Quantitative Intensity Measurements Research Articles

Pengaruh Pencahayaan terhadap Kinerja Karyawan di Kantor Swarna Hutama Loka Asia, Bali

Title: The Lighting Effect on Employee Performance in the Swarna Hutama Loka Asia, Bali Office Lighting is one of the essential aspects to support daily human activities. The result of the reflection of light onto an object allows us to see clearly and comfortably so that the work can be done correctly. A good workspace should fulfill the comfortability aspects of its users. One of them is visual comfort, which affects worker performance and productivity. Optimal employee performance and productivity can be achieved if the comfort points in the workspace comply with standards, i.e., the lighting design provisions for the workspace layout and the required light intensity. The research method used in this study is a comparative method with a combined methods approach, namely by comparing the results of qualitative (respondents' questionnaire) and quantitative (measurement of light intensity and Window Wall Ratio) methods according to SNI 03-6575-2001 standards: Procedures for designing artificial lighting systems in buildings. This method is used to analyze the lighting and visual comfort of the room and its relation to the productivity of Swarna Hutama Loka (SHL) Asia’s office users. Generally, if employees feel comfortable with the workplace's lighting intensity, their performance and productivity will also increase. However, it does not always work in some conditions due to factors other than lighting, such as furniture arrangement and environmental adaptation, which are not included in this research.

Fluorescence to measure light intensity

Despite the need for quantitative measurements of light intensity across many scientific disciplines, existing technologies for measuring light dose at the sample of a fluorescence microscope cannot simultaneously retrieve light intensity along with spatial distribution over a wide range of wavelengths and intensities. To address this limitation, we developed two rapid and straightforward protocols that use organic dyes and fluorescent proteins as actinometers. The first protocol relies on molecular systems whose fluorescence intensity decays and/or rises in a monoexponential fashion when constant light is applied. The second protocol relies on a broad-absorbing photochemically inert fluorophore to back-calculate the light intensity from one wavelength to another. As a demonstration of their use, the protocols are applied to quantitatively characterize the spatial distribution of light of various fluorescence imaging systems, and to calibrate illumination of commercially available instruments and light sources.

Fluorescent actinometers for fast and simple quantitative measurement of light intensity.

Fluorescent actinometers for fast and simple quantitative measurement of light intensity.

Development of normalized quantitative measures of lumbar disc degeneration.

Lumbar disc degeneration (DD) is widely regarded as a likely contributor to low back pain (LBP), but the association between DD and LBP is relatively weak. No known studies have normalized quantitative measures of DD severity relative to multiple variables such as age, height, and disc level. This study developed normalized quantitative measures (z-scores) of disc signal intensity (DSI) and disc height (DH) to rate relative severity of DD. Raw (unnormalized) quantitative measures of DSI and DH alongside potential normalization variables were acquired from MRI scans and clinical data of 76 patients. The associations between the raw quantitative measures and potential normalization variables were investigated to develop the normalized quantitative measures (z-scores) of DSI and DH. Construct validity was assessed by comparing the normalized measures to an experienced radiologist's subjective measures of relative severity of DSI and DH loss. CSF signal intensity, age, and disc level were significantly associated with raw DSI (R 2 = 0.06, 0.25, and 0.09, respectively). Lumbar height and disc level were significantly associated with raw DH (R 2 = 0.13 and 0.31). Normalizing DSI and DH by these variables resulted in stronger relationships (R 2 = 0.39 and 0.37) than raw DSI and DH (R 2 = 0.24 and 0.31) with the radiologist's subjective measures. Normalized DSI and DH were both normally distributed (p = 0.32 and 0.12). Construct validity and the distributions suggested that normalized quantitative measures of DSI and DH are better than existing measures of DSI and DH at rating relative DD severity. Determining whether normalized quantitative measures are more predictive of clinical outcomes is important future research.

