Impression Of Quality Research Articles

Vaginal prolapse repair with or without a midurethral sling in women with genital prolapse and occult stress urinary incontinence: a randomized trial

We compared pelvic organ prolapse (POP) repair with and without midurethral sling (MUS) in women with occult stress urinary incontinence (SUI). This was a randomized trial conducted by a consortium of 13 teaching hospitals assessing a parallel cohort of continent women with symptomatic stage II or greater POP. Women with occult SUI were randomly assigned to vaginal prolapse repair with or without MUS. Women without occult SUI received POP surgery. Main outcomes were the absence of SUI at the 12-month follow-up based on the Urogenital Distress Inventory and the need for additional treatment for SUI. We evaluated 231 women, of whom 91 randomized as follows: 43 to POP surgery with and 47 without MUS. A greater number of women in the MUS group reported absence of SUI [86% vs. 48%; relative risk (RR) 1.79; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.29-2.48]. No women in the MUS group received additional treatment for postoperative SUI; six (13%) in the control group had a secondary MUS. Women with occult SUI reported more urinary symptoms after POP surgery and more often underwent treatment for postoperative SUI than women without occult SUI. Women with occult SUI had a higher risk of reporting SUI after POP surgery compared with women without occult SUI. Adding a MUS to POP surgery reduced the risk of postoperative SUI and the need for its treatment in women with occult SUI. Of women with occult SUI undergoing POP-only surgery, 13% needed additional MUS. We found no differences in global impression of improvement and quality of life.

Advanced Optical Materials is Making its Way Up

It has been an eventful year for the optics research community and the optical industry sector, not least because 2015 was the UNESCO International Year of Light. Light technologies are the basis of a multi-billion dollar industry as well as an integral part of our everyday lives. Optical research is a motor for innovation and its application areas are numerous. This variety is reflected by the broad spectrum of high quality work published in Advanced Optical Materials. Let's have a look back on some of the high points of 2015. One highlight was definitely the special issue on “Optical Materials for Spectral Management” guest-edited by Ralf Wehrspohn and Stefan Schweizer. This compilation included review articles on different spectral converters as fluoride hosts and methods to tune the fluorescence of phosphors and their applications in photovoltaics, scintillator materials, and solid-state lighting. Furthermore, many new results on materials for up- and down-conversion were published, three examples being novel energy-transfer materials presented by Andries Meijerink et al., an innovative topotactic transformation synthetic route from Hongpeng You and colleagues, and persistent and photostimulated red emission in nanophosphors presented by John Capobianco. The whole issue can be found here. We were also very proud to be able to present a very special article series dedicated to celebrate the International Year of Light. The topics of the featured review articles, written by experts in their fields, span carbon nanotube photodetectors and photonic structures for light harvesting to micro-transfer printing and plasmonic nanoparticles. You can find all of the contributions in the table below or online at www.advopticalmat.de/IYL. In the past two years the Best of Advanced Optical Materials editions were very well received by the community. Therefore, this year we also selected some of the most outstanding articles from all original articles published in the twelve issues of 2015. The collection can be found at www.best-of-advanced-optical-materials-2015.com and gives you a good impression of the high quality and broad scope of the content published in Advanced Optical Materials. The excellent research published in Advanced Optical Materials has contributed to the journal's first one-year impact factor of 4.062, which is a very promising result underlining the position among the top optics journals. Citations and impact factors are not the only measures of a journal's performance and the quality of the presented research; but this inaugural value, together with our 2015 Immediacy Index of 1.132, provides a solid foundation on which to build in future years. We would like to take this opportunity to thank our Editorial Advisory Board members for their help and advice over the last year, all authors who submitted to the journal, and last but certainly not least all of the more than 1200 reviewers who help to maintain the standards of the journal. We would especially like to mention our most frequent reviewers—Hongbing Fu, Jianfang Wang, Dai-Sik Kim, Hirohiko Fukagawa, Paul Braun, Yong Sheng Zhao, Timothy Bunning, and He Tian—for their generous contributions to the success of the journal. Thank you very much! For the coming year of 2016 we wish you great success and hope that we can contribute to it through our continuous publishing efforts and dedication to good customer service. P.S.: For any kind of feedback please contact us at advopticalmat@wiley-vch.de.

