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The innovative techniques in ultrasound have added a new dimension to investigating superficially located areas such as the contents of the scrotal sac. High frequency transducers, improved technology with the addition of elastography, contrast enhanced ultrasound and microvascular imaging has resulted in a further improvement in diagnostic capabilities. The ability to clearly demonstrate the presence or absence of vascularity within the area under investigation adds an additional dimension to operator confidence in establishing the presence of infarction, global or segmental, or the walls and cavity of an abscess in the testis or epididymis. Increased vascularity of a tumor aids the differential diagnosis based on the flow dynamics of the microbubble contrast, benign lesions likely to retain contrast. Elastography has the ability to ascertain the stiffness of tissue, and when used in conjunction with other ultrasound methods adds to the understanding of the likelihood of a malignant abnormality being present. All the different techniques come under the umbrella term 'multiparametric ultrasound', with the application in the scrotal sac detailed in this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technology offers advantages such as easy operation and high specificity, but also faces issues like lengthy detection time and low sensitivity. This paper proposes a method by using novel SERS-active silver flower-like material to enhance the fluorescence signal generated by qPCR instrument, so as to shorten the detection time and improve the detection sensitivity. In this method, silver flower-like material is first prepared on substrates using a lyotropic liquid crystal soft template combined with electrodeposition growth. Then, an ultrasonic device is used to peel the active material into aqueous solution, and the peeling efficiency reaches 90%. Using rhodamine 6G (R6G) as the qPCR amplification detection molecule, the fluorescence signal generated from the flower-like material-containing sample is increased by 20%. Finally, the qPCR amplification effect is detected with the commercially available new coronavirus nucleic acid detection kit. The results showed that the CT value decreased from 35 to 31 after adding the silver flower-like material, and the detection efficiency increased by 20%. Meanwhile, no non-specific amplification is observed. For COVID-19 samples at S7 concentration, the positive detection rate rises from 1/200 to 2/3 by our method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The study assessed the clinical outcomes following treatment of peri-implant mucositis using Er:YAG laser or an ultrasonic device over six months. Patients' experience of pain, aesthetics, and Quality of life were further assessed. Methods: One dental implant, per included patient, diagnosed with peri-implant mucositis underwent treatment with an Er:YAG laser (test) or an ultrasonic scaler (control) randomly. Treatments were performed at baseline and months three and six. At each session, oral hygiene was instructed after plaque registration, and the patient was guided in proper cleaning technique using a toothbrush and interproximal aids as needed. Full mouth bleeding on probing (FMBoP), full mouth plaque score (FMPS), implant bleeding on probing (BoP), implant mean graded bleeding (mBI), implant probing pocket depts (PPD), implant suppuration and bone levels were assessed. Oral health-related Quality of life (OHQoL) and visual analog scales (VAS), which reflect aesthetic satisfaction and pain of the treatment, were also evaluated. Results: Forty-six patients were included. FMBoP was significantly reduced from 30.1 to 21.5% (test) (p < 0.001) respectively from 35.0% to 30% (control) (p < 0.01). FMPS showed significant reduction from 61.5 to 32.7% (test) (p < 0.001) and from 58.7 to 39.1% (control) (p < 0.001). At the implant BoP reduced from 89.0 to 55.7% (test) (p < 0.001) respectively from 94.9 to 63.7% (control) (p < 0.001). mBI was reduced from 1.3 to 0.6 (test) (p < 0.01) and from 1.9 to 0.8 (control) (p < 0.001). Distribution of "no bleeding" increased from 13 to 61% (test) (p < 0.05) and from 0 to 35% (control) (p < 0.05). At month three, statistically significant intergroup differences were shown for PPD ≥ 4 mm with 43.5% (test) respectively 73.9% (control) (p < 0.05). At month six, statistically significant intergroup differences, were shown for FMBoP 21.5% (test) respectively 30% (control) (p < 0.05) and for plaque score at the implant 4.0% (test) respectively 26% (control) (p < 0.05). Less pain was reported in the laser group at three days 0.08 (test) respectively 0.2 (control) (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Treatment of peri-implant mucositis was effective regardless of whether the treatment was performed with an Er:YAG laser or an ultrasonic scaler. Fewer diseased sites were diagnosed at six months following laser treatment. Trial registration: Registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov: study no, NCT05772299. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synergistic effects of nanoparticles (NPs) and smart water flooding are new methods for enhanced oil recovery (EOR). One of the vital issues, in this case, is the formation and stability of emulsion. Therefore, investigating the role and performance of NPs and ions during the processes of EOR, which are based on smart water injection and natural reservoir production, is of significant importance. Previous studies have investigated various factors (i.e., compounds present in oil and water) that affect emulsion stability mainly at ambient temperatures. In this research, the effect of various factors, including the effect of surfactants, salts, and NPs, on the dynamics and thermodynamics of this phenomenon, has been studied through the visual analysis of emulsion droplets under high pressure (HP) and high-temperature (HT) conditions. Based on the results obtained from the experiments, the rate of formation and stability of emulsions increases by increasing the pressure, and after a certain pressure level, it decreases. On the other hand, in general, the rate of emulsion stability follows a decreasing trend by increasing the system temperature. Additionally, in this study, three salts, namely MgCl2, CaCl2, and NaCl, and two surfactants, AOS (alpha olefin sulfonate) and CTAB (cetrimonium bromide), were used. After finding the optimal weight percentage of these salts and surfactants in the formation and emulsion stability, they were combined with nanoparticles of silica oxide in different volume percentages, and the effect of these nanoparticles on the emulsion stability was investigated. The effect of ultrasonication on solutions containing NPs was also investigated from the point of view of emulsion formation and stability. Based on the results obtained, as the power consumption of the ultrasonic device increases to form an emulsion, the rate of rotation for its separation will also increase. Synergistic effect in three systems, the emulsion stability is as follows: AOS MgCl2 SiO2 > AOS CaCl2 SiO2 > AOS NaCl SiO2 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work leverages ultrasonic guided waves (UGWs) to detect and localize damage in structures using lightweight Artificial Intelligence (AI) models. It investigates the use of machine learning (ML) to train the effects of the damage on UGWs to the model. To reduce the number of trainable parameters, a physical signal processing approach is applied to the raw data before passing the data to the model. Starting from current state of the art in algorithms used for damage detection and localization, an AI-based technique is developed and validated on an experimental benchmark dataset before tiny ML implementation on a low-cost development board. A discussion of the need for a balance between the reduction in computational resources and increasing the precision of the models is also reported. It is shown that by extracting simple features of the signal, the models required to predict the damage locations can be significantly reduced in size while still having high accuracies of over 90%. In addition, it is possible to use these predictions to construct a fairly accurate heat map indicating the likely damage locations. Finally, a convenient edge/cloud visualization of the results can be achieved by simplifying the heat map. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Piezoelectric ceramics are widely used in a wide range of applications. In the development to enhance their application performance, designing special structures is considered as a potential strategy. However, piezoelectric ceramics with complex structures are difficult to realize due to their hard and brittle nature. In this work, a negative Poisson's ratio structure (auxetic) is introduced into preparing a lead zirconate titanate (PZT) ceramic using the 3D printing method. The 3D-printed complex structural ceramics show expected piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties as well as good vibration performance. After encapsulation, the device possesses ultrasonic sensing properties and shows 5–8 times better mechanical sensing performance compared to conventional block ceramics. These results indicate that the 3D-printed auxetic structure improves the deformability and sensitivity of piezoelectric ceramic pieces, which opens up more possibilities for the fabrication of new and excellent piezoelectric devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the effect of an oscillating chitosan brush (OCB) compared with an ultrasonic device with PEEK tip (US‐PEEK) for mechanical implant surface decontamination using an in vitro model combining 3D models and a validated dynamic multispecies biofilm. Materials and Methods: A multispecies biofilm using six bacterial strains (Streptococcus oralis, Veillonella parvula, Actinomyces naeslundii, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans) was seeded on dental implants with machined and sandblasted, large‐grit and acid‐etched (SLA) surfaces. These were installed in 3D models depicting peri‐implant defect. Mechanical decontamination was performed for 120 s using either an OCB or a US‐PEEK. A negative control group received no treatment. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to evaluate the bacterial composition and quantitative PCR (qPCR) analyzed the number of each bacterial species [colony‐forming units per milliliter (CFU/mL)]. Results: Well‐structured biofilms with a dense microbial distribution were observed on the negative control implants after 72 h. qPCR following mechanical decontamination showed a scarce bacterial reduction in the OCB group. The US‐PEEK group exhibited a significant decrease in bacterial species compared to both OCB and control groups (p < 0.05). A biofilm removal effect was also observed in the OCB group for the machined implant surfaces. Conclusion: In vitro assessment using an anatomical 3D model showed that mechanical decontamination effectively reduced biofilm. The US‐PEEK group demonstrated biofilm reduction on the SLA surface, while the OCB group showed a reduction on the machined implant surface. Additionally, the US‐PEEK group demonstrated greater efficacy in reducing bacterial numbers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: With the continuous progress of the automotive industry, the safe driving of intelligent vehicles has received increasing attention. Traditional obstacle avoidance techniques are not accurate enough in dealing with fuzzy information encountered in high-speed driving. Therefore, this study aims to improve the obstacle avoidance ability of intelligent vehicles through fuzzy control theory. Methods: The study employs fuzzy control theory to enhance the ability of intelligent vehicles to process fuzzy information, thereby improving conventional obstacle avoidance techniques. A combination of visual sensing and ultrasonic detection equipment was used to comprehensively plan the real-time obstacle avoidance routes of the intelligent vehicle. Results and Discussion: The improved obstacle avoidance technique achieves an accuracy of 96.11%, which is better than the comparison avoidance technique. In the absence of interfering signals, the running time and overshoot were 2.4 s and 7%, respectively, again superior to the comparison technique. The experimental results show that the obstacle avoidance technique proposed in this study can improve the recognition ability of intelligent vehicles on fuzzy information, so as to improve the accuracy of obstacle recognition and provide certain guarantee for the safe driving of intelligent vehicles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary This report describes the application of a resorbable implant (Resorb‐Vet) made of poly‐(DL) lactide (PDLLA) for the repair of a maxillary fracture in one horse and a nasal bone fracture in another. The horses were positioned in lateral recumbency and the fracture was reduced. An absorbable plate was moulded to the bone and fixed with PDLLA pins, which were attached to an ultrasonic device and inserted into predrilled holes by ultrasonic vibrations. Once the pins contacted the bone, the ultrasonic vibrations caused liquefication of the PDLLA, which infiltrated the bone and solidified after the ultrasonic vibrations ceased. Immediate primary stability was achieved with this technique. Both horses recovered well, were discharged without complications and returned to their previous level of activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional co-firing processes involving noble metals are costly, thereby prompting a shift to base metals, such as Cu, to reduce manufacturing expenses. This study explored the use of Cu as an internal electrode for fabricating piezoelectric multilayer devices using a Pb 0.98 Sr 0.02 (Zr 0.48 Ti 0.52)O 3 (PSZT) ceramic material. The compatibility of Cu with PSZT in ambient air and the subsequent wet-reduction was investigated. The addition of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) to the Cu electrode expedited the reduction process; however, this prompted void formation. Thus, epoxy resin was injected to post-reduction to enhance its mechanical property and address this issue. The impact of the PVDF content on the reduction rates, microstructure, and electrical/mechanical properties was analyzed. The experimental results highlighted the successful fabrication of Cu/PSZT devices with performances comparable to those of traditional noble metal (AgPd) counterparts. The polarization and strain of the Cu/PSZT device with 10% PVDF were comparable to those of the AgPd/PSZT. Subsequently, the incorporation of epoxy resin and Cu electroplating greatly improved the mechanical strength of Cu/PSZT to values comparable to that of AgPd/PSZT, as confirmed by the successful fabrication of a piezoelectric ultrasonic device and vibration measurement at 60 kHz. Therefore, this proposed process is a viable alternative for fabricating low-cost and stable multilayer ceramic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the retrievability and potential damage to implant–abutment connections caused by fractured abutment screw removal using conventional and drilling techniques. A total of forty abutment screws were randomly inserted into forty dental implants, and then they were fractured and extracted using different removal methods: Group A employed a conventional approach utilizing an exploration probe and an ultrasonic device without irrigation (n = 10) (conventional); Group B used the Phibo drilling removal system without irrigation (n = 10) (Phibo); Group C utilized the Rhein83® drilling removal system without irrigation (n = 10) (Rhein83); and Group D implemented the Sanhigia® drilling removal system without irrigation (n = 10) (Sanhigia). Pre- and postoperative micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) scans were performed on the dental implants, and Standard Tessellation Language (STL) digital files were generated for morphometric analysis to measure the wear volume. ANOVA was used to assess the volumetric differences (mm3) and percentage ratios of the internal thread volumes of the implant–abutment connections before and after the procedures. Results: This study found no statistically significant differences in the volumetric and percentage ratios of internal threads among the implant groups (Phibo, Rhein83, Sanhigia, and conventional). However, the success rate for retrieving fractured abutment screws was higher (90%) with the drilling systems compared to the conventional technique (50%). These results suggest that drilling systems are more effective for the retrieval of damaged screws. Although drilling techniques without irrigation demonstrated higher removal efficiency compared to the conventional method, both approaches resulted in similar wear volumes at the implant–abutment connections when used to extract fractured screws. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study compares the use of Starion Tissue Welding SystemTM (STWS) in patients who underwent total thyroidectomy due to Multinodular Goiter (MNG) with the conventional technique and Harmonic Focus Ultrasonic ScalpelTM (HFUS) in terms of operation time, bleeding during and after the operation, and complications. Materials and Methods: Between June 2013 and August 2014, 60 patients who underwent a total thyroidectomy due to MNG were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into three groups according to the surgical method. Each group consisted of 20 patients. In the operations, ligation/coagulation and cutting procedures were performed to middle thyroid veins, upper and lower pole arteries/veins of the thyroid gland using conventional clamp and-tie technique in Group-A, STWS in Group-B, and HFUS in Group-C. Groups were compared regarding the operation time, the amount of bleeding during and after the operation, and the complications encountered. Results: Operation times were established as 63.25±28.66 minutes in Group-A, 42.60±20.14 minutes in Group-B, and 49.60±9.17 minutes in Group-C (p˂0.05). Perioperative bleeding was 93.50±56.05 ml in Group-A, 25.60±15.21 ml in Group-B, and 62.50±23.31 ml in Group-C (p˂0.05). Postoperative blood drainage was 124.50±153.09 ml, 8.75±11.68 ml, and 35.75±25.91 ml, respectively (p˂0.05). Regarding hemostasis, while two patients in Group-A required hemostasis within the first 24 hours, there was no need for hemostasis in Group-B and Group-C (p=0.12). The blood calcium levels measured on the first postoperative day were found to be 8.39±0.56 mg/dl in Group-A, 8.34±1.14 mg/dl in