Hjorthflynn9348

The new strain transfer function and the proposed back-calculation method can enhance the strain field estimation accuracy in using a distributed optical fiber sensor. This enables us to use a highly durable distributed optical fiber sensor with thick protective layers in precision measurement.The application of MACS non-apoptotic sperm selection in infertility clinics is controversial since the published literature does not agree on its effect on reproductive outcomes. Therefore, it is not part of the routine clinical practice. Classical measures of reproductive success (pregnancy or live birth rates per ovarian stimulation) introduce a bias in the evaluation of a technique's effect, since only the best embryo is transferred. This retrospective, multicenter, observational study evaluated the impact of MACS on reproductive outcomes, measuring results in classical parameters and cumulative live birth rates (CLBR). Data from ICSI cycles using autologous oocyte in Spanish IVIRMA fertility clinics from January 2008 to February 2020 were divided into two groups according to their semen processing standard practice (reference 46,807 patients) versus an added MACS sperm selection (1779 patients). Only when measured as CLBR per embryo transferred and per MII oocyte used was the difference between groups statistically significant. There were no significant differences between MACS and reference groups on pregnancy and live birth rates. In conclusion, results suggest that non-apoptotic sperm selection by MACS on unselected males prior to ICSI with autologous oocytes has limited clinical impact, showing a subtle increase in CLBR per embryo transferred.The environmental weathering and the formation of efflorescences on the brick walls are studied at the "Casa di Diana" Mithraeum at Ostia Antica archaeological site. Previous studies on subsoil, bedrock, hydrological systems and environmental conditions, and new ion chromatography analysis combined with ECOS-RUNSALT and Medusa-Hydra thermodynamic modelling software, had allowed us to identify the subsoil contamination related to soluble salts. The atmospheric acidic gases, CO2 and SO2, are determined as the main salt weathering species. A dry deposition after a subsequent hydration action from the shallow freshwater aquifer that reaches up to 1 m on the walls is identified as the mechanism of salt formation. An evaluation of potential sources such as the nearby Fiumicino airport, CO2-rich gases inputs from fumaroles and CO2 inputs was also debated. The risk level of contamination the surfaces of the materials should be considered mildly/very polluted with a medium/high risk of hygroscopic moisture due to the high concentration of sulphates.In this work, we propose and analyze a new concept of gamma ray imaging that corresponds to a gamma camera with a mobile collimator, which can be used in vivo, during surgical interventions for oncological patients for localizing regions of interest such as tumors or ganglia. The benefits are a much higher sensitivity, better image quality and, consequently, a dose reduction for the patient and medical staff. This novel approach is a practical solution to the overlapping problem which is inherent to multi-pinhole gamma camera imaging and single photon emission computed tomography and which translates into artifacts and/or image truncation in the final reconstructed image. The key concept consists in introducing a relative motion between the collimator and the detector. Moreover, this design could also be incorporated into most commercially available gamma camera devices, without any excessive additional requirements. We use Monte Carlo simulations to assess the feasibility of such a device, analyze three possible designs and compare their sensitivity, resolution and uniformity. We propose a final design of a gamma camera with a high sensitivity ranging from 0.001 to 0.006 cps/Bq, and a high resolution of 0.5-1.0 cm (FWHM), for source-to-detector distances of 4-10 cm. Additionally, this planar gamma camera provides information about the depth of source (with approximate resolution of 1.5 cm) and excellent image uniformity.Paper-based analytical devices (PADs) have emerged as a promising approach to point-of-care (POC) detection applications in biomedical and clinical diagnosis owing to their advantages, including cost-effectiveness, ease of use, and rapid responses as well as for being equipment-free, disposable, and user-friendly. However, the overall sensitivity of PADs still remains weak, posing a challenge for biosensing scientists exploiting them in clinical applications. This review comprehensively summarizes the current applicable potential of PADs, focusing on total signal-amplification strategies that have been applied widely in PADs involving colorimetry, luminescence, surface-enhanced Raman scattering, photoacoustic, photothermal, and photoelectrochemical methods as well as nucleic acid-mediated PAD modifications. FI6934 The advances in signal-amplification strategies in terms of signal-enhancing principles, sensitivity, and time reactions are discussed in detail to provide an overview of these approaches to using PADs in biosensing applications. Furthermore, a comparison of these methods summarizes the potential for scientists to develop superior PADs. This review serves as a useful inside look at the current progress and prospective directions in using PADs for clinical diagnostics and provides a better source of reference for further investigations, as well as innovations, in the POC diagnostics field.Discretionary food package sizes are an important environmental cue that can affect the amount of food consumed. The aim of this study was to determine sales trends and reported food industry perspectives for changing food package sizes of carbonates and confectionery between 2005 and 2019. Changes in package sizes of carbonates and confectionery were investigated in Australia, the USA, Canada, and the UK. Sales data (units per capita and compound annual growth rate between 2005 and 2019) were extracted from the Euromonitor database. Qualitative data (market research reports) on industry perspectives on package size changes were extracted from industry and marketing databases. Carbonate sales data showed increased growth of smaller package sizes (100 g), including share packages, was observed in Australia. Qualitative data (n = 92 articles) revealed key reasons identified by industry for changes in package size related to consumer health awareness, portion size control, convenience, market growth, and government or industry initiatives.