Measurement Techniques Research Articles

Precise and accurate speed measurements in rapidly flowing dense suspensions

We introduce a method for precise and accurate measurements of particle speeds in dense suspensions flowing at high rates and demonstrate the utility of the approach for revealing complex flow fluctuations during shearing in a setup that combines imaging with a confocal microscope and shearing with a rheometer. We scan the focal point in one dimension, aligned with direction of flow, producing absolute measurements of speed that are independent of suspension structure and particle shape. We compare this flow-direction line scanning approach with a complementary method we introduced previously, measuring speed using line scanning in the vorticity direction. By comparing results in various flow conditions, including shear-thinning and thickening regimes, we demonstrate the efficacy of our new approach. We find that both approaches exhibit qualitatively similar flow profiles, but a comparative analysis reveals a 15%–25% overestimation in speed measurement using vorticity line scanning, with discrepancies generated by anisotropic suspension microstructure under flow. Moreover, in the thickening regime where complex flow fields are present, both approaches capture local speed fluctuations. However, line scanning in the flow direction reveals and precisely captures stagnation and backflows, a capability not achievable with vorticity line scanning. The approach introduced here not only provides a refined technique for speed measurement in fast-flowing suspensions but also emphasizes the significance of accurate measurement techniques in advancing our understanding of flow behavior in dense suspensions, particularly in contexts where strong non-affine flows are prevalent.

CT measurement of blood perfusion in hepatocellular carcinoma: from basic principle, measurement methods to clinical application

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the common and fatal malignant tumors worldwide, and the burden of HCC is particularly severe in China. Physiologically, the blood supply to healthy liver is mainly from the portal vein, supplemented by the hepatic artery. While in the development of HCC, the main source of blood supply to HCC is changed from the portal vein to the hepatic artery. The characteristics of HCC vascularization are important for imaging, surgery, interventional therapy, targeted therapy, etc. Even in the future, with the development of radiation therapy technology, such as proton and heavy ion therapy and artificial intelligence technology, the dynamic changes in HCC blood perfusion can be used as a new biomarker of tumor activity to provide accurate information on the intensity modulation of radiotherapy, so that accurate measurements of HCC blood perfusion is of great significance in guiding the diagnosis and treatment of HCC. The technologies for measurement of HCC blood perfusion have developed from invasive techniques, such as inert gas scavenging, electromagnetic flowmeter, and radionuclide-labeled erythrocyte elution in the middle of the last century to the present non-invasive techniques of CT. With the development of CT imaging technology in the last 30 years, the CT-based imaging technology can assess the status of organ and tissue perfusion relatively easily and accurately. In this paper, the various CT measurement techniques of blood perfusion in HCC were categorized into three types: semi-quantitative technique, relative quantitative technique, and absolute quantitative technique. Their basic principle, scanning methods, and clinical applications were discussed to provide a reference for the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.

Innovative and Cost‐Effective Approaches to the Measurement of Sediment Levels in Small Water Reservoirs

ABSTRACTSedimentation in small water reservoirs poses a critical challenge with significant environmental, economic, and social implications. To address this issue, this study will employ three measurement techniques—GNSS RTK Trimble R8s, Echolot HDS LIVE 7 with Active Imaging 3‐in‐1, and the Mivardi Carp Scout bait boat—to assess sediment levels in Žebětínský Pond in Brno, Czech Republic. The research reveals that each method offers distinct advantages and limitations. Through measurement and triangulated networks, the study creates a digital terrain model that facilitates the determination of reservoir volume and sediment levels. The comparison shows that the cost‐effective alternatives, Echolot HDS LIVE 7 and Mivardi Carp Scout, provide sufficiently accurate results. The evaluation shows that while the GNSS RTK Trimble R8s has the highest level of accuracy and is unique in its ability to measure both along the shoreline of the reservoir and the hard bottom, it comes with increased costs and logistical challenges. The Echolot HDS LIVE 7 and Mivardi Carp Scout offer efficient, cost‐effective solutions that are suitable for a quick estimate of sediment thickness. This research contributes to the use of reliable mathematical models and water management strategies, advocating for a pragmatic approach to the selection of methods based on the project characteristics. The study provides valuable insights into sediment measurement techniques, guiding future endeavors in reservoir management and environmental conservation. It is also used to easily indicate the loss of arable land in the catchment upstream of the reservoir.

