Simplified Methodologies Research Articles

Decentralized food safety and authentication on cellulose paper-based analytical platform: A review.

Food safety and authenticity analysis play a pivotal role in guaranteeing food quality, safeguarding public health, and upholding consumer trust. In recent years, significant social progress has presented fresh challenges in the realm of food analysis, underscoring the imperative requirement to devise innovative and expedient approaches for conducting on-site assessments. Consequently, cellulose paper-based devices (PADs) have come into the spotlight due to their characteristics of microchannels and inherent capillary action. This review summarizes the recent advances in cellulose PADs in various food products, comprising various fabrication strategies, detection methods such as mass spectrometry and multi-mode detection, sampling and processing considerations, as well as applications in screening food safety factors and assessing food authenticity developed in the past 3 years. According to the above studies, cellulose PADs face challenges such as limited sample processing, inadequate multiplexing capabilities, and the requirement for workflow integration, while emerging innovations, comprising the use of simplified sample pretreatment techniques, the integration of advanced nanomaterials, and advanced instruments such as portable mass spectrometer and the innovation of multimodal detection methods, offer potential solutions and are highlighted as promising directions. This review underscores the significant potential of cellulose PADs in facilitating decentralized, cost-effective, and simplified testing methodologies to maintain food safety standards. With the progression of interdisciplinary research, cellulose PADs are expected to become essential platforms for on-site food safety and authentication analysis, thereby significantly enhancing global food safety for consumers.

A methodology for incorporating thermal interference in the design of thermo-active pile groups

This paper introduces innovative practical methodologies for evaluating the thermal performance of thermo-active pile groups. First, a streamlined approach for determining G-functions within such groups, based on the G-function of a single thermo-active pile is introduced. This is accomplished through a newly introduced thermal interaction factor for G-functions quantifying the increase in temperature when a pile is subjected to thermal interference from another pile. Subsequently, the paper proposes a method for calculating the power of piles within thermo-active pile groups when subjected to transient inlet temperatures. A thermal interaction factor for power is derived, quantifying the power reduction resulting from thermal interference due to another pile operating in the vicinity. These simplified methodologies are shown to reproduce the thermal performance of pile groups simulated using three-dimensional thermo-hydraulic analyses with excellent levels of accuracy without the associated computational cost. Finally, the proposed design process is applied to a 3 × 3 thermo-active pile group subjected to transient thermal loads, yielding accurate estimations of power, G-functions, and temperature changes of the thermo-active pile group. Overall, these simplified methodologies offer a robust framework for evaluating and optimising the thermal performance of thermo-active pile systems.

On quantification of equivalent permeability tensor in sparsely fractured rock masses

The work presented in this paper is focused on the assessment of hydraulic conductivity in sparsely fractured rocks. Different simplified methodologies are used, including Oda's notion of permeability tensor as well as pipe network models, and the results are compared with those generated by a more accurate approach, which incorporates a constitutive law with embedded discontinuity (CLED). Several numerical examples involving fluid flow in the presence of discrete fracture networks are provided, and the estimates of principal values as well as eigenvectors of the equivalent conductivity tensor are compared for all methodologies employed. It is demonstrated that the predictions corresponding to pipe-network model, enhanced by the graph theory algorithm, are fairly consistent with CLED approach, particularly in terms of assessing the orientation of principal directions of permeability. A simple pragmatic procedure is therefore suggested for defining the anisotropic equivalent hydraulic conductivity operator.

EFFECTIVE MODULUS METHOD (EMM) CONCEPT APPLIED TO THIN‐WALLED STEEL BEAMS AFFECTED BY LOCAL‐DISTORTIONAL INTERACTION

AbstractThe Effective Modulus Method (EMM), which simulates the effects of local and distortional post‐buckling to establish simplified design methodologies concept, is applied to the determination of the beam strength. This methodology was presented before [1], where the authors tested the results in columns, in comparison with experimental tests. In this approach, local and distortional post‐buckling effects are simulated by changing the mechanical characteristics (namely the elasticity modulus) of the cross‐section of the members. Specifically, the paper presents (i) the proposal of a new design methodology for beams affected by local and distortional buckling modes interaction and (ii) the comparison with experimental tests available in the literature.

