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Electrical Tree Image De-Noising using Threshold Wavelet Transform and Wiener Filter
Get PDFElectrical treeing occurred in solid dielectric materials, especially in electrical application with high voltage. The occurrence of electrical tree happens when high electric fields applied, causing tiny channels or paths to form. The main issue during the data collection process is the changes of lighting, making it difficult to study the tree's propagation length, fractal dimension, and growth rate due to corrupted images. This research aims to analyse electrical tree structure images in XLPE material using a CCD camera and develop image de-noising techniques to suppress noise on the electrical tree image. The performance was then analysed using the Otsu thresholding algorithm for accurate segmentation. The methodology was divided into four phases: sample preparation, experimental setup, image pre-processing in MATLAB, and testing four de-noising filters: Wiener, median, NLM, and Gaussian. The Wiener filter with higher PSNR, SNR, and RMSE was selected and using superimposed method, both threshold wavelet transforms and wiener was combined to eliminate the noise. Finally, the proposed method of superimposed was tested with the Otsu thresholding method to evaluate accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the combination filter. Based on the analysis of PSNR, SNR, and RMSE, the performance of the threshold wavelet and Wiener filter (TWWF) de-noising technique improves the image quality of the electrical tree structure. Thus, for the Otsu thresholding segmentation algorithm analysis, it also had the highest values in terms of accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity
Proximity to cancer rehabilitation and exercise oncology by geography, race, and socioeconomic status
Get PDFBackground: Cancer rehabilitation and exercise oncology (CR/EO) have documented benefits for people living with and beyond cancer. The authors examined proximity to CR/EO programs across the United States with respect to population density, race and ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and cancer incidence and mortality rates. Methods: This cross‐sectional study was conducted in 2022–2023. Online searches were initiated to identify CR/EO programs. Geocoding was used to obtain latitudinal and longitudinal geospatial coordinates. Demographic data were abstracted from the 2020 5‐year American Community Survey. Cancer incidence and mortality data were obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. US 2013 Rural‐Urban Continuum Code (RUCC) classification was used to define counties as either urban (RUCC 1–3) or rural (RUCC 4–9). Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between being far from a program and census‐tract level factors. Results: In total, 2133 CR/EO programs were identified nationwide. The distance from a program increased with decreasing population density: rural tracts were 17.68 ± 0.24 miles farther from a program compared with urban tracts (p < .001). Program proximity decreased as the neighborhood deprivation index increased (p < .001). Exercise oncology programs were less common than cancer rehabilitation programs in tracts with a larger proportion of minority residents (p < .001). Conclusions: Prior research has documented that underrepresented populations have worse cancer‐related symptoms and higher cancer mortality. Herein, the authors document their findings that these same populations are less likely to have proximity to CR/EO programs, which are associated with improved cancer‐related symptoms and cancer mortality outcomes. To realize the positive outcomes from CR/EO programming, efforts must focus on supporting expanded programming and sustainable payment for these services
Comparing talent development environments of girls and boys in handball and ice hockey in Norway
Get PDFCurrently, there is little research on successful talent development environments (TDEs) focusing on women and girls. In response, the main aim of the present study was to compare TDEs of age‐specific national teams for girls and boys in the Norwegian context (N = 216: 92 girls and 124 boys). Gender differences were investigated in the two different sports of handball and ice hockey, which in the Norwegian context represent more and less successful sports (handball and ice hockey, respectively). Before investigating gender differences in the two sports, a necessary first step was to investigate the psychometric properties of Norwegian version of the Talent Development Environment Questionnaire (TDEQ‐5). Results support the Norwegian TDEQ‐5 to be a reliable and valid measure within the Norwegian context. The successful sport of Norwegian handball showed no significant gender differences regarding TDE. The less successful and male dominated sport of Norwegian ice hockey showed girls to score lower on several TDEQ factors compared to boys. Results also showed ice hockey having lower TDEQ scores compared to handball. We argue that handball provide similarly functional TDEs for girls and boys, making gender equality a characteristic feature of a TDE that is successful both in terms of mass participation and international achievements
A glossary for social-to-biological research
