Improved Method For Measurement Research Articles

Improving National and International Surveillance of Movement Behaviours in Childhood and Adolescence: An International Modified Delphi Study.

The actions required to achieve higher-quality and harmonised global surveillance of child and adolescent movement behaviours (physical activity, sedentary behaviour including screen time, sleep) are unclear. To identify how to improve surveillance of movement behaviours, from the perspective of experts. This Delphi Study involved 62 experts from the SUNRISE International Study of Movement Behaviours in the Early Years and Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance (AHKGA). Two survey rounds were used, with items categorised under: (1) funding, (2) capacity building, (3) methods, and (4) other issues (e.g., policymaker awareness of relevant WHO Guidelines and Strategies). Expert participants ranked 40 items on a five-point Likert scale from 'extremely' to 'not at all' important. Consensus was defined as > 70% rating of 'extremely' or 'very' important. We received 62 responses to round 1 of the survey and 59 to round 2. There was consensus for most items. The two highest rated round 2 items in each category were the following; for funding (1) it was greater funding for surveillance and public funding of surveillance; for capacity building (2) it was increased human capacity for surveillance (e.g. knowledge, skills) and regional or global partnerships to support national surveillance; for methods (3) it was standard protocols for surveillance measures and improved measurement method for screen time; and for other issues (4) it was greater awareness of physical activity guidelines and strategies from WHO and greater awareness of the importance of surveillance for NCD prevention. We generally found no significant differences in priorities between low-middle-income (n = 29) and high-income countries (n = 30) or between SUNRISE (n = 20), AHKGA (n = 26) or both (n = 13) initiatives. There was a lack of agreement on using private funding for surveillance or surveillance research. This study provides a prioritised and international consensus list of actions required to improve surveillance of movement behaviours in children and adolescents globally.

Integrating experimental and theoretical investigations of porous graphite materials with scanning electron microscope image processing

Accurate determination of fractal dimension (FD) and permeability of porous graphite materials (PGM) is essential for applications like porous aerostatic bearings (PABs). This study addresses the need for improved measurement methods by employing image processing and computer vision (IPCV) techniques to enhance FD and permeability accuracy. We aimed to refine these measurements by analysing the effects of image size and magnification on accuracy. The research developed theoretical models based on fractal theory, Darcy's law, and a modified Hagen-Poiseuille gas equation to evaluate these effects. A dual-path X-ray imaging detection system was used for experimental validation. The gauge pressure was varied across the surface of the PGM and volume flow rate was measured. MATLAB was utilized for IPCV, enabling precise FD determination and underscoring the importance of image parameters. Results showed that FD values stabilize at specific image sizes and magnifications, improving accuracy. Linear relationships between pressure gradient and volume flow rate were observed, with permeability stabilizing at high pressures. Porosity values varied among materials: Toyo Carbon (15 %), SGL Graphite (17 %), Super Carbon Graphite (27 %), and poplar porous (30 %). FD obtained through theoretical and scanning electron microscope (SEM) methods had a maximum error of 0.08. The study also found a positive correlation between relative density and image grayscale at the macroscopic level. The findings emphasize the importance of optimizing image size and clarity for accurate PGM analysis, providing crucial insights for PAB design and other advanced applications.

Deliberations of the Safety Task Force: Risk factors and treatment of adverse events associated with aesthetic injectables.

The growing popularity of aesthetic procedures involving fillers, biostimulators, and neurotoxins has prompted concerns about patient safety. To address these concerns, a global Safety Task Force (STF) was formed. The inaugural STF meeting prioritized vascular compromise prevention and management, guiding clinical trial design and materials for future meetings, and collecting data from experts on current safety methods. The STF was formed and consisted of 16 experts from nine different countries, with each possessing distinct expertise in various fields related to aesthetic injectables. Current safety data, protocols, knowledge gaps and future research priorities were discussed and voted upon. The establishment of a global database for tracking filler-related AEs was favored by 93% of participants. Discussions revolved around the database's scope, data standardization, and whether non-medical contributors should be included. Aspiration as a safety technique garnered support from 73% of participants. Approximately 43% of participants incorporate ultrasound in their injections, with divergent opinions on its impact and potential when used as a standard of practice versus in AE management. Most physicians on the task force incorporated cannula use for some of their injections (93%). There were varying perspectives on treatments for vascular adverse events (VAE), the primary causes, and the adoption of new protocols in the field. The STF meeting underscored the need for a coordinated effort to address complications related to HA fillers, including VAE management and hyaluronidase protocols. Reliable treatment endpoints were evaluated, but improved measurement methods are needed. Future meetings will focus on addressing delayed complications, furthering safety in this field.

