Visual Examination Method Research Articles

Effects of thermal aging on cellulose pressboard using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy

We demonstrate a method for examining the effects of thermal aging of cellulose pressboard using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy. The change of refractive indexes at the frequencies of pulsed terahertz waves while applying heat reveals that the degree of thermal aging and the condition of thermal breakdown can be clearly analyzed by performing terahertz measurements. The visual examination method only allows evaluation of the degree of blackness on the external surfaces of cellulose pressboard. However, using terahertz techniques for non-destructive inspection enables determination of the dielectric integrity to check the strength of the electrical insulation inside the cellulose pressboard. The results indicate that the terahertz techniques could be very useful, especially in the electric power industry, which requires a variety of methods for internal non-destructive testing to ensure the safety and reliability of insulation materials in electric power facilities and components.

On the spectroscopic investigation of lipstick stains: Forensic trace evidence.

In forensic science, lipsticks are considered as crucial trace evidence because it helps in the linking of the criminal with the crime scene. In the present work, twenty-five lipstick samples are characterized and discriminated by using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy coupled with multivariate statistical methods. The utilized approach is non-destructive, fast, and provides reproducible results. It is observed from the FTIR spectra that lipstick contains various aliphatic and aromatic compounds e.g. Propyl ester of Hexanoic acid, Silicates, etc. Further, the discrimination power is calculated by using three approaches i.e. visual examination, cluster analysis (HCA and k-means) and factor analysis method. The multivariate method combined with t-statistics delivered a higher value of discriminating power i.e. 100% which is an improvement on the 99.00% discrimination power of visual comparison method. The developed method is validated by analyzing five duplicate samples and predicted them to their respective brands significantly. This study establishes a method which provides proof of concept discrimination of the lipstick samples. In the future, it can be quite possible to create an FTIR database of more lipstick samples for the identification of unknown/suspected lipstick samples.

Tongue morphometry: Evaluation of morphological variations in ethnic Tamil population

Introduction: Tongue is a vital organ well encased with in the oral cavity, morphological features of which are unique and differs from one individual to other. Visual inspection of the tongue is a noninvasive and inexpensive method to evaluate the morphological variations. Aim: This study aims to evaluate the morphological variations of tongue in male and female in ethnic Tamil population. Objective: The objective is to study the morphological features such as shape, length, and width of the tongue, presence and location of fissure pattern and its gender variations by visual examination method in ethnic Tamil population between age 21 and 30 years. Materials and Methods: The study sample included 250 male and 250 female (21–30 years). The participants were subjected to visual examination and by obtaining a digital photograph of the tongue on maximum protrusion to study the morphological variation like shape of the tongue, presence and location of fissure. Results: The mean for width of the tongue was 3.599. The length of the tongue had a mean value of 4.283. On analyzing the shape of the tongue, U shape was more common in both male (68%) and female (62%) and V shape is common in female (38%). In female, the most common is absent or no fissures whereas in male central fissure was most common. Conclusion: Tongue showed significant morphological variations in male and female. Visual examination of tongue is a simple and inexpensive way to collect data and can be saved along with other dental records. Tongue prints being unique can serve as both a biometric and forensic tool.

Effect of nonfluoridated remineralizing agents on initial enamel carious lesions: A systematic review.

Although fluoride enables remineralization, presence of calcium and phosphate ions is necessary to promote the process. So, various nonfluoridated remineralizing agents have been emerging to treat the noncavitated carious lesions. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the clinical effectiveness of nonfluoridated remineralizing agents on initial enamel carious lesions. Seven electronic databases were searched using the key words. In total, 158 human clinical trials were retrieved in the search from January 1950 to October 2016. Seventy-one repeated articles were excluded. Among the 87 articles obtained, 53 articles were eliminated after reading the title and abstracts. After assessing the full text, 28 articles were excluded. Three more studies were included from the cross references of the articles chosen. All the nine trials included assessed the clinical effectiveness of casein phosphopeptide amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP ACP). They showed a positive effect of CPP ACP on the remineralization of white spot lesions. The use of CPP ACP resulted in significant reduction of the white spot lesion size measured using visual examination methods. This systematic review indicated a lack of reliable evidence supporting the clinical effectiveness of other commercially available nonfluoridated remineralizing agents.

