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Tests for quality control of rockbolts are introduced in this chapter. The tests include tensile tests of bolt steel, tests of nut and plate, strength tests of cementitious grout, onsite viscosity tests of cementitious grout, tests of bond strength, borehole diameter measurement, pull tests, and proof tests.

In the present study, the relation of stand growth parameters with the basic wood properties of the Tectona grandis L.f. in southern and western zone of Tamil Nadu was studied. The results revealed highly significant correlation between diameter and area of heartwood in southern zone (r = 0.86) and western zone (r = 0.91). There was no significant correlation between wood density and diametrical growth in both the zones. There was significant positive correlation between tree height and heartwood area. The result indicates that faster growth is associated with higher heartwood content and lower sapwood proportion disproving the general notion that faster-grown trees will always have greater sapwood content. This affirms that the heartwood production in the teak plantations is predictable from diameter measurement.

Automated countersink measurement methods which require contact with the workpiece are susceptible to a loss of accuracy due to cutting debris and lube build-up. This paper demonstrates a non-contact method for countersink diameter measurement on CFRP which eliminates the need for periodic cleaning. Holes are scanned in process using a laser profilometer. Coordinates for points along the countersink edge are processed with a unique filtering algorithm providing a highly repeatable estimate for major and minor diameter.

It is difficult to implement three-dimensional (3D) measurement in small field of view (FOV) or confined space with traditional sensors, for they cannot be put into or operated flexibly in such circumstances. To solve the problem, a sensor constructed by an electronic endoscope and a pair of mirrors is designed, combining the flexible characteristics of the endoscope transmission wire and the advantages of stereo technology. The calibration of the sensor and two corresponding points matching methods are described. For applications as diameter measurement of 3-D circle, an optimization method is used which directly obtains the diameter using the recovered 3-D points. The experiments show calibration and diameter measurement are of high accuracy, which provide the potential of expanding computer vision applications particularly in small FOV and confined environments.

Use the photoelectric device-linear CCD as a measurement tool, and use the SCM for the data acquisition and data processing, a diameter measurement system which is a low costing, high-precision, non direct contact, can be created. The system can provide diameter real-time monitor to pipe production process.

A tree diameter growth function is an important component of an individual-tree model. This function can be considered as a mixed-effects model, in which a diameter measurement can be used to calibrate (or localize) the equation to produce improved diameter predictions for the same tree in the future. Another approach considered in this study involved a system of quantile regressions, in which future diameters can be determined through interpolation, based on a current diameter measurement. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of quantile regression and mixed-effects models in predicting tree diameter growth. Tree diameter at the end of each growth period was predicted from diameter at the beginning of the period by use of one of the four methods: the mixed-effects model and three quantile regression methods that were based on nine quantiles, five quantiles, and three quantiles. The mixed-effects model performed as well as the three quantile regression methods, based on the mean absolute difference and fit index, but was far superior in terms of the mean difference. The mixed-effects model produced an unbiased prediction of future diameter, up to ten years into the future, when calibrated with a current diameter measurement.

In this paper, a non-contact and high-precision method based on the processing of a digital image is presented to measure the diameter of a shaft. The method mainly involves three steps: first, the camera is calibrated by an improved approach, which only uses the feature points in the measurement area of the image to optimise the local camera model; second, with the help of the parameters of the model in the first step, a measurement method for determining the shaft diameter is proposed; finally, to embody the spatial attitude of the shaft accurately, the extrinsic parameters are re-calibrated by measuring a shaft whose diameter is known, and then the precision of measurement is improved by means of the new extrinsic parameters. The experimental data demonstrate that the proposed method exhibits high precision, with relative errors of approximately 0.005 mm.

Background Ultrasound (U/S) and MRI measurements of the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) have been proposed as intracranial pressure measurement surrogates, but these methods have not been fully evaluated or standardized. The purpose of this study was to develop an ex-vivo model for evaluating ONSD measurement techniques by comparing U/S and MRI measurements to physical measurements. Methods The left eye of post mortem juvenile pigs (N = 3) was excised and the subdural space of the optic nerve cannulated. Caliper measurements and U/S imaging measurements of the ONSD were acquired at baseline and following 1 cc saline infusion into the sheath. The samples were then embedded in 0.5% agarose and imaged in a 7 Tesla (7T) MRI. The ONSD was subsequently measured with digital calipers at locations and directions matching the U/S and direct measurements. Results Both MRI and sonographic measurements were in agreement with direct measurements. U/S data, especially axial images, exhibited a positive bias and more variance (bias: 1.318, 95% limit of agreement: 8.609) compared to MRI (bias: 0.3156, 95% limit of agreement: 2.773). In addition, U/S images were much more dependent on probe placement, distance between probe and target, and imaging plane. Conclusions This model appears to be a valid test-bed for continued scrutiny of ONSD measurement techniques. In this model, 7T MRI was accurate and potentially useful for in-vivo measurements where direct measurements are not available. Current limitations with ultrasound imaging for ONSD measurement associated with image acquisition technique and equipment necessitate further standardization to improve its clinical utility.

