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AIM To determine which acoustic parameters may be associated with vocal fatigue among college professors in Bogota-Colombia. METHOD This was a cross-sectional study including 27 voice samples of college professors. RESULTS A gender analysis showed that mean fundamental frequency increased significantly among men and women who reported vocal fatigue compared with the those without fatigue (138.2Hz vs 122.3Hz for males; and 228.7Hz vs 188.9Hz for females; Mann-Whitney U test P value

Background Starch is an important ingredient in many applications, while there is increasing interest to modify starch functionalities using physical means. Dynamic pressure treatments are emerging techniques for food processing and food safety applications. The treatments have potential in modification of functional properties of food ingredients including starch. Scope and approach This review summarizes the effects of 3 types of dynamic pressure treatments on structure and physicochemical properties of starches from different plants. The 3 treatment methods include high pressure homogenization, high pressure microfluidization and high speed jet processing. Starch and process related parameters affecting the modification outcomes are analyzed. Starch related applications affected by the dynamic pressure treatments are described. Structure-function relationships of starch components affected by the treatments are critically discussed. The effects of dynamic pressure treatments on starch properties and applications are compared with those of other physical techniques including high hydrostatic pressure processing. Research directions to expand the applications of dynamic pressure treatments on starch modifications are suggested. Key findings and conclusions Dynamic pressure treatments tend to degrade starch on the granular and molecular level, while facilitating physicochemical interactions of starch via process intensification. The treatments induce starch gelatinization and increase starch digestibility, while affecting rheological properties in a treatment type- and condition-dependent manner. Increasing pressure level and number of passes leads to more drastic changes in starch properties. The treatments can facilitate starch modification processes such as formation of starch-guest molecule inclusion complexes, nanoparticle production and starch esterification. Overall, dynamic pressure treatments have potential to expand the range of starch functionalities for different applications.

Introduction. At present, high-resolution esophageal manometry is the «gold standard» for the diagnosis of esophageal achalasia, based on the determination of the integrated relaxation pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter, the value of which in the case of achalasia must exceed 15 mm Hg (MMS System). However, in some patients with clinically and radiologically confirmed achalasia, this value is normal. There is no unified view of the cause of this phenomenon. We assumed that low pressure figures may be affected by incorrect installation of the manometric catheter.Methods and materials. This research included 149 patients (61 by retrospective estimating the patients data and 88 new patients) with achalasia established during the period from January 2017 to March 2020. When it was impossible to localize the lower esophageal sphincter and take correct measurements during high-resolution manometry in new patients, the X-rays or upper endoscopy was performed to control the manometric catheter placement. If its’ placement was incorrect and the integrated relaxation pressure level was lower than 15 mmHg, repeated high-resolution manometry was performed with the over-the-guidewire manometric catheter placing.Results. In 36 patients of both groups (24.2 %), the manometric data did not correspond to esophageal achalasia; in the prospective group, 12 out of the 19 patients had incorrect manometric data due to inability to visualize lower esophageal sphincter. In the prospective group, the manometric catheter was reinstalled by a guidewire, which allowed visualizing the signs of the lower esophageal sphincter in all cases, and in 15 out of 19 patients (79 %), the integrated relaxation pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter was more than 15 mm Hg.Conclusions. In some cases, the over-the-guidewire installing makes it possible to pass catheter through the lower esophageal sphincter correctly, visualize the lower esophageal sphincter during the high-resolution manometry examination and obtain true pressure values.

Every spring, the stratospheric polar vortex transitions from its westerly wintertime state to its easterly summertime state due to seasonal changes in incoming solar radiation, an event known as the “final stratospheric warming” (FSW). While FSWs tend to be less abrupt than reversals of the boreal polar vortex in midwinter, known as sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) events, their timing and characteristics can be significantly modulated by atmospheric planetary-scale waves. While SSWs are commonly classified according to their wave geometry, either by how the vortex evolves (whether the vortex displaces off the pole or splits into two vortices) or by the dominant wavenumber of the vortex just prior to the SSW (wave-1 vs. wave-2), little is known about the wave geometry of FSW events. We here show that FSW events for both hemispheres in most cases exhibit a clear wave geometry. Most FSWs can be classified into wave-1 or wave-2 events, but wave-3 also plays a significant role in both hemispheres. The timing and classification of the FSW are sensitive to which pressure level the FSW central date is defined, particularly in the Southern Hemisphere (SH) where trends in the FSW dates associated with ozone depletion and recovery are more evident at 50 than 10 hPa. However, regardless of which FSW definition is selected, we find the wave geometry of the FSW affects total column ozone anomalies in both hemispheres and tropospheric circulation over North America. In the Southern Hemisphere, the timing of the FSW is strongly linked to both total column ozone before the event and the tropospheric circulation after the event.

The district heating system that uses the hybrid operation of distributed variable speed pumps and regulating valves can effectively reduce the pressure level at the far-end of the heating network, while retaining the energy saving advantages of the distributed variable speed pump system and ensuring the safe operation of the heating network. In this study, pipe network optimization based on genetic algorithm was used to determine the pipe diameter required for the hybrid operation of distributed variable speed pumps and regulating valves. A mathematical model was established to evaluate the economic efficacy based on the annual equivalent cost. The zero-pressure difference point was evaluated to optimize the pipe diameter. A real pipe network was assessed to evaluate the efficacy of the method, and a sensitivity analysis of pressure constraints and economic factors was conducted. Our results show the system of hybrid operation of distributed variable speed pumps and regulating valves can reduce the annual equivalent cost by about 10.35% compared to the conventional central circulating pump system. In addition, the annual energy consumption due to heat loss and pump operation is only 0.36% higher than that of the conventional central circulating pump system.

