altman plots. Results. Mean values were significantly higher in the proptosis group (34 orbits) than in the normal group (30 orbits), regardless of the method. Within each group, mean digital exophthalmometry measurements (24.32 ± 5.17 mm and 18.62 ± 3.87 mm) were significantly greater than HE measurements (20.87 ± 2.53 mm and 17.52 ± 2.67 mm) with broader range of standard deviation. Inter-/intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.95/0.93 for clinical, 0.92/0.74 for digital, and 0.91/0.95 for CT measurements. Correlation coefficients between HE and CT scan measurements in both groups of subjects (r = 0.84 and r = 0.91, p<0.05) were greater than those between digital and CT scan measurements (r = 0.61 and r = 0.75, p<0.05). On the Bland–Altman plots, HE showed better agreement to CT measurements compared to the digital photograph method in both groups studied. Conclusions. Although photographic digital exophthalmometry showed strong correlation and agreement with CT scan measurements, it still performs worse than and is not as accurate as clinical Hertel exophthalmometry. This trail is registered with NCT01999790.


2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
B G Guillon ◽  
V R Rubimbura ◽  
S F Fournier ◽  
N A Amabile ◽  
C C P Chi Pan ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Quantitative flow reserve (QFR) is a computation of fractional flow reserve (FFR) based on angiography without use of a pressure wire. The ability to predict post-PCI FFR using residual QFR after virtual stenting (pre-PCI), and using QFR (post-PCI) remains unknown. We sought to evaluate the correlation and diagnosis accuracy of residual QFR and post-PCI QFR to predict post-PCI FFR. Methods From the DOCTORS (Does Optical Coherence Tomography Optimize Results of Stenting) study population, we blindly analyzed the following from angiography, and compared them to post-PCI FFR: pre-PCI residual contrast QFR (cQFR) and fixed QFR (fQFR), and post-PCI cQFR and fQFR. Results 93 post-PCI QFR measurements and 84 residual QFR measurements were compared to post-PCI FFR measurements in 93 patients. Compared to the post-PCI FFR mean value of 0.92±0.05, mean values of residual cQFR, residual fQFR, post-PCI cQFR and post-PCI fQFR were, respectively: 0.94±0.05, 0.93±0.05, 0.93±0.06 and 0.93±0.05 (p values >0.05 for all pairs except for residual cQFR versus FFR (p=0.01)). Pearson correlation coefficients of residual cQFR, residual fQFR, post-PCI cQFR and post-PCI fQFR compared with post-PCI FFR were, respectively: 0.62, (95% CI: 0.46–0.73); 0.61, (95% CI: 0.45–0.73); 0.75, (95% CI: 0.64–0.83) and 0.73, (95% CI: 0.62–0.81). Area under the curves for these indices with a post-PCI FFR cutoff value of 0.90 were, respectively: 0.79, 0.78, 0.85 and 0.84. Conclusions cQFR and fQFR correlated well and had similar diagnostic performance. Pre-PCI QFR analysis with virtual PCI, and post-PCI QFR analysis, correlated well with post-PCI FFR, and had similar diagnostic accuracy. Further studies are needed to prospectively validate a QFR-guided PCI strategy.


2014 ◽  
Vol 46 (5) ◽  
pp. 661-670 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matias Bonansea ◽  
Raquel Bazán ◽  
Claudia Ledesma ◽  
Claudia Rodriguez ◽  
Lucio Pinotti

The application of remote sensing technology to water quality monitoring has special significance for lake management at regional scale. Water clarity expressed in terms of Secchi disk transparency (SDT) is a highly useful indicator of trophic status and ecosystem health. In this study, we related Landsat TM and ETM+ data with ground observations to develop a model for the estimation of SDT which can be used as a standardized procedure for regional-scale lake clarity assessment in the central region of Argentina. Samples were taken from two reservoirs of the region. Pearson correlation coefficients and step-wise multiple regression analysis were used to evaluate correlation between Landsat bands and measured SDT. Results suggested that Landsat band 3 plus the ratio 1/3 was a consistent and reliable predictor of SDT (R2 = 0.80). The algorithm was validated (R2 = 0.81) and applied to the November 10, 2010 ETM+ image obtaining a map that characterized water clarity of reservoirs within the study area. The procedure presented here could become a low cost measurement tool for water management authorities and decision-makers, obtaining simpler and practical results for regional water clarity monitoring.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Demet Ceylan ◽  
Beykan Cizel ◽  
Hatice Karakas