Group-B, 8.37±0.78 mg/dl in Group-C (p=0.86). Blood parathormone levels measured on the first postoperative day were 52.72±35.85 pg/dl, 34.77±20.0 pg/dl, and 56.41±36.56 pg/dl, respectively (p=0.09). Conclusion: STWS can be used safely in thyroid surgery because it reduces bleeding during and after surgery, shortens the operation time, and has low complication rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Browning, caused by enzymatic activity and storage conditions, affects cabbage during cold storage and is crucial for customer acceptance. This study investigated the effect of cardboard packaging containing low concentrations of nano‐orange oil (ONE) at 0.006% in palm wood waste powder for anti‐browning and extending the shelf life of cabbage. The incorporation of ONE into palm wood powder (PWP) using different methods (soaking, vapor, vapor with ultrasonic device, and control) was examined before using the active PWP to develop cardboard cabbage packaging. The reuse of the active cabbage box packaging was also investigated for up to three reuses. The results showed that a greater anti‐browning effect was achieved with cardboard packaging made from active PWP with orange oil vapor and an ultrasonic device compared to other adsorption methods, with significantly higher inhibition of the key browning enzyme activities of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD). Additionally, antioxidant activity and bioactive compounds were improved, maintaining the bright green color of cabbage after 21 days of storage. The shelf life of cabbage stored in active cardboard was extended to at least 21 days compared to 5 days for the control. The active cabbage box with PWP and ONE vapor with an ultrasonic device showed potential for reuse at least two times. Limonene was found on the surface of stored cabbage and may be a key factor in antimicrobial activity, helping to control microbial growth on the cabbage surface within standard limits during long‐term storage. This finding provides valuable guidance for reducing cabbage waste during transportation and storage from farm to market. Practical Application: This research offers new insights into active cardboard packaging made from palm wood powder with a low concentration of orange oil vapor to prevent browning and microbial growth in storage boxes. The optimal method for producing this packaging uses nano‐orange oil vapor at 0.006% with an ultrasonic device, which could be feasible for large‐scale production. The packaging effectively reduced PPO and POD enzyme activity, delaying browning and extending cabbage shelf life by at least threefold compared to the control, while maintaining color and freshness. This cost‐effective method promotes the sustainable use of agricultural waste in the fresh vegetable industry, as it can be reused at least twice, benefiting farmers and reducing cabbage waste [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrasonic gauging and defect detection of metallic pipes is a multi-disciplinary task, as it has to be performed in situ and involves several difficulties due to their curvature, limited access and corroded/eroded surface roughness due to harsh operating conditions. This research paper focuses on the investigation of employing a focused piezoelectric transducer in an immersion pulse-echo (PE) mode to measure the wall thickness (WT) from the inner side of the metallic pipes and to detect defects in the pipes. This paper also provides advances for understanding ultrasonic wave propagation in metallic pipes by simulation study using modern finite element technology and validating the results experimentally using battery-operated, water-immersible, IP67-grade stand-alone two-channel ultrasonic instrumentation that can move inside the pipe under test in flowing liquids such as water or oil. A simulation model has been established for time-of-flight (TOF) measurements for metallic pipes with various wall thicknesses, detection of standard defects and wall-thinning by inspecting the inner diameter (ID) surface of pipes and the pipe filled with water. The simulated results for the metallic pipes are in good agreement with the experimental data, providing an accurate and quantitative assessment of WT in the presence or absence of defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare the adaptation and microleakage of CAD/CAMinlay restorations using conventional or ultrasonic finishing equipment and their combinations. Materials andMethods: Inlay cavities were prepared on 66 extracted human lower firstmolar teeth using one of the following finishingmethods: Group I: straight fissure diamond bur; Group II: fissure diamond bur and ultrasonic tip; Group III: 6° tapered conical diamond bur; Group IV: 6° tapered conical diamond bur and ultrasonic tip. Inlay restorations milled fromfeldspathic ceramic blocks were cemented with resin cement. Adaptation and microleakage of the restorations were evaluated by micro-CT. The adaptation of the restorations was evaluated in four areas and at five determined points. The differences between the finishing methods were statistically evaluated at eachmeasurement point. Results: The adaptation of the restorations range from1.07 and 330.71 µm. Statistical differences were observed in the marginal and internal adaptation of ceramic inlay restorations due to the finishingmethod used at some points of the ceramic and cavity interface. Group IV exhibited superior adaptation with significantly lower marginal gaps at points A, C, and E compared to Groups I, II, and III ((p<0.05). However, the microleakage values between the finishingmethods did not show a statistical difference (p >0.05). Conclusions: According to the study findings, microleakage of inlay restorations was not affected by the finishingmethod. However, both marginal and internal adaptation were influenced by the finishingmethod, with Group IV (conical diamond burs + ultrasonic tip) demonstrating superior results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent advances in ultrasound technology have led to widespread adoption of ultrasonic energy devices in liver resections. While various studies have assessed the comparative advantages of ultrasonic devices and traditional clamp-crushing, their findings vary. Moreover, a specific systematic review on this topic has not yet been conducted. Objectives: This study aims to present a comprehensive, up-to-date analysis comparing outcomes between ultrasonic devices and conventional clamp-crushing methods in liver resection, based on currently available literature. Patients and methods: We conducted a systematic literature search in databases such as PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and CNKI up to November 2023. Studies that compared the efficacy or safety of ultrasonic devices against traditional clamp-crushing methods in hepatectomy were included. The analysis covered intraoperative outcomes like operating time, blood loss, and transfusion rate, as well as postoperative outcomes such as complication rate, mortality, postoperative bleeding, and bile leakage. Review Manager version 5.3 (Cochrane Collaboration, Oxford, UK) and Stata 17.0 (Stata Corp, College Station, TX, USA) were used for data analysis. Results: Thirteen studies, involving a total of 1,417 patients (630 using ultrasonic devices and 787 using clamp-crushing methods), were included. The clamp-crush method resulted in a shorter operation time. Contrarily, the ultrasonic device group experienced reduced blood loss and lower transfusion rates. Postoperatively, there was no significant difference in mortality or postoperative bleeding between the groups. However, the ultrasonic group had a lower overall complication rate, particularly a reduced incidence of bile leakage. Overall, the ultrasonic devices were associated with improved perioperative outcomes. Conclusions: The findings suggest that ultrasonic devices provide better outcomes in hepatectomy compared to traditional clamp-crushing techniques. Nonetheless, large-scale randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these results due to potential heterogeneity and biases. The choice of using ultrasonic devices should consider the surgeon's experience and individual patient circumstances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the direct and indirect thermal effects of various surgical energy devices using an ex-vivo model. Two types of three devices were evaluated: ENSEAL™ X1 Curved Jaw Tissue Sealer (X1) and ENSEAL™ G2 Curved Tissue Sealer (G2) as vessel sealing systems (VSSs), and HARMONIC® HD1000i Shears (HA) as an ultrasonic activating device (USAD). Each device was activated once under DRY or WET conditions. The tissue's maximum temperature (MT), steam MT surrounding the activation site, and steam spread area (SSA) were measured. Under WET conditions, the median MT of a porcine common carotid artery at 1 mm from the activation site by X1, G2, and HA were 84.4, 83.3, and 50.5 °C, respectively. The direct thermal effect of HA was the lowest among the three devices. VSSs showed higher tissue MT under WET conditions compared with DRY conditions. Conversely, USAD showed the opposite trend. G2 demonstrated a significantly higher MT than X1 and HA (P < 0.05). A significant decrease in SSA was observed with decreasing grasping range. In conclusion, VSSs