Get PDFResearch has shown that our socially structured experiences elicit a biological response, leading to the observation that numerous biomarkers (objective biological measures that are representative of various biological processes) are socially patterned. This ‘social-to-biological’ research is of interest to researchers across multiple disciplines and topics and especially to those with an interest in understanding the biological embodiment of the ‘social environment’. Combining social and biomarker data is also of relevance to those examining the biological determinants of social behaviours (for example, the relationship between genetics and certain behaviours like smoking). However, as much of the research involving biomarkers and social data are multidisciplinary, researchers need to understand why and how to optimally use and combine such data. This article provides a resource for researchers by introducing a range of commonly available biomarkers across studies and countries. Because of the breadth of possible analyses, we do not aim to provide an exhaustive and detailed review of each. Instead, we have structured the glossary to include: an easy-to-understand definition; a description of how it is measured; key considerations when using; and an example of its use in a relevant social-to-biological study. We have limited this glossary to biomarkers that are available in large health and social surveys or population-based cohort studies and focused on biomarkers in adults. We have structured the glossary around the main physiological systems studied in research on social to biological transition and those that go across systems and highlight some basic terms and key theoretical concepts
When and how is abusive supervision enacted toward competent subordinates? The role of supervisors' power loss concern and downward envy
No full textIn general, supervisor abuse is directed toward low-performing subordinates. Similarly, envy is typically felt by professionals in lower ranks toward those in higher positions. By contrast, this study investigates the counterintuitive relationship between the abusive behavior of envious leaders toward their competent subordinates. Specifically, we argue that supervisors become envious of competent employees when they are anxious about losing power. Multisource, time-lagged data collected from dyads (198 supervisors and 198 subordinates) in Pakistan-based organizations support the proposed hypotheses. The findings show a positive relationship between perceptions of subordinate competence, supervisors' downward envy, and abusive supervision. In addition, the relationship between perceived subordinates' competence and supervisors' envy is strong when supervisors' power loss concerns are high. This study provides useful theoretical and practical insights for human resource managers dealing with unethical workplace behavior
The impact of organizational dehumanization on creative performance through self-esteem threat: the moderating role of work locus of control
Get PDFPurposeThis paper aims to enhance our understanding of how organizational dehumanization affects employees’ creative performance. We propose the self-esteem threat as a mediator in the relationship between organizational dehumanization and employees’ creative performance. We also examine how work locus of control moderates the relationship between organizational dehumanization and creative performance.Design/methodology/approachThrough convenience sampling, online and face-to-face surveys, multisource time-lagged data (N = 257) were collected from full-time employees and their supervisors in Pakistani organizations in the information technology, media industry and oil and gas sectors.FindingsOrganizational dehumanization negatively affects employees’ creative performance, and threats to self-esteem mediate this relationship. Work locus of control moderates the effect of organizational dehumanization on creative performance, and this negative relationship is attenuated when individuals have an external work locus of control.Originality/valueThis study provides novel insights into the process underlying the relationship between organizational dehumanization and creative performance by revealing the mediating role of threat to self-esteem and the buffering role of work locus of control
2D metal-organic framework Cu3(HHTP)2 composite electrode for flexible energy storage applications
Get PDFHydrothermally synthesized 2D metal-organic framework (MOF) Cu3(HHTP)2 was modified with carbon black (CB) and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT: PSS) to develop a flexible energy storage device. The efficiency of electron transfer and ionic diffusion within the pristine MOF was enhanced in the composites of MOFs. The MOF/CB/PEDOT: PSS (20 %) composite demonstrated more than 110 times higher capacitance compared with pristine MOF-based devices, reaching 336.93 mF cm−2 (146.51 F g−1) at 0.1 mA cm−2. The developed device exhibited energy and power densities of 29.31 μW h cm−2 (12.86 Wh.kg−1) and 39.38 μW cm−2 (17.28 W kg−1), respectively. The addition of CB and PEDOT: PSS into the Cu3(HHTP)2 MOF decreased the pore structure due to the incorporation of solid materials in the pores and an excellent conductive channel for ion transfer. The study reveals that modifying the electrical, mechanical, and electrochemical properties of a 2D MOF can lead to the design of a high-performance flexible energy storage device for portable and wearable electronics
