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Using the example of assessing the technical condition of the trunnions of drying cylinders in cardboard machines (CBM), the question of the possibility of ranking cyclically loaded elements of dynamic equipment according to the degree of damage to their material by fatigue cracks using acoustic emission (AE) measurements is discussed. As a result of special laboratory studies with varying loads in the cycle of loading and lubrication of crack edges, the features of AE due to the friction of crack edges and plastic deformation at the crack tip during its growth in a viscous material have been established. It is shown that during cyclic loading of the material, AE signals from the friction of its banks are detected more steadily than AE signals due to a crack jump with an increase in its length, and that tracking the former ensures the detection of fatigue damage in the material even under loading conditions insufficient for crack growth. Based on the data obtained, three AE signs of the presence of fatigue damage in the material of the elements of dynamic equipment were developed under the condition of cyclic activation of the movement of crack edges. As a result of industrial testing of the developed AE signs, their operability was confirmed, their boundary values on the operating trunnions of CBM drying cylinders were clarified, and a method for ranking trunnions by the level of damage due to fatigue cracks was proposed. By comparing the results of AE measurements with ultrasound testing, the reliability of the proposed approach was evaluated and showed the probability of detecting a fatigue crack in the trunnions of CBM drying cylinders at the level of 71%, with the probability of skipping and false rejection of the product of 12 and 17%, respectively. The developed technique is also transferable to other massive dynamic equipment after clarifying the boundary values of AE signs of fatigue damage in the material on this type of facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During epidemics, such as the frequent and devastating Ebola virus outbreaks that have historically plagued regions of Africa, serological surveillance efforts are critical for viral containment and the development of effective antiviral therapeutics. Antibody serology can also be used retrospectively for population-level surveillance to provide a more complete estimate of total infections. Ebola surveillance efforts rely on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), which restrict testing to laboratories and are not adaptable for use in resource-limited settings. In this manuscript, we describe a paper-based immunoassay capable of detecting anti-Ebola IgG using Ebola virus envelope glycoprotein ectodomain (GP) as the affinity reagent. We evaluated seven monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against GP—KZ52, 13C6, 4G7, 2G4, c6D8, 13F6, and 4F3—to elucidate the impact of binding affinity and binding epitope on assay performance and, ultimately, result interpretation. We used biolayer interferometry to characterize the binding of each antibody to GP before assessing their performance in our paper-based device. Binding affinity (KD) and on rate (kon) were major factors influencing the sensitivity of the paper-based immunoassay. mAbs with the best KD (3–25 nM) exhibited the lowest limits of detection (ca. μg mL−1), while mAbs with KD > 25 nM were undetectable in our device. Additionally, and most surprisingly, we determined that observed signals in paper devices were directly proportional to kon. These results highlight the importance of ensuring that the quality of recognition reagents is sufficient to support desired assay performance and suggest that the strength of an individual's immune response can impact the interpretation of assay results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Addressing the pressing demand for rapid and inexpensive coagulation testing in cardiovascular care, this study introduces a novel application of repurposed COVID-19 rapid antigen tests (RATs) as paper-based lateral flow assays (LFAs) combined with machine learning for coagulation status evaluation. By further developing a mobile app prototype, we present a platform that enables clinicians to perform immediate and accurate anticoagulant dosing adjustments using existing post-pandemic resources. Our proof-of-concept employs a random forest machine learning classifier to interpret image feature variations on RAT NC membrane, correlating red blood cell (RBC) wicked diffusion distance in recalcified citrated whole blood with changes in coagulative viscosity, easily interpreted. Enhanced by confocal imaging studies of paper microfluidics, our approach provides insights into the mechanisms dissecting coagulation components, achieving high classification precision, recall, and F1-scores. The inverse relationship between RBC wicked diffusion distance and enoxaparin concentration paves the way for machine learning to inform real-time dose prescription adjustments, aligning with individual patient profiles to optimize therapeutic outcomes. This study not only demonstrates the potential of leveraging surplus RATs for coagulation management but also exemplifies a cost-effective, rapid, and smart strategy to enhance clinical decision-making in the post-pandemic era. Highlights: • Repurposed COVID-19 RATs provide an ideal platform for observing differences in blood coagulability. • Random Forest image classification algorithms can facilitate rapid coagulation status assessment on a paper-based LFA platform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluation of fish stock status is a key step for fisheries management. Tuna Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (t-RFMOs) are moving towards management strategy evaluation (MSE), a process that combines science and policy and depends on technical aspects, developed by scientists, designed to meet management objectives established by managers and other stakeholders. In the Indian Ocean, the current management advice for swordfish (Xiphias gladius) is based on an ensemble of 24 models considering four areas of uncertainty about the stock dynamics. There is an ongoing MSE process for swordfish, and this paper describes the methodology being applied for the conditioning of the operating model (OM), including model selection and validation. In the MSE, nine sources of uncertainty were considered, each being characterized by 2–3 levels. A partial factorial design was employed to reduce the number of models from a full factorial design to those needed to encompass the overall uncertainty. A selection and validation process was carried out, filtering models that converged, showed good predictive skills, and provided plausible estimates. Overall, the estimated spawning stock biomass (SSB) relative to SSB at maximum sustainable yield (MSY), and fishing mortality (F) relative to FMSY encompasses the estimates of the stock assessment ensemble at the most optimist area of the distribution. The MSE for swordfish is an ongoing process that is expected to provide more robust management advice in the future. Further developments to