Rendering of HDR images to improve brightness discrimination

The impression of quality of images can be enhanced on a high dynamic range (HDR) displays. Generally, a conventional 8-bit image can be processed to an HDR image by inverse tone mapping operators. Among the operators, brightness discrimination mapping by applying brightness adaptation model attempted to mimic the human visual system. In this paper, we use a brightness adaptation model to derive a brightness discrimination mapping algorithm for HDR displays. The proposed algorithm maximizes a function, which represents the local and global brightness discrimination range by exploiting characteristics of the human visual system. Enhancement of details is verified by visualizing HDR images from dark to bright regions. Improvement of dynamic range is quantified by measuring increased discrimination ratio.

Evaluating Subjective Impressions of Quality Controlled 3D Films on Large and Small Screens

We investigate audiences' subjective impressions of two high-quality 3D stereoscopic films when viewed on a large projected display (160-in diagonal). We further show that our results are repeatable using TV-sized displays (50-in diagonal) and sites outside our laboratory. The literature proposes a number of algorithms that aim to produce high-quality stereoscopic depth in 3D films. Many of these algorithms limit the stereoscopic depth to a defined depth budget, which can be dynamically allocated through the course of a film. However, there have been no detailed studies evaluating audiences' subjective impressions of 3D films that utilize such algorithms, which is something we seek to correct in this study. This study comprises an original experiment and four differentiated replications, across which we vary the film, display technology, and international location used. All of these experiments implement a pre-test post-test quasi-experiment design, in which participants were asked, before and after viewing a 3D film, to rate their agreement with five statements concerning 3D films. These statements addressed the viewing experience, comfort, naturalness, suitability to conveying complex information, and benefit to learning associated with 3D displays. One of two possible films were shown to each participant, both of which were produced using our own stereoscopic depth control algorithms and have won national or international awards, giving independent confirmation of their quality. Our results indicate that audiences' responses to our five statements change positively after viewing high-quality 3D films. Furthermore, these results are repeatable for large and TV-sized displays, as well as for locations outside our laboratory. We conclude that it is important to produce high-quality content with a carefully controlled depth budget in order to evoke positive reactions in audiences to 3D films.

Benchmarking the service quality of airlines in the United States: an exploratory analysis

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to help airlines gain a better understanding of passengers’ service concerns, identify opportunities for continuous service improvement, and then develop service benchmarking standards that can be a yardstick for the airline’s competitiveness.Design/methodology/approach– This paper develops a set of target performance standards that helps airlines monitor their service delivery process, identify relative weaknesses, and take corrective actions for continuous service improvements using exploratory data analysis and competitive gap analysis.Findings– This study reveals that a service attribute considered most important to the airline customers’ impressions of service quality are air safety. This result reflects a growing concern over potential terrorism against airlines in the wake of the September 11 incident. The authors also found that proper baggage handling, competitive airfare, and on-time arrival/departure were next most important service attributes, whereas frequent flier and code-sharing programs were least important. Furthermore, the authors discovered that airline passengers’ perceived service quality influenced their choice of airlines. That is to say, airline service quality can be an important gauge of airline market share and revenue.Research limitations/implications– The current study is limited to the evaluation of comparative service quality of airlines in the USA. Thus, this study cannot be generalized to the airline passengers’ perceived service quality in other countries or different cultural settings. Also, this paper focuses on the performance aspect of benchmarking rather than the strategic aspect of benchmarking.Practical implications– With rising costs of fuel, labor, maintenance, and security, many airlines are at a crossroads where they have to decide between succumbing to restructuring pressures in a form of mergers/acquisitions and reinventing their service offerings. One viable means of reinventing airline service offerings is to learn more about what airline passengers truly value and appreciate in terms of service offerings and then figure out what it takes to win the hearts of customers and then how the airline can differentiate its service offering from those of its competitors. With this in mind, this paper develops viable service improvement strategies for the airline that can enhance its competitiveness in the struggling airline industry.Originality/value– This paper is one of a few attempts to identify a list of service attributes most important to airline service quality based on the actual survey of airline passengers, and then develop a benchmark standard of airlines in the USA from a customer (passenger) perspective.

