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This chapter reviews different techniques for evaluating and measuring the corrosion of steel in concrete. Since corrosion consists of electrochemical reactions at the interface between the metal (i.e., reinforcing steel) and an electrolyte solution (i.e., concrete pore solution), most of these measurement techniques are based on electrochemistry and electrochemical measurement methods. In this chapter, conventional corrosion measurement methods, which have electrochemical bases, as well as nonconventional methods such as LC resonator, are discussed.

This study presents a new dead-time measurement method using the gamma attenuation law and generalized dead-time models for nuclear gamma-ray detectors. The dead-time of the Nal(TI) detection system was obtained to validate the new dead-time determination method using very thin lead and polyethylene absorbers. Non-paralyzing dead-time was found to be 8.39 mu s, and paralyzing dead-time was found to be 8.35 mu s using lead absorber for Nal(TI) scintillator detection system. These dead-time values are consistent with the previously reported dead-time values for scintillator detection systems. The gamma build-up factor's contribution to the dead-time was neglected because a very thin material was used. (C) 2021 Korean Nuclear Society, Published by Elsevier Korea LLC.

Soft tissue substitutes are subjected to large deformation in vivo, so the matching of deformation behavior between substitute and tissue is a complex but important criterion for soft tissue repair. Hernia repair mesh is a typical soft tissue substitute, and the mismatch of mechanical properties between mesh and tissues normally leads to decline in the quality of life and hernia recurrence. Therefore, before clinical applications, the evaluation for the mechanical biocompatibility of mesh is particularly important. Currently, several methods have been developed to evaluate mechanical biocompatibility of soft tissue substitutes, including physicomechanical testing, non-invasive measurement, and numerical modeling, etc. However, a comprehensive summary is lacking to provide reference for the selection, implementation and optimization of these methods. In this paper, taking the hernia repair mesh as an example, we systematically review these methods from following aspects: (1) proposing critical issues that need to be paid attention to when performing physicomechanical testing on substitutes, (2) systematically analyzing characteristics and applicable sample types for several typical physicomechanical testing techniques, (3) comprehensively summarizing the advantages and limitations of the main non-invasive measurement methods, and showing the potentials of these methods, (4) emphasizing and dissecting the merits of numerical modeling compared with physicomechanical testing and non-invasive measurement, and proposing the existing and potential improvements of this method. Furthermore, the application scope and future development direction of these methods are proposed. This paper might play an important role in guiding the selection and improvement of evaluation methods for mechanical biocompatibility of soft tissue substitutes.

In order to study the quantitative measurement method of articular cartilage thickness change based on MR image, 140 patients with no knee joint symptoms and 17 patients with knee joint damage were studied. FLASH, SE and FISP 3 sequences were scanned for all normal knee joints to determine the articular cartilage thickness. 17 patients with knee joint damage were followed up for six months. The thickness of their femoral condyle and femoral trochlea cartilage was measured by FLASH sequence and thickness changes are recorded. The results show that the thickness distribution of normal knee articular cartilage in different parts is not equal, and the thickness of articular cartilage will be gradually thinner in different ages; MR image technique can observe the change of articular cartilage thickness in patients with knee joint damage, reflecting the recovery status of the patient’s condition. The results of quantitative measurement of changes in articular cartilage thickness based on MR images are presented herein, and the results are as expected. Experimental data were provided for the clinical treatment of acute knee injury and osteoarthritis. Although there are still some shortcomings in the research process, the research results still provide some reference and guidance for the future exploration of the use of MR images to monitor the condition of arthritis, so this study is a significant research topic.

Highlights • The associations between metabolic syndrome and physical activity were compared between healthy middle-aged American men and Japanese men. • Higher total step counts/day had a protective effect on metabolic syndrome in both cohorts. • The effect of steps/day was greater than domain-specific moderate-vigorous physical activity captured by questionnaire. • Tools that capture total movement may be important to assess the effects of physical activity on metabolic syndrome., Background Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a global health problem. Physical activity (PA) is a known modifiable risk factor for MetS and individual MetS components. However, the role of PA could differ between sub-populations due to differences in the variability of PA and other MetS risk factors. To examine these differences, multi-country studies with standardized outcome measurement methods across cohorts are needed. Methods Cross-sectional PA levels (total and domain specific) in healthy middle-aged (44–56 years) men in the Risk Factor Assessment among Japanese and U.S. Men in the Post-World War II Birth Cohort (ERA-JUMP) Study (n = 730; American: n = 417; Japanese: n = 313; from population-representative samples in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, and Kusatsu, Shiga, Japan) were compared. The relationships between PA levels and MetS (overall and specific components) in/across the American and Japanese sub-cohorts (adjusting for age, smoking, and alcohol consumption) were also assessed using the same instruments (pedometer and validated questionnaire) to measure PA in both cohorts. Results A total of 510 individuals provided complete data on PA (American: n = 265; Japanese: n = 245). The American cohort had significantly lower mean ± SD steps/day (7878 ± 3399 steps/day) vs. the Japanese cohort (9055 ± 3797 steps/day) (p < 0.001) but had significantly higher self-reported moderate-vigorous leisure PA (American: 15.9 (7.4–30.3) metabolic task equivalent hours per week (MET-h/week) vs. Japanese: 4.0 (0–11.3) MET-h/week, p < 0.0001). In both sub-cohorts, each 1000 steps/day increase was associated with lower odds of having MetS (American: OR = 0.90, 95%CI: 0.83–0.98; Japanese: OR = 0.87, 95%CI: 0.79–0.95) and the individual MetS component of high waist circumference (American: OR = 0.86, 95%CI: 0.79–0.94; Japanese: OR = 0.87, 95%CI: 0.80–0.95). In the American cohort only, higher self-reported leisure PA (Met-h/week) was associated with lower odds of MetS and high waist circumference (OR = 0.98, 95%CI: 0.97–0.99 for MetS and waist circumference, respectively). Conclusion Higher total step counts/day had an important protective effect on MetS prevalence in both the Japanese and American cohorts, despite differences in PA levels and other MetS risk factors. The effect of steps/day (across all intensity levels) was much greater than domain-specific moderate-vigorous PA captured by questionnaire, suggesting the need for measurement tools that can best capture total movement when examining the effects of PA on MetS development., Graphical abstract Image, graphical abstract

