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In plants, xylem vessel length is important for long-distance water transport; however, the currently used methods for vessel length measurement are inconvenient and time-consuming. The recently developed semi-automated Pneumatron is a device based on the pneumatic theory that is similar to the air-injection method, and can rapidly estimate vessel length. Mean vessel length was compared between the Pneumatron and the air-injection method in seven woody species with a wide range of vessel lengths (2.3–78.7 cm). The results were consistent between the two methods, regardless of whether the same or different samples were used. The theory underlying the gas flow in vessels was improved and expanded, and compared to that underlying the water flow in order to better understand the pneumatic processes within a stem sample. Moreover, a new and simple equation for gas flow in vessels was derived based on the molar gas flow (mol s-1) rather than volume flow, because the former remains constant with distance throughout the stem axis. We strongly recommend using the Pneumatron in future studies owing to its low cost, convenience, rapidity, and simple operation. However, a number of potential issues need to be considered to avoid artifacts during measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"A Cabinet of Byzantine Curiosities: Strange Tales and Surprising Facts from History's Most Orthodox Empire" by Anthony Kaldellis is a book that aims to entertain and provide a reservoir of tales and anecdotes about the Byzantine Empire. The book covers a wide range of topics, including animals, science and technology, religion, marriage, war, and emperors. It highlights both the strange and alien aspects of Byzantine culture, as well as its pragmatic and rational side. The book offers a unique and enjoyable perspective on Byzantine history and culture, and hopes to draw more attention to this area of research. [Extracted from the article]

Objective The design pressure of partial system of natural gas ethane recovery project in Tarim oilfield reaches 8.0 MPa, and hydraulic pressure test mode is adopted to ensure the safety of pipeline equipment strength pressure test in the construction process. In order to avoid freezing and blocking of hydrostatic test unit and ensure smooth test run and long-term stable operation of the unit, it is necessary to efficiently complete the drying operation of the gas cryogenic recovery unit before it is put into operation. Methods On the basis of a comprehensive investigation and analysis of the drying methods commonly used in domestic natural gas cryogenic units and their shortcomings, the cyclic drying technology is optimized and improved in the natural gas ethane recovery project of Tarim oilfield. Results After the later commissioning and operation test of the device, the fumble cycle drying technology has good drying effect, and the "nearly zero discharge" of drying gas is realized, the freezing and blocking problems after the hydraulic pressure test of the device are effectively avoided. Conclusions（1） Even if the pneumatic test device is used, it is recommended to carry out the system drying before production;（2） Based on engineering practice, the determination principles of parameters such as cyclic drying pressure, flow rate, temperature and water dew point detection are defined;（3） In view of the shortcomings existing in practice, practical solutions and suggestions are put forward, which can provide reference for drying operation and related design of other natural gas cryogenic units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this research was to determine the effect of multiple layers of materials typical of those used in air pneumatic compression devices (which require air impermeable layers to function) on thermal and water vapor resistance. The experimental set-up included: (a) single layers of two next-to-skin knit fabrics in both relaxed and extended conditions, (b) two layers of silicone, and (c) a multi-layered assembly comprised of a next-to-skin fabric and two layers of silicone. Structural properties (thickness, mass) dominated thermal resistance of the multi-layered assembly, and the silicone layers rendered this assembly impermeable to water vapor as expected. Results confirmed the need for some form of 'ventilation' to facilitate water vapor transfer from a potential user's skin to the environment. By creating 18 circular vents across the silicone layers (each vent 314 mm2), which formed ventilation of ∼2% of total surface area, the water vapor resistance of the multi-layered assembly dropped significantly from very high (but non-measurable) to below ∼300 m2 Pa/W, although ventilation did not improve the thermal resistance of the multi-layer arrangements. Results of this research will enable manufacturers of pneumatic compression devices to develop devices comprised of a multiple layer arrangements i.e. a knit fabric next-to-skin layer and silicone layers with optimized vents across the silicone layers, so that the user can continue the compression treatment with an acceptable microenvironment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyrotechnic-separation devices are widely used in the separation mission of satellites and projectiles. The pyroshock generated by the pyrotechnic-separation device can cause serious damage to surrounding electronic equipment owing to its high-frequency characteristics, which leads to mission failure. Therefore, solving the pyroshock problem is necessary. Typically, attenuation of the pyroshock propagation based on the understanding of the shock-propagation characteristics of a structure is possible. However, as pyrotechnics (or explosives) cannot be used for every pyroshock-propagation experiment due to the high cost and risk, a device for simulating a pyroshock environment that does not use pyrotechnics is required. In this study, a pyroshock simulator was developed, which could generate the desired shock environment by controlling shock environment-generation variables and be tested for any test structure. For this purpose, a resonator attached to the test structure and a pneumatic launch device was designed and fabricated. A resonator that generates a desired shock environment was designed by predicting the shock generation through impact analysis. A pyroshock simulator that generates a shock like an actual pyroshock was developed through comparison with the shock-response spectrum of a pyrotechnic initiator. The repeatability was verified, and the frequency and magnitude of the shock generated by the pyroshock simulator could be controlled by adjusting the collision velocity of