Improving LIBS-based mineral identification with Raman imaging and spectral knowledge distillation.

Combining data from different sensing modalities has been a promising research topic for building better and more reliable data-driven models. In particular, it is known that multimodal spectral imaging can improve the analytical capabilities of standalone spectroscopy techniques through fusion, hyphenation, or knowledge distillation techniques. In this manuscript, we focus on the latter, exploring how one can increase the performance of a Laser-induced Breakdown Spectroscopy system for mineral classification problems using additional spectral imaging techniques.

Unsupervised and interpretable discrimination of lithium-bearing minerals with Raman spectroscopy imaging.

As lithium-bearing minerals become critical raw materials for the field of energy storage and advanced technologies, the development of tools to accurately identify and differentiate these minerals is becoming essential for efficient resource exploration, mining, and processing. Conventional methods for identifying ore minerals often depend on the subjective observation skills of experts, which can lead to errors, or on expensive and time-consuming techniques such as Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) or Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). More recently, Raman Spectroscopy (RS) has emerged as a powerful tool for characterizing and identifying minerals due to its ability to provide detailed molecular information.

From sensor fusion to knowledge distillation in collaborative LIBS and hyperspectral imaging for mineral identification.

Multimodal spectral imaging offers a unique approach to the enhancement of the analytical capabilities of standalone spectroscopy techniques by combining information gathered from distinct sources. In this manuscript, we explore such opportunities by focusing on two well-known spectral imaging techniques, namely laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, and hyperspectral imaging, and explore the opportunities of collaborative sensing for a case study involving mineral identification. In specific, the work builds upon two distinct approaches: a traditional sensor fusion, where we strive to increase the information gathered by including information from the two modalities; and a knowledge distillation approach, where the Laser Induced Breakdown spectroscopy is used as an autonomous supervisor for hyperspectral imaging.

Identification of Relevant Spectral Ranges in Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy Imaging Using the Fourier Space.

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) imaging has now a well-established position in the subject of spectral imaging, leveraging multi-element detection capabilities and fast acquisition rates to support applications both at academic and technological levels. In current applications, the standard processing pipeline to explore LIBS imaging data sets revolves around identifying an element that is suspected to exist within the sample and generating maps based on its characteristic emission lines. Such an approach requires some previous expert knowledge both on the technique and on the sample side, which hinders a wider and more transparent accessibility of the LIBS imaging technique by non-specialists.

Fatigue effects on the knee flexors neuromuscular parameters during repeated sprinting.

Background: To identify at which point fatigue on neuromuscular parameters occurs in the knee flexors during a repeated sprint protocol.

Methods: Physical active males without previous hamstring strain injury were recruited. Neuromuscular parameters such as peak torque (PT) and rate of torque development (RTD) were assessed after every two sprints in a 5 × (2 x 30 m) repeated sprint protocol.

Characterization of Functional Coatings on Cork Stoppers with Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy Imaging.

Evaluating the efficiency of surface treatments is a problem of paramount importance for the cork stopper industry. Generically, these treatments create coatings that aim to enhance the impermeability and lubrification of cork stoppers. Yet, current methods of surface analysis are typically time-consuming, destructive, have poor representativity or rely on indirect approaches.

Effects of repeated sprinting on hamstring shear modulus pattern and knee flexor neuromuscular parameters.

The purpose of the present study was to examine the acute effects of a maximum repeated sprint protocol on (1) hamstring shear modulus and (2) knee flexor neuromuscular parameters such as peak torque (PT) and rate of torque development (RTD). Muscle shear modulus was assessed in 18 healthy males using shear wave elastography at rest and during 30° isometric knee flexion at 20% of maximal voluntary isometric contraction, before and after a 10 × 30 m repeated sprint protocol. There was a 9% decrease in average speed between the fastest and slowest sprint (p < 0.

Do Repeated Sprints Affect the Biceps Femoris Long Head Architecture in Football Players with and without an Injury History?-A Retrospective Study.

The aim of this study was to compare the biceps femoris long head (BFlh) architecture between football players with (twelve) and without (twenty) history of BFlh injury before and after a repeated sprint task. Fascicle length (FL), pennation angle (PA) and muscle thickness (MT) were assessed at rest and in the active condition before and after the repeated sprint protocol. Athletes with previous BFlh injury showed shorter FL at rest (p = 0.

On the Importance of Joint Mitigation Strategies for Front, Bulk, and Rear Recombination in Ultrathin Cu(In,Ga)Se Solar Cells.

Several optoelectronic issues, such as poor optical absorption and recombination, limit the power conversion efficiency of ultrathin Cu(In,Ga)Se (CIGS) solar cells. To mitigate recombination losses, two combined strategies were implemented: a potassium fluoride (KF) post-deposition treatment (PDT) and a rear interface passivation strategy based on an aluminum oxide (AlO) point contact structure. The simultaneous implementation of both strategies is reported for the first time on ultrathin CIGS devices.

Developing the 'checking' discipline.

We explore how engagement with checklists and adoption of a strict 'checking' discipline help avoid unintentional individual, team and systemic errors. Paradoxically, this is equally important when performing repetitive mundane tasks as well as during times of high-stress workload. In this article, we aim to discuss the different types of checklists and explain how deviations from a 'checking' discipline can lead to never events such as wrong side or site surgery.