the OM can still occur, but the methods presented herein can be applied to this, or other species, MSE processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Earlier access to patients' biomarker status could transform disease management. However, gold-standard techniques such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) are typically not deployed at the point-of-care due to their cumbersome instrumentation and complexity. Electrochemical immunosensors can be disruptive in this sector with their small size and lower cost but, without further modifications, the performance of these sensors in complex media (e.g., blood) has been limited. This paper presents a low-cost fluidic accessory fabricated using widely accessible materials and processes for boosting sensor sensitivity through confinement of the detection media next to the electrode surface. Liquid confinement first highlighted a spontaneous reaction between the pseudoreference electrode and ELISA detection substrate 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) that decreases the amount of oxTMB available for detection. Different strategies are investigated to limit this and maximize reliability. Next, flow cell integration during the signal amplification step of sensor preparation was shown to substantially enhance the detection of cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) with the best sensitivity boost recorded for fresh human plasma (x7 increase compared to x5.8 in purified serum and x5.5 in PBS). The flow cell requires no specialized equipment and can be seamlessly integrated with commercial sensors, making an ideal companion for electrochemical signal enhancement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article continues and supplements the article with the same title published in Russian Journal of Nondestructive Testing, no. 1, 2022, which provides six ways to assess the quality and reliability of semiconductor products (SCPs) using low-frequency (LF) noise parameters. This paper presents a generalization of the results previously obtained by the authors and describes four more methods for diagnosing and evaluating the reliability of SCPs by varying the parameters of low- frequency noise under additional external influences such as electrostatic discharge and (or) thermal annealing. It is shown that additional impacts make it possible to increase the reliability of the assessment of the SCP reliability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of nanotechnology in the diagnostics and therapeutics of diabetes has been widely known. In this paper, the authors have tried to comprehensively cover the recent advances in this field. After giving a brief account of diabetes and the limitations of the current anti-diabetic regime, the authors have discussed nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems for diabetes, quality and safety evaluation parameters of nano-based anti-diabetic therapeutics, and the limitations of conventional anti-diabetic therapies overcome by nanotechnology. This article also discusses the clearance mechanisms and toxicity concerns of NPs based on anti-diabetic drugs. The authors have summarized the current trends and suggested future directions for nanotechnology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TADS are a novel, concise white-box representation of neural networks. In this paper, we apply TADS to the problem of neural network verification, using them to generate either proofs or concise error characterizations for desirable neural network properties. In a case study, we consider the robustness of neural networks to adversarial attacks, i.e., small changes to an input that drastically change a neural networks perception, and show that TADS can be used to provide precise diagnostics on how and where robustness errors a occur. We achieve these results by introducing Precondition Projection, a technique that yields a TADS describing network behavior precisely on a given subset of its input space, and combining it with PCA, a traditional, well-understood dimensionality reduction technique. We show that PCA is easily compatible with TADS. All analyses can be implemented in a straightforward fashion using the rich algebraic properties of TADS, demonstrating the utility of the TADS framework for neural network explainability and verification. While TADS do not yet scale as efficiently as state-of-the-art neural network verifiers, we show that, using PCA-based simplifications, they can still scale to medium-sized problems and yield concise explanations for potential errors that can be used for other purposes such as debugging a network or generating new training samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present an algebraic approach to the precise and global verification and explanation of Rectifier Neural Networks, a subclass of Piece-wise Linear Neural Networks (PLNNs), i.e., networks that semantically represent piece-wise affine functions. Key to our approach is the symbolic execution of these networks that allows the construction of semantically equivalent Typed Affine Decision Structures (TADS). Due to their deterministic and sequential nature, TADS can, similarly to decision trees, be considered as white-box models and therefore as precise solutions to the model and outcome explanation problem. TADS are linear algebras, which allows one to elegantly compare Rectifier Networks for equivalence or similarity, both with precise diagnostic information in case of failure, and to characterize their classification potential by precisely characterizing the set of inputs that are specifically classified, or the set of inputs where two network-based classifiers differ. All phenomena are illustrated along a detailed discussion of a minimal, illustrative example: the continuous XOR function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gynecological ultrasonography plays a central role in the management of endometriosis. The rapid technical development as well as the currently increasing evidence for non-invasive diagnostic methods require an updated compilation of recommendations for the use of ultrasound in the management of endometriosis. The present work aims to highlight the accuracy of sonography for diagnosing and classifying endometriosis and will formulate the present list of key messages and recommendations. This paper aims to demonstrate the accuracy of TVS in the diagnosis and classification of endometriosis and to discuss the clinical applications and consequences of TVS findings for indication, surgical planning and assessment of associated risk factors. (1) Sophisticated ultrasound is the primary imaging modality recommended for suspected endometriosis. The examination procedure should be performed according to the IDEA Consensus. (2) Surgical intervention to confirm the diagnosis alone is not recommended. A preoperative imaging procedure with TVS and/or MRI is strongly recommended. (3) Ultrasound examination does not allow the definitive exclusion of endometriosis. (4) The examination is primarily transvaginal and should always be combined with a speculum and a bimanual examination. (5) Additional transabdominal ultrasonography may