Metres Research Articles

Development of tongue strength and endurance measurement device: A pilot study in healthy adults

Background: Safe and efficient swallowing relies on adequate tongue strength and endurance. Thus, tongue strength and endurance assessments are essential for swallowing rehabilitation for individuals with swallowing difficulties due to tongue structure and function abnormalities. These tongue functions can be objectively measured using a standard device. However, in Thailand, assessing tongue strength and endurance using standard devices is not widespread in clinical practice due to the high cost of importing these devices. Objective: This study aimed to develop a precise, accurate, and reliable tongue function measurement device for the clinical assessment of tongue strength and endurance. Materials and methods: This study was divided into three phases: 1) Development of a tongue strength and endurance measurement device in a laboratory setting and administration of a satisfaction questionnaire, 2) Trial of the prototype device with six participants, and 3) Assessment of the test-retest reliability of the developed device and investigation of tongue strength and endurance values with twenty participants. Results: As a result of this development, a novel device for measuring tongue strength and endurance was obtained, which provides measurements in units of newtons (N) and kilopascals (kPa) for strength and seconds (s) for endurance. The device’s development cost was significantly lower compared to imported commercially available devices while maintaining the performance standards for medical measurement devices. This was demonstrated by its accuracy ranging from 96.40% to 100%, high precision with a Coefficient of Variation (% CV) of 0.90% to 4.21%, and moderate to excellent reliability with an Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) of 0.56 to 0.93. Furthermore, statistically significant differences (p<0.01) were observed between genders, especially in anterior tongue strength. Conclusion: The tongue strength and endurance measurement device developed through this study can be utilized for clinical tongue function assessment, giving patients more access to objective evaluations of tongue strength and endurance at a lower examination cost.

A nanohybrid-based smartphone-compatible high performance electrochemical glucose sensor

A cost-effective and low-potential smartphone-compatible electrochemical sensor was constructed using a nanohybrid for the sensing of glucose in human and animal serum. The nanohybrid composed of gold nanoparticle (GNP) decorated cobalt hexacyanoferrate (CHCF) modified ZIF-67 (cobalt metal organic framework, CMOF) was synthesized and characterized by FTIR, XRD, and SEM with EDX analysis. The electrochemical characteristics of the nanohybrid were investigated by depositing the nanohybrid over a conventional glassy carbon electrode (GCE) and performing cyclic voltammetry, which revealed a stable redox peak with a formal potential of +0.23 V, corresponding to Co2+/3+ redox couple in GNP–CHCF–CMOF. Thus, developed sensor was utilized for the electrochemical glucose detection, which showed exceptional electrocatalytic activity over a linear detection range from 8.33 to 3793 μM with a low detection limit of 0.96 μM at a low potential of +0.35 V. Furthermore, the GNP–CHCF–CMOF/GCE sensor was employed for the detection of glucose spiked in human and rabbit serum samples, which showed excellent recoveries. A portable measurement device was fabricated which showed the real-time monitoring of glucose in a smartphone. This novel approach paves the way for the design and fabrication of cost-effective, low-potential sensors, which would reduce overall costs and enhance the performance of sensing devices.

Development of low-cost portable spectrometer equipped with 18-band spectral sensors using deep learning model for evaluating moisture content of rubber sheets

While the choice of spectrometer can vary depending on its intended use, the increased cost of high-performance spectrometers may not be justified in certain applications. Therefore, this research developed an affordable and portable device using 18-band spectral sensors incorporating a deep learning model for accurately determining the moisture content in rubber sheets. A set of 286 rubber sheets was randomly separated into two categories: 200 for model calibration and 86 for model validation. In the calibration process, the spectral data were calibrated using a one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1D-CNN) and then were compared with a recognized linear model using partial least squares regression (PLSR). The experiments revealed the exceptional performance of the 1D-CNN model in predicting the moisture content of rubber sheets, outperforming the PLSR model. The 1D-CNN model had a better prediction accuracy, with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.962, a root mean squared error of prediction (RMSEP) of 0.410 %, a prediction-to-deviation ratio (RPD) of 5.2, and an error range ratio (RER) of 18.0. A portable device was constructed by incorporating the 1D-CNN model into a 32-bit microcontroller, which was embedded within the measurement device. During testing of the instrument, the results indicated that its predictive performance did not differ significantly from that of the primary calibration model. Therefore, it could be concluded that the designed instrument was capable of accurately measuring the moisture content of rubber sheets and is suitable for field use due to its portability and cost-effectiveness.