One of the most often produced and controlled elements in the engineering are shafts and holes. In many cases, they are responsible connections, requiring precise control. Measurement of a diameter or roundness deviation for the full profile are well known and commonly used process. However, in many cases it is necessary to measure an element with a incomplete contour. This paper presents results of research on the impact of the incomplete contour length on a diameter and form deviations. We studied the roundness of standard ring with deviation around 0.9 μm and an element of three-lobbing deviation of 37 μm. In both cases, the nominal diameter of the ring was 100 mm. The study was conducted in two stages. The first one was connected with measurement of the roundness deviation for sections 180°, 90°, 45° while the reference was 36°. Measurements were carried out on a CMM and a formtester (FMM). Results show that for the standard ring with decreasing length of the incomplete contour followed by a decrease of roundness. In the case of the three - lobbing ring the section 180° has a form difference value coincides with the value for full profile, while for shorter angular sections those values are greatly diminished. In the second stage, detailed studies that apply measuring sections from 360° to 10° grading in 1° were conducted. Measurements were made for different positions of measuring sections according to the extremes of the outline. The values obtained for the ring with three - lobbing character of form deviation allow to conclude that the diameter remains practically constant for sections up to 210°. Then there is a change in their value which depends on the position of the outline section in relation to extremes. Also the roundness deviation value is constant up to about 210° and then falls and the around 36° reaches value below 1 μm. The studies lead to the conclusion that there is a strong influence of angular measurement section and its position relative to the outlines extremes on achieved the diameter and form deviations.

Due to the high surface area, porosity, and rigidity, applications of nanofibers and nanosurfaces have developed in recent years. Nanofibers and nanosurfaces are typically produced by electrospinning method. In the production process, determination of average fiber diameter is crucial for quality assessment. Average fiber diameter is determined by manually measuring the diameters of randomly selected fibers on scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. However, as the number of the images increases, manual fiber diameter determination becomes a tedious and time consuming task as well as being sensitive to human errors. Therefore, an automated fiber diameter measurement system is desired. In the literature, this task is achieved by using image analysis algorithms. Typically, these methods first isolate each fiber in the image and measure the diameter of each isolated fiber. Fiber isolation is an error-prone process. In this study, automated calculation of nanofiber diameter is achieved without fiber isolation using image processing and analysis algorithms. Performance of the proposed method was tested on real data. The effectiveness of the proposed method is shown by comparing automatically and manually measured nanofiber diameter values.

Background Ultrasound measurement of optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) appears to be a promising, rapid, non-invasive bedside tool for identification of elevated intra-cranial pressure. With improvements in ultrasound technology, machines are becoming smaller; however, it is unclear if these ultra-portable handheld units have the resolution to make these measurements precisely. In this study, we estimate the accuracy of ONSD measurement in a pocket-sized ultrasound unit. Methods Utilizing a locally developed, previously validated model of the eye, ONSD was measured by two expert observers, three times with two machines and on five models with different optic nerve sheath sizes. A pocket ultrasound (Vscan, GE Healthcare) and a standard portable ultrasound (M-Turbo, SonoSite) were used to measure the models. Data was analyzed by Bland–Altman plot and intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). Results The ICC between raters for the SonoSite was 0.878, and for the Vscan was 0.826. The between-machine agreement ICC was 0.752. Bland–Altman agreement analysis between the two ultrasound methods showed an even spread across the range of sheath sizes, and that the Vscan tended to read on average 0.33 mm higher than the SonoSite for each measurement, with a standard deviation of 0.65 mm. Conclusions Accurate ONSD measurement may be possible utilizing pocket-sized, handheld ultrasound devices despite their small screen size, lower resolution, and lower probe frequencies. Further study in human subjects is warranted for all newer handheld ultrasound models as they become available on the market.

Aim: To measure and study the recovery coefficients of pre-clinical hollow spheres in clinical PET/CT scanners. Materials and Methods: Seven small hollow spheres with inner diameters ranging from 3.95mm up to 15.43mm, were imaged in a Jaszczak ECT Phantom, in air and with sphere to background activity concentration ratios of 15 to 1 for 16 minutes. The images were reconstructed to 2×2×2 mm voxel size images using the default clinical reconstruction method supplied by the scanner. The imaging protocol was performed on five different PET/CT scanners; the Gemini TF and Vereos by Philips, the mCT and HRRT by Siemens, and the Discovery 710 by General Electric. Results: The NEMA NU2 recovery coefficient for the 15.43 mm and 12.43 mm diameter spheres were about the same within each scanner. The Philips Vereos and HRRT scanners had RC values of 108% and 104% respectively, while the GE Discovery 710 was 118% and the Siemens mCT was 126%. The Gemini TF was 76%. For the smallest hollow sphere of 3.95 mm, the RC were 6.6%, 3.6%, 13%, 8.9% and 6.1% for the Gemini TF, Vereos, Discovery 710, mCT and HRRT respectively. An anomalous increase in the RC for the Discovery 710 and mCT was found for sphere sizes 9.89 mm diameter spheres where the RC was 161% and 145% for each respectively. A related recovery coefficient parameter called RC I which measures the recovery coefficient of the integrated activity in the spheres did not show this anomaly of increased recovery above 100% at the 9.89 mm sphere diameter measurement. Conclusion: The recovery coefficient data resulting from scanning five different scanners is presented. An increase in the recovery coefficient is seen in two scanners which is possibly due to over correction by the iterative reconstruction used to generate the images. This effect is not present when measuring the total activity in the sphere.

Lung cancer screening by low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) is recommended for high-risk individuals by US guidelines, while lung cancer programs in Europe and Asia are being prepared. This review will mainly focus on two most recent concepts and discusses the latest developments. First, while a pulmonary nodule has an infinite number of diameters, it possesses only one volume. Traditionally, nodule size has been determined by diameter measurement, however semi-automated measurement of nodule volume is becoming increasingly available. Secondly, nodules that develop newly after baseline should distinguished from nodules already present at baseline. Until recently, new nodule management was mostly based on expert-opinion or data derived from baseline nodules.