Towards new simplified methodologies on source term estimation and associated uncertainties from accidental airborne releases

The estimation of an airborne hazardous release and its associated uncertainty from a point source is a necessity for assessing the associated risk and taking possible protective actions. The problem here is to be able to make such an estimation, based on the availability of a rather limited number of sensors measuring pollutant/agent concentrations with a given time resolution. The challenge is to not only provide reliable outcome but also timely results even in operation level. A radically new concept is under development by (a) making full use of the real detailed inflow data and sensors concentration signals, (b) performing in the customisation – pre-emergency – phase only, a quite limited number of steady-state flow and dispersion simulations under reference inflow and release conditions and (c) projection of the steady state/reference results to real atmospheric and release conditions via appropriate novel scaling approaches based on experimental evidence and theory and (d) generating a low computational time demand tool, that can be handled by the operator on duty, even in the extreme cases of very complex topographies. In this study first experimental evidence is provided from a wind-tunnel flow and dispersion experiment in a typical urban area supporting the validity of the whole approach. In addition, the present approach is simultaneously assessing each sensor's signal suitability to be used for source quantification.

Effective Modulus Method (EMM) concept applied to thin‐walled steel columns.

AbstractThe design of thin‐walled steel members, subjected to compressive stresses, requires complex analysis to account the interaction between local, distortional and global instabilities. There are simplified methodologies that allow simulating the effects of local and distortional post‐buckling behavior in usual structural members. The Effective Width Method (EWM) performs this simulation by changing the geometry of the cross‐section, being the pioneer methodology for the analysis of thin‐walled members. The Direct Strength Method (DSM) allows the determination of resistant forces through simple‐to‐use formulas, eliminating the calculation of the geometric properties of the section as required by the EWM. This paper presents the Effective Modulus Method (EMM) concept, which simulates the effects of local and distortional post‐buckling, to establish simplified design methodologies, desirably leading to more rigorous results than those provided by the available methodologies. In this approach, local and distortional post‐buckling effects are simulated by changing the mechanical characteristics (namely the modulus of elasticity) of the cross‐section of the members. Specifically, the article presents (i) the proposal of the new design methodology and (ii) the comparison with experimental and numerical results obtained by finite element shell models.

Critical fatigue strain calculations of flexible pavements in the mechanistic-empirical pavement design method, shortcomings, and improved methodologies

Fatigue Performance is considered one of the most effective measures for designing and maintaining flexible pavements. AASHTO proposed a Pavement Mechanistic-Empirical (PME) design framework in which the fatigue strains are calculated by the mechanistic part and then turned to fatigue cracking by the empirical part. However, it fails to compute actual fatigue strains since it utilizes multilayered linear elastic analysis and predefined calculation points. This paper aims to discuss the PME approach's deficiency in calculating fatigue strains and to develop simplified methodologies for addressing this issue. This study presents three solutions by comparing the fatigue life estimated from the multilayered linear elastic and viscoelastic analysis. The first solution modifies Asphalt Institute's model by suggesting adjusting factors for each axle load configuration. The second one proposes new response locations instead of predefined ones. The last solution involves developing an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model to predict pavement fatigue life more accurately.

Diversifying language acquisition research can be (partly) achieved in urban societies and with simplified methodologies: Insights from multilingual Ghana.

There is a large consensus (e.g., Cristia, Foushee, Aravena-Bravo, Cychosz, Scaff & Casillas, 2022; Kidd & Garcia, 2022) that diversification in language acquisition research is needed. Cristia et al. (2022) convincingly argue for studying language acquisition in rural populations and recommend combining observational and experimental approaches in doing so. In this commentary, we identify that diversification efforts must also include children growing up in non-western urban societies and that combining experiments with more easy-to-obtain data on language exposure can be a solid method to start with.