P153 NATIONAL SURVEY OF ARGENTINE DOCTORS ON HYPERTENSION

Background and Objective: Hypertension (HTN) is the leading cardiovascular risk factor, yet its control remains low. Identifying factors influencing diagnosis, potential clinical inertia, and the measuring devices used is crucial. Objective: This study aims to understand factors in medical practice affecting HTN knowledge and control, and to assess the availability and use of blood pressure (BP) measurement devices. Methods: This observational, cross-sectional study is based on a 25-question self-administered survey by the Argentine Society of Hypertension (SAHA) and the Argentine Society of Medicine (SAM), targeting doctors treating HTN patients in Argentina. This report focuses on BP measurement. Results: A total of 1,042 responses were received, with women comprising 45.8% (n:471). Responses came from 430 cardiologists (41.7%), 380 internists (36.8%), 68 HTN specialists (6.6%), 54 primary care physicians (5.2%), and 100 from other specialties (9.7%). An own validated automatic arm BP monitor was used by 44.5%, a manual aneroid by 36.5%, an institution's validated automatic arm monitor by 10.9%, and a fixed wall aneroid by 8.2%. BP was measured in all patients by 89% of respondents, sometimes by 8.5%, and only if the patient was hypertensive by 1.7%. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) was always requested before treatment by 25.2%, sporadically by 34%, never by 4.1%, and only for BP between 130/85 mmHg and 159/99 mmHg by 36.7%. The 24-hour ABPM values for initiating pharmacological treatment were >140/90 mmHg (40.9%), >135/85 mmHg (39%), and >130/80 mmHg (20.1%). Conclusions: Discrepancies exist in HTN patient care. Only 20% of doctors start pharmacological treatment at 24-hour ABPM values above 130/80 mmHg. Enhancing education and information could improve HTN control strategies.

Comparing 3D imaging devices for the measurement of cutaneous neurofibromas in patients with Neurofibromatosis Type 1.

Cutaneous neurofibromas (cNFs) are a major cause of disfigurement in patients with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1). However, clinical trials investigating cNF treatments lack standardised outcome measures to objectively evaluate changes in cNF size and appearance. 3D imaging has been proposed as an objective standardised outcome measure however various systems exist with different features that affect useability in clinical settings. The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy, precision, feasibility, reliability and accessibility of three imaging systems. We compared the Vectra-H1, LifeViz-Micro and Cherry-Imaging systems. A total of 58 cNFs from 13 participants with NF1 were selected for imaging and analysis. The primary endpoint was accuracy as measured by comparison of measurements between imaging systems. Secondary endpoints included reliability between two operators, precision as measured with the average coefficient of variation, feasibility as determined by time to capture and analyse an image and accessibility as determined by cost. There was no significant difference in accuracy between the three devices for length or surface area measurements (p>0.05), and reliability and precision were similar. Volume measurements demonstrated the most variability compared to other measurements; LifeViz-Micro demonstrated the least measurement variability for surface area and image capture and analysis were fastest with LifeViz-Micro. LifeViz-Micro was better for imaging smaller number of cNFs (1-3), Vectra-H1 better for larger areas and Cherry for uneven surfaces. All systems demonstrated excellent reliability but possess distinct advantages and limitations. Surface area is the most consistent and reliable parameter for measuring cNF size in clinical trials.