Inferior vena cava (IVC) measurements correlate modestly with right atrial pressure (RAP). Part of this inaccuracy is due to the high compliance of the venous system where a large change in blood volume may result in only a small change in pressure. This uncoupling of pressure and volume is

Detailed 3D plant architectural data have numerous applications in plant science, but many existing approaches for 3D data collection are time-consuming and/or require costly equipment. Recently, there has been rapid growth in the availability of low-cost, 3D cameras and related open source software applications. 3D cameras may provide measurements of key components of plant architecture such as stem diameters and lengths, however, few tests of 3D cameras for the measurement of plant architecture have been conducted. Here, we measured Salix branch segments ranging from 2–13 mm in diameter with an Asus Xtion camera to quantify the limits and accuracy of branch diameter measurement with a 3D camera. By scanning at a variety of distances we also quantified the effect of scanning distance. In addition, we also test the sensitivity of the program KinFu for continuous 3D object scanning and modeling as well as other similar software to accurately record stem diameters and capture plant form (6 mm, Asus Xtion may provide a novel method for the collection of 3D data on the branching architecture of woody plants. Improvements in camera measurement accuracy and available software are likely to further improve the utility of 3D cameras for plant sciences in the future.

In order to implement the accuracy and robust classification of Chinese dates according to size and color based on computer vision techniques on line, the method of classification according to size and color for Chinese date was studied. Taking the black rollers as background, the Chinese date images were pre-segmented by double thresholds in RGB color space. Through morphological operation, contour trace and region fill, the whole Chinese date target was obtained. the maximum diameter value was used to be the character value for size classification. The difference of saturation and hue of pericarp area in HIS color space was the color grading criteria. The results indicated that the accuracy of diameter measurement is 1.92mm, Experiment results proved the methods is effective to classify Chinese date by size and shape.

Annular derived measurements from gated multislice computed tomography (MSCT) remains the clinical sizing guide for valve selection in TAVR. However, the use of this measurement alone is sometimes insufficient for appropriate valve sizing, and at times vulnerable to motion artifact. The technique

Tricuspid valve (TV) anatomy and function play an important prognostic role in several heart diseases and in the development of functional tricuspid regurgitation. According to current guidelines for management of heart valve disease, the tricuspid annulus (TA) diameter measured by 2-dimensional

Summary Parameter adjustment of the transmitted light source yields a good-quality image for video measurement microscopy. However, a disadvantage is that the measured size of the objects changes simultaneously while the parameters of the transmitted light source are adjusted, which directly affects the measurement accuracy adversely. Furthermore, the variation of the objects’ measured size leads to the magnification variation as well. In order to analyse how the measured size of the objects varies with the parameters, we apply a photometric method and an operator algebra method to derive a unified mathematical model that correlates the parameters of the transmitted light source with the measured size of the objects. Theoretical results show that factors including the illumination intensity, the diameter of the aperture stop and the field stop and the object thickness are important to the measured size of the objects. The simulation results have been verified thoroughly using a wide variety of internal and external diameter measurement experiments. The proposed method has proved to be suitable to determine how these parameters affect measured size of the objects.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR) in measurement of the inner diameter of models of blood vessels and compare performance between MBIR and a standard filtered back projection (FBP) algorithm.Vascular models with wall thicknesses of 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mm were scanned with a 64-MDCT unit and densities of contrast material yielding 275, 396, and 542 HU. Images were reconstructed images by MBIR and FBP, and the mean diameter of each model vessel was measured by software automation. Twenty separate measurements were repeated for each vessel, and variance among the repeated measures was analyzed for determination of measurement error. For all nine model vessels, CT attenuation profiles were compared along a line passing through the luminal center on axial images reconstructed with FBP and MBIR, and the 10-90% edge rise distances at the boundary between the vascular wall and the lumen were evaluated.For images reconstructed with FBP, measurement errors were smallest for models with 1.5-mm wall thickness, except those filled with 275-HU contrast material, and errors grew as the density of the contrast material decreased. Measurement errors with MBIR were comparable to or less than those with FBP. In CT attenuation profiles of images reconstructed with MBIR, the 10-90% edge rise distances at the boundary between the lumen and vascular wall were relatively short for each vascular model compared with those of the profile curves of FBP images.MBIR is better than standard FBP for reducing reconstruction blur and improving the accuracy of diameter measurement at CT angiography.

Introduction Following recommendations from the National Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Programme (NAAASP), an audit was performed to assess the impact of measuring inner rather than outer aortic wall diameters during scans for abdominal aortic aneurysm. Methods Inner and outer aortic wall diameters were taken from a prospective series of 302 patients attending the Vascular Studies Unit at the Leicester Royal Infirmary for routine ultrasound screening or surveillance of their abdominal aorta. Absolute differences, as well as the potential impact on patient management, were assessed. Results The mean difference between measuring techniques was found to be 1.6 mm (95% CI 1.59–1.61 mm). Aortas close to the threshold for surgery were referred on average 8.7 months later than if their outer wall dimensions had been used. Additionally, 1.6% of aortas were considered normal using inner wall measurements, but aneurysmal when measured using the outer aortic walls. Conclusion Mean differences between the two measurement techniques are small and well within acceptable levels of observer agreement. There is currently no evidence to suggest that a delay in aneurysm surgery of around nine months has a detrimental effect to either mortality or morbidity rates. Those patients falling just below the threshold for aneurysm (2.5–3.0 cm) remain a subject of review.

