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Objective: To test the basic dosimetry characteristics of a new high-resolution matrix and to perform a preliminary study on the three-dimensional (3D) dose verification of intensity-modulated treatment (IMRT). Methods: The dosimetry characteristics of the new matrix were investigated, including repeatability, dose-rate response, and dose linearity. Twenty cases of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and 20 cases with lung cancer were randomly selected for IMRT plans, and the novel matrix was employed for 3D dose verification. The measured results were evaluated using the gamma passing rate (GPR) and dose volume histogram (DVH). The action limit (AL) and tolerance limit (TL) of the target volume and each organ at risk (OAR) were calculated with reference to the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) TG218 report. Results: The matrix performed well for all dosimetry characteristic tests, with a deviation of 90% under the relatively strict standard of 2%/2 ​mm. The DVH showed that the measurement results of D98 and D95 for the target volumes were slightly lower and D2 were higher than those of treatment planning system (TPS) (P ​

Purpose Size-specific dose estimate (SSDE) is a metric that adjusts CTDIvol to account for patient size. While not intended to be an estimate of organ dose, AAPM Report 204 notes the difference between the patient organ dose and SSDE is expected to be 10-20%. The purpose of this work was therefore to evaluate SSDE against estimates of organ dose obtained using Monte Carlo (MC) simulation techniques applied to routine exams across a wide range of patient sizes. Materials and methods Size-specific dose estimate was evaluated with respect to organ dose based on three routine protocols taken from Siemens scanners: (a) brain parenchyma dose in routine head exams, (b) lung and breast dose in routine chest exams, and (c) liver, kidney, and spleen dose in routine abdomen/pelvis exams. For each exam, voxelized phantom models were created from existing models or derived from clinical patient scans. For routine head exams, 15 patient models were used which consisted of 10 GSF/ICRP voxelized phantom models and five pediatric voxelized patient models created from CT image data. For all exams, the size metric used was water equivalent diameter (Dw ). For the routine chest exams, data from 161 patients were collected with a Dw range of ~16-44 cm. For the routine abdomen/pelvis exams, data from 107 patients were collected with a range of Dw from ~16 to 44 cm. Image data from these patients were segmented to generate voxelized patient models. For routine head exams, fixed tube current (FTC) was used while tube current modulation (TCM) data for body exams were extracted from raw projection data. The voxelized patient models and tube current information were used in detailed MC simulations for organ dose estimation. Organ doses from MC simulation were normalized by CTDIvol and parameterized as a function of Dw . For each patient scan, the SSDE was obtained using Dw and CTDIvol values of each scan, according to AAPM Report 220 for body scans and Report 293 for head scans. For each protocol and each patient, normalized organ doses were compared with SSDE. A one-sided tolerance limit covering 95% (P = 0.95) of the population with 95% confidence (α = 0.05) was used to assess the upper tolerance limit (TU ) between SSDE and normalized organ dose. Results For head exams, the TU between SSDE and brain parenchyma dose was observed to be 12.5%. For routine chest exams, the TU between SSDE and lung and breast dose was observed to be 35.6% and 68.3%, respectively. For routine abdomen/pelvis exams, the TU between SSDE and liver, spleen, and kidney dose was observed to be 30.7%, 33.2%, and 33.0%, respectively. Conclusions The TU of 20% between SSDE and organ dose was found to be insufficient to cover 95% of the sampled population with 95% confidence for all of the organs and protocols investigated, except for brain parenchyma dose. For the routine body exams, excluding the breasts, a wider threshold difference of ~30-36% would be needed. These results are, however, specific to Siemens scanners.

PT Nardevchem Kemindo is a company in the distribution of raw materials for processed food and beverages industries. The problem studied in this research is that during the 2015 – 2019 period, the waste level occurs in the company’s data always exceeds the company's tolerance limit of 1% and always increases each year. The purpose of this research is to find out the root cause of the waste and to formulate the improvement recommendations for the company to minimize waste as the company's efforts towards Green Logistics. The methods used in this research is the DMAIC concept, followed by the fishbone to identify the root cause of the problem and the FMEA followed by the 5W+1H method to formulate proposed improvements for company. Improvement recommendations for the company are the training for the sales team, installation of air conditioners and thermostat at the warehouse and formulating SOPs for incoming goods inspection.

Background: In Indonesia, nasopharyngeal cancer ranks 4th most in malignancies. As a method of treatment, the development of radiotherapy has made it possible to give high doses to tumors with little risk of healthy tissue, but still maintain accuracy by performing geometry verification procedures. The purpose of this study was to determine the geometry verification procedure of nasopharyngeal cancer with EPID on the Linac plane in RSUP Dr. Kariadi Semarang; the average geometric shift that occurs and why is only done before fractions 1 and 4 only.Methods: This type of research is qualitative with a case study approach. The data is taken from February 2019 to June 2019 by the method of observation, documentation and interviews. The data obtained were analyzed by interactive models, making transcripts of interviews then reduced and processed in the form of open coding, presented in the form of quotations and concluded.Results: The results showed that the geometry verification procedure was started by making a calendar treatment, adjusting the patient's setup at the origin point, switching to the iso center point. Take the image portal with EPID AP and Lateral projections. Match image portals with DRR images. Then the geometric shift data were obtained with a mean shift from the iso center in 5 patient samples: vertical axis 0.15 cm to superior; longitudinal -0.01 cm anteriorly and laterally 0.04 cm to the right. Tolerance limit of 0.3 cm. This verification is only done before fractions 1 and 4 because of the high service load.Conclusion: The geometry verification procedure has been going well with the results of the shift is still below the tolerance limit. Verification information before the 1st and 4th fractions was not enough to assess the accuracy of the irradiation carried out properly maintained.

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the thermal tolerance limit and oxygen consumption rates of Labeo gonius (6.23±0.19 g) fingerlings acclimated to four different temperatures (27, 30, 33 and 36 °C) for a period of 60 days. Critical thermal maxima, CTmax (40.97±0.05, 41.89±0.05, 42.69±0.04 and 43.05±0.05) and critical thermal minima, CTmin (12.72±0.04, 13.62±0.04, 13.99±0.05 and 14.39±0.021) increased significantly (p

This study aimed at investigating the femur injury mechanisms and femur injury tolerance limit in combined axial force and bending moment. A finite element (FE) model of the lower extremity in sitt...

