Discrepancies In Measurements Research Articles

Verifying institutionally developed hybrid 3D-printed coaxial cylindrical phantom for patient-specific quality assurance in stereotactic body radiation therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma.

An accurate and reliablepatient-specific quality assurance (PSQA) is crucial to ensure the safety and precision of Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) in treating Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study examines the effectiveness of a novel hybrid 3D-printed hybrid coaxial cylindrical phantom for PSQA in the SBRT of HCC. The study compared three different point dose verification techniques for PSQA: a traditional solid water phantom, two dimensional detector array I'MatriXX, and a newly developed hybrid 3D-printed phantom. Thirty SBRT HCC liver cases were examined using these techniques, and point doses were measured and compared to planned doses using the perpendicular composite method with solid water and I'MatriXX phantoms. Unlike the other two methods, the point dose was compared in true composite geometry using the hybrid 3D-printed phantom, which enhanced the accuracy and consistency of PSQA. The study aims to assess the statistical significance and accuracy of the hybrid 3D-printed phantom compared to other methods. The results showed all techniques complied with the institutional threshold criteria of within ± 3% for point-dose measurement discrepancies. The hybrid 3D-printed phantom was found to have better consistency with a lower standard deviation than traditional methods. Statistical analysis using Student's t-test revealed the statistical significance of the hybrid 3D-printed phantom technique in patient-specific point-dose assessments with a p-value < 0.01. The hybrid 3D-printed phantom developed institutionally is cost-effective and easy to handle. It has been proven to be a valuable tool for PSQA in SBRT for the treatment of HCC and has demonstrated its practicality and reliability.

Automated Versus Traditional Scoring Agreeability During the Balance Error Scoring System.

The Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) is a commonly used clinical tool to evaluate postural control that is traditionally performed through visual assessment and subjective evaluation of balance errors. The purpose of this study was to evaluate an automated computer-based scoring system using an instrumented pressure mat compared to the traditional human-based manual assessment. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used to evaluate the performance of the automated versus human BESS scoring methodology in healthy individuals. Fifty-one healthy active participants performed BESS trials following standard BESS procedures on an instrumented pressure mat (MobileMat, Tekscan Inc). Trained evaluators manually scored balance errors from frontal and sagittal plane video recordings for comparison to errors scored using center of force measurements and an automated scoring software (SportsAT, version 2.0.2, Tekscan Inc). A linear mixed model was used to determine measurement discrepancies across the 2 methods. Bland-Altman analyses were conducted to determine limit of agreement for the automated and manual scoring methods. Significant differences between the automated and manual errors scored were observed across all conditions (P < .05), excluding bilateral firm stance. The greatest discrepancy between scoring methods was during the tandem foam stance, while the smallest discrepancy was during the tandem firm stance. The 2 methods of BESS scoring are different with wide limits of agreement. The benefits and risks of each approach to error scoring should be considered when selecting the most appropriate metric for clinical use or research studies.

Measurement of the Size Distribution of Smoke Particles through Direct Sampling at the Exit of a Steady-State Tube Furnace

The size distribution of smoke particles, influenced by varying fire conditions, constitutes a significant research focus in the firefighting domain concerning fire detection and the impact on lung deposition which is a major contributor to both short- and long-term casualties among residents and firefighters. Currently, the ISO/TS 19700 method is commonly employed to measure characteristics of combustion products, including composition and concentration, primarily for gaseous substances. However, due to measurement challenges, limited research results exist on particulate substances using this method, and outcomes vary significantly among researchers. The particle size distribution which is the typical characteristics of particulate materials is crucial factor leading to discrepancies in measurements at the combustion furnace outlet. This distortion is influenced by factors such as particle collision, temperature changes, and residence time in the mixing chamber installed for cooling and dilution. This study unveils the disparity in particle size distribution between using a mixing chamber and direct sampling. A solution is proposed by replacing the mixing chamber at the outlet of the steady-state tube furnace specified in the existing ISO/TS 19700 method with a direct sampling approach. Smoke particles generated under combustion conditions at various temperatures and equivalence ratios were directly sampled at the furnace exit. These samples underwent a two-stage dilution process, and the real-time particle size distribution was measured using an electrostatic low-pressure impactor. This approach minimizes distortion of the particle size distribution attributable to the mixing chamber.