Reliability and partial factor‐based assessment of a highway bridge supported by nondestructive testing

AbstractThe preservation of the degrading transport infrastructure is vital, as replacing it is impossible in view of limited budgets and environmental impacts. One component in overcoming this challenge is the evaluation of the reliability and the calculation of the remaining service life of existing structures. These structural reliability reassessments allow for the identification and utilization of load‐bearing capacity reserves. The consideration of actual structural characteristics and environmental conditions, various of which can be gathered by means of numerous measurement and inspection techniques, has the potential for more realistic computation results and therefore more economic decisions about the operation as well as maintenance activities. This article attempts to shed light on the potential of nondestructive testing (NDT) methods for updating the input variables in the ultimate limit states during a recalculation. The approach of the NDT‐supported reliability reassessment is demonstrated using a prestressed concrete bridge emphasizing the bending proof in transversal direction. As a result, the semi‐probabilistic, probabilistic and NDT‐based reassessment results are compared and the effects of NDT‐supported structural analysis on the calculated reliability are highlighted.

Accurate and efficient dimensional measurement technique based on point cloud models and its application in the automotive industry

Accurate and efficient dimensional measurement technique based on point cloud models and its application in the automotive industry

A Review: Phase Measurement Techniques Based on Metasurfaces

Phase carries crucial information about the light propagation process, and the visualization and quantitative measurement of phase have important applications, ranging from ultra-precision metrology to biomedical imaging. Traditional phase measurement techniques typically require large and complex optical systems, limiting their applicability in various scenarios. Optical metasurfaces, as flat optical elements, offer a novel approach to phase measurement by manipulating light at the nanoscale through light-matter interactions. Metasurfaces are advantageous due to their lightweight, multifunctional, and easy-to-integrate nature, providing new possibilities for simplifying traditional phase measurement methods. This review categorizes phase measurement techniques into quantitative and non-quantitative methods and reviews the advancements in metasurface-based phase measurement technologies. Detailed discussions are provided on several methods, including vortex phase contrast, holographic interferometry, shearing interferometry, the Transport of Intensity Equation (TIE), and wavefront sensing. The advantages and limitations of metasurfaces in phase measurement are highlighted, and future research directions are explored.

Sustainable production of radionuclidically pure antimony-119

BackgroundRadiopharmaceutical therapy (RPT) uses radionuclides that decay via one of three therapeutically relevant decay modes (alpha, beta, and internal conversion (IC) / Auger electron (AE) emission) to deliver short range, highly damaging radiation inside of diseased cells, maintaining localized dose distribution and sparing healthy cells. Antimony-119 (119Sb, t1/2 = 38.19 h, EC = 100%) is one such IC/AE emitting radionuclide, previously limited to in silico computational investigation due to barriers in production, chemical separation, and chelation. A theranostic (therapeutic/diagnostic) pair can be formed with 119Sb’s radioisotopic imaging analogue 117Sb (t1/2 = 2.80 h, Eγ = 158.6 keV, Iγ = 85.9%, β+ = 262.4 keV, Iβ+ = 1.81%).ResultsWithin, we report techniques for sustainable and cost-effective production of pre-clinical quality and quantity, radionuclidically pure 119Sb and 117Sb, novel low energy photon measurement techniques for 119Sb activity determination, and physical yields for various tin target isotopic enrichments and thicknesses using (p, n) and (d, n) nuclear reactions. Additionally, we present a two-column separation providing a radioantimony yield of 73.1% ± 6.9% (N = 3) and tin separation factor of (6.8 ± 5.5) x 105 (N = 3). Apparent molar activity measurements for deuteron produced 117Sb using the chelator TREN-CAM were measured at 42.4 ± 25 MBq 117Sb/µmol (1.14 ± 0.68 mCi/µmol), and we recovered enriched 119Sn target material at a recycling efficiency of 80.2% ± 5.5% (N = 6) with losses of 11.6 mg ± 0.8 mg (N = 6) per production.ConclusionWe report significant steps in overcoming barriers in 119Sb production, chemical isolation and purification, enriched target material recycling, and chelation, helping promote accessibility and application of this promising therapeutic radionuclide. We describe a method for 119Sb activity measurement using its low energy gamma (23.87 keV), negating the need for attenuation correction. Finally, we report the largest yet-measured 119Sb production yields using proton and deuteron irradiation of natural and enriched targets and radioisotopic purity > 99.8% at end of purification.