the steel ball and the thickness of the resonator disk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mixtures, grains, and residues in the ratooning rice harvesting machine need to be conveyed forward, backward, upward, and downward. Due to such operations, often accumulation and blockage take place at the intersection of a horizontal-vertical screw conveyor, resulting in low efficiency, high power consumption, and even grain damage. In this study, a CFD-DEM approach was applied to address the above problems. Firstly, a pneumatic conveying device was designed for ratooning rice, and then the motion of the rice grains and airflow field was analyzed in detail. The effects of different cross-sectional heights and lengths of the contraction section related to the mixing cavity were examined. Finally, the three-factor quadratic regression orthogonal rotational combination method was adopted in the experiment, and the fan velocity, filling coefficient, and speed of the horizontal screw conveyor were taken as test factors. The results showed that with the increasing cross-sectional height of the contraction section in the mixing cavity, the grain velocity decreased and the dispersity increased. With increasing length of the contraction section in the mixing cavity, the area of the high-speed airflow zone increased and the diffusion effect was enhanced. At the fan velocity of 2700 r/min, the filling coefficient was 0.41, the speed of the horizontal screw conveyor was 1173 r/min, and the outlet flow optimization index was the highest, which was 45.9% higher than that obtained without airflow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To identify the effects of a single 30 min partial lower leg external pneumatic compression (EPC) treatment compared to a static compression (SC) garment or a no treatment control (CTL) on markers of recovery and performance following a muscle damaging protocol. Methods: Thirty healthy, active males (23 ± 3 years; 180.2 ± 9.0 cm; 81.6 ± 11.3 kg) performed 100 drop jumps from a 0.6 m box followed by a randomized, single 30 min treatment of either a partial lower leg EPC device worn below the knee and above the ankle (110 mmHg), SC garment (20–30 mmHg) covering the foot and calf just below the knee, or no treatment CTL, and then returned 24 and 48 h later. Participants were assessed for measures of muscle soreness, fatigue, hemodynamics, blood lactate, muscle thickness, circumferences, and performance assessments. Results: The drop jump protocol significantly increased muscle soreness (p < 0.001), fatigue (p < 0.001), blood flow (p < 0.001), hemoglobin (p < 0.001), and muscle oxygen saturation (SMO2; p < 0.001). Countermovement jump and squat jump testing completed after treatment with either EPC, SC, or CTL revealed no differences for jump height between any condition. However, EPC treatment maintained consistent braking force and propulsive power measures across all timepoints for countermovement jump testing. EPC and SC treatment also led to better maintenance of squat jump performance for average relative propulsive force and power variables at 24 and 48 h compared to CTL. Conclusions: A single 30 min partial leg EPC treatment may lead to more consistent jump performance following a damaging bout of exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: To investigate the clinical effectiveness of a pneumatic compression device (PCD) combined with low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) for the prevention and treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in trauma patients. METHODS: This study retrospectively analyzed 286 patients with mild craniocerebral injury and clavicular fractures admitted to our department from January 2016 to February 2020. Patients treated with only LMWH served as the control group, and patients treated with a PCD combined with LMWH as the observation group. The incidence of DVT, postoperative changes in the visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and coagulation function were observed and compared between the two groups. Excluding the influence of other single factors, binary logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the use of a PCD in the patient's postoperative coagulation function. RESULTS: After excluding 34 patients who did not meet the inclusion criteria, 252 patients were were included. The incidence of DVT in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group (5.6% vs. 15.1%, x²=4.605, P<0.05). The postoperative VAS scores of the two groups were lower than those before surgery (P<0.05). The coagulation function of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group, with a better combined anticoagulant effect (P<0.05). There were no significant differences between the two groups in preoperative or postoperative Glasgow Coma Scale scores, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative infection rate, or length of hospital stay (P>0.05). According to logistic regression analysis, the postoperative risk of DVT in patients who received LMWH alone was 1.764 times that of patients who received LMWH+PCD (P<0.05). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve of partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and platelet (PLT) were greater than 0.5, indicating that they were the influence indicators of adding PCD to prevent DVT. Excluding the influence of other variables, LMWH+PCD effectively improved the coagulation function of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with LMWH alone, LMWH+PCD could improve blood rheology and coagulation function in patients with traumatic brain injury and clavicular fracture, reduce the incidence of DVT, shorten the length of hospital stay, and improve the clinical effectiveness of treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solving the issue of implementation complexity due to the increase in wiring and peripheral circuits is crucial to implement highly autonomous decentralized systems, such as the reflex system of an animal. Our study reports a novel implementation method of electronic-free reflex systems for musculoskeletal robots. The main aim of our research is to build a continuous-valued feedback system of muscle force using only mechanical pneumatic devices without bulky and expensive electrical sensors, computers, or peripheral circuits. Our system, the pneumatic reflex device, requires only a single energy line from the center to perform the control function. In this study, experiments were performed using a single-joint musculoskeletal arm to evaluate the reflex device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