"Development And Assessment of Immediate Release Nitrofurantoin Tablet and Sustained Release Trimethoprim Tablet: Formulation, Characterization and Comparative Evaluation"

The research includes an examination of material properties, an investigation into the compatibility of the drug and excipients, the development of analytical techniques, and the determination of tablet production methods for immediate and sustained release layers. The methodology for material characterization encompassed the analysis of the pharmaceuticals' solubility in various aqueous solutions and buffers. The evaluation of the compatibility between excipients and medications was conducted utilizing FT-IR spectroscopy. Furthermore, calibration curves were devised by the research team for Nitrofurantoin and Trimethoprim, enabling the quantification of these pharmaceutical substances via UV spectrophotometry. The preparation of the tablets involved the utilization of direct compression and moist granulation methods, respectively, for the immediate and sustained release layers. This required the application of a variety of excipients and polymers. The tablets underwent a thorough evaluation in a controlled laboratory environment, which encompassed assessments of their dimensions, resistance to deformation, mass variability, and susceptibility to fracturing, concentration of active component, breakdown time, and solubility. The findings demonstrated that the regression coefficients in the calibration curves were substantial, thereby validating the accuracy of the drug concentration estimations. The results of the solubility studies indicate that Nitrofurantoin becomes more soluble in acidic environments. However, it should be noted that the solubility of both Trimethoprim and Nitrofurantoin is influenced by various solvents and buffers. An investigation into the compatibility of pharmaceuticals and the excipients was conducted through the utilization of FT-IR spectroscopy to ascertain such compatibility or interaction. A micromeritics analysis of granule flow parameters unveiled batch-specific variations in flow characteristics which will impact the manufacturing procedure. Upon scrutinizing the tablets, discrepancies in multiple measurements were discovered among various samples, suggesting the possibility of atypical tablet characteristics. Nitrofurantoin and Trimethoprim exhibited a progressive release from their tablets over time in various samples, as indicated by the drug release profiles observed in vitro; this suggests that the tablets have distinct release kinetics. Nevertheless, the medication release data exhibited irregularities in its presentation, such as sporadic inputs, absent values, and potentially erroneous statistics. The presence of these inconsistencies has the potential to compromise the dependability and comprehension of the results. In brief, the research provides extensive knowledge regarding the development, examination, and assessment of Nitrofurantoin rapid release tablets and Trimethoprim sustained release tablets.

The Distal Oblique Bundle in the Distal Forearm: From Anatomical Features to Clinical Implementation.

Background and objective The distal oblique bundle (DOB) is nowadays recognized as thethickest component of the distal interosseous membrane (DIOM). It is neither thought to be a clear-cut ligament, and nor does it follow the typical configuration of the rest of the DIOM. It is not always present and some studies have raised disputes about its prevalence and a few anatomical features. In this study, we aimed to provide data on the prevalence and anatomical features of the DOB, which are of great importance at this early stage of research into the topic. Our findings have been correlated with current knowledge and are expected to contribute to clinical implementation. Materials and methods Twenty-eightfresh-frozen forearms were utilized for measurements. Specifically, mean length, width, distance from the middle of the bundle's insertion to the ulna to the tip of the styloid process of the ulna, as well as the distance from the midpoint of its insertion to the radius to the tip of the radiuses' styloid process were calculated. The prevalence was described with a cutoff thickness point of 0.5 mm. Early results based on three cases of DOB reconstruction with the "Riggenbach" technique due to distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability were documented. Results Eleven DOBs were reported out of the 28 specimens, suggesting a prevalence of 39.3%. The mean thickness was 0.88 mm (range: 0.6-1.3 mm), the mean width was 5.22 mm (range: 2.2-8.4 mm), and the mean length was 25.68 mm (range: 22.7-29.2 mm). Proximally, the mean distance from the bundle's ulnar insertion to the tip of the styloid process of the ulna was 51.02 mm (range: 45.5-55.6 mm) while distally, the mean distance from the bundle's insertion to the radius to the tip of the styloid process of the radius was 34.5 mm (range: 31.3-37.7 mm). After a follow-up of at least six months, improvement was evident in all measured areas in the three patients who underwent surgery. Additionally, they reported satisfaction and accomplishment of their preoperative goals. Conclusions Discrepancies in measurements in some anatomic features between studies are probably due to variations in specimen types, measurement methods, and sites. Efforts must continue to be made on a more extensive scale and in a more standardized manner for more factual results and conclusions. "Reconstruction-recreation" or "original construction-creation" procedures yield promising results in a fast, simple, and less invasive manner than traditional methods of DRUJ stabilization.