Transcranial high-intensity focused ultrasound is used in clinics for treating essential tremor (ET) and proposed for many other brain disorders. This promising treatment modality requires high energy resulting eventually in undesired cavitation and potential side effects. The goals of the present work were: 1) to evaluate the potential increase of the cavitation threshold using pseudorandom gated sonications and 2) to assess the heating capabilities with such sonications. The experiments were performed with the transcranial magnetic resonance (MR)-compatible ExAblate Neuro system (InSightec, Haifa, Israel) operating at a frequency of 670 kHz, either in continuous wave (CW) or with pseudorandom gated sonications of 50% duty cycle. Cavitation activity with the two types of sonications was compared using chemical dosimetry of hydroxyl radical production at the focus of the transducer, after propagation in water or through a human skull. Heating trials were performed in a hydrogel tissue-mimicking material embedded in a human skull to mimic a clinical situation. The temperature was measured by MR-thermometry when focusing at the geometrical focus and steering off focus up to 15 mm. Compared with CW sonications, the use of gated sonication did not affect the efficiency (60%) nor the steering abilities of the transducer. After propagation through a human skull, gated sonication required a higher pressure level (10 MPa) to initiate cavitation as compared with CW (5.8 MPa). Moreover, at equivalent acoustic power above the cavitation threshold, the level of cavitation activity initiated with gated sonications was much lower with gated sonication than with continuous sonications, almost half after propagation through water and one-third after propagation through a skull. This lowered cavitation activity may be attributed to a breaking of the dynamic of the bubbles moving from monochromatic to more broadband sonications and to the removal of residual cavitation nuclei between pulses with gated sonications. The heating capability was not affected by the gated sonications, and similar temperature increases were reached at focus with both types of sonications when sonicating at equivalent acoustic power, both in water or after propagation through a human skull (+15 °C at 325 W for 10 s). These data, acquired with a clinical system, suggest that gated sonication could be an alternative to continuous sonications when cavitation onset is an issue.

The effects of topical negative pressure therapy (TNP) have been a subject of research for many years. In this study, we investigated new imaging devices to detect clinical changes that TNP causes on healthy tissue and identified differences in microcirculation created by different pressure levels. We used near-infrared spectroscopy (NIS), thermography, and a vein illuminator to measure the differences in oxygen saturation, tissue temperature, and vein pattern. A control group (−125 mmHg) and three comparison groups with only TNP dressing (Group 1), −25 mmHg (Group 2), and −175 mmHg (Group 3) were established. Thirty minutes of TNP on intact skin was followed by 30 min of resting. A total of 24 participants were measured by all imaging devices at predetermined time points. Oxygen saturation and skin temperature increased by 8.07% and 1.67 °C for the control group, 4.00% and 1.65 °C for Group 2, and 8.45% and 1.68 °C for Group 3. Group 1 showed a slight increase in oxygen saturation and a 2.7 °C increase in skin temperature. Over the 30 min following removal of TNP, oxygen saturation and temperature decreased gradually for all groups. The vein illuminator did not show significant differences in the venous pattern or flow. Our study showed that higher negative pressure values resulted in higher oxygen saturation and higher tissue temperature.

Notched sample modeling was used to demonstrate effect of technology used for manufacturing pipes from steel 10Kh9MFB-Sh (piercing-broaching or electroslag remelting) on metal fracture toughness under creep conditions of 600°C at subcritical and avalanche stages of destruction. According to the subcritical crack growth and metal fracture toughness resistance determined on the samples, the lifespan of pipes having initial defects was evaluated. Calculations were carried out for pipes of two types including a hot reheat (HRH) steam line operating under a pressure of 4.1 MPa and a main steam (MS) line operating under a pressure of 14.0 MPa. Taking into account the obtained characteristics of fracture toughness, the use of electroslag remelting technology was shown to provide a durability of about 3 times that of piercing-broaching approaches. Differences in the pressure level and wall thickness shown to result in a tenfold increase in the durability of the HRH and MS steam pipelines at 600°C justify a different cracking risk classification, which should be taken into account in conducting operational monitoring.

(Ultra) high-pressure homogenization ((U)HPH) is one of the emerging technologies being studied and developed for various applications in the food industry. (U)HPH was suggested as an effective tool for achieving microbial safety and extending the product shelf life of liquid foods in a continuous process while minimizing some negative attributes of thermal processing. The valve geometry, pressure level, inlet temperature, and the number of homogenization cycles are all factors affecting the level of microbial inactivation and the extent of the techno-functionalities of food biopolymers and matrices. Turbulence, high shear, cavitation, and temperature increase induced by (U)HPH treatments enhance emulsion stability, stabilize proteins in solutions, reduce particle size distributions, and increase the accessibility of health-promoting compounds. This review is a comprehensive and updated overview of the engineering aspects of the (U)HPH process, specifically focusing on (U)HPH modification of food components such as polysaccharides, proteins, and bioactive compounds. A detailed description of the potential applications in food products beyond microbial inactivation is also included.

