Search

The diagnostic machinery monitoring system presented in this paper coordinates the acquisition of vibration and speed estimates for an electric machine. It functions even when the machine is “off” or spinning down. This effectively turns the machine into its own mechanical network analyzer. Data from this system can be used to correlate electrical and mechanical data in order to distinguish a variety of pathologies in the machine and its mechanical mounts. The entire sensor system powers itself from surrounding magnetic fields, requiring no ohmic contact or special power wiring. The system presented in this paper presents a unique approach for fusing data from multiple sensors to create a coordinated picture of machine operation on a self-powered platform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ITER plasma position reflectometry system will be used to estimate the distance between the position of the magnetic separatrix and the first wall at four predefined locations, complementing the magnetic diagnostics system. The antennas of the system studied in this paper are to be installed between the blanket shield modules of rows 3 and 4, on the high-field side of the tokamak. As the antennas and part of the corresponding waveguides will be directly exposed to the plasma, they will be subjected to high radiation doses from neutrons and gammas, which may cause irradiation-induced changes in the material properties and compromise the integrity of the components. In this paper, the Monte Carlo simulation code MCNP6 and the most up-to-date ITER reference neutronics model were used to estimate the thermal loads in the system. The results, complemented with a finite-element analysis performed with ANSYS Mechanical, show that the nuclear heat loads, combined with the thermal radiation coming from the plasma, translate into operation temperatures that reach 480 °C at the tips of the antennas, slightly above the maximum recommended temperature of operation of stainless steel for ITER in-vessel components under irradiation (450 °C). Further, thermal analyses and design iterations are therefore required to improve the thermal and mechanical behavior of the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review is directed at physicians and laboratory personnel in private practice and clinics who treat and diagnose Lyme borreliosis (LB) in patients as part of their daily work. A major objective of this paper is to bring together background information on Borrelia (B.) burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) and basic clinical knowledge of LB, which is one of the most frequently reported vector-borne diseases in the Northern Hemisphere. The goal is to provide practical guidance for clinicians and for laboratory physicians, and scientists for a better understanding of current achievements and ongoing obstacles in the laboratory diagnosis of LB, an infectious disease that still remains one of the diagnostic chameleons of modern clinical medicine. Moreover, in bringing together current scientific information from guidelines, reviews, and original papers, this review provides recommendations for selecting the appropriate tests in relation to the patient’s stage of disease to achieve effective, stage-related application of current direct and indirect laboratory methods for the detection of B. burgdorferi s.l. Additionally, the review aims to discuss the current state of the art concerning the diagnostic potential and limitations of the assays and test methods currently in use to optimize LB patient management and provide insight into the possible future prospects of this rapidly changing area of laboratory medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work critically analyzes the probabilistic definition of dynamic state-space models subject to Bayesian filters used for monitoring and predicting monotonic degradation processes. The study focuses on the selection of the random process, often called process noise , which is a key perturbation source in the evolution equation of particle filtering. Despite the large number of applications of particle filtering predicting structural degradation, the adequacy of the picked process noise has not been investigated. This paper reviews existing process noise models that are typically embedded in particle filters dedicated to monitoring and predicting structural damage caused by fatigue, which is monotonic in nature. The analysis emphasizes that existing formulations of the process noise can jeopardize the performance of the filter in terms of state estimation and remaining life prediction (i.e., damage prognosis). This paper subsequently proposes an optimal and unbiased process noise model and a list of requirements that the stochastic model must satisfy to guarantee high prognostic performance. These requirements are useful for future and further implementations of particle filtering for monotonic system dynamics. The validity of the new process noise formulation is assessed against experimental fatigue crack growth data from a full-scale aeronautical structure using dedicated performance metrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reflectometry diagnostic for demonstration fusion reactor (DEMO) is envisaged to provide the electron density profile and to be used as a control diagnostic for the real-time vertical position controller. An initial conceptual study has been performed defining the position of the antennas and the routing of the waveguides. In the present design, the integration has been driven by the remote handling and blanket interfaces. To progress with the system integration, neutronics simulations were performed to assess the cooling requirements. This paper presents a nuclear and thermal analysis for the initial design of the reflectometry diagnostic for DEMO. The neutronics simulations were performed using the Monte Carlo simulation program MCNP6 and FENDL 2.1 cross sections, while ANSYS mechanical v18 was used to perform the thermal analysis. Simulation results show that the nuclear heat loads reach 8 W/cm3 at the surface of the diagnostics section. Without an active cooling system, the operating temperatures of the components under such heat loads would be well above the acceptable from the thermomechanical point of view. The thermal analysis here presented provides the temperature distribution in the components when subjected to neutron/gamma irradiation and thermal radiation from the plasma, after the implementation of a preliminary design of the active cooling system. The operation temperatures of the plasma-facing antennas, as well as the performance of the diagnostics system from the neutron shielding point of view, are analyzed and discussed in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estimating nutrient content in plants is a crucial task in the application of precision farming. This work will be more challenging if it is conducted nondestructively based on plant images captured in the field due to the variation of lighting conditions. This paper proposes a computational intelligence image processing to analyze nitrogen status in wheat plants. We developed an ensemble of deep learning multilayer perceptron-using committee machines for color normalization and image segmentation. This paper also focuses on building a genetic-algorithm-based global optimization to fine tune the color normalization and nitrogen estimation results. We discovered that the proposed method can successfully normalize plant images by reducing color variabilities compared to other color normalization techniques. Furthermore, this algorithm is able to enhance the nitrogen estimation results compared to other non-global optimization methods as well as the most renowned SPAD meter based nitrogen measurement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents institutional diagnostics, which is sensitive to dynamic social and political processes ‘producing’ institutions underlying practices in resource management, climate change adaptation, and food security. The paper is based on a qualitative case study on watershed development interventions conducted in two villages in Amhara Region, Ethiopia. The research showed that resource management, adaptation, and food security institutions in Ethiopia are a result of struggles between containment strategies of the Ethiopian state and counter containment strategies of local communities. While the state’s containment institutions allowed it to mobilize a large number of rural residents for its resource management interventions, the counter containment strategies from local communities limited the potential contribution of the interventions for adaptation and food security endeavors of the state. From an institutional diagnostic perspective two conclusions are made, one empirical and another theoretical. The empirical part of the paper concludes that the Ethiopian state is using institutions to contain its population towards state-driven development pathways, which is essential to understand watershed development and state-led natural resource management interventions. The theoretical portion concludes that although institutions are often portrayed as static elements of social life, in fact they are also dynamic, socially produced, and could be coopted by powerful actors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the state-of-the-art strategies and techniques based on vibro-acoustic signals that can monitor and diagnose malfunctions in Internal Combustion Engines (ICEs) under both test bench and vehicle operating conditions. Over recent years, several authors have