bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A quaternionic approach to kinematics for continuum manipulators
Authors: Prikhodko Victor 
Published: January 2023

<p>Quaternions have long been a powerful tool for describing the rotational motion of rigid bodies including conventional robotic manipulators. In this paper, we demonstrate that the quaternionic representation of kinematics for rigid link manipulators can be applied to continuum manipulators by passing to the limit as the link lengths tend to zero. Compact expressions are presented for forward kinematics that are based on the notions of distributed rotation quaternion and relative curvature. The robot’s pose in this formulation can be described by an arbitrary piecewise smooth function. Some simple closedform examples are discussed, and an approach to solving the inverse kinematics problem is outlined based on a modification of the cyclic coordinate descent algorithm.</p>
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<p>This work has been submitted to the IEEE for possible publication. Copyright may be transferred without notice, after which this version may no longer be accessible. </p>
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Tech-nology with Freely Adjustable Pulse Shape and Sequence
Authors: Li Zhongxi , Zhang Jinshui , Peterchev Angel , Goetz Stefan 
Published: January 2023

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<p>The temporal shape of a pulse in transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) influences which neuron populations are activated preferentially as well as the strength and even direction of neuromodulation effects. Furthermore, various pulse shapes differ in their efﬁciency, coil heating, sensory perception, and clicking sound. However, the available TMS pulse shape repertoire is still very limited to a few biphasic, monophasic, and polyphasic pulses with sinusoidal or near-rectangular shapes. Monophasic pulses, though found to be more selective and stronger in neuromodulation, are generated inefﬁciently and therefore only available in simple low-frequency repetitive protocols. Despite a strong interest to exploit the temporal effects of TMS pulse shapes and pulse sequences, waveform control is relatively inflexible and only possible parametrically within certain limits. Previously proposed approaches for flexible pulse shape control, such as through power electronic inverters, have signiﬁcant limitations: The semiconductor switches can fail under the immense electrical stress associated with free pulse shaping, and most conventional power inverter topologies are incapable of generating smooth electric ﬁelds or existing pulse shapes.</p>
<p>Leveraging intensive preliminary work on modular power electronics, we present a modular pulse synthesizer (MPS) technology that can, for the ﬁrst time, flexibly generate high-power TMS pulses (one-side peak ~ 4,000 V, ~ 8,000 A) with user-deﬁned electric ﬁeld shape as well as rapid sequences of pulses with high output quality. The circuit topology breaks the problem of simultaneous high power and switching speed into smaller, manageable portions, distributed across several identical modules. In consequence, MPS TMS can use semiconductor devices with voltage and current ratings lower than the overall pulse voltage and distribute the overall switching of several hundred kilohertz among multiple transistors. MPS TMS can synthesize practically any pulse shape, including conventional ones, with ﬁne quantization of the induced electric ﬁeld (≤ 17% granularity without modulation and ~300 kHz bandwidth). Moreover, the technology allows optional symmetric differential coil driving so that the average electric potential of the coil, in contrast to conventional TMS devices, stays constant to prevent capacitive artifacts in sensitive recording ampliﬁers, such as electroencephalography (EEG).</p>
<p>MPS TMS can enable the optimization of stimulation paradigms for more sophisticated probing of brain function as well as stronger and more selective neuromodulation, further expanding the parameter space available to users.</p>
Analysis of optical wireless communication links in turbulent underwater channels with wide range of water parameters
Authors: Ata Yalçın , Kiasaleh Kamran 
Published: January 2023