Speakers typically modify their voice in the presence of increased background noise levels, exhibiting the classic Lombard effect. Lombard-related characteristics during everyday activities were recorded from 17 vocally healthy women who wore an acoustic noise dosimeter and ambulatory voice monitor. The linear relationship between vocal sound pressure level and environmental noise level exhibited an average slope of 0.54 dB/dB and value of 72.8 dB SPL at 50 dBA when correlation coefficients were greater than 0.4. These results, coupled with analyses of spectral and cepstral vocal function measures, provide normative ambulatory Lombard characteristics for comparison with patients with voice-use related disorders.

BackgroundAccurate data on the sound emitted by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) coils is lacking.MethodsWe recorded the sound waveforms of seven coils with high bandwidth. We estimated the neural stimulation strength by measuring the induced electric field and applying a strength–duration model to account for different waveforms.ResultsAcross coils, at maximum stimulator output and 25 cm distance, the sound pressure level (SPL) was 98–125 dB(Z) per pulse and 75–97 dB(A) for a 15 Hz pulse train. At 5 cm distance, these values were estimated to increase to 112–139 dB(Z) and 89–111 dB(A), respectively.ConclusionsThe coils’ sound was below, but near, relevant exposure limits for operators and may exceed some limits for the subject. Exposure standards may inadequately capture some risks to hearing. For persons near operating TMS coils we recommend hearing protection, and we consider it essential for the TMS subject.HighlightsCoil click varies by over 20 dB(Z) between TMS coils at matched stimulation strength.Close to TMS coil, sound pressure level may reach nearly 140 dB(Z).For rTMS, the continuous sound level can exceed 110 dB(A).Hearing protection is recommended during TMS, especially for the subject.

The aim of this study was the evaluation of the influence of different HHP levels (150 and 300 MPa) and time treatment (5, 10, 20 min) on the gelation and properties of hydrogels with different inulin concentration (15, 20, 25 g/100 g). High-pressure treatment, in tested ranges, induces inulin gels and allows obtaining gel structures even at a lowest tested inulin content (i.e., 15 g/100 g). Selecting the pressure parameters, it is possible to modify the characteristics of the created hydrogels. The use of higher pressure (i.e., 300 MPa) allows to increase the stability of the hydrogels and change their structure to more compressed, which results in higher yield stress, lower spreadability, harder and more adhesive structure. For example, increasing the inulin gelling induction pressure (concentration 20 g/100 g) from 150 to 300 MPa with a time treatment of 10 min resulted in an increase in yield stress from 38.1 to 711.7 Pa, spreadability force from 0.59 to 4.59 N, firmness from 0.11 to 1.46 N, and adhesiveness from −0.06 to −0.65 N. Extending the time treatment of HHP increases this effect, but mainly when higher pressure and a higher concentration of inulin are being used. For example, extension of time treatment at 300 MPa pressure from 5 to 20 min resulted in an increase in yield stress from 774.8 to 1273.8 Pa, spreadability force from 6.28 to 8.43 N, firmness from 1.87 to 2.98 N, and adhesiveness from −0.94 to −1.27 N. The obtained results indicate the possibility of using HHP to create inulin hydrogels tailored to the characteristics in a specific food product.

Spatial, vertical and temporal variations in the subtropical jet stream over Africa and the Middle East were studied from 1958 to 2016 using NCEP/NCAR reanalysis meteorological data. The results of this study showed that the jet stream was located at a pressure level of 200 hPa more than 87% of the time, and it was located in the meridional zone between 20°N and 35°N in more than 83% of these cases. Additionally, the annual winter distribution of the jet stream illustrated two distinct trends: the first trend ended in 1987 and had a high rate of decrease, and the second trend began in 1988 and had a small rate of increase. Furthermore, synoptically, the study showed that the southern shift of the jet stream intensified the low-pressure systems over Africa and the Mediterranean, in addition to producing favorable conditions for the northward extension of the Red Sea Trough. However, the northward shift was related to the intensified Azores high-pressure system over Africa and the southern Mediterranean. Moreover, the temporal variations of the jet stream indicated that the intensification of the high-pressure system (i.e., the Azores and Siberian highs) tended to decrease the number of jet stream cases at 200 hPa or vertically shifted them downward to 250 hPa.

This study investigated the effects of pressure-mediated protein changes on the ice nucleation temperature of pork loins. To variate chemical state of meat proteins, pork loin was pressurized at varying pressure levels (100–500 MPa) for 3 min, and moisture content, expressible moisture (EM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were analyzed. Although, all treatments showed similar moisture content, EM and degree of protein unfolding of pork loin showed different features as of 300 MPa. At moderate pressure treatments (100–200 MPa), all protein fractions were detected in DSC experiments, and pork loin had lower EM than control (p