enhance the accuracy of the examination in case of extra pelvic disease, extensive findings or limited transvaginal access. (6) Sonographic assessment of both kidneys is mandatory when deep endometriosis (DE) and endometrioma are suspected. (7) Endometriomas are well defined by sonographic criteria. When evaluating the ovaries, the use of IOTA criteria is recommended. (8) The description of sonographic findings of deep endometriosis should be systematically recorded and performed using IDEA terminology. (9) Adenomyosis uteri has sonographically well-defined criteria (MUSA) that allow for detection with high sensitivity and specificity. MRI is not superior to differentiated skilled ultrasonography. (10) Classification of the extent of findings should be done according to the #Enzian classification. The current data situation proves the best possible prediction of the intraoperative situs of endometriosis (exclusive peritoneum) for the non-invasive application of the #Enzian classification. (11) Transvaginal sonographic examination by an experienced examiner is not inferior to MRI diagnostics regarding sensitivity and specificity in the prediction of the extent of deep endometriosis. (12) The major advantage of non-invasive imaging and classification of endometriosis is the differentiated planning or possible avoidance of surgical interventions. The recommendations represent the opinion of experts in the field of non-invasive and invasive diagnostics as well as therapy of endometriosis. They were developed with the participation of the following national and international societies: DEGUM, ÖGUM, SGUM, SEF, AGEM/DGGG, and EEL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the authors discuss about the future challenges of condition monitoring in an industrial context. One of the authors is Line Manager at Data Processing & Analytics for Equipment, Industry 4.0 & MES Products division of Tetra Pak Packaging Solutions S.p.A., a multinational company that approached condition monitoring and diagnostics fifteen years ago. So far, they have gained experience and have a clear idea of what the Industrial field expects in the coming years. In this paper, the analysis of a specific case study is an opportunity to suggest more general research themes on condition monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suspension plasma spraying has aroused much research efforts over the two last decades to describe and understand the in-flight mechanisms of suspension plasma processing by developing advanced diagnostics and models. This research field has highlighted the intricate and prevailing dependence of the coating properties, and especially the rich variety of attainable microstructures, on the thermal and dynamic histories of the submicron particles in the plasma jet. This paper gives an overview of the major key points to control from the plasma torch operation up to the coating build-up. The main diagnostics methods are examined and the most advanced models as well. The perspectives focus on the key issues to improve the basic understanding of the in-flight phenomena. They also insist on a necessary multiscale approach to combine the diagnostics and the models in order to form relevant data flows for machine learning algorithms and better process prediction and reliability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our understanding of the formation and evolution of the corona and the heliosphere is linked to our capability of properly interpret the data from remote sensing and in-situ observations. In this respect, being able to correctly connect in-situ observations with their source regions on the Sun is the key for solving this problem. In this work we aim at testing a diagnostics method for this connectivity. This paper makes use of a coronal jet observed on 2010 August 2nd in active region 11092 as a test for our connectivity method. This combines solar EUV and in-situ data together with magnetic field extrapolation, large scale MHD modeling and FIP (First Ionization Potential) bias modeling to provide a global picture from the source region of the jet to its possible signatures at 1 AU. Our data analysis reveals the presence of outflow areas near the jet which are within open magnetic flux regions and which present FIP bias consistent with the FIP model results. In our picture, one of these open areas is the candidate jet source. Using a back-mapping technique we identified the arrival time of this solar plasma at the ACE spacecraft. The in-situ data show signatures of changes in the plasma and magnetic field parameters, with FIP bias consistent with the possible passage of the jet material. Our results highlight the importance of remote sensing and in-situ coordinated observations as a key to solve the connectivity problem. We discuss our results in view of the recent Solar Orbiter launch which is currently providing such unique data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common comorbidity in adult patients with substance use disorders (SUDs). The diagnostics and treatment of ADHD with SUD are often a challenge, also with respect to the prescription of stimulants. Recently, a group of international experts developed a consensus paper on the diagnosis and treatment of comorbid ADHD and SUD. In addition, the German S3 guidelines on ADHD have been published, which also give advice on the treatment of ADHD in comorbid SUD. The German S3 guidelines on alcohol-related disorders and methamphetamine-related disorders also address ADHD as a comorbidity. Methods: Summary of consensus and guideline recommendations, supplemented with the most recent literature. Conclusion: In recent years new findings on the comorbidity of ADHD in patients with SUD have emerged. A series of screening and diagnostic instruments have meanwhile been evaluated in this patient group. The consensus paper and various guidelines therefore provide clinicians with specific help in detecting ADHD in patients with SUD and in conducting further diagnostics and treatment of both disorders. For example, the importance of stimulants in the treatment of patients with SUD and ADHD has significantly changed and first studies on psychotherapeutic interventions specific to this comorbidity are now available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Facial nerve electrodiagnostics is a well-established and important tool for decision making in patients with facial nerve diseases. Nevertheless, many otorhinolaryngologist—head and neck surgeons do not routinely use facial nerve electrodiagnostics. This may be due to a current lack of agreement on methodology, interpretation, validity, and clinical application. Electrophysiological analyses of the facial nerve and the mimic muscles can assist in diagnosis, assess the lesion severity, and aid in decision making. With acute facial palsy, it is a valuable tool for predicting recovery. Methods: This paper presents a guideline prepared by members of the International Head and Neck Scientific Group and of the Multidisciplinary Salivary Gland Society for use in cases of peripheral facial nerve disorders based on a systematic literature search. Results: Required equipment, practical