Objective A loss of balance poststroke from externally induced perturbations or during voluntary movements is often recovered by stepping. The purpose of this study was to characterize stepping behavior during lateral induced waist-pull perturbations and voluntary steps in community-dwelling fallers and nonfallers with chronic stroke. Methods This study used a cohort design. Thirty participants >6 months poststroke were exposed to 24 externally triggered lateral waist-pull perturbations and 20 voluntary steps. Balance tolerance limit (BTL) (transition from single to multiple steps) and first step type were determined for the waist-pull perturbations. Step parameters of initiation time, velocity, first step length, and clearance were calculated at and above BTL and for the voluntary steps. Hip abductor/adductor torque, foot cutaneous sensation, and self-reported falls that occurred 6 months prior were evaluated. Results Twelve participants were classified retrospectively as fallers and 18 as nonfallers. Fallers had a reduced BTL and took more medial first steps than nonfallers. Above BTL, no between-group differences were found in medial steps. At BTL, the nonparetic step clearance was reduced in fallers. Above BTL, fallers took longer to initiate a paretic and nonparetic step and had a reduced nonparetic step length and clearance compared with nonfallers. There was a between-group difference in step initiation time for voluntary stepping with the paretic leg (P Conclusion A high fall rate poststroke necessitates effective fall prevention strategies. Given that more differences were found during perturbation-induced stepping between fallers and nonfallers, further research assessing perturbation-induced training on reducing falls is needed. Impact Falls assessments should include both externally induced perturbations along with voluntary movements in determining the fall risk.

Background To analyze and present the China’s national survey on patient-specific IMRT quality assurance (QA). Methods A national survey was conducted in all radiotherapy centers in China to collect comprehensive information on status of IMRT QA practice, including machine, technique, equipment, issues and suggestions. Results Four hundred and three centers responded to this survey, accounting for 56.92% of all the centers implementing IMRT in China. The total number of medical physicists and the total number of patients treated with IMRT annually in these centers was 1599 and 305,000 respectively. All centers implemented measurement-based verification. Point dose verification and 2D dose verification was implemented in 331 and 399 centers, respectively. Three hundred forty-eight centers had 2D arrays, and 52 centers had detector devices designed to measure VMAT beams. EPID and film were used in 78 and 70 centers, respectively. Seventeen and 20 centers used log file and 3D DVH analysis, respectively. One hundred sixty-eight centers performed measurement-based verification not for each patient based on different selection criteria. The techniques and methods varied significantly in both point dose and dose distribution verification, from evaluation metrics, criteria, tolerance limit, and steps to check failed IMRT QA plans. Major issues identified in this survey were the limited resources of physicists, QA devices, and linacs. Conclusions IMRT QA was implemented in all the surveyed centers. The practice of IMRT QA varied significantly between centers. An increase in personnel, QA devices and linacs is highly desired. National standard, guideline, regulation and training programs are urgently needed in China for consistent and effective implementation of IMRT QA.

Background Norming neuropsychological tests and standardizing their raw scores are needed to draw objective clinical judgments on clients’ neuropsychological profile. The Equivalent Score (ES) method is a regression-based normative/standardization technique that relies on the non-parametric identification of the observations corresponding to the outer and inner tolerance limits (oTL; iTL) — to derive a cut-off, as well as to between-ES thresholds — to mark the passage across different levels of ability. However, identifying these observations is still a time-consuming, “manual” procedure. This work aimed at providing practitioners with a user-friendly code that helps compute TLs and ES thresholds. Methods R language and RStudio environment were adopted. A function for identifying the observations corresponding to both TLs by exploiting Beta distribution features was implemented. A code for identifying the observations corresponding to ES thresholds according to a z-deviate-based approach is also provided. Results An exhaustive paradigm of usage of both the aforementioned function and script has been carried out. A user-friendly, online applet is provided for the calculation of both TLs and ESs thresholds. A brief summary of the regression-based procedure preceding the identification of TLs and ESs threshold is also given (along with an R script implementing these steps). Discussion The present work provides with a software solution to the calculation of TLs and ES thresholds for norming/standardizing neuropsychological tests. These software can help reduce both the subjectivity and the error rate when applying the ES method, as well as simplify and expedite its implementation.

Purpose The physiological strain index (PSI) was developed to assess individuals’ heat strain, yet evidence supporting its use to identify individuals at potential risk of reaching a thermal tolerance limit (TTL) is limited. The aim of this study was to assess whether PSI can identify individuals at risk of reaching a TTL. Methods Fifteen females and 21 males undertook a total of 136 trials, each consisting of two 40–60 minute periods of treadmill walking separated by ~ 15 minutes rest, wearing permeable or impermeable clothing, in a range of climatic conditions. Heart rate (HR), skin temperature (Tsk), rectal temperature (Tre), temperature sensation (TS) and thermal comfort (TC) were measured throughout. Various forms of the PSI-index were assessed including the original PSI, PSIfixed, adaptive-PSI (aPSI) and a version comprised of a measure of heat storage (PSIHS). Final physiological and PSI values and their rate of change (ROC) over a trial and in the last 10 minutes of a trial were compared between trials completed (C, 101 trials) and those terminated prematurely (TTL, 35 trials). Results Final PSIoriginal, PSIfixed, aPSI, PSIHS did not differ between TTL and C (p > 0.05). However, differences between TTL and C occurred in final Tsk, Tre–Tsk, TS, TC and ROC in PSIfixed, Tre, Tsk and HR (p Conclusion These results suggest the PSI, in the various forms, does not reliably identify individuals at imminent risk of reaching their TTL and its validity as a physiological safety index is therefore questionable. However, a physiological-perceptual strain index may provide a more valid measure.

Background and purpose The Unity MR-Linac is equipped with an EPID, the images from which contain information about the dose delivered to the patient. The purpose of this study was to introduce a framework for the automatic dosimetric verification of online adapted plans using 3D EPID dosimetry and to present the obtained dosimetric results. Materials and methods The framework was active during the delivery of 1207 online adapted plans corresponding to 127 clinical IMRT treatments (74 prostate, 19 rectum, 19 liver and 15 lymph node oligometastases). EPID reconstructed dose distributions in the patient geometry were calculated automatically and then compared to the dose distributions calculated online by the treatment planning system (TPS). The comparison was performed by γ-analysis (3% global/2mm/10% threshold) and by the difference in median dose to the high-dose volume (ΔHDVD50). 85% for γ-pass rate and 5% for ΔHDVD50 were used as tolerance limit values. Results 93% of the online plans were verified automatically by the framework. Missing EPID data was the reason for automation failure. 91% of the verified plans were within tolerance. Conclusion Automatic dosimetric verification of online adapted plans on the Unity MR-Linac is feasible using in vivo 3D EPID dosimetry. Almost all online adapted plans were approved automatically by the framework. This newly developed framework is a major step forward towards the clinical implementation of a permanent safety net for the entire online adaptive workflow.