Low Thermal Resistance of Diamond‐AlGaN Interfaces Achieved Using Carbide Interlayers

AbstractThis study investigates thermal transport across nanocrystalline diamond/AlGaN (aluminum gallium nitride) interfaces, crucial for enhancing thermal management in AlGaN‐based electronic devices. Chemical vapor deposition growth of diamond directly on AlGaN resulted in a disordered interface with a high thermal boundary resistance (TBR) of 20.6 m2‐KGW−1. Sputtered carbide interlayers of boron carbide (B4C), silicon carbide (SiC), and a mixture of boron carbide and silicon carbide (B4C/SiC) are employed to reduce thermal boundary resistance in diamond/AlGaN interfaces. The carbide interlayers resulted in record‐low thermal boundary resistance values of 3.4 and 3.7 m2‐KGW−1 for Al0.65Ga0.35N samples with B4C and SiC interlayers, respectively. STEM imaging of the interface reveals interlayer thicknesses between 1.7 and 2.5 nm, with an amorphous structure. Additionally, Fast‐Fourier Transform (FFT) characterization of sections of the STEM images displayed sharp crystalline fringes in the AlGaN layer, confirming it is properly protected from damage from hydrogen plasma during the diamond growth. In order to accurately measure the thermal boundary resistance we develop a hybrid technique, combining time‐domain thermoreflectance and steady‐state thermoreflectance fitting, offering superior sensitivity to buried thermal resistances. The findings underscore the efficacy of interlayer engineering in enhancing thermal transport and demonstrate the importance of innovative measurement techniques in accurately characterizing complex thermal interfaces. This study provides a foundation for future research in improving thermal properties of semiconductor devices through interface engineering and advanced measurement methodologies.

Comparative Analysis of Heat Transfer Coefficient Using Experimental Data and Empirical Expressions

This study aims to determine the heat transfer coefficient by comparing results obtained from both experimental methods and empirical expressions. A controlled experiment involving the flow of water through a polyethylene hose was conducted, and the heat transfer coefficient was calculated based on inlet and outlet temperatures. These findings were then compared with values derived from empirical correlations, specifically the Sieder-Tate equation, to assess accuracy and reliability. The experimental setup maintained consistent boundary conditions, including water inlet temperature, airflow rate, and hose orientation. The results indicated that the experimentally determined heat transfer coefficient was 48.30 W/(m²·K), while the empirical calculation yielded a value of 53.44 W/(m²·K). The slight discrepancy between these values highlights minor experimental errors and assumptions inherent in empirical models. Overall, the close agreement between the experimental and empirical values validates the use of empirical correlations for predicting heat transfer coefficients in similar configurations. This study provides valuable insights for optimizing heat transfer processes in various industrial and engineering applications, emphasizing the importance of experimental validation. Future work could explore extended parameter ranges, advanced measurement techniques, and numerical simulations to further enhance the accuracy and applicability of the findings.