In this paper, we explore the effects of individual pressure level and time constraint on searchers' behaviors and their assessment of search experience within the framework of interactive information retrieval. A user experiment was conducted in which 40 participants individually searched for information in a laboratory setting under two conditions: with time constraint (TC) and with no time constraint (NTC). Participants filled in a Perceived Stress Scale questionnaire to measure their chronic pressure value (subjective stress), and their pressure value was recorded as their individual characteristic. The results showed that the more chronic pressure the searcher has, the more search efforts they devote, including more time in searching and more time to complete the search tasks, especially when there was no time constraint. Time constraint and searchers’ pressure value had a significant effect on users’ numbers of scrolling actions per minute. The results indicate that when given a time constraint, searchers with higher-pressure values tend to lower their reading or scanning speed, while searchers with lower-pressure values tend to accelerate their reading or scanning speed. The results suggested different people would react to the time condition change in different ways, especially people with higher pressure. Therefore, it is necessary to examine users’ search behaviors in person-in-situation frameworks to analyze the effects of contextual factors on users. This study contributes to our knowledge of how contextual factors and individual characteristics affect searchers’ behaviors and have implications for the design of IIR systems.

We present a multiphase level set (MLS) approach to capillary-controlled, three-phase displacement in porous media, and use it to simulate displacements of disconnected fluid ganglia surrounded by two other fluid phases (i.e., double displacements), which are important pore-scale mechanisms for oil recovery and CO2 storage. After a comprehensive model validation on several new benchmark cases, including 3-D simulations of double displacements in a straight angular tube, we show two new applications of the MLS method. First, we simulate three-phase capillary pressure curves for gas invasion along constant oil saturation paths in sandstone. The results show significant oil redistribution by double displacements, which leads to fluctuations of gas/oil capillary pressure due to oil volume preservation, whereas oil/water capillary pressure increases mostly monotonically, yet the pressure level is lower than in the corresponding two-phase oil/water system. Further, gas/water capillary pressure is lower when mobile oil is present in the sample. The second application demonstrates the suitability of MLS method to describe foam dynamics both with and without oil present in the pore space. MLS method successfully describes well-known foam interfacial properties, and it also captures the rise of displacement capillary pressure when adding gas bubbles between continuous gas and water inside a pore channel.

A Box-Behnken design was applied to evaluate the effects of sodium chloride (NaCl, 0–2%) and sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP, 0–0.5%) concentrations, pressure level (100–300 MPa) and holding time (1–5min) on technological parameters, physicochemical and texture properties of beef patties. Patties were manufactured with lean beef (80%w/w), fat (10%w/w), water (10%w/w) and NaCl and STPP concentrations according to the design and were subjected to high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) treatments according the design. Raw and cooked patties pHs were modified by pressure level, NaCl and STPP concentration. Cooking loss increased when pressure level increased and additives concentrations decreased. NaCl and STPP concentrations and pressure level significantly modified colour parameters of raw patties; however, they had no effects on cooked patties. Moreover, texture parameters values increased with pressure level. Fil: Szerman, Natalia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Buenos Aires; Argentina Fil: Ferrari, Romina. Universidad Argentina de la Empresa; Argentina Fil: Sancho, Ana Maria. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Buenos Aires; Argentina Fil: Vaudagna, Sergio Ramon. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Buenos Aires; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Argentina de la Empresa; Argentina

This paper provides the methodology to achieve pseudo 1-D combustion system of specific polymeric materials without any complex physical effect (e.g., deformation, bubble bursting etc.) by adopting a low pressure technique with a fuel-layered approach. The adopted pressure level in this study is as low as 20 kPa and the size of the specimen is sub-millimeter scale. By utilizing pressure modeling to keep the Grashof number small, the gravity effect is relatively minimized at low pressure to mimic an ideal 1-D combustion process. A molten PMMA layer formed over a ceramic ball (suspended by thin SiC fiber) was used as the burning specimen to fulfil the purpose of this study. Results show that a spherical flame without any apparent bubble bursting is successfully achieved during the entire burning event when the pressure is sufficiently lower (~ 20 kPa) for both 20% and 30% ambient oxygen concentration. A well-known d-square law and pseudo steady burning process is confirmed at the post-ignition stage. Direct comparison of burning rate, K, between what was obtained in this study and that obtained under microgravity ensures that the present methodology is effective to simulate an ideal 1-D combustion system, just like one that can be achieved in microgravity, without the need for microgravity facilities.

Investigation of the middle atmospheric tidal response to the September 2002 sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) is carried out from a Southern hemispheric extra-tropical location Cachoeira Paulista (22.7°S, 45°W) using meteor radar observations and reanalysis database. Significant diurnal and semidiurnal tidal amplitudes are found in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT) a few days prior to the warming onset consistent with the high latitude observations. In the troposphere and stratosphere (TS) the tidal amplitudes attain higher value during the main phase of the warming which decrease subsequently. The simultaneous enhancement of the tidal amplitudes in the TS and diminution in the MLT may imply strong dissipation of the upward propagating tides during the SSW at present location. An evident signature of the tide-planetary wave coupling due to nonlinear interactions is found. A preferential modulation of the tidal amplitudes by long/short period planetary waves are observed in the MLT/TS. The migrating diurnal tide (DW1) and nonmigrating semidiurnal tide (SW1) at 10 hPa pressure level show considerable variability during the warming episode.