summarized what is known in critical reviews mainly focused on reciprocating machines in general or on specific signal processing techniques: no attempts to deal with IC engine condition monitoring have been made. This paper first gives a brief summary of the generation of sound and vibration in ICEs in order to place further discussion on fault vibro-acoustic diagnosis in context. An overview of the monitoring and diagnostic techniques described in literature using both vibration and acoustic signals is also provided. Different faulty conditions are described which affect combustion, mechanics and the aerodynamics of ICEs. The importance of measuring acoustic signals, as opposed to vibration signals, is due since the former seem to be more suitable for implementation on on-board monitoring systems in view of their non-intrusive behaviour, capability in simultaneously capturing signatures from several mechanical components and because of the possibility of detecting faults affecting airborne transmission paths. In view of the recent needs of the industry to (−) optimize component structural durability adopting long-life cycles, (−) verify the engine final status at the end of the assembly line and (−) reduce the maintenance costs monitoring the ICE life during vehicle operations, monitoring and diagnosing system requests are continuously growing up. The present review can be considered a useful guideline for test engineers in understanding which types of fault can be diagnosed by using vibro-acoustic signals in sufficient time in both test bench and operating conditions and which transducer and signal processing technique (of which the essential background theory is here reported) could be considered the most reliable and informative to be implemented for the fault in question. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper deals with research results of electronic fuel system injection (FSI) and its possible measurement for diagnostic analysis. In the parts of the paper the design and operation of a typical fuel injection system is described and its electronic part is analysed. The procedure for the detection of the injector malfunction based on the analysis of differential current characteristic has also been proposed. In the end the differences in the electrical parameters of the individual fuel injectors on the based comparison of reference and failure current are shown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents probabilistic aspects of diagnostics of grinding processes with consideration of metrological aspects of evaluation of topography of machined surfaces and selected problems of assessment of machining accuracy. The processes of creating the geometric structure of the ground surface are described. It was pointed out that the distribution of features important for process diagnostics depends on the mechanism of cumulative effects of random disturbances. Usually, there is a multiplicative mechanism or an additive mechanism of the component vectors of relative displacements of the tool and workpiece. The paper describes a method for determining the classification ability of specific parameters used to evaluate stereometric features of ground surfaces. It is shown that the ability to differentiate the geometric structure of a certain set of surfaces using a selected parameter depends on the geometric mean of the differences in normalized and sorted, consecutive values of this parameter. A methodology is presented for evaluating the ability of various parameters to distinguish different geometric structures of surfaces. Further, on the basis of analyses of a number of grinding processes, a methodology was formulated for proceeding leading to a comprehensive evaluation of machining accuracy and forecasting its results. It was taken into account that in forecasting the accuracy of grinding, it is necessary to determine the deviations, arising under the conditions of multiplicative interaction of the effects of various causes of inaccuracy. Examples are given of processes in which, due to the deformation of the technological system, dependent on the position of the zone and machining force, varying temperature fields and tool wear, the distributions of dimensional deviations are not the realization of stationary processes. It was emphasized that on the basis of the characteristics of the dispersion of the deviation value in the sum set of elements, it is not possible to infer its causes. Only the determination of the “instantaneous” values of the deviation dispersion parameters allows a more complete diagnosis of the process.

This paper presents a method for the multi-criteria classification of data in terms of identifying pneumatic wheel imbalance on the basis of vehicle body vibrations in normal operation conditions. The paper uses an expert system based on search graphs that apply source features of objects and distances from points in the space of classified objects (the metric used). Rules generated for data obtained from tests performed under stationary and road conditions using a chassis dynamometer were used to develop the expert system. The recorded linear acceleration signals of the vehicle body were analyzed in the frequency domain for which the power spectral density was determined. The power field values for selected harmonics of the spectrum consistent with the angular velocity of the wheel were adopted for further analysis. In the developed expert system, the Kamada–Kawai model was used to arrange the nodes of the decision tree graph. Based on the developed database containing learning and testing data for each vehicle speed and wheel balance condition, the probability of the wheel imbalance condition was determined. As a result of the analysis, it was determined that the highest probability of identifying wheel imbalance equal to almost 100% was obtained in the vehicle speed range of 50 km/h to 70 km/h. This is known as the pre-resonance range in relation to the eigenfrequency of the wheel vibrations. As the vehicle speed increases, the accuracy of the data classification for identifying wheel imbalance in relation to the learning data decreases to 50% for the speed of 90 km/h.

ITER will be the first fusion device able to maintain fusion for long periods of time and therefore suitable to test integrated technologies, materials, and physics regimes necessary for the commercial production of fusion-based electricity. Therefore, ITER provides a harsh radiation environment that represents an important challenge for diagnostic systems located in various regions inside the tokamak, in particular the first wall, divertor areas, and ports, but as well ex-vessel areas, where radiation levels are also significantly high for some electronic components. The radiation induced effects in functional materials have been identified and studied in the past in the fusion and fission community. These effects comprise nuclear heating, changes in physical and mechanical properties due to transmutation and displacement damage, radiation induced conductivity (RIC) or radiation induced electrical degradation (RIED) effects on insulators, radiation induced absorption (RIA) for optical materials, radio luminescence observed in fibers and windows, etc. This paper summarizes the current status of the functional material selection for ITER diagnostic systems and the expected radiation conditions in the areas where they are located. Additional testing will be required for some materials and assemblies, such as bolometers and magnetic coils. Special attention is paid to the tests required for qualification of safety important components, such as diagnostic window assemblies and vacuum feedthroughs. Finally, as one of the best ways to reduce the impact of radiation in materials is to develop a proper shielding strategy, some of the shielding options envisaged for ITER are presented and discussed in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vibrations are one of the important monitored parameters, which allow acquiring primary information about the operating condition of the device. It is necessary to bear in mind that vibrations of rotating machines are closely linked to the dynamic stress of the parts like bearings or transmissions. The paper is dealing with the issue of monitoring and diagnosing the size of the two based parameters of vibrations, namely speed and vibration acceleration. The experimental section presents the results of the measurement. During the processing, we have measured the size of vibration at four places and the processing was done under varying spindle rotation speed. The conclusion presents recommendations for input factors used during measuring and processing. Here you should describe the paper idea in short. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measurement of the frequency response, from a few Hz to a few MHz, is now commonly used in the transformer industry for the condition assessment of transformer windings and has demonstrated its sensitivity for detecting various mechanical and electrical failure modes. The present generally applied practice for interpretation is visual comparison of frequency responses, either with a previous measurement on the same or an identical unit, or between the phases of a three-phase transformer. Examples of curve comparison for typical mechanical and electrical failure modes have previously been published in CIGRE and IEEE guides. Over the last 15 years, numerous technical papers have been published regarding the interpretation of the results in an aim to make it more objective and quantitative. In 2016, CIGRE initiated a new working group titled “Objective interpretation methodology for the condition assessment of transformer windings using Frequency Response Analysis (FRA)”. This paper, written on behalf of the new working group, reviews the basics of FRA interpretation and summarizes the state-of-the-art regarding the potential methods that can be applied to achieve a more objective and quantitative interpretation of the results. [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]