PurposeThe paper aims to analyze cognitive attributes affecting the overall destination image perception of British, German and Russian tourists toward Antalya, a well-positioned mass tourism destination in the East Mediterranean region dominated by an all-inclusive (AI) system.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is an empirical study using a structured questionnaire conducted in the summer of 2018 with 274 British, 179 German and 231 Russian tourists departing to their respective source markets from Antalya International Airport. The mean values are used as performance and correlation coefficients of the relationship between each cognitive image dimension and overall image evaluation is used to express importance.FindingsThe paper provides empirical insights that these three nationalities prefer Antalya as an AI holiday destination for different reasons and that each nationality demands attention to different factors of the destination for improvement or preservation.Research limitations/implicationsThis study provides specific recommendations for AI destinations such as Antalya for the German, British and Russian source markets. When other source markets or types of destinations are considered, the findings of this study should be re-considered. Utilization of the original and modernized importance performance analysis (IPA) plot interpretations in this research reveals a deeper understanding of current findings and provides a new perspective for further research and guidance for destination managers and marketers.Practical implicationsUtilization of both original and modernized IPA plot interpretation in this research not only reveals a deeper understanding of current findings but also provides a new perspective for future studies and guidance for destination managers and marketers.Originality/valueUnlike the majority of destination image research, this study of destination image based on individual nationalities enables tailor-made destination image development according to diversified importance and performance of destination attributes affecting the overall destination image for each nationality.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 1115 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dolores Gallardo-Vázquez ◽  
María Barroso-Méndez ◽  
María Pajuelo-Moreno ◽  
Julio Sánchez-Meca

Currently, a lack of consensus exists in the literature on the link between performance and corporate social responsibility disclosure (CSRD). A meta-analysis was carried out to shed light on this controversial topic, using the ABI/Inform Complete and EconLit databases as search tools. To isolate articles with substantive, methodological relevance, various filters were used. In addition to other criteria, all articles had to contain certain keywords related to the study’s variables and at least one of the seven keywords indicating empirical data analysis. As a result of this procedure, the meta-analysis included only 95 articles. To process the sample, we employed the procedure developed by Hunter and Schmidt. The results show that the CSRD-performance relationship is not significant enough for practical purposes. However, an analysis of moderating variables revealed that the connection becomes of practical importance when moderated by three key variables: region, type of disclosure, and measures of organization size. This research’s findings make a significant contribution by clarifying the links between CSRD and performance and identifying which variables can explain the diverse results of previous research. Regarding limitations, the meta-analysis was subject to the availability of published research and included only studies that reported Pearson correlation coefficients and standardized beta coefficients.


2013 ◽  
Vol 83 (6) ◽  
pp. 1049-1058 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liliane de Carvalho Rosas Gomes ◽  
Karla Orfelina Carpio Horta ◽  
Luiz Gonzaga Gandini ◽  
Marcelo Gonçalves ◽  
João Roberto Gonçalves

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the relationship between craniofacial measurements obtained from cephalometric radiographs and analogous measurements from profile photographs. Materials and Methods: Lateral cephalograms and standardized facial profile photographs were obtained from a sample of 123 subjects (65 girls, 58 boys; age 7–12 years). Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated from repeated photographic measurements to evaluate method reliability. Analogous cephalometric and photographic measurements were compared to assess Pearson correlation coefficients. Linear regression analyses were conducted between the measurements that achieved correlation coefficients greater than r  =  0.7. Results: The reliability of the photographic technique was satisfactory. Most measurements showed ICCs above 0.80 and highly significant correlations (P ≤ .001) with cephalometric variables. Among all measurements used, the A'N'B' angle was the most effective in explaining the variability of its analogous cephalometric, mainly for female subjects (r2  =  0.80). The FMA' angle showed the best results for vertical assessment (r2  =  0.65). Conclusions: The photographic method has proven to be a repeatable and reproducible tool provided that a standardized protocol is followed. Therefore, it may be considered a feasible and practical diagnostic alternative, particularly if there is a need for a low-cost and noninvasive method.