Pilates for low back pain.

Pilates for low back pain.

PTH-056 Trial to assess cannabidiol in the symptomatic treatment of ulcerative colitis

<h3>Introduction</h3> Evidence suggests that cannabidiol (CBD) has anti-inflammatory properties that may provide symptomatic relief of IBD. This proof-of-concept double blind, randomised, placebo controlled trial assessed efficacy, safety and tolerability of CBD botanical drug substance (BDS) in patients with mild to moderate UC. <h3>Method</h3> Patients with left-sided or extensive UC aged ≥18 years, with a Mayo score 4–10 (endoscopy score ≥1) and on a stable dose of 5-ASA (or previous 5-ASA use), were randomised 1:1 to CBD BDS (n = 29) or placebo (n = 31). IMP was presented as hard gelatin capsules containing 50 mg CBD BDS (purified from a proprietary <i>Cannabis sativa </i>L. chemotype containing CBD and ∼4% Δ⁹tetrahydrocannabinol [THC]); or excipients alone for placebo. Patients titrated to their maximal tolerated dose over 2 weeks, aiming to achieve 250 mg b.d., and then maintained this dose for 8 weeks. The primary endpoint was the number of patients in remission (Mayo total score ≤2; no sub-score &gt;1) at week 10. Statistical tests were two-sided at the 10% significance level. <h3>Results</h3> Patients on active IMP found it harder to tolerate than placebo patients, taking on average 1/3 fewer capsules during the maintenance period, and having a higher number of compliance-related major protocol deviations (12 vs. 4); principally insufficient exposure. 59% protocol compliance in the CBD BDS group meant the more relevant per-protocol (PP) analysis set was used to assess many efficacy measures. End of treatment remission rates were similar between treatment groups (CBD BDS, 28% vs. placebo, 26%). PP analysis of Mayo total and partial scores were significantly in favour of CBD BDS (p = 0.068 and p = 0.038, respectively). PP analysis of Physician’s Global Assessment of Illness Severity, Subject Global Impression of Change and patient-reported quality of life outcomes also significantly favoured CBD BDS (p = 0.069, p = 0.003 and p = 0.065, respectively). All 60 patients were included in the safety analysis; the majority of AEs were mild to moderate in severity and many in the CBD BDS group were likely attributed to its THC content. A higher proportion of GI-related AEs, indicative of a worsening in underlying UC, were seen in placebo patients. <h3>Conclusion</h3> This exploratory trial did not reach its primary endpoint, but several signals suggest CBD BDS may be beneficial for symptomatic treatment of UC; larger trials are warranted. ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT01562314. Funding: GW Research Ltd. <h3>Disclosure of interest</h3> P. Irving Consultant for: Abbvie, MSD, Shire, Takeda, Tillott’s Pharma, Genentech, Vifor Pharma, Pharmacosmos, Warner Chilcott, Conflict with: Lecture Fee (s): Abbvie, MSD, Shire, Takeda, Tillott’s Pharma, Ferring, Warner Chilcott, T. Iqbal: None Declared, C. Nwokolo: None Declared, S. Subramanian Consultant for: Has been an advisory board member for Dr Falk, Abbvie, Vifor pharma, Conflict with: Lecture fee (s): MSD, Abbvie, Warner Chillcott, Dr Falk, S. Bloom: None Declared, N. Prasad: None Declared, A. Hart Conflict with: Served as consultant, advisory board member or speaker for Abbvie, Atlantic, Bristol Meyers Squibb, Celltrion, Falk, Ferring, MSD, Napp Pharmaceuticals, Pharmacosmos, Shire, Takeda., C. Murray Consultant for: Advisory Boards for MSD and Abbvie, Conflict with: Speaker fees for Abbvie and MSD, J. Lindsay Grant/ Research Support from: Takeda, Shire, MSD, Consultant for: Abbvie, Atlantic Healthcare, MSD, Ferring, Takeda, Warner Chilcott, Knap Pharma, Celtrion, Shire, Speaker Bureau of: Abbvie, MSD, Ferring, Takeda, Warner Chilcott, A. Taylor Employee of: Employed by GW Pharmaceuticals (study sponsor), R. Barron Shareholder of: Has Shares with GW Pharmaceuticals (study sponsor), Employee of: Employed by GW Pharmaceuticals (study sponsor), S. Wright Shareholder of: Has Shares with GW Pharmaceuticals (study sponsor), Employee of: Employed by GW Pharmaceuticals (study sponsor), Conflict with: Directorship (s): Research and Development Director at GW Pharmaceuticals (study sponsor).