Towards an airtightness compliance tool based on machine learning models for naturally ventilated dwellings

Physical models and probabilistic applications often guide the study and characterization of natural phenomena in engineering. Such is the case of the study of air change rates (ACHs) in buildings for their complex mechanisms and high variability. It is not uncommon for the referred applications to be costly and impractical in both time and computation, resulting in the use of simplified methodologies and setups. The incorporation of airtightness limits to quantify adequate ACHs in national transpositions of the Energy Performance Building Directive (EPBD) exemplifies the issue. This research presents a roadmap for developing an alternative instrument, a compliance tool built with a Machine Learning (ML) framework, that overcomes some simplification issues regarding policy implementation while fulfilling practitioners' needs and general societal use. It relies on dwellings' terrain, geometric and airtightness characteristics, and meteorological data. Results from previous work on a region with a mild heating season in southern Europe apply in training and testing the proposed tool. The tool outputs numerical information on the air change rates performance of the building envelope, and a label, accordingly. On the test set, the best regressor showed mean absolute errors (MAE) below 1.02% for all the response variables, while the best classifier presented an average accuracy of 97.32%. These results are promising for the generalization of this methodology, with potential for application at regional, national, and European Union levels. The developed tool could be a complementary asset to energy certification programmes of either public or private initiatives.

Should Market Value Be Retained as the Only Tax Base for Municipal Property Rates in South Africa?

In terms of the Local Government: Municipal Property Rates Act 6 of 2004 (MPRA), metropolitan and local municipalities in South Africa may levy property rates on property. The MPRA provides for only one tax base, namely "market value". Given the paucity of skills and capacity to prepare credible valuation rolls and given the costs of doing so, especially B3 and B4 local municipalities situated in rural areas are struggling to comply with the valuation-related provisions of the MPRA. A brief review of property tax base options utilised globally indicates that some countries allow for different tax bases (or even different taxes) on the basis of the location and/or use of property and some jurisdictions apply simplified methodologies (such as value banding, points-based assessment or even self-assessment) to assess properties for property tax purposes. In the light of there being viable alternatives to market value and of the challenges faced by many rural local municipalities, the South African government should revisit the policy decision to have only market value as the tax base across vastly different types of municipalities.

Procedure for spotted fever group Rickettsia isolation from limited clinical blood specimens.

BackgroundCurrent isolation techniques for spotted fever group Rickettsia from clinical samples are laborious and are limited to tissue, blood and blood derivatives with volumes ideally greater than 1 mL. We validated the use of simplified methodologies for spotted fever group Rickettsia culture isolation that overcome sample volume limitations and provide utility in clinical diagnostics and research studies.Methodology/Principal findingsA modified cell culture method is evaluated for the isolation of Rickettsia ssp. from human diagnostic samples. Culture sampling method, culture platform, and growth phase analysis were evaluated to determine best practices for optimal culture isolation conditions. Rickettsial isolates (R. conorii, R. rickettsii, and R. parkeri) were grown in Vero E6 cells over a course of 5 to 7 days at low inoculum treatments (~40 bacterial copies) to standardize the sampling strategy at a copy number reflective of the bacteremia in acute diagnostic samples. This methodology was verified using small volumes (50 μL) of 25 unprocessed clinical whole blood, plasma, and serum samples from acute samples of patients suspected of having Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, of which 10 were previously confirmed positive via the PanR8 qPCR assay, 13 had no detectable Rickettsia DNA by the PanR8 qPCR assay, and 2 were not previously tested; these samples resulted in the cultivation of 7 new R. rickettsii isolates.Conclusions/SignificanceWe observed that rickettsial isolate growth in culture is reproducibly identified by real-time PCR testing of culture media within 72 hours after inoculation. Additionally, specimen sedimentation prior to isolation to remove red blood cells was found to decrease the amount of total organism available in the inoculum. A small volume culture method was established focusing on comparative qPCR detection rather than bacterial visualization, taking significantly shorter time to detect, and requiring less manipulation compared to traditional clinical isolate culture methods.

An assessment of mooring systems' forces of ships berthed at dolphins

In the current practice of structural design for berth structures, the mooring forces (tension in lines and compression in fenders) are typically determined through simplified linear static analyses, and then magnified by dynamic amplification coefficients. It is known, however, that the mooring's stiffness presents nonlinearities (both physical and geometrical) that may at times become relevant, raising the issue of whether linear analyses are really adequate. Also, the environmental loads induce oscillatory behavior whose peak values may not always be satisfactorily estimated through dynamic amplification coefficients, which are far from being well defined in the technical literature. This work presents an investigation on the forces developed on mooring systems of vessels berthed at dolphins, and the consequences of the current design practice's simplifications. Different hierarchical models are defined (linear static, nonlinear static and linear dynamic in the frequency domain) for a case study of a Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) permanently berthed at dolphins at the Barcarena's Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminal in Pará, Brazil. The vessel's displacements and their peak values are determined through stochastic and statistical theories. The corresponding forces on the mooring system are computed and the dynamic amplification coefficients therefrom obtained. A thorough discussion on the results is provided. The methodology presented may be a useful tool to ascertain the dynamic amplification coefficients required in the simplified methodologies from the international standards.