High voltage DC insulation plays an important role, especially in power transmission systems (HVDC) but also increasingly on medium voltage levels (MVDC). The space charge behavior under DC voltage has great importance on electrical insulation reliability. This paper reports investigations of encapsulated space charge in homo-multilayer dielectric materials using the pulsed electro-acoustic (PEA) method. The charge has been introduced on the homo-layer interface by corona sprinkling prior to encapsulation. Two doses of charge density were accumulated on the dielectric surface in two types of dielectric materials Kapton and LDPE. The polarization DC voltage was applied in 2 min intervals in steps corresponding to an effective electric field strength in a range of 8-40 kV/mm for Kapton and 10-50 kV/mm for LDPE. The PEA-based detected space charge was compared at the initial, reference stage, prior to charge accumulation, and after corona sprinkling of defined charge density. The evaluation was based on the PEA time-dependent charge distributions and charge profiles referring to the DC polarization field strength. The goal of the experiment was to identify the relationship and the character of the known sprinkled and encapsulated charge inside homo-layered materials using the PEA method. According to the observations, the ratio between sprinkled charge densities is proportional to the encapsulated, charge densities measured by the PEA method on the interfacial homo-layer for the Kapton specimen. In the case of LDPE, a fast decrease of interfacial charge was observed, especially at a higher polarization field above 10 kV/mm. The encapsulation of the known charge amount can be extended to different types of multilayer material. The presented methodology might be used also for extended calibration of the PEA measurement system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The protection and use of historic buildings is a difficult and costly task. Most often, these objects are under conservatory protection and any interference in their structure requires appropriate consent. On the other hand, conducting construction works on historic buildings carries a high risk of their damage or even destruction. Therefore, proper prior diagnostics is an extremely important factor affecting the scope and manner of works to be conducted. The paper presents the use of 3D scanning to determine the deflection of the ceiling under the Column Hall of the historic Palace, the floor of which showed elasticity, recorded during changing service loads. After identifying the places with the greatest deflections, based on data from 3D laser scanning, test holes were made and wood samples from the ceiling were taken to perform moisture content and mycological tests. An endoscopic inspection camera was inserted into test holes, providing the basis for recognizing the structure of the ceiling, i.e. arrangement of layers as well as dimensions and spacing of ceiling beams. Strength calculations were made with the limit state method resulted in the determination of the maximum permissible service load on the ceiling. The presented course of action in diagnostics of the analysed historic building may be an example of a preliminary procedure to be taken before deciding on changes in the manner of use of historic buildings or the functionalities of their individual parts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This Focal Point Review paper discusses the developments of biomedical Raman and infrared spectroscopy, and the recent strive towards these technologies being regarded as reliable clinical tools. The promise of vibrational spectroscopy in the field of biomedical science, alongside the development of computational methods for spectral analysis, has driven a plethora of proof-of-concept studies which convey the potential of various spectroscopic approaches. Here we report a brief review of the literature published over the past few decades, with a focus on the current technical, clinical, and economic barriers to translation, namely the limitations of many of the early studies, and the lack of understanding of clinical pathways, health technology assessments, regulatory approval, clinical feasibility, and funding applications. The field of biomedical vibrational spectroscopy must acknowledge and overcome these hurdles in order to achieve clinical efficacy. Current prospects have been overviewed with comment on the advised future direction of spectroscopic technologies, with the aspiration that many of these innovative approaches can ultimately reach the frontier of medical diagnostics and many clinical applications. Graphical Abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Technical Diagnostics & Nondestructive Testing / Tekhnicheskaya Diagnostika I Nerazrushayushchiy Kontrol is the property of International Association Welding (Paton Publishing House) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The paper presents the results of model and empirical tests conducted for a marine diesel engine fueled by a blend of n-butanol and diesel oil. The research were aimed at assessing the usefulness of the proprietary diesel engine model in conducting research on marine engines powered by alternative fuels to fossil fuels. The authors defined the measures of adequacy. On their basis, they assessed the adequacy of the mathematical model used. The analysis of the results of the conducted research showed that the developed mathematical model is sufficiently adequate. Therefore, both the mathematical model and the computer program based on it will be used in further work on supplying marine engines with mixtures of diesel oil and biocomponents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Introduction. The School of Education of the Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia proposed, based on a diagnosis, to contextualize its pedagogical model, which has been in place for more than a decade and, consequently, to make the necessary changes. The HERMES pedagogical model has axes, of which this paper presents the Formative Level Projects. The NFP are a strategy to articulate knowledge and experiences developed in each of the levels of the program and to socialize them before the academic community. Students show their competencies to solve problems of their own life or of their pedagogical practice in the different worlds that the model seeks to enhance with the curricular development. The objective was to characterize the implementation of the NFP of the Hermes pedagogical model in the initial version (diagnosis) and in the new version. Methodology: The methodology used was based on the multimethod approach, since it combines quantitative and qualitative methods and techniques. The evaluation was carried out in two stages. First, a diagnosis was made of how the NFP was being executed, followed by the design and implementation of a new version, which was then evaluated. The methods and techniques used were the survey, the semi-structured interview and the focus group. Results: Regarding the NFP, the results of the diagnosis were taken into account for the new version, and its evaluation was carried out, which will allow its improvement. The main strengths of the NFP are creativity, cooperative learning and development of competencies. The main limitations are seen in the use of time, planning and organization. Conclusions: The multi-method approach provides an appropriate methodological framework for evaluating pedagogical models and strategies because, in addition to quantitative data, it is possible to delve into the perceptions, feelings and proposals of the actors in the teaching-learning process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybrid intelligent systems allow people to organize their time and simplify their day-to-day life processes related to forming a meal plan. This paper describes a method of presenting knowledge of the modern expert system, a description of the methods of the recommender system as a part of a hybrid intelligent system is given. Special attention is given to the legal regulation of intelligent systems in the area of telehealth. As a result of analyzing a number of properties of influencing people with inflammatory diseases of the digestive tract, a classified list of the main properties that affect patients with inflammatory diseases of the digestive system is highlighted. The paper presented the structure of the hybrid intelligent system for assisting people with gastrointestinal tract diseases. The paper also highlighted the main stages of designing such a system and presented the main algorithm of the system in general and of the process of forming a personalized nutrition plan. Besides, the process of making a diagnostics decision is described. A typical and alternative scenario of forming an individual nutrition plan was presented. The study considered an example of forming a nutrition plan based on the user's personal preferences. The study results are the recommendations for further development of the systems and a description of the ways of integrating the system in major telehealth services.