Is self-reported adherence associated with clinical outcomes in women treated with anticholinergic medication for overactive bladder?

To determine the association between self-reported adherence to anticholinergic medication and clinical outcomes in women with overactive bladder (OAB). A prospective study of women with OAB treated with fesoterodine for 8 weeks. Adherence to medication was measured using the Medication Adherence Self-report Inventory (MASRI). A self reported adherence rate of ≥80% was considered adherent. The association between self-reported adherence and clinical outcomes (Global Index of Improvement, Global impression of Severity, urinary symptom and quality of life scores) was examined. We hypothesized that adherent women would have greater improvement in urinary symptoms and quality of life than non-adherent women. Based on the MASRI, 115 (62.5%) women were adherent and 69 (37.5%) were non-adherent to anticholinergic medication at 8weeks. Adherent women were more likely to report overall improvement in their symptoms compared to non-adherent women (84% vs. 24%, P < 0.001). Significantly more non-adherent women described their bladder symptoms as "moderate" or "severe" at 8 weeks compared to adherent women (74% vs. 44%, P = 0.03). At 8 weeks, adherent women reported significantly greater improvement (change) in urinary symptoms from baseline to 8 weeks than non-adherent women (-13.3 ± 25.8 vs. 2.5 ± 14.4, P = 0.04). Similarly, adherent women reported greater improvement in quality of life scores than non-adherent women (- 7.9 ± 24.0 vs. -1.8 ± 11.9, P = 0.003). Self-reported non-adherence, as measured by the MASRI, is associated with clinically meaningful outcomes in women with OAB. This further validates the MASRI as a clinically useful tool for measuring adherence to anticholinergic medications in women with OAB. Neurourol. Urodynam. 35:738-742, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Sound Quality of Turn Indicator Sounds—Use of a Multidimensional Approach in the Automotive Product Development

Vehicle sounds are important factors of customer satisfaction and have a decisive influence on the product automobile and its quality impression. It becomes more and more important to connect customer requirements and technical specifications to develop a vehicle sound with high quality. The turn indicator sound can be described as one sound, which gives the customer an important feedback of correct function performance and can be seen as one of the sounds, which play a role in the customer's perception of vehicle quality. In a laboratory experimental study, the question was investigated, how a turn indicator sound must be designed to be perceived as pleasant and high-quality. A multidimensional approach was chosen to combine subjective customer assessments, objective psychophysiological responses of the study participants and physical parameters of the sounds. In total, 15 different turn indicator sounds were assessed by 48 subjects. The study shows how the connection of subjective and objective parameters can support product development. The multi-dimensional approach helps to derive recommendations for action to improve the sound quality of the product automobile. Also, the study shows a possibility to involve the human factor in a highly technical environment. Language: en

Reliability, Conformance Dan Perceived Quality Dalam Meningkatkan Kualitas Produk

This research aims to increase the dimensions of reliability, suitability, and the impression of quality in an effort to improve the quality of fish fillet products STB. The object of this research is Sumber Tujuh Berkat company. The subjects of this research are customers, similar companies, experts, and the owner. Using purposive sampling, seven informants chosen by researchers as informants. Primary data are taken based on the results of depth interviews and documentation to the informants. Secondary data is taken from STB’s company data, reference books, journals, and the Internet that can support this research. The data collection techniques used are in depth interview and documentation. In testing the validity of the data, the researcher uses triangulation techniques. The triangulation used is source triangulation. The sources used are customers, similar companies, experts, and STB’s owner. The result of this study is how to improve the quality of fish fillet STB’s products. This improvement was made on the dimensions of reliability, conformance, and the perceived quality of fish fillet STB’s products. The way to do is training the employees regarding the filleting process which is true to the knowledge of experts, STB need to replace old equipment with a fish fillet special equipment, STB need to cooperate to fish breeder so the materials purchased has a uniform size and weight, and STB needs to get permission from BPOM to impress the product quality can be improved in the eyes of consumers.