The Effect of Denture Cleansers on Color Stability, Water Sorption and Solubility of Stained Denture Base Materials

Background and Objectives: Denture cleanser is the most widely used method by the patients to maintain clean and healthy dentures but the prolonged use of such cleansers may affect the properties of the denture. The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of three prepared denture cleansers which were the 4% citric acid, 4% tartaric acid, and 4% oxalic acid in addition to the Protefix a commercially available denture cleansers, on some mechanical and physical properties (color stability, water sorption, and solubility) of acrylic resin (Stellon QC-20) and flexible nylon (Vaplast) denture base materials after immersion in tea solution. Methods: One hundred specimens (100) were prepared in two equal major groups: acrylic resin and Valplast. For each test of the physical and mechanical properties, 50 specimens were prepared, 25 from acrylic resin and 25 from Valplast. Later on, divided into five groups, one group used as a control and immersed in distilled water, and remaining 4 groups used as test groups; by immersing in one of the denture cleansers after staining in tea solutions for 10 days. The effect of denture cleansers on the properties was studied and compared with the control group. Results: Visual examination method showed no color changes for acrylic and slight color change for valplast specimens. Valplast specimens showed higher water sorption and solubility than acrylic. Conclusions: The findings showed that the 4 denture cleansers were equally effective, and did not cause significant alteration in the tested properties. Except acrylic specimens immersed in oxalic acid showed less color stability.

Home-based visual field test for glaucoma screening comparison with Humphrey perimeter.

PurposeTo present a home-based visual field examination method using a PC monitor or virtual reality glasses and evaluate the reliability of the method by comparing the results with those of the Humphrey perimeter, in order to assess the possibility of glaucoma screening through the Internet.Materials and methodsSoftware implementing a supra-threshold algorithm for the central 24° (52 points) of visual field at three threshold levels: 1) −4 db, 2) −8 db, and 3) −12 db, from the age-expected sensitivity was used for the purpose of testing. The software uses the web camera as a “virtual photometer” in order to detect room luminosity and allows self-testing using a computer monitor or virtual reality glasses using an Android smartphone with a 6-inch display. The software includes an expert system to analyze the visual field image and validate the reliability of the results. It also allows the physician to combine the results from two or more tests into a single test in order to achieve higher statistical accuracy of the final result. A total of ten patients, 20 eyes tested×52 points per eye=1,040 visual field test points, were compared point to point to those obtained using the Humphrey perimeter for the same patients, as they appeared randomly and consecutively at the glaucoma department within hours.ResultsGood receiver operating characteristic/area under the curve coefficient was found, ranging from 0.762 to 0.837 (P<0.001). Sensitivity ranged from 0.637 to 0.942, and specificity ranged from 0.735 to 0.497.ConclusionThe home-based visual field test exhibits a reasonable receiver operating characteristic curve when compared to the Humphrey perimeter, without the need of specialized equipment. The test may be useful for glaucoma screening.

Electroglottography in the diagnosis of functional dysphonia

IntroductionElectroglottography (EGG) is the most commonly used method of indirect visual examination of vocal fold vibration.AimThe study was conducted with an aim of assessing EGG quasi open quotient (QOQEGG) in different functional dysphonias to develop a differential diagnosis. The second aim was to check the influence of articulation on QOQEGG values.Material and methodsThere were 20 people without voice problems, 20 patients with hypofunctional dysphonia and 20 patients with hyperfunctional dysphonia included in the study. Electroglottography was recorded during comfortable sustained phonation of [a], [e], [i], [o], [u].ResultsThere were no statistically significant differences in QOQEGG observed during phonation of different vowels in the control group and patients with hyperfunctional dysphonia. In patients with hypofunctional dysphonia, significantly higher values of QOQEGG were observed during [a] and [e]. Both in the control and in studied groups vowel [i] was vocalized significantly quieter.ConclusionsTo conclude, EGG can be useful in differential diagnosis of functional dysphonia. QOQEGG is a parameter differentiating hypofunctional dysphonia from hyperfunctional dysphonia. Dissimilarities in articulation of different vowels in patients with various types of dysphonia influence values of QOQEGG. EGG study protocol in cases of functional dysphonia should include a comparison of [a], [e], [i] vowels.

