A Two-Phased Gradient Technique For Budget Allocation: An Application To Data Collection Budget Allocation In Efficiency Measurement Of DEA.

This paper presents a gradient based algorithm to solve the data collection budget allocation problem in efficiency measurement of DEA

Development of a novel beam profiling prototype with laser self-mixing via the knife-edge approach

Laser is widely used in industry, biomedical and other kinds of fields. Beam size is the most important parameter among the laser variables. Typical state-of-the-art profiling techniques employ either a scanning-based or camera-based system, using photodiodes or image sensors as the signal receiver. Despite their profiling capabilities, these systems do not tend to be budget-friendly and easy to operate. In this paper, a novel cost-effective beam profiling prototype based on self-mixing interference was developed to measure the Full Width Half Maximum (FWHM) of a range of laser diodes by the knife-edge approach. The difference between our prototype and other systems is that the photodiode is placed behind the laser source, and beam size is calculated by analyzing the feedback signal. A commercial camera beam profiler was used to benchmark our prototype. Results show that though there is a variation of 45.29% between the measured beam size and the integrated beam size in the x directions due to diffuse and specular reflection, our USD 200 prototype has a high accuracy on the prediction of laser beam sizes. Our prototype could provide accurate predicted beam size for Gaussian-alike beam. This is the very first study to explore the application of self-mixing interference in laser beam profiling. It is believed that our proposed approach has contributed to the on-going development of laser beam profiling methodology

Pride in the Field

Many USU students, staff, and faculty are engaged in projects and research focused on the LGBTQIA+ community, as explored in the Utah State Today series, “Celebrating Pride.” Join us for a panel discussing approaches to research about, with, and by the LGBTQIA+ community. What key considerations should researchers center when studying gender and sexuality? From research design, to language use, to avoiding bias, to supporting researchers, what do inclusion, equity, and justice look like in practice? Panelists and attendees will reflect together on positionality, privilege, and marginalization, while taking away actionable practices for future research.https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/inter_inclusion/1005/thumbnail.jp

Patent applications for using DNA technologies to authenticate medicinal herbal material

Herbal medicines are used in many countries for maintaining health and treating diseases. Their efficacy depends on the use of the correct materials, and life-threatening poisoning may occur if toxic adulterants or substitutes are administered instead. Identification of a medicinal material at the DNA level provides an objective and powerful tool for quality control. Extraction of high-quality DNA is the first crucial step in DNA authentication, followed by a battery of DNA techniques including whole genome fingerprinting, DNA sequencing and DNA microarray to establish the identity of the material. New or improved technologies have been developed and valuable data have been collected and compiled for DNA authentication. Some of these technologies and data are patentable. This article provides an overview of some recent patents that cover the extraction of DNA from medicinal materials, the amplification of DNA using improved reaction conditions, the generation of DNA sequences and fingerprints, and the development of high-throughput authentication methods. It also briefly explains why these patents have been granted

Examination of silver-graphite lithographically printed resistive strain sensors

This paper reports the design and manufacture of three differing types of resistive strain sensitive structures fabricated using the Conductive Lithographic Film (CLF) printing process. The structures, utilising two inks prepared with silver and graphite particulates as the conductive phase, have been analysed to determine electrical and mechanical properties with respect to strain, temperature and humidity when deposited on four alternative substrate materials (GlossArt, PolyArt, Teslin and Melinex)

Studies on Homalomeneae (Araceae) of Sumatera VI: Two remarkable new species of Homalomena [Chamaecladon Clade]

Two ornamental new species of Sumateran Homalomena [Chamaecladon] are described: Homalomena anthurioides S.Y.Wong, P.C.Boyce & A.Hay and H. pexa S.Y.Wong, P.C.Boyce & A.Hay. These novelties represent a continuation of discoveries on Sumatera of species with uniquely, for Asia, highly elaborated epidermis

An Annotated Check-list for Schismatoglottis

Following recent taxonomic and nomenclatural changes in Tribe Schismatoglottideae, and extending upon a recently published checklist to species of the most of the genera of the tribe, an annotated species listing for Schismatoglottis, the largest genus, is presented to facilitate checking taxonomic status and phylogenetic placement, and current nomenclature. 303 names are enumerated of which 139 are accepted taxa, 109 are synonyms, and 55 are considered to be unresolved as insufficiently known or of dubious status. Where current taxonomy and/or nomenclature differs from the last monograph references are provided. In instances where uncertainty as to generic assignment exists explanatory notes and, where available, published references are given. One new species is established: Schismatoglottis cadierei Buchet & Gagnepain ex S.Y.Wong & P.C.Boyce, and two new synonymies are proposed: Schismatoglottis jepomii P.C.Boyce & S.Y.Wong = S. pudenda A.Hay; Schismatoglottis kurzii Hook.f. = Apoballis mutata (Hook.f.) S.Y.Wong & P.C.Boyce). 93 species are illustrated from living plants, and an additional 14 from their preserved nomenclatural Types. A species-finder phylogenetic list is presented in Appendix A. All published references to Schismatoglottis appearing since 2000 are listed in Appendix B