Issue of VHF Continuous Emission Radars Coordinate Measurement Discrepancy

The research delves into the significance of continuous emission radars of very high frequency (VHF) range in detecting small unmanned aircraft and marine targets for navigation safety. Recognising the need for improved radars and reduced coordinate measurement errors, the study aims to analyse discrepancies in azimuth and range determination in radars with fixed-phased antenna arrays. By developing effective tools with low computational complexity for target azimuth determination, the research seeks to enhance radar performance. Employing analytical, classification, functional, and statistical methods, the study comprehensively examines the peculiarities and differences of radars. It meticulously analyses coordinate measurement errors and investigates their causes. The impact of these discrepancies on radar performance and their relevance in various applications, particularly maritime navigation, is carefully evaluated. The findings emphasise the critical role of continuous emission radars in ensuring shipping safety and economic efficiency. The recommendations derived from the study offer valuable insights for improving radar effectiveness, addressing operational limitations, and enhancing overall functionality. By tackling coordinate measurement errors and providing accurate azimuth determination tools, this research contributes to advancing continuous emission radar technology and its practical applications. Through its findings and recommendations, the study aims to optimise radar performance, enhance navigation safety, and improve economic efficiency in diverse sectors.

Abstract B064: Racial disparities in bone and soft-tissue sarcomas: An analysis of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program

Abstract Introduction Bone and soft-tissue sarcomas comprise a broad yet heterogenous group of malignancies, separately classified into at least 70 different histological diseases. In the United States, approximately 15,000 cases of bone and soft-tissue sarcomas are annually diagnosed, roughly representing 1% of all incident cancer diseases. Health disparities exist for cancer patients of different racial identities, but research on patients with soft-tissue and bone sarcomas is still debatable. This analysis elucidates racial discrepancies in epidemiological measures among patients with such diseases. Methods The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database was queried between 2000 and 2020 for patients with bone or soft-tissue sarcomas. Metrics, consisting of prevalence, incidence, and incidence-based mortality rates, as well as case-fatality ratios were computed. Multivariate survivorship analyses controlling for age, sex, race, tumor size, stage, and grade were performed to identify independent predictors of survival. Results The most and least frequently diagnosed subtypes of bone and soft-tissue sarcomas were leiomyosarcoma and lymphangiosarcoma with an average of 889.6 and 1.3 cases per year, respectively. Malignancies were all primarily identified in White patients compared to subjects of other races. From 2000 to 2020, the prevalence of fibrosarcoma significantly increased for non-White and non-Black individuals and the prevalence of dermatofibrosarcoma decreased only for White individuals (both, p&amp;lt;0.05). Incident cases of dermatofibrosarcoma decreased for White patients and the general population but increased for Black patients and those of other races (p&amp;lt;0.001). Incident cases of synovial sarcoma, on the other hand, declined only among Black individuals (p&amp;lt;0.001). Incidence-based mortality rates increased significantly among patients with almost all bone and soft-tissue sarcomas but declined among Black individuals with fibrous histiocytoma (both, p&amp;lt;0.001). Multivariate survivorship analysis showed that Black individuals experienced worse survival compared to White individuals with clear cell sarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, and synovial sarcoma. Individuals of other races with clear cell sarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, and leiomyosarcoma experienced worse survival compared to White patients with these diseases. Conclusion Current literature has not delineated the impact of demographic factors like race and ethnicity on prevalence, incidence, mortality, and survivorship of patients with bone and soft-tissue sarcomas. Racial discrepancies exist among patients with various subtypes of bone and soft-tissue sarcoma. More exploration into social determinants of health is necessary to understand how race plays a role in the epidemiology of these cancers. Citation Format: Marc El Beaino, Rachel Baum, Karim Masrouha, Patrick P. Lin. Racial disparities in bone and soft-tissue sarcomas: An analysis of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2023 Sep 29-Oct 2;Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(12 Suppl):Abstract nr B064.

Novel Procedure for Automatic Registration between Cone-Beam Computed Tomography and Intraoral Scan Data Supported with 3D Segmentation.