Use of quantitative indocyanine green near-infrared fluorescence imaging in bariatric surgery: early results

Introduction Indocyanine green fluorescence angiography (ICG-FA) is commonly used in general surgery, but its use in bariatric surgery is still marginal. Moreover, post-operative leaks remain a dramatic complication after this surgery and the leak tests available have poor performance preventing them. The aim of the present paper is to assess the use and utility of a new innovative technology based on quantitative measures of fluorescence signal intensity. Material and methods From January 2022 to June 2022, 40 consecutive patients with a median age of 51 years and a preoperative median body mass index of 45.2 kg/m2 underwent bariatric surgery with quantitative ICG fluorescence angiography in our center. Two different types of surgery, based on the multidisciplinary evaluation, were performed: laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB). For ICG visualization, quantitative laparoscopic ICG platform was used to identify the vascular supply. Results Thirteen patients underwent LSG and 27 patients underwent OAGB. ICG was performed in all patients with no adverse events. An adequate and satisfactory blood supply was assessed in each case. No case of post-operative leak was detected. Conclusions The quantitative ICG-FA seems to be a useful and promising tool for the prevention of complications in bariatric surgery but further studies are mandatory.

MRI Signal Intensity Varies Along the Course of the Normal Optic Nerve.

MRI can help distinguish various causes of optic neuropathy including optic neuritis. Importantly, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) has a propensity to cause enhancement of the prechiasmatic optic nerves. To determine whether the prechiasmatic optic nerve (PC-ON) demonstrates a different intensity from the midorbital optic nerve (MO-ON) on MRI among patients without optic neuropathy. Data were retrospectively obtained from 75 patients who underwent brain MRI for an ocular motor nerve palsy between January 2005 and April 2021. Inclusion criteria were patients aged 18 years or older with visual acuities of at least 20/25 and no evidence of optic neuropathy on neuro-ophthalmic examination. A total of 67 right eyes and 68 left eyes were assessed. A neuroradiologist performed quantitative intensity measurements of the MO-ON and PC-ON on precontrast and postcontrast T1 axial images. Normal-appearing temporalis muscle intensity was also measured and used as a reference to calculate an intensity ratio to calibrate across images. The mean PC-ON intensity ratio was significantly higher than the MO-ON intensity ratio on both precontrast (19.6%, P < 0.01) and postcontrast images (14.2%, P < 0.01). Age, gender, and laterality did not independently affect measurements. The prechiasmatic optic nerve shows brighter intensity ratios on both precontrast and postcontrast T1 images than the midorbital optic nerve among normal optic nerves. Clinicians should recognize this subtle signal discrepancy when assessing patients with presumed optic neuropathy.

Diagnostic performance of quantitative signal intensity measurements on magnetic resonance imaging for distinguishing cerebellopontine angle meningioma from acoustic schwannoma.

Our study investigated magnetic resonance imaging measurements for differentiating cerebellopontine angle (CPA) meningioma from vestibular schwannoma (VS). This retrospective study compared 36 meningioma and 36 VS patients. The tumor volume (Vtumor) and peritumor edema index (EI) relationship was analyzed. T2-weighted three-dimensional gradient-echo image signal intensity (T23D) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) differentiation cutoff values were defined. Mann-Whitney U test, independent-samples t-test, receiver operating characteristic curve, and Spearman's correlation analyses were applied. Meningioma had higher Vtumor (p=0.009) and EI (p=0.031) values than VS. Meningioma had significantly (p<0.001) lower values than VS for mean ADC (ADCmean: 0.841±0.083×10-3vs.1.173±0.190×10-3mm2/s), minimum ADC (ADCmin: 0.716±0.078×10-3vs.1.045±0.178×10-3mm2/s), tumor:white matter ADC ratio (rADC: 1.198±0.19 vs. 1.59±0.30), mean T23D (T23Dmean: 142.91±19.9 vs. 218.72±84.73), and tumor:adipose T23D ratio (rT23d: 0.19±0.06 vs. 0.30±0.28) Cutoff, sensitivity (Se), and specificity (Sp) values were ADCmin, 0.856×10-3 mm2/s (Se: 96.6%, Sp: 100%); ADCmean, 0.963×10-3 mm2/s (Se: 96.6%, Sp: 95.5%); rADC, 1.3189 (Se: 93.1%, Sp: 81.8%), T23Dmean (Se: 96.6%, Sp: 100%); rT23D, 0.1951 (Se: 89.7%, Sp: 100%), Vtumor, 14828.65 mm3 (Se: 75.0%, Sp: 66.7%), and EI, 1.1025 (Se: 47.2%, Sp: 100%). ADCmin, ADCmean, rADC, T23Dmean, rT23D, Vtumor, and EI, effectively discriminated meningioma from VS.