Diagnosis and treatment of pseudotumor cerebri syndrome in children is still a challenge for clinicians. The aim of this study is to reveal the influence of presentation age and CSF opening pressure on long-term prognosis of pseudotumor cerebri and share our clinical data of the very young age (≤ 5-year) group.This retrospective study includes the patients followed by the Marmara University Pediatric Neurology Clinic between years 2012 and 2020 diagnosed with definite, probable, or suggestive pseudotumor cerebri syndrome according to modified Friedman criteria. Patients were classified into three groups according to presentation age: group 1: ≤ 5 years old; group 2: 6-10 years; and group 3 10 years old. CSF opening pressure was also categorized into three groups as CSF 20 cmH20; CSF 20-30 cmH20; and CSF 30 cmH20.One hundred three patients, 62.1% female (n = 64), were enrolled in the study. Group 1 consisted of 16 patients (60% male), group 2 consisted of 30 patients (63.3% female), and group 3 consisted of 57 patients (66.7% female). The mean CSF opening pressure did not differ between the three age groups in our study (p 0.05). Treatment response was not correlated with CSF opening pressure. Papilledema presence and level of CSF opening pressure were independent of age (p 0.05).Age at presentation and CSF opening pressure at diagnosis are not any predictive factors that influence long-term prognosis of pseudotumor cerebri syndrome in children. Evaluation and follow-up of children should be done in personalized approach.

Background: There are non-invasive methods of correcting genu valgum (GV), but to date, there is no method to evaluate mechanotherapeutic intervention that does not restrict child’s natural movements while the process is on-going so that timely decisions could be made on effectiveness of intervention. The aim of study was to develop and assess the comfortability of garments with elastic straps and pressure applicator (GESPA) and the reliability and user-friendliness of “GVcorrect” app, which aims to catch the elastic straps’ pressure level (mN). Methods: 6 children (5–7 y) with intermalleolar distance ≥5 cm wore GESPA daily for 3 months. Anthropometrical and goniometrical measurements were done according to standard technique, tone and biomechanical parameters of skeletal muscles determined with MyotonPRO, feedback about GESPA and “GVcorrect” collected via questionnaire. Results: Based on feedback from children and parents, new, more comfortable and user-friendly GESPA were designed, several updates were made to “GVcorrect” app, new goals were set for the next phase of the study. Conclusions: GESPA and the “GVcorrect” app serve their purpose, but there are still a number of important limitations that need to be removed before the product can be marketed. The study continues with product development until a medical device certificate is obtained.

The stable operation of H-bridge APF is based on the equilibrium of the DC side capacitors voltage. This thesis proposes a three-stage method for equalizing the voltage of capacitance. This control strategy significantly improves the pressure level of the APF. And in order to improve the accuracy of current output, on the basis of three layers of DC side control, the repetitive control is added. Finally, the voltage is controlled near the given magnitude. Then, the simulation results show that the three-stage method is very effective. which provides a basis for cascading APF applications to higher voltage levels.

In this study, we validated the consistency of the GRUAN RS92 and RS41 datasets, versions EDT.1 and GDP.2, in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (200–20 hPa), through dual launch campaigns at the GRUAN site and using the radio occultation (RO) product and the ERA5 reanalysis from ECMWF as standards for double difference comparison. Separate comparisons with the references were also performed in order to trace the origin of the bias between the two instruments. Then, the performance of the GRUAN raw temperature correction algorithm was evaluated, from the aspects of day–night, the solar zenith angle, and the pressure level, for GDP.2 version products. The results show that RS92.EDT.1 has a warm bias of 0.355 K, compared to RS41.EDT.1, at 20 hPa, during daytime. This bias was found to mainly originate from RS92.EDT.1, based on the separate comparison with RO or ECMWF ERA5 data. RS92.GDP.2 is consistent with RS41.GDP.2, but a separate comparison indicated that the two original GDP.2 products have a ~1 K warm bias at 20 hPa during daytime, compared with RO or ECMWF ERA5 data. The GRUAN correction method can reduce the warm bias up to 0.5 K at 20 hPa during daytime. As a result, this GRUAN correction method is efficient, and it is dependent on the solar zenith angle and pressure level.

Pressure ulcers are a serious problem that affects more than one million patients worldwide each year. These ulcers often occur when patients have limited mobility and cannot change positions in bed on their own. Although there are guidelines for the care and transportation of high-risk patients and products for the care of these patients have been developed and marketed, the rate of pressure ulcers continues to rise. This paper presents a prototype control pressure ulcer platform. This system controls the standard threshold pressure level by receiving feedback from the patient and bed pressure status. The proposed system has been designed and implemented. Also, mechanical and electronic structures are modeled and, a suitable controller is designed for optimal performance. The performance of the system has been proven by simulations performed.

Compression therapy is the most widely used treatment for venous leg ulcer (VLU), and it has been utilised in different forms for more than four centuries. There are wide varieties of compression bandages available for the treatment of various diseases. A suitable regime has to be selected for the specific problem based on required pressure level. In this paper, a study was conducted on the pressure behaviour of single jersey tubular bandage by varying the Lycra Denier (20, 30, 40 denier), stitch length (mm) in the structure at different limbs circumference (20, 30, 33 cm) on an artificial limb layered with foam of different hardness (10, 20 and 30). The effect of parameters both individually and interactively on the pressure performance of tubular bandage was statistically analysed. As compared to other constructional parameters, stretch (%) of tubular bandage has the most significant impact in generating required bandage pressure. From ANOVA analysis it is concluded that stretch (%) has almost 40% contribution in imparting overall bandage pressure whereas stitch length, lycra denier and limb hardness has 20%, 20% and 16% contribution respectively.