99% of patients in this audit received both GCS and IPCDs as mechanical prophylaxis in addition to chemical prophylaxis. We suggest that a multi-centre non-inferiority RCT be undertaken to definitively answer the question of whether their addition is efficacious, and if so, cost effective for use in abdominal surgery when other forms of VTE prophylaxis are employed. Venous thromboembolic (VTE) disease remains one of the most significant post-operative complications with significant morbidity, mortality and cost.[1] Rudolph Virchow in the mid-19th century first described the triad of risk factors leading to VTE formation: stasis, vessel damage and hypercoagulability.[2] It took over a century after this description before the concept of preventing venous stasis following surgery was addressed. [Extracted from the article]

Based on the literature review, the article presents the analysis of approaches to classifying Gripping Devices (GDs) of Industrial Robots (IRs) and substantiates the need for systematising Pneumatic GDs (PGDs). The authors propose a classification of well-known PGDs, in which the holding force of the Manipulated Object (MO) is formed under the action of gas-dynamic effects. A general classification of PGDs with features common to all PGD subtypes is proposed: PGD type; contact type; object base type; object centring type; specialisation type; working range; availability of additional devices; the number of grippers; type of control; type of attachment to the robot. Each feature of the general PGD classification, which affects PGD characteristics, is analysed, and a usage example is given. The advantages of each feature included in the general PGD classification are also considered. For a more detailed classification, PGDs are divided into the following types: Vacuum GDs (VGDs), Jet GDs (JGDs), Combined PGDs (CPGDs). For VGD, the main distinguishing features are highlighted, which are the vacuum creation method, effect/actuator, stepwise nozzle, suction cup type, suction material type. The main distinguishing features of JGDs include using a jet of compressed air, the shape of nozzle elements, the number of nozzle elements, the direction of gas flows, type of surface of the MO. The main distinguishing features of CPGD include the type of combination and function performed. The main features are given for each classification, and the advantages/disadvantages of the most typical representatives of GDs are described. The authors identify the main development directions for GDs at the present stage of robotisation of production processes, medicine, military and space technology, etc. Based on the analysis and systematisation of literature data, the authors define the main promising areas of research that will be actively developed soon: optimisation of grippers' design, flexible grippers, additive manufacturing (3D-printing) when creating grippers, collaborative grippers, modular grippers, universal grippers, grippers based on new materials, new effects in grippers, bionic and medical grippers, simulation and rendering of the gripping process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional medical equipment used for treating patients with ischemic heart disease relies on pneumatic compression to achieve intense and instantaneous compression of the legs. Because the pneumatic operation of a compressor inevitably produces noise, the treatment is given to a patient in a separate room to avoid causing discomfort to other patients. This need for a dedicated treatment room could be another source of increased medical costs. In this study, a new electrical motor-driven system was developed to address the noise problem of existing pneumatic compression devices. Additionally, the new system features a reduced footprint and weight, and can be carried by medical staff. To develop a low-noise leg compression machine, the noise level at the surface of the structure was estimated using multibody dynamics simulation. Based on the initial design of the electric leg compression machine, parameters including assembly tolerance, component material, and shape of the structure were adjusted to prepare variations of the initial design, and their noise characteristics were analyzed. It was found that by applying the design variables, the noise levels were reduced by 7.2–11.7% compared with the initial design. The most significant reduction in noise levels was 11.7% and was achieved by reinforcing the section surrounding the gearbox enclosing a noise source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Voluntary rehabilitation at home helps to prevent the joint contracture after medical treatment. Our previous studies concerned a low-cost portable rehabilitation device using a flexible spherical pneumatic actuator as a passive exercise device. However, the device requires a bulky compressor to drive it. This study results in a compact fluidic driving system that is highly flexible. The system adopts a flexible electro-hydraulic cylinder driven by an electric motor and a hydraulic gear pump. An empirical equation for the suitable pump rotation for the desired displacement of the system has been determined. As a result, the multi-position control of the system within the tracking error of 4 mm has been realized by using the on/off control scheme based on the obtained equation. In addition, a flexible, spherical electro-hydraulic actuator using two proposed drive systems is developed and tested. Control of the attitude of the tested spherical actuator is successfully realized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents aspects related to the use of cylinders with two piston rods. Beside the cylinder with two piston rods, there is also a pneumatic actuator. This actuator is a cylindrical metal machine, which guides with two piston rods in a straight-line, a reciprocating movement in a cylinder. In this article, four circuits for cylinders with two piston rods, both pneumatic and electro-pneumatic circuits are presented. The first pneumatic circuit is a simple one and has only one cylinder with two piston rods. The second pneumatic circuit has two cylinders with two piston rods. Furthermore, the first electro-pneumatic scheme is endowed with logical modules. The second electro-pneumatic scheme is equipped with Grafcet PLC. It should be noted that all circuits have various pneumatic devices: air supply, lamps in cold, strong wind or storm fishing conditions. The design and simulation of the pneumatic circuits in this manuscript is done using FluidSim software from Festo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Historical & Cultural Studies an Academic Magazine is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) 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.)