АНАЛИЗ И СОВЕРШЕНСТВОВАНИЕ ТЕХНИЧЕСКИХ СРЕДСТВ УЧЁТА ЭЛЕКТРОПОТРЕБЛЕНИЯ ПРЕДПРИЯТИЯМИ СУДОВОЙ ОТРАСЛИ

The object of research are the enterprises of ship industry (cargo ports, berth places, ship-repair and shipbuilding plants, processing plants of fish raw materials). Analysis of amount of power consumption by the enterprises of ship infrastructure, problem of plunder of electric energy by unauthorized intervention in normal operation of metering devices is provided in article (including normal operation of metering stations - current transformers, voltage transformers) or avoiding metering instruments of electric energy. Such concepts as technical and commercial losses of electrical networks have been formulated. The effectiveness of the taken measures with each type of the specified losses has been considered. General methods of identification of unauthorized intervention in operation of metering instruments of electric energy are considered: method of external visual examination of the electric counter and metrological method by using the control and measuring equipment. Taking measurements by control equipment, it is necessary to pay special attention to consuming electric energy by the metering instruments. The working principle of a circuit which isn't provided by the manufacturer and is lowering readings of the consumed electric power is schematically presented. According to the achievements of improvement of technical means of accounting electric energy there has been offered a relevant and effective way of fight against plunder of electric energy: starting mass production of electric meters with a cast casing and a built-in anti-magnetic indicator. At the same time, the importance of setting the high quality components into the metering instruments at the manufacturing plant is emphasized.

Soil structural quality in pasturelands in the city of Buritis (RO), Brazil

Thisstudy aims to evaluate the soil structural quality of pasturelands in the city of Buritis (RO), Brazil. The analysis took place at Boa Esperança and Boa Sorte farms, in November 2017. Three areas at Boa Esperança were evaluated: 1 –cultivation of Panicum maximum cv. Mombaça planted for 19 years; 2 –cultivation of Panicum maximum cv. Mombaça planted for two years; and 3 –cultivation of Brachiaria brizantha cv. Xaraés planted for a year and a half. The area 4 was evaluated at Boa Sorte, having Brachiariadecumbens cultivated for two years. For structural evaluation purposes, the visual examination method was deployed and grades from 1 to 6 for Soil Structural Quality Index were attributed. The average of indexes in each area was: area 1 –4,87 (good structural quality); area 2 –3,64 (regular structural quality); area 3 –4,67 (good structural quality); and area 4 –3,36 (regular structural quality). The obtained grades for areas 2 and 4 show that land use in such areas should be treated with conservationist techniques to improve overall soil structural quality over time. The good quality shown in area 1 points out that keeping fodder plants for large periods of time does not compromise overall structural quality. In this scenario, for better production results, it is only needed to improve chemical factors by fertilizing and correcting soil acid levels. The evaluation of soil structural quality is proven to be useful to help producers enhance their methods of land use, also contributing to a sustainable livestock production.

Visual field examination method using virtual reality glasses compared with the Humphrey perimeter.

PurposeTo present a visual field examination method using virtual reality glasses and evaluate the reliability of the method by comparing the results with those of the Humphrey perimeter.Materials and methodsVirtual reality glasses, a smartphone with a 6 inch display, and software that implements a fast-threshold 3 dB step staircase algorithm for the central 24° of visual field (52 points) were used to test 20 eyes of 10 patients, who were tested in a random and consecutive order as they appeared in our glaucoma department. The results were compared with those obtained from the same patients using the Humphrey perimeter.ResultsHigh correlation coefficient (r=0.808, P<0.0001) was found between the virtual reality visual field test and the Humphrey perimeter visual field.ConclusionVisual field examination results using virtual reality glasses have a high correlation with the Humphrey perimeter allowing the method to be suitable for probable clinical use.