Component-Level Tuning of Kinematic Features From Composite Therapist Impressions of Movement Quality.

In this paper, we propose a general framework for tuning component-level kinematic features using therapists' overall impressions of movement quality, in the context of a home-based adaptive mixed reality rehabilitation (HAMRR) system. We propose a linear combination of nonlinear kinematic features to model wrist movement, and propose an approach to learn feature thresholds and weights using high-level labels of overall movement quality provided by a therapist. The kinematic features are chosen such that they correlate with the quality of wrist movements to clinical assessment scores. Further, the proposed features are designed to be reliably extracted from an inexpensive and portable motion capture system using a single reflective marker on the wrist. Using a dataset collected from ten stroke survivors, we demonstrate that the framework can be reliably used for movement quality assessment in HAMRR systems. The system is currently being deployed for large-scale evaluations, and will represent an increasingly important application area of motion capture and activity analysis.

Kvalitativní charakteristiky a antioxidační vlastnosti kultivarů brokolice (Brassica Oleracea L. var. italica Plenck)

Quality traits of three broccoli cultivars, which were grown for autumn crop was determined: ‘Chevalier’ F1, ‘Milady’ F1 (cultivars of Dutch origin) and ‘Cezar’ F1 (of Polish origin). Immediately after harvest sensory quality of broccoli was evaluated, using the quantitative descriptive analysis method (QDA). In ‘brainstorming’ session there were chosen 14 attributes (profiles) concerning smell, texture, taste / flavour. Overall quality impression was also scored and hedonic test of broccoli liking was performed. Other quality traits determined were: antioxidant activity, total carotenoids content, vitamin C content, colour parameters in CIE L*a*b* system. These traits were determined separately for florets and stems of broccoli plants, both of which are usable parts of this vegetable. Results showed that investigated cultivars differed in respect of quality traits concerning sensory attributes, antioxidant activi­ty, carotenoids content, vitamin C content and colour parameters. Results showed also that florets of broccoli performed higher antioxidant activity than stems. Carotenoids content in broccoli cultivars was much higher in florets than in stems, but vitamin C content was on similar level in florets and stems of the plants. Florets and stems of all broccoli cultivars differed much in respect of colour parameters – lightness, greenness and yellowness.

Contributions of medical hypnosis to orthodontic treatment

Hypnosis is making a comeback in all of the medical disciplines. But in a world where everyone wants to control everything and manage everything, it's helpful to know that hypnosis is a dynamic process that cannot be forced on anyone, a psychic reality, clearly demonstrated today by brain imaging. Hypnosis does not take any power over the individual. It is just one more tool to help ease patient's discomfort. It is also useful to avoid professional burnout to provide care without depleting our energy and without wasting our valuable time. Medical hypnosis is a real asset for providing comfortable orthodontic treatment and creating a serene atmosphere. It can be done simply and rapidly to take high quality impressions, to place braces comfortably on a patient who is sitting quietly. Orthodontic treatment requires cooperation and motivation, so let's give our patients a new sense of confidence and a willingness to cooperate.

Easy impressions of the highest quality

Easy impressions of the highest quality

Do self-reported decision styles relate with others’ impressions of decision quality?

Research has demonstrated the usefulness of decision styles for predicting various performance-related criteria. It is still unclear, however, which particular styles are associated with a general tendency to make high-quality decisions. Participants (n=168) completed a common measure of five decision styles, along with a measure of the traits in the five-factor model of personality. Self and peer evaluations of general decision quality were obtained as performance criteria. Results showed that specific decision styles predicted variance in both measures of decision quality. And, there was clear evidence for incremental validity for specific decision styles when self-ratings were predicted. In the context of past research, this study supports a primary focus on rational or analytical styles for understanding and predicting decision success.