Purpose: Stem subsidence is a known cause of early failure in cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA). The aim of this study was to determine the usefulness of pneumatic femoral broaching in preventing post-operative subsidence of a proximally porous-coated, taper-wedge stem. Methods: We reviewed 169 cases of primary THA with a single taper-wedge stem. Eighty THAs performed using pneumatic broaching were compared with 89 THAs performed using manual broaching in terms of postoperative canal fill ratio (CFR) at three levels, stem subsidence at one year post-operation, and stem fixation at latest follow-up (median, 24 months). Results: The median CFRs were higher in the pneumatic group than in the manual group at all levels (p < 0.05). The median stem subsidence at one year after THA was lower in the pneumatic group than in the manual group (0.2 mm vs. 0.6 mm, p = 0.007). A multivariate analysis determined a decreased CFR at 60 mm below the lesser trochanter and the manual broaching as independent factors affecting post-operative stem subsidence. At the latest follow-up, all stems showed stable fixation by bone ingrowth in both groups. Conclusion: Our results showed that the pneumatic broaching device was useful in maximizing the mediolateral canal filling and initial stability and minimizing the subsidence of taper-wedge stems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the successful treatment of facial varicella-zoster scars using a combination therapy of a fractional CO2 laser and a pneumatic injector device. The study presents three cases in which patients with post varicella-zoster scars were treated with this combination therapy and achieved significant improvements in their scars. The treatment involved administering a hypertonic glucose solution using a pneumatic needle-free injector and performing passes of fractional CO2 laser. The article highlights the efficacy and safety of the pneumatic injector and the fractional CO2 laser in treating depressed scars. The combination therapy was found to be effective in achieving better cosmetic outcomes. [Extracted from the article]

• A theoretical model was developed to calculate pressure applied by compression sleeves on a lower leg manikin. • The theoretical model developed based on elliptical shaped forms predicted the pressure more accurately for the ankle to above ankle position. • The model based on circular shaped forms predicted the pressure more accurately for below the calf to below the knee position. Air pneumatic compression is a concept used for management of venous disease, including oedema. A typical air pneumatic compression device (PCD) consists of an inflatable sleeve composed of either single or multiple pressure chambers that encircle a limb. The aim of this research was to develop a mathematical model to predict the pressure applied by an air pneumatic device to an irregular cross-sectional lower limb manikin. The radius of curvature at any cross-section of the lower limb (i.e. calf (gastrocnemius), tibial crest (anterior edge of the tibia bone)) is irregular, and differs amongst individuals and populations. The effectiveness of air pneumatic devices is difficult to predict with these irregular cross sections. A theoretical model was developed to calculate pressure applied by compression sleeves on a lower leg manikin and results compared against experimental pressure exerted on the manikin by a silicone-based PCD. This prediction was made at each of three positions. The theoretical model developed based on elliptical shaped forms predicted the pressure more accurately for the ankle to above ankle position, whereas the model based on circular shaped forms predicted the pressure more accurately for below the calf to below the knee position. Refinements to the theoretical model to predict the pressure applied by PCD are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is something of a commonplace that the presence of clockwork throughout early modern Europe was a key technological factor in inspiring an approach to investigation of the natural world characteristic of the New Science and the so-called Mechanical Philosophy. I challenge that truism on two grounds. One is that attempts to account for organic processes by appeal to working artefacts typically drew less on clockwork than on so-called pneumatic devices. Given the importance of explaining the functioning of organisms to any thoroughgoing account of the workings of nature, an analogue that depends on rigid intersecting toothed wheels, springs or pendula had limited ability to suggest how biological nature functions. By contrast, pneumatic devices – working by pressure of water, trapped air and steam – offered resources to suggest how crucial functions of organisms might be designed to work without ongoing intelligent direction. The other is that the appeal to wind-up devices as a model for the independent functioning of the natural world can be found in texts predating the invention of clockwork. Clockwork was both unnecessary and insufficient to indicate how nature might function unassisted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many studies have explored how using a pneumatic tube system (PTS) is related to the hemolysis of blood samples, but their conclusions have been inconsistent. This meta-analysis was to clarify whether using a PTS induces the hemolysis of blood samples. The PubMed, Embase, Scopus, CNKI, CqVip, SinoMed and WanFang databases were searched for studies published between January 1970 and August 2019. The primary outcomes were the hemolysis rate and hemolysis index of blood samples after applying a PTS and manual transportation. We estimated the pooled risk ratio (RR) and the standardized mean difference (SMD), using random-effects models. This meta-analysis included 29 studies covering 3121 blood samples. No significant differences were found between the PTS and manual-transportation groups in the hemolysis rate [RR: 0.99, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.57 to 1.70], hemolysis index (SMD: 0.19, 95% CI: −0.00 to 0.38), or level of potassium (SMD: 0.05, 95% CI: −0.03 to 0.12), alanine aminotransferase (SMD: 0.00, 95% CI: −0.10 to 0.11), or aspartate aminotransferase (SMD: 0.04, 95% CI: −0.08 to 0.17). However, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level was significantly higher in the PTS group than in the manual-transportation group (SMD: 0.20, 95% CI: 0.06 to 0.34). Subgroup analysis revealed