3D nanoparticle superlocalization with a thin diffuser.

We report on the use of a thin diffuser placed in the close vicinity of a camera sensor as a simple and effective way to superlocalize plasmonic nanoparticles in 3D. This method is based on holographic reconstruction via quantitative phase and intensity measurements of a light field after its interaction with nanoparticles. We experimentally demonstrate that this thin diffuser can be used as a simple add-on to a standard bright-field microscope to allow the localization of 100 nm gold nanoparticles at video rate with nanometer precision (1.3 nm laterally and 6.3 nm longitudinally). We exemplify the approach by revealing the dynamic Brownian trajectory of a gold nanoparticle trapped in various pockets within an agarose gel. The proposed method provides a simple but highly performant way to track nanoparticles in 3D.

Reductions in Synaptic Vesicle Glycoprotein 2 Isoforms in the Cortex and Hippocampus in a Rat Model of Traumatic Brain Injury.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can produce lasting cognitive, emotional, and somatic difficulties that can impact quality of life for patients living with an injury. Impaired hippocampal function and synaptic alterations have been implicated in contributing to cognitive difficulties in experimental TBI models. In the synapse, neuronal communication is facilitated by the regulated release of neurotransmitters from docking presynaptic vesicles. The synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2 (SV2) isoforms SV2A and SV2B play central roles in the maintenance of the readily releasable pool of vesicles and the coupling of calcium to the N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) complex responsible for vesicle docking. Recently, we reported the findings of TBI-induced reductions in presynaptic vesicle density and SNARE complex formation; however, the effect of TBI on SV2 is unknown. To investigate this, rats were subjected to controlled cortical impact (CCI) or sham control surgery. Abundance of SV2A and SV2B were assessed at 1, 3, 7, and 14days post-injury by immunoblot. SV2A and SV2B were reduced in the cortex at several time points and in the hippocampus at every time point assessed. Immunohistochemical staining and quantitative intensity measurements completed at 14days post-injury revealed reduced SV2A immunoreactivity in all hippocampal subregions and reduced SV2B immunoreactivity in the molecular layer after CCI. Reductions in SV2A abundance and immunoreactivity occurred concomitantly with motor dysfunction and spatial learning and memory impairments in the 2weeks post-injury. These findings provide novel evidence for the effect of TBI on SV2 with implications for impaired neurotransmission neurobehavioral dysfunction after TBI.

Ecological perspectives on technological diversity at Kanjera South

The aspects of hominin behavior responsible for Oldowan stone tool variation are the focus of much debate. There is some consensus that this variation arises from a combination of ecological and cultural factors. The diversity of raw material types and technological strategies present at Kanjera South, Kenya, provide an opportunity to examine the interacting influences of ecology and culture on Oldowan stone tool variation. Here, we combine previous analyses of raw material properties, provenance, and technology with quantitative measures of core reduction intensity and tool utilization to examine the influence of both ecological and technocultural factors on stone tool variation at Kanjera South. The results of this analysis reflect a dynamic relationship between raw material properties, provenance, and hominin mobility. Exotic raw materials are generally more resistant to edge attrition compared with those available locally, which may have incentivized their transport over long distances and more extensive reduction. Cores produced on raw materials from distant sources also exhibit more complex core reduction strategies than locally acquired materials. While this pattern is partially due to the differences in the quality of knappable stone, bifacial centripetal and multifacial core reduction strategies also arise due to the continuous transport and use of exotic raw materials. Moreover, the variation in stone tool reduction is not consistent with neutral models of stone tool transport and discard. These results demonstrate that ecological factors such as raw material provenance and physical properties have strong impacts on reduction intensity and the technological strategies used by hominins.

