Length Measurements Research Articles

A novel simplified method for assessing crystal length and crystalline content in dental ceramics.

The purpose of this study was to introduce a novel and simple method of evaluating the crystal length and crystalline content of lithium disilicate dental ceramics using images obtained from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and analyzed with ImageJ (NIH) processing software. Three evaluators with varying experience levels assessed the average crystal length and percentage of crystalline content in four commercial lithium disilicate reinforced glass ceramic materials: IPS e.max (Ivoclar Vivadent), Rosetta SM (Hass), T-Lithium (Talmax), and IRIS CAD (Tianjin). The specimens, prepared from partially crystallized CAD/CAM blocks (3.0 mm3), were fully crystallized and treated with 5% hydrofluoric acid for 20 s prior to SEM analysis. After acquiring the SEM images, ImageJ software was used to evaluate the average crystal length and crystalline content on the surface of the different ceramics. An inter-operator agreement was observed (ICC/p = 0.724), indicating that assessments by the various operators were similar across all ceramic materials tested (p < 0.001). When crystal length and crystalline content were compared, IRIS CAD exhibited significant differences compared to the other materials (p < 0.001), showing a less dense crystalline matrix based on the average length of crystals and the percentage of crystals per unit area. The use of this software facilitated the evaluation of crystalline content and average crystal lengths in dental ceramics using SEM images, and demonstrated very low variability among different operators. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The described method, using ImageJ open-source software, provides precise and reliable measurements of crystal length and crystalline content in lithium disilicate ceramics, with high inter-operator agreement. The proposed method identifiedhigher crystalline content in IPS e.max CAD compared to Rosetta SM CAD and T-lithium CAD ceramics, while IRIS CAD exhibited significantly lower crystalline content and larger average crystal length. The novel, simplified method for assessing crystal length and crystalline content presented in this study may also be useful for evaluating other dental ceramics.

High-Precision Measurement of Microscales Based on Optoelectronics and Image Integration Method.

Currently, there are various types of microscales and the conventional line detection system usually has only one detection method, which is difficult to adapt to the diverse calibration needs of microscales. This article investigates the high-precision measurement method of a microscale based on optoelectronics and the image integration method to solve the diversified calibration needs of microscales. The automatic measurement and processing system integrates two methods: the photoelectric signal measurement method and the photoelectric image measurement method. This article studies the smooth motion method based on ordinary linear guides, investigates the method of reducing the cosine error of a small-range interference length measurement, proposes an image-based line positioning method, and studies the edge and center recognition algorithms of the line. According to the experimental data, the system's measurement accuracy was analyzed using the photoelectric signal measurement method to measure the 1 mm microscale, the maximum difference from the reference value was 0.105 μm, the standard uncertainty was 0.068 μm, and the absolute value of normalized error was less than 1. The accuracy of the image measurement method to measure the 1 mm microscale was consistent with that of the photoelectric signal method. The results show good consistency in the measurement results between the two methods of the integrated measurement system. The photoelectric signal method has the technical characteristics of high measurement efficiency and high accuracy, while the pixel-based measurement of the image method has two-dimensional measurement characteristics, which can realize measurements that cannot be realized by the photoelectric signal method; therefore, the measurement system of optoelectronics and image integration is characterized by high precision and a wide range of measurement adaptations.

Using the Montgomery-Koyama-Smith equation to calculate the stomatal area per unit lamina area for 12 Magnoliaceae species.