Validation of the isothermal Schistosoma haematobium Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (RPA) assay, coupled with simplified sample preparation, for diagnosing female genital schistosomiasis using cervicovaginal lavage and vaginal self-swab samples.

BackgroundFemale genital schistosomiasis (FGS) is a neglected and disabling gynecological disease that can result from infection with the parasitic trematode Schistosoma haematobium. Accurate diagnosis of FGS is crucial for effective case management, surveillance and control. However, current methods for diagnosis and morbidity assessment can be inaccessible to those at need, labour intensive, costly and unreliable. Molecular techniques such as PCR can be used to reliably diagnose FGS via the detection of Schistosoma DNA using cervicovaginal lavage (CVL) samples as well as lesser-invasive vaginal self-swab (VSS) and cervical self-swab samples. PCR is, however, currently unsuited for use in most endemic settings. As such, in this study, we assessed the use of a rapid and portable S. haematobium recombinase polymerase amplification (Sh-RPA) isothermal molecular diagnostic assay, coupled with simplified sample preparation methodologies, to detect S. haematobium DNA using CVL and VSS samples provided by patients in Zambia.Methodology/Principal findingsVSS and CVL samples were screened for FGS using a previously developed Sh-RPA assay. DNA was isolated from VSS and CVL samples using the QIAamp Mini kit (n = 603 and 527, respectively). DNA was also isolated from CVL samples using two rapid and portable DNA extraction methods: 1) the SpeedXtract Nucleic Acid Kit (n = 223) and 2) the Extracta DNA Tissue Prep Kit (n = 136). Diagnostic performance of the Sh-RPA using VSS DNA extacts (QIAamp Mini kit) as well as CVL DNA extracts (QIAamp Mini kit, SpeedXtract Nucleic Acid Kit and Extracta DNA Tissue Prep Kit) was then compared to a real-time PCR reference test.Results suggest that optimal performance may be achieved when the Sh-RPA is used with PuVSS samples (sensitivity 93.3%; specificity 96.6%), however no comparisons between different DNA extraction methods using VSS samples could be carried out within this study. When using CVL samples, sensitivity of the Sh-RPA ranged between 71.4 and 85.7 across all three DNA extraction methods when compared to real-time PCR using CVL samples prepared using the QIAamp Mini kit. Interestingly, of these three DNA extraction methods, the rapid and portable SpeedXtract method had the greatest sensitivity and specificity (85.7% and 98.1%, respectively). Specificity of the Sh-RPA was >91% across all comparisons.Conclusions/SignificanceThese results supplement previous findings, highlighting that the use of genital self-swab sampling for diagnosing FGS should be explored further whilst also demonstrating that rapid and portable DNA isolation methods can be used to detect S. haematobium DNA within clinical samples using RPA. Although further development and assessment is needed, it was concluded that the Sh-RPA, coupled with simplified sample preparation, shows excellent promise as a rapid and sensitive diagnostic tool capable of diagnosing FGS at the point-of-care in resource-poor schistosomiasis-endemic settings.

A computationally efficient methodology to simulate hybrid bolted joints including thermal effects

Carbon-aluminum bolted assemblies are difficult to simulate because of the complex phenomenology involved (contact, friction, preload and thermal expansion). Therefore, accurate but computationally feasible methodologies are necessary. We propose two simplified methodologies, one based on continuum shell elements and the other on conventional shells, and compare them with a full 3D solids model. The two cases explored are a single-lap shear coupon with one bolt, and a hybrid wingbox subcomponent with 46 bolts. The effect of temperature jumps on the bolt preloads are explored. Results show that the continuum shell model presents the best tradeoff between accuracy and computational cost.