Anthropogenic disturbances caused declines in the wetland area and carbon pool in China during the last four decades.

Wetlands are among the natural ecosystems with the highest soil carbon stocks on Earth. However, how anthropogenic disturbances have impacted the quantity and distribution of wetland carbon pool in China is not well understood. Here we used a comprehensive countrywide wetland inventory and Landsat 8 data to document the spatial patterns in China's wetland areas and carbon pools and to understand the underlying causes of their changes from the 1980s to 2010s. We found that the wetland area and carbon pool have decreased from 4.11×105 km2 and 15.2PgC in the 1980s to 2.14×105 km2 and 7.6PgC in the 2010s, respectively. Using the human influence index (HII) as a quantitative measure of anthropogenic disturbance intensity, we found a positive relationship between the HII values and wetland decreases in many regions and across China as a whole-which have increased 17% during the time period-indicating that anthropogenic disturbances have been a major factor causing wetland destruction in recent decades. This study provides new evidence for recent changes in China's wetland carbon pool and emphasizes the importance of mitigating anthropogenic disturbances for wetland conservation.

Differential diagnosis of fibroma of tendon sheath and giant cell tumor of tendon sheath in the finger using signal intensity on T2 magnetic resonance imaging.

The differential diagnosis of fibroma of tendon sheath (FTS) and giant cell tumor of tendon sheath (GCTTS) on the basis of clinical and radiographic characteristics remains difficult. To evaluate the quantitative measurement of signal intensity (SI) obtained by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the differential diagnosis of FTS and GCTTS in just the finger. We retrospectively identified patients with FTS (n = 6) and GCTTS (n = 22) of the finger who were treated at our hospitals between April 2011 and August 2019. Two researchers independently reviewed the MRIs and measured the regions of interest (ROIs) in the tumor and flexor tendon from the same image. The SI ratio obtained for the tumor and tendon ROIs was measured and compared using receiver-operating characteristic curve analyses. Sensitivity and specificity analyses were performed. The SI ratios (mean ± SD) of FTS and GCTTS were 1.83 ± 0.64 and 6.34 ± 3.16 for researcher 1 and 1.82 ± 0.60 and 6.10 ± 3.22 for researcher 2, respectively. The areas under the curve were 0.970 and 0.970 for researchers 1 and 2, respectively. The cut-off values of the SI ratio as determined by researchers 1 and 2 for differentiating FTS from GCTTS were 3.00 and 3.00, respectively (sensitivity = 95.5%, specificity = 100%). The SI ratio is useful for differentiating FTS from GCTTS independent of a combination of tumor signal and shape.

Differentiation of Endometriomas from Hemorrhagic Cysts at Magnetic Resonance: The Role of Quantitative Signal Intensity Measurements.

Endometriomas and functional hemorrhagic cysts (FHCs) are a common gynecological encounter. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic efficiency of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using signal intensity measurements in differentiating endometriomas from FHCs. Forty-six patients who underwent pelvic MRI examinations (endometriomas, n=28; FHCs, n=18) were retrospectively included. The "T2 shading" sign was evaluated subjectively and quantitatively by measuring the T1-T2 signal intensity difference and calculating the percentage of signal decrease between T1 and T2-weighted sequences. The resulted values, along with the measurement of the Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) and the signal intensity on three diffusion- weighted sequences (DWI) (b50, b400, and b800), were compared between groups by using the Mann-Whitney U test. Also, the receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed for the statistically significant results (P<0.016), and the area under the curve (AUC) was also calculated. The two quantitative assessment methods showed similar efficiency in detecting endometriomas (P<0.001; sensitivity, 100%; specificity, 81.82%; AUC>0.86), outperforming the classic subjective evaluation of the "T2 shading" sign (sensitivity, 92.86%; specificity, 66.67%). ADC (P=0.52) and DWI measurements (P=0.49, P=0.74, and P=0.78) failed to distinguish between the two entities. The quantitative analysis and interpretation of the "T2 shading" sign can significantly improve the differential diagnosis between endometriomas and FHCs.