Rheological Behavior of Bitumen Modified by Synthesized Polyurethane Based on MDI–PPG Reactive Prepolymers
No full textBitumen without modification is prone to suffer from damage under extreme temperature and traffic conditions, leading to distress such as rutting, fatigue cracking, and thermal cracking. Polyurethane-modified bitumen can effectively be prepared at lower temperatures and combine low-carbon and environmental-protection concepts. The resulted polyurethane can also improve the in-service performance of bitumen, such as rutting resistance. In this study, a polyurethane prepolymer (PU) based on polypropylene glycol (PPG) and diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) as the soft and hard segments and 3,3’-dichloro-4,4’-diaminodiphenylmethane (MOCA) as a chain extender was synthesized and used to modify the viscoelastic behavior of bitumen. The interaction between the PU prepolymer and unreacted MDI and the polar groups present on the base bitumen provides a route to enhancing the miscibility between the blend components. The rheological behavior of the bitumen, with varying PU content, was investigated from strain sweep and time sweep measurements, with particular attention given to the analysis of Lissajous-Bowditch (LB) curves and the normalized third relative intensities (3/1). Three different methods based on strain sweep tests were employed to determine the critical strain at which the viscoelastic behavior transitions from the linear to nonlinear regime. The distinct rheological behavior observed for bitumen with different PU content was supported from observations of the blend morphology and confirmation of interactions between blend components from Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. This study reveals that the rheological behavior of a PU-modified bitumen is closely related to the combined effects of interfacial interaction, phase morphology, and phase distribution of the blend components. Illustrating this relationship can enable the design of tailored bituminous materials with excellent in-service performance
Performance Evaluation of Edge-Based Segmentation Methods for Electrical Tree Image Analysis in High-Voltage Experiments
Get PDFThis research evaluates the performance of edge-based segmentation methods in analysing two-dimensional (2D) electrical tree images obtained during high-voltage (HV) electrical tree experiments. Non-uniform illumination in 2D optical images poses challenges in accurately extracting and measuring the original treeing image. Edge segmentation emerges as a promising solution to precisely distinguish tree structures from the insulation background within the image. Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) samples were subjected to HV stress for real-time propagation observation, followed by extraction and segmentation of treeing images using edge-based operators. The findings emphasize the superiority of the Roberts edge operator in accurately detecting electrical trees, showcasing the highest average accuracy of 97.01% and 99.58% specificity, while also demonstrating relatively high sensitivity. Moreover, the Roberts method provide much precisely measures the propagation length and width than conventional measurement method, closely approximating the actual tree measurements. This research emphasizes the significance of accurate segmentation for investigating electrical tree propagation in XLPE materials and provides recommendations for future research, especially in HV XLPE cable manufacturing
The pre-implementation process of the continuity of midwifery care research strategy: An implementation science methodologically guided initiative
Get PDFIn 2017, the continuity of midwifery care model was introduced as the way forward in Scottish maternity and neonatal services. There is no shared research strategy aligning research needs with an agenda, setting goals and revising plans. In this paper, we outline the systematic multi-actor and integrated knowledge translation process that frames and informs our initiative to develop a continuity of midwifery care research strategy, focusing on establishing a comprehensive mission, vision, and research topics. Guided by the pre-implementation process as part of the implementation science methodology, we engaged with a Scottish group of stakeholders, including service providers, academics, managers/policymakers, service users’ advocates and midwifery students during targeted activities to contribute to a widely held perspective. We collected data using an online poll, subgroup brainstorming sessions, plenary group discussions, evaluation and video recording to frame and inform the research mission, vision and study topics. Data collection tools included word clouds, brainstorming sheets, observation notes, ranking, evaluation forms and recording transcripts. The outcomes of a stepwise analytic approach of mapping, synthesising, and using the data to develop a continuity of midwifery care research direction and focus will inform future funding applications, studies and projects. The pre-implementation process and actions described in this paper can serve as an example of structuring comprehensive research strategies in other settings, cultures, domains or contexts
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