Intracranial pressure (ICP) has been proposed to play an important role in the sensitivity to intraocular pressure (IOP) and susceptibility to glaucoma. However, the in vivo effects of simultaneous, controlled, acute variations in ICP and IOP have not been directly measured. We quantified the deformations of the anterior lamina cribrosa (ALC) and scleral canal at Bruch’s membrane opening (BMO) under acute elevation of IOP and/or ICP.Four eyes of three monkeys were imaged in vivo with OCT under four pressure conditions: IOP and ICP either at baseline or elevated. The BMO and ALC were reconstructed from manual delineations. From these, we determined canal area at the BMO (BMO area), BMO aspect ratio and planarity, and ALC median depth relative to the BMO plane. To better account for the pressure effects on the imaging, we also measured ALC visibility as a percent of the BMO area. Further, ALC depths were analyzed only in regions where the ALC was visible in all pressure conditions. Bootstrap sampling was used to obtain mean estimates and confidence intervals, which were then used to test for significant effects of IOP and ICP, independently and in interaction.Response to pressure manipulation was highly individualized between eyes, with significant changes detected in a majority of the parameters. Significant interactions between ICP and IOP occurred in all measures, except ALC visibility. On average, ICP elevation expanded BMO area by 0.17mm2 at baseline IOP, and contracted BMO area by 0.02 mm2 at high IOP. ICP elevation decreased ALC depth by 10μm at baseline IOP, but increased depth by 7 μm at high IOP. ALC visibility decreased as ICP increased, both at baseline (−10%) and high IOP (−17%). IOP elevation expanded BMO area by 0.04 mm2 at baseline ICP, and contracted BMO area by 0.09 mm2 at high ICP. On average, IOP elevation caused the ALC to displace 3.3 μm anteriorly at baseline ICP, and 22 μm posteriorly at high ICP. ALC visibility improved as IOP increased, both at baseline (5%) and high ICP (8%).In summary, changing IOP or ICP significantly deformed both the scleral canal and the lamina of the monkey ONH, regardless of the other pressure level. There were significant interactions between the effects of IOP and those of ICP on LC depth, BMO area, aspect ratio and planarity. On most eyes, elevating both pressures by the same amount did not cancel out the effects. Altogether our results show that ICP affects sensitivity to IOP, and thus that it can potentially also affect susceptibility to glaucoma.Research Highlights- In vivo ONH deformations caused by acute, controlled, simultaneous changes in IOP and/or ICP can be directly visualized and measured in the monkey eye using OCT.- Acute changes of either IOP or ICP significantly deformed both the scleral canal and the lamina cribrosa, regardless of the other pressure level.- Pressures interacted, meaning that the effects of one pressure depended significantly on the level of the other pressure.- Elevating both pressures did not cancel out the effects of one of them being elevated.- Our results show that ICP affects sensitivity to IOP, and thus that it can potentially also affect susceptibility to glaucoma.

Objective: To understand the current situation of the error management climate of the third-level grade-A hospitals and the current status of the medical staffs' psychological resilience and stress perception, and to explore the influence of the error management climate of the third-level grade-A hospitals on the medical staffs' stress perception and the intermediary role of psychological resilience. To provide the basis for improving the error management climate of hospitals, and the improvement path for improving the psychological resilience of medical staffs and reducing the pressure level. Methods: In May 2020, 587 medical staffs in the third-level grade-A hospitals were surveyed using the error management climate scale compiled by Cigularov, and the psychological resilience scale summary table prepared by Wang et al., and the Chinese version of pressure perception scale revised by Yang Tingzhong. Results: There is a negative correlation between the error management climate and the stress perception, and there is a relationship between the two. Conclusion: Different types of medical staffs have different levels of error management climate, psychological resilience and stress perception, among which the position, gender, education background, and length of work may be its influencing factors; the better the error management climate in the third-level grade-A hospitals, the higher the level of psychological resilience of medical staffs, and the lower their stress perception.

Vertical profiles of wind, temperature, and moisture are essential to capture the kinematic and thermodynamic structure of the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL). Our goal is to use weather observing unmanned aircraft systems (WxUAS) to perform the vertical profiles by taking measurements while ascending through the ABL and subsequently descending to the Earth&rsquo, s surface. Before establishing routine profiles using a network of WxUAS stations, the climatologies of the flight locations must be studied. This was done using data from the North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR) model. To begin, NARR data accuracy was verified against radiosondes. While the results showed variability in individual profiles, the detailed statistical analyses of the aggregated data suggested that the NARR model is a viable option for the study. Based on these findings, we used NARR data to determine fractions of successful hypothetical flights of vertical profiles across the state of Oklahoma given thresholds of visibility, cloud base level (CBL) height, and wind speed. CBL height is an important parameter because the WxUAS must stay below clouds for the flight restrictions being considered. For the purpose of this study, a hypothetical WxUAS flight is considered successful if the vehicle is able to reach an altitude corresponding to a pressure level of 600 hPa. Our analysis indicated the CBL height parameter hindered the fractions of successful hypothetical flights the most and the wind speed tolerance limited the fractions of successful hypothetical flights most strongly in the winter months. Northwest Oklahoma had the highest fractions of successful hypothetical flights, and the southeastern corner performs the worst in every season except spring, when the northeastern corner performed the worst. Future work will study the potential effect of topology and additional variables, such as amount of rainfall and temperature, on fractions of successful hypothetical flights by region of the state.