In contemporary practice, intraoral scans and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) are widely adopted techniques for tooth localization and the acquisition of comprehensive three-dimensional models. Despite their utility, each dataset presents inherent merits and limitations, prompting the pursuit of an amalgamated solution for optimization. Thus, this research introduces a novel 3D registration approach aimed at harmonizing these distinct datasets to offer a holistic perspective. In the pre-processing phase, a retrained Mask-RCNN is deployed on both sagittal and panoramic projections to partition upper and lower teeth from the encompassing CBCT raw data. Simultaneously, a chromatic classification model is proposed for segregating gingival tissue from tooth structures in intraoral scan data. Subsequently, the segregated datasets are aligned based on dental crowns, employing the robust RANSAC and ICP algorithms. To assess the proposed methodology's efficacy, the Euclidean distance between corresponding points is statistically evaluated. Additionally, dental experts, including two orthodontists and an experienced general dentist, evaluate the clinical potential by measuring distances between landmarks on tooth surfaces. The computed error in corresponding point distances between intraoral scan data and CBCT data in the automatically registered datasets utilizing the proposed technique is quantified at 0.234 ± 0.019 mm, which is significantly below the 0.3 mm CBCT voxel size. Moreover, the average measurement discrepancy among expert-identified landmarks ranges from 0.368 to 1.079 mm, underscoring the promise of the proposed method.

An accurate method for measuring knee joint space width despite variations in beam projection angles

BackgroundAssessing knee osteoarthritis (OA) severity through joint space width (JSW) measurements can be difficult due to anatomical variations, beam projection angle (BPA) errors, and patient posture during X-rays. Although various methods address these issues, a consensus on the reference point for accurate measurement is lacking. Therefore, establishing a precise evaluation method for JSW is imperative. MethodsSimulation on 30 knees with advanced OA to measure the JSW using digital reconstruction radiographs from computed tomography (CT) images was conducted. The distance between the medial femoral condyle and the anterior and posterior borders of the medial tibial plateau (represented by DAB and DPB, respectively) and their average (AVD) were used to evaluate JSW. Discrepancies were analyzed for various BPAs. Additionally, the reliability of measuring JSW using DAB, DPB, and AVD was evaluated in a proof-of-concept study on 100 knees using anteroposterior X-rays at three BPAs (neutral, 5° caudal, and 5° cephalic tilt). ResultsIn the simulation study, the AVD method had discrepancies below 1 mm from BPA 0° of 5°, 10° caudal tilt, and 5° cephalic tilt (P = 0.066, P = 0.120, and P < 0.001, respectively). However, the values of DAB and DPB showed significant discrepancies from BPA 0° (all over 1 mm and all P < 0.001) for various BPAs. The AVD measurement demonstrated the least discrepancy in JSW measurements based on BPA variations compared with DAB and DPB methods in the proof-of-concept study. ConclusionsA simple method for accurately measuring joint space width, even when X-rays are taken at unintended angles can be applied in clinical practice.

Cephalometric analysis performance discrepancy between orthodontists and an artificial intelligence model using lateral cephalometric radiographs.

The purpose of the present clinical study was to compare the Ricketts and Steiner cephalometric analysis obtained by two experienced orthodontists and artificial intelligence (AI)-based software program and measure the orthodontist variability. A total of 50 lateral cephalometric radiographs from 50 patients were obtained. Two groups were created depending on the operator performing the cephalometric analysis: orthodontists (Orthod group) and an AI software program (AI group). In the Orthod group, two independent experienced orthodontists performed the measurements by performing a manual identification of the cephalometric landmarks and a software program (NemoCeph; Nemotec) to calculate the measurements. In the AI group, an AI software program (CephX; ORCA Dental AI) was selected for both the automatic landmark identification and cephalometric measurements. The Ricketts and Steiner cephalometric analyses were assessed in both groups including a total of 24 measurements. The Shapiro-Wilk test showed that the data was normally distributed. The t-test was used to analyze the data (α = 0.05). The t-test analysis showed significant measurement discrepancies between the Orthod and AI group in seven of the 24 cephalometric parameters tested, namely the corpus length (p = 0.003), mandibular arc (p < 0.001), lower face height (p = 0.005), overjet (p = 0.019), and overbite (p = 0.022) in the Ricketts cephalometric analysis and occlusal to SN (p = 0.002) and GoGn-SN (p < 0.001) in the Steiner cephalometric analysis. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) between both orthodontists of the Orthod group for each cephalometric measurement was calculated. Significant discrepancies were found in seven of the 24 cephalometric measurements tested between the orthodontists and the AI-based program assessed. The intra-operator reliability analysis showed reproducible measurements between both orthodontists, except for the corpus length measurement. The artificial intelligence software program tested has the potential to automatically obtain cephalometric analysis using lateral cephalometric radiographs; however, additional studies are needed to further evaluate the accuracy of this AI-based system.