that the LDH level was clearly higher in the PTS group than in the manual-transportation group only when the PTS speed was ≥6 m/s or when the PTS distance was ≥250 m. According to this meta-analysis, PTSs were associated with alterations in LDH measurements, so it is sensible that each hospital validates and monitors their PTSs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pneumatic tube transport system (PTS) is used frequently for the transport of samples in hospitals. Effects of PTS on urine components are unknown. In our study, we aim to examine the influence of PTS on the quality of routine urine microscopic parameters. Urine samples were divided into two groups: group 1 were transported to the laboratory manually and group 2 were transported to the laboratory via the PTS. Each of 187 urine samples was studied with iQ200 automated urine devices for erythrocytes, leukocytes, epithelial cells, crystal, cast and yeast cells. No statistically significant differences were detected between group 1 and group 2 for urine parameters. For erythrocytes, leukocytes, and epithelial cells, the gamma was 0.982, 0.959, and 1.0, respectively. For crystal, cast and yeast cells, the kappa values were 0.952, 0.866, and 1.0, respectively. PTS has no effect on erythrocytes, leukocytes, epithelial cells, crystal, cast, and yeast cells in urine analysis. We concluded that PTS can be used in the transport of urine samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a T-junction microdroplet generator equipped with a pneumatic actuation for controlling the droplet size. The multi-layer device is compatible with rapid manufacturing using a desktop-based laser cutter to fabricate the fluidic and pneumatic layers. A T-junction fluidic layer sits at the bottom and the control layer consists of a pneumatic chamber, as well as inlet and outlet channels are placed at the top. Our results with pneumatic control showed that the generated droplet size is inversely proportional to the pressure inside the pneumatic chamber. Pneumatic pressure of up to 0.4 MPa showed a 38% reduction in droplet size compared to without control. The droplet size can additionally be regulated by controlling the relative flow rates of the continuous and dispersed fluid. Pneumatic actuation is advantageous, as it does not require additional fluid usage and the flow rate does not need to be ramped up to decrease the droplet size. The device presented in this paper with pneumatic control and fabrication ease provides an attractive method for microdroplet manipulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is the most frequent health care-associated infection in severely ill patients, and aspiration of contaminated oropharyngeal content around the cuff of the tracheal tube is the main route of contamination.Research Question: Is continuous regulation of tracheal cuff pressure using a pneumatic device superior to manual assessment three times daily using a portable manometer (routine care) in preventing VAP in patients with severe trauma?Study Design and Methods: In this open-label, randomized controlled superiority trial conducted in 13 French ICUs, adults (age ≥ 18 years) with severe trauma (Injury Severity Score > 15) and requiring invasive mechanical ventilation for ≥ 48 h were enrolled. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) via a secure Web-based random number generator in permuted blocks of variable sizes to one of two groups according to the method of tracheal cuff pressure control. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients developing VAP within 28 days following the tracheal intubation, as determined by two assessors masked to group assignment, in the modified intention-to-treat population. This study is closed to new participants.Results: A total of 434 patients were recruited between July 31, 2015, and February 15, 2018, of whom 216 were assigned to the intervention group and 218 to the control group. Seventy-three patients (33.8%) developed at least one episode of VAP within 28 days following the tracheal intubation in the intervention group compared with 64 patients (29.4%) in the control group (adjusted subdistribution hazard ratio, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.76-1.20; P = .71). No serious adverse events related to the use of the pneumatic device were noted.Interpretation: Continuous regulation of cuff pressure of the tracheal tube using a pneumatic device was not superior to routine care in preventing VAP in patients with severe trauma.Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT02534974; URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improved application efficacy of a plant protection products by using a pneumatic device to change the dispersion of spray droplets is depended on the intensity of crosswind. The laboratory investigations of the spraying process of plants by means of the nozzles of a pneumatic system determined the quality indicators of pressure in the injection process of 0.4 MPa – the droplet coating density of 19–46 pcs cm2 –1 for the weighted mean droplet diameters (WMD) in the other experimental variants was within 304–543 μm. These indicators were compared with those for the standard, anti-drift and air injection nozzle types in which the droplet coating density was 23–59 pcs cm2 –1 and the weighted mean droplet diameters (WMD) were in the range of 350 to 485 μm. An analytical dependence was obtained of the influence of the lateral airflow and air pressure in the pneumatic system upon the amount of the deposited spray liquid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we study the pneumatic schemes with FluidSim software from Festo. The pneumatic circuits have the advantage that they do not pollute the air and have a low energy consumption. Therefore, pneumatic installations are used in various technical fields. The pneumatic installations must be adapted according to the purpose for which they are used. At the beginning, the pneumatic installation must be designed and after that, it can be mounted. The project of installations consists in drawing pneumatic schemes. In introduction, we present the role and the main fields in which the pneumatic installations are used. After that, we describe those basic pneumatic devices that constitute the pneumatic schemes. Based on pneumatic devices described, we will make some simple and complex pneumatic circuits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A wave flume is used to study a