Study of metrological characteristics of the state primary measurement standard of volume flow and mass consumption of liquid in preparation for participation in international comparisons

The paper discusses the results of a study of metrological characteristics of the state primary measurement standard of volume flow and mass consumption of liquid, as well as the volume and mass of liquid flowing through pipelines (DETU 03-04-04). The study was conducted at the National Scientific Centre “Institute of Metrology” in preparation for international comparisons. Metrological characteristics of the components of the state measurement standard were studied, including the stability of the flow by experimentally determining the standard measurement uncertainty of the mass consumption of liquid at the measurement section of the standard. Based on the obtained results, the measurement standard was modernized. In addition, the paper discusses possible directions for further research aimed at improving measurement methods and analysing the measurement uncertainty of Type A. Further work in this direction can contribute to increasing the competitiveness across the national and international metrological community. The paper also examines the procedure for processing measurement results during international comparisons and identifies basic requirements for complying with international standards for further research of the measurement standard to meet these requirements.
 Metrological comparisons are an important part of metrology, as they ensure the equivalence of measurement units, which is essential for ensuring uniformity of measurements in various industrial and scientific areas. Such measures do not only promote scientific progress, but also ensure high standards of quality and safety in modern society. The results of this research will help to prepare for international comparisons, which are important for comparing measurement units. This, in turn, will contribute to more efficient transfer of measurement units to secondary measurement standards and measuring instruments.

The Development of a Measuring System for Intraoral SpO2.

Blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) is an essential indicator of a patient's general condition. However, conventional measurement methods have some issues such as time delay and interference by ambient light. Improved measurement methods must be developed, and there are no reports on intraoral measurements of SpO2 using wearable devices. Therefore, we aimed to establish an intraoral SpO2 measurement method for the first time. Twelve healthy adults participated in this study. The following steps were taken: (1) to identify the optimal measurement location, mid-perfusion index (PI) values were measured at six places on the mucosa of the maxilla, (2) to validate the optimal measurement pressure, PI values were obtained at different pressures, and (3) using the proposed mouthpiece device, SpO2 values in the oral cavity and on the finger were analyzed during breath-holding. The highest PI values were observed in the palatal gingiva of the maxillary canine teeth, with high PI values at pressures ranging from 0.3 to 0.8 N. In addition, changes in SpO2 were detected approximately 7 s faster in the oral cavity than those on the finger, which is attributed to their proximity to the heart. This study demonstrates the advantage of the oral cavity for acquiring biological information using a novel device.

Experimental verification and improvement of heat transfer tube local wall temperature measurement method

To ensure the measuring accuracy of the wall temperature, the outer wall temperature measurement values by using three kinds of thermocouple welding methods were analyzed and evaluated in the paper, including single-point flush-mounted in the wall groove method, single-point insert-mounted in the wall groove, and outer surface direct welding method, based on the application of a tube-in-tube condensing heat exchanger. And the impacts of silver, tin, and thermal resistance adhesive as filling materials on wall temperature measurement were also investigated, and the results were compared to that obtained without filling materials. The results showed that the wall temperatures measured by the three welding methods were lower than the theoretically calculated value. And the wall temperature measured by the outer surface direct welding method was lowest under the same experimental conditions. The wall temperatures measured by single-point flush-mounted and insert-mounted in the wall groove methods were also affected by different welding filling materials. It was found that the greater the thermal resistance of filling materials, the smaller the heat loss. By analyzing the reasons for the low measured value of wall temperature, a new wall temperature measurement method was developed to improve the accuracy of the current measurement method. Meanwhile, the outer wall temperature measurement experiments of vertical and horizontal heat transfer tubes were carried out to validate and calibrate the improved outer wall temperature measurement method. The results showed that the average outer wall temperature deviation measured by the improved wall temperature measurement method ranged from −0.82% to +2.29% for vertical tubes and −4.75% to −1.44% for horizontal tubes, and the improved measurement method had good measurement accuracy.