The Performance of gate misaligned N-type conventional double gate junctionless field effect transistor (JLFET)and N-type rectangular core-shell (RCS) based JLFET is studied. The misalignment of the gate is studied towards the source side. The performance parameters analyzed are ON current, OFF current, ON/OFF current ratio, Subthreshold slope and threshold voltage. These “Figure of Merits” are compared with the conventional double gate junctionless transistor under same conditions of gate misalignment. The proposed RCS based structure exhibits superior performance under perfectly aligned gate condition and is less sensitive to the effect of gate misalignment as compare to conventional JLFET. It is shown that RCS based double gate junctionless FET has the tolerance limit of 50% gate misalignment whereas conventional structure does not offer the flexibility to gate misalignment.

A methodology using a90Sr source, originally designed for constancy checks of parallel-plate ionization chambers, was proposed for constancy checks of HDR brachytherapy well-type ionization chamber (WTIC). The 90Sr source was positioned on the top of the WTIC, a reference reading value was established, and the constancy variation was calculated by the difference between each subsequent measurement and the reference value. This methodology was validated by calibrated 192Ir sources measurements and an acceptable tolerance limit for constancy variation of 1.5% was suggested.

Purpose. To compare the prone position on a flat table vs an “All in one” belly board device (AIO BBD) in rectal cancer patients (RCPs). Material and methods. Fifteen RCPs scheduled for irradiation were scanned in the two evaluated positions. After tomography, they completed a questionnaire concerning positioning. The dose-volume histograms (DVHs) for the small bowel and bladder were compared for both immobilization methods and setup accuracy was analyzed in electronic portal imaging devices (EPIDs) and X-ray volume imaging (XVI) procedures. Results. AIO BBD was accepted by the majority of RCPs and provided better DVHs for the small bowel than the prone position on a flat table. The setup reproducibility was within tolerance limit for patients with BMI ≤ 29 kg/m2. Patients with obesity regarded AIO BBD as uncomfortable and they presented mean setup shifts out of the tolerance limit in the Y axis — 5.9 mm. Conclusions. The AIO BBD should be recommended for RCPs, especially for those with BMI ≤ 29 kg/m2.

A program was written in R to facilitate the implementation of the tolerance limit method (TLM) for establishing regulatory withdrawal times for limiting drug residues in meat, milk, and eggs. The developed computer source code can use pharmacokinetic and regulatory data to calculate the drug withdrawal period according to United States Food and Drug Administration (U.S. FDA) guidelines. The code called the “Withdrawal Time Calculator (WTC)” applied this TLM method to meat samples. The program was tested with the data provided by the U.S. FDA guidance and other published data collected from in vivo studies. Additional algorithm validation data were flunixin and sulfamethazine liver concentration data from peer-reviewed publications generated by our laboratory. This manuscript reports the withdrawal period results from testing the developed WTC code. Moreover, the source code for the WTC contains a data removal algorithm, constructed according to U.S. FDA data elimination recommendations if the user chooses. The power of the WTC is that it bypasses the use of multiple platforms typically required to perform the TLM, including standard commercial spreadsheet software (i.e., Microsoft Excel) and Statistical Analysis System (SAS) while providing speed and usability. This novel program provides a platform to calculate a withdrawal period recommendation for any drug in any class of animal for various regulatory body standards and could be very helpful in cases of extra-label drug use in food animals.

Oyster mushroom commodity has been widely used as raw material for processed food products, monitoring of temperature and humidity intensively, the quality will be well maintained. Monitoring at Rumah Jamur Barokah full 24 hours, so it will be difficult if done manually. This is the reason why it is necessary to design monitoring tools in maintaining the ideal temperature and humidity with the concept of the Internet of Things. This research aims to design temperature and humidity monitoring tools (IoT), and how much the increase value of time efficiency and effectiveness after the tool is implemented. The blackbox testing method is performed for performance feasibility testing, by comparing thermo-hygrometers and sensors. The result of the tool performance test at the temperature parameter obtained an error value 0.33 0 C and the DHT22 tolerance limit ± 0.5 0 C. In the humidity parameter obtained an error of 1.8% RH and the DHT22 tolerance limit ± 2% RH, so the DHT22 sensor feasible to use. In the analysis of efficiency calculation obtained a result of 77.95% for improved time efficiency. In the analysis of the quality effectiveness value of oyster mushrooms is less than ideal, getting an increase in value by 143% to 163%. Keywords : blackbox testing, cultivation, internet of things (iot), monitoring, oyster mushroom

Geotextiles made of natural fibres like jute have been found to be effective in improving geotechnical characteristics of soil and are being extensively used for various technical end-uses viz. rural road construction, protection of river banks, stabilization of embankments, erosion control, management of slopes, consolidation of soft soils etc. Out of the several natural agents causing extensive damages to roads, landslides can claim to be a major destroyer. Open weave Jute Geotextile (JGT), popularly known as soil savers, if properly designed can fulfil the said criteria besides facilitating growth of vegetation. This article delineates testing and analysis of the prime property parameters of some open weave JGT samples of different fabric weight categories, manufactured in the jute mills, followed by their comparative analysis based on which they have been selected to fulfil the end-use requirement. This was followed by determination of the tolerance limit of the property parameters of the selected open weave JGT samples by statistical interpretation for formulation of the specification before the actual field trial.

The main objective of the paper was to analyze the degree of injury of the vehicle occupants by using virtual accident reconstruction software and calculating the HIC value. The injury level was calculated for the back-seat passengers in the case where the seatbelts were not used. One case study was analyzed where the drivers were racing and caused a collision with a turning vehicle at 130 km/h. The results expected are represented by the injury level probability and to observe if the survival limit was passed. The HIC value was correlated with the AIS injury scale and the acceleration level of the occupants head are compared to the tolerance limit of the human body. The novelty of the paper is that this is a new perspective to study real accidents and correlate them with the injury criterion (HIC) by the means of using virtual reconstruction software.