This chapter summarizes the most common mathematical representations of the elastic behavior of single-crystal superalloys. It provides relationships between the various constants in use in the engineering literature and recalls the basic tensor algebra concepts that are necessary to implement and perform calculations with the stiffness or compliance tensors. In particular, the definition of the Euler angles and the transformation rules for tensor components in different frames are recalled. The most common determination methods for these constants are presented. As an illustration, a compilation of published data for the alloy CMSX-4 and other alloys obtained by various measurement methods is presented. Finally, the data available in the literature for the elastic constants of the isolated matrix and precipitate phases are presented and discussed.

Clinical management of hypertension and hypotension has been hindered by current cuff blood pressure (BP) measurement devices, which are not always readily available or continuous and can be disruptive to the user. Photoplethysmography (PPG) is a simple yet effective tool for tracking pulsatile arterial blood volume changes that can improve BP measurement. Volume clamping via finger cuff-PPG devices is a proven continuous method, whereas oscillometry via PPG-force sensor units, pulse transit time detected via PPG waveform(s), and PPG waveform feature extraction are potential cuff-less methods. The objective of this chapter is to facilitate the advancement of PPG-based BP monitoring. First, the clinical BP measurement methods and their limitations are explained. Then, the PPG principle and available sensors are reviewed. Next, the four PPG-based BP measurement methods are described including principles, embodiments, and empirical evidence. Finally, these methods are compared, future research directions are pinpointed, and a brief outlook on the approach is provided.

Background Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) systems aim to reduce the spread of enteric pathogens, particularly amongst children under five years old. The most common primary outcome of WASH trials is carer-reported diarrhoea. We evaluate different diarrhoea survey instruments as proxy markers of enteric pathogen presence in stool. Methods We recruited 800 community-based participants from the Cox's Bazar Displaced Person's Camp in Bangladesh, split evenly between the rainy (July/August 2020) and dry (November/December 2020) periods. Participants were randomized evenly into either a standard survey asking carers if their child under five years old has had diarrhoea in the past fortnight, or a pictorial survey asking carers to pick from a pictorial chart which stools their child under five years old has had in the past fortnight. We collected stools from a random sub-sample of 120. Stools were examined visually, and tested for proteins associated with enteric infection and 16 enteric pathogens. We calculated sensitivities and specificities for each survey type, visual examination, and proteins with respect to enteric pathogen presence. Findings The sensitivity of the standard survey for enteric pathogen presence was 0.49[95%CI:0.32,0.66] and the specificity was 0.65[0.41,0.85]. Similar sensitivities and specificities were observed for pictorial survey, visual inspection, and proteins. Interpretation While diarrhoea is an important sign in clinical practice it appears that it is a poor proxy for enteric pathogen presence in stool in epidemiological surveys. When enteric infection is of interest, this should be measured directly. Funding The project was funded by the National Institutes for Health Research Global Health Research Unit on Improving Health in Slums (16/136/87) and by the University of Warwick.

Nuclear graphite in high-temperature gas-cooled reactors (HTGRs) acts as a moderator, a structural material, as well as an accommodation for fission products (FPs). Given the release of FPs under normal and accident conditions, the diffusion of FPs in nuclear graphite should be elucidated for the estimation of source term and reactor safety. However, the existing experimental data of diffusion are enriched in data of the nuclear graphite types (i.e., H451 and A3), that may not apply to next-generation nuclear graphite. The proposed diffusion theory and experimental systems are conducive to developinging a novel experimental method for the more accurate collection of the diffusion data and an insight into FPs diffusion in graphite. For this reason, this paper reviews the information regarding the diffusion of metallic FPs (e.g., Cs, Sr and Ag) in nuclear graphite. The diffusion theory adopted to calculate the diffusion coefficient is summarized. Emphasis is placed on the measurements for determination the diffusion coefficient and the discussion of detection limits, accuracy and experimental methods. Given the diffusion coefficient data, the variables of diffusion are addressed. The mentioned results lay a basis for gaining insights into the diffusion theory and can be exploited by employing with a valid measurement method to determine the diffusion coefficients of FPs in various nuclear graphite materials under a particular range of conditions.