Clinical Comparison Between a Currently Available Single-Loop and an Investigational Dual-Channel Endorectal Receive Coil for Prostate Magnetic Resonance Imaging

The objectives of this study were to test the feasibility of an investigational dual-channel next-generation endorectal coil (NG-ERC) in vivo, to quantitatively assess signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and to get an impression of image quality compared with the current clinically available single-loop endorectal coil (ERC) for prostate magnetic resonance imaging at both 1.5 and 3 T. The study was approved by the institutional review board, and written informed consent was obtained from all patients. In total, 8 consecutive patients with prostate cancer underwent a local staging magnetic resonance examination with the successive use of both coils in 1 session (4 patients at 1.5 T and 4 other patients at 3 T). Quantitative comparison of both coils was performed for the apex, mid-gland and base levels at both field strengths by calculating SNR profiles in the axial plane on an imaginary line in the anteroposterior direction perpendicular to the coil surface. Two radiologists independently assessed the image quality of the T2-weighted and apparent diffusion coefficient maps calculated from diffusion-weighted imaging using a 5-point scale. Improvement of geometric distortion on diffusion-weighted imaging with the use of parallel imaging was explored. Statistical analysis included a paired Wilcoxon signed rank test for SNR and image quality evaluation as well as κ statistics for interobserver agreement. No adverse events were reported. The SNR was higher for the NG-ERC compared with the ERC up to a distance of approximately 40 mm from the surface of the coil at 1.5 T (P < 0.0001 for the apex, the mid-gland, and the base) and approximately 17 mm (P = 0.015 at the apex level) and 30 mm at 3 T (P < 0.0001 for the mid-gland and base). Beyond this distance, the SNR profiles of both coils were comparable. Overall, T2-weighted image quality was considered better for NG-ERC at both field strengths. Quality of apparent diffusion coefficient maps with the use of parallel imaging was rated superior with the NG-ERC at 3 T. The investigational NG-ERC for prostate imaging outperforms the current clinically available ERC in terms of SNR and is feasible for continued development for future use as the next generation endorectal coil for prostate imaging in clinical practice.

Service quality and customer satisfaction in the health care industry - towards health tourism market

The purpose – Service quality and customer satisfaction have been extensively researched in the profit sector, but are also important in the non-profit sector. Specialty hospitals and health spas operate in the non-profit sector in Croatia, but some of them try to provide a part of their services to the health tourism market. Hospitals that work in the non-profit sector and especially those that see their future in the health tourism market need to pay attention to service quality and customer satisfaction. Although specialty hospitals are a vital segment of the Croatian health system, there has not been enough research regarding service quality and customer satisfaction measurement in that sector. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to assess the impact of service quality on customer satisfaction in the healthcare sector. Design/methodology – Empirical research is used to determine patients’ perceptions and expectations of service quality in one specialty hospital for medical rehabilitation. SERVQUAL instrument was used to measure the service quality. The SERVQUAL questionnaire included an expectations and perceptions section, each consisting of 34 statements. In addition, the questionnaire contained an extra section relating to demographics and an overall question on the impression of quality of the service provided. One hundred and four (104) satisfactorily completed questionnaires were collected. Findings – The analysis revealed that patients perceived a rather satisfactory level of health care quality across all SERVQUAL dimensions. Patients who perceived a higher level of service quality show greater satisfaction with the services, as well as a higher level of loyalty to the hospital which provides medical services. Research results indicate the multidimensionality of the concept and the existence of a gap between patients' expectations and the perceptions of service quality. Finally, despite the criticism of the SERVQUAL instrument, this study confirms the usefulness of the SERVQUAL model in terms of its reliability and validity for measuring quality in the health care sector. Originality of the research – This paper sheds light on a poorly researched field in the Croatian context. The specific environment in which the research was done demanded the implementation of a modified SERVQUAL model which was broadened with the items referring to sports, recreation and amusement activities. Theoretical contribution of this paper is reflected in testing the dimensionality and reliability of the modified SERVQUAL instrument for measuring service quality in a specialty hospital. It was found that the modified model has four dimensions. The ‘Output quality’ dimension, which refers to the services outside the sphere of medical services, has the greatest impact on the patients’ satisfaction. The practical contribution of the paper is manifested as an encouragement for managers in specialty hospitals to devote greater attention to service quality and customer satisfaction measurement, especially when their goal is to enter the health tourism market. It provides directions for hospital managers to develop strategies which will meet patients’ expectations of service quality and increase their competitiveness in the health tourism market.