Estimation of AUDPC (Area under disease progressive curve) of RAB (Rhizoctonia aerial blight) disease for epidemiological studied in soybean crop

Rhizoctonia aerial blight is one of the precarious disease of soybean caused by fungus Rhizoctonia solani. In epidemiological studies calculation of AUDPC (Area under Disease Progressive Curve) is one of the important tools to predict the disease development. The study was conducted in year 2017 at G.B.P.U.A.T, Pantnagar, and Uttarakhand. Sixteen cultivars of soybean were studied against the disease. The base for calculation of AUDPC was disease rating. September and October were most favorable months for the initiation and development of disease. Disease progressive curve increase exponentially from the disease initiation (37th SMW) till (42th SMW). AUDPC is a useful tool for quantitative measure of disease intensity over time.

Quantitative measurement of economic development and land use intensity and their correlation characteristics in 109 sampled towns of Jiangsu province

Quantitative measurement of economic development and land use intensity and their correlation characteristics in 109 sampled towns of Jiangsu province

Somatosensation Evoked by Cortical Surface Stimulation of the Human Primary Somatosensory Cortex.

Electrical stimulation of the primary somatosensory cortex using intracranial electrodes is crucial for the evocation of artificial somatosensations, typically tactile sensations associated with specific regions of the body, in brain-machine interface (BMI) applications. The qualitative characteristics of these artificially evoked somatosensations has been well documented. As of yet, however, the quantitative aspects of these evoked somatosensations, that is to say the quantitative relationship between intensity of electrical stimulation and perceived intensity of the resultant somatosensation remains obscure. This study aimed to explore this quantitative relationship by surface electrical stimulation of the primary somatosensory cortex in two human participants undergoing electrocorticographic monitoring prior to surgical treatment of intractable epilepsy. Electrocorticogram electrodes on the primary somatosensory cortical surface were stimulated with varying current intensities, and a visual analogue scale was employed to provide a quantitative measure of intensity of the evoked sensations. Evoked sensations included those of the thumb, tongue, and hand. A clear linear relationship between current intensity and perceived intensity of sensation was observed. These findings provide novel insight into the quantitative nature of primary somatosensory cortex electrical stimulation-evoked sensation for development of somatosensory neuroprosthetics for clinical use.

Evaluating Urban Odor with Field Olfactometry in Camden, NJ

Odor annoyance negatively impacts residents of communities adjacent to persistent nuisance industries. These residents, often with a high percentage of minority or otherwise marginalized residents, experience subjective and objective impacts on health and well-being; yet, reliable methods for quantifying and categorizing odors have been elusive. Field olfactometry is integral to the study of odor annoyance experienced by communities as it includes both qualitative (human perception) and quantitative (intensity measurement) dimensions of human odor experience and has been employed by municipalities in the U.S. to evaluate odor pollution levels. Cartographic visualization of odor data recorded using a field olfactometer offers further opportunity to evaluate potential patterns of odor annoyance, yet the use of field olfactometry and geographic information systems have not been frequently employed by geographers. By employing a mixed-methods approach to evaluate odor pollution, this study addresses the environmental justice context by quantifying and categorizing the presence of odor pollution in Waterfront South, a neighborhood in Camden, NJ previously identified for its disproportionate malodor burden. This study offers support to mixed methods research and the need for monitoring subjective and objective impacts in communities with compounding odor nuisance industries.

Comparison between quantitative measurements of diffusion tensor imaging and T2 signal intensity in a large series of cervical spondylotic myelopathy patients for assessment of disease severity and prognostication of recovery.