An accident is defined as a violent, unusual and possibly harmful event that occurs suddenly and unexpectedly and is mostly of a short duration. Persons involved in an accident can generally not react, or their reaction is insufficient, to prevent injury. The term “chronic”, by contrast, implies that a process extends over durations that are long in comparison with typical accident time intervals. Accordingly, the persons involved will always have physical and mental reactions to the event and these cannot be disregarded or ignored. Of primary importance, however, is the fact that under conditions of chronic mechanical overexposure and/or overuse, impairment of health and injury may result from a level of mechanical load to which the body is exposed or from functional misuse in the course of some physical activity that is well below the tolerance limit for a single, isolated exposure (such as is described in the other chapters of this book), but whose effect is aggravated and outperformed by the extended duration during which it acts. This is particularly the case in sports, in the workplace and in the household. The exposure may be interrupted often and limited to regularly or irregularly occurring time intervals, e.g. to training periods (sports) or work assignments (jackhammer), which may however extend over years.

Background: Micro-positron emission tomography (micro-PET), a small-animal dedicated PET system, is used in biomedical studies and has the quantitative imaging capabilities of radiotracers. A single-bed system, commonly used in micro-PET, is laborious to use in large-scale studies. Here, we evaluated the image qualities of a multi-bed system. Methods: Phantom imaging studies were performed to assess the recovery coefficients (RCs), uniformity, and spill-over ratios (SORs) in water- and air-filled chambers. 18F-FDG and 18F-FPEB PET images of xenograft and normal mice from the multi-bed and single-bed systems were compared. Results: For small diameters (< 3 mm), the RC values between the two systems differed significantly. However, for large diameters (> 4 mm), there were no differences in RC values between the two systems. Uniformity and SORs of both systems were within the tolerance limit of 15%. In the oncological study, the estimation of 18F-FDG uptake in the tumor was significantly lower in the multi-bed system than that in the single-bed system. However, 18F-FDG PET in xenograft mice with tumor size > 4 mm revealed the variation between subjects within the multi-bed system group to be less than 12%. In the neurological study, SUV for the multi-bed group was 25–26% lower than that for the single-bed group; however, inter-object variations within the multi-bed system were below 7%. Conclusions: Although the multi-bed system showed lower estimation of radiotracer uptake than that of the single-bed system, the inter-subject variations were within acceptable limits. Our results indicate that the multi-bed system can be used in oncological and neurological studies.

The article is devoted to the study the dynamics of the work of cardiovascular system in children of young school age with vision pathology of tests for physical performance. Study was conducted among 85 children, aged from 7 to 10 years: including 48 boys and 37 girls, in which found that blind and poor-sighted children lag behind the children of the same age in terms of pulse pressure, systolic blood volume, actual and relative maximal aerobic power. Pulse tolerance limit, on the contrary, is higher than that of healthy children.

An important task of modern mathematical statistics with its methods based on the theory of probability is a scientific estimate of measurement results. There are certain costs under control, and under ineffective control when a customer has got defective products these costs are significantly higher because of parts recall. When machining the parts, under the influence of errors a range scatter of part dimensions is offset towards the tolerance limit. To improve a processing accuracy and avoid defective products involves reducing components of error in machining, i.e. to improve the accuracy of machine and tool, tool life, rigidity of the system, accuracy of the adjustment. In a given time it is also necessary to adapt machine. To improve an accuracy and a machining rate there, currently become extensively popular various the in-process gaging devices and controlled machining that uses adaptive control systems for the process monitoring. Improving the accuracy in this case is compensation of a majority of technological errors. The in-cycle measuring sensors (sensors of active control) allow processing accuracy improvement by one or two quality and provide a capability for simultaneous operation of several machines. Efficient use of in-cycle measuring sensors requires development of methods to control the accuracy through providing the appropriate adjustments. Methods based on the moving average, appear to be the most promising for accuracy control since they include data on the change in some last measured values of the parameter under control.

There are many reports concerning patient-specific quality assurance (QA) for intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). However, reports about the statistical results of QA are lacking. Management methods for the results of the QA are needed, even though we have the ESTRO group recommendation that a tolerance limit of 1.96 standard deviation (SD) be established in each institution. The purpose of this study was to establish a management method for determining the tolerance limit and to report the statistical results of patient-specific QA. From April 2006 to March 2015, five linacs in the National Cancer Center, Tokyo, Japan, were used to treat 1185 patients with IMRT. Patient-specific QA was performed using an ion chamber, films, and some detectors. To establish a management method for the results, differences between the measured and calculated doses in the ion chamber were analyzed for each linac, each phantom, and each treatment site. The overall mean dose difference was 0.5 ± 1.3%, and the mean dose difference in each linac was 0.6 ± 1.2%, 0.9 ± 1.3%, −0.4 ± 1.4%, −0.1 ± 1.2% and −0.1 ± 0.9%. The difference between linacs and between treatment sites was significant (P

Turning is one of the fundamental machining operations and its process parameters leads to better machining performance. The economic benefit of turning operation is providing components with appropriate dimensional accuracy. In this work, the effects of process parameters on dimensional accuracy (circularity and cylindricity) parameters are analyzed in turning of EN25 steel. The process parameters considered are cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut in order to minimize circularity and cylindricity. The result revealed that the minimum dimensional accuracy error values such as circularity and cylindricity are obtained in the combination of higher value of cutting speed and lower value of feed rate and depth of cut. This analysis is used to meet the machined work piece within the tolerance limit and improve the quality criteria.

PURPOSES : The field application and performance of continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP), constructed by using the mechanical tube-feeding method, are evaluated in this study. METHODS: The location of the rebar was evaluated by using the MIRA system. The early-age CRCP performance was evaluated via visual survey, in which the crack spacing and crack width were examined. RESULTS: The location of longitudinal reinforcing bars was evaluated via MIRA testing and the results showed that the longitudinal rebars all lie within a given tolerance limit () of the target elevation. In addition, owing to the low temperature when the concrete was pured, the crack spacing in the Dae-Gu direction is slightly wider than that of the Gwang-Ju direction. Almost all of the crack spacings lay within the range of 1.0 m~3.0 m. A crack width of

Objective: To study the radiological safety feature of indigenously developed radiotherapy simulator. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive study for radiological safety features of the unit were carried out as per the standard protocol/guidelines. NERO mAx X-ray test device was used for KVp, mA, mAs, and X-rays output related test of the units along with other required test device. Results: All the measurement results indicate that all the tested parameters of this simulator are well within the prescribed tolerance limit. Conclusion: The simulator is safe for routine clinical use.