<p>In this study, the performance of underwater optical wireless communication links is investigated by taking into account turbulence, absorption and scattering effects. Weak turbulent channel is modeled using log-normal distribution while moderate and strong turbulence channels are modeled using gamma-gamma distribution. Rytov variance of Gaussian beam is derived analytically for oceanic turbulence optical power spectrum. Subsequently, scintillation index is calculated using the computed Rytov variance. Moreover, the closed-form expression of bit-error-rate (BER) for underwater wireless optical communication (UWOC) systems using intensity-modulated/direct detection (IM/DD) implementation and on-off-keying (OOK) modulation scheme is obtained. Results show that the performance of wireless optical communication link between two platforms in underwater medium is degraded significantly due to turbulence, absorption and scattering. In fact, as the turbulence level increases, its effect becomes quantitatively comparable to those of absorption and scattering effects. The variation of both scintillation index and BER performance are presented for various underwater medium and communication system parameters, such as chlorophyll concentration, average temperature, average salinity concentration, temperature and dissipation rates, wavelength, link length and receiver aperture size. Optical network and internet of underwater things (IoUT) applications, which are growing day by day and requiring high data rates, will benefit from the results of this study. </p>
YoloCurvSeg: You Only Label One Noisy Skeleton for Vessel-style Curvilinear Structure Segmentation
Authors: Lin Li , Peng Linkai , He Huaqing , Cheng Pujin , Wu Jiewei , Wong Kenneth Kin-Yip , Tang Xiaoying 
Published: January 2023

<p>Weakly-supervised learning (WSL) has been proposed to alleviate the conflict between data annotation cost and model performance through employing sparsely-grained (i.e., point-, box-, scribble-wise) supervision and has shown promising performance, particularly in the image segmentation field. However, it is still a very challenging task due to the limited supervision, especially when only a small number of labeled samples are available. Additionally, almost all existing WSL segmentation methods are designed for star-convex structures which are very different from curvilinear structures such as vessels and nerves. In this paper, we propose a novel sparsely annotated segmentation framework for curvilinear structures, named YoloCurvSeg. A very essential component of YoloCurvSeg is image synthesis. Specifically, a background generator delivers image backgrounds that closely match the real distributions through inpainting dilated skeletons. The extracted backgrounds are then combined with randomly emulated curves generated by a Space Colonization Algorithm-based foreground generator and through a multilayer patch-wise contrastive learning synthesizer. In this way, a synthetic dataset with both images and curve segmentation labels is obtained, at the cost of only one or a few noisy skeleton annotations. Finally, a segmenter is trained with the generated dataset and possibly an unlabeled dataset. The proposed YoloCurvSeg is evaluated on four publicly available datasets (OCTA500, CORN, DRIVE and CHASEDB1) and the results show that YoloCurvSeg outperforms state-of-the-art WSL segmentation methods by large margins. With only one noisy skeleton annotation (respectively 0.14%, 0.03%, 1.40%, and 0.65% of the full annotation), YoloCurvSeg achieves more than 97% of the fully-supervised performance on each dataset. Code and datasets will be released at https://github.com/llmir/YoloCurvSeg.</p>
On the Use of a Metasurface Lens Over a Large-Element-Spacing Antenna Array for Grating Lobe Suppression and Gain Enhancement
Authors: Ge Yuehe 
Published: January 2023

<p>The large-element-spacing (LES) antenna arrays have the advantages of low cost and less structural complexity but generally suffer from high-level grating lobes. In this paper, we propose a new method to address the issue. By placing a metasurface lens above such an LES array at an appropriate height to adjust and compensate for the phases of the near fields generated by the array, the grating lobes can be suppressed or eliminated without increasing the design complexity. Theoretical analyses, calculations from an efficient numerical method, simulations, and experiments are carried out to validate the proposed method. A complete study of the radiation performance of the proposed antenna configuration is also conducted using the above different ways. All the results demonstrate that the grating lobes from an LES antenna array can be suppressed and the gain can be improved by the proposed method at the cost of a slight increase in the antenna array profile or volume. The novel approach can be applied to any LES antenna arrays, with either large or small sizes, uniform or non-uniform spaces, and periodic or aperiodic structures. </p>
Non-interference patterns evolving to interference patterns --- Universal phenomena of single slit, double slit, cross double slit, triple slit, disc ring, 1D grating and 2D grating experiments
Authors: peng hui 
Published: January 2023