2011 ◽  
Vol 225-226 ◽  
pp. 212-215
Author(s):  
Zhao Xia Wu ◽  
Zhi Yuan Zhang ◽  
Bin Fu ◽  
Xian Ping Wei

Monitoring systems based on fiber optic technology have proved to exhibit meaningful benefits when compared with the current solutions of an electricnature. A novel low cost sensing system for measuring temperature, strain and pressure based on practical fiber Bragg grating (FBG) to be embedded into concrete is given in this paper. At the same time, the main principles of multi-parameter are introduced. The wavelength scanning demodulation system based on continuous wave tunable frequency is designed. The practical FBG sensors have been successfully used in monitoring cable-stayed bridge’s health monitoring. The system's conception, the adopted sensors network architecture, and the practical installation of a monitoring system based on FBG sensors are discussed. The experimental results indicate that practical FBG sensors can monitor the structure parameters for a long time, as well as have higher stability.


2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 429-435
Author(s):  
Patricia C. Mancini ◽  
Richard S. Tyler ◽  
Hyung Jin Jun ◽  
Tang-Chuan Wang ◽  
Helena Ji ◽  
...  

Purpose The minimum masking level (MML) is the minimum intensity of a stimulus required to just totally mask the tinnitus. Treatments aimed at reducing the tinnitus itself should attempt to measure the magnitude of the tinnitus. The objective of this study was to evaluate the reliability of the MML. Method Sample consisted of 59 tinnitus patients who reported stable tinnitus. We obtained MML measures on two visits, separated by about 2–3 weeks. We used two noise types: speech-shaped noise and high-frequency emphasis noise. We also investigated the relationship between the MML and tinnitus loudness estimates and the Tinnitus Handicap Questionnaire (THQ). Results There were differences across the different noise types. The within-session standard deviation averaged across subjects varied between 1.3 and 1.8 dB. Across the two sessions, the Pearson correlation coefficients, range was r = .84. There was a weak relationship between the dB SL MML and loudness, and between the MML and the THQ. A moderate correlation ( r = .44) was found between the THQ and loudness estimates. Conclusions We conclude that the dB SL MML can be a reliable estimate of tinnitus magnitude, with expected standard deviations in trained subjects of about 1.5 dB. It appears that the dB SL MML and loudness estimates are not closely related.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-63
Author(s):  
Peter Neuhaus ◽  
Chris Jumonville ◽  
Rachel A. Perry ◽  
Roman Edwards ◽  
Jake L. Martin ◽  
...  

AbstractTo assess the comparative similarity of squat data collected as they wore a robotic exoskeleton, female athletes (n=14) did two exercise bouts spaced 14 days apart. Data from their exoskeleton workout was compared to a session they did with free weights. Each squat workout entailed a four-set, four-repetition paradigm with 60-second rest periods. Sets for each workout involved progressively heavier (22.5, 34, 45.5, 57 kg) loads. The same physiological, perceptual, and exercise performance dependent variables were measured and collected from both workouts. Per dependent variable, Pearson correlation coefficients, t-tests, and Cohen's d effect size compared the degree of similarity between values obtained from the exoskeleton and free weight workouts. Results show peak O2, heart rate, and peak force data produced the least variability. In contrast, far more inter-workout variability was noted for peak velocity, peak power, and electromyography (EMG) values. Overall, an insufficient amount of comparative similarity exists for data collected from both workouts. Due to the limited data similarity, the exoskeleton does not exhibit an acceptable degree of validity. Likely the cause for the limited similarity was due to the brief amount of familiarization subjects had to the exoskeleton prior to actual data collection. A familiarization session that accustomed subjects to squats done with the exoskeleton prior to actual data collection may have considerably improved the validity of data obtained from that device.


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