CV. Bandung Mulia Konveksi is one of the clothing convection company located in Bandung which produces three types of products includes jackets, screen printing t-shirts and shirts. The products are produced by passing the same workstation namely the workstation of pattern, cutting, screen printing, and sewing. Based on data on the amount of production and data on the number of defective products in the last five years, CV. Bandung Mulia Konveksi can be seen that only screen printing t-shirts that have a percentage of disability outside the company's tolerance limit. Defects that occur on screen printing t-shirts can be known based on the work area. Quality improvement can be done using New Seven Tools to identify problems and 5S concepts for proposed improvements. The 5S checklist audit results and the giving of the 5S score on the conditions prior to the 5s applications a score of 20% is obtained, which means it is very bad. Whereas after the 5S implementation and the 5S audit checklist were carried out and the 5S score was given, the score increased to 62% which means good.

The Radiated emissions measurement is one of the tests covered by Electromagnetic testing in Automotive Industry. CISPR 25 Standard, annex J, presents the method agreed for Absorber Lined Shielded Enclosure (ALSE) Chamber Validation. In this paper a method for chamber validation is presented and validated. Because too many points were outside the tolerance limit, troubleshooting techniques were used at lower frequencies. Finally, the results are compared with results obtained from chambers from other locations.

Background: Stepping is critical for responding to perturbations, whether externally induced or self-initiated. Falls post-stroke is equally likely to happen from either mechanism. The objective of the study was, to examine lateral stepping performance during waist-pull induced reactive steps and voluntary choice reaction time steps in chronic stroke and controls. Methods: In this cross-sectional study participants with chronic stroke (N = 10) and age- and gender-matched controls (N = 10) performed reactive and voluntary lateral steps. Step initiation time, global step length, step clearance, and step velocity were calculated. Other measures for reactive step included, Balance tolerance limit (perturbation magnitude when recovery transitioned from single to multiple steps), and step type. The Community Balance & Mobility Scale, and hip abductor and adductor isokinetic asymmetry torque ratio were assessed. Results: The paretic and non-paretic leg were combined since step characteristics did not differ. Step (voluntary vs. reactive) by group (stroke vs. controls) was significant for step initiation time. The stroke group took longer initiating a voluntary step (P = 0.004). Reactive and voluntary steps were executed slower (P = 0.041), with a reduced step length (P = 0.028) by the stroke group. The stroke group had a lower balance tolerance limit (P = 0.01) and took reactive medial steps more frequently (P = 0.001). The Community Balance & Mobility Scale (P > 0.001), and hip abductor and adductor asymmetry torque ratio (P > 0.001; P = 0.015) was reduced in the stroke group. Significance: Our findings indicate individuals post-stroke are slower initiating and executing reactive and voluntary steps. Though the reactive step timing is less impaired, this may be a method for enhancing faster voluntary movements and training reactive balance.

Resumen En Venezuela, el maíz es el cereal de mayor importancia alimentaria. Cada año se cultivan cientos de miles de hectáreas de maíz blanco y amarillo, que son destinados en un alto porcentaje al procesamiento en la industria de alimentos para consumo humano y animal. En las principales zonas productoras de maíz predomina la cosecha mecanizada, cuyos efectos y parámetros de eficiencia no están bien documentados. Con el propósito de suplir esta carencia, se determinaron los efectos de la cosecha mecanizada sobre parámetros de calidad del grano en híbridos comerciales y experimentales de maíz, en localidades de los estados Portuguesa y Yaracuy, Venezuela, durante el ciclo de lluvias 2016. Se examinaron el contenido de humedad, las impurezas (IMPZ), y los atributos de calidad del grano, granos partidos (GPAR), granos con germen dañado (GGRD) y granos dañados por microorganismos (GDMO). Los contenidos de humedad a la cosecha (16,8% ± 1,7 en cultivares amarillos y 20,9% ± 1,1 en cultivares blancos) y de IMPZ (0,3% ± 0,3 en cultivares amarillos y en cultivares blancos), se ubicaron por debajo del límite tolerado para su uso en la industria (24% de humedad y 5% de impurezas). La cosecha mecanizada tuvo efectos sobre los atributos de calidad del grano evaluados, tanto en híbridos amarillos como en blancos. La cosecha mecánica tuvo su mayor impacto sobre los atributos de los granos partidos (GPAR) y los granos dañados por microorganismos (GDMO), y pudo afectar la inocuidad de la materia prima y la clasificación del lote de granos para el procesamiento industrial. Abstract In Venezuela, maize is the most important cereal for food safety. Each year, thousands of hectares are cultivated with white and yellow maize, which in a high percentage are destined to food processing industry for human and animal consumption. The major maize-producing areas are dominated by mechanical harvesting, whose effects and parameters of efficiency are not well documented. In orther to reduce this lack, a research was conducted in Portuguesa and Yaracuy States, Venezuela, during 2016 rainfall season, to determine the effects of mechanical harvesting on grain quality parameters of commercial and experimental maize hybrids.. Moisture content, foreign materials (IMPZ), and grain quality indicators as broken grains (GPAR), kernel with damaged germ (GGRD), and kernel damage caused by microorganisms (GDMO) were assessed. Grain moisture content at harvest (16,8% + 1,7 for yellow hybrids and 20,9% + 1,1 for white hybrids), and IMPZ (0,3% + 0,3 for yellow hybrids and 0,3% + 0,3 for white hybrids) were under the tolerance limit for industry (24% for moisture content and 5% for impurities). The mechanical harvesting had effects on grain quality parameters evaluated, in both white hybrids and yellow hybrids, showing its great impact in broken grains (GPAR) and kernel damages caused by microorganisms (GDMO), also affecting innocuousness and the grain ranking for industrial processing.