The Impact of Banana Consumption on Bangladeshi Rickshaw Pullers' Assessing Cholesterol, Liver and Blood Pressure Functions

Background: The physical demands of labor, such as those performed by rickshaw puller, have a significant influence on food intake. It is hoped that the findings of this study may be utilized as a consideration to maintain the health of rickshaw puller so that they are kept in excellent physical condition. Eating bananas can enhance energy. The study's objective was to find out how well bananas affected cholesterol, liver, and blood pressure functions. Method: Samples for this experimental investigation were gathered from the entire population of 40 people. Before and after eating bananas, their' blood pressure, liver function, and lipid function were measured. In this study, a paired t test was used to analyze the data. Findings: According to the data analysis, there was no discernible variation in the rickshaw pullers' blood pressure and liver function readings before and after consuming bananas (p&gt;0.05). The findings revealed that there was significant discrepancy in the workers' measurements of lipid function before and after consuming bananas (p˂0.05).

Investigating the Chemical Stability of Electrospray Plumes During Particle Collisions

Electrospray thrusters fulfill the main propulsion requirements for long-term small-satellite missions. However, the molecules present in the plume are susceptible to collisions, chemical reactions, and fragmentation, which may introduce different new species with various mass-to-charge ratios inside the plume. Prediction of the byproducts that appear upon collisions is of prime importance to predicting the evolution of the plume and estimating the performance and the lifetime expectancy of the thruster. In this work, we use molecular dynamics simulations to investigate monomer–neutral collisions at different impact configurations, impact energies, and impact parameters, and we provide the mass spectra of the resulting species. We predict that 1) collisions within a center-of-mass distance of 6 Å can result in momentum exchange and molecular fragmentation, 2) higher-energy impacts produce more byproducts, and 3) heavy molecules (e.g., 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium [EMI] and BF4) are more likely to result from weak collisions (<30 eV), whereas light molecules (e.g., H, F, and CH3) are more likely to result from strong collisions. Collisional fragmentation is shown to negatively affect key performance indicators, including reductions in thrust, specific impulse, and propulsive efficiency. This phenomenon potentially accounts for the observed discrepancies in experimental measurements of current and mass loss rates.

Numerical Simulation of Well Logs Based on Core Measurements: An Effective Method for Data Quality Control and Improved Petrophysical Interpretation

Data quality of well logs and laboratory measurements is crucial for accurate petrophysical interpretations in formations with complex solid compositions, thin beds, and adverse geometrical conditions . In this paper, we introduce a new method to calibrate and verify the reliability of core data and well logs acquired in spatially complex rocks. The method is based on the numerical simulation of well logs to reproduce the effects of borehole environmental conditions and instrument physics on the measurements. Additionally, high-resolution (HR) core data combined with rock typing and multiwell measurement analysis techniques enable the construction of multilayer formation models. We document the successful application of the new core-well-log calibration method to two wells penetrating a clastic formation in the North Sea. While the numerically simulated well logs match the available borehole measurements in the first well, large measurement discrepancies were observed in the second well. Normalization of nuclear logs in the second well based on core data and numerically simulated well logs improved the assessment of bulk density and neutron porosity by 5% and 20%, respectively, while unnormalized nuclear logs overestimated formation porosity. Multiwell comparisons of well logs also confirmed that measurement accuracy was compromised. The problem with data quality was attributed to a probable inadequate tool calibration, although the log header did not indicate any notable issues. Additionally, numerical simulations of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) porosity logs indicated a prominent depth mismatch among well logs. The numerical simulation of well logs based on HR core data enables the detection of inconsistent, noisy, and inaccurate measurements, including cases of abnormal borehole environmental corrections causing biases in petrophysical interpretations.