O30 AVAILABILITY OF PROPERLY VALIDATED AUTOMATED BLOOD PRESSURE MEASURING DEVICES FOR CHILDREN: STRIDE BP SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Background and Objective: Properly validated automated upper-arm cuff blood pressure (BP) measuring devices are currently recommended for office, home, and ambulatory BP measurement. However, the validation of BP devices in children presents additional challenges, necessitating separate studies. This study assessed the evidence on accurate automated BP devices in children. Methods: STRIDE BP (www.stridebp.org) performs periodic systematic PubMed searches to identify validation studies of automated cuff BP monitors. Validation studies including children (3-12 years) conducted using an established protocol, including the AAMI/ESH/ISO Universal Standard (ISO 81060-2:2018), ANSI/AAMI/ISO 2013/2009, ESH-IP 2010/2002, AAMI 2002/1992/1987, and BHS 1993/1990, were identified from the STRIDE BP database. Results: Of 569 validation studies included in the STRIDE BP database, 47 (33 devices) were identified including children. Among them, STRIDE BP rejected 29 studies of which 18 were reported as “device pass” in the published paper. Among studies rejected by STRIDE BP but published as “pass”, main reasons for rejection were violations in the BP measurement procedure (sequence, number, repeats) (50%), inadequate reference device or cuffs for reference and test device (16.6%), inadequate sample size (22.2%), and single observer for reference BP (22.2%). Eventually 18 studies in children (38.3%) fulfilled all the validation protocol requirements, and 16 devices (10 available on the market) met the validation requirements and can be recommended for use in children. When additional ‘equivalent’ devices were considered (devices lacking validation studies but with differences from validated devices not affecting the measurement accuracy), 21 devices were found to be accurate, with 13 of them available on the market (Table). Conclusions: This analysis highlight a serious shortage of properly validated BP devices for children available in the market, with published validation studies often having major methodological issues. There is an urgent call to manufacturers and investigators to develop and properly validate more BP devices for children. TABLE. Validated devices for office, home, and ambulatory BP measurement in children.

A reconstruction method for harmonic measurement in distribution networks based on equivalent harmonic source approach

Abstract In recent years, with a large number of nonlinear devices connected to the distribution network, harmonic problems have been inevitably generated during operation, which makes harmonic problems more complex in the distribution network. However, it is important to master the real-time harmonic level of the distribution network for the analysis and management of the harmonic problems in the grid. However, because of economic reasons and decentralized nodes, it is impractical to install a harmonic measurement device at each node in engineering. Moreover, it is important to know how to measure harmonics at important nodes in a distribution network using a limited number of measurement devices. Therefore, a harmonic measurement reconstruction method for distribution networks is proposed based on the equivalent harmonic source method. This method aims to obtain more harmonic source state information with a minimum economic cost. First, a mathematical model of the harmonic currents is established. Subsequently, an equivalent harmonic source method is proposed, and a harmonic reconstruction model based on the equivalent harmonic source method is presented. Finally, an example of an IEEE 14-node distribution network is used to verify the effectiveness of the equivalent harmonic source method.