Objective: Knowing that the most important steps related to planning systems and the success of IMRT is the optimization process, the objective of this work was to reach an optimal intensity pattern through cost functions by comparing the 3D-CRT technique and the IMRT technique for carcinomas of the head and neck and breast. The results obtained in the passage between these two techniques have shown good results for the treatment of these tumors and a great advantage in the optimization to avoid OAR. Materials and methods: To fulfill the objective proposed in this work for the head and neck plan, a SIB with a prescribed dose of 70 Gy for PTV1 and 56 Gy for PTV2 given in 35 fractions was used. In the breast plan with a prescribed dose of 50.4 Gy for PTV and 58.8 Gy for PTV boost delivered in 28 fractions. 6 MV and 10 MV photons were used for an Elekta Synergy linear accelerator, equipped with an MLC. Monaco was used as a TPS system. The Elekta iViewGT panel was used as the matrix for 2D quality control. The analysis of the data was done using the conformality index (CI) and the heterogeneity index (HI). A tolerance limit was proposed for quality control over 85% according to the hospital protocol. Results: Head and neck: The 3D technique and the 3 modulated techniques were able to meet the dose limit for PTV1 of D95% ≥ 66.5 Gy and the dose for PTV2 of D95% ≥ 53.2 Gy. The CI values for Step and Shoot and dMLC were the best for the PTV, as well as for the OARs such as the medulla and parotid. The PTV2D95 (Gy) of all techniques successfully exceeds the limit value of 53.2 Gy greatly satisfying the optimal intensity pattern using IMRT showing that the modulated techniques have better performance in these types of carcinomas. Breast: An acceptable plan with double-arch VMAT was achieved for the increase in dose coverage for 95% PTV (55.9 Gy) with 57.2 Gy. A difference of the four techniques was not significant in the spinal cord. The objective of this work is established with a significant comparison between the ordinary technique and the modulated techniques. Conclusions: the different comparisons made between the classical and the modulated techniques suggest a more significant contribution and better dose distribution and coverage in the PTV for the IMRT techniques. As observed in the present work, the main advantage of VMAT lies in the reduction of the treatment time in the two types of carcinomas. For the head and neck, it is possible to obtain a plan with the acceptable dMLC technique by increasing the number of control points and finding the best fit with the optimization properties. In the breast, IMRT had a more favorable dose distribution compared to the 3D-CRT delivery mode. It was possible to determine the optimal intensity pattern for both cases.

The purpose of this experimental study was to determine the diametric variations of a brand of handheld stainless-steel K-files, acquired from different countries, in accordance with the available standards. 20 Mani stainless-steel K-files of identical size (ISO#25) were acquired from Pakistan and were designated as Group A while 20 Mani K-files were purchased from London, UK and designated as Group B. Files were assessed using profile projector Nikon B 24V. Data was statistically compared with ISO 3630:1 and ADA 101 by one sample T test. Significant difference was found between Groups A and B. Average discrepancy of Group A fell within the tolerance limit while that of Group B exceeded the limit. Findings in this study call attention towards adherence to the dimensional standards of stainless-steel endodontic files.

The compliance evaluation and quality control measurements on 14 diagnostic X ray units were carried out. The results on legal compliance show that 43 % of X ray facilities operated without or with an expired license. The rest of the centers were new and had already applied for license and others had valid licenses. For basic requirements, the results shows that 57 % of X ray facilities did not have the changing cubicles, 36 % of X ray facilities did not post radiation warning sign and symbols also 64 % of units were found either without protective gear or operated by unqualified personnel. The QC test results showed that 93 % had X-ray tube voltage within the tolerance limit of 10 % and HVL ≥ 2.3 mmAl, at 80 kV was observed in all 14 units whereas 100 % of exposure had acceptable kV reproducibility within the tolerance limit of 5 %. Of the X-ray generators assessed, 86 % had tolerable mAs linearity. 79 % and 93 % had acceptable beam alignment and light beam diaphragm. Of the assessed units, 57 % had tube leakage 10 µSv/hr were recorded at viewing windows, walls and doors of control cubicles and behind the doors of changing cubicles. These dose rates indicating higher health risk to workers and member of public.

The goal of this study was to compare the visual contrast sensitivity (CS) of men and women exposed and not exposed to organic solvents. Forty-six volunteers of both genders aged between 18 and 41 years (mean±SD=27.72±6.28) participated. Gas station attendants were exposed to gas containing 46.30 ppm of solvents at a temperature of 304±274.39 K, humidity of 62.25±7.59% and ventilation of 0.69±0.46 m/s (a passive gas chromatography-based sampling method was used considering the microclimate variables). Visual CS was measured via the psychophysical method of two-alternative forced choice using vertical sinusoidal gratings with spatial frequencies of 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 5.0, 10.0, and 16.0 cpd (cycles per degree) and an average luminance of 34.4 cd/m2. The results showed that visual CS was significantly lower (P

Background Pre-produced bicarbonate concentrates (PPC) are still widely used in developing countries despite its cost and risk but Central Concentrate System (CCS) is lacking in data to support its wider adoption. Methods We conducted an 8-week randomized crossover study on 16 Hemodialysis machines to compare CCS versus PPC. Performance is assessed by solute concentrations while safety is assessed by microbial count, endotoxin level and adverse event reporting. Results Microbial counts and endotoxin levels were monitored on 48 occasions during the 8-week study for the CCS arm of the study. The levels were all below the action limit during the study. No patient reported any adverse events. Dialysate Sodium, Chloride and Bicarbonate concentrations were measured on a total of 128 occasions for each arm of the study. The relative deviations of Sodium, Chloride and Bicarbonate concentration were within ±5% of their nominal values for both. The 95% Confidence Intervals for the ratio of the mean solute concentrations on the CCS to PPC lie within the tolerance limit of ±5%. Conclusion Modern CCS is bacteriologically safe and its performance statistically equivalent to PPC.

Three hundred and eight samples of rice purchased from retail markets in six different provinces in Iran from March 2012 to January 2013 were surveyed for the presence of ochratoxin A (OTA) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The recovery percentages of OTA from spiked rice samples at concentrations of 5 and 10 ng/g were found to be 85.3% and 86.7%, respectively. Analytical results showed a 9.4% frequency of contamination from total analyzed rice samples with a mean OTA level of 3.60 ± 2.66 ng/g. Concentrations of OTA in positive samples ranged from 0.84 ng/g to 11.37 ng/g, and in 17.3% of contaminated rice samples the concentrations exceeded the maximum tolerance limit set by European regulations for OTA in cereals (5 ng/g). Based on the results of this study, the estimated daily intake of OTA in rice was 0.62 ng/kg body weight/day for Iranian consumers.

Successful biomechanical reconstruction is a major goal in total hip arthroplasty (THA). We measured leg length (LL), global (GO) and femoral offset (FO) change on anteroposterior pelvis radiographs and on three-dimensional computed-tomography (3D-CT) with fiducial landmarks after cementless THA on 18 hips of cadaveric specimens. Measurements on radiographs were performed twice by four examiners and showed high interobserver (mean CCC ≥ 0.79) and intraobserver agreements (mean ICC ≥ 0.88). Mean differences between radiographic and 3D-CT measurements were 1.0 (SD 2.0) mm for LL, 0.6 (SD 3.6) mm for GO and 1.4 (SD 5.2) mm for FO. 1% of radiographic LL-, 15% of GO- and 35% of FO measurements were outside a tolerance limit of 5 mm. Radiographs seem acceptable for measuring LL/GO change but fail to reflect FO change in THA.