The information that humans get when they look at an object is qualitative, not quantitative. There are several measurement methods to recognize objects quantitatively. However, few of them can be performed in the natural field of view, and the scale of the measurement object is limited by the performance of the sensor. Therefore, in this study, we developed a system to measure large structures in the natural field of view. In this paper, we report the configuration of the system and the experimental results.

Measurement of morphometric parameters of blood cells play a key role in hematological examination representing one of the main tools for the diagnosis and evaluation of blood disorders. Different techniques are currently used to measure blood cell parameters to provide important clinical information, to consolidate pertinent second opinions, and to minimize the human intervention in the diagnosis process. This paper presents a brief overview of the research work that can be found in the literature dealing with the measurement methods for morphometry of blood cells. The main challenges and limitations of the presented methods from the metrological point of view are discussed too.

Highlights • This literature review found that adults ≥ 80 years are sedentary 10.6 h/day. • Five personal factors were associated with sedentary behavior in adults ≥ 80 years. • Factors influencing sedentary behavior in adults ≥ 80 years are understudied., Sedentary behavior contributes to health decline and frailty in older adults, especially the oldest old. The purpose of this systematic review was to synthesize evidence describing the volume of device-measured sedentary behavior and factors that influence sedentary behavior in community-dwelling adults aged 80 and older. Four electronic databases were searched in August 2018; the search was updated in September 2019 and December 2020. Twenty-one articles representing 16 unique datasets from six countries met inclusion criteria. Various devices and data processing methods were used to measure sedentary behavior; the most common device was the ActiGraph accelerometer. Sedentary time during the waking day ranged from 7.6 to 13.4 h/day. Studies using similar measurement methods (hip-worn ActiGraph with uniaxial cut-point

Membrane module integrity monitoring is essential in the water treatment process. An intelligent detection method for membrane integrity based on array impedance measurement is proposed in the paper. The boundary voltage is collected in real time through the designed electrical sensor array. The Deep Neural Networks (DNN) is used for analyzing the degree of membrane damage based on collected voltage data. In our experiment, six kinds of membrane status are designed to verify the sensors and detection accuracy. Compared with traditional probe electrodes, electrical sensor arrays can obtain the overall condition of membrane inside the pipe without invasion. The membrane state recognition method based on DNN discards the empirical judgment in the traditional measurement method, and realizes intelligent detection by means of deep learning. For the samples obtained from the experiment, the recognition accuracy of this method reaches 94.1%. To illustrate the universality of this method, we performed a real-time detection experiment. As a result, the accuracy of network identification reaches 93.8%.

Double-skin green facades using deciduous climbing plants are easy-to-implement construction systems stated to be effective energy-saving tools for buildings during cooling periods. Although the leaf area index (LAI) has been identified as a key parameter for characterizing foliar density and, consequently, the green facade's potential as a passive tool for energy savings, a lack of knowledge still remains on this index's values and measurement methods. The present paper aims to characterize the annual LAI evolution of a Boston ivy double-screen green facade under Mediterranean continental climate (Csa), by using an original non-destructive methodology during two consecutive years. Moreover, the influence of the green facade's foliage density, characterized by LAI, on the external building wall temperatures and the energy consumption by season and orientation was addressed. From the results it can be noticed that LAI changed seasonally over the course of five periods with a related differentiated energy performance: early summer (LAI of 4.8; 54% savings for cooling), late summer (LAI of 4.4; 30% savings for cooling), autumn (LAI of 1.7; 5.4% increase for heating), winter (LAI of 0.9; 5.4% increase for heating), and spring (LAI of 3.6; 11.9% increase for heating). The increase of energy consumption during leaf-off stage was directly linked to woody material and remaining leaves. Two crucial effects were identified and characterized: firstly, the influence of facade orientation and, secondly, a slight 'insulation effect' at night, with the green screen acting as a thermal barrier. The authors at GREiA research group would like to thank the Catalan Government for the quality accreditation given to their research group (2017 SGR 1537). GREiA is a certified agent TECNIO in the category of technology developers from the Government of Catalonia. This work is partially supported by ICREA under the ICREA Academia programme.

Characterization of magnetic nanomaterials (MNMs) is usually accompanied by challenges such as lack of reference materials for calibration of equipment, interpretation of results due to the interdisciplinary nature of this branch, and difficulties associated with sample preparation. There is currently no standard protocol for nanomaterial characterization. Valid and robust measurement methods for MNMs have a major impact on the uptake of these materials in analytical applications. Typically, size and morphology, surface charge and surface chemistry, crystal structure, and its chemical composition and magnetic behavior are some of the properties that are investigated after MNMs synthesis for analytical applications. In this chapter, common techniques in the characterization of MNMs and some modern techniques will be discussed.