<p>Young’s double slit (and Arago spot) experiments revived the wave theory of light. The standard interpretation is that the light behaves as waves <em>before and after</em> passing through the double slit. </p>
<p>Feynman called the double slit experiment the only mystery in quantum mechanics. In this article, we postulate and experimentally confirm the precise rules of convex lenses. Based on those Postulates, we study the evolution of the patterns of single slit, double slit, triple slit, cross-double slit, disc ring, 1D-grating and 2D-grating experiments. The experiments show, for the first time, the novel universal phenomena: (1) Within a certain macroscopic distance from the diaphragm (Zone-1), light behaves as photons and produces a non-interference pattern, while near the screen (the far field, Zone-3), the photons produce an interference pattern, while between Zone-1 and Zone-3 (Zone-2), the photons produce an non-interference pattern; namely the nature and characteristics of the pattern are distance dependent; (2) The non-interference pattern evolves to the interference pattern gradually in the same experiment; (3) The convex lens stops the evolution of the patterns. The experiments provide profound phenomena/data for further theoretical development of optics and for understanding the nature of light. We suggest that a complete theory should be able to interpret the non-interference pattern in Zone-1, the non-interference pattern in Zone-2, and the interference pattern in Zone-3; and the evolution from one pattern to another. </p>
A Survey on STAR-RIS: Use Cases, Recent Advances, and Future Research Challenges
Authors: Wahid Abdul , Ahmed Manzoor , Laique Sayed Shariq , Khan Wali Ullah , Ihsan Asim , Xu Fang , Chatzinotas Symeon , Han Zhu 
Published: January 2023

<p>The recent development of metasurfaces, which may enable several use cases by modifying the propagation environment, is anticipated to have a substantial effect on the performance of 6G wireless communications. Metasurface elements can produce essentially passive sub-wavelength scattering to enable a smart radio environment. STAR-RIS, which refers to reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) that can transmit and reflect concurrently (STAR), is gaining popularity. In contrast to the widely studied RIS, which can only reflect the wireless signal and serve users on the same side as the transmitter, the STAR-RIS can both reflect and refract (transmit), enabling 360-degree wireless coverage, thus serving users on both sides of the transmitter. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the STAR-RIS, with a focus on the most recent schemes for diverse use cases in 6G networks, resource allocation, and performance evaluation.</p>
<p>We begin by laying the foundation for RIS (passive, active, STAR-RIS), and then discuss the STAR-RIS protocols, advantages, and applications. In addition, we categorize the approaches within the domain of use scenarios, which includes increasing coverage, enhancing physical layer security (PLS), maximizing sum rate, improving energy efficiency (EE), and reducing interference. Next, we will discuss the various strategies for resource allocation and measures for performance evaluation. We aimed to elaborate, compare, and evaluate the literature in terms of setup, channel characteristics, methodology, and objectives. In conclusion, we examine the open research problems and potential future prospects in this field.</p>
Differential derivation method for high accuracy calculation of the refractive index curves
Authors: Li Wenjuan , Wang Nan , Jia Luyuan , Zhu Hongyu , Zhang Lei 
Published: January 2023

<p>A differential derivation method is demonstrated to high-accurately calculate the refractive index curves by solving the mode coupling problems in theoretical calculations. Because of the existence of mode coupling, the finite element method cannot lock the calculator in the interested mode, especially at the crossing part of two refractive index curves. Either imaginary crossing or real crossing will result in an inaccurate calculation of the refractive index curve. The calculation accuracy in the crossing parts is improved by using the differential derivation method, and the effectiveness is verified by calculating the refractive index curves for the HE11, HE12, TE01, and EH11 modes of a custom-designed fiber.</p>
Importance of Accurate Zref Estimation for Transmission Line Characterization based on 2x-thru Calibration
Authors: Chou Chiu-Chih 
Published: January 2023