• Electromagnetic analysis procedure of the ITER (upper and equatorial) port mounted bolometer cameras • Main aim of the analysis is the evaluation of the electromagnetic forces caused by changing magnetic fields. • Investigate the worst load case per bolometer camera type and position. • Lorentz-forces resulting from the interaction of these eddy currents with the main magnetic field are deduced. This paper describes the electromagnetic analysis procedure of the ITER (upper and equatorial) port mounted bolometer cameras. The main aim of the analysis beside the evaluation of the electromagnetic forces caused by changing magnetic fields is to find out the worst load case scenario for a particular bolometer camera. For this purpose, a wide range of load case scenarios has been analyzed. The output from 2D axisymmetric code DINA is used as input to a general electromagnetic model of a 20° sector of the ITER structure, taking into account the contribution of all structural parts, in order to calculate eddy currents induced inside the bolometer components. The surrounding structure of the bolometer camera housing was modeled with particular precision in order to take the electromagnetic contributions of these parts into account as precisely as possible. To investigate the worst load case per camera type and position six representative disruption scenarios are analyzed. In a second step, the Lorentz-forces resulting from the interaction of these eddy currents with the main magnetic field are deduced. They are an essential input for the structural assessment of the camera housing. This paper discus in detail EM analysis procedures used in case of port-mounted bolometer cameras. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Magnetic resonance imaging localises cancer in the prostate, allowing for a targeted biopsy with or without transrectal ultrasound-guided systematic biopsy. Targeted biopsy methods include cognitive fusion, where prostate lesions suspicious on magnetic resonance imaging are targeted visually during live ultrasound, and software fusion, where computer software overlays the magnetic resonance imaging image onto the ultrasound in real time. The effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of software fusion technologies compared with cognitive fusion biopsy are uncertain. Objectives To assess the clinical and cost-effectiveness of software fusion biopsy technologies in people with suspected localised and locally advanced prostate cancer. A systematic review was conducted to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy, clinical efficacy and practical implementation of nine software fusion devices compared to cognitive fusion biopsies, and with each other, in people with suspected prostate cancer. Comprehensive searches including MEDLINE, and Embase were conducted up to August 2022 to identify studies which compared software fusion and cognitive fusion biopsies in people with suspected prostate cancer. Risk of bias was assessed with quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies-comparative tool. A network meta-analysis comparing software and cognitive fusion with or without concomitant systematic biopsy, and systematic biopsy alone was conducted. Additional outcomes, including safety and usability, were synthesised narratively. A de novo decision model was developed to estimate the cost-effectiveness of targeted software fusion biopsy relative to cognitive fusion biopsy with or without concomitant systematic biopsy for prostate cancer identification in biopsy-naive people. Scenario analyses were undertaken to explore the robustness of the results to variation in the model data sources and alternative assumptions. Results Twenty-three studies (3773 patients with software fusion, 2154 cognitive fusion) were included, of which 13 informed the main meta-analyses. Evidence was available for seven of the nine fusion devices specified in the protocol and at high risk of bias. The meta-analyses show that patients undergoing software fusion biopsy may have: (1) a lower probability of being classified as not having cancer, (2) similar probability of being classified as having non-clinically significant cancer (International Society of Urological Pathology grade 1) and (3) higher probability of being classified at higher International Society of Urological Pathology grades, particularly International Society of Urological Pathology 2. Similar results were obtained when comparing between same biopsy methods where both were combined with systematic biopsy. Evidence was insufficient to conclude whether any individual devices were superior to cognitive fusion, or whether some software fusion technologies were superior to others. Uncertainty in the relative diagnostic accuracy of software fusion versus cognitive fusion reduce the strength of any statements on its cost-effectiveness. The economic analysis suggests incremental cost-effectiveness ratios for software fusion biopsy versus cognitive fusion are within the bounds of cost-effectiveness (£1826 and £5623 per additional quality-adjusted life-year with or with concomitant systematic biopsy, respectively), but this finding needs cautious interpretation. Limitations There was insufficient evidence to explore the impact of effect modifiers. Conclusions Software fusion biopsies may be associated with increased cancer detection in relation to cognitive fusion biopsies, but the evidence is at high risk of bias. Sufficiently powered, high-quality studies are required. Cost-effectiveness results should be interpreted with caution given the limitations of the diagnostic accuracy evidence. Study registration This trial is registered as PROSPERO CRD42022329259. Funding This award was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Evidence Synthesis programme (NIHR award ref: 135477) and is published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 28, No. 61. See the NIHR Funding and Awards website for further information. Plain language summary Men with an magnetic resonance imaging scan that shows possible prostate cancer (PCa) are offered prostate biopsies, where samples of the prostate tissue are collected with a needle, to confirm the presence and severity of cancer. Different biopsy methods exist. In a cognitive fusion biopsy, clinicians will target abnormal looking parts of the prostate by looking at the magnetic resonance imaging scan alongside ‘live’ ultrasound images. During a software fusion (SF) biopsy, a computer software is used to overlay the magnetic resonance imaging scan onto the ultrasound image. This study evaluated whether SF is better at detecting cancer compared with cognitive fusion biopsy, and whether it represents value for money for the National Health Service. We did a comprehensive review of the literature. We combined and re-analysed the evidence, and assessed its quality. We investigated whether SF biopsies are sufficient value for money. Compared with cognitive fusion, patients receiving a SF biopsy may have: (1) a lower probability of having a ‘no cancer’ result, (2) similar probability of having a benign, non-clinically significant (CS) cancer result and (3) higher probability of detecting CS cancer. However, it is uncertain to what extent SF is more accurate than cognitive fusion, because of concerns about the quality of the evidence. We found no evidence that any SF devices were superior to others. Using additional, random biopsies alongside software or cognitive fusion would increase the detection of PCa. We also looked for evidence on the value for money of the SF biopsies to detect PCa and found no relevant studies. We weighed the costs and the benefits of SF biopsy compared to cognitive fusion to determine whether it could be a good use of National Health Service money. The poor quality of information makes the value of the technologies largely unknown. Scientific summary Background Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in the UK. In the NHS people with suspected PCa are offered multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI). People with suspected PCa, according to MRI, are offered a biopsy procedure to confirm the presence and severity of cancer. Traditionally patients were offered a systematic transrectal, ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (or systematic biopsy). Since the introduction of mpMRI, specific areas of abnormal tissue can be targeted, by combining (or fusing) the results of mpMRI and ultrasound imaging. Several methods for fusing MRI and ultrasound images exist, including cognitive fusion (CF), in which a region of interest is identified prior to biopsy and the biopsy operator estimates where it might be on an ultrasound image, and software fusion (SF), where regions of interest on magnetic resonace images are identified and contoured before biopsy and overlayed with the prostate contours on ultrasound images during the biopsy. Systematic biopsy may be used in addition to targeted biopsy. A number of SF technologies are available. However, the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of SF compared with CF is uncertain. Objectives This study aimed to assess the clinical and cost-effectiveness of SF biopsy systems in people with suspected localised and locally advanced PCa. Methods Systematic review A systematic review of the diagnostic accuracy, clinical effectiveness, safety and practical implementation of nine SF systems compared with CF and with each other, in people suspected PCa according to MRI was conducted. Comprehensive