The simultaneous measurement of pressure and diameter in a central artery during 24 hours could bring new information about the variability of the arterial mechanical properties. In order to perform these measurements in an animal, it is essential to count with a device that could acquire the signals from the sensors with a proper preconditioning circuit and then transfer them wirelessly to be stored and processed remotely. In this paper we present the prototype of a new portable and autonomous device, capable of being hosted on the animal's back. Preliminary results obtained from a pilot experience in a sheep using the prototype are detailed and limitations are discussed. Fil: Bortolin, Lucas. Universidad Favaloro; Argentina Fil: Craiem, Damian. Universidad Favaloro; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina Fil: Gorgolino, Jorge. Universidad de Buenos Aires; Argentina Fil: Santoriello, Gerardo Luis. Universidad de Buenos Aires; Argentina Fil: Lutenberg, Ariel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires; Argentina Fil: Graf Caride, Diego Sebastián. Universidad Favaloro; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina

To reduce the effect of noise on inversion result of grain diameter in nano-particle diameter measurement using photon correlation spectroscopy,a nano-particle diameter computing method is proposed based on photon correlation spectroscopy with nonnegative least squares.Photon correlation spectroscopy itself is as the weight to derive discrete model of inversion algorithm and avoid the influence of data fluctuation close to zero.The 90 nm,190 nm and mixed latex particles are measured by the photon correlation spectroscopy equipment and compared with the traditional nonnegative least squares.The 30 experimental data in 60 seconds indicate that in the inversion of unimodal paticle group,the results of present method is close to traditional nonnegative least squares but variance of multiple repeated measurement is smaller which proves good repeatability of present method;in the inversion of multimodal particles,the results of present method are much closer to true values of diameters,however,the results of nonnegative least squares deviate more from true values.Experimental data of different measurement time show that in a short period of time,variance of present method is smaller and it can obtain more accurate results in a shorter period of time.

Purpose: To analyze the literature comparing ultrasound [duplex (DUS) or contrast-enhanced (CEUS)] or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with computed tomography angiography (CTA) for endoleak detection and aneurysm diameter measurement after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). Methods: A systematic review identified 31 studies that included 3853 EVAR patients who had paired scans (DUS or CEUS vs CTA or MRI vs CTA) within a 1-month interval for identification of endoleaks during EVAR surveillance. The primary outcome was the number of patients with an endoleak detected by one test but undetected by another test. Results are presented for all endoleaks and for types I and III endoleaks only. Aneurysm diameter measurements between CTA and ultrasound were examined using meta-analysis. Results: Endoleaks were seen in 25.6% (985/3853) of patients after EVAR. Fifteen studies compared DUS with CTA for the detection of all endoleak types. CTA had a significantly higher proportion of additional endoleaks detected (214/2346 vs 77/2346 for DUS). Of 19 studies comparing CEUS with CTA for the detection of all endoleak types, CEUS was more sensitive (138/1694) vs CTA (51/1694). MRI detected 42 additional endoleaks that were undetected by CTA during the paired scans, whereas CTA detected 2 additional endoleaks that MRI did not show. CTA had a similar proportion of additional types I and III endoleaks undetected by CEUS or MRI. Of 9 studies comparing ultrasound vs CTA for post-EVAR aneurysm diameter measurement, the aneurysm diameter measured by CTA was greater than ultrasound (mean difference −1.70 mm, 95% confidence interval −2.45 to −0.96, p

The aim of this feasibility study was to assess the impact that image processing of abdominal aortic ultrasound (US) images had on the intra-observer reliability of the diameter measurement. The study compared variability between inner-to-inner (ITI), outer-to-outer (OTO) and outer-to-inner (OTI) wall diameter measurements and their resilience to image processing. Three US images of transverse abdominal aortas were manipulated in 13 different ways using functions from Image J software (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA). Blinded measurements were performed of the aortic diameters from each image; this was repeated for ITI, OTO and OTI. Profiles of each image were produced and sets of rules developed to provide detailed instructions as to where, on the profile, the callipers should be placed to correspond with the actual image. The reliability of the diameter measurements compared to the original diameter measurement was least affected by adjusting the brightness and contrast of the US images (better than ± 1.5 mm). Using the functions ‘Sharpen’ and ‘Find Edges’ created the largest difference (up to −5 mm). The ITI measurements had the widest spread of variability, whereas the OTI measurements proved to be the most repeatable and resilient to image processing. This study suggests the precision of the measurements can be kept within satisfactory levels even after image manipulation. It also showed the most reliable measuring guideline was OTI, in contrast to the guideline currently used by the NHS Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Programme. Further research is needed to transfer the findings into the clinical setting of the National Screening Programme to increase its reliability.

Log is a forest product as a basic ingredient of furniture such as cabinets, chairs, and other refined products. It is widely used by all people as households, offices, and shops. Thus, business in log industry is promising. Yet, a problem in pricing of log is faced by log business industry. Traditional pricing method is generally based on the calculation of log content (volume) where the value begins with the diameter measurement. Workers measure the smallest diameter value of log to be used as a reference. Conventionally, calculation begins with adding the horizontal and vertical diameters; the result is then divided by two. Error in measuring a log diameter occurs since it does not always form a perfect circle. Besides, measurements taken by one person to another will vary. In fact, a small difference of just one centimeter can determine the log grade which impacts on the price and economic loss of the industry. In this paper, a handy but accurate device is proposed that can be used in standardizing the measurement of log. The device is designed with raspberry pi as single board circuit embedded with image processing technology. The device is equipped with SD card to be easily replicable for mass production, and it has only 500 gram weight and dimensions of 90 × 55 × 60 mm. The measurement tests of real log with grade 17, 18, and 19 result 0.4%–1.9% and 0.08%–3.4% for minimal and maximal errors respectively. The proposed tool exhibits its accuracy, and it also effectively reduce the time measurement twice compared to conventional way.