The Montgomery-Koyama-Smith (MKS) equation predicts that total leaf area per shoot is proportional to the product of the sum of individual leaf widths and maximum individual leaf length, which has been validated for some herbaceous and woody plants. The equation is also predicted to be valid in describing the relationship between the total stomatal area per micrograph (AT) and the product of the sum of individual stomatal widths (denoted as LKS) and maximum individual stomatal length (denoted by WKS) in any particular micrograph. To test the validity of the MKS equation, 69,931 stomata (from 720 stomatal micrographs from 12 Magnoliaceae species) were examined. The area of each stoma was calculated using empirical measurements of stomatal length and width multiplied by a constant. Six equations describing the relationships among AT, LKS, and WKS were compared. The root-mean-square (RMSE) and the Akaike information criterion (AIC) were used to measure the goodness of fit, and the trade-off between the goodness of fit and the structural complexity of each model, respectively. Analyses supported the validity of the MKS equation and the power-law equation AT ∝ (LKS∙WKS)α, where a is a scaling exponent. The estimated values of α at the species level and for the pooled data were all statistically smaller than unity, which did not support the hypothesis that AT ∝ LTS∙WTS. The power-law equation had smaller RMSE and AIC values than the MKS equation for the data from the 12 individual species and the pooled data. These results indicate that AT tends to allometrically scale with LKS∙WKS, and that increases in AT do not keep pace with increases in LTS∙WTS. In addition, using the product of LKS and WKS is better than using only one of the two variables.

Ethno-Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (EthnoSTEM) Ideas in the Sama Mat-Weaving

Mat weaving has been culturally and economically significant among the Sama ethnolinguistic group since time immemorial. This study sought to find concepts and processes of ethnoscience, ethnotechnology, ethnoengineering, and ethnomathematics (ethnoSTEM) present in weaving tepo, a hand-woven mat of the Sama, made from indigenously processed leaves of pandan or screw pine (Pandanus tectorius). To determine ethnoSTEM ideas, concepts, and processes in tepo weaving, an ethnography was conducted involving five female mat weavers in a coastal village in Tawi-Tawi’s major producer of tepo, the Municipality of Tandubas. Data were gathered primarily through observations during a monthlong community immersion. Results revealed that Ethnotechnology tools were in the form of bolo, pandan-presser, pandan slitter, traditional stove, bamboo scalp scratcher, and other local cooking tools, with each tool exhibiting unique characteristics and functions needed for weaving. Ethnoengineering was evident in preparing pandan strips to create, bleach, and dye pandan strips for weaving and fastening the tepo. Ethnomathematics comprised primitive length measurement, arithmetic calculations, ratio and proportion, linear and quadratic equations, sinusoidal functions, basic geometric concepts, circles, symmetries, and isometries. Ethnoscience was observed in the processes determining the dyeability of pandan strips, as well as in the procedures employed in its softening and bleaching. It is concluded that the concepts and ideas of ethnoSTEM found in Sama weaving of tepo are loaded with scientific affluence that should be preserved to preclude them from fading to oblivion.

How histopathological diagnosis interacts with kidney ultrasound parameters and glomerular filtration rate.

The evaluation of estimated GFR (eGFR) is a pivotal staging step in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), and renal ultrasound plays an important role in diagnosis, prognosis and progression of CKD. The interaction between histopathological diagnosis and ultrasound parameters in eGFR determination has not been fully investigated yet. The study examined the results of native kidney biopsies performed in 48 Italian centers between 2012 and 2020. The primary goal was if and how the histopathological diagnosis influences the relationship between ultrasound parameters and eGFR. After exclusion of children, patients with acute kidney injury and patients without measure of kidney length or parenchymal thickness, 2795 patients have been selected for analysis. The median values were 52years for patient age, 11cm for bipolar kidney diameter, 16mm for parenchymal thickness, 2.5g/day for proteinuria and 70ml/min/1.73 m2 for eGFR. The bipolar kidney diameter and the parenchymal thickness were directly related with eGFR values (R square 0.064). Diabetes and proteinuria were associated with a consistent reduction of eGFR, improving the adjusted R square up to 0.100. Addition of histopathological diagnosis in the model increased the adjusted R square to 0.216. There is a significant interaction between histopathological diagnosis and longitudinal kidney diameter (P 0.006). Renal bipolar length and parenchymal thickness are directly related with eGFR. The magnitude of proteinuria and histopathological kidney diagnosis are associated with eGFR. The relationship between kidney length and the level of eGFR depends on the nature of the kidney disease.

The Effect of Age of First Exposure on Vocabulary, Mean Length of Utterance, Morphosyntactic Accuracy, and Semantic and Sentence-Level Patterns in the First 2 Years of French Second-Language Learning by Preschool- to Adolescent-Age Mandarin Speakers.