implementation, and interpretation of the results of facial nerve electrodiagnostics are presented. Conclusion: The aim of this guideline is to inform all involved parties (i.e. otorhinolaryngologist—head and neck surgeons and other medical specialists, therapeutic professionals and the affected persons) and to provide practical recommendations for the diagnostic use of facial nerve electrodiagnostics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The temperature, velocity, and size of hot metal sparks are essential to understanding their ability to ignite flammable materials. However, existing measurement methods have limitations to achieve detailed, in situ measurements of these parameters. This paper describes a methodology that combines color-ratio pyrometry and particle streak tracing velocimetry, together with digital image processing to obtain non-intrusive measurements of the temperature, velocity, and size of multiple sparks in a spray. Furthermore, these measurements can be performed using a properly calibrated commercially available color digital camera. The principle of the measurement is firstly introduced, and the repeatability and accuracy of the method are validated via a designed experiment. Then the method is performed to measure the temperature and velocity of metal (steel) sparks in sprays generated by abrasive cutting. Measurements of initial spark temperatures and velocities are reported, as well as the evolution of the temperature and velocity along the flight path of the sparks. Observed initial spark temperature in this work mostly ranged within 1500°C to 1700°C. Results show evidence of both melting and oxidation of the sparks. Different blade speeds are used to understand their effect on spark velocity and temperature. The results of this study can be used as input parameters for spark oxidation and transport models, which in turn can be used to assess the hazards of spark sprays in wildland spot fires, ignition, explosions of flammable gaseous mixtures and dust clouds, and for monitoring and optimizing the material processes such as thermal-spray coating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cluster analysis is an important problem of unsupervised machine learning. Model-based clustering is one of the most popular clustering techniques based on finite mixture models. Upon fitting of a mixture model, one question naturally arises as to how many misclassifications there are in the partition. At the same time, rather limited literature is devoted to developing diagnostic tools for obtained clustering solution. In this paper, an algorithm is developed for efficiently estimating the misclassification probability. The confusion probability map and classification confidence region are proposed for predicting the confusion matrix, identifying which cluster causes the most confusion, and understand the distribution of misclassifications. Application to real-life datasets illustrates the developed technique with promising results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emerging field of RNA nanotechnology harnesses the versatility of RNA molecules to generate nature-inspired systems with programmable structure and functionality. Such methodology has therefore gained appeal in the fields of biosensing and diagnostics, where specific molecular recognition and advanced input/output processing are demanded. The use of RNA modules and components allows for achieving diversity in structure and function, for processing information with molecular precision, and for programming dynamic operations on the grounds of predictable non-covalent interactions. When RNA nanotechnology meets bioanalytical chemistry, sensing of target molecules can be performed by harnessing programmable interactions of RNA modules, advanced field-ready biosensors can be manufactured by interfacing RNA-based devices with supporting portable platforms, and RNA sensors can be engineered to be genetically encoded allowing for real-time imaging of biomolecules in living cells. In this article, we report recent advances in RNA-based sensing technologies and discuss current trends in RNA nanotechnology-enabled biomedical diagnostics. In particular, we describe programmable sensors that leverage modular designs comprising dynamic aptamer-based units, synthetic RNA nanodevices able to perform target-responsive regulation of gene expression, and paper-based sensors incorporating artificial RNA networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Real-time feedback about dissected tissue during the neurosurgical procedure is strongly requested. A novel direct ionization mass spectrometric method for identifying pathological differences in tissues is proposed. The method is based on simultaneous extraction of tissue lipids and electrospray ionization which allows mass spectrometric data to be obtained directly from soft tissues. The advantage of this method is the stable flow of solvent, which leads to stable time-dependent spectra. The tissues included necrotized tissues and tumor tissues in different combinations. Capability for direct analysis of samples of dissected tissues during the neurosurgical procedure is demonstrated. Data validation is conducted by compound identification using precise masses from the MS profile, MS/MS, and isotopic distribution structure analysis. The method can be upgraded and applied for real-time identification of tissues during surgery. This paper describes the technique and its application perspective. For these purposes, other methods were compared with the investigated one and the results were shown to be reproducible. Differences in lipid profiles were observed even in tissues from one patient where distinctions between different samples could be poor. The paper presents a proof of concept for the method to be applied in neurosurgery particularly and in tissue analysis generically. The paper also contains preliminary results proving the possibility of observing differences in mass spectra of different tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recognizing child sexual abuse (CSA) in children is difficult, as there can be many hurdles in the assessment of alleged CSA. With this paper, we try to improve the recognition of CSA by discussing: (1) the difficulties regarding this matter and (2) the diagnostic evaluation of alleged CSA, combining both practical clinical recommendations based on recent research. Children are restrained to disclose CSA due to various reasons, such as fears, shame, and linguistic or verbal limitations. Associations between CSA and urogenital or gastrointestinal symptoms, internalizing and externalizing behavioral problems, post-traumatic stress symptoms, and atypical sexual behavior in children have been reported. However, these symptoms are non-specific for CSA. The majority of sexually abused children do not display signs of penetrative trauma at anogenital examination. Diagnosing a STI in a child can indicate CSA. However, other transmission routes (e.g., vertical transmission, auto-inoculation) need to be considered as well.Conclusion: The assessment consists of medical interview and child interview (parents and child separate and together) with