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

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

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

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

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

The effects of summarization and factual retrieval practice on text comprehension and text retention in elementary education

When reading a text in school, the goal is both text comprehension and text retention. We examined the effects of the learning strategies summarization and factual retrieval practice on third- and fourth-grade pupils’ text comprehension and retention of factual knowledge from a text, using restudy as a control condition. The experiment was conducted in an authentic classroom setting, with teachers executing the experiment using original course materials. In 2016, 57 regular third- and fourth-grade pupils (M = 9.04 years old) read three different texts, and each applied three different learning strategies (summarization, retrieval practice and restudy, which were counterbalanced across texts) in subsequent practice sessions. After a 2-week delay, a final test was administered. The learning strategy summarization had a larger positive effect on text comprehension than factual retrieval practice, but had a similar effect compared to restudy. The learning strategy factual retrieval practice had a larger positive effect on text retention than both summarization and restudy. Implications for educational practice are discussed