Reducing the noise inside a modern vehicle is critical for carmakers because interior noise is now a competitive quality characteristic of automobiles. Noise and vibration control in automobiles can be achieved by using materials that add mechanical damping, increase sound absorption, or provide sound insulation. To achieve these targets, composites have been used in the industry for decades. Composites continue to replace metals in new applications in the automotive industry. More recently, the research on automobile components has been focused on the development of lighter, sustainable, and renewable reinforced biocomposites. This chapter presents an overview of damping, sound absorption, and sound insulation provided by fiber-reinforced biocomposites. Long-established measurement methods to evaluate the performance of these materials are also discussed, and some recent examples of biocomposites are presented.

Localized corrosion, such as pitting, crevice, and under-deposit corrosion, is often the main factor in determining the service life of equipment in industrial water systems. Because of the complexity and dynamic nature of industrial operations, as well as lack of effective monitoring tools, little is known about the impact of variations in process conditions and water chemistry on localized corrosion. As a result, premature equipment failures occur, in spite of the use of relatively large design safety factors. Differential flow cell method is developed to address this issue. The differential flow cell method is designed primarily for online and real-time measurement of the rates of localized corrosion of metals used in industrial water systems. A detailed discussion of the principles of the method, the localized corrosion rate calculation methods, typical flow cell and electrical instrument assembly design, verification of the results by other independent known measurement methods, and guidance on data interpretation are provided.

The consumption of nutraceutical foods, like Roselle extracts (Hibiscus sabdariffa) from calyces and other parts, positively influences human health and prevents several diseases. This is partly due to the activities of anthocyanins, which contain appealing colorants. Also, Roselle calyces contain substantial amounts of phytochemicals, including phenolics and flavonoids. These bioactive compounds have functional applications such as antihypertensive, antioxidants, and hyperlipidemia and against low-density lipoprotein oxidation. However, they exhibit sensitivity in ultraviolet rays, high temperatures, and oxygen, which affect the quality and consequently the longevity. Furthermore, these substances deteriorate fast when subjected to varying internal and external conditions, particularly during the preparation of certain products. Therefore, to avoid quality loss and extend the shelf life of Roselle products available, various processing techniques have been proposed. This chapter reports several processing options, including heating, encapsulation, acidification, and carrier agents, for the purposes of maintaining the quality of Roselle products and quality measurement indices. Most measurement methods are explored; emphasis is given to spectrophotometric methods, particularly 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl since it is simple to use.

Measurement of human energy expenditure during crop production helps in the optimization of production operations and costs by identifying steps which that can benefit from the use of appropriate mechanization technologies. This study measures human energy expenditure associated with all 6 major rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivation operations using two measurement methods-i.e. conventional human energy expenditure method and direct measurement with a Garmin forerunner 35 body media. The aim of this study was to provide a detailed comparison of these two methods and document the human energy costs in a manner that will identify steps to be taken to help optimize agricultural practices. Results (mean + 95%CL) revealed that the total human energy expenditure obtained through the conventional method was 25.5% higher (33.3 ± 1 versus 26.6 ± 1.3) in transplanting and 26.1% higher (30.3 ± 1.9 versus 24.0 ± 2.1) than the human energy expenditure recorded using the Garmin method in broadcast seeding method. Similarly, during the harvesting operation, the conventional measurement and Garmin measurement methods differed significantly, with the conventional method the human energy expenditure was 89.9% higher (3.2 ± 0.4 versus 1.68 ± 0.2) in the fields using the transplanting and 88.7% higher (3.3 ± 0.5 versus 1.8 ± 0.3) in the fields using the broadcast seeding than the human energy expenditure recorded using the Garmin method. When using Garmin method, the human energy expenditure in the case of using the midsize combine harvester was 13.49% lesser (592.4 ± 67.2 versus 522.0 ± 75.1) than the case of using conventional one. Results based on heart rate also indicated that operations such as tillage were less intensive (72 ± 3.3 bpm) compared with operations such as chemicals spraying (135 ± 4 bpm). Although we did not have a criterion measure available to determine which method was the most accurate, the Garmin measurement gives an estimate of actual physical human energy expended in performing a specific task with consider all conditions and thus more information to aid in identifying critical operations that could be optimized and mechanized., Agriculture; Energy; Agricultural engineering; Agricultural policy; Agricultural technology; Rice; Human energy; Conventional measurement; Garmin measurement; Heart rate

This paper investigates fast and inexpensive measurement methods for defect detection in parts produced by Additive Manufacturing (AM) with special focus on lattice parts made of ceramics. By Lithography-based Ceramic Manufacturing, parts were built both without defects and with typical defects intentionally introduced. These defects were investigated and confirmed by industrial X-ray Computed Tomography. Alternative inexpensive methods were applied afterwards on the parts such as weighing, volume determination by Archimedes method and gas permeability measurement. The results showed, that defects resulting in around 20% of change in volume and mass could be separated from parts free of defects by determination of mass or volume. Minor defects were not detectable as they were in the range of process-related fluctuations. Permeability measurement did not allow to safely identify parts with defects. The measurement methods investigated can be easily integrated in AM process chains to support quality control.