In the present application of Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs), generally only the estimated value of the measured quantity can be computed while its corresponding measurement uncertainty can not. It is well known that a result without its uncertainty is incomplete. However, uncertainty evaluation has always been one difficult issue in application of CMM because error sources causing measurement uncertainty of CMM are very complex. Based on Geometrical Product Specifications (GPS), the three measurement strategies of CMM application, i.e. conventional measurement, substitution measurement and compensation measurement strategies, are studied in this paper. For each measurement strategy, the uncertainty sources are analyzed, and the corresponding task-oriented uncertainty evaluation model is established. In this paper, the hole diameter measurement of one workpiece is taken as an example. The uncertainty is evaluated respectively according to the three different strategies, and the results are compared. The comparison result shows that the influence of different measurement strategy on measurement result is different, the maximum difference is about 2 times, and the accuracy of measurement can be improved through selecting proper measurement strategy for specific measurement task.

The use of three-dimensional (3D) data in the industrial measurement field is becoming increasingly popular because of the rapid development of laser scanning techniques based on the time-of-flight principle. However, the accuracy and uncertainty of these types of measurement methods are seldom investigated. In this study, a mathematical uncertainty evaluation model for the diameter measurement of standard cylindroid components has been proposed and applied to a 3D laser radar measurement system (LRMS). First, a single-point error ellipsoid analysis for the LRMS was established. An error ellipsoid model and algorithm for diameter measurement of cylindroid components was then proposed based on the single-point error ellipsoid. Finally, four experiments were conducted using the LRMS to measure the diameter of a standard cylinder in the laboratory. The experimental results of the uncertainty evaluation consistently matched well with the predictions. The proposed uncertainty evaluation model for cylindrical diameters can provide a reliable method for actual measurements and support further accuracy improvement of the LRMS.

Terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) is a vital technique for collecting data with millimetre-level detail from the surrounding forest or individual trees. The downside of the technique is the vast amount of data it can collect, which requires efficient data processing methods. An increasing number of manual and automatic methods have been developed in recent years and most of them use point cloud sampling to fasten the processing. The challenge in the sampling procedures is the point density of TLS, which decreases rapidly as a function of distance from the scanner location. Therefore, traditional sampling procedures are not suitable for processing TLS point clouds. The present study focuses on evaluating two sampling procedures (presented in Puttonen et al. 2013) that aim to reduce the point density without losing the characteristics of the full point cloud. The study goal was to assess the effect of these two sampling procedures in tree detection and diameter at breast height (1.3 m, DBH) measureme...

Publisher Summary This chapter presents a number of current and near-term developments that illustrate the advances and opportunities of the contemporary wire industry. A number of commercial examples have been identified. The products have been selected from high visibility venues, and from generally reliable sources. Many drawing systems involve slip of the wire on the capstans. Designing for this slip allows the easy accommodation of changes in wire velocity due to die size variations and die wear. Some degree of capstan wear can be accommodated. However, this slip promotes capstan wear and compromises wire surface quality. Long die life can be elusive in many ferrous drawing operations. Therefore, there is a niche in the marketplace for a long-life die that is compatible with steel drawing. Many wire producers depend on static, individual-location measurements. However, modern metrology and real-time data analysis have much to offer the wire industry, and new and upgraded products continue to appear. While conventional in-line annealing has been highly engineered, contact of the wire with the sheaves can present problems of arcing and general surface damage. Hence, development of “contactless” annealing technology has been and continues to be a worthy objective. Much of the capital cost and materials handling efficiency of a wire drawing system lies in payoff and take-up equipment. This has become increasingly the case as drawing speeds and productivity expectations have increased. Hence, new equipment in this area should be given careful scrutiny.

Rationale and Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate a new formula for the rapid assessment of pericardial effusion (PE) volume by computed tomography. Materials and Methods Twenty computed tomographic scans positive for PE were reviewed by two observers. Diameters of PE were measured at four locations. Additionally, PE volume was assessed by volumetry. The correlation between PE diameters and volume was evaluated, and a linear equation was derived for each diameter location. To test validity and reliability of the measurements, intraclass correlation and Bland-Altman analysis were performed. Results Good validity was expressed by strong correlations between diameter measurements at all four locations and PE volume (all R values >0.80 and P values 0.75) and Bland-Altman analysis revealed good interobserver and intraobserver reliability of diameter measurements. The best values were observed for apical diameter measurements. The following linear equation was derived for apical diameter measurements: PE volume = 296 (mL/cm) × apical diameter (cm) − 32 mL. Conclusions PE volume can rapidly be assessed by apical PE diameter measurement using the simplified formula PE volume = 0.3 (L/cm) × apical diameter (cm).