scaled model of a stepped bottom dual-chamber Oscillating Water Column (OWC) installed onshore. Compared to traditional single-chamber OWCs, the use of dual-chambers is expected to widen the range of sea states in which the OWC is more efficient, and the step, in front of the first chamber, boosts the capturing energy capacity of the device. The Power Take-Off (PTO) system is modelled as an air opening in the pneumatic chambers. Several experiments combining regular incident waves and PTO damping conditions are performed. Results of the amplitudes of the free surface elevations inside the chambers show that the device can amplify the incident wave amplitude up to 1.57 times in chamber 2. Results of the primary efficiency show that the device is highly dependent on the PTO damping characteristics and can reach around 40% for a wide range of wave periods. Results of the reflection analysis show that the reflection coefficient is also dependent on the PTO damping characteristics but remain lower than 0.6 for all the studied cases. Sloshing phenomenon (mostly in the cross-section direction) was observed for a wavelength close to the cross-section dimension, impacting negatively on the device pneumatic performance. • A wave flume is used to study a scaled model of a dual-chamber Oscillating Water Column device installed onshore. • The Power Take-Off system is modelled as an air opening in the pneumatic chambers. • Results show that the primary efficiency of the device is highly dependent on the Power Take-Off damping characteristics. • For the studied cases with higher damping configurations, the primary efficiency of the device can reach around 40%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To efficiently utilize the abundant wave power in the ocean, it is necessary to deploy a wave farm. This paper considers a wave farm of oscillating water columns (OWCs) integrated into tubular structures. Each OWC device within the wave farm is constructed with a vertical tubular design, incorporating a partially open submerged side that faces the sea. At the top of each device, an air turbine is installed to harness the pneumatic power generated by incoming water waves. To assess the performance of the wave farm, an analytical model is developed using the eigenfunction matching method within the framework of linear potential flow theory. Subsequently, this model is utilized to assess the efficiency of two wave farm setups: a line array with varying numbers of devices and a square array consisting of four devices. When the openings of the OWC devices are deployed on the exterior side of the square array, the majority of the wave power captured by the wave farm is contributed by the windward OWC devices, over a wide range of wave conditions examined. However, when the openings are placed on the interior side of the square array, wave resonance among the OWC devices becomes a significant factor affecting the wave farm's performance. In this case, the leeward devices could capture more wave power compared to the windward ones. Large wave excitation forces acting on the OWC devices can be excited when the near-trapping of waves arises in a wave farm consisting of a circular array of OWC devices. The physical findings in this paper highlight the importance of the array configuration and opening arrangement for optimizing wave power extraction in wave farms. • We consider an array of oscillating water columns integrated into tubular structures. • An analytical model is developed to solve hydrodynamic problems. • We consider a line array of devices and a square array with four devices. • Windward devices capture most wave power in square array with exterior openings. • Wave resonance crucially impacts square array performance with interior openings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asterisk represents differences between conditions, where both the EPC and SC were greater than CTL. EPC external pneumatic compression, SC static compression, CTL control, CMJ countermovement jump, RFD rate of force development Graph: Fig. EPC external pneumatic compression, SC static compression, CTL control, CMJ countermovement jump, RFD rate of force development The original article has been corrected. [Extracted from the article]

Purpose: Irregular breathing may compromise the treated volume for free‐breathing lung cancer patients during radiotherapy. We try to find a measure based on a breathing amplitude surrogate that can be used to select the patients who need further investigation of tumor motion to ensure that the internal target volume (ITV) provides reliant coverage of the tumor. Material and methods: Fourteen patients were scanned with four‐dimensional computed tomography (4DCT) during free‐breathing. The breathing motion was detected by a pneumatic bellows device used as a breathing amplitude surrogate. In addition to the 4DCT, a breath‐hold (BH) scan and three cine CT imaging sessions were acquired. The cine images were taken at randomized intervals at a rate of 12 per minute for 8 minutes to allow tumor motion determination during a typical hypo‐fractionated treatment scenario. A clinical target volume (CTV) was segmented in the BH CT and propagated over all cine images and 4DCT bins. The center‐of‐volume of the translated CTV (CTVCOV) in the ten 4DCT bins were interconnected to define the 4DCT determined tumor trajectory (4DCT‐TT). The volume of CTV inside ITV for all cine CTs was calculated and reported at the 10th percentile (VCTV10%). The deviations between CTVCOV in the cine CTs and the 4DCT‐TT were calculated and reported at its 90th percentile (d90%). The standard deviation of the bellows amplitude peaks (SDP) and the ratio between large and normal inspirations, κrel, were tested as surrogates for VCTV10% and d90%. Results: The values of d90% ranged from 0.6 to 5.2 mm with a mean of 2.2 mm. The values of VCTV10% ranged from 59–93% with a mean of 78 %. The SDP had a moderate correlation (r = 0.87) to d90%. Less correlation was seen between SDP and VCTV10% (r = 0.77), κrel and d90% (r = 0.75) and finally κrel and VCTV10% (r = 0.75). Conclusions: The ITV coverage had a large variation for some patients. SDP seems to be a feasible surrogate measure to select patients that needs further tumor motion determination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pneumatic conveying is one of the industrial processes that give the most electrical charge to divided solids. This electrical charge is generally a nuisance