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A novel approach for video instance segmentation is presented using semisupervised learning. Our Cluster2Former model leverages scribble-based annotations for training, significantly reducing the need for comprehensive pixel-level masks. We augment a video instance segmenter, for example, the Mask2Former architecture, with similarity-based constraint loss to handle partial annotations efficiently. We demonstrate that despite using lightweight annotations (using only 0.5% of the annotated pixels), Cluster2Former achieves competitive performance on standard benchmarks. The approach offers a cost-effective and computationally efficient solution for video instance segmentation, especially in scenarios with limited annotation resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the challenges associated with the dynamic expansion of the conventional bloom filter's capacity, the prevalence of false positives, and the subpar access performance, this study employs the algebraic and topological characteristics of p-adic integers to introduce an innovative approach for dynamically expanding the p-adic Integer Scalable Bloom Filter (PSBF). The proposed method involves converting the target element into an integer using a string hash function, followed by the conversion of said integer into a p-adic integer through algebraic properties. This process automatically establishes the topological tree access structure of the PSBF. The experiment involved a comparison of access performance among the standard bloom filter, dynamic bloom filter, and scalable bloom filter. The findings indicate that the PSBF offers advantages such as avoidance of a linear storage structure, enhanced efficiency in element insertion and query, improved storage space utilization, and reduced likelihood of false positives. Consequently, the PSBF presents a novel approach to the dynamic extensibility of bloom filters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an analysis of the IEEE 802.11ax networks' coexistence with legacy stations, namely IEEE 802.11ac, IEEE 802.11n, and IEEE 802.11a. The IEEE 802.11ax standard introduces several new features that can enhance network performance and capacity. The legacy devices that do not support these features will continue to coexist with newer devices, creating a mixed network environment. This usually leads to a deterioration in the overall performance of such networks; therefore, in the paper, we want to show how we can reduce the negative impact of legacy devices. In this study, we investigate the performance of mixed networks by applying various parameters to both the MAC and PHY layers. We focus on evaluating the impact of the BSS coloring mechanism introduced to the IEEE 802.11ax standard on network performance. We also examine the impact of A-MPDU and A-MSDU aggregations on network efficiency. Through simulations, we analyze the typical performance metrics such as throughput, mean packet delay, and packet loss of mixed networks with different topologies and configurations. Our findings indicate that implementing the BSS coloring mechanism in dense networks can increase throughput by up to 43%. We also show that the presence of legacy devices in the network disrupts the functioning of this mechanism. To address this, we recommend using an aggregation technique, which can improve throughput by up to 79%. The presented research revealed that it is possible to optimize the performance of mixed IEEE 802.11ax networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Commission (EC) has published a European Union (EU) Road Safety Framework for the period 2021 to 2030 to reduce road fatalities. In addition, the EC with the EU Directive 2019/1936 requires a much more detailed recording of road attributes. Therefore, automatic detection of school routes, four classes of crosswalks, and divided carriageways were performed in this paper. The study integrated satellite imagery as a data source and the Yolo object detector. The satellite Pleiades Neo 3 with a spatial resolution of 0.3 m was used as the source for the satellite images. In addition, the study was divided into three phases: vector processing, satellite imagery processing, and training and evaluation of the You Only Look Once (Yolo) object detector. The training process was performed on 1951 images with 2515 samples, while the evaluation was performed on 651 images with 862 samples. For school zones and divided carriageways, this study achieved accuracies of 0.988 and 0.950, respectively. For crosswalks, this study also achieved similar or better results than similar work, with accuracies ranging from 0.957 to 0.988. The study also provided the standard performance measure for object recognition, mean average precision (mAP), as well as the values for the confusion matrix, precision, recall, and f1 score for each class as benchmark values for future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the contrast source inversion method is combined with a finite element method to solve microwave imaging problems. The paper's major contribution is the development of a novel contrast source variable discretization that leads to simplify the algorithm implementation and, at the same time, to improve the accuracy of the discretized quantities. Moreover, the imaging problem is recreated in a synthetic environment, where the antennas, and their corresponding coaxial port, are modeled. The implemented algorithm is applied to reconstruct the tissues' dielectric properties inside the head for brain stroke microwave imaging. The proposed implementation is compared with the standard one to evaluate the impact of the variables' discretization on the algorithm's accuracy. Furthermore, the paper shows the obtained performances with the proposed and the standard implementations of the contrast source inversion method in the same realistic 3D scenario. The exploited numerical example shows that the proposed discretization can reach a better focus on the stroke region in comparison with the standard one. However, the variation is within a limited range of permittivity values, which is reflected in similar averages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reviews the basis and the main aspects of the recent evolution of Broadband Power Line Communications (BB-PLC or, more commonly, BPL) technologies. The article starts describing the organizations and alliances involved in the development and evolution of BPL systems, as well as the standardization institutions working on PLC technologies. Then, a short description of the technical foundation of the recent proposed technologies and a comparison of the main specifications are presented; the regulatory activities related to the limits of emissions and immunity are also addressed. Finally, some representative applications of BPL and some selected use cases enabled by these technologies are summarized, together with the main challenges to be faced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