Lee et al. recently published a method for estimating right hemi-liver volume (RHLV) by using bedside ultrasound measurement of right (R) and left (L) portal vein (PV) diameters and Urata's standard liver volume (SLV) formula where RHLV = SLV×[R(2) /(R(2) +L(2) )]. We calculated RHLV by substituting SLV from 15 different published formulas in the worldwide literature. We also modified Lee's method using right anterior (RA) and posterior (RP) where RHLV = SLV×[(RA(2) +RP(2) )/(RA(2) +RP(2) +L(2) )] for donors with unusual PV branching. We compared the calculated RHLV with RHLV estimated with software-assisted CT (SACT) volumetry and actual graft weight after right-lobe donation in 200 right-lobe donors. This study confirmed that accurate estimates of RHLV can be achieved by SACT volumetry or by the simple method of Lee but using the SLV of only 3 of the 15 published formulas (Lin or Vauthey using body weight or body surface area) rather than Urata's. Our modification of the Lee's formula using RA and RP, PV diameters was also accurate and not different from Lee's formula. These simplified formulas may be used for donor screening for graft size adequacy before expensive evaluation proceeds.

Many tropical tree species have buttresses at the standard breast height (1.3 m above ground) of diameter measurement, with a presumable role in improving nutrient acquisition or tree anchorage in the ground (Newbery et al. 2009, Richter 1984). Measuring the diameter using standard dendrometrical tools such as callipers or graduated tapes, which require that the cross-section of the trunk has a convex shape, is then impossible (Nogueira et al. 2006). The recommended method in this case is to measure the diameter above the buttress (DAB), thus possibly leading to biased estimates of the basal area (West 2009), of tree above-ground biomass (Dean & Roxburgh 2006, Dean et al. 2003) and of tree growth (Metcalf et al. 2009). As an alternative, one can measure the basal area at breast height of buttressed trees, using a method that can deal with the irregular non-convex shape of the cross-section of the stem such as the Picus calliper, photogrammetry or 3D laser scanning (Badia et al. 2003, Dean 2003, Newbery et al. 2009).

Aim The mechanisms of vascular remodeling have attracted great interest since it is a phenomenon related to cardiovascular diseases. We would like to examine studies that contributed to clarify the remodeling mechanisms, to explore the different faces of atherosclerosis process. Data synthesis A number of invasive and non-invasive vascular assessment methods were developed, to detect the early sign of atherosclerosis. It became clear that the invasive tests were not applicable to large-scale studies. Consequently, a non-invasive test was developed. Studies showed that the endothelial function evaluation is a predictor of future cardiac events in individuals at cardiovascular risk and in those with established disease. However, analyzing several works, an interesting concept emerged, i.e., the inverse relation between endothelium-dependent dilation and vessel size, since large vessel tend not to dilate significantly. This notion emphasized the role of basal diameter on vascular response. In particular, as brachial artery diameter is the measure on which FMD is based, it could add more information in clinical evaluation, simplifying the assessment. Several studies showed that morphological change of brachial artery is a better indicator of the extent of coronary disease rather than FMD. Other studies showed that brachial diameter has predictive significance in the stratification of cardiovascular risk. Conclusion Brachial diameter is a useful and simple tool. It should be incorporated into the overall assessment of cardiovascular risk but further studies are warranted to determine the final place of brachial diameter assessment in routine clinical setting.

A sunset over the sea surface offers the possibility to chronometrate a solar transit across the horizon. The vertical solar diameter is proportional to the duration of the sunset, the cosine of the azimuth and the cosine of the latitude of the observing site. The same formula applies to every circle of equal height, called in arabic almucantarat, and it is exploited in the measurements of the solar diameter made with the Danjon's solar astrolabes. The analogies between sunsets and astrolabes observations are presented, showing advantages and sources of errors of these methods of solar astrometry., 8 pages, 3 figures, Proc. of 2nd Galileo-Xu Guangqi Meeting, Ventimiglia - Villa Hanbury, Italy, 11-16 July 2010

Purpose The purpose of this study was to clarify the most suitable method to measure the aortic annulus diameter. Patients and methods Fifty-five patients, who had undergone aortic valve replacement at Miyazaki University Hospital between April 2008 and May 2011, were included in this study. The maximum diameter of the sizing tool that could be inserted into the left ventricle through the annulus had been predicted, based on the diameter measured by each modality. Agreement with surgery and each imaging modality, namely transthoracic echocardiography, multidetector computed tomography and contrast angiography, were compared using Bland-Altman analysis. Results The predicted aortic annulus diameter, based on the diameter measured by transthoracic echocardiography, multidetector computed tomography and contrast angiography, was 20.3 ± 2.50, 23.9 ± 3.19, and 23.5 ± 3.55 mm, respectively, whereas, the diameter measured at surgery was 23.7 ± 2.99 mm. Predicted aortic annulus diameter measured by multidetector computed tomography best agreed with that measured at surgery. Conclusion We conclude that the aortic annulus diameter, measured by multidetector computed tomography, is the best modality to measure the aortic annulus diameter.

To compare image quality of head and neck computed tomography angiography (CTA) reconstructed with filtered back projection (FBP), hybrid iterative reconstruction (HIR) and model-based iterative reconstruction (MIR) algorithms.The raw data of 34 studies were simultaneously reconstructed with FBP, HIR (iDose(4), Philips Healthcare, Best, the Netherlands), and with a prototype version of a MIR algorithm (IMR, Philips Healthcare). Objective (contrast-to-noise ratio [CNR], vascular contrast, automatic vessel analysis [AVA], stenosis grade) and subjective image quality (ranking at level of the circle of Willis, carotid bifurcation, and shoulder) of the five reconstructions were compared using repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post-hoc analysis.Vascular contrast was significantly higher in both the circle of Willis and carotid bifurcation with both levels of MIR compared to the other reconstruction methods (all p0.0001). The CNR was highest for high MIR, followed by low MIR, high HIR, mid HIR and FBP (p0.001 except low MIR versus high HIR; p0.33). AVA showed most complete carotids in both MIR-levels, followed by high HIR (p0.08), mid HIR (p0.023) and FBP (p0.010), vertebral arteries completeness was similar (p=0.40 and p=0.06). Stenosis grade showed no significant differences (p=0.16). High HIR showed the best subjective image quality at the circle of Willis and carotid bifurcation level, followed by mid HIR. At shoulder level, low MIR and high HIR were ranked best, followed by high MIR.Objectively, MIR significantly improved the overall image quality, reduced image noise, and improved automated vessel analysis, whereas FBP showed the lowest objective image quality. Subjectively, the highest level of HIR was considered superior at the level of the circle of Willis and the carotid bifurcation, and along with the lowest level of MIR for the origins of the neck arteries at shoulder level.