Improved measurement method for roadbed bearing capacity based on PFWD dynamic modulus control

To address current challenges of difficult standardisation of dynamic determination of roadbed bearing capacity and excessive deviations in deflection control, this paper proposes a improved measurement method for roadbed load-bearing capacity based on the dynamic modulus control using a portable falling weight deflectometer (PFWD). The detection range of PFWD is determined by theoretical analysis. Based on the range, a finite element numerical model was developed, the spatial distribution and attenuation of the dynamic stress of the roadbed soil in the depth and horizontal directions are determined. The variation of the vertical dynamic stress with depth is not characterized by a gradual decrease, as is commonly believed, but rather by an increase followed by a decrease. The underlying reasons for the difference between static and dynamic indicators are explored. Using the improved method, a prediction model with dynamic bending as the detection index and static rebound modulus as the control index was developed. The proposed model can improve precision accuracy as well as detection efficiency, verify the effectiveness of the improved method, which is important for accurate dynamic measurement and evaluation of highway roadbed bearing capacity.

Quantitative Analysis of Surface Partial Discharges through Radio Frequency and Ultraviolet Signal Measurements

In high voltage insulation systems, dielectric materials may be exposed to partial discharges (PD), which can lead to equipment failures and safety hazards. Therefore, it is crucial to detect and characterize PD activity on the surface of insulation systems. Techniques such as radio frequency signal analysis and ultraviolet radiation emission detection are commonly used for this purpose. In this research study, an analysis was conducted on the signals emitted by surface PD in the radio frequency and ultraviolet radiation emission ranges. The goal was to indicate possible directions for further basic research aimed at building a knowledge base and improving measurement methods. The analysis confirmed that radio frequency and ultraviolet signal analysis can provide important information about the activity and location of PD on the surface, including the intensity and nature of PD. The experimental investigation presented in this paper provides valuable insights into the potential for using radio frequency and ultraviolet signals to enhance diagnostic techniques for monitoring the condition of insulation systems in high-voltage equipment.

An Accessibility Measurement Based on Commuter Behaviour and Living Conditions: An Empirical Analysis of the High-Speed Railway Network in the East of China

High-speed railways as a competitive intercity transport solution in areas of high population density have been constructed rapidly in the last decade. Accessibility measurements have been frequently tested and applied with various definitions, indicators, and processing methods for assessing traffic system utility. In this paper, an improved method of accessibility measurement based on travellers’ profitability is introduced. Three levels of accessibility indicators, Daily Commute Accessibility (DACC), Daily Work Commute Accessibility (DWACC), and Weekly Commute Accessibility (WACC) were designed based on different commuting frequencies and purposes. The average traveller’s income and local living cost were integrated to simulate the real commute scenario and assess the status of the transport system. In the case study, a series of statistics, containing 50 lines of travelling data and 10 years of economic data, was collected from the historical railway service record and local economy yearbook, in an area with 11 cities connected by conventional normal-speed and upgraded HSR networks in the east of China. An index sheet measuring the three levels of accessibility indicated the changes in the travel benefit ratio throughout the test period following popularisation of the high-speed service. To validate the practicability of the new methodology, regression analysis of four groups of panel data, including the accessibility index and local demographic data, was implemented to illustrate the population fluctuation impacted by the HSR services. The results proved that the HSR service is more beneficial in reducing population aggregation than the conventional railway service, which has the opposite effect, leading to the generation of cities with a high population density, and could help to rebalance the local uneven population distribution and promote the progress of urbanisation.