Health Insurance Provider Selection Through Novel Correlation Measure of Neutrosophic Sets Using TOPSIS

Risk monitoring aims to recognize and control potential threats to our assets or health activities. Insurance is vital, as it compensates for any unexpected loss of property or life. Clients selecting the best health insurance provider must consider various factors and their relative significance to their circumstances. Multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) helps people analyze and compare policy alternatives to find the best option. This research aims to assist potential health policy purchasers by addressing the selection of health insurance providers as an MCDM problem. The correlation coefficient is useful for identifying the importance of several conflicting criteria. The idea of correlation coefficients is extended in a neutrosophic context to capture the indeterminacy and incomplete information in the relationship among the criteria. The technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution (TOPSIS) approach is a useful and straightforward approach to solving MCDM problems. However, it often became ambiguous to researchers due to its involvement in the distance measure technique. The proposed neutrosophic correlation measure may also replace the ambiguity of using a suitable distance measure in the TOPSIS approach. This study extends the TOPSIS method by using the proposed neutrosophic correlation coefficient on single-valued neutrosophic sets (SVNSs). The criteria preferences are computed using a method based on the removal effects of the criteria (MEREC) approach. Some valuable concepts, like the weighted closeness measure of type I and type II and the weighted index parameter, are introduced with their properties to establish the proposed neutrosophic TOPSIS approach. An MCDM approach for health insurance providers has been constructed to illustrate the proposed approach numerically. The proposed method suggest that the health insurance provider ϒ2 is the most beneficial alternative, whereas ϒ1 is the least suitable. The client considers the terms and conditions for non-coverage and the facilities provided for pediatric and maternity care while buying health insurance. The comparative analysis of the suggested technique demonstrates the merit of the research in terms of consistency. The sensitivity analysis demonstrates the flexibility and robustness of the obtained results.

Real-time detection of coke particles in blast furnace operations using machine learning: Case of a steel plant in India

The efficiency of blast furnace operations in a steel plant relies on the quality of raw materials, including coke. The particle size distribution (PSD) of coke plays a vital role in ensuring the efficiency of the blast furnace. Conventional methods of measuring average particle size are time-consuming and labour-intensive leading to delayed operations. To address the issue, various studies have used different techniques for real-time measurement of coke particle size, including laser diffraction, acoustic sounding, X-ray computed tomography, and computer vision. While these methods have shown successful applications, there have been limitations in their lower prediction accuracy and detection speed. Therefore, our study proposes a practical approach that leverages the integration of computer vision algorithms to enhance accuracy and detection speed. The proposed methodology is compared with the conventional method of measuring particle size in the lab at a blast furnace. Our results reveal that the YOLOv8 algorithm outperforms the conventional method, providing efficient detection of 5.419 frames per second and with a mean absolute error of [Formula: see text]1.77 mm within the lab results. YOLOv8 can perform object segmentation providing much more precise polygon masks of the coke particles instead of simply providing rectangular dimensions using traditional object detection, as explored in previous studies. This approach enables real-time monitoring of PSD and timely alerts to the onsite team, significantly improving the efficiency of blast furnace operations.

Study of the use of sodium thiocyanate as an indicator for three-dimensional dosimetry

Three-dimensional dosimetry allows the determination of dosimetric quantities with a volumetric gradient. With Fricke Gel it is possible to make measurements of this nature due to the restriction of ions in this dosimeter caused by the presence of a gelatinous matrix. When ion indicators are added to Fricke Gel, the diffusion of the ions is further hampered and, in addition, the use of optical measurement techniques for the determination of the absorbed dose becomes possible. In this study, a new ferric ion indicator possibility for Fricke Gel is evaluated. Sodium thiocyanate was added to the Fricke Gel matrix and the effect of this addition was analyzed in a gamma radiation field and in a high-energy electron beam. The obtained results demonstrated the possibility of using this indicator as a binding agent in the Fricke Gel dosimeter. In the gamma irradiation field, the dosimeter showed a linear response with the absorbed dose between 5 Gy and 150 Gy, in addition to presenting visual evidence of the spatial distribution of the radiation field to which it is subjected.