generated higher temperatures than USAD, especially under WET conditions. Surgeons should consider minimizing thermal effects by creating DRY conditions or performing gradual incisions when using VSS devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Background Aim Methods Results Conclusion Energy‐based photoelectric and ultrasonic devices are essential for skin rejuvenation and resurfacing in the field of plastic surgery and dermatology. Both functionality and appearance are impacted by factors that cause skin to age, and various energy types have variable skin penetration depths and modes of transmission.The objective is to advise safe and efficient antiaging treatment while precisely and sensitively controlling and assessing the extent of thermal damage to tissues caused by different kinds of energy‐based devices.A literature search was conducted on PubMed to review the mechanisms of action and thermal effects of photoelectric and ultrasonic devices in skin remodeling applications.This paper reviews the thermal effects of energy‐based devices in skin resurfacing applications, including the tissue level and molecular biochemical level. It seeks to summarize the distribution form, depth of action, and influencing factors of thermal effects in combination with the mechanisms of action of various types of devices.Accurate control of thermal damage is crucial for safe and effective skin remodeling treatments. Thorough investigation of molecular biochemical indicators and signaling pathways is needed for real‐time monitoring and prevention of severe thermal injury. Ongoing research and technological advancements will improve the accuracy and control of thermal damage during treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of artificial intelligence in diverse diagnosis areas has significantly increased in the past few years because of the advantages it represents in clinical routine. Among the diverse diagnostic techniques, the use of ultrasounds is often preferred because of their simplicity, low cost, non-invasiveness, and non-ionizing characteristic. However, obtaining an adequate number of patients and data for training and testing machine learning models is challenging. To overcome this limitation, a novel approach is proposed for simulating data produced by ultrasonic diagnostic devices. The implemented method was based on a clinical prototype for eye cataract diagnosis, although the method can be extended to other applications as well. The proposed model encompasses the electric-to-acoustic signal conversion in the ultrasonic transducer, the wave propagation through the biological medium, and the subsequent acoustic-to-electric signal conversion in the transducer. Electrical modelling of the transducer was performed using a two-port network approach, while the acoustic wave propagation was modelled by using the k-Wave MATLAB toolbox. It was verified that the holistic modelling approach enabled the generation of synthetic data augmentation, presenting high similarity with real data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an essential material in various industries, steel's internal defects can seriously affect its performance and cause huge economic losses. To investigate the source of internal fault defects in oil drill pipes, this study used ultrasonic testing equipment to accurately locate internal fault defects in steel, and obtained the spatial coordinates of the defects as (2.15, 2.29, 0.77). Then, by dissecting layer by layer, the target defect was determined to be a large Al2O3 inclusion with a length of 1.609 mm and a width of 0.2 mm. Afterwards, based on the results of automatic scanning of inclusions, this study used extreme value statistical method to estimate the maximum size inclusions that may exist in steel, and found that the target defect size was much larger than the estimated value. Finally, to further determine the source of large inclusions, this study conducted sampling and analysis on immersion nozzles, refining slag, tundish slag, and mold flux. The study found that the matching degree between the composition of large inclusions and the composition of submerged nozzle nodules was the highest, indicating that the fault defect was caused by the peeling of nozzle nodules. This indicates the direction for process optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The objective was to evaluate and compare the crack formation induced by ultrasonic tips and lasers with conventional burs during root-end preparation. Materials and Methods: The PROSPERO registration code for this study is CRD42023470898. Both manual and electronic database searches were performed up to 2023, August in three databases, namely, the Cochrane Library, PubMed and Google Scholar. In vitro or laboratory studies that employed the use of ultrasonic tips, LASER and conventional burs for root-end preparation on extracted teeth were collected. The data were extracted by two independent reviewers using a predesigned template. Information about the study design, year, full-text publications, inclusion and exclusion criteria were gathered. The PRISMA guidelines 2020 were followed in the reporting and execution of the systematic review and meta-analysis. To evaluate statistical heterogeneity, χ ² values and I ² values were employed in conjunction with a random-effects model for the meta-analysis. Results: A total of 689 articles were identified. After removing the duplicates in total 567 articles were screened. Finally, six articles were included in the meta-analysis. QUIN Risk of Bias tool showed an overall moderate risk of bias in the included studies. The pooled odds ratio for crack formation was 1.77 (0.82, 3.82) for ultrasonic tips and conventional burs suggesting higher odds of crack formation for ultrasonic tips. Conclusion: None of the included studies provided information on sample size calculation, sampling technique, randomization or blinding. The meta-analysis suggests higher chances of crack formation from ultrasonic followed by laser and conventional burs preparation. Therefore, efforts to standardize an acceptable procedure for root-end cavity preparation should be made in future study, along with encouragement of the clinical application of the same, taking into account issues like economic feasibility and convenience of usage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To compare shock wave-enhanced emission photoacoustic streaming (SWEEPS) with sonic- and ultrasonically activated irrigation systems in removing Enterococcus faecalis biofilm from the root canal system. Methodology: Fifty human single-canalled mandibular premolars were included in the study. After access cavity preparation, the root canals were prepared to a standardized size and taper. Then, the entire root surface was covered with two layers of resin, and the root apices were sealed before sterilization. All root canals were inoculated with E. faecalis biofilm, and the samples were incubated aerobically for 2 weeks at 37 °C. Biofilm formation was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. All samples were randomly divided into five groups (n = 10 each) based on their irrigation activation method as A (no treatment or negative control), B (no irrigation or positive control), C (sonically activated irrigation (SAI)), D (ultrasonically activated irrigation (UAI)), and E (needle irrigation activated by an Er: YAG laser device using a SWEEPS quartz tip (SWEEPS)). Then, dentine chips were retrieved, vortexed, and diluted for colony-forming unit counts. Data were analysed using analysis of variance and post-hoc Tukey tests (α = 5%). Results: All methods could significantly reduce E. faecalis biofilm compared with control so that the UAI, SWEEPS, and SAI groups indicated a 23.54%, 14.89%, and 7.81% biofilm reduction, respectively. UAI demonstrated a significantly more effective reduction of E. faecalis biofilm than SAI (p = 0.004). Conclusions: All irrigation activation methods significantly reduced E. faecalis biofilm, with ultrasonic use being the most effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop damage and vehicle collisions caused by wild ungulates require effective deterrents. Many commercial acoustic devices use ultrasonic signals, presenting them as aversive to these animals. However, unconvincing results reported in previous studies using (non-frequency modulated) ultrasounds bring their effectiveness as deterrent signals into question. Here, we explored the deterrent effectiveness of ultrasounds in several large mammalian species that are expected to perceive these high frequencies. Specifically, we tested the effect of different ultrasonic signals on red deer, peccaries, and wolves. Animals were exposed to sequences of nine acoustic signals in the 20–30 kHz frequency range, and to a lower-pitched signal (2–3 kHz). While red deer showed no aversion to ultrasonic signals (inaudible for humans), lower frequency (audible for humans) modulations increased aversive responses. Conversely, peccaries showed strong flight responses to several ultrasonic signals. Wolves also reacted to ultrasounds but did not flee. Our study confirms that ultrasonic signals are not suitable for deterring European red deer. However, our results suggest that their effectiveness in other species should be systematically tested, without