Discrepancy of Beta-Hydroxybutyrate Measurements between a Blood Meter and GC-MS Methods in Healthy Humans

Ketone salt (KS) supplementation induces temporary nutritional ketosis to achieve potential exercise performance and health benefits. Racemic KS includes both D/L isomers of β-hydroxybutyrate, yet commercially available measurement devices (i.e., blood meters) only measure the D variant. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of a blood meter to measure serum β-hydroxybutyrate in comparison with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) before and 30 min after consuming a placebo or racemic KS. In this triple-blinded cross-over study, 16 healthy adults were administered either a placebo or KS drink, and the circulating β-hydroxybutyrate concentration was measured at baseline (PRE) and 30 min following consumption (POST) using a blood ketone meter and by GC-MS. Compared to the placebo, both GC-MS and the blood meter obtained significantly greater β-hydroxybutyrate levels from PRE to POST time-points after consuming KS. Additionally, GC-MS results showed significantly higher levels of β-hydroxybutyrate with both the placebo and KS at PRE and POST time-points, as compared to the blood meter. These results indicate that (1) even in the absence of KS, the blood meter yields significantly lower β-hydroxybutyrate values than GC-MS, and (2) the inability of the blood meter to measure L-β-hydroxybutyrate values POST KS warrants the further development of publicly available ketone measurement apparatuses.

Accuracy of Radiology Reports for Obstructing Ureteral Stone Size in the Emergency Department

To evaluate the number of dimensions of obstructing ureteral stones in the emergency department (ED) described in present-day radiology computed tomography reports and assess for measurement discrepancies between radiologist and urologist review. We conducted a single-center retrospective study of patients who presented to the ED with unilateral, solitary, obstructing ureteral stones from March 2018 to March 2021. Stone size in each reported dimension recorded by the radiologist was extracted from the chart and then compared to size independently measured by one of our urologists for all 3 stone dimensions. Our primary outcome was the number of stone dimensions included in the radiology report. In total, 181 patients were included for analysis. 82.3% of radiology reports described the stone in one dimension, 15% in two dimensions, and 2.7% in three dimensions. There was a significant difference in median maximal stone size between radiologist and urologist measurement (5.5 vs 6.5 mm, respectively, P < .001). One hundred fourteen stones (62%) had the maximal measurement recorded in the craniocaudal (CC) dimension by urologist review. Only 26% of radiology reports had the CC measurement included in the radiology report. Ureteral stone size in a present-day ED cohort is still frequently measured in only 1 or 2 dimensions. In many cases, this is associated with an absence of a reported CC measurement. Inadequate characterization of stone size may affect acute management. This study hopes to encourage reporting of all three dimensions of obstructing ureteral stones in the ED setting for improvements in patient management.

Study on factors influencing the performance of CMFs on measurement of high viscosity flows

A Coriolis Mass Flowmeters (CMFs), outperform other flow measurement systems owing to their perceived high accuracy and good repeatability. That has attracted its use in different fields including the bunkering industry. Bunkering operations entail high viscosity flows that may limit the applicability of high accuracy CMFs. Furthermore, their performance for measurement of single-phase high viscosity flow remains less explored and the mechanisms responsible for possible additional measurement error due to high viscosity fluid are not thoroughly studied. This study characterizes the performance of CMFs on the measurement of high viscosity fluid via CFD simulations. It is observed that the error of CMFs on measurement of high viscosity is deemed relatively large at low mass flow rates and which monotonically increases as the viscosity increases. The sudden pressure increase and secondary flow in the vicinity of the flow sensors’ locations are the key factors influencing the measurement discrepancy. It is worthy to note that this study is highly significant to the bunkering industry as it can serve as a baseline for further experimental works on the measurement of bunker fuel oils.

Real-time terrain anomaly perception for safe robot locomotion using a digital double framework

Digital twinning systems are effective tools to test and develop new robotic capabilities before applying them in the real world. This work presents a real-time digital double framework that improves and facilitates robot perception of the environment. Soft or non-rigid terrains can cause locomotion failures, while visual perception alone is often insufficient to assess the physical properties of such surfaces. To tackle this problem we employ the proposed framework to estimate ground collapsibility through physical interactions while the robot is dynamically walking on challenging terrains. We extract discrepancy information between the two systems, a simulated digital double that is synchronized with a real robot, both using exactly the same physical model and locomotion controller. The discrepancy in sensor measurements between the real robot and its digital double serves as a critical indicator of anomalies between expected and actual motion and is utilized as input to a learning-based model for terrain collapsibility analysis. The performance of the collapsibility estimation was evaluated in a variety of real-world scenarios involving flat, inclined, elevated, and outdoor terrains. Our results demonstrate the generality and efficacy of our real-time digital double architecture for estimating terrain collapsibility.

