A comparison of two distributed large-volume measurement systems:the mobile spatial co-ordinate measuring system and the indoor global positioning system

Advances in the area of industrial metrology have generated new technologies that are capable of measuring components with complex geometry and large dimensions. However, no standard or best-practice guides are available for the majority of such systems. Therefore, these new systems require appropriate testing and verification in order for the users to understand their full potential prior to their deployment in a real manufacturing environment. This is a crucial stage, especially when more than one system can be used for a specific measurement task. In this paper, two relatively new large-volume measurement systems, the mobile spatial co-ordinate measuring system (MScMS) and the indoor global positioning system (iGPS), are reviewed. These two systems utilize different technologies: the MScMS is based on ultrasound and radiofrequency signal transmission and the iGPS uses laser technology. Both systems have components with small dimensions that are distributed around the measuring area to form a network of sensors allowing rapid dimensional measurements to be performed in relation to large-size objects, with typical dimensions of several decametres. The portability, reconfigurability, and ease of installation make these systems attractive for many industries that manufacture large-scale products. In this paper, the major technical aspects of the two systems are briefly described and compared. Initial results of the tests performed to establish the repeatability and reproducibility of these systems are also presented. © IMechE 2009.

An Application of ISO 5725 in Brewing Industry

2002 Mathematics Subject Classification: 62P30, 62P10.

Fiber-optic liquid level monitoring system using microstructured polymer fiber Bragg grating array sensors:performance analysis

A highly sensitive liquid level monitoring system based on microstructured polymer optical fiber Bragg grating (mPOFBG) array sensors is reported for the first time. The configuration is based on five mPOFBGs inscribed in the same fiber in the 850 nm spectral region, showing the potential to interrogate liquid level by measuring the strain induced in each mPOFBG embedded in a silicone rubber (SR) diaphragm, which deforms due to hydrostatic pressure variations. The sensor exhibits a highly linear response over the sensing range, a good repeatability, and a high resolution. The sensitivity of the sensor is found to be 98 pm/cm of water, enhanced by more than a factor of 9 when compared to an equivalent sensor based on a silica fiber around 1550 nm. The temperature sensitivity is studied and a multi-sensor arrangement proposed, which has the potential to provide level readings independent of temperature and the liquid density.

Clinical evaluation of the Shin-Nippon SRW-5000 autorefractor in adults:an update

Purpose: The Shin-Nippon SRW-5000 is an open view autorefractor that superseded the Canon R-1 autorefractor in the mid-1990s and has been used widely in optometry and vision science laboratories. It has been used to measure refractive error, accommodation responses both statically and dynamically, off-axis refractive error, and adapted to measure pupil size. This paper presents an overview of the original 2001 clinical evaluation of the SRW-5000 in adults (Mallen et al., Ophthal Physiol Opt 2001; 21: 101) and provides an update on the use and modification of the instrument since the original publication. Recent findings: The SRW-5000 instrument, and the family of devices which followed, have shown excellent validity, repeatability, and utility in clinical and research settings. The instruments have also shown great potential for increased research functionality following a number of modifications. Summary: The SRW-5000 and its derivatives have been, and continue to be, of significant importance in our drive to understand myopia progression, myopia control techniques, and oculomotor function in human vision.

Validity of a prototype surgical aberrometer

Poster Purpose: A study to validate a prototype Hartmann-Shack (HS) wavefront aberrometer. Methods: The dynamic range was assessed using a calibrated model eye. It was validated against a conventional HS-aberrometer (Topcon KR1W) in 75 eyes using both instruments in random order. Additionally, intra-sessional repeatability was tested. Results: The aberrometer showed a large dynamic range of +21.0 D to −25.0 D. It was comparable to a conventional HS aberrometer for spherical-equivalent SE (MD ± 95% CI: 0.02 ± 0.49D; correlation: r = 0.995, p < 0.001), astigmatic components (J0: 0.02 ± 0.15D; r = 0.977, p < 0.001; J45: 0.03 ± 0.28; r = 0.666, p < 0.001) and HOAs RMS (0.02 ± 0.20D; r = 0.620, p < 0.001). Intra-sessional repeatability correlation was also excellent (SE = 1.000, p < 0.001; astigmatic-components J0 = 0.998, p < 0.001, J45 = 0.980, p < 0.01; HOAs RMS = 0.961, p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study confirms the validity of the prototype aberrometer. The prototype aberrometer can measure continuously to provide direct feedback of the optical status of the eye during surgery.