<p>The 2x-thru calibration is frequently used in the characterization of printed circuit board (PCB) transmission lines. Since the reference impedance of the calibrated S parameters are exactly given by the characteristic impedance, <em>Z</em><sub>LINE</sub>, of the trace at the center of THRU, accurate estimation of this impedance becomes crucial to the accuracy of the renormalized S parameters. In this paper, we compare three different methods of estimating <em>Z</em><sub>LINE</sub>: the mid-point TDR method, the initial-value TDR method, and the analytic model fitting method. Through a simulation test case, it is demonstrated that (i) the initial-value method gives accurate high-frequency responses, but inaccurate low-frequency and time-domain responses, (ii) the mid-point TDR gives inaccurate results in both time and frequency domains, and (iii) the analytic model method produces the most accurate results. </p>
The teaching of Life Skills through School Physical Education
Authors: Latino Francesca 
Published: January 2023

The current complexity characterising modern society imposes the need to look at the education of the citizens of tomorrow, its principles can in fact be applied not only to school subjects but also to everyday behaviour. The International organisations involved in social development recommend the support and development, from early childhood, of a range of transferrable life skills to ensure they are capable of facing life’s challenges in a pragmatic and resilient way. The understanding of this framework sees school as an ideal setting to instil an education that meets the real needs of children and adolescents. Thus, the present work focuses on the importance of life skills and on the influence and contribution of school, in particular physical education, for the development of students’ physical, social, emotional and reasoning skills, in order to prepare them to become strong citizens and able to face life’s challenges in a positive and effective way.

L’insegnamento delle Life Skills attraverso l’Educazione Fisica Scolastica.
L’attuale complessità che caratterizza la società moderna impone sempre più la necessità di guardare alla formazione dei futuri cittadini non solo verso la trasmissione di contenuti didattici disciplinari, ma di attrezzare l’individuo di strumenti di adattamento adeguati al contesto. Le stesse organizzazioni internazionali che si occupano di sviluppo sociale raccomandano ormai da tempo di sostenere e sviluppare, sin dalla prima infanzia, una serie di competenze che rimandano ad abilità trasversali di vita e che rendono l’individuo capace di affrontare in maniera pragmatica e resiliente le sfide che la vita gli riserva. In questo quadro interpretativo la scuola rappresenta il setting ideale dove poter mettere in atto una formazione che risponda a pieno ai reali bisogni dei bambini e dei ragazzi. Il presente lavoro si concentra, pertanto, sull’importanza dell’educazione alle life skills e sul contributo offerto dalla scuola ed in particolare dall’educazione fisica per lo sviluppo delle capacità sociali, emotive e di pensiero negli studenti, al fine di preparare i giovani a diventare cittadini dinamici in grado di affrontare in maniera positiva e adattiva le sfide della vita di tutti i giorni.
Emergency teaching compared: collaboration and technology training for resilience development in teachers
Authors: Pellizzer Laura , Trevisan Ottavia , De Rossi Marina 
Published: January 2023

The aim of the present study is to reflect on the experiences of emergency didactics, distance education (DAD) and digitally integrated education (DDI), of primary school teachers on a regional scale (Veneto), in terms of resilience display. Several teachers answered an online questionnaire at two points in time: at the time of DaD (spring 2020 – N=494) and when DDI became more widespread (winter 2021-2022 – N=620). The participants showed resilience when facing the Covid-19 crisis: the school system resisted, albeit mostly by implementing traditional teaching set-ups, especially through DaD. Two protective factors for resilience were explored: collaboration and technological training. Their impact as protective factors on the development of teachers’ resilience proved not decisive, although slight improvements are noted between the two survey datasets.