special attention to the child's development and behavior (problems), psychosocial situation and physical complaints, the child's mental health, and the child's trauma history; anogenital examination should be done in all cases of alleged CSA. The examination should be documented by photo or video graphically. Recent research suggests that videography may be the preferred method, and testing on STIs. The assessment should be done multidisciplinary by experienced professionals. Health-care professionals who care for children need to know how child protective agencies and law enforcement are organized. In case there are concerns about a child's safety, the appropriate authorities should be alarmed. What is Known: • Sexual abuse in children often remains unrecognized in the majority of cases. What is New: • Research suggests that videographic documentation is preferred above photographic documentation for anogenital examination; observations of children's behavioral reactions during examinations might be valuable in the evaluation of suspected sexual abuse; nucleic acid amplification testing can be used on vaginal swabs or urine samples for chlamydia and gonorrhea; the CRIES-13 and the CAPS-CA can be used to assess trauma-symptoms in children after sexual abuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Induction motors are the workhorse component of many industries and are frequently integrated into equipment. Many industries faced one of the serious problems regarding its maintenance issues. According to Neale and Wowk, the maintenance expenditure can be up to 80% of the total cost of motor. According to the reliable study by Electric Power Research Institute, the inter-turn short-circuit faults approximately contribute 37% of the induction motor failures. In the literature, most of the techniques are reviewed that are used to diagnose the fault in stator winding and it is found that majority of motor failures are due to insulation breakdown. It is found the unbalanced voltage is one of the major sources of insulation failure. And most of the exiting techniques to diagnose this fault are off-line or sensor bases. In this work, noninvasive online method is proposed; first of all, an analytical expression is derived for the conductor segments in the stator winding that are responsible for the generation of magnetomotive force (MMF). Therefore, stator windings are partitioned down into two set of segments (slot conductors and end conductors). The slot conductors are of major interest because their axial arrangement in the slots provides a room to establish MMF in order to generate a torque. Further, in this paper, an expression for MMF is derived through winding function approach. It was found that besides the fundamental MMF, there exist waves with a different number of poles. This MMF will induce a voltage in a stator winding through rotor side. In addition, the effect of MMF is considered on the current spectrum of induction motor because the knowledge of current spectrum under faulty regimes is the point of interest to diagnose a motor fault in a noninvasive way. Moreover, a new series of rotor harmonic frequency component are introduced to diagnose unbalanced voltage supply. Finally, the proposed analytical models and new series of rotor harmonic sheds a light on stator current components to diagnose and distinguish between balanced and unbalanced voltage supply in a real-time scenario. To validate the proposed method, two experimental hardware setups were designed comprising of a three-phase induction motor, two-axis magnetic field sensor, 8821-2A variable power source, current transformer, FLUKE 435 II series power quality energy analyzer, and Pasco interface for data acquisition. The appearance and significant increase in the magnitude of a new series of harmonics under unbalanced voltage are the indication of unbalanced voltage supply. Thus, the experimental data clearly justify and validate the proposed analytical model with the results of hardware setup. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Safety programmable logic controllers (S-PLCs) provide broad application options and are being used to perform control but primarily safety functions (SFs) on the process control level. An essential part of control systems based on S-PLC is the sensors and actuators. In order to ensure the SF with high safety integrity level (SIL), the control system performing this SF has to dispose of a suitable failure detection mechanism and a mechanism providing its safe reaction in case of a failure detection. The diagnostics provided by S-PLC is mainly focused on its own components, and the diagnostics of sensors and actuators has to be resolved on the application program level while respecting some specific properties of S-PLC. This paper addresses the analysis of the influence of S-PLC parameters and diagnostic parameters on the safety function SIL, which is performed by a safety relevant electronic system. In the practical part is described the implementation of application diagnostics in S-PLC and the results of diagnostic parameters influence on safety integrity of SF for a selected example connected to a practical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Celiac disease has advanced from a medical rarity to a highly prevalent disorder. Patients with the disease show varying degrees of chronic inflammation within the small intestine due to an aberrant immune response to the digestion of gliadin found in wheat. As a result, cytokines and antibodies are produced in celiac patients that can be used as specific biomarkers for developing diagnostic tests. This review paper describes celiac disease in terms of its etiological cause, pathological effects, current diagnostic tests based on mucosal biopsy, and the genetic basis for the disease. In addition, it discusses the use of gliadin-induced cytokines, antibodies and autoantibodies as a diagnostic tool for celiac disease. Despite good initial results in terms of sensitivity and specificity, when these immunological tests were used on a large scale, even in combination with genetic testing, the results showed lower predictive value. This review addresses that issue and ends with an outlook on future work required to develop diagnostic tests with greater accuracy in predicting celiac disease in the general public, thus avoiding the need for endoscopy and mucosal biopsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research on high-velocity air-fuel (HVAF)-sprayed CrC-based materials has mostly focused on conventional CrC-25NiCr composition. In this paper, two alternative compositions (CrC-50NiCrMoNb and CrC-37WC-18NiCoCrFe) were sprayed with high-velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) and HVAF spray processes to evaluate the material behavior during spraying and to provide characterization of the microstructures and mechanical properties of the coatings. For comparison, coatings from the CrC-25NiCr composition were sprayed with both processes. Spray diagnostics were carried out to obtain average particle velocity and temperature for each material and process combinations. The measured average in-flight particle data were 1800 °C and 700 