Bilingual assessment is particularly difficult in the very first period of children's second language (L2) exposure. This exploratory, longitudinal study examined L2 learning after 1 and 2 years of L2 exposure by young immigrants and how it is affected by their age at first exposure to the L2 (AoE). Participants were 18 immigrants ranging in age from 2;11 to 14;2 (years;months), all within their first year in Montreal at Time 1, enrolled in a French school or day care, and from a Mandarin first language background. Participants were tested again a year later. Measures included receptive and expressive French vocabulary tests and conversational language samples analyzed using traditional measures of mean length of utterance (MLU) and morphological accuracy as well as novel measures of semantic and sentence-level patterns. Performance was relatively high already at Time 1 and increased significantly at Time 2 in both vocabulary and MLU. At Time 2, vocabulary scores were below normative values, whereas MLU was within expected values relative to monolingual and simultaneous bilinguals for the majority of the participants. However, higher MLUs were accompanied by more instances of both semantic errors and creative semantic strategies. French performance was strongly related to AoE; with amount of exposure equivalent, older participants outperformed the younger ones on MLU and vocabulary. Semantic errors and creative uses were strongly predicted by AoE; however, morphological accuracy and number of agrammatical utterances were not. This initial period of French learning involved a rapid growth spurt for most of the participants. We argue that the pattern observed, particularly among the older children, constitutes an early stage of L2 learning characterized by long utterances that are also frequently hard to understand as speakers encounter challenges and use creative strategies in their attempt to convey meaning. Comparison with normative reference bases for monolinguals and bilinguals with greater cumulative L2 exposure who have similar MLUs should be done with much caution during this early period.

Assessing between-individual variability in bioenergetics modelling: Opportunities, challenges, and potential applications

Population dynamics is influenced by between-individual variability. Dynamic Energy Budget (DEB) theory is an appealing framework for assessing such a variability, yet DEB parameters have rarely been estimated at the individual level. Bayesian hierarchical models show promise for inferring individual variability in DEB parameters, thought computational challenges have limited their use due to the need to solve differential equations. Timely, Stan has emerged as a general-purpose statistical tool for fitting dynamic models. This paper introduces an analytical strategy using Bayesian parametric inference and hierarchical modelling to estimate individual-specific DEB parameters. Two biologically relevant DEB parameters were successfully estimated for 69 Gilt-head breams (Sparus aurata) with up to 11 measures of length and wet weight each. The estimated between-individual variability in these two DEB parameters explained well the observed patterns in length and weight at between- and within-individual levels. Moreover, data-simulation experiments highlighted the potential and limitations of our approach, suggesting that improved data collection could enable to increase precision and the number of DEB parameters that can be estimated at the individual level. This strategy can better represent between-individual variability in DEB parameters, which ultimately may improve forecasting of population dynamics after integrating DEB into population models.

Comparing Abdominal and Retroperitoneal Organ Sonographic Measurements to Postdissection Measurements: A Pilot Study

Objective: Variation in organ size can occur due to different sonographic scan planes used to make measurements. Diagnostic accuracy may be compromised due to the variations in organ measurement. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare sonographic measurements and actual organ measurements, taken predissection and postdissection, to determine the accuracy of sonographic measurements, taken in various sonographic scan planes. Materials and Methods: Sonographic organ measurements were made of the liver, kidney, and spleen, prior to cadaver dissection. Liver length measurements were acquired in the midclavicular and intercostal sonographic scan planes. All kidney length, height, and width measurements were acquired scanning from the anterior and coronal planes. Spleen measurements were acquired using an intercostal sonographic scan plane, using longest dimension for length, and acquiring transverse measurements from both a 90-degree and a 180-degree transducer rotation. Descriptive statistics were reported using mean, standard deviation, median, and interquartile range. Results: Liver length, spleen length, right kidney length and width, and left kidney width showed no measurement differences. Sonographic measurements of right kidney height varied ( P &lt; .0001). The sonographic left kidney length was more accurate when acquired in the coronal plane ( P = .006), and the height measurement was more accurate taken from the anterior plane ( P &lt; .001). Spleen width varied between the 90-degree and 180-degree transducer rotation, and postdissection measures ( P = .0010). Conclusion: This pilot study would suggest that there is a need for the development of standardized sonographic organ measurement protocols.