Vinyl Polysiloxane Ether: A Breakthrough in Elastomeric Impression Material

ABSTRACT A meticulous impression is paramount for a precision fit of indirect restoration. Unfortunately, for many clinicians, making an impression for fixed prostheses is one of the challenging aspects in restorative dentistry. Advances in elastomeric chemistries have given birth to a new generation of impression materials: a combination of a polyvinyl and a polyether impression material, called vinyl siloxane ether. The purpose of this article is to explore the new impression material which is effective and efficient to obtain predictable, accurate, high quality impressions in dental practice. How to cite this article Shetty RM, Bhandari GR, Mehta D. Vinyl Polysiloxane Ether: A Breakthrough in Elastomeric Impression Material. World J Dent 2014;5(2):134-137.

Non-invasive assessment of glossiness and polishing of the wax bloom of European plum

A number of fruit including plums develop a pronounced conspicuous layer of epicuticular wax responsible for their attractive visual appearance. During harvest, packaging and transport, this protective layer may be damaged or removed. The resulting appearance generates the impression of poor fruit quality. The aim of this research was to analyse and compare the influence of this wax bloom on storability using a new non-invasive technology and three modifications of the fruit surface. Weight loss was recorded of plums with the natural wax layer, polished by hand or wax removed chemically and stored at 20°C room temperature or in a refrigerator at 5°C. With 9.2mg epicuticular wax/fruit or 302μg/cm2 surface, European plums were classified as highly waxy, which contributed to for their conspicuous wax bloom. The disappearance of the wax bloom viz. increase in glossiness, measured non-destructively with a special sensor, was associated with a doubling of luster levels from 150–250 arbitrary units (a.u.) to 300–600a.u. after polishing, simulating postharvest handling. Luster levels decreased with time with the polished surface, but not with the natural wax layer, confirming the concomitant greatest weight loss during the 20 days storage of polished fruit. Weight loss was lowest in plums with the natural wax layer, refrigerated at 5°C, while those stored at 20°C lost more weight irrespective of surface treatment. This case study explains the relatively short shelf-life and effects of water loss of the plums under different temperatures and surface conditions with wax, polish and chemically treated. This affordable compact light-weight sensor technology offers the opportunity to detect the degree of glossiness and may be used for sorting a number of affected fruit.

Evaluation of Clinical Usefulness of a Medical Monitor Equipped With an Organic Electroluminescence Panel in Comparison With Liquid Crystal Display Monitors

The medical liquid crystal display (LCD) monitor is a conventionally used imaging device for diagnosis and during endoscopic surgery. Recently, a medical organic electroluminescence panel, the organic light-emitting diode (OLED) monitor, was made available commercially. The advantages of the OLED monitor include good color reproducibility, high contrast, and high video responsiveness. In this nonclinical study, we compared the clinical usefulness and image quality of the OLED monitor and those of the LCD monitor using videos of gynecologic endoscopic surgeries. Monitors were set for blind evaluation. Five evaluators with varying experience in endoscopic surgery evaluated 21 surgery videos played simultaneously on an OLED monitor and two LCD monitors for 2 to 3 minutes twice. Evaluators judged 13 clinical usefulness indices and 11 image quality indices using a 5-point scale (1, very good; 5, very poor) for each video. The mean scores of clinical usefulness indices of the OLED monitor and the LCD monitors 1 and 2 were 2.2 to 2.7, 2.1 to 3.3, and 3.0 to 3.2, respectively. Of seven indices measured, five including motion response, the ability to differentiate organs, recognize lesions, and reproduce actual images, and the general impression of picture quality were statistically superior with use of the OLED monitor compared with the LCD monitor 1, and two including ability to distinguish blood vessels and the ureters were statistically superior with use of the LCD monitor 1 compared with the OLED monitor. The mean scores of image quality indices of the OLED monitor and the LCD monitors 1 and 2 were 1.8 to 3.2, 2.6 to 3.6, and 2.8 to 4.0, respectively. Each index of the OLED monitor was superior to or comparable with those of the LCD monitors. We conclude that the OLED monitor is superior to the LCD monitors insofar as several video presentation characteristics required in gynecologic endoscopic surgery. These findings suggest that the OLED monitor is expected to contribute detailed assessment of organs and the operative field.