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a common cause of spinal cord dysfunction. Recently, it has been shown that diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) may be a better biomarker than T2-weighted signal intensity (T2SI) on MRI for CSM. However, there is very little literature on a comparison between the quantitative measurements of DTI and T2SI in the CSM patient population to determine disease severity and recovery. A prospective analysis of 46 patients with both preoperative DTI and T2-weighted MRI was undertaken. Normalized T2SI (NT2SI), regardless of the presence or absence of T2SI at the level of maximum compression (LMC), was determined by calculating the T2SI at the LMC/T2SI at the level of the foramen magnum. Regression analysis was performed to determine the relationship of fractional anisotropy (FA), a quantitative measure derived from DTI, and NT2SI individually as well their combination with baseline preoperative modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) score and ∆mJOA score at the 3-, 6-, 12-, and 24-month follow-ups. Goodness-of-fit analysis was done using residual diagnostics. In addition, mixed-effects regression analysis was used to evaluate the impact of FA and NT2SI individually. A p value < 0.05 was selected to indicate statistical significance. Regression analysis showed a significant positive correlation between FA at the LMC and preoperative mJOA score (p = 0.041) but a significant negative correlation between FA at the LMC and the ΔmJOA score at the 12-month follow-up (p = 0.010). All other relationships between FA at the LMC and the baseline preoperative mJOA score or ∆mJOA score at the 3-, 6-, and 24-month follow-ups were not statistically significant. For NT2SI and the combination of FA and NT2SI, no significant relationships with preoperative mJOA score or ∆mJOA at 3, 6, and 24 months were seen on regression analysis. However, there was a significant correlation of combined FA and NT2SI with ∆mJOA score at the 12-month follow-up. Mixed-effects regression revealed that FA measured at the LMC was the only significant predictor of ΔmJOA score (p = 0.03), whereas NT2SI and time were not. Goodness-of-fit analysis did not show any evidence of lack of fit. In this large prospective study of CSM patients, FA at LMC appears to be a better biomarker for determining long-term outcomes following surgery in CSM patients than NT2SI or the combination values at LMC.

Contrasting real time quantitative measures (weekly SMS) to patients\u2019 retrospective appraisal of their one-year\u2019s course of low back pain; a probing mixed-methods study

BackgroundDue to the recurrent nature of low back pain (LBP), the traditional concepts of cure and recovery are challenged, and investigating the course rather than status at fixed time-points may help us understand prognosis as well as treatment effect. However, methods of frequent measuring still need development and validation. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the agreement between continuous, quantitative self-assessment (weekly SMS) of the course of LBP over a one-year period and qualitatively derived retrospective patient self-appraisal of the same time-period.MethodsParticipants were 32 subjects with LBP from primary care. The quantitative measures consisted of weekly SMS questions for one-year about pain intensity, days with LBP, and activity limitations for that week. For each subject, the weekly responses were graphed and categorized into categories based on intensity, variation and overall change patterns. Qualitative measures were based on semi-structured telephone interviews one-year after a consultation for LBP, where two coders independently categorized the self-appraisal of LBP course into the same predefined categories as the SMS-based trajectories. Furthermore, patients’ perceived overall recovery was related to variation patterns from SMS track.ResultsThere was perfect agreement for 48% in the pain intensity domain, 53% in the variation domain and 63% in the change pattern domain. Most of the discordant cases were classified in neighboring categories with the majority relating to fluctuating patterns. The self-perceived overall recovery status seemed to be reflected quite well by the quantitative measures of pain intensity and days with pain in this study.ConclusionThis study shows that a real time quantitative measure (weekly SMS) and the patient’s retrospective appraisal do not fundamentally differ in their reflection of the one-year course of LBP.As a first investigation into this area, these results are promising, as longitudinal quantitatively derived trajectories of LBP seem to reflect the lived experience of the patient to a large degree. Furthermore, the patient’s ability to retrospectively recall their one-year course of LBP appears to be quite good. Future studies should focus on refining the categories of trajectories.

X-ray and VUV reflectometry and metrology of plasma radiation sources

Comparison of various methods for quantitative (absolute) measurements of intensities in soft X-ray and VUV spectral ranges is considered. These methods include calibration of separate spectrometer elements, the use of absolutely calibrated spectrometers and formation of quasi-monochromatic with a large angle of divergence X-ray beams. Their use together with spectroscopy methods allows a providing complete plasma diagnostics: determination of plasma parameters and measuring of plasma radiation characteristics.