With high resolution manometry (HRM), achalasia is defined as an elevated integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) and the absence of normal esophageal peristalsis. Since achalasia symptoms are attributed in part to incomplete LES relaxation, IRP values might be expected to directly correlate with symptom severity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between IRP values and symptom severity assessed by the Eckardt score in patients with achalasia. Methods We searched the database of our Center for Esophageal Diseases for patients who had HRM showing achalasia (IRP > 15 mmHg and absent peristalsis) between May 2017 and August 2019. All patients with achalasia seen in our Center routinely complete the Eckardt score questionnaire evaluating the severity of achalasia symptoms in each of four categories (dysphagia, chest pain, regurgitation and weight loss). Pearson correlation coefficient was used to assess the relationship between median IRP and Eckardt score; an R2 value >0.5 was considered clinically meaningful. Results We identified 91 subjects with achalasia (mean age 62.9 ± 16.5 years; 39 men, 52 women; 27 Type 1, 28 Type 2, 36 Type 3). We found no clinically meaningful correlation between median IRP and the total Eckardt score (R2 = 0.043) (Figure 1). Furthermore, we found no clinically meaningful correlation between median IRP and any individual component of the Eckardt score (dysphagia R2 = 0.008, chest pain R2 = 0.001, regurgitation R2 = 0.035, weight loss R2 = 0.049). Finally, in subgroup analyses we found no clinically meaningful correlation between median IRP and Eckardt scores (total or any of its individual components) for any of the 3 achalasia subtypes. Conclusion We found no clinically meaningful correlation between IRP and total Eckardt score, or between IRP and any individual component of the Eckardt score for patients with achalasia of any type. This suggests that once the IRP value exceeds 15 mmHg, further elevations in IRP have little effect on symptoms, and that factors other than IRP such as esophageal body dysmotility and hypersensitivity might contribute to symptom perception in achalasia.

Purpose: This paper proposes proper and effective neck exercises by comparing the deep and superficial cervical flexor muscle activities and thickness according to the pressure level during cranio-cervical flexion exercises between a normal posture group and forward head posture group. Methods: A total of 20 subjects (8 males and 12 females) without neck pain and disabilities were selected. The subjects’ craniovertebral angles were measured; they were divided into a normal posture and a forward head posture group. During cranio-cervical flexion exercises, the thickness of the deep cervical flexor neck muscle and the activity of the surface neck muscles were measured using ultrasound and EMG. Results: The results showed that the thickening of the deep cervical flexor was increased significantly to 28 and 30 mmHg in the forward head posture group. The sternocleidomastoid muscle activity increased significantly to 24, 26, 28, and 30 mmHg in the forward head posture group. The anterior scalene muscle activity increased significantly to 26, 28, and 30mmHg in the forward head posture group. A significant difference of 26, 28, and 30 mmHg in the sternocleidomastoid and anterior scalene muscles was observed between two groups. Conclusion: To prevent a forward head posture and maintain proper cervical curve alignment, the use of the superficial cervical flexor muscles must be minimized. In addition, to perform a cranio-cervical flexion exercises to effectively activate the deep cervical flexor muscles, 28 and 30 mmHg for normal posture adults and 28 mmHg for adults with forward head postures are recommended.

Currently, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) only monitors the condition of a tire pressure. However, there are no particular reactions taking place after the value of its tire pressure is discovered. In fact, the value of a tire pressure determines driving comfort and safety Therefore, this research proposed a method to integrate a TPMS and a Pressure Sensor Base (PSB) with a particular reaction required to fulfill tires automatically. The proposed TPMS has an electronic device unit directly attached to a tire’s valve. This unit includes pressure sensors, microcontrollers, Bluetooth transmitters and batteries. An alert system is generated whenever tire pressure exceeds the maximum or minimum safe pressure level. Moreover, if the pressure measured is below the lowest level of the desired pressure, it will automatically activate the compressor. Several experiments have been carried out to analyze the proposed system. The integrated TPMS has proven to be able to be an alternative tool for the automotive sector to keep maintaining the tires and to improve a driving comfort and safety.

International audience; Measurement and 3D imaging of acoustic waves through the acousto-optic effect has recently been demonstrated by means of Optical Feedback Interferometry (OFI). In this paper we study experimentally the lower limits of detection of an acoustic wave using an OFI sensor. We show that the OFI sensor exhibits a linear response to acoustic power variations, and we obtain a lower limit of detection of 83 dB rms for a planar acoustic wave at 3 kHz. We also determine the equivalent displacement, that is seen by the OFI sensor at this pressure level, to be 96 pm. A deeper understanding of the limits of the technology and the quantification of the acousto-optic effect shall help improve the applications already created for the measurement of acoustic pressure waves using OFI.