Objectives: To determine the recommended blood pressure (BP) measurement methods in neonates after systematically analyzing the international literature regarding proper BP cuff size and measurement location and method.\ud Study Design: A literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and CINAHL from 1946 to 2017 on BP in neonates < 3 months of age (PROSPERO ID CRD42018092886). Study data was extracted and analyzed with separate analysis of Bland-Altman studies comparing measurement methods.\ud Results: Of 3587 non-duplicate publications identified, 34 were appropriate for inclusion in the analysis. Four studies evaluating BP cuff size support a recommendation for a cuff width to arm circumference ratio of ~0.5. Studies investigating measurement location identified the upper arm as the most accurate and least variable location for oscillometric BP measurement. Analysis of studies using Bland-Altman methods for comparison of intra-arterial to oscillometric BP measurement show that the two methods correlate best for mean arterial pressure (MAP) whereas systolic BP (SBP) by the oscillometric method tends to over-estimate intra-arterial SBP. Compared to intra-arterial methods, SBP, diastolic BP, and MAP by oscillometric methods are less accurate and precise, especially in neonates with a MAP

In real engineering of solar thermal applications, it needs considerable effort to determine the incidence angle modifier (IAM) of flat plate solar collectors, according to the test standards (BS EN ISO 9806, 2017; ASHRAE 93-2010, 2014). And the available method in the test standards is usually inapplicable to measure thermal performance of installed solar collectors with dust deposition effect in service. A quick measurement method is therefore presented to identify the IAM of flat plate solar collectors with less effort using a spectroradiometer. The quick method developed was validated with optical tests of a solar panel under the conditions of different incidence angles. It is inferred that the method not only helps to determine the IAM of flat plate solar collectors quickly without needing to run the collectors by energy power input, but also provides a pathway for assessing dust deposition effect on the thermal performance of installed flat plate solar collectors in service, as well as for determining the optical property attenuation of solar collectors in the long-term running.

Mechanical forces dictate various aspects of biological processes from single cells to complex organisms. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of force dynamics requires technologies that can measure these forces in living cells. In the past decade, Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based molecular tension sensors have emerged as an intact, in situ technique for the measurement of mechanical forces in live cells. The new findings enabled by these tension sensors have provided a better understanding of the mechanical architecture and mechanotransduction pathways of the cell and have greatly enriched and reshaped our knowledge of biology and medicine. In this chapter, we first discuss the basics of FRET and the state-of-art measurement methods for FRET imaging in live cells. Moreover, with established experience in live cell tension sensing, we systematically introduce the molecular tension sensors and provide practical guidance on how to design and implement molecular tension sensors for in situ force detection in live cells. Lastly, recent advancements and representative examples in molecule-specific force sensing are reviewed and their potential in mechanotransduction is discussed.

This chapter addresses Level 5 of the functional analysis (FA) training curriculum. It covers procedures for graphing FA data, graph interpretation through visual analysis, designing graphs according to measurement methods, and managing undifferentiated data.

The chapter comprises some basic information on conducting polymers, their characteristic properties, and processing for EMI shielding applications. Today’s requirements of EMI shielding applications are also discussed. The main emphasis is put on the use of different types of conducting polymers in textile-based EMI shielding materials. Different types of textile substrates used are also presented. Then, several types of conducting polymers and different deposition methods on textiles are shown. The chapter also discusses the shielding effectiveness (SE) measurement methods for conducting polymers-based textile shielding materials. A review of SE, reflection, and absorption results for different types of conducting polymers is presented. At the end of the chapter, a simple modeling method is presented that can be used for thin, conductive polymer-based shielding materials. The chapter ends with a summary.

The Human Nervous System, standing as the most complex system in known creature, has evolved to achieve many difficult tasks no other living body capable of. Human Nervous System, consisting of brain and spinal cord, can collect data from the environment and inner body, modulating this huge information with existing knowledge and creating appropriate motor responses mostly resulting in movement. The involvement of the high-level brain areas is needed for planning, initiation and execution of goal-directed voluntary movements. Energetics of terrestrial locomotion has been investigated extensively in many different aspects. Measurement methods of energy consumption need proper method, which directly depends on the purpose of the study, and the validity and reliability of the method.

On-line or rapid inspection of parts is essential in streamlining manufacturing processes. A novel pre-inspection method for measuring small gears is proposed. This method requires little specialist equipment outside that normally found in a laboratory or on a shop floor. Gears are measured using a standard optical microscope. These are then processed using an image processing algorithm to give a percentage error in tooth profile. This allows only gears of sufficiently high quality to be “passed on” to more sophisticated inspection techniques. The technique is used to analyse sub-centimetre diameter gears produced using WEDM. It is found that the technique provides a simple but effective method of determining how close a gear is to the required geometry. While the result is basic, it is extremely quick and inexpensive to perform alongside the manufacturing process. This method provides a capability to small companies and production lines for pre-inspection of gears before detailed analysis without purchasing specialist equipment.