An improved method for film thickness measurement of cylindrical roller bearings based on a straight-beam probe

PurposeConsidering the industrial site environment and installation requirements, the straight-beam ultrasound probe with easy installation and good coupling agent adaptability is adopted to replace the traditional water immersion focusing probe for film thickness measurement in cylindrical roller bearings. The straight-beam probe has a large echo receiving range, which will result in measurement regions overlapping and bring about large measurement errors. In this paper, an improved measurement method for film thickness of cylindrical roller bearing with the straight-beam probe is developed.Design/methodology/approachAn improved method is proposed to enhance the spatial resolution of the straight-beam probe. By introducing a correction coefficient based on the percentage of the effective measurement area, the method improves the measuring accuracy successfully.FindingsThe experimental results demonstrate that the lubricant-film thickness can be measured to reasonable accuracy by this method and have a better agreement with the theoretical film thickness solutions.Originality/valueThis paper used analytical method and model that is helpful for the improvement of the spatial resolution, which has great influence on the measuring accuracy, is mainly determined by the echo reflection area size of the ultrasound transducer.

Measurement and Metrology in Advanced Manufacturing Processes

New and improved measurement methods are paramount to ensure in-process monitoring of advanced manufacturing processes and quality products. This editorial discusses the outline of the special issue consisting of 15 peer-reviewed manuscripts in the domain of "Measurement and Metrology in Advanced Manufacturing Processes." These research and review articles discuss the relevance, state-of-the-art methods, and ongoing research on the advancement of manufacturing processes with measurements and metrology perspectives by different research groups globally. The significance of measurement and metrology is recognized in various applications such as additive manufacturing, photopolymer jetting, submerged arc welding, micro-electrical discharge machining, and reverse manufacturing.

“Looking outside the forensic toxicology box – An approach to link results from the lab to public health”

Exposure to environmental contaminants from air pollution is being increasingly identified as a significant cause for a large portion of the global death burden and associated with severe adverse health outcomes, including pulmonary, cardiovascular or immunologic and neurologic diseases. Among these air pollutants, carbon monoxide (CO) finds its place as one of the main “suspects”. Especially in enclosed spaces CO poses a great health risk – whether its low level chronic exposures leading to permanent neurologic disorders or acute exposures that lead to death. In both cases, the job of a toxicologist is to accurately detect CO by using the appropriate analytical method. The job of an epidemiologist is to associate the CO levels to a health outcome. Errors in the exposure measurement can lead to real associations not being detected. Therefore, we reviewed measurement methods used for CO measurement and identified key sources of error, which could contribute to exposure misclassification. A novel approach to more accurately determine the total amount of CO in blood (TBCO) via gas-chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was developed and validated. The results obtained from this method were then used to “feed” CO exposure assessments. Exposure assessments in public health represent the tool that from exposure estimates lead to determination of risk estimates. Using the previously identified key sources of error together with the results obtained from the improved measurement method, we developed a simulation model to quantify the impact that changes in the error due to measurement improvement could have on the relative risk (RR) of CO exposure estimates in a study using exhaled breath CO (exCO) and personal CO monitors (pCO) to measure CO. Choice of biomarker, analytical method, number of samples/measurements, time of sampling, inter-individual variabilities and use of averages for population data were some of the identified potential sources of error and can contribute from 5% up to 80% to the total measurement error. The novel CO measurement method leads to improvements in CO concentrations ranging from 20%–80% (compared to currently used methods). When applying this to the simulation model, the RR was increased up to 18.3% for exCO and up to 30% for pCO. An improved measurement method for TBCO was validated and has shown promising results in improving accuracy of CO determinations in blood as well as showing better stability to a variety of storage conditions in clinical and forensic settings. Application of this method to exposure assessment data lead to significant reduction of measurement error, resulting in CO exposure estimates closer to the true CO burden on the population. Improvement of the CO measurement method not only directly affects the results obtained in clinical and forensic cases by allowing otherwise undetected cases to be known, but it can also indirectly influence the data that is used by public health authorities to create guidelines, to generate prevention, treatment and training plans, ultimately improving global health. The model used here for CO exposure can easily be expanded and applied to other types of exposures.