assuming that their hearing frequency range is a reliable predictor of their behavioural responses to ultrasonic signals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates the potential of erbium, chromium-doped:yttrium, scandium, gallium, and garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser irradiation to modify the titanium surface for optimal seeding of fibroblasts and osteoblasts in the treatment of peri-implantitis. Titanium discs were treated using the Er,Cr:YSGG laser, an ultrasonic device with a stainless tip, or titanium scalers. Changes in surface properties were analyzed by profilometer and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Murine fibroblast and osteoblast adhesion and proliferation were evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively at 24 and 72 h. Profilometric surface topography and SEM showed that titanium scalers and ultrasonic debridement techniques significantly changed the structure of the machined and rough titanium surfaces. The Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation, on the other hand, did not alter titanium microstructures. The Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation with the 40 Hz group showed a significantly higher attached fibroblast cell numbers than the titanium scaler group at 72 h after treatment (p = 0.023). Additionally, the number of the attached osteoblasts in the Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation with the 40 Hz group was significantly higher than that of the no-treatment groups 24 h after treatment (p = 0.045). The Er,Cr:YSGG laser effectively promoted adherence of fibroblasts and osteoblasts to the titanium surface without significantly altering the titanium surface, suggesting its superiority for treating peri-implantitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High integrity cast aluminum components require the use of molten metal processing technologies prior to casting. These include processes such as degassing to reduce porosity, filtration to reduce inclusion content, addition of grain refiners to refine the grain structure, and the addition of chemical modifiers to alter the morphology of eutectic phases. Ultrasonic treatment (UST) is a novel processing method through which ultrasonic energy is introduced into molten metal for the purpose of degassing as well as modifying the cast microstructure. To optimize the use and applications of UST, it is necessary to examine the fundamental mechanisms and the limiting values of controlling parameters. The effectiveness of UST to perform a desired application within a molten metal is highly dependent on temperature, volume of liquid metal, and the state of the frequency in use. The mechanisms of ultrasonic energy imparted within molten metal will be discussed as well as the benefits of UST during molten metal processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Before initiating therapy for patients with periodontitis, clinicians need to consider diagnostic issues in light of current knowledge regarding a number of factors, including the etiology of periodontal diseases, patterns of periodontal disease progression, interpretations of bleeding on probing, hypermobility, radiographs, and probing assessments. Scaling and root planing to reduce biofilms and the bacterial challenge is an effective mode of therapy for treating many cases of periodontitis. Subsequent to tooth instrumentation, signs of gingival inflammation are reduced, and the magnitude of probing depth reductions and clinical attachment gains are related to initial pocket depths. Root debridement can be accomplished with manual instrumentation or power devices (eg, ultrasonic) in one quadrant at a time or via full-mouth debridement. Root planing should be limited to areas that are inflamed or have calculus to avoid removal of cementum and inducing root sensitivity. Endotoxins can be decreased through washing or use of an ultrasonic device. Periodic professional maintenance visits should be based on the patient's periodontal status and his or her ability to comply with maintenance protocols. Practical application of current concepts with respect to the diagnosis and treatment of periodontitis enhances periodontal therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bearings play a key role in rolling mills, and the uniformity of their lubricant film directly affects the degree of wear of bearings and the safety of equipment. Due to long-term stress, the lubricant film inside the bearing is not uniformly distributed, resulting in uneven wear between the journal and the shaft tile, which increases the potential safety hazards in production. Traditional disassembly inspection methods are complex and time-consuming. Ultrasonic nondestructive testing technology, which has the advantages of nondestructive and adaptable, has become an effective means of assessing the thickness of the oil film in bearings. In this study, an experimental platform for calibrating the lubricant film thickness in bearings was constructed for the first time, and the acoustic characteristics of different thicknesses of the oil film were measured using ultrasonic detection equipment to verify the accuracy of the simulation process. The experimental results show that after discrete Fourier transform processing, the main features of the frequency channels of the reflected acoustic signals of different thicknesses of the oil film are consistent with the finite element simulation results, and the errors of the oil film thicknesses calculated from the reflection coefficients are within 10% of the set thicknesses, and the measurement ranges cover from 5 μm to 250 μm. Therefore, the above method can realize the accurate measurement of the thicknesses of the oil film in bearings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This innovative enhanced occupancy detection system provides a comprehensive solution to address the limitations of existing occupancy sensors in a wide range of applications. The incorporation of two ultrasonic/PIR sensors within the system ensures enhanced accuracy and reliability in detecting human presence and movement. By leveraging the unique strengths of both sensor types, the system overcomes the challenges faced by single-sensor systems, resulting in improved detection performance. The sequential activation of sensors allows for precise control of electrical appliances, effectively reducing false triggers and optimizing energy consumption. Another notable advantage of this system is its ability to operate optimally even in scenarios where obstacles obstruct the line of sight, thanks to its wider detection range. Through rigorous testing and thorough analysis, the system has proven to deliver high levels of accuracy, sensitivity, and reliability. With its potential to optimize energy efficiency, generate cost savings, and enhance user convenience, this advanced occupancy detection system holds great promise for revolutionizing a variety of settings such as smart homes, offices, healthcare facilities, and retail stores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Treating peri‐implantitis with reconstructive means has been largely unpredictable due to access limitations for surface decontamination, unfavorable bony topography, difficulty in achieving wound stability, and inferior soft tissue qualities. A microsurgical approach with the use of the operating microscope (OM) that provides adjustable higher magnification (∼5–30 times) and coaxial illumination, coupled with the use of microsurgical instruments, may overcome, or alleviate some of the abovementioned obstacles, resulting in more predictable outcomes. Methods: Three patients received reconstructive therapy for correcting peri‐implant defects under OM in private practice settings. After precise incisions to preserve soft tissue volume, the flaps were dissected prudently from underlying granulomatous tissues, which were subsequently removed, followed by controlled flap releasing under ∼10–15x magnification. Surface decontamination was performed using a piezoelectric ultrasonic device, air polishing, and hand instruments at ∼30x magnification. The biomaterial selections were dehydrated human de‐epithelialized amnion‐chorion membrane with mineralized allograft particulates in two cases and xenografts in one case, based on the surgeons' preference. Wound closure followed the non‐submerged approach. Results: These cases demonstrated uneventful soft tissue healing, favorable radiographic bone fill, and disease resolution with follow‐ups ranging from 2 to 4 years. Conclusions: Preliminary data suggest encouraging outcomes after the microsurgical approach following biological as well as biomechanical principles for peri‐implant defect reconstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In this research, a brewer's yeast suspension was used to biotreat raw linen fibers under a range of different circumstances utilizing an ultrasonic cleaner device. In order to optimize circumstances for the treatment process, this extensive work is focused on examining the variables that could affect the biotreatment, such as the amount of brewer's yeast used, the duration, the temperature of the treatment, and the pH throughout the treatment. After enzymatic treatment, the printing process utilizing turmeric natural