Oxidative stress is reportedly associated with many diseases such as cancer, arteriosclerosis, diabetes and aging, but no practical biomarkers are currently available in actual clinical practice. Human mercaptoalbumin (HMA) and human non-mercaptoalbumin (HNA) are expected to become markers of oxidative stress, but the stability of HMA/HNA has been problematic. We investigated the conditions for stabilizing HMA/HNA and found that HMA/HNA was stable at room temperature for 25 h if whole blood samples were mixed with a citrate buffer so that the citric acid concentration after mixing was 70 mM or higher and the pH of the added buffer was less than pH 6.0. Whole blood samples were then collected under the above conditions, and the reference range for HNA was set at 21.8% ± 7.4% (HMA, 78.2% ± 7.4%) based on samples from 65 volunteers (28 males and 37 females; average age, 55.0 ± 13.8 years). The clinical usefulness of HMA/HNA as an oxidative stress marker should be clarified for specific pathological conditions using the previously reported, highly accurate measurement method under the conditions required for HMA/HNA stability., Highlights • We identified the conditions under which human mercaptoalbumin and non-mercaptoalbumin were stable. • The reference range for non-mercaptoalbumin was defined under the above conditions. • An accurate measurement method and specimen stabilization are important for evaluating the clinical usefulness of measuring oxidized albumin levels. • The clinical usefulness of HMA/HNA will be clarified using highly accurate measurement method under stable conditions.

Background This study aimed to investigate the relation between key strike forces and musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS). Moreover, this study presents a key strike force measurement method to be used in a workplace setting. The correlation between key strike force characteristics and MSS was previously studied, but the measurement methods used either a single-key switch or force platforms applied under the keyboard. Most of the studies were conducted in a laboratory setting. The uniqueness of measurement methods in the current study is their ability to measure forces applied to a specific key in a workplace setting and to provide more information about specific key strike forces during typing. Methods Twenty-four healthy computer workers were recruited for the study. The demographic questionnaire, and self-reported questionnaires for psychosocial status (General Nordic Questionnaire for Psychological and Social Factors at Work) and for detecting MSS were filled up, which later helped in dividing the participants into two groups (12 participants with pain and 12 without pain). Participants typed a predetermined text that utilized the instrumented keys multiple times. The dynamic forces applied to the keys were recorded and collected, using four thin and flexible force sensors attached to the preselected keys according to their location. Results The results demonstrated that participants with high levels of MSS, specifically in the back and neck, in the last year exerted significantly higher key strike forces than those with lower levels of symptoms (p Conclusion The key strike force exerted while typing on a keyboard may be a risk factor for MSS, and should therefore be considered in ergonomic evaluations and interventional programs.

Human body communications (HBC) have been studied as an enabling technology to meet the recently increased demands for low-power and high-simplicity in wireless body area networks for wearable-device applications. Previous works on HBC focused mainly on channel modeling with a measurement method, signal transmission scheme, and transceiver implementation. In particular, the digital transmission, invented as a customized approach for the human body channel, has contributed to develope low-complexity HBC systems. This paper addresses on-going research on capacitive coupling HBC based on digital transmission by exploring recent literature.

The rapid increase in the number of new laboratory methods has led to the necessity of reliable verification methods. Validation of a new measurement method for application to medical practice requires comparison with gold standard techniques. The Bland-Altman analysis is a frequently applied technique in studies that investigate the agreement between two methods of the same medical measurement. In this review, potential areas of usage of Bland-Altman analysis is elaborated from a clinical viewpoint, and possible pitfalls in study designs are discussed in statistical perspective. Keywords: Bland-Altman analysis, Limits of agreement, Correlation analysis, Biostatistics

Airborne microalgae and cyanobacteria are among the least studied organisms in aerobiology. While those of them living in freshwater and seawater are well recognized, those constituting the components of aerosols are rarely the focus of research. However, their presence has been noted by scientists from all over the world. The presence of these organisms is not indifferent to the environment as they participate in the formation of clouds and influence both the hydrological cycle and Earth's climate. Recent studies have concentrated mostly on the negative impact of airborne cyanobacteria and microalgae, as well as the toxic compounds they produce, on human health. This review focuses on measurement results published on those bioaerosols, combining the achievements of scientists from the last century with the latest reports and trends. Within it gaps in current knowledge are discussed, including the role of airborne organisms in the transport of harmful chemicals like PAHs and heavy metals. The current studies on which it is based emphasize the advantages and disadvantages of the measurement methods used in sampling and analysing. It also visualizes, in the form of maps, where research on bioaerosols has so far been conducted, while at the same time determining the share of organisms potentially dangerous to human health. In addition, we have also tried to recommend future research directions for both environmental and laboratory-based studies. Keywords: Airborne algae, Airborne cyanobacteria, Bioaerosols, State of knowledge, Recommendations