A Combined Sensor Design Applied to Large-Scale Measurement Systems.

The photoelectric sensing unit in a large-space measurement system primarily determines the measurement accuracy of the system. Aiming to resolve the problem whereby existing sensing units have difficulty accurately measuring the hidden points and free-form surfaces in large components, in this study, we designed a multi-node fusion of a combined sensor. Firstly, a multi-node fusion hidden-point measurement model and a solution model are established, and the measurement results converge after the number of nodes is simulated to be nine. Secondly, an adaptive front-end photoelectric conditioning circuit, including signal amplification, filtering, and adjustable level is designed, and the accuracy of the circuit function is verified. Then, a nonlinear least-squares calibration method is proposed by combining the constraints of the multi-position vector cones, and the internal parameters of the probe, in relation to the various detection nodes, are calibrated. Finally, a distributed system and laser tracking system are introduced to establish a fusion experimental validation platform, and the results show that the standard deviation and accuracy of the three-axis measurement of the test point of the combined sensor in the measurement area of 7000 mm × 7000 mm × 3000 mm are better than 0.026 mm and 0.24 mm, respectively, and the accuracy of the length measurement is within 0.28 mm. Further, the measurement accuracy of the hidden point of the aircraft hood and the free-form surface is better than 0.26 mm, which can meet most of the industrial measurement needs and expand the application field of large-space measurement systems.

Leveraging deep learning and computer vision technologies to enhance management of coastal fisheries in the Pacific region

This paper presents the design and development of a coastal fisheries monitoring system that harnesses artificial intelligence technologies. Application of the system across the Pacific region promises to revolutionize coastal fisheries management. The program is built on a centralized, cloud-based monitoring system to automate data extraction and analysis processes. The system leverages YoloV4, OpenCV, and ResNet101 to extract information from images of fish and invertebrates collected as part of in-country monitoring programs overseen by national fisheries authorities. As of December 2023, the system has facilitated automated identification of over six hundred nearshore finfish species, and automated length and weight measurements of more than 80,000 specimens across the Pacific. The system integrates other key fisheries monitoring data such as catch rates, fishing locations and habitats, volumes, pricing, and market characteristics. The collection of these metrics supports much needed rapid fishery assessments. The system’s co-development with national fisheries authorities and the geographic extent of its application enables capacity development and broader local inclusion of fishing communities in fisheries management. In doing so, the system empowers fishers to work with fisheries authorities to enable data-informed decision-making for more effective adaptive fisheries management. The system overcomes historically entrenched technical and financial barriers in fisheries management in many Pacific island communities.

Evaluating Joint Angle Data for Clinical Assessment Using Multidimensional Inverse Kinematics with Average Segment Morphometry.

Movement analysis is a critical tool in understanding and addressing various disabilities associated with movement deficits. By analyzing movement patterns, healthcare professionals can identify the root causes of these alterations, which is essential for preventing, diagnosing, and rehabilitating a broad spectrum of medical conditions, disabilities, and injuries. With the advent of affordable motion capture technologies, quantitative data on patient movement is more accessible to clinicians, enhancing the quality of care. Nonetheless, it is crucial that these technologies undergo rigorous validation to ensure their accuracy in collecting and monitoring patient movements, particularly for remote healthcare services where direct patient observation is not possible. In this study, motion capture technology was used to track upper extremity movements during a reaching task presented in virtual reality. Kinematic data was then calculated for each participant using a scaled dynamic inertial model. The goal was to evaluate the accuracy of joint angle calculations using inverse kinematics from motion capture relative to the typical movement redundancy. Shoulder, elbow, radioulnar, and wrist joint angles were calculated with models scaled using either direct measurements of each individual's arm segment lengths or those lengths were calculated from individual height using published average proportions. The errors in joint angle trajectories calculated using the two methods of model scaling were compared to the inter-trial variability of those trajectories. The variance of this error was primarily within the normal range of variability between repetitions of the same movements. This suggests that arm joint angles can be inferred with good enough accuracy from motion capture data and individual height to be useful for the clinical assessment of motor deficits.