The geometric characteristics of synthetic macrofibers are important because they affect the behavior of fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC). Because there is a lack of specific, relevant publications in Brazil, the European standard EN14889-2:2006 was adopted as a reference to perform the characterization. Thus, an experimental plan was developed to assess the adequacy of testing procedures for the qualification of synthetic macrofibers for use in FRC. Two types of macrofibers were evaluated. The length measurement was performed using two methods: the caliper method, which is a manual measurement, and the digital image analysis method using the ImageJ software for image processing. These aforementioned methods were used to determine the diameter together with the density method, which is an indirect method that uses the developed length obtained by one of the previous methods. The statistical analyses revealed that the length results are similar regardless of the method used. However, the macrofibers must be pre-stretched to maximize the accuracy of caliper measurements. The caliper method for diameter determination has the disadvantage of underestimating the macrofiber cross-section because of the pressure applied by the load claws. In contrast, the digital image analysis method obtains the projected diameter in a single plane, which overestimate the diameter because the macrofibers are oriented with the pressure of the scanner cover. Thus, these techniques may result in false projections of the diameters that will depend on the level of torsion in the macrofibers. It was concluded that both the caliper method using previously stretched macrofibers and the digital imaging method can be used to measure length. The density method presented the best results for the diameter determination because these results were not affected by the method chosen to determine the length. RESUMOAs características geométricas das macrofibras poliméricas são importantes porque afetam o comportamento do concreto reforçado com fibras (CRF). Em vista da carência de publicações específicas no Brasil, adotou-se a norma europeia EN14889-2:2006 como parâmetro de referência para efetuar a caracterização. Assim, foi desenvolvido um plano experimental com o objetivo de avaliar a adequação de procedimentos de ensaio para a qualificação das macrofibras poliméricas destinadas ao CRF. Foram avaliados dois tipos de macrofibras. As medições do comprimento se efetuaram por dois métodos: o método do paquímetro, o qual consiste em uma medição manual, e o método de análise de imagens digitais, empregando o software ImageJ para processamento das imagens. Para a medição do diâmetro, além das metodologias já mencionadas, foi utilizado ainda o método da densidade, um método indireto que precisa do comprimento desenvolvido obtido por um dos métodos mencionados anteriormente. Da análise estatística se conclui que ambos os métodos de medição do comprimento são semelhantes e apresentam resultados equivalentes do ponto de vista estatístico. Porém, salienta-se que as macrofibras precisam ser previamente esticadas para ter maior exatidão nas medições com o paquímetro. Na determinação do diâmetro, o método do paquímetro tem a desvantagem de subestimar a seção transversal da macrofibra pela pressão que exercem as garras. Por outra parte, o método de imagens digitais apresenta a projeção do diâmetro em um único plano, com muita variação dimensional, porque as macrofibras são orientadas com a pressão da tampa do escâner. Assim, podem-se ter falsas projeções do diâmetro o que também depende do nível de torção das macrofibras. Conclui-se que o método do paquímetro, com o cuidado de esticar previamente as macrofibras, e o método das imagens digitais podem ser igualmente utilizados para medir o comprimento. Já para determinar o diâmetro da macrofibra, recomenda-se o método da densidade, cujos resultados não são influenciados pelo método escolhido para determinar o comprimento.

Objective: In trauma patients determining and excluding occult bleeding is a difficult and error-prone work in emergency services. Material and Methods: The vena cava inferior diameters were measured by ultrasound at reference time, first hour and third hour, in sixty patients who were admitted to our university hospital and suffered multiple trauma. Their hemo globin levels and vital signs were observed simultaneously. Follow-up results were compared to each other. Results: No serious bleeding was found in our patient population. The reference time vena cava inferior diameter mean value of our study group was 16.84±3.93 mms. This value was 16.79±3.74 mms for the first hour and 16.49±3.23 mms for the third hour. In the statistical evaluation of data there was no significant differ ence between the measurements (Pillai analyse p=0.29). In contrast, there was a decrease-mean of 0.68±0.91 mg/dl in hemoglobin values particularly between the reference and the third time and it was statistically significant (p=0.000). During this time a decrease in hemoglobin level was observed at gretaer than1 mg/dl and in 30% of patients. These changes in measuring hemoglobin levels were not correlated with fluid given to the patients. During all time intervals vena cava inferior measurement’s specivity was determined as approximately 95% and was 70% for hemoglobin level follow-up. Conclusion: Vena cava inferior serial measurements with ultrasound may be more beneficial to hemogram follow up for excluding occult bleeding in trau