that can, for example, influence the flowability, create discharges or even explosions in the ducts. In order to counteract these tribocharging phenomena, which are not well apprehended, several authors designed and implemented different measurement devices for the measurement of powder tribocharging in pneumatic conveying. In this article, we present an overview of four such devices. The first one has been based on a loop operation principle using Teflon particles convoyed with azote. According to the process of powder coating, a second was elaborated. A third was developed to confront several parameters that influence tribocharging in pneumatic conveying. The latest apparatuses presented here have been improved to carry out more reliable tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The main aim of this study is to analyze the influence of the external load on the reaction time of the lower limbs of mixed martial arts fighters. Material and methods: The research group consisted of 31 senior MMA fighters (with training experience of at least 10 years, divided into two weight categories: light (66-70 kg) and heavy (over 93 kg) and each of them into two categories: intermediate and advanced). The Keizer Leg Press pneumatic device (Keizer, Fresno, CA, USA) was used to evaluate the reaction time of the lower limbs of MMA fighters. The subjects performed a 20-minute warm-up and then worked on the Keizer Leg Press measuring device according to the manufacturer's protocol. Based on this data, a 10 single repetitions test was performed. The value of the external resistance and the time to the next repetition were not changed to obtain the measurement data. Results: The obtained results indicate a constant deterioration of the value of the RTLBL and RTLL variable when increasing the external load in both studied groups. In the case of advanced players in the 66-70 kg weight group, a clear (statistically significant) increase in the value of the RTLBL and RTLL variable occurred from 70% 1RM, while in the intermediate group it was from 50% 1RM, and from 80% 1RM in the weight category above 93 in both study groups. Growth dynamics was lower in the advanced group in both tested weight categories. Conclusions: Performing the progression of the external load may allow the detection of the dominance of one lower limb and determination of the dynamics of differences in the reaction time of the frontal and back limb in MMA fighters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blast-induced neurotrauma (BINT) is a specific type of traumatic brain injury (TBI). At present, this type of injury is rather widespread throughout the world due to its occurrence in military conflicts and terrorism acts. Consequences of such traumas form an important social and medical problem. Brain injuries in the case of BINT result mostly from a specific action of the main pathological factor of explosion, the shock wave. Experimental studies of BINT consequences have been concentrated on its different aspects and were carried out using variable techniques of modeling; thus, some links of the BINT pathogenesis have been insufficiently examined. In our study, we modeled BINT in rats using a self-made pneumatic device that produced a baroacoustic wave with the excess pressure of about 25 kPa and examined behavioral activity of the experimental animals subjected to the action of this factor in the open-field test within acute and early segments of the post-traumatic period. After initial increases in the intensities of horizontal and vertical motor activities (in the case of vertical activity, dramatic and more long-lasting), these behavioral phenomena were later on significantly suppressed. Exploration of openings in the arena floor (burrows) and the performance of grooming episodes were suppressed within the entire observation period. A part of grooming events was transformed into an abortive pattern. It should be concluded that high anxiety related to primary pathological effects of the shock wave were obvious within the acute period (days 1–7). Within the early post-traumatic period (days 7–21), the animals experienced fear and demonstrated signs of depression; this was probably related to secondary damage to the brain against the background of neuroinflammation and neuromediatory imbalance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Kidney and simultaneous pancreas-kidney (SPK) transplant recipients can have prolonged postoperative hospitalization due to edema. Thrombo-embolic-deterrent (TED) stockings with intermittent pneumatic compression devices (TED+IPC) have been used to improve venous return during the perioperative period. The objective of this trial was to evaluate the effects of TED+IPC vs. muscle pump activator (MPA) devices on factors that could reduce postoperative complications and duration of hospitalization. Methods: In this single-center, prospective, randomized, controlled trial, 221 kidney and SPK transplant recipients were randomized to either wearing TED+IPC or MPA for six days postoperatively. Groups were compared with respect to postoperative urine output, lower limb edema, weight, days in hospital, mobility, serum creatinine, delayed graft function, need for dialysis, and lower extremity blood flow. Results: Patients in the MPA group had significantly higher urine output and less increase in mid-calf leg circumference and weight gain compared to the TED+IPC group (p=0.003, p=0.001, and p=0.003, respectively). The MPA group also experienced shorter hospitalization (p=0.038), higher femoral vein velocity (p=0.001), and took more steps (p=0.009). Incidence of delayed graft function (p=0.72) and number of dialysis runs (p=0.39) was not different between study groups. Subgroup analysis of primary endpoints in donation after cardiac death recipients and SPK recipients did not yield any significance between the study arms. Conclusions: Postoperative use of the MPA device increases urine output, decreases leg edema, minimizes weight gain, and decreases duration of hospitalization after kidney transplantation. A larger and longer-term trial is needed to evaluate the impact on graft function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Lymphedema associated with head and neck cancer (HNC) therapy causes adverse clinical outcomes. Standard treatment includes professionally administered complete decongestive therapy (CDT). Cost and availability of trained therapists are known barriers to therapy. Advanced