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HardwareX Sep 2023Non-intrusive load monitoring of domestic appliances has received steady interest in the last twenty years, first because of interest from energy companies interested in...
Non-intrusive load monitoring of domestic appliances has received steady interest in the last twenty years, first because of interest from energy companies interested in usage statistics for power balancing and, more recently, in order to assist users in tuning their habits for reduced power consumption. This has increased the need for accurate and economic methods of power measurement that can be efficiently implemented on cheap and easy-to-install platforms. To this end, we present a cheap and efficient device based on Arduino to monitor the usage of domestic appliances in real-time: Enerduino-pro. The design uses low-cost easy-to-assemble open-source electronic components and consists of four main parts: an Arduino UNO microcontroller, one photoresistor to measure instantaneous power absorption plus one optional additional one to measure reactive power, a WiFi shield, and an LED (for debugging purposes only). We describe the device, complete with open software and hardware specifications, and different use cases with proof-of-concept solutions.
PubMed: 37649585
DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2023.e00461 -
PloS One 2023Achieving high-quality development of the city requires actively promoting coordinated digitalization and low-carbon development. Previous studies have focused on the...
Achieving high-quality development of the city requires actively promoting coordinated digitalization and low-carbon development. Previous studies have focused on the unidirectional impact of urban digitalization on low-carbonization and there is a lack of research on their interactions. This study uses the generalized spatial three-stage least squares method and the spatial simultaneous equation to investigate the endogenous interactions between urban digitalization and low-carbonization. The properties of the spatiotemporal evolution are then examined using linked coordination degree models, kernel density, and spatial statistical approaches. Finally, using the spatial panel metering model, this study empirically investigates the motivations behind the synergistic advancement of digitalization and low-carbonization. The results show that: (1) There is an endogenous interaction between urban digitalization and low-carbonization and that this interaction pattern is closely linked to geographical proximity. (2) In general, both urban digitalization and low-carbonization have a positive spatial impact and a negative spatial interaction, and their coordination levels have a significant spatial impact. (3) Throughout the research period, the coordination degree of urban digitalization and low carbonization continued to increase, showing a positive spatial correlation and a balanced development trend. (4) Economic development, industrial structure, and human capital accumulation are vital internal drivers of the synergistic advancement of urban digitalization and low carbonization. Government capacities and technological innovations are key external factors that contribute to the synergistic advancement of urban digitalization and low-carbonization. Overall, the paper is essential not only to deepen understanding of the relationship between urban digitalization and low-carbonization but also to formulate policies for their coordinated development.
Topics: Carbon; China; Cities; Economic Development; Geography; Digital Technology; Sustainable Development; Spatial Analysis
PubMed: 37847722
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292405 -
Optics Express Oct 2023By exploiting the excellent short-term phase stability between consecutive pulses from a free-running optical parametric oscillator frequency comb, we report the first...
By exploiting the excellent short-term phase stability between consecutive pulses from a free-running optical parametric oscillator frequency comb, we report the first example of hollow-core fiber-delivered heterodyne spectroscopy in the 3.1-3.8 µm wavelength range. The technique provides a means of spectroscopically interrogating a sample situated at the distal end of a fiber, with all electronics and light sources situated at the proximal end and with an inherent capability to suppress spectroscopically interfering features present in the free-space and in-fiber delivery path. Using a silica anti-resonant, hollow-core delivery fiber, we demonstrate high quality transmission and attenuated total reflectance spectroscopy of a plastic sample for fiber lengths of up to 40 m, significantly exceeding the few-meter lengths typically possible using solid-core fibers. The technique opens a route to implementing multi-species spectroscopic monitoring in remote and / or hostile industrial environments and medical applications.
PubMed: 37859171
DOI: 10.1364/OE.501617 -
Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland) Jul 2023Micro- and nanopatterns perform unique functions and have attracted attention in various industrial fields, such as electronic devices, microfluidics, biotechnology,... (Review)
Review
Micro- and nanopatterns perform unique functions and have attracted attention in various industrial fields, such as electronic devices, microfluidics, biotechnology, optics, sensors, and smart and anti-adhesion surfaces. To put fine-patterned products to practical use, low-cost patterning technology is necessary. Nanoimprint lithography (NIL) is a promising technique for high-throughput nanopattern fabrication. In particular, thermal nanoimprint lithography (T-NIL) has the advantage of employing flexible materials and eliminating chemicals and solvents. Moreover, T-NIL is particularly suitable for compostable and recyclable materials, especially when applying biobased materials for use in optics and electronics. These attributes make T-NIL an eco-friendly process. However, the processing time of normal T-NIL is longer than that of ultraviolet (UV) NIL using a UV-curable resin because the T-NIL process requires heating and cooling time. Therefore, many studies focus on improving the throughput of T-NIL. Specifically, a T-NIL process based on a roll-to-roll web system shows promise for next-generation nanopatterning techniques because it enables large-area applications with the capability to process webs several meters in width. In this review, the T-NIL process, roll mold fabrication techniques, and various materials are introduced. Moreover, metal pattern transfer techniques using a combination of nanotransfer printing, T-NIL, and a reverse offset are introduced.
PubMed: 37513042
DOI: 10.3390/nano13142031 -
Frontiers in Microbiology 2023Sarcopenia, a disease recognized by the World Health Organization, has posed a great challenge to the world in the current aging society. The vital role of the gut...