A good and feasible centrifuge is needed in the world of health, therefore a digital tachometer is needed to calibrate a centrifuge. Digital tachometer is a measuring instrument used to measure the rotation speed of a motor. This tachometer will be tested to function by being compared to using Digital Laser Photo Tachometer. This tachometer will display the number of rotations per minute of a motor according to the speed setting on the centrifuge using the output of this E18-D80NK sensor which will later be processed by the Arduino Nano. As for this feature charger and data storage mode, so that user can save the data of measurement results on SD Card, and beside that user can also be a way of charging when after usage or before usage. At testing the tool used point settings 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, and 12000 RPM. Based on the measurement results of centrifuge using tachometer module and comparison tachometer have average percentage of error varying at each setting point. The smallest error 0.8% at the setting Point 3000 RPM, while the largest error 4.9% at the setting point 1000 RPM. The Tacometer error value on this Centrifuge measurement is still within the tolerance limit of ± 10%

The purpose of this work was to perform the initial evaluation of primary diagnostic monitor (PDM) characteristics following the implementation of New York City quality assurance (NYC QA) regulations on January 1, 2016, and compare the results of the QA measurements performed by an external photometer and the PDM manufacturer's built‐in photometer. TG‐18 and Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers test patterns were used to evaluate monitor performance. Overall, 79 PDMs were included in the analysis. The verification of grayscale standard display function (GSDF) calibration, using a built‐in photometer, showed that only 2 out of 79 PDMs failed calibration. However, the same measurements performed by the external luminance meter showed that 15 out of 79 monitors had failed GSDF calibration. Measurements of the PDMs maximum luminance (Lmax), using an external photometer showed that 10 out of 53 PDMs calibrated for Lmax = 400 cd/m2 and 17 out of 26 PDMs calibrated for Lmax = 500 cd/m2 do not meet the manufacturer's recommended 10% tolerance limit for the target Lmax calibration. Two PDMs did not pass the Lmax ≥ 350 cd/m2 NYC QA regulations with Lmax = 331 cd/m2 and Lmax = 340 cd/m2. All tested PDMs exceeded the minimum luminance ratio (LR) of 250:1 as required by NYC QA regulations. Measurements taken of Lmax and LR performed by a built‐in photometer showed that none of the PDMs had failed the NYC QA regulations. All PDMs passed the luminance uniformity test with a maximum nonuniformity of 17% (according to NYC regulations it must be less than 30%). The luminance uniformity test could only be performed using an external photometer. The evaluation of 79 PDMs of various ages and models demonstrated up to 18% disagreement between luminance measurements performed by the manufacturer's built‐in photometer when compared with those performed by an externally calibrated luminance meter. These disagreements were larger for older PDMs.

Este artigo realiza uma breve abordagem interdisciplinar do fenômeno saúde-doença no ambiente de trabalho relacionado à exposição ao ruído ocupacional e a evolução normativa que envolve o assunto. O que justifica a discussão dessa temática são as constantes alterações normativas na regulamentação do limite máximo de tolerância para exposição ao ruído ocupacional em decibel, que apesar de ser resultado de testes realizados em laboratórios credenciados pelo Ministério do Trabalho e Emprego, podem não ser efetivos para evitar o adoecimento dos trabalhadores. Pretende-se responder aos seguintes questionamentos: o que é epidemiologia e como a exposição ao ruído ocupacional pode representar um fator de risco aos trabalhadores; por que existem tantas alterações nas normas que regulamentam a fixação do limite máximo de decibéis aos quais os trabalhadores podem ser “seguramente” expostos; se as normas que regulamentam a segurança dos trabalhadores expostos ao ruído ocupacional são eficazes para proteger a saúde dessas pessoas.Palavras-chave: Epidemiologia. Ruído Ocupacional. Evolução Normativa.

Process-induced variability between parts and lots is a critical issue for space applications and Radiation Hardness Assurance (RHA). The one-sided tolerance limit method is commonly used to take this variability into account. This study explores the possibility to consider a more sophisticated statistical analysis. The impact of the current trend to reduce the number of tested parts for radiation lot acceptance tests is also studied.

BACKGROUND: To estimate the depth of field (DOF) achievable with multi-and monofocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) and compare with actual measurements of DOF in cases implanted with a trifocal IOL and biconvex monofocal IOL METHODS: I) Computer simulations were produced to describe the relationship between DOF, pupil size, preoperative ametropia, and retinal blur tolerance limit for a model eye implanted with either multi- or monofocal IOLs. II) Monocular DOF and pupil size were measured under distance viewing conditions between 3 and 6 months postoperative following uneventful cataract surgery. Cases were implanted with either i) trifocal aspheric IOL (n = 36), or ii) biconvex aspheric monofocal IOL (n = 26). DOF was also measured at 0.33 m in cases implanted with i). RESULTS: Simulations revealed significant associations between DOF, pupil size, and retinal blur tolerance limit. The mean (±SD) DOF & pupil sizes were at distance for i) above 2.59D (0.68) & 3.54 mm (0.377), and for ii) above 1.67D (0.51) & 2.90 mm (0.351), and for i) above 3.16D (0.46) at near. The difference between groups were significant for DOF and pupil size at distance (p < 0.001). DOF was significantly greater at near compared with distance in i) above (p < 0.001). For a pupil size of 3 mm, the simulations produce similar DOF values when the tolerance limit of retinal blur is 10 μ. CONCLUSIONS: The DOF was significantly better after implanting the trifocal IOL compared with the monofocal IOL, and DOF is increased under near viewing conditions. The clinical results are similar to calculated DOF values when the tolerance limit of retinal blur is 10 μ.