bibliographic searches, including MEDLINE and EMBASE and supplementary sources, were conducted up to 2 August 2022 for published and unpublished literature. Studies of people with suspected PCa who have had a MRI scan that indicates a significant lesion [Likert or prostate imaging – reporting and data system (PI-RADS) score of 3 or more], including biopsy-naive and repeat biopsy patients with a previous negative prostate biopsy, and comparing SF with CF or with another SF device, were included. The following SF technologies were included: ARTEMIS (InnoMedicus ARTEMIS), BioJet (Healthcare Supply Solutions Ltd), BiopSee (Medcom), bkFusion (BK Medical UK Ltd and MIM Software Inc.), Fusion Bx 2.0 (Focal Healthcare), FusionVu (Exact Imaging), iSR’obot Mona LisaTM (Biobot iSR’obot), KOELIS Trinity (KOELIS and Kebomed) and UroNav Fusion Biopsy System (Phillips). Previous versions were also eligible. In-bore (or in-gantry) biopsies were excluded. Prospective, randomised and non-randomised comparative studies were included, and retrospective evidence where no prospective evidence could be found for an eligible SF device. To provide sufficient evidence for a network meta-analysis (NMA), within-patient comparisons or randomised controlled trials (RCTs) between SF and systematic biopsy, and between CF and systematic biopsy, were also eligible to inform indirect comparisons of diagnostic accuracy. Two researchers independently screened the titles and abstracts of all reports identified by the bibliographic searches and of all full-text papers subsequently obtained. Data extraction and quality assessment were conducted by at least one researcher and checked by a second. Risk of bias of diagnostic accuracy studies was assessed using quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies-comparative (QUADAS-C). For diagnostic accuracy outcomes, studies reporting sufficient data were included in network meta-analyses comparing SF and CF with or without concomitant systematic biopsy, and systematic biopsy alone, where odds of being categorised in each of different cancer grades were allowed to vary by biopsy type. Results were reported as odds ratios with 95% credible intervals (CrIs). Additional diagnostic accuracy results that could not be pooled in a meta-analysis and clinical effectiveness, safety and implementation outcomes were synthesised narratively. Economic analysis Cost-effectiveness evidence comparing SF biopsy systems with CF for targeted prostate biopsy in men with suspected PCa was identified by the previously mentioned searches, with evidence narratively summarised and tabulated. Studies were appraised for their quality, generalisability and appropriateness to inform the decision problem as defined by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Diagnostics Assessment Report (NICE DAR) scope. A targeted search was conducted to identify evidence to support the development of a de novo decision model. The searches aimed to identify cost-effectiveness evidence of diagnostic strategies at the point of biopsy to support the model conceptualisation. Evidence was reviewed to (1) identify value components of the biopsy approaches, (2) characterise alternative mechanisms of evidence linkage from disease prevalence, diagnostic accuracy, choice of treatment to final outcomes, and (3) identify any UK-relevant sources of evidence. A de novo decision analytic model was developed to estimate the cost-effectiveness of SF compared to CF. The model evaluated two strategies for two alternative comparisons: (1) targeted SF biopsy versus targeted cognitive biopsy and (2) combined (targeted and systematic) SF biopsy versus combined cognitive biopsy. The four strategies could not be incrementally compared due to the mechanism of evidence generation for the diagnostic accuracy, which relied on separate evidence networks. The de novo model consisted of two components: (1) a decision tree, which captured biopsy adverse events (AEs), repeated biopsies and classified individuals according to their biopsy results and underlying true disease status, and (2) long-term model to link classification to clinical management decisions and this to longer-term costs and consequences (e.g. disease progression and PCa mortality) so that differences in costs, life-year gains and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) were quantified over a lifetime horizon. The model required the development of (1) an extension to the evidence synthesis to allow quantifying the extension of test misclassification in the diagnostic model with SF biopsy and CF biopsy, and (2) an inference model to derive unobservable transition probabilities for the long-term model. Results The systematic review of clinical evidence included a total of 3733 patients who received SF and 2154 individuals with CF from 23 studies. Evidence was included for all devices specified in the protocol, except for Fusion Bx 2.0 and FusionVu. Overall, the evidence for all devices was at high risk of bias. Overall, biopsy-naive patients were under-represented. Fourteen studies were included in the meta-analyses. Diagnostic accuracy Across all analyses results must be interpreted with caution due to the high risk of bias in the evidence base and wide uncertainty over the results. The meta-analyses show that patients undergoing SF biopsy may have: (1) a lower probability of being classified as not having cancer, (2) similar probability of being classified as having non-clinically significant cancer [International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grade 1], and (3) higher probability of being classified at higher ISUP grades, particularly ISUP 2. Similar results were obtained where both biopsy methods were combined with systematic biopsy. Additional meta-analyses of cancer detection rates suggest that, compared with CF biopsy, SF may identify more PCa (any grade) (OR 1.30; 95% CrI 1.06, 1.61). Adding systematic biopsy to cognitive or SF may increase the detection of all PCa and of clinically significant (CS) cancer, and from this evidence there is no suggestion that SF with concomitant systematic biopsy is superior to CF with systematic biopsy. Meta-analyses of cancer detection rates, by individual device, showed that compared with CF biopsy, BioJet and Urostation are associated with a higher detection of PCa overall. There was no evidence that any of the SF devices increased detection of CS cancer (except for BioJet, although this is based on one low-quality study), and overall, the evidence was insufficient to conclude whether any individual devices were superior to CF, or whether some SF technologies are more accurate than others. Clinical effectiveness There is no evidence that biopsy positivity rates and safety outcomes differ significantly between SF and CF, or between SF devices. There was some evidence that systems with rigid registration (BioJet or UroNav) are easier and faster to use than elastic registration (KOELIS Trinity), although this is informed by a single, small study and is not conclusive. Cost-effectiveness One full cost-effectiveness study of SF compared targeted SF to targeted CF. However, the findings of the study were not considered generalisable to the decision problem under assessment. Sixteen studies were identified of which nine were selected to inform the conceptualisation and parameterisation of the de novo decision model. The base-case cost-effectiveness analysis suggests for the targeted biopsy and the combined biopsy comparisons, that SF strategy is on average costlier and yields greater QALYs than the CF strategy, resulting in a probabilistic incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of £6197 and £2199 per additional QALY for each comparison, respectively. These ICERs are below the lower bound of the cost-effectiveness threshold range recommended by NICE, suggesting that SF may be cost-effective compared to CFs in both the targeted and the combined comparisons. However, these results should be interpreted cautiously given the uncertainties in the relative diagnostic accuracy evidence which informs the model. The probabilistic analysis suggests a higher probability of cost-effectiveness for SF versus CF at the range of cost-effectiveness thresholds recommended by NICE (0.64 and 0.68 at £20,000 and £30,000 per additional QALY for targeted SF biopsy). Discussion This assessment includes a broad, comprehensive literature search for software and CF technologies and has been conducted following recognised guidelines to ensure high quality. The review identified evidence on the diagnostic accuracy of nine SF technologies, and is the first systematic review to formally compare the relative accuracy of SF and CF, with and without systematic biopsy, as well as different SF devices, using both direct and indirect evidence in a NMA. Unlike recent systematic review evidence, our review found that SF increased detection of clinically insignificant cancer compared with CF. Our review has a number of limitations. The evidence included in the systematic review is at high risk of bias overall. There was variation in patient and study characteristics. Biopsy-naive patients, who form the large majority of patients eligible for targeted biopsy, were under-represented, although there was insufficient evidence to evaluate whether the relative accuracy of software and CF differed between biopsy-naive and repeat biopsy patients. There was insufficient evidence to explore the impact of a number of other potential effect modifiers, including lesion