dye was used. Variable assesses were conducted to determine the steaming time, thermofixation time, pH of the printing paste, types of dyes, and types of fabrics. How these elements affected the wettability and fabric color strength is investigated. To better comprehend, scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to study the morphology of treated and untreated linen samples. The effects of treating the fibers with yeast enzyme on their multifunctional qualities, such as color and antibacterial activity against gram-positive bacteria like Staphylococcusaureus and gram-negative bacteria like Escherichia coli, were assessed. Results: Results demonstrated that the enzyme extract, which predominantly contains lipase, amylase, and protease enzymes that develop the fabric printability, is responsible for the increase of color strength which increased by about 152.27% with good fastness properties compared by the untreated printed samples. Conclusions: The overall findings showed that the treated fabrics have superior color fastness and antibacterial properties when compared to the untreated fabrics, demonstrating that the procedure of production used to create these multifunctional linen fabrics is environmentally friendly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key Clinical Message: Using the Senhance robotic system and Senhance ultrasonic energy device for robotic‐assisted radical nephrectomy with hilum lymph node dissection demonstrated safety and feasibility in managing a large renal tumor without the need for open conversion or transfusion, offering a cost‐effective solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assuming different types of imperfect interfaces composed of a magnetoelectroelastic (MEE) structure, the current work investigates the transmission of a Love-type wave in a MEE solid cylindrical structure. The spatially variable quasi-classical technique is applied to derive the analytical solution of the layers. The substantial impact of factors related to the imperfect interface on the wave phase velocities is illustrated numerically. The Love-type wave's dispersion relation has been established as the determinant for electrically and magnetically open and short cases. Moreover, the article investigates the consequences of six different imperfect parameters namely mechanical imperfection, electrical imperfection, magnetic imperfection, magneto-mechanical imperfection, electro-mechanical imperfection, and magneto-electrical imperfection parameters in magnetically and electrically open and short scenarios are covered. The findings demonstrate that, in comparison to the short case, the electric and magnetic open case has a higher phase velocity. Here are some key findings: imperfection parameters strongly affect the phase velocity and attenuation coefficient curves and the bonding parameter's prominent influence is inversely proportional to the attenuation coefficient and well-proportional to the phase velocity. Identifying the piezoelectric and piezomagnetic connection and its possible use in the construction of sensors, actuators, energy harvesters, and nano-electronics is the result of this theoretical investigation. This is the first time that a polar coordinate system was used in the quasi-classical method of solving differential equations. The results argue that the outcomes of this specific model have an immense ability to deal with various commercial and industrial applications in acoustical engineering, geotechnical design, ultrasonic technology, and SAW devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, to develop the composition ceramics for the application of an ultrasonic transducer device for alleviating temporomandibular joint disorder pain, Pb0.88 (La0.6 Sm0.4)0.08(Mn1/3 Sb2/3)0.02Ti0.98 O3 ceramics were manufactured using CuO as sintering aids, and their piezoelectric and resonant properties were investigated. For the specimen sintered at 1200 °C, excellent values of piezoelectric properties appeared: the dielectric constant (εr) of 202, piezoelectric constant (d33) of 56 pC/N, first and third overtone electromechanical coupling factors kt of 0.548 and kt3 of 0.219, and first and third overtone mechanical quality factors Qmt1 of 345 and Qmt3 of 292, respectively, made the device suitable for application as an ultrasonic transducer. When the length of the piezoelectric device was 7.7 mm, the first and third overtone electromechanical coupling factors kt1 of 0.555 and kt3 of 0.196, first and third overtone mechanical quality factors Qmt1 of 381 and Qmt3 of 393, and first and third overtone dynamic ratios (D.Rs) of 63.7 (dB) and 37.7 (dB) were suitable for device applications as an ultrasonic transducer and facial skin massage, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study's goal was to compare and evaluate the benefits of deep friction massage and ultrasonic therapy (US) vs extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) for people with lateral epicondylitis. This double-blind, parallel-arm randomized clinical trial was conducted after ethical approval on a sample of 80 subjects with lateral epicondylitis. Participants were enrolled based on predefined eligibility criteria. They were randomly allocated to groups A and B. Group A received ESWT, while Group B received the US combined with deep friction massage. Data was collected using the Numeric Pain Rating Score (NPRS) and Patient-rated tennis elbow evaluation questionnaire (PRTEE) at baseline, at 3rd, and at 7th week of treatment. On the basis of the normality of the data, a non-parametric test was applied to evaluate between-group and within-group differences. P value ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. There was a significant difference between groups (p < 0.001). Comparisons of PRTEE scores at 3rd week and 7th week of intervention were found significant for both groups (p < 0.001). While considering between-group comparisons based on percentile scores of PRTEE at baseline, 3rd and 7th week of intervention, in group A Median (IQR) at the baseline was 24.00 (5.00), at 3rd week, 10.00 (5.00) and 7th week was 1.50 (2.50) and in group B Median (IQR) at the baseline was 25.00 (4.00), at 3rd week 19.50 (4.50) and at 7th week was 11.50 (2.50). The results were significant in both groups (p = 0.000), but between-group analysis revealed that ESWT is more effective in patients with lateral epicondylitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) as a sustainable technology has gained popularity in addressing the conflict between environmental protection and the machining requirements during cutting processes. However, conventional MQL systems employ pneumatic atomization, resulting in the generation of oil droplets with large particle sizes and uneven distribution, eventually leading to the inadequate lubrication performance of the MQL jet. In this case, the present study employed a combination of ultrasonic atomization and MQL technique to propose a novel cooling and lubrication approach and fabricate the ultrasonic vibration–assisted MQL (UVMQL) device. Geometric parameters of the ultrasonic vibrator of this device were designed and optimized using the theoretical design and finite element simulation techniques. Additionally, the impedance and amplitude detected to evaluate the performance of the UVMQL device. Subsequently, the comparative experiments were carried out under five cooling and lubrication conditions in machining of ultra-high strength steels: dry cutting, wet cutting, high-pressure air cooling, MQL, and UVMQL. Then, the machining performance of the UVMQL was discussed, in terms of cutting forces, cutting temperature, surface roughness, surface topography, and chips. Results demonstrate that in comparison to MQL, UVMQL has a lower cutting force by 5.3 N, leading to the formation of a more effective oil film lubrication layer. Due to the excellent penetration of fine oil droplets, UVMQL possesses a slightly higher cutting temperature than that of wet cutting by 43 °C, whereas results in optimal surface roughness value (Ra = 0.3 µm) and surface topography of the workpiece. Additionally, under UVMQL condition, the length of chip bonding zone is reduced by 39.8%, and the sawtooth height of chip is decreased by 35.9% compared to dry cutting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The ultrasonic scalpel is widely used during surgery. It is safe and effective to close the pulmonary artery branch vessels of 7 mm or below with an ultrasonic energy device as reported. However, there have been no multicenter randomized clinical trial to assess the safety and effectiveness of using ultrasonic scalpel to coagulate 5–7 mm blood vessels in thoracic surgery. Methods: This is a prospective, multicenter, randomized, parallel controlled, non-inferiority clinical trial. A total of 144 eligible patients planning to undergo lung or esophageal surgery will be randomly allocated to the experimental group and the control group. The investigational product (Disposable Ultrasonic Shears manufactured by Reach Surgical, Inc.) and the control product (Harmonic Ace + 7, 5 mm Diameter Shears with Advanced Hemostasis) will be used in each group. The primary endpoint is the success rate of coagulating target blood vessels during surgery. Secondary endpoints include postoperative rebleeding, intraoperative bleeding volume, drainage volume, surgical duration, etc. Postoperative follow-up before and after discharge will be performed. Discussion: This clinical trial aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of using the investigational product (Disposable Ultrasonic Shears manufactured by Reach Surgical, Inc.) and that of the control product (Harmonic Ace + 7, 5 mm Diameter Shears with Advanced Hemostasis) to coagulate 5–7 mm blood vessels in thoracic surgery. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT06002737. The trial was prospectively registered on 16 August 2023, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06002737. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Langevin transducer is a widely used power ultrasonic device across both medical and industrial applications, from orthopaedic surgery to drilling and welding. It is a sandwich-type device which typically consists of piezoelectric ceramic rings between two metallic end-masses. The transducer is commonly operated at a particular resonant mode to deliver ultrasonic vibrations to a target structure of interest, and is generally modelled using approaches including the transfer matrix method and electromechanical equivalent circuit methods. Here, we propose a variational framework to study the dynamics of the Langevin transducer based on the Timoshenko-Ehrenfest beam theory and Hamilton's principle. The variational equation derived from this model is then discretized by the standard finite element method with spectral elements. To verify the proposed one-dimensional electromechanical model, the computed resonance frequencies, or natural frequencies, of the one-dimensional model are compared to those of a three-dimensional finite element model with respect to varying geometry parameters characterizing the transducer. The results of the reduced one-dimensional and full three-dimensional models are then compared to those measured through an experimental investigation consisting of laser Doppler vibrometry. This is undertaken for the first ten eigenfrequencies, including longitudinal and bending modes, where normalized amplitudes and vibration mode shapes are reported. The close correlation between modelling and experiment demonstrates that the proposed one-dimensional electromechanical model can deliver results consistent with the full three-dimensional model and from experiment, thus verifying a rapid and reliable method for studying the free vibrations and dynamics of the Langevin transducer which accounts for the axial vibrations of the piezoelectric ceramic stack in all cases. • Created a variational framework based on the Timoshenko-Ehrenfest beam theory. • Proposed one-dimensional electromechanical model. • The model was solved by the spectral element method. • Verified the robustness of 1D model by comparing it to 3D models and experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The freeze-thaw process is a weathering phenomenon that occurs in rocks and stones when water enters small cracks and pores within the stone. When the temperature drops below freezing, the water inside the rock expands as it freezes, exerting pressure on the rock from within. In this study the effect of freeze thaw on mechanical parameter uniaxial compression strength (UCS) and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) of 47 oolitic samples were considered. At first, capillary absorption for cylindrical and prismatic oolitic samples were measured and then freeze-thaw experiment with 23 cycles were applied to the samples. UPV of samples before and after freeze-thaw was analysed by two ultrasonic devices including Geotron and Pundit. It was observed that freeze thaw decreases primary velocity (Vp) and secondary velocity (Vs) by around 20 and 7% respectively. However, average UCS of 1.6 MPa indicates strength decrease of samples, which represent negative effect of pore expansion due to freeze thaw on strength parameter of samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrasonic haptic technology is one of the more interesting novel technologies being intensively developed in recent years. Such technology has a number of undoubted advantages and potential applications, but it can also be a source of ultrasonic noise. Pursuant to the provisions of the labor law, ultrasonic noise at a high sound pressure level can be a harmful factor for human health. The article presents the results of the assessment of ultrasonic noise emitted by an ultrasonic haptic device and the assessment of exposure to noise of a person using the device. The tests were carried out using one of the haptic devices readily available on the market. Ultrasonic noise emission tests were carried out around the device, at selected points placed on the surface of a hemisphere of a radius of 0.5 m, for various haptic objects. The analyzed parameter was the equivalent sound pressure level in the 1/3 octave band with a center frequency of 40 kHz. Variable sound pressure levels ranged from 96 dB to 137 dB. Noise exposure tests were carried out both using the KEMAR measurement dummy and with test participants of different heights. In most cases, the sound pressure level exceeded 110 dB, and in the worst case it exceeded 131 dB. Comparison of the results of ultrasonic noise assessments with the permissible values of this noise in the working environment shows that in the case of prolonged or improper use of the device, the permissible values may be exceeded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposes an improved approach to research the traditional method of breaking oil-based drilling cuttings coke (OBDCC). It delves into the damage characteristics of OBDCC when subjected to ultrasonic vibrations. The mechanism underlying the fracture of OBDCC due to ultrasonic vibration is scrutinized through theoretical analysis and finite element simulation, in conjunction with experimental research aimed at validating the viability of ultrasonic-assisted OBDCC crushing and exploring the factors influencing crushing efficiency. The analysis results indicate that through the resonant interaction and energy transmission of ultrasonic vibration, internal crack defects within OBDCC experience damage, rupture, and expansion. Ultrasonic makes the mechanical properties of OBDCC worse, which is reflected in the decrease of compressive strength. The experiment uses an ultrasonic vibration device with a frequency of 30 kHz, and ultrasonic vibration is applied to the OBDCC for 10 min. In comparison to the control group, the maximum destructive strength of the two experimental sets of OBDCC reduced by 29.43% and 29.97%, respectively. Highlights: The method of crushing oil-based drilling cuttings coke is studied innovatively. Through experiments, it is found that ultrasonic vibration increases the damage defects of the oil-based drilling cuttings coke and also reduces its compressive capacity. The results of this study provide important reference and guidance for ultrasonic-assisted oil-based drilling cuttings coke breaking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guided wave ultrasonic testing (GWUT) within the realm of pipeline inspection is an efficacious approach; however, current GWUT systems are characterized by high costs and power consumption, and their detection results are significantly susceptible to noise interference. Addressing these issues, this study introduces a GWUT system predicated on adaptive wavelet threshold denoising, centered around a low-power main controller, achieving cost-effective and low-power-consumption pipeline non-destructive testing (NDT) with clear results. The system employs an STM32 as the main controller and utilizes direct digital frequency synthesis (DDS) technology to generate ultrasonic excitation signals. These signals, after power amplifier processing, ensure high-stability output for the driving signal. In conjunction with the signal acquisition module, digital filtering of the collected signals is executed via the host computer. Empirical validation has demonstrated that the system can achieve an output amplitude of up to 90 Vpp within an excitation frequency range of 20 kHz–400 kHz, directly driving piezoelectric transducers. The optimal threshold is identified using the butterfly optimization algorithm, enabling the wavelet threshold function to adaptively denoise the echo signals, thereby significantly enhancing the capability to identify pipeline damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Innovative, sensitive, and accurate method for liquid-liquid extraction using an ultrasonic device is presented in this work. A working system was created, consisting of two basic components: the ultrasonic device and the pump device, to pump or withdraw the organic layer. a study of the key variables derived from the liquid-liquid system was carried out in the system containing Dithizone ( 1 x 10ˆ-3 M) in (Chloroform) CHCl3 solvent. and aqueous copper (II) chloride(CuCl2.2H2O) ( 6 M) solution to determine the degree to which they affect the extraction performance attained in this manner. The effect of initial sample copper concentration and ultrasonic time, temperature effect, and pump speed, were studied, establishing the best conditions for a sample of (10 mL) aqueous solution of Cu (II) chloride, the optimum copper (II) concentration in the analyzed sample is (1x 10ˆ-6 M), the ultrasonic time for the device is (8 min), and the flow rate of the pump is (3mL/30sec) and a temperature (27ºC) and (pH=1). The extraction degree was optimum under these conditions (96±2%) and the relative standard deviation (RSD)% (0.29%), In this work, a simple method is proposed to extract and concentrate copper in aqueous copper chloride using an ultrasonic device in the presence of dithizone solvent. The main parameters affecting the extraction method such as copper ion concentration, pump speed, temperature, device time, and the effect of equal and different volumes were evaluated. The proposed method was applied for the determination of copper in aqueous copper chloride samples. Accuracy was assessed by comparing the results with a conventional extraction method (traditional methods). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Destructive tests are not usually allowed in historic buildings; only non-destructive tests can be performed there. The obtained results should deliver the repair solutions that do not interfere into the historic layout of the church architecture and structure. One of the rarest areas subjected to non-destructive testing is diagnostic testing of wooden structures. However, calculations of strength verification cannot be performed if the wood class and quality are not determined. This paper describes in situ non-destructive testing of timber structural components of the roof truss system in the 19th century church in Osiecznica. The applied techniques were the standard ultrasonic and sclerometric methods, and additionally the original ultrasonic method with an instrument for analyzing the flow velocity of transverse waves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using apples as a raw material and its by-products, such as pomace, in the development of innovative products and drinks, contributes to the production chain of this fruit. The objective of this research was to evaluate physicochemical characteristics, phenolic and profile sensory in aged apple liqueur, prepared with different formulations. Liqueurs were produced using depectinized apple juice, integral apple juice, pectinolytic enzyme and dehydrated apple pomace, all with a final sugar concentration of 100 g/L and an alcohol content of 20% v/v. All received chips (1 cm³) of untoasted oak wood (5 g/L), for maturation for 120 days. The use of an ultrasonic probe was tested in the pre-treatment of wood chips as well as dehydrated apple pomace. Analyzes of acidity, pH, density, total sugar, individual compound profile, total phenols, antioxidant activity and color parameters were carried out. Sensory analysis was applied using the JAR methodology along with acceptability. The results showed that liqueurs made with depectinized juice presented the highest values of total phenols (191.03 mg EAC/L) and antioxidant activity (1001.32 µmol TE/L by DPPH, 1376.70 by FRAP and 1857.41 by ABTS). The liqueurs that received pomace, at the end of the maturation period, showed high luminosity (L* = 96.1) and a light-yellow tone (b* = 35.31). The action of the ultrasonic probe under the wood chips was evidenced with a 3% increase in total phenols and a 5% increase in antioxidant activity. The liqueur that used integral juice and pectinolytic enzyme in the formulation had greater color intensity (C* = 42.6) and a more prominent shade of yellow (b*= 42.66). Finally, formulating the liqueurs with depectinized juice contributes to greater color intensity and maturing the liqueurs with wood chips pre-treated with an ultrasonic device contributed to the incorporation of compounds, improving the concentration of total phenols, and increasing antioxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To achieve the resource utilization of residual sludge, this study used an ultrasonic cracking device to release C and P from the residual sludge. The ultrasonic cracking parameters was optimized, and the compositions of the solid and solution before and after crushing were analyzed. The results showed that at ultrasound power of 720 W, carbon and phosphorus were completely released from the sludge in 22 minutes. Three dimensional fluorescence and phosphorus morphology analysis showed that the main components in the supernatant after ultrasonic cracking were organic carbon and organic phosphorus, and the bottom layer was an inorganic dehydrated solid. Microscopic analysis of sludge morphology showed that ultrasound could effectively break down the structure of biological sludge flocs, achieving the separation of sludge flocs and inorganic solid particles. Research has found that, ultrasonic cracking can achieve the separation of organic and inorganic components in sludge, which helps to achieve the recycling and utilization of sludge resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The editorial discusses the lacrimal drainage contributions of Mikhail Krasnov and Vladimir Beloglazov, two influential figures in Russian Dacryology. Krasnov, a leading ophthalmologist, founded a research institute that later bore his name, while Beloglazov, an otorhinolaryngologist, collaborated with Krasnov on important works in lacrimal sciences. Their partnership led to advancements in lacrimal procedures, including the introduction of ultrasonic energy and endonasal approaches, shaping the practice of Dacryology in Russia and beyond. [Extracted from the article]

ABSTRACT: Background and Objective: This study investigated the effects of different activation techniques on the penetration and distribution of nanoparticle-based irrigants in root canals. Materials and Methods: Forty-five extracted mandibular premolars were divided into three groups: conventional syringe irrigation (control), ultrasonic activation, and laser activation, each using silver nanoparticles. Confocal laser scanning microscopy and Image J software analyzed penetration depth. Results: The mean penetration depths of 2.79 mm (control), 6.58 mm (laser), and 5.37 mm (ultrasonic). Welch's one-way ANOVA revealed significant differences (P < 0.001), with laser activation achieving the greatest penetration. Conclusion: Laser activation of AgNPs enhances root canal disinfection compared to other methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inspired by the Lissajous curve, a longitudinal-bending hybrid sandwich type ultrasonic actuator is proposed in this paper. Different from the traditional elliptical and linear driven trajectory, an "8" shaped Lissajous curve is used as a driven trajectory through the composition of longitudinal and bending vibration modes. The excitation signal of the ultrasonic actuator is formed by the superposition of two sinusoidal signals; thus, only a single channel driver is needed. The frequency ratio and the phase difference of the two sinusoidal signals are 2:1 and 0°, respectively. And, piezoelectric elements are sandwiched between the metal parts to excite the longitudinal and bending vibration modes. The working principle and design process of the proposed sandwich type ultrasonic actuator are presented. The desired longitudinal and bending vibration modes of the ultrasonic actuator are obtained by the finite element method. Then, the prototype is manufactured. The output performance is evaluated by experiments. The output velocity of the actuator can reach 59.70 rpm under an excitation voltage of 300 VP-P. This work provides a new sandwich type ultrasonic actuator based on the "8" shaped Lissajous driven trajectory by utilizing only one channel driver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrosurgical and ultrasonic devices are used in surgical procedures for hemostatic sealing and bisection of vascular tissues. Previous benchtop studies alternatively demonstrated successful infrared laser sealing and cutting of blood vessels, in a sequential, two-step approach. This study describes a smaller, laparoscopic device compatible design, and simultaneous approach to sealing and bisection of vessels, with potential optical feedback. A 1470-nm infrared diode laser sealed and bisected 40 porcine renal arteries, ex vivo. A reciprocating, side-firing, optical fiber, housed in a transparent square quartz optical chamber (2.7 × 2.7 × 25 mm outer dimensions), delivered laser energy over an 11 mm scan length, with a range of incident powers (41–59 W) and treatment times (5–21 s). Vessel diameters ranged from 2.5 to 4.8 mm. Vessel burst pressure measurements were performed on each cut end (n = 80) with success indicated by pressures exceeding 360 mmHg. All vessel ends were successfully sealed and bisected (80/80). The highest incident power, 59 W, yielded short treatment times of 5–6 s. Peak temperatures on the external chamber surface reached 103 oC. Time to cool down to body temperature measured 37 s. Infrared lasers simultaneously seal and bisect blood vessels, with treatment times comparable to, and temperatures and cooling times lower than reported for conventional devices. Future work will focus on integrating the fiber and chamber into a standard 5-mm-outer-diameter laparoscopic device. Customization of fiber scan length to match vessel size may also reduce laser energy deposition, enabling lower peak temperatures, treatment times, and cooling times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]