Comparison of spatiotemporal gait parameter measurements across various emulated foot strike patterns between the Tekscan® Strideway™ pressure sensitive walkway and gold-standard marker-based motion capture

Spatiotemporal gait parameters are commonly used to quantify physical functioning including in populations with atypical foot strike patterns. The current gold standard measurement system for gait analysis is marker-based motion capture and floor-mounted force plates, but it can be expensive and cumbersome to set up. Pressure sensitive walkways are more affordable, quicker to set up, and more portable. Currently available walkways have not been compared to marker-based motion capture when measuring atypical foot strike patterns. The recently developed Tekscan® Strideway pressure sensitive walkway system has not been compared to any gold standard. This study compared measurements of step width, step length, and step time from the Strideway™ system against a gold standard marker-based motion capture (Vicon® Vantage™) and floor-mounted force plate (AMTI®) system. Ten typically ambulating adults, free of injury, emulated five different foot strike patterns recording two-hundred footsteps for each. Results indicate that the Strideway™ compares well to the gold standard especially under typical foot strike patterns. The errors were highest for step width and near-zero for step time. However, the user needs to be aware that errors can substantially increase with certain foot strike patterns such as when the heel does not make contact with the walkway. The results of this study will help inform users about potential limitations when using a pressure sensitive walkway like the Strideway™ for testing populations with typical and atypical strike patterns.

Myopia Control Effect of Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments (DIMS) Spectacle Lens in Pakistani Children

Background: Myopia is a growing concern globally, particularly among school-aged children, leading to severe ocular complications if untreated. Objective: The purpose of this research was to determine the effectiveness of DIMS spectacle lenses in preventing myopia progression in Pakistani children. Methods: The current study was tested clinically for two years with two hundred myopic youngsters aged six to twelve years. The subjects were divided into two groups; the first group received DIMS lenses while the second group received single vision lenses. Biometry of the axial length was done using the IOL Master 500 (Carl Zeiss Meditec) and the cycloplegic autorefraction was done using the Topcon KR-800S. For monitoring the progression of myopia, axial length measurements and cycloplegic autorefraction were performed with an interval of six months. Quantitative data were analysed using independent t-tests and mixed-effects models in order to compare the results between the groups. Results: Comparing the DIMS group to the single vision lens group, the children in the former demonstrated slower myopia development. Whereas the control group's mean myopic shift was -0.67 ± 0.30 D/year, the DIMS groups was -0.32 ± 0.25 D/year (p &lt; 0.001). Significantly less axial length changes (0.15 ± 0.10 mm/year) were seen in the DIMS group as compared to the control group (0.31 ± 0.12 mm/year) (p &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: DIMS spectacle lenses are effective in preventing the progression of myopia in Pakistani children. Their use could be a viable approach to managing myopia in this population. However, the study is limited by its short follow-up period and the lack of data on long-term outcomes.

Modelling branch surface area of Fagus sylvatica L.

ABSTRACT Allometric models describe properties of trees that are difficult to measure. Here, we provide a set of allometric models for estimating branch properties for European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.). Branches affect rainfall and snow interception, provide habitat for other organisms and contribute to the economic and aesthetic value of trees. Using randomized branch sampling (RBS) of 27 beech trees in Austria we developed models for branch surface area, branch number, branch base diameter and branch length, depending on stem diameter, tree height and crown ratio. For individual branches, branch diameter was the best predictor of branch surface area while including branch length or position along the stem did not improve the models. For the entire tree, stem diameter was the most important predictor. Branch surface area (and in consequence also branch volume) assessed by RBS was greater than the branch surface area estimated as a cylinder from measurements of branch length and branch base diameter. Since the branch allometry of beech differs considerably from a previous study on branches of Picea abies, we conclude that assumptions and models derived from other tree species can lead to considerable biased results in assessing the functions of tree branches.