location, operator experience, biopsy routes and anaesthesia methods. There were few studies per comparison, not all studies reported outcomes by all cancer grades, and most estimates from the meta-analyses were imprecise, particularly at higher cancer grades where data were most sparse. The network meta-analyses relied on the assumption that CF was equivalent across different centres, which is uncertain. No evidence was found for most of this assessment’s prespecified outcomes: biopsy sample suitability/quality, number of repeat biopsies performed, procedure completion rates, software failure rate, time to diagnosis, length of hospital stay, time taken for MR image preparation, subsequent PCa management, re-biopsy rate, hospitalisation, overall survival, progression-free survival (PFS), patient- and carer- reported outcomes [including tolerability and health-related quality of life (HRQoL)], barriers and facilitators to implementations. The cost-effectiveness results are driven by the modelled differences in diagnostic accuracy between software and CF, particularly the increased correct detection of Cambridge Prognostic Group 1 (CPG 1) (resulting in net losses for SF) and CPG 2 (resulting in net gains for SF). The External Assessment Group (EAG)’s NMA and its extension underpinned the economic model, so its limitations apply to the cost-effectiveness estimates. The magnitude of value realised for SF, compared with CF, depends on the balance between different degrees of misclassification and correct classification with the two technologies and on the prevalence of disease at each cancer grade. The value of SF is thus driven by comparative diagnostic accuracy (compared to ‘gold standard’) derived where evidence is particularly sparse (cancer grades above 2), and by prevalence, which is also affected by evidence sparsity. Therefore, the estimates of cost-effectiveness are affected by unquantified uncertainty and should be interpreted with caution. Conclusions Compared to CF biopsy, patients undergoing SF biopsy may show a lower probability of being classified as not having cancer, similar probability of being classified as having non-CS cancer, and a higher probability of being classified at higher ISUPs, particularly ISUP 2. Both SF and CF biopsy can miss CS cancer lesions, and the addition of standard-systematic biopsy increases the detection of all PCa and CS cancer for both fusion methods. There is insufficient evidence to conclude on the relative accuracy and clinical effectiveness of different software devices. Cost-effectiveness estimates comparing software to CF were generally favourable to SF, except where the technologies were assumed to have the same diagnostic accuracy. The drivers of economic value of SF, comparative diagnostic accuracy and prevalence, are affected by unquantified uncertainty. Judgements on the economic value of SF require integration of the uncertainties over the clinical evidence with the overall cost-effectiveness. Recommendations for further research High-quality, sufficiently powered RCT evidence comparing SF biopsy with CF biopsy is required to address limitations from the existing evidence. Improved reporting of diagnostic accuracy outcomes would enable future syntheses to make use of a larger body of evidence. Study registration This trial is registered as PROSPERO CRD42022329259. Funding This award was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Evidence Synthesis programme (NIHR award ref: 135477) and is published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 28, No. 61. See the NIHR Funding and Awards website for further information.

Introduction and objective: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastroenterological disorder affecting 9% to 23% of the population worldwide. The disease causes recurrent abdominal pain and abnormal bowel movements without visible anatomical or biochemical changes and diagnosis is often difficult. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the current knowledge of the pathophysiology, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment of IBS. Review methods: The literature available in the PubMed database was reviewed using the following key words: "irritable bowel syndrome," "constipation," "diarrhea", "abdominal pain", "diagnostics", "treatment". 49 articles were included in the review and 80% were from 2016-2024. Current state of knowledge: The pathophysiology of IBS is not fully understood, but it is recognized that the disease is a disorder of the gut-brain axis. It can lead to abnormal secretion of serotonin and dopamine, which affects symptoms. The diagnosis of IBS is based on the Rome IV Criteria, defining the characteristics and severity of symptoms. Summary: IBS is a disorder that significantly affects quality of life. Diagnosis is based on the exclusion of organic diseases and meeting certain criteria. Treatment includes both dietary modification and pharmacotherapy aimed at relieving symptoms. Despite advances in research, the pathophysiology of IBS is still not fully understood, making it difficult to develop effective treatments.

The field of nanophotonics has advanced and can be utilized as a method to detect different infectious diseases. The introduction of multiplex nanophotonic diagnostics has enabled the speedy and simultaneous detection of viral infections and specific biomarkers. The quick reaction times, high sensitivity, and specificity of multiplex nanophotonic diagnostics enable real-time identification of viruses without the need for nucleic acid amplification. This review presents an overview of nanophotonic tools used to identify diseases and particular biomarkers. The paper also examines possible research areas for the development of unique, cutting-edge multiplex nanophotonic diagnostics capable of concurrently detecting various diseases or biomarkers/biomolecules. Furthermore, it discusses barriers to further advancement and offers insight into anticipated trends.

The integration of biochips with AI opened up new possibilities and is expected to revolutionize smart healthcare tools within the next five years. The combination of miniaturized, multi-functional, rapid, high-throughput sample processing and sensing capabilities of biochips, with the computational data processing and predictive power of AI, allows medical professionals to collect and analyze vast amounts of data quickly and efficiently, leading to more accurate and timely diagnoses and prognostic evaluations. Biochips, as smart healthcare devices, offer continuous monitoring of patient symptoms. Integrated virtual assistants have the potential to send predictive feedback to users and healthcare practitioners, paving the way for personalized and predictive medicine. This review explores the current state-of-the-art biochip technologies including gene-chips, organ-on-a-chips, and neural implants, and the diagnostic and therapeutic utility of AI-assisted biochips in medical practices such as cancer, diabetes, infectious diseases, and neurological disorders. Choosing the appropriate AI model for a specific biomedical application, and possible solutions to the current challenges are explored. Surveying advances in machine learning models for biochip functionality, this paper offers a review of biochips for the future of biomedicine, an essential guide for keeping up with trends in healthcare, while inspiring cross-disciplinary collaboration among biomedical engineering, medicine, and machine learning fields.

Recent advancements in synthetic biology have facilitated the concept of a cell-based and cell-free biosensing platform, which enables the identification of molecular signals encompassing metal/chemical to disease biomarkers. The artificial sensing incorporates the concept of both whole-cell and cell-free biosensing strategies, which include highly regulated natural and synthetic components to exhibit genetically encoded molecular sensing properties. These sensors utilize protein expression to release signalling molecules as the result of received input to facilitate the detection of analytes. Intending to use modified living cells or artificial cells in biosensing, the proposed study highlights the importance of cell-based and cell-free sensors in biomedical and diagnostics. The article's first section will explain the biosensing types including cell-free, cell-based, vesicle-based, and paper-based sensing where sensing relies on cell, cellular components, and cell-free systems which mostly involve transcriptional or translational machinery. It highlights the advantages, disadvantages, and challenges of advancing approaches. The second section of the article elaborates on the principle of sensing and the strategies involved. Though very few studies have been reported on this topic, therefore, the current article focuses on the artificial sensors that have been designed for medical and diagnostic purposes. The review also marks the current and future advancements in the field including artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, stem cells, and omics. Sensing recently has a big impact on disease diagnosis as well as drug development and targeted therapies. While newly developed biology-based diagnostics technologies still have high costs, require highly trained personnel, suffer stability issues and reduce sensor performance. Therefore, this review brings readers’ attention to advances and challenges in the following field and promotes the resolution of medical and diagnostics issues in the future.