Low-rank rotation matrices-based DOA estimation with a moored circular vector sensor array

Abstract Water currents affect circular vector sensor arrays (CVSAs) suspended from a moored platform, causing them to rotate underwater. This rotation alters the direction of sources within the array coordinate system over time. Traditional methods that rely on numerous snapshots often yield inaccurate results, particularly for faint sources. To improve the accuracy, we introduce a direction-finding technique for CVSAs that employs low-rank rotation matrices. The low-rank rotation matrices are constructed using the heading information of the CVSAs and the subregion array manifold vector matrices to achieve spatial focusing. When these matrices are applied to the measurement data, the resulting covariance matrix displays subspace characteristics similar to that of a stationary CVSA. Our performance analysis revealed that low-rank rotation matrices offer higher focusing gains than conventional rotation matrices. The method proposed in this study effectively improves the direction estimation performance for weak targets and extends the practical applicability of measurement techniques for rotating platforms. Both simulations and experiments confirm that our approach outperforms the modified traditional beamforming and other spatial focusing techniques in terms of resolution and precision. Notably, when the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is below -4 dB, the resolution for distinguishing between the two sources increases by more than 50%.

Use of School Data Management System (SDMS) For Performance of Students in Twelve Years Basic Education in Rwanda

This paper assessed the use of school data management system in performance of students in twelve years basic education in Musanze District. The Research project aimed to achieve the following objectives: to evaluate the DSMS types of financial services in use for the performance of students of 12YBE; to assess the role of SMS academic evaluation in the performance of students of 12YBE; to show how SDMS helps in school infrastructure management for the performance of students of 12YBE; and to ascertain the effects of SDMS personal identification in the performance of students of 12YBE. The research project employed a descriptive survey design, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. The target population was 1,130 respondents projecting in education sector Musanze District. In this Research project 339 respondents were sampled from 1,130 teaching staff. This sample was scientifically determined using an appropriate research project formula. The sample size was determined using Slovin’s formula. Stratified random sampling was implemented, wherein strata were established according to the schools. The primary data were collected using questionnaires elaborated for 339 respondents. For validity, the questionnaire was shared with seasoned research project for their inputs which were taken into consideration before piloting the questionnaire and conducting comprehensive data collection. The data analysis encompassed both quantitative and qualitative methods. Quantitative research project involved precise measurement techniques to yield accurate mathematical outcomes. Data were presented in tables and graphs, and quantitative data were analyzed and interpreted using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. The findings were done for only 330 respondents as 9 questionnaires were not returned. So, the findings from 330 respondents showed that the use of School Data Management Systems (SDMS) in Rwanda’s 12-Year Basic Education system has demonstrated significant potential to enhance educational practices and improve student outcomes. The comprehensive analysis conducted in this Research project reveals strong correlations between SDMS implementation and various facets of student performance, academic evaluation, infrastructure management, and personal identification. Recommendations have been provided to both SDMS users in schools and MINEDUC to optimize SDMS utilization, ensure sustainable implementation, and foster data-driven decision-making.

Ozone Detector Based on Ultraviolet Observations on the Martian Surface

Ozone plays a key role in both atmospheric chemistry and UV absorption in planetary atmospheres. On Mars, upper-tropospheric ozone has been widely characterized by space-based instruments. However, surface ozone remains poorly characterized, hindered by the limited sensitivity of orbiters to the lowest scale height of the atmosphere and challenges in delivering payloads to the surface of Mars, which have prevented, to date, the measurement of ozone from the surface of Mars. Systematic measurements from the Martian surface could advance our knowledge of the atmospheric chemistry and habitability potential of this planet. NASA’s Mars 2020 mission includes the first ozone detector deployed on the Martian surface, which is based on discrete photometric observations in the ultraviolet band, a simple technology that could obtain the first insights into total ozone abundance in preparation for more sophisticated measurement techniques. This paper describes the Mars 2020 ozone detector and its retrieval algorithm, including its performance under different sources of uncertainty and the potential application of the retrieval algorithm on other missions, such as NASA’s Mars Science Laboratory. Pre-landing simulations using the UVISMART radiative transfer model suggest that the retrieval is robust and that it can deal with common issues affecting surface operations in Martian missions, although the expected low ozone abundance and instrument uncertainties could challenge its characterization in tropical latitudes of the planet. Other space missions will potentially include sensors of similar technology.