O32 AVAILABILITY OF PROPERLY VALIDATED BLOOD PRESSURE MEASURING DEVICES FOR PREGNANT WOMEN: STRIDE BP SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Background and Objective: Validated automated upper-arm cuff blood pressure (BP) measuring devices are currently recommended for BP measurement. However, a validated BP device in the general population may be inaccurate in pregnant women. Thus, separate validation studies are required in pregnant women with normal BP, hypertension, and preeclampsia. This study assessed the published evidence on BP devices in pregnancy. Methods: STRIDE BP (www.stridebp.org) performs periodic systematic PubMed searches to identify validation studies of automated cuff BP monitors. Validation studies in pregnancy conducted using an established protocol, including the AAMI/ESH/ISO Universal Standard (ISO 81060-2:2018), ANSI/AAMI/ISO 2013/2009, ESH-IP 2010/2002, AAMI 2002/1992/1987, and BHS 1993/1990, were identified. Results: Of 569 validation studies included in the STRIDE BP database, 63 (35 devices) were identified including pregnant women. Among them, STRIDE BP rejected 45 studies, of which 25 were reported as “device pass” in the published validation paper. Among the studies rejected by STRIDE BP but published as “pass”, the main reasons for rejection were violations in the BP measurement protocol (44%), inadequate reference device or cuffs for reference and test device (36%), no data in women with hypertension and/or preeclampsia (36%), single observer for reference BP measurement (28%), and inappropriate data analysis (20%). Eventually 18 studies in pregnant women (28.6%) fulfilled the protocol requirements, and 16 devices (8 of them available on the market) can be recommended for clinical use in pregnancy. When additional ‘equivalent’ devices were considered (devices lacking validation studies but with differences from validated devices not affecting the BP measurement accuracy), 37 devices were found to be accurate in pregnancy, with 27 of them available on the market (Table). Conclusions: This analysis showed a shortage of properly validated BP devices for pregnant women available in the market, with published validation often having major methodological issues. There is an urgent need to develop and properly validate more BP devices in pregnancy. TABLE. Validated devices for office, home, and ambulatory BP measurement in pregnant women.

P066 HOW BLOOD PRESSURE DEVICES ARE OBTAINED FOR HOME BLOOD PRESSURE MEASUREMENT: A MIXED-METHODS STUDY AMONG AUSTRALIA ADULTS

Background and Objective. Only 20% of automated blood pressure (BP) devices available for purchase are validated. However, how consumers obtain devices for home BP measurement and whether their devices are validated remains unknown, which was the aim of this study. Methods. Surveys (n=225) and interviews (n=27) among adults who measure BP at home in Australia (June-December 2023). Survey questions included how the BP device was obtained, device details to determine validation status, and considerations in choosing a device. Interviews explored how and why BP devices were obtained in detail. Results. Most participants (n=216, 96%) used an upper-arm cuff device, of which 52% (n=118) were validated. Of 9 participants that used wrist cuff devices, 67% (n=6) were validated. Most participants purchased (n=176, 91%) their BP device, predominantly from pharmacy (n=126, 72%; 50% validated), followed by online (n=36, 16%; 52% validated). Validated BP devices were on average $38.53 AUD more expensive than non-validated devices (p<0.001). Although accuracy was the most important consideration when choosing a BP device (n=112, 50%), few interview participants cited device validation status as a consideration. “I just assumed that they were all accurate”. Most interview participants avoided cheaper BP devices, believing these were less accurate, and they were willing to “make an investment” in their BP device due to the importance of getting an accurate BP measurement. Interview participants rarely received recommendations from their GP about which BP device to use and reported pharmacy staff provided retail support based on in-store device availability rather than information about accuracy. Conclusion. This study found only 50% of devices used by consumers for home BP measurement have been validated. Devices that are validated are more expensive, but critically, consumers are willing to make an investment in an accurate BP device. However, little guidance is provided to support consumers when selecting a BP device. These findings demonstrate the need for credible information and resources that support consumers to obtain validated BP devices.

Literature review of specific techniques in catching and throwing in infield defense in baseball - retrospective article