Biosensors are small, integrated, self-contained and self-analysing scientific devices that are used to identify and measure topics of interest. Biological detection components (e.g., enzymes, antibodies and nucleic acids) are closely related to transducers (e.g., optical, electrochemical, piezoelectric) that makes the concept of biodegradation more complex and quantitative. As a general rule, the strength of the output signal corresponds to a group of analysers. Finally, the results are created using applied gadgets and the programming framework that are involved. These provide an easier and advanced visualisation that can be handled even by a non expert. In simpler words biosensor can be termed as an 'easy-to-use' tool for diagnostic purposes, that are developed to help in the early diagnosis and treatment of disease. Early diagnosis is the key to successful treatment of many diseases. Biosensors utilise the unique properties of biological and physical materials to recognise a target molecule and effect transduction of an electronic signal. The key advantages of biosensors are fast responsiveness and high sensitivity. Also, the basic advantage for 'Point of Care' (POC) devices such as biosensors would include integration of nano materials, microfluidics, automatic samplers and transduction devices on a single chip. Biosensors are also being used as new analytical tools to study medicine related diagnostic aspects. This paper reviews the significance of biosensors for clinical diagnosis and therapeutic applications in the field of dentistry and its application during the COVID-19 pandemic era. It provides a comprehensive account of progress in biosensors for dental applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides a brief overview of the 18F isotope production using the Cyclone-30 cyclotron and two liquid targets with the volume of 0.5 and 2.0 ml, water enriched with the 18O isotope was used as the target material. The obtained isotope was used for serial production of the [18F]FDG radiopharmaceutical and supply of this medicine to the operating PET centers in Almaty. The isotope was also used for experimental syntheses of [18F]PSMA-1007 and Na[18F]F to assess the possibility of implementation these medicines into the production and medical practice of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The need for the implementation of [18F]PSMA-1007 is associated with the problem of early diagnosis and control of prostate cancer treatment, and Na[18F]F - with the earliest possible detection of bone metastases in malignant tumors of various localization. This paper provides the average radiochemical yield and the main quality parameters for [18F]FDG, [18F]PSMA-1007 and Na[18F]F. This scientific and practical work allows us to evaluate the three-year production experience and the possibilities of fluorine production by reaction (p,n) on the cyclotron С-30, and also reflects the prospects of using fluorine in the development of new-generation radiopharmaceuticals for the diagnosis of oncological diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Media4u Magazine is the property of Ing. Jan Chromy, Ph.D. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Monitoring children's language ability levels makes it possible to predict their school achievement and identify potential difficulties. Identifying literacy difficulties in terms of specific learning disabilities is an important topic for elementary school pupils. Today, there is a general consensus based on research evidence that the diagnostic battery of literacy skills should always include a test of language abilities, through which the prerequisites for individual reading skills and at-risk readers can be identified. A working group has created a diagnostic tool for language awareness that allows the morphologicalsyntactic (subtest A and B) and semantic (subtest C) language levels of Czech children of elementary school age to be assessed. Data analysis examines how individual language skills correspond to reading performance - decoding and reading comprehension in different reading modalities (oral and silent reading) and how they correspond to other prerequisites for reading, such as listening comprehension. The paper introduces a new diagnostic tool using a quantitative methodology. It is based on data from the research project Key Literacy Skills for Primary School Pupils - a diagnostic battery, in which 881 elementary grade pupils (Grade 1 - Grade 5) participated. The statistical parameters of the new tool are presented and the relations between the Language Awareness Test, decoding skills, and oral and silent reading comprehension are analysed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ensuring the country's food independence is one of the most important tasks, the successful solution of which depends on the effective functioning of the agro-industrial complex. The main condition for solving the issues of technical support of agricultural enterprises is the high quality and competitiveness of Ukrainian agricultural machinery, in particular, combine harvesters. Engineering management plays an important role in improving the efficiency of using combine harvesters, timely detection and prevention of technological and technical failures. In practice, when using complex harvesting equipment, one of the most important tasks is the technological regulation of the machine in the field. This task belongs to the class of time-consuming engineering problems. Basically, the solution of the problem of engineering management of combine harvesters is assigned to the operator and depends on their qualifications. Difficulties in solving the problem of technological regulation are associated with the uncertainty of information about the factors of the external environment in which the combine operates and the complexity and insufficient study of the relationships between harvesting factors, regulatory parameters, and indicators of the quality of the combine. Therefore, special attention should be paid to the development of information support systems for the operator's intellectual activities, which help it during harvesting operations. One of these promising areas is the development of expert systems for the subject area under consideration. The purpose is to substantiate aspects of engineering management of the technical condition of the combine harvester and the functions of practical application in information technology. Methodology - an expert system of engineering management of the technical condition of combine harvesters can operate in two modes: acquiring knowledge and solving problems. The paper presents the results of communication synthesis in the system "combine harvester - combine operator - master diagnostician". According to the results of production tests, failures of hydraulic equipment and electrohydraulics of combine harvesters of the Slavutych model were tabulated. Conclusion - the use of an expert system has reduced the time spent on collecting and analysing information about the technical condition and making decisions - they are more than four times less than the time spent on troubleshooting. Scientific relevance - the validity of existence at the level of significance α=0.05 of the null hypothesis that the duration of technical diagnostics is equal to the duration of repair has been proven, and the competing hypothesis that the duration of diagnostics of a combine harvester is less than the duration of repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cervical adenocarcinoma poses a huge diagnostic and therapeutic problem due to its endocervical localization and specific etiopathogenesis. Aims of the paper were: to establish characteristics of cervical adenocarcinoma in comparison to squamous cell type, to assess the validity of current diagnostic methods in cervical adenocarcinoma diagnostics, and to determine the best combination of diagnostic procedures that reduce the percentage of false negative results and demonstrate high sensitivity in cervical adenocarcinoma diagnostics. This was a prospective study comprising 180 patients operated for high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia II and III, adenocarcinoma in situ and cervical carcinoma at the Clinic of Gyneacology and Obstetrics, University Clinical Center Niš. The objective of our study was especially focused on patients with a histological diagnosis of adenocarcinoma. All the patients filled out a questionnaire prior to surgery and samples for human papilloma virus (HPV) testing were collected from all of them. HPV typing was performed at the Public Health Institute Niš, by using PCR method for detecting oncogenic HPV types and genotypes. HPV result was statistically significantly more commonly associated with adenocarcinoma. NILM finding was statistically significantly more commonly associated with AC pathohistological finding, while other cytological findings were statistically significantly more commonly associated with other PH results. Normal colposcopic finding was more commonly associated with AC pathohistological finding. Irregular bleeding finding in relation to defined groups of pathological finding is statistically significant and demonstrates medium strength of association. Irregular bleedings are statistically significantly more common in adenocarcinoma in comparison to severe forms of squamous changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conservation of hypogea and their accessibility by the visitors is a hard question, due to the interaction of different factors such as the intrinsic characteristics of the hypogeal environments and the presence of public. A particular case is represented by the Mithraeum of Marino Laziale, located a few kilometers away from Rome and accidentally discovered in the 1960s. The uniqueness of the discovery was the presence of a well-preserved painting of the Mithraic scene (II century A.D.) probably due to the oblivion of the place of worship over the centuries as well as