Assessment of the reliability of at-home caregiver-collected anthropometric measurements.

Anthropometric measurements provide valuable information about infant growth patterns and can help identify nutrition, growth, and developmental concerns. With the increasing use of telehealth and decentralized clinical trial approaches, there is potential for caregivers to collect anthropometric measurements at home via teleconference with healthcare providers (HCPs) to monitor infant growth, which indirectly reflects health status. This study aimed to evaluate whether telehealth-guided caregivers can utilize standardized methods and home-use measurement equipment to collect reliable anthropometric measurements compared to HCPs and study nurses. The study compared the weight, length, and head circumference measurements collected by caregivers (n = 8 pairs), pediatric HCPs (n = 7), and study nurses (n = 4), who served as the gold standard comparator group. Four silicone dolls with varied anthropometrics were used as surrogates for human infants. Caregiver inter- and intra-observer technical errors of measurement (TEMs) were all equal to or below the maximum allowed error (MAE). For HCPs, only intra-observer TEM for length and inter-observer TEM for HC and length were within the MAE. There was no evidence of bias for either caregiver or HCP measurements compared to the gold standard. Coefficients of reliability (R) were greater than 0.96 for all measurements. Preliminary results from this study demonstrate that telehealth-guided caregivers can capture accurate and reliable anthropometric measurements compared to HCPs. The results suggest that remote measurement collection allows for more frequent monitoring while reducing the burden on patients and caregivers in primary care and clinical trials such as infant formula growth monitoring studies.

Morphometric differences between sexes and populations in Norwegian Dunlins Calidris alpina

ABSTRACT Capsule The sex of Dunlins from two widely separated Norwegian breeding populations can be determined using morphometrics, with the Dunlins’ sizes differing between populations. Aims We aimed to understand the Dunlin’s physical characteristics within and outside of a zone of intergradation between the subspecies C. a. schinzii and C. a. alpina, and to provide a resource for determining the sexes. Methods We tested for morphometric differences between Dunlins from Finnmark, inland South Norway and coastal South Norway to determine if any or all of these populations had unique characteristics. We also compared morphometrics from our study with those in published sources. We performed discriminant function analyses on morphometric data from Dunlins of known sex to identify variables that could be used for sex identification in captured birds. Results Dunlins from Finnmark were significantly larger than those from South Norway. However, birds from inland South Norway, and a small sample from coastal South Norway, overlapped in multiple measurements. Our comparison with previously published sources also found no clear differences in morphometrics between birds from South Norway and C. a. schinzii from other populations. Our discriminant functions for both Finnmark and inland South Norway accurately predicted the sex of Dunlins using only the wing chord and bill length measurements. Conclusion There was no clear evidence that Dunlins from the subspecies intergradation zone in South Norway differed in size from subspecies C. a. schinzii. The sex of Norwegian-breeding Dunlins can be accurately determined by morphometrics alone, using population-specific discriminant functions.

A Study on the Automation of Fish Species Recognition and Body Length Measurement System

The rapid depletion of fishery resources has led to the global implementation of Total Allowable Catch (TAC) systems. However, the current manual survey methods employed by land-based inspectors show limitations in accuracy and efficiency. This study proposes an automated system for fish species recognition and body length measurement, utilizing the RT-DETR (Real-Time Detection Transformer) model and ARCore technology to address these issues. The proposed system employs smartphone Time of Flight (ToF) functionality to measure object distance and automatically calculates the weight of 11 TAC-managed fish species by measuring their body length and height. Experimental results reveal that the RT-DETR-x model outperformed the YOLOv8x model by achieving an average mAP50 value 2.3% higher, with a mean recognition accuracy of 96.5% across the 11 species. Furthermore, the ARCore-based length measurement technique exhibited over 95% accuracy for all species. This system is expected to minimize data omissions and streamline labor-intensive processes, thereby contributing to the efficient operation of the TAC system and sustainable management of fishery resources. The study presents an innovative approach that significantly enhances the accuracy and efficiency of fishery resource management, providing a crucial technological foundation for the advancement of future fisheries management policies.