A Dual-Labeled Multiplex Absolute Telomere Length Method to Measure Average Telomere Length

Background/Objectives: Telomeres consist of repetitive nucleotide sequences and associated proteins that safeguard chromosome ends from degradation and fusion with neighboring chromosomes. As cells divide, telomeres shorten due to the end-replication problem and oxidative stress, ultimately contributing to cellular senescence. Telomeres therefore play a role in cellular health and aging. Measuring telomere length has emerged as a significant biomarker in various fields of research, including aging, cancer, and chronic diseases. Accurate measurement of telomere length is critical for interpreting research findings and clinical applications. Variability in measurement techniques can lead to inconsistent results, underscoring the need for standardized protocols. Methods and Results: The Telomere Research Network (TRN), an initiative from the National Institute of Aging and National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, has established recommended guidelines to standardize the measurement of telomere length using qPCR to ensure accuracy and reproducibility in population-based studies. The monochrome multiplex quantitative PCR (MMqPCR) assay has emerged as a robust method endorsed by the TRN for its accuracy and reproducibility in quantifying telomere length in epidemiology ad population based studies. The absolute telomere length (aTL) qPCR assay is currently being evaluated by the TRN for its capability to utilize an oligomer standard, enabling the generation of absolute telomere lengths. The oligomer feature facilitates a more direct comparison of results across experiments and laboratories. Conclusions: This paper outlines a novel dual-labeled multiplex aTL method by incorporating dual-labeled multiplex probes to measure average absolute telomere length, providing a clear advantage over the relative telomere length assay, which quantifies the ratio of telomeric repeats to single-copy gene numbers.

Evaluating the greenness, blueness, and whiteness of spectroscopic and UPLC techniques for the simultaneous measurement of anti-glaucoma drugs and the preservation agent

The pursuit of sustainable solutions is increasingly crucial in contemporary times. We propose inventive research that fulfills the criteria of whiteness and greenness in analytical chemistry. The endeavor aims to advance environmentally conscious techniques for the simultaneous detection of timolol maleate (TIM), dorzolamide HCl (DOR), and benzalkonium Cl (BNZ). The first method employed a sustainable mobile phase consisting of 0.02 M phosphate buffer: ethanol (68:32, v/v), and a flow rate of 0.6 mL/min with retention times 1.274, 1.798, and 2.483 min for DOR, TIM, and BNZ, respectively, with a UV detector at 210 nm. This methodology was easy, fast, and accurate. The approach showed low processing times, peak symmetry, and satisfactory resolution, with correlation values of 0.999. The linearity was between 0.001–0.064, 0.001–0.060 µg mL-1, and 0.001–0.050 µg mL-1for DOR, TIM, and BNZ, respectively. Furthermore, employing water as the solvent, complementary spectrophotometric methods such as Mean Centering of Ratio Spectra (MCR) and Successive Derivative Ratio Spectra (SRDS) were investigated as economical and environmentally friendly substitutes. All procedures demonstrated good linearity (r² > 0.9990), acceptable accuracy, and precision (RSD ≤ 2 %). Furthermore, by proving the superiority of the current work over previously published methods regarding sustainability, analytical performance, economics, and practicality, the real-world implementation of four greenness and whiteness algorithms boosts the approval and overall sustainable development of the proposed methods. The suggested techniques offer low-cost, environmentally friendly substitutes for traditional methods, advancing the field of analytical chemistry towards more sustainable practices and fostering a less destructive future for quality control.