A new approach for accurately measuring the spectral emissivity via modulating the surrounding radiation

Accurately measuring the spectral emissivity is of significant importance in thermal radiation. In this study, an improved measurement method for determination of spectral emissivity via modulating the surrounding radiation is proposed. A proof-of-concept measuring apparatus is constructed, and the main component parts are described in detail. The temperature uniformity of the isothermal aperture is verified, and the impact of the temperature uniformity on the emissivity measurements is studied. The good linearity and long-term stability of the detector is evaluated to ensure the validity of the improved method. The potential reference materials (silicon carbide and Armco iron) were used to validate the reliability and the accuracy of the measurement apparatus. The excellent data consistency of both two reference materials with the literature data demonstrates the reliability of the improved method and the measurement apparatus. The performance of the measurement apparatus with and without the isothermal aperture is compared, and the necessity of the modulated surrounding radiation is validated. The calculated combined uncertainty for the SiC sample at 1073 K is better than 2.38 %. The superior performance of the emissivity measurement apparatus indicate that the improved method proposed in this work provides a new approach for accurately measuring the spectral emissivity.

Updated general exposure factors for risk assessment in the Korean population

BackgroundThere has been an increasing need to update the recommended values of Korean exposure factors for adults aged 19 and older, as using exposure factors developed over a decade ago could reduce risk assessment reliability.ObjectiveExposure factor data have been compiled and standardized using the latest national statistical reports and academic literature, as well as studies conducted from 2016 to 2018.MethodsThe updated data contained anthropometric parameters, inhalation rates, food and drinking water ingestion rates, and time-activity patterns and provided technical information on Koreans’ exposure factors classified by sex, age group, per capita and general population, and doer-only for various exposure assessments.ResultsAlthough the average life expectancy, body weight, body surface area, and inhalation rate increased slightly compared to the 2007 Korean Exposure Factor Handbook, differences various in food consumption were remarkable. Because of Asians’ similar food preferences, the intake rate of grain products and vegetables in Koreans, Chinese, and Japanese contributed much toward total intake. Koreans spent half their times outdoors compared to Americans and Chinese.SignificanceThis study provided the currently updated exposure factor information for Koreans and could be compared with recommendations provided by exposure factor resources in various countries.Impact statementExposure to environmental pollutants may significantly vary depending on the exposure factors related to human behaviors and characteristics. Therefore the exposure factors need to be continuously updated along with more extensive survey areas and improved measurement methods. We utilized the existing data with the aim to develop general exposure factors for risk assessment in Korean aged ≥19 years. Measurements and questionnaire surveys were also performed if there were no existing data. This study provided the currently updated exposure factor information for Koreans and could be compared to those of other countries.

Improved measurement method for the Faraday rotation distribution using beam splitting.

In this work, two Faraday channels and one shadow channel are constructed by two non-polarizing beam splitters and one reflector to measure the Faraday rotation distribution. The intensity of the Faraday and shadow images is related to the state of polarization (SOP) of the incident light, thus achieving two-dimensional accurate measurement. The measurement sensitivity is influenced by the settings of two polarization analyzers in the Faraday channels and the parameters of beam splitters, which are explored numerically and verified with experiments. The fluctuation of the probe light is eliminated by using three evaluation indexes. Also, the measurement range and error sources under different experimental settings are discussed.

Long-haul intermodal-MIMO-free MDM transmission based on a weakly coupled multiple-ring-core few-mode fiber.

Mode-division multiplexing (MDM) technique based on few-mode fibers (FMFs) can achieve multiplicative growth in single-fiber capacity by using different linearly polarized (LP) modes or mode groups as spatial channels. However, its deployment is seriously impeded because multiple-input multiple-output digital signal processing (MIMO-DSP) with huge computational load must be adopted to combat intermodal crosstalk for long-haul FMF transmission. In this paper, we present an intermodal-MIMO-free MDM transmission scheme based on weakly coupled multiple-ring-core FMF, which achieves ultralow distributed modal crosstalk (DMC) so that the signal in each LP mode can be independently received by single-LP-mode MIMO-DSP even after hundreds-of-kilometer transmission. Evaluation method for the required DMC levels is proposed and different transmission reaches are investigated by simulation. By adopting an improved method for quantitative DMC measurement, we show that the required DMC level for long-haul transmission is feasible. Finally, we experimentally demonstrate 1800-km LP01/LP02 multiplexed transmission and 525-km LP01/LP21/LP02 multiplexed transmission only adopting 2×2 or 4×4 MIMO-DSP. The proposed scheme may pave the way to practical applications of long-haul MDM techniques for the first time.