<p>目的：內野手可以是整個棒球守備的核心，棒球守備各階段全身上下的協調，有許多值得探討的專項技巧。方法：本研究使用Google scholar，以Baseball infielder、內野、野球守備、內野捕球、守備ゴロ等關鍵字，搜尋台灣、日本、美國三國關於棒球內野守備專項技巧的文獻做歸納，以不同角度探討內野守備的專項技巧：一、內野守備接球，二、內野守備傳球，三、守備的分期與各分期之動作控制。結果：本篇回顧性論文發現，一、移動腳步到好接球的彈跳點是良好守備的關鍵。二、減少軸心腳在接球位置上的變化和較為前面的接球點，對於接球的穩定性至關重要，甚至會影響到後續傳球的動能。三、精簡接傳的動作相較於增加傳球球速可能可以更能有效減少整體守備時間。四、優秀選手在接球的過程中會儘早讓軸心腳著地，並前期和中期將重心保留在軸心腳。五、內野手傳球在前導腳接觸時，軀幹向後扭轉和肘部伸展角度都會比投手小。結論：無論是接球前腳步移動的節奏和精確性，還是接球時的接球點和接短彈跳的能力，甚至是軀幹和骨盆前傾的時機點，對於內野守備過程都產生一定的影響。建議在日常練習時，就能將接短彈跳、腳步移動，納入訓練課表中，並且在動作過程中，加以檢視軀幹的姿勢，方能在比賽時擁有良好的守備表現。</p> <p> </p><p>The standing throw with run-up is the best approach to evaluate the performance of energy transfer and the efficiency of throwing motions for handball players. Purpose: This research aims at analyzing the usage of the standing throw with run-up among the handball players in Taiwan. The roles of body kinematics, strength of core muscles and standing balance of the drive leg played in the standing throw with run-up are also discussed. Methods: Nine Division I handball players from college went through a series of tests. The motions and the speed of the handball throwing were detected by a 3D electromagnetic motion analysis system and a sports radar gun, respectively. The maximum isometric muscle strength of trunks and hips were measured by a torque sensor and a home-made device of strength measurement. The standing balance of the drive leg was measured by a force plate with a mat. Results: The maximal shoulder external rotation angle in the arm cocking phase, the maximal trunk rotation velocity in the arm acceleration phase and the maximal shoulder horizontal adduction velocity showed moderate positive relationships with the ball velocity. The strength of back muscles had a moderate negative relationship with the ball velocity. The correlation between the balance ability of the drive leg and the ball velocity was not observed. Conclusion: The importance of proximal segments to the standing throw with run-up is analyzed by kinematical analysis. It is suggested that the energy of handball throwing is generated by the upper extremities or other limb segments in the processes of the standing throw with run-up. Our findings can serve as a helpful reference for both coaches and players.</p> <p> </p>

Design and validation of a DMA-inspired device for in-vivo measurement of human skin mechanics: a finite element analysis approach

Abstract This study introduces a novel method for measuring the mechanical properties of human skin in-vivo, inspired by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). We designed and applied a DMA-like device to living human skin and validated its functionality through finite element analysis (FEA) on an ideally elastic skin model. The device features multiple testing modes, including horizontal movement in both same and opposite directions with optional pre-stretching. Stress-strain behaviours obtained from FEA align with initial setup parameters, serving as powerful tools for further research into the mechanical properties of skin. This method is expected to have potential significance in biomechanical theory, clinical, and healthcare applications.

Abstract P404: Using Target: BP™ Initiative Resources and Awards To Improve Evidence-Based Practice Adoption And Blood Pressure Control