Summary: A new measurement method for determination Solid State nuclear track by the change of the specific heat capacity is proposed. The feasibility of the method is discussed in both theory and practice, to determine the solid state nuclear tracks by specific heat capacity when annealing. In the research, the change of the specific heat capacity is related with nuclear track numbers after annealing and it could be measured and verified time after time. The theory and experiments are introduced with details. The potential applications of this method in the future are discussed, such as determination of the neutron flux at high lever reactors and geologic age of the geological samples. Keywords: Solid state nuclear track, Heat capacity, Annealing

Despite considerable research, evidence supporting associations between the ‘Retail Food Environment’ (RFE) and obesity remains mixed. Differences in the methods used to measure the RFE may explain this heterogeneity. Using data on a large (n = 10,111) sample of adults from the Yorkshire Health Study (UK), we modelled cross-sectional associations between the RFE and weight status using (i) multiple definitions of ‘Fast Food’, ‘Convenience’ and ‘Supermarkets’ and (ii) multiple RFE metrics, identified in a prior systematic review to be common in the literature. Both the choice of outlet definition and the choice of RFE metric substantively impacted observed associations with weight status. Findings differed in relation to statistical significance, effect sizes, and directions of association. This study provides novel evidence that the diversity of RFE measurement methods is contributing to heterogeneous study findings and conflicting policy messages. Greater attention is needed when selecting and communicating RFE measures in research., Highlights • This study compared different Retail Food Environment (RFE) measures. • Food outlet definitions substantively impacted RFE-obesity associations. • Associations also differed substantively when employing different RFE metrics. • Existing literature uses diverse RFE measures, contributing to mixed study findings. • Overlooking measurement differences impairs evidence synthesis and translation.

This systematic review quantifies methods used to measure the 'retail food environment' (RFE), appraises the quality of methodological reporting, and examines associations with obesity, accounting for differences in methods. Only spatial measures of the RFE, such as food outlet proximity were included. Across the 113 included studies, methods for measuring the RFE were extremely diverse, yet reporting of methods was poor (average reporting quality score: 58.6%). Null associations dominated across all measurement methods, comprising 76.0% of 1937 associations in total. Outcomes varied across measurement methods (e.g. narrow definitions of 'supermarket': 20.7% negative associations vs 1.7% positive; broad definitions of 'supermarket': 9.0% negative associations vs 10.4% positive). Researchers should report methods more clearly, and should articulate findings in the context of the measurement methods employed.

Objective The purpose of this paper is to examine the effectiveness of the proposed consideration for hand-transmitted vibration measurement on the human. Method To obtain the temporary threshold shift (TTS) in the fingertip vibrotactile perception threshold, the vibrotactile perception thresholds were measured before and after the subjects were exposed to hand-transmitted vibration from the hand-held tool. The vibration magnitude has been measured by using conventional vibration measurement on the tool and by using the proposed consideration vibration on the human simultaneously. Results The proposed hand-transmitted vibration measurement on the subject was proportional with increasing TTS. In contrast the data from conventional vibration measurement on the tool shows a relatively constant vibration level while TTS increases within a subject group. Conclusion The proposed measurement method of hand-transmitted vibration on the subject captures at least some of the effects of factors relating to the human interaction with the tool identified within Annex D of the ISO 5349-1 standard. The effectiveness of the proposed hand-transmitted vibration measurement consideration on the human for improved understanding of tool vibration exposure has been shown.

The design of gas face seals often depends on hydrodynamic lubrication. Because of the significant hydrodynamic opening force, seal faces can be rapidly separated at start-up and kept noncontact stable during running. Surface groove-processing technology is the main means to generate the fluid hydrodynamic effect. The development of equipment technology has increased the demand on sealing, which promotes the development of face groove technology. At the same time, research in the field of tribology also provides new ideas and methods for research on the seal groove. This chapter introduces the commonly-used grooves of gas face seals. On this basis, the laser processing methods and experimental measurement methods of face grooves are discussed. Finally, the opening characteristics, hydrodynamic characteristics, and friction characteristics of gas face seals are demonstrated by taking the microdimpled face seal as an example.

The focus of the analysis reported in this chapter is to understand variations and trends in sea levels at regional and global scales. A brief introduction of measurement methods used for observing sea level changes and discussion about uncertainties in the measurements is provided. Parametric and nonparametric trend assessment methods are described and discussed. Assessments of trends at several sites around the world andsurrounding the United States, are provided. An exhaustive discussion on variations and changes in sea level linked with coupled oceanic and atmospheric oscillations are provided.

Senescence is biological aging or maturation. It can be broadly divided into two types: cellular senescence and whole-organism senescence. In plants, the last stage of leaf development and programmed cell death (PCD) is a form of senescence. It is characterized by several properties, such as cell-irreversible proliferation disability, cell cycle arrest, and biochemical and morphological changes leading to a disturbed functional status at the cellular level. Senescent cells, whether from replicative senescence or stress-induced premature senescence, are mostly similar in their morphological characteristics. Biomarkers involved in the process of senescence at the cellular and molecular level have extraordinary significance. The prominence of senescence in aging has led to the investigation of several senescence biomarkers. Biomarkers of aging and cellular senescence are crucial to exploring the in-depth mechanism of senescence, so as to develop a way to delay or prevent senescence and thus diagnose other age-related diseases as well. Telomere shortening is one of the well-studied cellular senescence markers, and it is frequently accepted as senescence-associated markers. Besides telomere shortening, other senescence-associated markers are presented in this chapter. Most senescence markers, including telomere shortening, have few limits. However, when choosing a telomere measurement method, it is practical to consider consistency. Further development of advanced reliable biomarkers for senescence that may work both in vitro and in vivo on numerous tissues and species that could be of importance is desirable.