X-band radars are in growing use for various oceanographic purposes, providing spatial real-time information about sea state parameters, surface elevations, currents, and bathymetry. Therefore, it is very appealing to use such systems as operational aids to harbour management. In an installation of such a remote sensing system in Haifa Port, consistent radially aligned spikes of brightness randomly distributed with respect to azimuth were identified. These streak noise patterns were found to be interfering with the common approach of oceanographic analysis. Harbour areas are regularly frequented with additional electromagnetic transmissions from other ship and land-based radars, which may serve as a source of such interference. A new approach is proposed for the filtering of such undesirable interference patterns from the X-band radar images. It was verified with comparison to in-situ measurements of a nearby wave buoy. Regardless of the actual source of the corresponding pseudo-wave energy, it was found to be crucial to apply such filtration in order to improve the performance of the standard oceanographic parameter retrieval algorithm. This results in better estimation of the mean sea state parameters towards lower values of the significant wave height. For the commercial WaMoSII system this enhancement was clearly apparent in the improvement of the built-in quality control criteria marks. The developed prepossessing procedure improves the robustness of the directional spectra estimation practically eliminating pseudo-wave energy components. It also extends the system's capability to measure storm events earlier on, a fact that is of high importance for harbour operational decision making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industry 4.0 is a new paradigm of digitalization and automation that demands high data rates and real-time ultra-reliable agile communication. Industrial communication at sub-6 GHz industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) bands has some serious impediments, such as interference, spectral congestion, and limited bandwidth. These limitations hinder the high throughput and reliability requirements of modern industrial applications and mission-critical scenarios. In this paper, we critically assess the potential of the 60 GHz millimeter-wave (mmWave) ISM band as an enabler for ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) in smart manufacturing, smart factories, and mission-critical operations in Industry 4.0 and beyond. A holistic overview of 60 GHz wireless standards and key performance indicators are discussed. Then the review of 60 GHz smart antenna systems facilitating agile communication for Industry 4.0 and beyond is presented. We envisage that the use of 60 GHz communication and smart antenna systems are crucial for modern industrial communication so that URLLC in Industry 4.0 and beyond could soar to its full potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Airway clearance refers to the clearing of any airway blockage caused due to foreign objects such as mud, gravel, and biomaterials such as blood, vomit, or teeth fragments using the technology of choice, portable suction devices. Currently available devices are either too heavy and bulky to be carried, or insufficiently powered to be useful despite being in accordance with the ISO 10079-1 standards. When applied to portable suction, the design and testing standards lack clinical relevancy, which is evidenced by how available portable suction devices are sparingly used in pre-hospital situations. Lack of clinical relevancy despite being in accordance with design/manufacturing standards arise due to little if any collaboration between those developing clinical standards and the bodies that maintain design and manufacturing standards. An updated set of standards is required that accurately reflects evidence-based requirements and specifications, which should promote valid, rational, and relevant engineering designs and manufacturing standards in consideration of the unique scenarios facing prehospital casualty care. This paper aims to critically review the existing standards for portable suction devices and propose modifications based on the evidence and requirements, especially for civilian prehospital and combat casualty care situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-Power Instrument Transformers (LPITs) are becoming the first choice for distributed measurement systems for medium voltage networks. However, there are still a lot of challenges related to their operation. Such challenges include their accuracy variation when several influence quantities are acting on them. Among the most significant influence quantities are temperature, electromagnetic field, humidity, etc. Another aspect that increases the importance of studying the LPITs' accuracy behavior is that, once installed, they cannot be calibrated for several years; hence, one cannot compensate for in-field conditions. Hence, this work aims at introducing a simple type test for a specific LPIT, the Rogowski coil. First, an experimental setup to assess the effect of temperature, humidity, and positioning on the power quality accuracy performance of the Rogowski coil is described. Second, from the results and the experience of the authors it has been possible to design a specific type test. The test has the aim of finding the limits of the accuracy variations of a single Rogowski coil. Afterwards, such limits can be used to compensate for the in-field measurements, obtaining an overall higher accuracy. The results of this work may contribute to the always-evolving standardization work on LPITs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Network Intrusion Detection Systems (NIDSs) are indispensable defensive tools against various cyberattacks. Lightweight, multipurpose, and anomaly-based detection NIDSs employ several methods to build profiles for normal and malicious behaviors. In this paper, we design, implement, and