ASSESSING PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN WITH PERCENTILE DIAGRAMS

The results of the analysis of methods assessing anthropometric measures in children are presented. A method for visual examination of physical development using author's percentile diagrams for height, body weight, and the harmony of development of children of different age groups is offered. The method can be quickly performed, it is recommended for mass screening examination of children under outpatient treatment. To monitor the health of a specific child, a monitoring assessment of physical development is possible. The analysis of Z-score is of great clinical importance when determining anthropometric measures below the 3rd percentile, for the assessment of premature infants with congenital malformations and other diseases, in the presence of obesity. Graphical curves of body weight, height to age, body weight according to the height of boys and girls can be used by pediatricians.

Assessment of Efficacy and Tolerance of Three Solutions for Small Bowel Preparation for Video Capsule Endoscopy

Introduction: Wireless video capsule endoscopy (VCE) is a useful noninvasive method for visual examination of small bowel mucosa with indications including obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, iron deficiency anemia, Crohn's disease, and small bowel tumors. One of the short-comings of VCE, however, is poor visualization of mucosa due to enteric secretions and bubbles obscuring the image. There is a great deal of debate about the appropriate preparation for VCE. Despite the current studies and recommendations, there has been no clear recommendation as to the best mode of small bowel preparation for VCE. Studies have also yet to investigate the use of sodium picosulfate, magnesium oxide, and anhydrous citric acid (Prepopik), as it has showed favorable patient satisfaction and improved visualization in colonoscopies. Methods: Thirty-nine patients who met exclusion and inclusion criteria (Figure 1) were randomized into 3 preparation groups: clear liquid diet (CLD), 10oz of magnesium citrate (MC), and one packet of Prepopik followed by 12oz of clear liquid (full colonoscopy dose is 2 packets). Thirty-five patients completed the study with one patient excluded because the capsule was retained in the stomach. Patients completed a questionnaire the morning after the preparation to analyze tolerability. The endocopists were blinded from the study and completed a form regarding the preparation quality. The non-parametric Kruskal Wallis Test was used to analyze the questionnaires.Figure 1Results: No statistically significant difference in the quality of preparations both qualitative (Table 1) and quantitative was found. Prepopik had a mean of 19% (9.4) of images obscured; MC had 22.9% (10.8), and CLD had 23.6% (7.5), p-value = 0.506. There was also no significant difference in patient tolerability (Table 2) and capsule transit time amongst the three preparation groups. The means for tolerability were 4.0 (0.9), 4.0 (1.1), and 4.6 (0.7) for Prepopik, MC, and CLD respectively, p = 0.134. Furthermore, the mean capsule transit times were again respectively 4.45 (1.5), 4.29 (1.3), and 3.94 (1.4), p = 0.56.Figure 2Figure 3Conclusion: Prepopik is a well-tolerated low volume colon preparation which can potentially be used to improve visualization of gastric mucosa on VCE. Although a statistically significant difference was not observed with this study, a larger sample size, or use in selected patients expected to have poor mucosal visualization may yield significance.

Visual examination of changes in soil structural quality due to land use

This study aims to assess how responsive visual examination methods are to the effect of land use on soil structural quality (SSQ), and whether they are sensitive enough to detect significant changes on SSQ over a given sampling interval. The visual soil assessment (VSA), the visual evaluation of soil structure (VESS), the visual assessment of aggregate stability (VAAS) and the visual type of aggregates index (Tyagg) were used to evaluate the SSQ of a sandy loam and a silt loam soil. The land uses comprised cropland (CP) and grassland (PP). The survey was conducted twice in an agricultural cycle (in August and November). Results showed that VESS and Tyagg were in agreement with soil physical parameters when evaluating structural quality of a sandy loam, in contrast to VSA and VAAS. In the silt loam, all methods were responsive to land use effects on soil quality and sensitive in detecting changes in SSQ between evaluation times. We further showed that soils under PP resulted in the best SSQ compared to CP after harvesting, whereas SSQ of CP was better during cereal flowering than after harvesting. Despite the majority of the visual examination methods used in this survey were responsive in evaluating the effect of land use on SSQ and capable of representing structural dynamics (related to soil management) in an agricultural cycle, the lack of agreement between visual examinations and their interrelationships with the soil physical properties evaluated, however, highlight the need to conduct further work for exploring: a) method limitations, b) key factors such as soil moisture content and minimum number of samples for visual examination according to soil texture and spatial variability, and c) a judicious selection of a minimum data set of SSQ indicators omitting redundant material.