Target: BP™ is a national initiative created by the American Heart Association and the American Medical Association in 2017 in response to the high prevalence of uncontrolled blood pressure (BP). Committed to advancing health equity, Target: BP supports health care organizations to improve blood pressure control by leveraging AHA guidelines and scientific statements and the AMA MAP ™ framework; assists health care organizations in their journeys to improve and sustain BP control with professional education and resources; and recognizes health care organizations annually with achievement awards. Target: BP recognizes organizations that commit to improvement, adopt evidence-based BP activities, and achieve BP control rates ≥70 percent, currently defined as SBP<140 and DBP<90 mmHg in CMS Controlling High Blood Pressure #236. Evidence-based BP activities include 1) calibrating BP measurement devices, 2) checking to see if devices are validated, 3) training and, 4) testing care team members in BP measurement every 6-12 months, 5) using a protocol to measure and confirm BP measurements, and 6) posting a positioning graphic (job aid) next to every place where BP is measured. Since adding evidence-based activity award criteria, self-attested achievement levels have improved from 2021 to 2023 for device calibration from 47.9% to 65.3%, for team training from 67.6% to 85.5%, for team testing from 67.0% to 86.2%, for measurement protocol use from 83.3% to 94.4%, and for job-aid posting from 54.8% to 69.6%. For each activity, Target: BP provides no-cost education and resources to help achieve the criteria. Overall participation has grown from 330 to 1806 organizations since 2017, now caring for 8.6 million patients with hypertension. In 2023, 866 organizations reported BP control rates ≥70 percent and 1489 reported the adoption of ≥4 of 6 evidence-based BP activities. Future expansion of the evidenced-based activity criteria will address treatment intensification, lifestyle risk factors, self-measured blood pressure monitoring, and equitable health outcomes. In a 2023 survey of participating organizations, 85.2% of 230 respondents reported “improving patient outcomes” as their primary reason for participating in Target: BP. Among respondents, 95.7% agree or strongly agree that expanded criteria will help to focus QI priorities. Award incentives appear to play a positive role in encouraging organizations to adopt evidence-based practices and improve blood pressure control.

Approach to Aircraft Handling Qualities Prediction

For the decades that followed the publication of the Cooper–Harper report that formalized a standard and universally recognized handling qualities pilot rating scale, researchers have sought to correlate pilot compensation—as well as physical and mental workload—with the assigned rating. A quantitative correlation remains elusive. In recent years, new physiological measurement devices have been developed that, together with software processing tools, can provide accurate measures of psychophysiological measures, including cognitive workload, distraction, and high/low engagement, based on electroencephalogram and electrocardiogram measures (i.e., brain waves and heart rate variability). The pilot compensation referred to in the Cooper–Harper scale is also a function of task performance measures that reflect aircraft characteristics and inceptor activity that reflects upon physical workload. Using a new piloted simulation test database generated in Manned Flight Simulator’s containerized rotary-wing simulator with 10 experienced test pilots, a machine-learning-based software algorithm that integrates a disparate mix of pilot–vehicle system, physiological, and task performance measures was used to further develop an approach to predict handling qualities levels and ratings.

Multivariate process capability analysis for evaluating metal additive manufacturing via electron beam melting

Abstract Electron beam melting (EBM) as one of the relatively new metal AM techniques showed promising and increasing applications. Therefore, there is a need to evaluate the quality of the EBM process using its critical quality characteristics. However, EBM and different AM process parts have many functionally or statistically correlated quality characteristics. Consequently, the quality characteristics of the EBM process should be evaluated together. Therefore, this research aims to evaluate the quality of the EBM process using a multivariate process capability index (MPCI). In this study, the dimensional accuracy in different directions is considered as a quality characteristics. The proposed methodology involves producing a large sample of small specimens of square shape using EBM technology. Three critical dimensions of the specimen in the X, Y, and Z axis are investigated as quality characteristics. The dimensions of quality characteristics are measured using a precise measurement device. The normality and stability assumptions of the collected data are investigated using skewness measure, and multivariate process control chart respectively. Then a large sample of the multivariate normal data is simulated using computer software to estimate the percent of nonconforming (PNC) from the established specification limits, which is used to estimate MPCI. Finally, the capable tolerance of the process is estimated and the sensitivity analysis of variation is investigated. The results show the capability of the EBM process under different specification limits designations. Estimating MPCI revealed that the EBM process is capable under very coarse limits only. Moreover, the sensitivity analysis showed that variation in quality characteristics data is very sensitive for MPCI estimation, especially variation in width quality characteristic.

Association Between Tongue Pressure and Prevalence of Mild Cognitive Impairment in Japan.