Didattiche emergenziali a confronto: collaborazione e formazione tecnologica per lo sviluppo di resilienza negli insegnanti.
L’obiettivo del presente studio è quello di offrire una rilettura sulle esperienze di didattica emergenziale, Didattica a Distanza (DAD) e Didattica Digitale Integrata (DDI), vissute da insegnanti di scuola primaria su scala regionale (Veneto) in chiave di manifestazione di capacità di resilienza. Svariati insegnanti hanno risposto ad un questionario online in due momenti: al tempo della DaD (primavera 2020 – N=494) e quando la DDI si è diffusa maggiormente (inverno 2021-2022 – N=620). I partecipanti hanno manifestato capacità di resilienza di fronte alla crisi Covid-19: il sistema scuola è resistito, seppur implementando assetti didattici di tipo tradizionale, specie in DaD. Si sono approfonditi due fattori protettivi per la resilienza: la collaborazione e la formazione tecnologica. Rispetto al loro impatto sullo sviluppo delle capacità di resilienza degli insegnanti, sebbene si notino deboli miglioramenti tra le due rilevazioni, i dati mostrano che essi non possono essere considerati fattori protettivi particolarmente determinanti.
Connections between internship and professional identity in educational professions training: a narrative review.
Authors: Bertoli Roberta 
Published: January 2023

Today’s society at the Italian and European levels is subject to rapid and continuous change, and those who are part of it must acquire the necessary tools and skills to cope with it and to be active builders of their own personal and professional life projects. The curricular internship is proposed as a device for learning about and experiencing the circularity between theory and practice, which is fundamental to the construction of the professional identity of educators and pedagogues. The literature review presented here aims to highlight the close connection between internship and professional identity in the initial training of the educational professions.

Connessioni tra tirocinio e identità professionale nella formazione delle professioni educative: una rassegna narrativa.
La società attuale a livello italiano ed europeo è soggetta a veloci e continui cambiamenti e coloro che ne fanno parte devono acquisire gli strumenti e le competenze necessari per farvi fronte e per essere attivi costruttori del proprio progetto di vita personale e professionale. Il tirocinio curriculare viene proposto come dispositivo per conoscere e sperimentare la circolarità tra teoria e pratica, fondamentale per la costruzione dell’identità professionale di educatori e pedagogisti. La rassegna letteraria qui presentata mira a mettere in luce la stretta connessione tra il tirocinio e l’identità professionale nella formazione iniziale delle professioni educative.
Re-imagining the post-pandemic future: an activity to implement the emotional skills of university students
Authors: Capo Marianna 
Published: January 2023

In the academic year 2021/2022, the SPO Department of the Centro di Ateneo Sinapsi of the Federico II University of Naples has set up interactive employability laboratories in some three-year bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs to assess students’ potential at the end of their studies. The aim of this paper, starting from a first accurate statistical elaboration of the questionnaires AVO and BdC, is to present some of the experimental laboratory activities aimed at helping students in the processes of self-expression and emotion regulation. The results showed a substantial lack of non-cognitive skills related to the emotionality domain, which is instead considered fundamental to employability, and the positive impact of the SPO labs on improving students’ transversal skills and internal employability potential.

Re-immaginare il futuro nel post pandemia: un'attività per implementare le competenze emotive degli studenti universitari.
Nell’anno accademico 2021/2022, la sezione SPO del Centro di Ateneo Sinapsi dell’Università Federico II di Napoli, ha realizzato, presso alcuni corsi di laurea triennale e magistrale, laboratori interattivi per la Promozione dell’occupabilità con l’obiettivo di valutare il potenziale di occupabilità degli studenti al termine del percorso di studi. Scopo di questo lavoro è presentare a partire da una prima accurata elaborazione statistica dei questionari AVO e BdC alcune delle attività laboratoriali sperimentali finalizzate a sostenere gli studenti nei processi di auto-promozione del sé e di regolazione delle emozioni. Dai risultati è emersa una forte carenza delle capacità non cognitive legate alla sfera dell’emotività, considerate invece fondamentali per l’occupabilità, e il positivo impatto dei laboratori SPO nell’incrementare le competenze trasversali ed il potenziale interno di occupabilità degli studenti.