Determination of Biofilm Initiation on Virus-infected Cells by Bacteria and Fungi.

The study of polymicrobial interactions across the taxonomic kingdoms that include fungi, bacteria and virus have not been previously examined with respect to how viral members of the microbiome affect subsequent microbe interactions with these virus-infected host cells. The co-habitation of virus with bacteria and fungi is principally present on the mucosal surfaces of the oral cavity and genital tract. Mucosal cells, particularly those with persistent chronic or persistent latent viral infections, could have a significant impact on members of the microbiome through virus alteration in number and type of receptors expressed. Modification in host cell membrane architecture would result in altered ability of subsequent members of the normal flora and opportunistic pathogens to initiate the first step in biofilm formation, i.e., adherence. This study describes a method for quantitation and visual examination of HSV's effect on the initiation of biofilm formation (adherence) of S. aureus and C. albicans.

An Advanced Histologic Method for Evaluation of Intestinal Adenomas in Mice Using Digital Slides.

Background and MethodsMice are used for modelling the biology of many human diseases, including colorectal cancer (CRC). Mouse models recapitulate many aspects of human disease and are invaluable tools for studying the biology, treatment and prevention of CRC. Unlike humans, many mouse models develop lesions primarily in the small intestine, which necessitates removal and examination of this organ in order to evaluate treatment efficacy. Commonly, the small intestine is visually examined for gross lesions and then selectively embedded in paraffin blocks for further microscopic analysis. Unfortunately, this method suffers from inherent bias toward counting large lesions and simultaneously missing smaller lesions. Even more, this method leaves no permanent record of diagnosed and measured lesions. We evaluated inter-observer variability in a mouse model of CRC using visual examination, and directly compared the visual, gross examination with a histologic analytic method using digital slides of hematoxylin and eosin stained tissue sections.ResultsUsing visual examination, there was a high degree of inter-observer variability. As this method does not provide a permanent record of measurements, there is no capability to arbitrate between differing observations. In contrast, histologic analysis allowed for the creation of a permanent record of lesion measurements taken. When compared directly, histologic analysis of annotated digital images has significantly improved accuracy. Using this method we were able to distinguish mutant mice from wild type littermates even at a very young age. With gross visual examination, this distinction was not possible.ConclusionHistologic analysis of digital images of murine intestinal tissue provides a vital improvement over the commonly used visual, gross examination method. Unlike visual gross examination, histologic analysis is not biased by the size of intestinal adenoma, misdiagnosis of another lesion type, or presence of a Peyer’s patch. It also provides accountability in the form of a permanent record of lesions counted. Histologic analysis using digital slides represents a critical improvement over the current, widely used method of visual gross examination and should be considered for future studies using mouse models of CRC.

Heidelberg Edge Perimeter: The New Method of Perimetry.

Glaucoma is an optic nerve neuropathy associated with progressive visual field loss. One of the most frequent eye diseases these days, it is believed to have affected 60 million people worldwide in 2014. Various visual field examination methods are known, from the confrontational test to kinetic and static perimetry. The latest device to access the visual field is the Heidelberg Edge Perimeter (HEP). It is a flicker perimeter, but, unlike others of its kind, it uses a unique stimulus called FDF (Flicker Defined Form). A 5-grade round stimulus is created by reversing the phase of flickering black and white dots, thereby forming illusory outlines. The test uses randomly flickering points in medium illumination (50 cd/m²). The background remains the same during the whole test. Background luminance is 50 cd/m2, the marker showing time is 400 ms, and the frequency is 15 Hz. Current studies show that HEP can detect early visual field loss which remains invisible during a standard visual field test with standard automated perimetry. HEP might also prove useful in the early detection of other diseases connected with visual field loss, for example in neurology.

Confocal laser scanning microscopy in vivo for diagnosing melanocytic skin neoplasms

The authors discuss the use of confocal laser scanning microscopy in vivo (CLSM) for diagnosing melanocytic skin neoplasms and its value for early diagnostics of melanoma. CLSM is an innovation noninvasive visual examination method for real-time multiple and painless examinations of the patient’s skin without injuring the skin integument. The method ensures early diagnostics of skin melanomas with high sensitivity and specificity, which makes it possible to use CLSM for screening melanocytic skin neoplasms for the sake of the early onset of treatment to save patient life and health.