Oilfield A is a fractured buried hill reservoir in Bohai bay of China. In order to solve the difficult problem of water flooding timing and method in oilfield. Considering the characteristics of the buried hill fractures with stress sensitivity and strong heterogeneity, the ECLIPSE software was used in the research, and a three-dimensional injection-production numerical model for horizontal wells in buried hill reservoirs is established. According to the main research factors in water flooding, a series of water flooding schemes are designed, and the optimization of water flooding timing, oil recovery rate and water flooding mode in buried hill reservoirs were carried out. The results show that the optimum pressure level of fractured reservoir is about 70% of the original reservoir pressure. The optimal water flooding method is the conventional water flooding in the initial stage, when the water cut reaches 80%, it is converted into periodic water flooding. The oil recovery is the highest when the water injection period is 4 months. Field tests show that conventional water flooding is carried out in the initial stage of the oilfield A when the pressure is reduced to 70% of the original. Periodic water flooding is carried out when water cut is 80%. Good development results had been achieved in the 10 years since oilfield A was put into production. The average productivity of single well reached 300 m3/d in the initial stage, at present, the water cut is 60%, and the recovery degree is 18.5%, which is better than that of similar oilfields. This technology improves the water flooding effect of blocky bottom water fractured dual media reservoirs in metamorphic buried hills, and provides a reference for the development of similar reservoirs.

This research was aimed at exploring and evaluating high pressure processing (HPP) as a technique for calcium infusion into baby carrots. HPP was employed in infusing calcium in pectin methylesterase (PME) pre-treated baby carrots using infusate solution of calcium lactate gluconate (CLG). Experiments were performed following a Box-Behnken design to evaluate the effects of pressure, holding time, and CLG concentration on the extent of calcium infusion (amount infused per serving size (85 g) of baby carrots) and the hardness of baby carrots using single pressure cycle. In addition, the effect of pressure cycling on the extent of calcium infusion was also studied by varying the number of high pressure cycles at 1, 3, and 5 at a fixed pressure (550 MPa) for a total holding time of 15 min and using 9% (w/v) CLG solution. HPP enhanced the infusion of calcium from 19.5 mg/serving in raw baby carrots to 134 mg/serving at 350 MPa–10 min–9% CLG, which was more than 3 times the amount of calcium infused in osmotically and vacuum infused controls. Pressure level, time, and CLG concentration had significant effects on calcium infusion. Increasing the number of pressure cycles increased the amount of calcium infused. The calcium infused baby carrots had higher hardness than raw unprocessed carrots.

Objectives Hydrocephalus can be defined as clinically symptomatic dilatation of the internal ventricular system at the expense of brain and blood volume. Shunt insertion is the mainstay of therapy for communicating hydrocephalus. One of the most frequently used valves is the programmable Codman Medos Hakim valve which enables the pressure level to be adjusted from 30 to 200 mmH2O. The problem of functional over- or underdrainage and the associated complications should be significantly reduced if not excluded. Especially in the clinical application of the Codman Medos Hakim Shunt System in hydrocephalus of other etiology only a few studies can be found. This study aims to increase knowledge of both the safety of Codman Medos valves with SiphonGuard in the clinical application as well as the correct choice of the pressure level for different indications. Patients and methods In this retrospective study, 101 patients were included who underwent surgery with the adjustable “Codman Medos Hakim” valve with “SiphonGuard” between January 2010 and July 2013. We analyzed the patient files and imaging (CCT, cMRT) data. The statistical examinations were performed using the WINStat program for Excel. Results Our results show that an initial pressure level of 120mmH2O proved to be suitable in all subgroups. After optimization of the initial pressure level 70.3% of the valves (71 valves) had a pressure level of 120mmH2O. Importantly, only in the SAH subgroup the clinical improvement was correlated with a reduction in the measured indices. But in all subgroups a clinical deterioration was associated with an increased ventricular size. Conclusion Overall, the clinical data show that an initial pressure level of 120mmH2O seems to be appropriate for most patients treated in this series. Measured indices from the cranial imaging can provide valuable indications for the presence of a suboptimal valve setting for the individual patient.

Marketing issues of small-sized meagre can be overcome with the development of fish hams. This study aimed to test high pressure processing (HPP) to promote gelation of meagre hams, as an alternative to the heat processing. It was also aimed to reduce microbial transglutaminase (MTGase) from the formulation of HPP hams. Meagre hams were subjected to HPP varying different pressure parameters. The water holding capacity (WHC) and folding properties of hams were not affected by HPP, compared with heat processed hams. Whiteness was lower in HPP hams, and values increased with pressure level. The best results were obtained at 350 and 500 MPa at 30 °C, which also enhanced the textural properties of hams. Meagre hams prepared with different contents of MTGase (0–5.0 g/kg) were subjected to HPP. This enzyme did not affect the WHC and the folding properties of hams within each condition tested. HPP hams can be prepared with lower levels of MTGase (2.5 g/kg), without compromising the textural properties of hams. The results showed that it is possible to produce meagre hams with good textural properties and to reduce the MTGase content using HPP, validating the use of this technology as an alternative to the heat-induced gelation.

The article presents the results of noise measurements during a control passage recorded in the interior of a bus with a serial hybrid drive. The noise was recorded in a continuous mode, and the course was adjusted for the pressure level and spectrogram in the field of time and frequency.