Analysis on the speed properties of the shock wave in light curtain

Abstract In this study, we propose an improved measurement method based on light-curtain sensor, and it can obtain the hitting coordinates of supersonic projectile in a larger dispersion area. First, we analyze the speed properties of the shock wave in an effective detection area (also called light curtain in our field), and then find their change rules related to several key factors, including flight speed of the projectile, its attitude, shape, and the temperature in the testing environment. Next we improve a measurement system using wide-angle light-curtain sensor combined with calibration device of the shock speed; especially, this device with three parallel laser beams can effectively measure the shock speed in the light curtain. According to the related structural relation, we derive several computational formulas combined with the shock speed to obtain the hitting position of the measured projectile. Through live ammunition experiments, the results show that the proposed method is feasible and reliable for the supersonic projectile. Besides high accuracy, it also has many advantages, such as fewer sensors, lower requirement for installation, and larger detection area, by comparison with previous measurement systems.

The DressMAN 3.2-System for evaluation of thermal comfort in the Passenger Cabin Ground Demonstrator

This paper describes an improved measurement method and sensor development for the assessment of the indoor thermal environment. The disadvantage of the state of the art concept of the equivalent temperature to describe inhomogeneous environments is pointed out and how the DressMAN 3.2 sensor system provides improvements to this measurement principle. The measurement system has been prepared in order to accompany thermal tests in the Passenger Cabin Ground Demonstrator developed within the CleanSky2 Regional project. This shall allow the objective assessment of the passenger comfort in the mock-up without the need for extensive subject test campaigns.

Measurement Methods for Relative Index of Financial Inclusion

ABSTRACT Improved measurement methods for relative index of financial inclusion (IFI) based on Euclidean distance and Mahalanobis distance (hereinafter referred to as Ed-R-IFI and Md-R-IFI) are proposed. The levels of financial inclusion of 55 countries in 2004 are evaluated by using the traditional and improved measurement methods for the IFI. The results indicate that, owing to consideration of the existence of correlations among the various dimensions, the Md-R-IFI method reduces the overall level of financial inclusion and keeps the IFI within a small range of fluctuation compared with the traditional measurement method and the Ed-R-IFI method. The results are more in line with the actual IFIs in various countries, and the method has better applicability and practicality in the measurement of the IFI.

An improved method for sampling and analytical measurement of aerosol platinum in ambient air and workplace environments

In this study we critically examined with both field and laboratory experiments key components of extant methods for measurement of aerosol soluble platinum in ambient air and workplace environments. Our goal was to develop an improved method for soluble platinum measurement that could be readily implemented in the field and laboratory using readily available modern analytical tools, and in parallel provide insight into factors influencing the robustness of specific aspects of measurement methods for soluble platinum. Experiments addressed sampler type, filter media and pre-cleaning, extraction solvent and volume, extraction time & energy and materials composition, with the objective of optimizing each specific component and promulgating strategies for improving signal/noise and precision. We used basic clean-room protocols and applied ICPMS tools to address these objectives.We document a method that provides for measurement of soluble platinum at the 0.02 ng/m3 level (8-h sample at 2 L/min). Of the four samplers evaluated (IOM, closed-face cassette, and two parallel particle impactors), the IOM exhibited the best precision. The three filter substrates evaluated (Teflon, MCE, PVC) performed similarly in most challenges, however, overall, we conclude that MCE media is the most robust collection substrate for soluble platinum measurements. To achieve the lowest detection levels, it is critical to pre-clean the filter substrates. The use of a 0.07 M HCl extractant (in preference to a water extractant) is recommended - platinum recoveries, particularly from real-world samples, are higher and more consistent with the HCl extractant. The outcomes of the extraction kinetics experiments suggest that an extraction time of 60 min may improve the method performance with 0.07 M HCl but degrade the performance with water, in comparison with a 30-min extraction period. The use of sonication in preference to a table-top shaker is recommended for energy input during extraction.