Simplified methodologies to designate sensitive areas and nitrate vulnerable zones: A case study of Yesilirmak River Basin, Turkey

AbstractThe European Union enforces the member states designate sensitive areas and nitrate vulnerable zones according to Water Framework Directive and its daughter directives Nitrates Directive and Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive. The aim of this study is to develop an approach for designation of sensitive areas (SAs) and nitrate vulnerable zones (NVZs) for surface water bodies. SAs are designated with a three‐step approach using initial characterization, physicochemical monitoring, and application of biotic indices. Nitrate concentration data of monitoring stations and the total nitrate loading rates of agriculture were two parameters for the determination of NVZs. This simplified methodology was applied to Yesilirmak River Basin. A total of 42 water bodies (23 river and 19 lake) were specified as SA and 30 water bodies (17 river and 13 lake) were designated as NVZ which constitutes about 63% and 49% of the total drainage area of the basin, respectively. Although the final definition of SAs and NVZs will depend on policies and regulations adopted in Turkey, the study contributed to efforts of Turkish water authorities for the determination of the SAs and NVZs of Turkey.

The DeRisk database: Extreme design waves for offshore wind turbines

The estimation of extreme loads from waves is an essential part of the design of offshore wind turbines. Standard design codes suggest either to use simplified methodologies based on regular waves, or to perform fully-nonlinear computations. The former may not provide an accurate representation of the real extreme waves, while the latter is too computationally intensive for fast design iterations. Here, we address these limitations by using the fully-nonlinear solver OceanWave3D to establish the DeRisk database, a large dataset of extreme wave kinematics in a two-dimensional domain. From the database, which is open and freely available, a designer can easily extract fully-nonlinear wave kinematics for a wave condition and water depth of interest by identifying a suitable computation in the database and, if needed, by Froude-scaling the kinematics. This will ultimately enable quicker estimations of nonlinear wave loads, speeding up design evaluations. The database sea states cover a range of nondimensional depth of about h∗∈[3.0⋅10−3,6.5⋅10−2] and of nondimensional significant wave height of HS∗∈[1.0⋅10−3,8.0⋅10−3], where h∗=h/(gTP2)[−] and HS∗=HS/(gTP2)[−].The fully-nonlinear solver is validated against the DeRisk model-scale experiments, where a number of long-crested sea state realizations are generated at two different water depths, 33.0[m] and 20.0[m], and the induced force on a stiff monopile with a diameter of D=7.0[m] is measured.Comparison with the experiments shows that the database predicts maximum crest elevations at both depths very accurately. Predictions of the in-line force, obtained by application of the Rainey slender body force model with the database wave kinematics, are accurate for milder storms. However, for stronger storms, where slamming loads from breaking waves dominate, the force computations from the database kinematics provide slightly nonconservative force estimates compared with the standard methodologies such as the embedded stream function and the WiFi JIP model. This discrepancy is mainly due to the lack of a slamming load model in the applied force model. A procedure to add slamming loads to OceanWave3D and to the DeRisk database is currently being developed.

Streamlined Schemes for Dosimetry of 177Lu-Labeled PSMA Targeting Radioligands in Therapy of Prostate Cancer.

Simple SummaryIn patients with progressive metastasized castration-resistance prostate cancer PSMA radioligand therapies have shown promising results regarding clinical safety and efficacy. Dosimetry is mandatory due to legal regulations and also required for the estimation of doses to organs at risk allowing for individual tailoring of treatment in PSMA-RLT. Due to those factors and the often poor health status of patients which restricts intense dosimetric imaging protocols, there is a clear need for simplified dosimetric approaches in mCRPC patients treated with [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617. In this study, we evaluated different dosimetric methodologies and found that a streamlined dosimetric approach is feasible and valid. This approach is based on single time-point imaging at 48 h p.i. in cycle 2 to 6 taking into account kinetic results of a full dosimetric scheme performed only in cycle1. These results might have a relevant impact on patients handling regarding dosimetry during [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 radioligand therapy.(Background) Aim of this retrospective analysis was to investigate in mCRPC patients treated with [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 whether the absorbed dose (AD) in organs at risk (OAR, i.e., kidneys and parotid glands) can be calculated using simplified methodologies with sufficient accuracy. For this calculation, results and kinetics of the first therapy cycle were used. (Methods) 46 patients treated with 2 to 6 cycles of [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 were included. As reference (current clinical standard) full dosimetry of the OAR based on quantitative imaging (whole body scintigraphy and quantitative SPECT/CT at 2, 24, 48 and 72 h p.i.) for every cycle was used. Alternatively, two dosimetry schemes, simplified in terms of image acquisition and dose calculation, were established, both assuming nearly unchanged kinetics of the radiopharmaceutical for subsequent cycles. (Results) In general, for both OAR the simplified methods provided results that were consistent with the dosimetric reference method, both per cycle and in terms of cumulative AD. Best results were obtained when imaging was performed at 48 h p.i. in each of the subsequent cycles. However, both simplified methods tended to underestimate the cumulative AD. (Conclusion) Simplified dosimetry schemes are feasible to tailor multi-cycle [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-targeted therapies.