Threshold Voltage Recovery Time Measurement Technique Post VTH Instability in Normally-Off p-Gate GaN High Electron Mobility Transistors

In this study, we propose a simple measurement technique to quantitatively measure the time taken by threshold voltage of normally-off p-GaN AlGaN/GaN HEMTs to recover from a nominal operational gate stress-induced instability. The proposed technique eliminates the requirement to perform a full transfer characteristic sweep post-stress, thereby eliminating the measurement-induced instability effect, often colluding precise recovery time measurement. The rate of recovery and extracted recovery times hold significance in empirically correlating the location of traps in the p-GaN or AlGaN barrier region causing VTH instability. The gate of the HEMT is stressed at nominal operational drive voltages 1.5 V, 2 V, and 4 V for various time intervals from 500 μs to 100 s, and the time taken for the drain current to recover to prestress levels measured at near-threshold voltage (~1.1 VTH) is measured as the threshold voltage recovery time. With increasing gate stress voltages, 2DEG gets trapped at relatively deeper trap energy levels at the AlGaN/GaN interface requiring more emission time during the process of recovery, mandating larger recovery times. At higher stress voltage of 4 V, the Schottky gate leakage current is high enough enabling injected holes to cross the AlGaN barrier and counter-compensate for the deeply trapped 2DEG, requiring relatively the same recovery times as lower stress voltages where the gate leakage is negligibly small. With increasing stress time, the amount of 2DEG trapped increases, requiring more recovery time to de-trap and beyond a certain time, saturation of the trap density occurs causing the recovery time to plateau.

Exploring the unintended contribution of soil erosion research to microplastic contamination

The global scientific community, particularly soil erosion researchers, is increasingly recognizing the urgent need to address plastic pollution and the accumulation of microplastics in soil. Human activities such as urban expansion, food packaging, and the use of agricultural materials have driven a significant rise in microplastic contamination. The problem is compounded by the difficulty, expense, and time-intensive nature of analyzing soil erosion samples to accurately identify microplastic types, sources, and their effects. Soil erosion, while naturally shaping landscapes like hillslopes, deltas or river valleys, has evolved into a critical issue due to human-induced changes, threatening fertile agricultural zones and areas prone to landslides, with serious economic and human consequences. While validated methods exist to quantify soil erosion, runoff, and pollutant concentrations, these techniques inadvertently introduce microplastics into the environment by plastic materials during sampling, transport, and lab analysis. This not only skews historical and current data on microplastic levels in soils but also alters natural soil conditions around research plots. To address these challenges, this paper advocates for the refinement of measurement techniques to minimize contamination, a reassessment of current methodologies, and a concerted effort to reduce human impact on soil health, thereby safeguarding a critical natural resource.

Network meta-analysis evaluating the impact of diverse exercise regimens on quality of life in women post-breast cancer surgery.

This study used network meta-analysis to compare the effects of various exercise interventions, with the aim of identifying the most effective intervention measures. Data were extracted from 8 databases, comprising of PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO, and Embase. The Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool was used to assess the quality of the research. Network meta-analysis and meta-analysis were performed using STATA15.0 and Review Manager 5.4, respectively. This analysis incorporated 58 research papers that had 4998 participants, of which 2480 were assigned to the test group and 2518 to the control group. As revealed by the data, the following is a descending order of the impact of various exercise regimens on the quality of life (QoL) of women who have undergone breast cancer surgery: For the MOS item short form health survey, the recommended sequence was as follows: aerobic + resistance exercise, football, baduanjin, walking, tai chi, yoga, resistance exercise, slow-moving qigong, aerobic exercise, and usual care; for functional assessment of cancer therapy for breast cancer, the sequence was as follows: aerobic + resistance exercise, resistance exercise, relaxation, baduanjin, square dance, aerobic exercise, tai chi, yoga, Pilates, mixer dance, aquatic sports, cycle ergometer, and usual care; and for European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer quality of life questionnaire, the sequence was aerobic + resistance exercise, aerobic + yoga, aerobic exercise, Pilates, yoga, muscle strengthening, resistance exercise, square dance, usual care, walking, and aerobic + edema massage. The majority of exercise interventions demonstrated a discernible impact on the QoL in women following breast cancer surgery. The effects of diverse exercise interventions on the 3 QoL outcome indicators in patients with breast cancer exhibited variability. However, irrespective of the QoL measurement technique used, aerobic and resistance exercise continue to be the most favorable choices.