Sarcopenia, a disease recognized by the World Health Organization, has posed a great challenge to the world in the current aging society. The vital role of the gut microbiome through the gut-muscle axis in sarcopenia is increasingly recognized. However, the working mechanisms by which the gut microbiota functions have not been fully explored in the multi-omics field. Here, we designed a cross-sectional study that recruited patients ( = 32) with sarcopenia and healthy old adults ( = 31). Diagnosis of sarcopenia was based on the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) in 2019 criteria. Muscle mass was represented by appendicular skeletal muscle mass measured by using direct segmental multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance and muscle strength was evaluated using the handgrip strength. The Short Physical Performance Battery, the 5-time Chair Stand Test, and the 4-metre Walk Test were used to assess physical performance. Shotgun metagenomic sequencing was used to profile the gut microbiome in order to identify its construction and function. Metabolome based on untargeted metabolomics was applied to describe the features and structure of fecal metabolites. In clinical indexes including triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, we noted a significant decrease in triglycerides (TG) and a significant increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in patients with sarcopenia. Appendicular skeletal muscle mass of patients with sarcopenia was lower than the health group. Based on intestinal metagenomic and fecal metabolomic profiles, we found that the gut microbiome and metabolome were disturbed in patients with sarcopenia, with significant decreases in bacteria such as , , and , as well as metabolites such as shikimic acid. Also, we plotted supervised classification models at the species level of gut bacteria (AUC = 70.83-88.33) and metabolites (AUC = 92.23-98.33) based on machine learning, respectively. Based on the gut-muscle axis network, a potential mechanism is proposed along the gut microbiome - key metabolites - clinical index, that affects appendicular skeletal muscle mass, calf circumference, handgrip strength, and BMI via Shikimic acid metabolites. This study elucidates the potential mechanisms by which the gut microbiome influences the progress of sarcopenia through metabolites and provides a meaningful theoretical foundation for reference in the diagnosis and treatment of sarcopenia.
PubMed: 38188577
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1301805 -
Quantitative Plant Biology 2023How to get a metre of DNA into a tiny space while preserving its functional characteristics? This question seems easy to pose, but the answer is far from being trivial....
How to get a metre of DNA into a tiny space while preserving its functional characteristics? This question seems easy to pose, but the answer is far from being trivial. Facing this riddle, salvation came from technical improvements in microscopy and hybridisation techniques applied to cytogenetics. Here, we would like to look into the past at one of these pure cytogenetics articles that makes a breakthrough in addressing this question in plant science. Our choice fell on the work published two decades ago by Fransz et al. (2002). Besides the elegant manner in which DNA probes were organised to bring into light the out-looping arrangement of interphase chromosomes in nuclei, this article perfectly illustrates that painting is not reserved to the fine art. As for whether emotional expression prioritised by artists can sometimes hide behind scientific empirical evidence, there is only a small step to make to the general case.
PubMed: 37901685
DOI: 10.1017/qpb.2023.11 -
NPJ Digital Medicine Sep 2023Mobile health (mHealth) interventions may enhance positive health behaviors, but randomized trials evaluating their efficacy are uncommon. Our goal was to determine if a...
Mobile health (mHealth) interventions may enhance positive health behaviors, but randomized trials evaluating their efficacy are uncommon. Our goal was to determine if a mHealth intervention augmented and extended benefits of center-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) for physical activity levels at 6-months. We delivered a randomized clinical trial to low and moderate risk patients with a compatible smartphone enrolled in CR at two health systems. All participants received a compatible smartwatch and usual CR care. Intervention participants received a mHealth intervention that included a just-in-time-adaptive intervention (JITAI) as text messages. The primary outcome was change in remote 6-minute walk distance at 6-months stratified by device type. Here we report the results for 220 participants enrolled in the study (mean [SD]: age 59.6 [10.6] years; 67 [30.5%] women). For our primary outcome at 6 months, there is no significant difference in the change in 6 min walk distance across smartwatch types (Intervention versus control: +31.1 meters Apple Watch, -7.4 meters Fitbit; p = 0.28). Secondary outcomes show no difference in mean step counts between the first and final weeks of the study, but a change in 6 min walk distance at 3 months for Fitbit users. Amongst patients enrolled in center-based CR, a mHealth intervention did not improve 6-month outcomes but suggested differences at 3 months in some users.
PubMed: 37709933
DOI: 10.1038/s41746-023-00921-9 -
Medicine Jul 2023Surgical resection for lung cancer adversely impacts exercise capacity. The 6-minute walk test (6MinWT) and cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) are commonly used to...
Surgical resection for lung cancer adversely impacts exercise capacity. The 6-minute walk test (6MinWT) and cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) are commonly used to assess exercise capacity. However, these tests are difficult to use clinically because they must be performed by a trained technician using specialized equipment according to a prescribed method. This study aims to analyze correlations between walking speed in a 10-meter walk test and exercise capacity measured by the 6MinWT or CPET in patients with lung resection for lung cancer. A total of 50 patients who were diagnosed with lung cancer and underwent lung resection were included in the analysis. The 6MinWT and CPET were performed to measure exercise capacity, and the 10-meter walk test was used to evaluate the short-duration walking speed. The population was divided into 2 groups -low and high exercise capacity - based on threshold values (6MinWT, 500 m; CPET, 20 mL·kg-1·min-1); we analyzed the correlation according to the level of exercise capacity. In the correlation analysis between the 10-meter walking speed and exercise capacity, the 10-meter walking speed showed a strong correlation (R = 0.70, P < .001) with the 6MinWT and a moderate correlation (R = 0.47, P < .001) with the CPET, respectively. The low exercise capacity group showed a significant correlation (6MinWT, ρ = 0.70; CPET, ρ = 0.54) between the 10-meter walking speed and exercise capacity, while the high exercise capacity group did not. In patients who underwent lung resection for lung cancer, the 10-meter walking speed was significantly correlated with exercise capacity, especially in subjects with low exercise capacity that require pulmonary rehabilitation.
Topics: Humans; Walking Speed; Exercise Tolerance; Lung Neoplasms; Exercise Test; Walking
PubMed: 37505118
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000034479