pneumatic compression devices (APCD) may address these issues. A randomized, wait-list controlled trial was undertaken to evaluate an APCD in post-treatment HNC patients with lymphedema. Material and methods: Eligible patients had completed treatment for HNC, were disease free, and had lymphedema at enrollment. Participants were randomized to wait-list lymphedema self-management (standard of care) or lymphedema self-management plus the use of the APCD bid. Safety (CTCAE V4.0) and feasibility were primary endpoints; secondary endpoints included efficacy measure by objective examination and patient reported outcomes (symptoms, quality of life, function), adherence barriers, and satisfaction. Assessments were conducted at baseline and weeks 4 and 8. Results: Forty-nine patients were enrolled (wait-list n = 25; intervention n = 24). In total, forty-three patients completed the study. No device-related Serious Adverse Events were reported. Most patients used the APCD once per day, instead of the prescribed twice per day, citing time related factors as barriers to use. APCD use was associated with significant improvement in perceived ability to control lymphedema (p = 0.003) and visible external swelling (front view p < 0.001, right view p = 0.004, left p = 0.005), as well as less reported pain. Conclusion: This trial supports the safety and feasibility of the APCD for the treatment of secondary lymphedema in head and neck cancer patients. In addition, preliminary data supports efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechanical degradation of iron ore pellets can have important economic and environmental implications. The work initially describes a pneumatic gun device that has been developed for characterizing breakage of pellets, by impacting them one-by-one against a target at controlled velocities, angles and against different types of surfaces. It shows that body breakage probability was only a function of the normal component of the impact and that pellets presented higher resistance and lower variability when subjected to impact than to slow compression. Mass loss due to surface breakage was well described using a model that accounts for the energy dissipated in the impact, including both normal and shear components. Parameters capturing their amenability to break either catastrophically or only undergoing surface breakage were estimated from data and the model has been validated on the basis of data from different sequences of impacts, also being used to predict the phenomenon of stabilization. Unlabelled Image • Impact device developed for studying breakage of fired iron ore pellets. • Breakage probability defined exclusively by normal component of impact energy. • Body breakage progeny distribution well described using a t10-based model. • Surface breakage model responsive to impact energy and impact angle. • Model capable of predicting fragment size distribution under different impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechanized transplanting can contribute to increase the crop yield with high efficiency in the Yangtze River Basin of Southeast China. In this study, a novel pneumatic seed-metering device was designed to precisely control the plug seedlings and mechanized transplanting with potted trays in rapeseed production. The specific structure of seed-metering device with a pneumatic cylinder planter was optimized to obtain the suitable operating parameters for better rapeseed growth and yield. The performance of seed-metering device was investigated under laboratory and field conditions for rapeseed planting. A new integrated optimization technique on the Fluent software was used to simulate the internal flow field under three types of the distance between the holes of air inlet, where the inner wall of roller and the seed suction hole contacted with the positive pressure chamber. A systematic investigation was made on the key components in experiments to determine the optimal ranges of the principal factors affecting the seeding performance. A field test was conducted to evaluate the adaptability and precision of seed-metering device for rapeseed plug seedlings. An orthogonal combination test was carried out to analyze the relationship between three main influencing factors(negative pressure, positive pressure and diameter of seed suction hole) and seed performance (single seed qualified index, miss seeding index, and multiple seed index). A response surface method was selected to obtain that the primary and secondary factors affecting the single qualification index were the positive pressure, the diameter of seed suction hole, and the negative pressure. The influence of the other two parameters on the single seed qualified index presented a trend of first rising and then falling, when one of the parameters was fixed. The results showed that there was no backflow in the positive pressure chamber, where the spacing of air inlet was 144 mm, and the airflow velocity was relatively uniform at each hole of seed suction hole. The optimization of multiple objective variables was selected to obtain the optimal parameters in the Design-Expert software. Three primary influence factors were achieved, including the negative pressure(3.73 kPa), positive pressure(0.23 MPa), and diameter of suction hole(1.28 mm). In this case, the single seed qualified index reached 95.13%, seed missing index was 2.80%, and multiple seeding index was 2.07%. Taking three varieties of rapeseed and an alien vegetable seed(eggplant) as the examples, the adaptability and metering performance of pneumatic seed-metering device were evaluated, when the productivities were 600, 700, or 800 trays/h, respectively, where the negative pressure, positive pressure, and diameter of seed suction hole were set as 3.60 kPa, 0.23 MPa, and 1.20 mm, respectively. In rapeseeds, the single seed qualified index was higher than 93%, while the seed missing index, and multiple seeding index were less than 5%. In vegetable seeds, the single seed qualified index was higher than 90%, and the seed missing index and multiple seeding index were both less than 5%. It infers that the seed metering performance of pneumatic seed-metering device was accurate, efficient and adaptable for rapeseeds and other vegetable potted tray raising seedling. The findings can serve as a promising reference for the development of rapeseed tray raising seedling, and mechanized transplanting in most vegetables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]