As bioaerosols are ubiquitous in nature, their presence in apartment buildings is inevitable. This article introduces and discusses the characteristics of bioaerosols that can be encountered in apartment buildings, with focus given to composition of bioaerosols, measurement methods, indoor levels, potential factors that may influence indoor levels, disease type, investigation methods, and control strategies. Bioaerosols detected in apartments can consist of bacteria, fungi, allergens, endotoxins, and mycotoxins. Diseases that can be caused by bioaerosols in apartments are classified into hypersensitivity diseases and infectious diseases. In most cases, the geometric means of both bacterial and fungal levels in apartments or houses are measured to be between 10 and 103 cfu m−3 (colony-forming units per cubic meter of air). However, the maximum levels can be as high as 104 cfu m−3, a value that well exceeds the guidelines set by the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. Potential factors that influence bioaerosol levels in apartments include dampness, electronic appliances, pets, houseplants, and carpets. Two methods, epidemiologic and on-site investigations, are recommended to assess the bioaerosol problems in apartments. Three strategies are suggested to minimize the health risk from residential bioaerosol exposure: maintenance, clean up of existing contamination, and use of air cleaning devices.

This study aims to perform a meta-analysis on the effect of prophylactic/therapeutic agents in enamel tissue loss due to erosion. A paper search was done on Medline, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library, and 732 papers were identified. The inclusion criteria were very restrictive in order to be able to compare different protocols and methodologies used on those studies. Sixteen papers were eligible, grouped according to the measurement method of enamel tissue loss, and a meta-analysis was done for each type of fluoride- and casein-based agent applied. Standardized mean differences were pooled across studies. There was a significant difference between all the treatment groups and their respective control groups. The highest standardized mean difference on enamel tissue loss (mean; 95% confidence interval) was obtained by stannous fluoride (4.789 μm; 1.968–7.610; P

To identify the mean normal length of the metatarsals and the most common metatarsal formulas through a simple measurement method, thereby providing surgeons with data for planning treatment on symptomatic individuals with biometric abnormalities of the foot. Methods: We evaluated and measured dorsoplantar weight-bearing radiographs of normal adult feet (83 males and 83 females). Results: We found relative mean lengths for metatarsus I of 125.4 mm for males and 115.1 mm for females; for metatarsus II, 127.8 mm for males and 117.3 mm for females; for metatarsus III, 123.4 mm for males and 113.5 mm for females; for metatarsus IV, 114.2 mm for males and 105.3 mm for females; for metatarsus V, 99.5 mm for males and 91.7 mm for females. The mean forefoot width was 87.1 mm for males and 80.8 mm for females. Conclusion: Feet with index minus occurred most frequently in both sexes, although all three metatarsal formulas can be considered to be normal patterns. The mean normal pattern for males and females respectively was the following: metatarsus I 2.4 mm and 2.2 mm shorter than metatarsus II; metatarsus III 4.4 mm and 3.8 mm shorter than metatarsus II; metatarsus IV 9.2 mm and 8.2 mm shorter than metatarsus III; metatarsus V 14.7 mm and 13.6 mm shorter than metatarsus IV.

Connected healthcare implicitly brings the question of measurement: monitoring a patient’s state of health, generating an alert or alarm if the situation deteriorates, asking the patient to enter information about their health, all involve collecting health-related data, and therefore measuring it. After having discussed this notion of measurement, in this chapter, we will focus on the different measurement methods: automated versus acquired by a human. We are reminded that these measurement results become sources of knowledge if they are collected, compared and processed. Finally, using the Sante Landes case, we will illustrate how this knowledge can be shared and bring about new collective dynamics.

The extreme smallness of nano-objects and nanodevices implies the need for a great many of them for any practical application, which imposes great design challenges. In particular, it may be necessary to abandon the traditional engineering approach of explicit design of each individual component in a system; instead, evolutionary design principles may need to be adopted. Clearly this is very successful in the living world (e.g., brain design). Since living cells are full of intricate nanostructures and nanodevices, they also serve as a direct inspiration for artificial materials and devices. Furthermore, like their living counterparts, nano-objects and nanodevices moving in liquid media are subjected to viscous rather than inertial forces. Another corollary of smallness is the immense surface:volume ratio compared with macroscopic systems, which means that interfacial physical chemistry becomes of vital importance when formulating nanocomposites. Materials selection is anyway confronted with the problem of a much greater range of potential choices, requiring the deployment of computer simulation and high-throughput synthetic and measurement methods in order to be usefully exploited. Quality control, accustomed to traditional macroscopic approaches, requires a similar kind of rethinking.