Comparison between visual clinical examination and the replica method for assessments of sealant retention over a 2-year period

To compare the levels of agreement and the survival rates of sealant retention for different sealing materials over a 2-year period assessed using the visual clinical examination and replica methods, sealant retention data were obtained by visual clinical examination and from replicas of the same sealed tooth at baseline and at 0.5-, 1- and 2-year evaluation points in 407 children and were compared for agreement using kappa coefficients. Survival curves of retained sealants on occlusal surfaces were created using modified categorisation (fully retained sealants and those having all pits and fissures partly covered with the sealant material versus completely lost sealants that included pit and fissure systems that had ≥1 pit re-exposed) according to the Kaplan–Meier method. The kappa coefficient for the agreement between both assessment methods over the three evaluation time points combined was 0.38 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.35–0.41). More sealant retention was observed from replicas than through visual clinical examination. Cumulative survival curves at the three evaluation times were not statistically significantly higher when assessed from replicas (P=0.47). Using the replica method, more retained sealant material was observed than through visual clinical examination during the 2-year period. This finding did not result in a difference in the survival rates of sealants assessed by the two assessment methods. When replicas cast in die stone are used for assessing sealant retention, the level of reliability of the data is higher than that of data obtained through the commonly used visual clinical examination, particularly if such assessments are conducted over time.

Visual examinations and soil physical and hydraulic properties for assessing soil structural quality of soils with contrasting textures and land uses

This study evaluates the use and the ability of visual examinations for assessing soil structural quality (SSQ) in soils with contrasting textures and under different land uses. The study searched for similarities in SSQ class between visual examinations and soil physical and hydraulic properties (soil organic carbon (SOC), aggregate stability, bulk density, porosity, plant available water capacity (PAWC) and unsaturated and saturated hydraulic conductivity), as well as the statistical relationships between them. The visual examinations used were the visual evaluation of soil structure (VESS), the visual soil assessment (VSA), the visual assessment of aggregate stability and the visual type of aggregates index. The latter is proposed as a new visual index for assessing SSQ. Samples were taken on a sandy loam and a silt loam soil, both under cereal monoculture (CM) and permanent pasture (PP), with conventional tillage and no tillage, respectively. Visual examination methods indicated significant differences between CM and PP in the silt loam soil (0.01<P<0.05), which were confirmed by significant differences in soil porosity and PAWC values. Wet sieving and the visual type of aggregates index were similar in identifying differences between land uses in both soils. Measurements of the visual type of aggregates index and of the hydraulic conductivity at different pressure heads were similar in indicating the soil structure condition of the soils. In the silt loam soil, the visual examinations were most related to properties such as SOC, PAWC, aggregate stability and porosity, whereas in the sandy loam soil they were most associated with water flow properties. The present study demonstrated that visual examinations are reliable semi-quantitative methods to assess SSQ and could be considered as promising visual predictors of soil physical properties (0.33<R2<0.95). Finally, from the dissimilarities in terms of soil quality found with the VSA, VESS and porosity compare to the amount of SOC, SOC should be used cautiously as a sole indicator for soil structural quality as has been proposed in the literature, because SOC per se is not always well related to soil structural quality.

Visual field examination using a video projector: comparison with Humphrey perimeter

PurposeTo present a method of visual field examination using a video projector. Also, we compare our results with those of a Humphrey perimeter, which is accepted as standard in automated perimetry.Materials and methodsSoftware implementing a full-threshold 4-2-step staircase algorithm for the central 30-2 of the visual field (76 points) has been developed and tested in nine eyes of seven patients using an Epson TW 700 video projector. The results were compared to those obtained from the same patients using the Humphrey perimeter.ResultsHigh correlation between the video projector visual fields and those of the Humphrey perimeter was found. The point-to-point correlation coefficient ranged from 0.75 to 0.90, with P<0.0001 for each eye.ConclusionVisual field examination results using a video projector have high correlation with those of a Humphrey perimeter. The method is possibly suitable for clinical use.