the isolation from the outdoor environment. Unfortunately, despite a recent complete restoration and recovery of the archaeological area, which ended in 2015, the area was never open to the visitors and only two years after completing the works it was no longer safe to use. Hence, the need for a new planning of interventions starting from the deep knowledge of this cultural heritage and from the analysis of past incorrect actions to arrive at the opening—without any risk for the archaeological findings and visitors—and management of this site, never exposed to the public. Therefore, since 2018 a diagnostic campaign and microclimate monitoring have been started. The data collected during the two years of investigations have been fundamental to assess the conservation state of the hypogeal environment and the potential risks for the preservation of the three paintings (the Mithraic scene and two dadophores). Long-term monitoring of indoor environmental conditions assumes the role of an essential tool for the planning of preventive conservation strategies but also for the control of the site after its opening to the visitors. Furthermore, the characterization of the microclimate is non-invasive, sufficiently economical and accurate. In this paper, the characterization of surfaces in the Mithraic gallery through optical microscopy, UV fluorescence/imaging techniques, FT-IR spectroscopy, XRD and the microclimatic parameters variation in the presence or absence of visitors are used to define the strategies for the opening and fruition of the Mithraeum. The strategies for the sustainable fruition of this unique archaeological site have been defined through a conservation protocol approved by the Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage and necessary for the site managers and curators of the Municipality of Marino Laziale to finally support its opening. [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]

Bearings are now part of most small or large rotary machines. Maintenance of rotary machines is an essential part of preventing a bearing seizure, which can cause extensive damage to the machine or injury to the machine operators. Early replacement of a broken bearing can preserve the machine, avoiding long-term downtime and saving considerable amounts of money. This paper is concerned with the measurement of two vibration parameters (velocity and acceleration of vibrations) on the bearing housing of a laboratory model using a worn and unworn bearing. The measurement also focuses on monitoring the temperature change in the bearings using a thermal imager. Subsequent analysis of the vibrodiagnostic signal and thermal imaging pictures from the bearing is critical in terms of early identification of an upcoming failure, which can result in the failure of the production equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The study aims to summarise the literature on cancer care pathways at the diagnostic and treatment phases. The objectives are to find factors influencing the delivery of cancer care pathways; to highlight any interrelating factors; to find gaps in the literature concerning areas of research; to summarise the strategies and recommendations implemented in the studies.Design/methodology/approach: The study used a qualitative approach and developed a causal loop diagram to summarise the current literature on cancer care pathways, from screening and diagnosis to treatment. A total of 46 papers was finally included in the analysis, which highlights the recurring themes in the literature.Findings: The study highlights the myriad areas of research applied to cancer care pathways. Factors influencing the delivery of cancer care pathways were classified into different albeit interrelated themes. These include access barriers to care, hospital emergency admissions, fast track diagnostics, delay in diagnosis, waiting time to treatment and strategies to increase system efficiency.Originality/value: As far as the authors know, this is the first study to present a visual representation of the complex relationship between factors influencing the delivery of cancer care pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The question of properties and diagnostics for Gricean (1975) conversational implicature is a complex one, and it has been the subject of ongoing debate since the 1970s. At present, there is often a tendency for researchers to assume that the question has been answered decidedly and to move forward in further analyses without acknowledgment that it is in fact very much still an open debate. In a recent article, for example, entitled “Manner Implicatures and How to Spot Them” (Rett 2020), it is assumed with very little discussion that conversational implicatures of Manner are distinguishable with the following set of diagnostics: calculability, reinforceability, discourse sensitivity to the ‘Question under Discussion,’ and embeddability. The article goes on to assume as well that this set of properties can pick out all conversational implicatures in general. In this present paper, I show that this assumption is not justified and that there are serious problems with the proposed diagnostic arrangement. It is suggested at the very least that the arrangement should be presented as a tentative or exploratory one—rather than a settled one—before then going on to make larger claims about the conversational implicature category. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present a detailed theoretical analysis of charge exchange recombination spectroscopy based on interactions of the planned ITER neutral beams (diagnostic beam of 100 keV uâˆ'1 and heating beam of ≈1 MeV uâˆ'1) with highly-charged ions of tungsten. The results of the present spectral synthesis are based on the new set of nl -resolved charge exchange (CX) cross sections for recombination of the W q + ions (q = 61â€"66) with atomic hydrogen calculated using the classical trajectory Monte Carlo method. A large-scale collisional-radiative model describing the population kinetics of the high- n atomic states of Si-like through O-like W ions has been developed using the NOMAD code for typical conditions of the ITER core plasma, and the resulting spectra have been generated for wavelengths in the x-ray to visible range (0.1â€"1000 nm). A detailed analysis of the plasma emission predicts a significant effect of CX recombination on the W line intensity ratios that can be used for more advanced diagnostics of the ITER plasma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract—In this paper, we focus on the biophysical basis of the method for qualitative and quantitative registration of pain syndrome objectively and on the results obtained after experimental approbation of this method. The proposed method could be applied to create systems for support of medical decision making and be used as an effective method for express diagnostics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper describes a diagnostic system for electromechanical equipment with a decision-making block based on a neural network. An asynchronous gear drive was used as a control object. Decision making was carried out on the basis of a comprehensive analysis of vibration data (from the gear drive) and the current consumption of the induction motor. Vibration velocity, vibration acceleration and current in the phases of the stator winding of the drive electric motor are distinguished as diagnostic signs. The work shows the possibility of increasing the efficiency of diagnostics of electromechanical equipment by using complex analysis with the use of an intelligent decision-making unit. Analysis of the results of the neural network operation with the received vibration and current data showed that with a smaller number of iterations (training time) (by 40 %), 97.9 % of correct answers and a lower error value (by 12 %) were obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper presents diagnostic analysis of automotive ignition system for various working and adverse conditions in laboratory. Description and importance of basic diagnostics of automotive ignition system are examined in the first part of the paper. In the second the focus is placed on the basic principles and solution of the spark plug model. The test laboratory device is proposed in the following and the specialized measurements were executed by the proposed measurement system. The faults were simulated by application of oil and gasoline between the electrodes and failing by the driver to make the ignition contact on the spark plug.

In this survey paper, we systematically summarize existing literature on bearing fault diagnostics with deep learning (DL) algorithms. While conventional machine learning (ML) methods, including artificial neural network, principal component analysis, support vector machines, etc., have been successfully applied to the detection and categorization of bearing faults for decades, recent developments in DL algorithms in the last five years have sparked renewed interest in both industry and academia for intelligent machine health monitoring. In this paper, we first provide a brief review of conventional ML methods, before taking a deep dive into the state-of-the-art DL algorithms for bearing fault applications. Specifically, the superiority of DL based methods are analyzed in terms of fault feature extraction and classification performances; many new functionalities enabled by DL techniques are also summarized. In addition, to obtain a more intuitive insight, a comparative study is conducted on the classification accuracy of different algorithms utilizing the open source Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) bearing dataset. Finally, to facilitate the transition on applying various DL algorithms to bearing fault diagnostics, detailed recommendations and suggestions are provided for specific application conditions. Future research directions to further enhance the performance of DL algorithms on health monitoring are also discussed.