Neuromuscular fatigue compromises exercise performance and is determined by central and peripheral mechanisms. Interactions between the two components of fatigue can occur via neural pathways, including feedback and feedforward processes. This brief review discusses the influence of feedback and feedforward mechanisms on exercise limitation. In terms of feedback mechanisms, particular attention is given to group III/IV sensory neurons which link limb muscle with the central nervous system. Central corollary discharge, a copy of the neural drive from the brain to the working muscles, provides a signal from the motor system to sensory systems and is considered a feedforward mechanism that might influence fatigue and consequently exercise performance. We highlight findings from studies supporting the existence of a ‘critical threshold of peripheral fatigue’, a previously proposed hypothesis based on the idea that a negative feedback loop operates to protect the exercising limb muscle from severe threats to homeostasis during whole-body exercise. While the threshold theory remains to be disproven within a given task, it is not generalizable across different exercise modalities. The ‘sensory tolerance limit’, a more theoretical concept, may address this issue and explain exercise tolerance in more global terms and across exercise modalities. The ‘sensory tolerance limit’ can be viewed as a negative feedback loop which accounts for the sum of all feedback (locomotor muscles, respiratory muscles, organs, muscles not directly involved in exercise) and feedforward signals processed within the central nervous system with the purpose of regulating the intensity of exercise to ensure that voluntary activity remains tolerable. The authors were supported by National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute grants (HL-103786 and HL-116579) and a Veterans Affairs Spire grant (1I21RX001572).

For the electrothermal de-icing system of an aircraft tailplane, firstly, an unsteady numerical simulation was conducted for understanding of the heating of the skin. Then ground tests in dry air conditions for the electrothermal de-icing system were designed and conducted, where the ambient temperatures were under the freezing point. The results of theoretical calculation show that, under the given conditions, the highest surface temperature of the tailplane electrothermal de-icing system can reach 67°Cand the lowest surface temperature is close to the ambient temperature. Starting from the third heating cycle, the fluctuation of the surface temperature reaches a stationary cycle. The ground tests show that the designed electrothermal de-icing system can meet the design requirements. It takes less than 25 seconds to raise the surface temperature from -20°C to 0°C. The peak surface temperature in the periodical heating cycles is below 80°C, which is lower than the tolerance limit of the skin material.

Currently, there are a lot of infant incubators being used in hospitals in Thailand. That situation brings about the question on whether the values of physical quantities such as sound pressure or temperature inside the incubator still conform to the requirements of the international standards. The main objective of this research was to study the sound pressure level (SPL) generated within the incubator. The measurement method was based on IEC 60601-2-19:2009. There were two measurement conditions of the SPL in the infant incubator; the measurement during power-off condition and the measurement during the operation of incubator at a controlled temperature of 36 °C with a maximum humidity setting. Both measurement conditions were carried out in an empty incubator. The average values from the three measurement results of each operating incubator subtracted by the value of background noise were reported as the result of SPL generated in the incubator. The SPL results from this study were lower than 60 dBA, which are within the tolerance limit specified in IEC 60601-2-19. The estimated measurement uncertainty was lower than 1.8 dBA. This research will benefit to an investigation of hearing loss in infants possibly caused by the operation of the infant incubators in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Ultimately, this research will be a great evidence to show the NICU staffs in the hospitals in Thailand and also raise their awareness that it is important to sustain the proper maintenance and calibration of the infant incubators.

The aim of this study was to detect the amount of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in pasteurized milk samples in Mashad in northeast of Iran. For this purpose, 42 milk samples were collected from retail stores during fall 2011 and analyzed for AFM1 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. All the analyses were done twice. Results showed presence of AFM1 in 97.6% of the examined milk samples by average concentration of 23 ± 16 ppt and contamination level ranging between 6 and 71 ppt. The concentration of AFM1 in all the samples was lower than the Iranian national standard and Food and Drug Administration limits (500 ppt), and, only in 3 (1.6%) samples, AFM1 concentration was more than the maximum tolerance limit (50 ppt) accepted by European Union and Codex Alimentarius Commission. According to our findings and previous studies, AFM1 contamination of milk is not a concern in this region, and the regional standard of AFM1 contamination in milk might be changed to lower than 100 ppt.

Sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus juveniles acclimated to different environmental conditions (23, 25, and 27°C combined with 25, 30, and 35 psu) were assessed for tolerance to increasing and decreasing levels of salinity at a rate of 2 psu h−1. They were also tested for the LS50 (median lethal salinity) when transferred directly into a series of higher salinity (32–46 psu) and lower salinity (9–25 psu). The CSMax (critical salinity maximum), CSMin (critical salinity minimum), USTL (upper salinity tolerance limit), and LSTL (lower salinity tolerance limit) were positively correlated to the acclimated salinity level but negatively correlated to temperature. The CSMax of A. japonicus was 6.2–10.0 psu higher than the USTL, and the CSMin was 5.5–8.5 psu lower than the LSTL, indicating that gradual changes in salinity resulted in the wide range of salinity tolerance that was observed, but that abrupt changes in salinity resulted in the narrow range of tolerance. Two-way analysis of variance revealed that salinity and temperature had a significant effect on 50% CSMax, 50% CSMin, USTL, and LSTL (P < 0.001). The information obtained in this study will be valuable for the further development of the sea cucumber aquaculture industry in China.

Two important factors in damage tolerance engineering are the damage size that can be tolerated and the use of applied nondestructive testing (NDT) technique for detection of defects. Generally, NDT of large mechanical structures, such as vessels and pipes in nuclear power plants, is carried out according to national codes, and the damaged mechanical parts detected during periodic NDT are repaired or replaced after the evaluation. However, unexpected accidents can occur if cracks in the structure grow and exceed the tolerance limit during operation. Therefore, there is a need to develop NDT techniques that can detect micro-damage in the vessels and pipes. In this paper, we propose a cylinder-type magnetic camera to fill this need. We use a cylindrically integrated Hall sensor array (CIHaS) as a magnetic sensor to create magnetic images, and we use a solenoid coil as the source of the magnetic field detected by the magnetic camera in order to achieve high crack-detection ability. The proposed method is tested with an examination of the cracks on a prepared pipe sample.

Although glaucoma is considered to be caused by an elevated IOP, many eyes with an IOP within the normal range develop manifest glaucoma. The concept of an IOP tolerance distribution may clarify this paradox. The frequency of low-pressure glaucoma is a result of the constellation of the IOP distribution and the distribution of the IOP tolerance limit in the population. The low risk of glaucoma in the high normal IOP range is counteracted by the large number of eyes in this IOP range. It is possible to calculate the prevalence of glaucoma and the distribution of IOP in the untreated glaucoma population, resulting from different alternative distributions of IOP tolerance limit. Credible results were obtained by assuming a normal distribution of the IOP tolerance limit with an average = 26 mmHg and a standard deviation = 2.5 mmHg. In the development of glaucoma, the importance of the IOP relative to other factors, increases continually from low importance at low IOP to high importance at high IOP.