Although it has been suggested that a decline in oral function is one of the potential risk factors affecting mild cognitive impairment (MCI), evidence is insufficient to draw clear conclusions. This Japanese cross-sectional study examined the association between tongue pressure (TP) and MCI in middle-aged and older adults aged 36-84years. Study participants were 1019 (368 men and 651 women). TP was evaluated using a TP measurement device. The maximum value of three measurements was used for analysis. MCI was defined as being present if a participant had a Japanese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment score of <26. Adjustment was made for age, smoking status, alcohol consumption, leisure-time physical activity, body mass index, hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, history of depression, number of teeth, employment, education, and household income. The prevalence of MCI was 45.3%. Among women, compared with the lowest tertile of TP, the second and highest tertiles were significantly associated with a lower prevalence of MCI with a clear dose-response relationship; the adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence intervals) in the second and highest tertiles of TP were 0.54 (0.36-0.83) and 0.55 (0.36-0.84), respectively (p for trend=0.005). In contrast, no statistically significant association was observed between TP and the prevalence of MCI among men. Our findings suggest that higher TP might be inversely associated with the prevalence of MCI in middle-aged and older Japanese women.

Automatic characterization of capillary flow profile of liquid samples on μTADs based on capacitance measurement

Capillary flow profile of liquid samples in porous media is closely related to the important properties of liquid samples, including the viscosity and the surface energy. Therefore, capillary flow profile can be used as an index to differentiate liquid samples with different properties. Fast and automatic characterization of capillary flow profile of liquid samples is necessary. In this work, we develop a portable and economical capacitance acquisition system (CASY) to easily obtain the capillary flow profile of liquid samples on microfluidic thread-based analytical devices (μTADs) by measuring the capacitance during the capillary flow. At first, we validate the accuracy of this method by comparing with the traditional method by video analysis in obtaining the capillary flow profiles in μTADs of cotton threads or glass fiber threads. Then we use it to differentiate liquid samples with different viscosity (mixture of water and glycerol). In addition, capillary flow profile on μTADs with chemical valves (chitosan or sucrose) can also be obtained on this device. Lastly, we show the potential of this device in measurement of hematocrit (HCT) of whole blood samples. This device can be used to catalog liquid biological samples with different properties in point-of-care diagnostics in the near future.

Open, Active-Controlled Clinical Study to Evaluate the Correlation between Whole Body DEXA and BIA Muscle Measurements.

Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is the gold standard for diagnosing sarcopenia. However, comparative studies using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) would be required in the Korean population. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between total-body bone density measuring devices (Hologic and GE Lunar) and a bioelectrical impedance measurement device (InBody 970) as well as the correlation between upper body muscle mass. A total of 119 participants were involved in this study, aged 20 to 70 years, with specific body mass index ranges and no severe health conditions used both DXA (or DEXA) and BIA technologies to assess body composition. The participants were scanned using a Hologic QDR-4500W DXA scanner and GE-Lunar Prodigy DXA systems, and the InBody 970 type of multi-frequency BIA machine. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the correlation between the devices, with a coefficient of at least 0.8. The muscle mass measurement comparisons between the InBody 970 and Hologic devices demonstrated remarkably high correlation coefficients (exceeding 0.9) across all limbs. Similarly, the muscle mass comparison between the Inbody 970 and GE Lunar devices also revealed substantial correlation coefficients, ranging from 0.83 upwards, across all limbs. Limb muscle mass measurements using Hologic and GE Lunar whole-body DXA and Inbody 970 BIA demonstrated particularly high levels of concordance. In addition, a conversion formula that bridges limb muscle mass measurements from two widely used whole-body DXA machines and a BIA machine will facilitate sarcopenia research and patient management.