evaluate the performance of machine-learning-based NIDS in IoT networks. Specifically, we study six supervised learning methods that belong to three different classes: (1) ensemble methods, (2) neural network methods, and (3) kernel methods. To evaluate the developed NIDSs, we use the distilled-Kitsune-2018 and NSL-KDD datasets, both consisting of a contemporary real-world IoT network traffic subjected to different network attacks. Standard performance evaluation metrics from the machine-learning literature are used to evaluate the identification accuracy, error rates, and inference speed. Our empirical analysis indicates that ensemble methods provide better accuracy and lower error rates compared with neural network and kernel methods. On the other hand, neural network methods provide the highest inference speed which proves their suitability for high-bandwidth networks. We also provide a comparison with state-of-the-art solutions and show that our best results are better than any prior art by 1~20%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Step counts and oxygen consumption have yet to be reported during the 2-min walk test (2MWT) test in persons with lower-limb amputations (LLA). The purpose of this study was to determine step counts and oxygen consumption during the 2MWT in LLA. Thirty-five men and women walked for two minutes as quickly as possible while wearing activity monitors (ActiGraph Link on the wrist (LW) and ankle (LA), Garmin vivofit®3 on the wrist (VW) and ankle (VA), and a modus StepWatch on the ankle (SA), and a portable oxygen analyzer. The StepWatch on the ankle (SA) and the vivofit3 on the wrist (VW) had the least error and best accuracy of the activity monitors studied. While there were no significant differences in distance walked, oxygen consumption (VO2) or heart rate (HR) between sexes or level of amputation (p > 0.05), females took significantly more steps than males (p = 0.034), and those with unilateral transfemoral amputations took significantly fewer steps than those with unilateral transtibial amputations (p = 0.023). The VW and SA provided the most accurate step counts among the activity monitors and were not significantly different than hand counts. Oxygen consumption for all participants during the 2MWT was 8.9 ± 2.9 mL/kg/min, which is lower than moderate-intensity activity. While some may argue that steady-state activity has not yet been reached in the 2MWT, it may also be possible participants are not walking as fast as they can, thereby misclassifying their performance to a lower standard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the research interest for exoskeletons has been rising in the last decades, missing standards for their rigorous evaluation are potentially limiting their adoption in the industrial field. In this context, exoskeletons for worker support have the aim to reduce the physical effort required by humans, with dramatic social and economic impact. Indeed, exoskeletons can reduce the occurrence and the entity of work-related musculoskeletal disorders that often cause absence from work, resulting in an eventual productivity loss. This very urgent and multifaceted issue is starting to be acknowledged by researchers. This article provides a systematic review of the state of the art for functional performance evaluation of low-back exoskeletons for industrial workers. We report the state-of-the-art evaluation criteria and metrics used for such a purpose, highlighting the lack of a standard for this practice. Very few studies carried out a rigorous evaluation of the assistance provided by the device. To address also this topic, the article ends with a proposed framework for the functional validation of low-back exoskeletons for the industry, with the aim to pave the way for the definition of rigorous industrial standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The continuous advances of Nanofluidics have been stimulating the development of novel nanostructures and strategies to accumulate very diluted analytes, for implementing a new class of high sensitivity miniaturized polymeric sensors. We take advantage of the electrokinetic properties of these structures, which allow accumulating analytes inside asymmetric microfluidic structures to implement miniaturized sensors able to detect diluted solutions down to nearly 1.2 pg/mL. In particular, exploiting polydimethylsiloxane devices, fabricated by using the junction gap breakdown technique, we concentrate antigens inside a thin microfunnel functionalized with specific antibodies to favor the interaction and, if it is the case, the recognition between antigens in solution and antibodies anchored to the surface. The transduction mechanism consists in detecting the fluorescence signal of labeled avidin when it binds to biotinylated antigens. Here, we demonstrate that exploiting these electrokinetic phenomena, typical of nanofluidic structures, we succeeded in concentrating biomolecules in correspondence of a 1 pL sensing region, a strategy that grants to the device performance comparable to standard immunoassays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High value manufacturing requires production-integrated, fast, multi-sensor and multi-scale inspection. To meet this need, the robotic deployment of sensors within the factory environment is becoming increasingly popular. For microscale measurement applications, robot-mountable versions of high-resolution instruments, that are traditionally deployed in a laboratory environment, are now becoming available. However, standard methodologies for the evaluation of these instruments, particularly when mounted to a robot, have yet to be fully defined, and therefore, there is limited independent evaluation data to describe the potential performance of these systems. In this paper, a detailed evaluation approach is presented for light-weight robot mountable scanning interferometric sensors. Traditional evaluation approaches are considered and extended to account for robotic sensor deployment within industrial environments. The applicability and value of proposed evaluation is demonstrated through the comprehensive characterization of a Heliotis H6 interferometric sensors. The results indicate the performance of the sensor, in comparison to a traditional laboratory-based system, and demonstrate the limits of the sensor capability. Based-on the evaluation an effective strategy for robotic deployment of the sensor is demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]