m/s for HVOF process, and 1450 °C and 900 m/s for HVAF process. Characterization of the coating microstructures was carried out by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. In addition, the carbon content of the feedstock powders and sprayed coatings was measured with carbon analyzer. The results show that carbide rebounding or selective deposition of particles with higher metal matrix content is the dominating reason for carbide loss during HVAF spraying, while carbide dissolution is an additional source for the HVOF spraying. Higher particle velocities and controlled temperature measured for the HVAF process produced dense coatings with improved toughness and more homogenous coating structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the paper, the applicability of decomposition products of internal insulation of high-voltage pulse capacitors is considered (aging is the reason for decomposition products of internal insulation). Decomposition products of internal insulation of high-voltage pulse capacitors can be used to evaluate their quality when in operation and in service. There have been three generations of markers of aging of insulation as in the case with power transformers. The area of applicability of markers of aging of insulation for power transformers has been studied and the area can be extended to high-voltage pulse capacitors. The research reveals that there is a correlation between the components and quantities of markers of aging of the first generation (gaseous decomposition products of insulation) dissolved in insulating liquid and the remaining life of high-voltage pulse capacitors. The application of markers of aging to evaluate the remaining service life of high-voltage pulse capacitor is a promising direction of research, because the design of high-voltage pulse capacitors keeps stability of markers of aging of insulation in high-voltage pulse capacitors. It is necessary to continue gathering statistical data concerning development of markers of aging of the first generation. One should also carry out research aimed at estimation of the remaining life of capacitors using markers of the second and the third generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Investigations of the dynamic function of female pelvic floor muscles (PFM) help us to understand the pathophysiology of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Displacement measurements of PFM give insight into muscle activation and thus help to improve rehabilitation strategies. This systematic review (PROSPERO 2013: CRD42013006409) was performed to summarise the current evidence for PFM displacement during voluntary and involuntary activation in continent and incontinent women. Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane and SPORTDiscus databases were searched using selected terminology reflecting the PICO approach. Screening of Google Scholar and congress abstracts added to further information. Original articles investigating PFM displacement were included if they reported on at least one of the aims of the review, e.g., method, test position, test activity, direction and quantification of displacement, as well as the comparison between continent and incontinent women. Titles and abstracts were screened by two reviewers. The papers included were reviewed by two individuals to ascertain whether they fulfilled the inclusion criteria and data were extracted on outcome parameters. Results: Forty-two predominantly observational studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. A variety of measurement methods and calculations of displacement was presented. The sample was heterogeneous concerning age, parity and continence status. Test positions and test activities varied among the studies. Conclusions: The findings summarise the present knowledge of PFM displacement, but still lack deeper comprehension of the SUI pathomechanism of involuntary, reflexive activation during functional activities. We therefore propose that future investigations focus on PFM dynamics during fast and stressful impact tasks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ricin is a toxin that can be easily extracted from seeds of Ricinus communis plants. Ricin is considered to be a major bio-threat as it can be freely and easily acquired in large quantities. A deliberate release of such toxin in civilian populations would very likely overwhelm existing public health systems, resulting in public fear and social unrest. There is currently no commercially available or FDA-approved prophylaxis such as vaccines, or therapeutic antitoxins or antidotes, available for ricin intoxication. Patient treatment is typically supportive care based on symptoms, often designed to reinforce the body's natural response. This paper describes the development and validation of a robust ELISA test kit, which can be used to screen for ricin in biological specimens such as whole blood and faeces. Faecal specimens are shown in this study to have better diagnostic sensitivity and a wider diagnostic window compared to whole blood. From these results, it is concluded that faeces is the most suitable clinical specimen for diagnosis of ricin poisoning via the oral route. The ELISA test kit can also detect ricin in environmental samples. An advantage of this ELISA kit over other commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) detection kits currently on the market that are developed to screen environmental samples only is its ability to diagnose ricin poisoning from clinical specimens as well as detect ricin from environmental samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this work is to provide an evidence-based evaluation and overview of causative substances in order to improve disease management. Methods: We conducted a database search with MEDLINE via PubMed, screened reference lists of relevant reviews and matched our findings with a list of agents denoted as 'may cause sensitisation by inhalation' by the phrase H334 (till 2011 R42). After exclusion of inappropriate publications, quality of the selected studies was rated with the Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network (SIGN) grading system. The evidence level for each causative agent was graded using the modified Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) three-star system. Results: A total of 865 relevant papers were identified, which covered 372 different causes of allergic work-related asthma. The highest level achieved using the SIGN grading system was 2++ indicating a high-quality study with a very low risk of confounding or bias and a high probability of a causal relationship. According to the modified RCGP three-star grading system, the strongest evidence of association with an individual agent, profession or worksite ('***') was found to be the co-exposure to various laboratory animals. An association with moderate evidence level ('**') was obtained for α-amylase from Aspergillus oryzae, various enzymes from Bacillus subtilis, papain, bakery (flour, amylase, storage mites), western red cedar, latex, psyllium, farming (animals, cereal, hay, straw and storage mites), storage mites, rat, carmine, egg proteins, atlantic