Amac: Renal arteriyel stenozun (RAS) tespiti ve derecelendirmesinde cok kesitli bilgisayarli tomografik anjiyografinin (CKBTA) tanisal degeri belirlendi. Ca­lis­ma­ pla­ni:­Hipertansiyonu olan ve CKBTA’da RAS saptanan veya CKBTA’da abdominal aort anevrizmasi nedeni ile abdominal aort anevrizmasinin endovaskuler tedavisi uygun bulunan 78 hastaya (53 erkek, 25 kadin; ort. yas 60.8±14.9 yil; dagilim 18-86 yil) dijital subtraksiyon anjiyografisi (DSA) incelemeleri yapildi. Cok kesitli bilgisayarli tomografik anjiyografi bulgulari DSA bulgulari ile karsilastirildi. Istatistiksel degerlendirmeler renal arter stenozunun saptanmasi ve renal arter stenoz derecesinin capa gore degerlendirilmesi icin yapildi. Calisma prospektif olarak gerceklestirildi, hastane kurumsal inceleme kurulu tarafindan onaylandi. Tum hastalardan bilgilendirilmis onam formlari alindi. Bul gu lar: Yuz elli alti renal arterin 79’unda stenoz, altisinda okluzyon saptanir iken 71’i CKBTA’da normal idi. Dijital subtraksiyon anjiyografide 156 renal arterden 70’inde stenoz, altisinda okluzyon saptanir iken 80’i normal idi. Genel duyarlilik, ozgulluk, pozitif kestirim degeri (PKD), negatif kestirim degeri (NKD) ve dogruluk orani sirasiyla %97.4, %86.3, %87.1, %97.2 ve %91.7 olarak hesaplandi. Stenoz derecesinin saptanmasinda duyarlilik %74.1-100 araliginda, ozgulluk %93.7-100 araliginda, PKD %55-100 araliginda, NKD %94.5-100 ve dogruluk orani %90.4-100 araligindaydi. So­nuc:­Cokkesitli bilgisayarli tomografik anjiyografi RAS degerlendirmesinde yuksek duyarlilik, ozgulluk ve tanisal dogruluk oranlarina sahip noninvazif ve guvenilir bir yontem olarak kabul edilebilir. Anah tar soz cuk ler: Anjiyografi; dijital subtraksiyon anjiyografi; cokkesitli bilgisayarli tomografi; renal arter stenozu. Background:­ We determined the diagnostic value of multidetector computed tomography angiography (MDCTA) for detection and gradation of renal arterial stenosis (RAS). Methods: Seventy-eight patients (53 males, 25 females; mean age 60.8±14.9 years; range 18 to 86 years) who suffered from hypertension and were found to have RAS on MDCTA or who were found suitable for endovascular treatment of an abdominal aortic aneurysm during the evaluation with MDCTA underwent digital subtraction angiographic (DSA) examinations. The MDCTA findings were compared with the DSA findings. Statistical analysis of data was performed to detect renal arterial stenosis and the degree of stenosis based on diameter measurement. The study was carried out prospectively and approved by the hospital institutional review board. Informed consent was obtained from all patients. Results:­ Seventy-nine of 156 renal arteries were found to have stenosis and six were found to have occlusion while 71 were normal on MDCTA. Seventy of 156 renal arteries were found to have stenosis and six to have occlusion while 80 were normal on DSA. Overall sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy rate were found to be 97.4%, 86.3%, 87.1%, 97.2% and 91.7%, respectively. For determination of the degree of stenosis, the sensitivity was in the range of 74.1-100%, the specificity was in the range of 93.7-100%, the PPV was in the range of 55-100%, the NPV was in the range of 94.5-100%, and the accuracy rate was in the range of 90.4-100%. Conclusion:­ Multidetector computed tomography angiography can be accepted as a noninvasive and reliable modality for the evaluation of RAS with high sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy rates.

An artificial neural network (ANN) integrated computerized inspection system (CIS) was developed to determine tomato paste color in CIE L ∗ , a ∗ , and b ∗ color format and the number and size of dark specks which exist in the product. The usability of CIS in the determination of the number and the size of dark specks in tomato paste were investigated by comparing the results of CIS and human inspectors. While the inspectors had difficulties not only in determination of the specks having a diameter less than 0.2 mm but also in correct diameter measurement for all specks, the CIS had good determination and measurement capability. In 99 tomato paste samples, the number of the specks having diameter more than 0.2 mm were found by human inspectors and CIS as 233 and 235, respectively. However, the manual inspection gave inaccurate results for the diameter measurement of the specks. In the color evaluation of the tomato paste, strong correlations ( R ) were found between the results estimated from ANN-integrated CIS and those obtained from colorimeter (0.889, 0.958, 0.907 and 0.987 for L ∗ , a ∗ , b ∗ and a ∗ /b ∗ , respectively). The whole system is adapted to a graphical user interface (GUI) for use by a non-skilled person working in the tomato paste sector. While manual methods need approximately 5 min, GUI needs 20–25 s to determine, count and classify the dark specks and to measure the product color.

In this paper, a new technique has been developed to enable fibre diameters to be measured in an aqueous environment using the OFDA 2000 instrument. The existing OFDA instrument has only been used to measure diameters of animal fibres under dry conditions. This new technique was utilised to assess the effects of pH and temperature on the diameters of merino wool fibres in aqueous environments. Significant changes in fibre diameter under aqueous conditions were found as a function of pH and temperature. Wool fibre diameters were at a minimum close to the wool isoelectric point (pH 4.8) and increased at both lower and higher pHs. Swelling of merino wool fibres was observed to increase linearly by around 15% as the temperature rose from ambient to 70°C.