Optimal Computation of Network Indicators for Electricity Market Bidding Zones Configuration Considering Explicit N-1 Security Constraints

In this paper an optimization problem designed to calculate electric grid specific indicators to be used within model-based methodologies for the definition of alternative electricity market bidding zone configurations is designed. The approach integrates within the framework of a bidding zone review process aligned to the specifications of the Commission Regulation (EU) 2015/1222 (CACM) and Regulation (EU) 2019/943 of the European Parliament and of the Council (CEP). The calculated solution of the optimization provides locational marginal prices and allows to determine, outside the optimization problem, the power transfer distribution factors for critical elements. Both indicators can be used as inputs by specially designed clustering algorithms to identify model-based electricity market bidding zone configurations, as alternative to the current experience-based configurations. The novelty of the optimization problem studied in this paper consists in integrating the N-1 security criteria for transmission network operation in an explicit manner, rather than in a simplified and inaccurate manner, as encountered in the literature. The optimization problem is evaluated on a set of historical and significant operating scenarios of the Italian transmission network, carefully selected by the Italian transmission system operator. The results show the optimization problem capability to produce insightful results for supporting a bidding zone review process and its advantages with respect to simplified methodologies encountered in the literature.

Simplified methodologies for assessing the out-of-plane two-way bending seismic response of unreinforced brick masonry walls: lessons from recent experimental studies

This paper describes a simplified methodology for the assessment of unreinforced masonry (URM) walls under out-of-plane two-way bending seismic action. The methodology involves a force-based check derived from the principle of virtual work. This check is proposed based on experimental observations of significant cracking resistance associated with two-way spanning URM walls, indicating methodologies considering such walls to be pre-cracked or to be non-laterally supported as overly conservative. The methodology incorporates several findings and developments from recent experimental campaigns: ranging from novel characterization tests on masonry couplets to incremental dynamic tests on full-scale buildings. Such incorporations include new formulation to calculate the torsional shear strength of a bed joint and accounting for possible changes in the boundary conditions of an OOP wall during dynamic loading. Testing standards as well as recommendations in several international guidelines for masonry structures addressing the input properties required to implement the proposed methodology are enlisted and reviewed. The methodology requires the definition of the period of vibration of the assessed URM walls, to calculate which plate theory based formulation is provided. Open research questions and potential avenues for further development of the methodology are ultimately highlighted.

Pattern-Based Contractile Screening (PaCS), A Reference-Free Traction Force Microscopy Methodology, Reveals Contractile Differences in Breast Cancer Cells

Traction Force Microscopy (TFM) is broadly used to measure cell contractility and its role in cell behavior. While TFM platforms have enabled diverse discoveries, their implementation remains limited in part due to various methodology and imaging constraints. Here we introduce a reference-free technique to measure cell contractile work in real-time, with simple substrate fabrication, imaging, and analysis with the availability of the cells for post-processing. in this technique, we confine the cells on fluorescent adhesive protein micropatterns of a known area on compliant silicone substrates (2,12 and 23 kPa) and use the cell deformed pattern area to calculate cell contractile work (Strain Energy). We validated this approach by comparing contractile work of 3T3 Fibroblast cells measured with PaCS to conventional bead-displacement TFM and show quantitative agreement between the methodologies. Using this platform, we show PaCS accurately detects cell contractile work across diverse cell shapes and substrate stiffness. It detects time-dependent contractile changes in cells and exhibits a decrease in cell contractility after treatment in inhibitors. PaCS precisely differentiates the higher contractile work done by highly metastatic MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells when compared with MCF-7 cells with lower metastatic potential. The ability of PaCS to measure contractile work just from the pattern deformations fills a current void in simplified cell contractile methodologies and provides a promising future for the incorporation of cell biophysics in modern quantitative biology studies.