salmon, fishmeal, norway lobster, prawn, snow crab, seafood, trout and turbot, reactive dyes, toluene diisocyanates and platinum salts. Conclusion: This work comprises the largest list of occupational agents and worksites causing allergic asthma. For the first time, these agents are assessed in an evidence-based manner. The identified respiratory allergic agents or worksites with at least moderate evidence for causing work-related asthma may help primary care physicians and occupational physicians in diagnostics and management of cases suffering from work-related asthma. Furthermore, this work may possibly provide a major contribution to prevention and may also initiate more detailed investigations for broadening and updating these evidence-based evaluations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fundamental requirement for most mm-wave heterodyne receivers is the rejection of the input image signal which is located close to the local oscillator frequency. For this purpose we use a bandpass filter, which for heterodyne receivers is also called an image rejection filter. In this paper we present a systematic approach to the design of a waveguide bandpass filter with a passband from 100 to 110 GHz and upper rejection bandwidth in the range from 113 to 145 GHz. We consider two non-tunable filter configurations: the first one is relatively selective with 11 sections (poles) whereas the second one is simpler with 5 sections. We used established design equations to propose an initial guess for the geometries of the filters, optimized the geometries, constructed the filters using two different milling methods, measured their transmission and reflection characteristics, and compared the measurements with numerical simulations. Measurements of both filters agree well with simulations in frequency response and rejection bandwidth. The insertion loss of the 11-pole filter is better than 10 dB and that of the 5-pole filter is better than 5 dB. The 11-pole filter has a sharper attenuation roll-off compared with the 5-pole filter. The upper out-of-band rejection is better than 40 dB up to 145 GHz for the 11-pole filter and up to 155 GHz for the 5-pole filter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most researchers use wavelet transforms to extract features from a time-domain transient response from analog circuits to train classifiers such as neural networks (NNs) and support vector machines (SVMs) for analog circuit diagnostics. In this paper, we have proposed some new feature selection methods from a time-domain transient response, and compared the diagnostic results based on a least squares SVM (LS-SVM) using different time-domain feature vectors. First, we have improved two traditional feature selection methods: (a) using the mean and standard deviation in wavelet transform features, and (b) using the mean, standard deviation, skewness, kurtosis, and entropy in statistical property features. Then, a conventional time-domain feature vector based on the impulse response properties of a control system has been proposed. The simulation experiments for a leapfrog filter and a nonlinear rectifier show that: (1) the two improved methods have better accuracy than the traditional methods; (2) the proposed conventional time-domain feature vector is effective in the diagnostics of analog circuits-over 99 % for both of the two example circuits; (3) the proposed diagnostic method can diagnose soft faults, hard faults, and multi-faults, regardless of component tolerances and nonlinearity effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrostatic Ultra-low energy Storage Ring (USR) at the future Facility for Low energy Antiproton and Ion Research (FLAIR) will make available antiprotons from 300 keV down to 20 keV beam energy. This multipurpose machine puts challenging demands on the beam instrumentation due to the varied bunch structure (ultra-short bunches of 1-2 ns up to a quasi-DC beam structure on the other), together with variable very low beam energies, ultra-low currents of down to 1 nA (or even less in the transfer lines which means less than 2 × 10 particles). Thus, the development of new diagnostic devices is required as most of the standard techniques are not suitable. Within the QUASAR Group, the necessary beam instrumentation for the commissioning phase and standard operation of the USR, as well as advanced techniques such as a gas curtain-jet beam profile monitor, have been developed and prototypes of all devices have been built up. This paper presents the design of all beam diagnostics devices for the USR and summarizes the results from first measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective machine fault prognostic technologies can lead to elimination of unscheduled downtime and increase machine useful life and consequently lead to reduction of maintenance costs as well as prevention of human casualties in real engineering asset management. This paper presents a technique for accurate assessment of the remnant life of machines based on health state probability estimation technique and historical failure knowledge embedded in the closed loop diagnostic and prognostic system. To estimate a discrete machine degradation state which can represent the complex nature of machine degradation effectively, the proposed prognostic model employed a classification algorithm which can use a number of damage sensitive features compared to conventional time series analysis techniques for accurate long-term prediction. To validate the feasibility of the proposed model, the five different level data of typical four faults from High Pressure Liquefied Natural Gas (HP-LNG) pumps were used for the comparison of intelligent diagnostic test using five different classification algorithms. In addition, two sets of impeller-rub data were analysed and employed to predict the remnant life of pump based on estimation of health state probability using the Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier. The results obtained were very encouraging and showed that the proposed prognostics system has the potential to be used as an estimation tool for machine remnant life prediction in real life industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most researchers have used the optimal wavelet coefficients or wavelet energy indicators from the time-domain response of analog circuits to train support vector machines (SVMs) to diagnose faults. In this study, we have proposed two kinds of feature vectors from frequency response data of a filter system to train least squares SVM (LS-SVM) to diagnose faults. The first is defined as the conventional frequency feature vector, which includes the center frequency and the maximum frequency response. The second is a new wavelet feature vector that is composed of the mean and standard deviation of wavelet coefficients. Different feature vectors' combination and normalization are also discussed in the paper. The results from the simulation data and the real data for two filters showed the following: (1) The proposed method has better diagnostic accuracy than the traditional methods that were based only on the optimal wavelet coefficients or wavelet energy indicators. (2) The