An Improved Laplace Satellite Tracking Method Based on the Kalman Filter

When photoelectric measuring equipment is used to track satellites, the extraction of the short-term or long-term target often fails because the target is weak, clouds block the target, and/or the sun’s angle is too small, resulting in the loss of the tracking target. In this study, an improved Laplacian satellite tracking method based on the Kalman filter is proposed. Firstly, the improved Laplacian algorithm was used for the initial fitting of the equation of motion of a small amount of measurement data. Judgment of the validity and Kalman filtering was carried out on the current frame’s measurement data to calculate the optimal estimate of the current frame’s orbit data, and the accurate equation of motion was iteratively fitted to obtain high-precision data for predicting the satellite’s orbit frame by frame. Numerical tracking of the equipment was carried out. This method was experimentally validated on an actual optical measurement device. The test results showed that this method can make up for the frequent loss of short-term targets. Under the condition that the maximum deviation is less than 3”, the length of extrapolated data can be up to 30 s and the length of the measurement data was less than 30 s. This method may improve the stability of tracking equipment as well as the accuracy and integrity of the measurement data.

Development of a wireless multichannel miniature impedance measurement system and its application for bolt loosening detection

The piezoelectric impedance-based technique is always regarded as one of the most promising structural health monitoring and nondestructive evaluation methods. In recent years, impedance measurement chip AD5933 with the characteristics of high integration and cost-effectiveness makes it possible to address the huge and high-cost problems of the commercialized impedance measurement instrument during the process of structural health monitoring and defect identification. However, it still faces lots of challenges for the chips to be utilized in practical applications due to several limitations, such as short distance for data transmission, single measurement channel and artificial attendant requirement. In this paper, a wireless multichannel miniature impedance measurement system composed by the front-end measurement device and the remote measurement and control platform on the server, is firstly developed and presented with the functions of wireless data transmission, multi-channel acquisition and remote data post-processing. Subsequently, the design concept and composition of the system were introduced in detail. Then, a series of piezoelectric transducers related tests were conducted to validate its impedance measurement performance, especially when comparing with the ones measured by commercialized instruments. In addition, to verify its effectiveness and feasibility of the developed system for the structural damage detection, a bolt loosening detection experiment on the flange connection of a pipeline specimen was investigated for its damage localization and severity quantification. Finally, all the results demonstrated that the developed system provides a great possibility to be used as a convenient and portable impedance measurement tool for the civil structural health monitoring and damage identification in practical applications.

Systematic Evaluation of Isometric Maximal Muscle Strength in an Orthopaedic Cohort.

Although the lower extremities are essential for movement function and human gait, no normalized isometric maximum strength values, which include the factors gender, age, weight, height, and body mass index (BMI), have been defined to date for orthopaedic patients. To systematically analyze the isometric maximal muscle strength of a cohort in an orthopaedic outpatient clinic and to evaluate its relation to gender, age, weight, height, BMI, and the differences between diseases. Cross-sectional study. Level 4. Isometric maximal muscle strength of knee extension, knee flexion, hip abduction, and hip adduction was measured in orthopaedic patients of an outpatient clinic using a specific muscle strength measurement device. Correlation analysis was performed for age, gender, height, weight, and BMI. Patients were grouped by disease characteristics. The cohort consisted of 311 subjects (sex: 164 male, 147 female; age: 48.63 years, SD = 16.595; BMI: 26.56 kg/m², SD = 4.9). Age correlated significantly with maximal isometric muscle strength. At the age of 54 years onward, based on 133 patients, a decline in maximum isometric muscle strength was detected. Gender showed a strong influence on maximal isometric muscle strength, with significantly higher values for male patients. Furthermore, weight and height, but not BMI, correlated significantly with muscle strength. For clinical studies comparing different evidence-based training interventions for rehabilitation, it is important to consider determinants such as gender, age, weight, and height for isometric maximum strength measurement. For further validation, follow-up examinations taking into account the performance level, other target groups, and other muscle groups are required to avoid the wide dispersion of isometric maximum strength values. These results and associated determinants are highly clinically relevant and can be used as a reference for further studies in the field of musculoskeletal regeneration.