Late Bedtime and Altered Diurnal Axial Length Rhythms of the Eye

Purpose Affecting one-third of the population worldwide and increasing, the sight-threatening condition myopia is causing a significant socio-economic burden. To better understand its etiology, recent studies investigated the role of ocular and systemic rhythms, yet results are conflicting. Here we profiled 24-h variations of axial length of the eye and salivary melatonin concentration in young adults with and without myopia and explored the potential impacts of bedtime on these rhythms. Methods A total of 25 healthy young adults (age 25.0 ± 4.8 years, 13 females) completed this study, including 13 myopes (mean spherical equivalent refractive error −2.93 ± 1.46 diopters) and 12 non-myopes (0.14 ± 0.42 diopters). Saliva sample collection and axial length measurements were repeated for seven times over 24 h starting from 8 am. Information on sleep and chronotype was collected at first visit with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire. Results Significant diurnal rhythms of axial length and salivary melatonin concentration were identified in both refractive groups (both p < 0.001), with no myopia-related rhythm difference (interaction of measurement time-point × myopia, p = 0.9). Late bedtime was associated with altered rhythms (p = 0.009) and smaller diurnal change (p = 0.01) in axial length. Elevated melatonin levels were observed in myopes (p = 0.006) and in late sleepers (p = 0.017). Conclusions These findings suggest that sleep/wake cycles may be involved in the regulation of axial length rhythms. Further research is needed to determine if there exists a causal relationship between the two.

Future Parabolic Trough Collector Absorber Coating Development and Service Lifetime Estimation

This work presents a study on the optical and mechanical degradation of parabolic trough collector absorber coatings produced through the spray coating application technique of in-house developed paint. The main aim of this investigation is to prepare, cure, load, and analyze the absorber coating on the substrate under conditions that mimic the on-field thermal properties. This research incorporates predicted isothermal and cyclic loads for parabolic trough systems as stresses. Biweekly inspections of loaded, identical samples monitored the degradation process. We further used the cascade of data from optical, oxide-thickening, crack length, and pull-off force measurements in mathematical modelling to predict the service life of the parabolic trough collector. The results collected and used in modelling suggested that cyclic load in combination with iso-thermal load is responsible for coating fatigue, influencing the solar absorber optical values and resulting in lower energy transformation efficiency. Finally, easy-to-apply coatings made out of spinel-structured black pigment and durable binder could serve as a low-cost absorber coating replacement for a new generation of parabolic trough collectors, making it possible to harvest solar energy to provide medium-temperature heat to decarbonize future food, tobacco, and paint production industrial processes.

Ribs with Anterior Protrusion (Winged Ribs) Treated Using Percutaneous Chondroplasty.

Thoracic features play a significant role in determining various plastic surgery techniques. Particularly, the thorax has potential for excessive anterior projection, commonly referred to as winged ribs. This study aimed to describe a treatment method for addressing winged ribs for aesthetic purposes using percutaneous chondral management. Thirty-two female patients underwent FrontXribs from February to March 2023. Two angular measurements were obtained: (1) the angle formed by lines intersecting tangentially to the shoulder and the lower gluteal border; and (2) the angle formed by a line tangential to the greatest anterior projection, intersected by a vertical line on the standing axis. Length measurements were obtained using a tape measure at the position of the greatest thoracic projection. Pulmonary function studies were conducted. All variables were measured before surgery and 6 months postoperatively. On average, patients were 25 years old. The average operative time was 51.1 minutes, and all patients underwent general anesthesia. The average increase for angular measurement 1 was 26.1 degrees, whereas that for angular measurement 2 was 3.43 degrees. The average decrease in anterior chest length during the postoperative period was 9.66 cm (P < 0.001). Spirometric tests showed no significant changes 6 months postoperatively. The FrontXribs technique for treating winged ribs effectively reduces anterior costal protrusion, as evidenced by the angular variation of projections and the reduction in thoracic length at this level. No adverse effects on respiratory function were observed 6 months postoperatively.