diagnostic accuracies using the combined feature vectors were better than those using only the conventional frequency feature vectors or wavelet feature vectors. (3) The best accuracy from using the conventional frequency feature vectors was better than that from using wavelet feature vectors. The proposed method can be extended to diagnostics of other analog circuits that are determined by their frequency characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent scholarship in medical humanities has expressed strong concern over the ability of pharmaceuticals companies to medicalize discomfort and subsequently invent diseases. In this article, I explore the clinical debates over the ontology of the sinus headache as a possible counter-case. Extending Foucault's concept of principles or rarefaction, this paper documents the efforts of clinicians to resist the pharmaceutically-provided understanding of the sinus headache. In so doing, it offers institutions of rarefaction and rarefactive assemblages as useful heuristics for the exploration of disease legitimization discourse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review paper outlines background information and covers recent advances made via the analysis of spectra and images of prominence plasma and the increased sophistication of non-LTE ( i.e. when there is a departure from Local Thermodynamic Equilibrium) radiative transfer models. We first describe the spectral inversion techniques that have been used to infer the plasma parameters important for the general properties of the prominence plasma in both its cool core and the hotter prominence-corona transition region. We also review studies devoted to the observation of bulk motions of the prominence plasma and to the determination of prominence mass. However, a simple inversion of spectroscopic data usually fails when the lines become optically thick at certain wavelengths. Therefore, complex non-LTE models become necessary. We thus present the basics of non-LTE radiative transfer theory and the associated multi-level radiative transfer problems. The main results of one- and two-dimensional models of the prominences and their fine-structures are presented. We then discuss the energy balance in various prominence models. Finally, we outline the outstanding observational and theoretical questions, and the directions for future progress in our understanding of solar prominences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates a novel single cathode plasma column design consisting of a patented arc constrictor and its impact on process stability, versatility, and component life. The design aims to minimize the re-strike of arc, increase the arc length enabling high voltage and low amp operation as well as the use of ternary gas combination to increase the enthalpy. The arc unsteadiness and dynamic behavior are investigated through the fluctuations of electrical signals. Further, the particle velocity and temperature have been characterized by commercial diagnostics systems. The takeover/steady mode appears to be the typical operational mode of the plasma jet in this design. Low amplitude and high frequency fluctuations resulted in steady particle characteristics. Further, the design allowed the gun to operate at very high plasma velocities reaching the characteristics of an HVOF jet. The significance of the design is demonstrated through operational flexibility and stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To enable the efficient investigation of some fundamental questions concerning the physics with low-energy antiprotons, a novel Ultra-low energy Storage Ring (USR) will be developed. Aiming to be a multipurpose machine, it puts challenging demands on the necessary beam instrumentation and requires new diagnostic methods as most of the standard techniques will no longer work. In this paper, beam diagnostics devices proposed for the USR are presented and their further development is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An ionization beam profile monitor relying on a supersonic gas-jet shaped into an extended, thin curtain is proposed for operation in an ultra high vacuum environment for very low perturbation on the accelerated beam, as requested for the in-ring profile monitoring at the Ultra low energy Storage Ring (USR) at the Facility for Low-energy Antiproton and Ion Research (FLAIR), in Darmstadt. In this paper, we describe the working principle of the monitor, as well as providing an analysis of sensitivity and resolution dependence on geometrical design and gas curtain thickness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we describe a number of technologies which we designed to provide support for customers troubleshooting problems with their office devices. The technologies aim to support both self-conducted and expert-supported troubleshooting and to provide a seamless route from one type of support to another. The designs are grounded in the findings of an ethnographic study of a troubleshooting call centre for office devices. We examine the properties of different assemblies of people, resources, technologies and spaces to inspire design for the different troubleshooting situations. Through our fieldwork and our technology envisionments we uncovered a number of dislocations between various aspects of the troubleshooting assemblies: (1) a physical dislocation between the site of the problem and the site of problem resolution; (2) a conceptual dislocation between the users’ knowledge and the troubleshooting resources and (3) a logical dislocation between the support resources and the status of the ailing device itself. The technologies that we propose attempt to address these dislocations by embedding the troubleshooting resources in the device itself, thus harmonizing the various elements and capturing, where possible, the haecceities—the ‘just thisness’—of each particular troubleshooting situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An integrated investigation approach for temperature measurement and control of plasma sprayed coating is presented in this paper. It is based on infrared (IR) pyrometry combined with specific robot scanning trajectories. The temperature evolution was continuously detected and recorded during preheating, spraying, and cooling stages. Then the two specific factors, periodic average temperature and periodic standard deviation, were adopted to evaluate the temperature variation and the fluctuation of the thermal cycle relevant to one spraying period. These two factors were successful in describing the temperature variation during experimental processing sets. Moreover, the influence of processing parameters of Z-type robot spray trajectory, including spray distance, scanning velocity, and scanning step on coating temperature is experimentally researched and explained reasonably by comparing the two factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An analysis of information measurement systems that are utilized in diagnostics of lathe equipment is presented. A method of construction of these types of systems with the use of circuit-based simulation modeling is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]