Comparing accuracy of cochlear measurements on magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography: A step towards radiation-free cochlear implantation

ObjectiveComputed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are commonly employed in pre-operative evaluation for cochlear implant surgery. However, with a decrease in the age of implantation, even minor radiation exposure can cause detrimental effects on children over their lifetime. The current study compares different cochlear measurements from CT and MRI scans and evaluates the feasibility of using only an MRI scan for radiological evaluation before cochlear implantation. MethodsA longitudinal observational study was conducted on 94 ears/47 children, employing CT and MRI scans. The CT and MRI scan measurements include, A value, B value, Cochlear duct length (CDL), two-turn cochlear length, alpha and beta angles to look for cochlear orientation. Cochlear nerve diameter was measured using MRI. The values were compared. ResultsThe mean difference between measurements from CT and MRI scans for A value, B value, CDL, and two-turn cochlear length values was 0.567 ± 0.413 mm, 0.406 ± 0.368 mm, 2.365 ± 1.675 mm, and 2.063 ± 1.477 mm respectively without any significant difference. The alpha and beta angle measures were comparable, with no statistically significant difference. ConclusionThe study suggests that MRI scans can be the only radiological investigation needed with no radiation risk and reduces the cost of cochlear implant program in the paediatric population. There is no significant difference between the measurements obtained from CT and MRI scans. However, observed discrepancies in cochlear measurements across different populations require regionally or race-specific standardized values to ensure accurate diagnosis and precision in cochlear implant surgery. This aspect must be addressed to ensure positive outcomes for patients.

Comparison of Infant Length Measurements Using Tape Measure Versus Length Board.

For infants requiring intensive care, infant length is a primary gauge of nutrition and forms the basis for important future treatment decisions. However, existing evidence demonstrates discrepancies in infant length measurements between tape measure and length board. To compare the accuracy and reliability of infant length measurements using tape measure (standard practice) and length board in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at a public academic medical center. Using a single-group, quasi-experimental, repeated-measures design, 108 infants (35.58 ± 3.68 weeks, male 59%, 2124.83 ± 881.69 g) admitted to the NICU were prospectively enrolled. Clinical nurses measured infants weekly per unit-based protocol using tape measures. Study team measured length using length boards within 24 hours of tape measurement. Primary outcome was infant length. Length measurements were converted to sex-specific Fenton or WHO growth percentiles. Linear mixed-effects regression, κ coefficient, intraclass correlation coefficient, and positive predictive value were calculated. The main effect of measurement conditions and time was significant. Predicted length was 0.38 cm lower for length board than for tape measure over time. Weighted κ coefficient and intraclass correlation coefficient indicated good to excellent agreement. More than 37% of infants shifted to a new percentile category based on both measurements. Positive predictive value of length board at time 1 was 63%. Length board measurements are reliable for accurate classification of an infant's growth curve to influence diagnosis and future plan of care. Future research warrants replication using a longitudinal design across multiple sites.

Where do you measure the Bregma for rodent stereotaxic surgery?

The advent of the stereotaxic apparatus developed by Clarke and Horsley revolutionized neuroscience research, enabling precise 3D navigation along the skull mediolateral, anteroposterior, and dorsoventral axes. In rodents, the Bregma is widely used as the origin reference point for the stereotaxic coordinates, but the specific procedure for its measurement varies among different laboratories. Notably, the renowned brain atlas developed by Paxinos and Franklin lacks explicit instructions on the Bregma determination. Recent studies have found discrepancies in skull and brain landmark measurements. This review describes the commonly used brain atlases and highlights the limitations in accurately measuring the stereotaxic coordinates. In addition, we propose alternative and more reliable approaches to measure the Bregma. It is imperative to address the misconceptions about the accuracy of stereotaxic surgeries, as it can significantly impact a substantial portion of neuroscience research.