Label-free immunoassay for porcine circovirus type 2 based on excessively tilted fiber grating modified with staphylococcal protein A

Using excessively tilted fiber grating (Ex-TFG) inscribed in standard single mode fiber, we developed a novel label-free immunoassay for specific detection of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2), which is a minim animal virus. Staphylococcal protein A (SPA) was used to modify the silanized fiber surface thus forming a SPA layer, which would greatly enhance the proportion of anti-PCV2 monoclonal antibody (MAb) bioactivity, thus improving the effectiveness of specific adsorption and binding events between anti-PCV2 MAbs and PCV2 antigens. Immunoassay experiments were carried out by monitoring the resonance wavelength shift of the proposed sensor under different PCV2 titer levels. Anti-PCV2 MAbs were thoroughly dissociated from the SPA layer by treatment with urea, and recombined to the SPA layer on the sensor surface for repeated immunoassay of PCV2. The specificity of the immunosensor was inspected by detecting porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) first, and PCV2 subsequently. The results showed a limit of detection (LOD) for the PCV2 immunosensor of ~9.371TCID50/mL, for a saturation value of ~4.801×103TCID50/mL, with good repeatability and excellent specificity.

VLSI testing and characterization system for micro electro-mechanical (MEM) sensors

The purpose of this investigation was to develop and implement a general purpose VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration) Test Module based on a FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) system to verify the mechanical behavior and performance of MEM sensors, with associated corrective capabilities; and to make use of the evolving System-C, a new open-source HDL (Hardware Description Language), for the design of the FPGA functional units. System-C is becoming widely accepted as a platform for modeling, simulating and implementing systems consisting of both hardware and software components. In this investigation, a Dual-Axis Accelerometer (ADXL202E) and a Temperature Sensor (TMP03) were used for the test module verification. Results of the test module measurement were analyzed for repeatability and reliability, and then compared to the sensor datasheet. Further study ideas were identified based on the study and results analysis. ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) design concepts were also being pursued.

Evaluation of the evidential value of the elemental composition of glass, ink and paper by laser-based microspectrochemical methods

Elemental analysis can become an important piece of evidence to assist the solution of a case. The work presented in this dissertation aims to evaluate the evidential value of the elemental composition of three particular matrices: ink, paper and glass. In the first part of this study, the analytical performance of LIBS and LA-ICP-MS methods was evaluated for paper, writing inks and printing inks. A total of 350 ink specimens were examined including black and blue gel inks, ballpoint inks, inkjets and toners originating from several manufacturing sources and/or batches. The paper collection set consisted of over 200 paper specimens originating from 20 different paper sources produced by 10 different plants. Micro-homogeneity studies show smaller variation of elemental compositions within a single source (i.e., sheet, pen or cartridge) than the observed variation between different sources (i.e., brands, types, batches). Significant and detectable differences in the elemental profile of the inks and paper were observed between samples originating from different sources (discrimination of 87–100% of samples, depending on the sample set under investigation and the method applied). These results support the use of elemental analysis, using LA-ICP-MS and LIBS, for the examination of documents and provide additional discrimination to the currently used techniques in document examination. In the second part of this study, a direct comparison between four analytical methods (µ-XRF, solution-ICP-MS, LA-ICP-MS and LIBS) was conducted for glass analyses using interlaboratory studies. The data provided by 21 participants were used to assess the performance of the analytical methods in associating glass samples from the same source and differentiating different sources, as well as the use of different match criteria (confidence interval (±6s, ±5s, ±4s, ±3s, ±2s), modified confidence interval, t-test (sequential univariate, p=0.05 and p=0.01), t-test with Bonferroni correction (for multivariate comparisons), range overlap, and Hotelling's T2 tests. Error rates (Type 1 and Type 2) are reported for the use of each of these match criteria and depend on the heterogeneity of the glass sources, the repeatability between analytical measurements, and the number of elements that were measured. The study provided recommendations for analytical performance-based parameters for µ-XRF and LA-ICP-MS as well as the best performing match criteria for both analytical techniques, which can be applied now by forensic glass examiners.

Development of effective approaches to the large-scale aerodynamic testing of low-rise buildings

Low-rise buildings are often subjected to high wind loads during hurricanes that lead to severe damage and cause water intrusion. It is therefore important to estimate accurate wind pressures for design purposes to reduce losses. Wind loads on low-rise buildings can differ significantly depending upon the laboratory in which they were measured. The differences are due in large part to inadequate simulations of the low-frequency content of atmospheric velocity fluctuations in the laboratory and to the small scale of the models used for the measurements. A new partial turbulence simulation methodology was developed for simulating the effect of low-frequency flow fluctuations on low-rise buildings more effectively from the point of view of testing accuracy and repeatability than is currently the case. The methodology was validated by comparing aerodynamic pressure data for building models obtained in the open-jet 12-Fan Wall of Wind (WOW) facility against their counterparts in a boundary-layer wind tunnel. Field measurements of pressures on Texas Tech University building and Silsoe building were also used for validation purposes. The tests in partial simulation are freed of integral length scale constraints, meaning that model length scales in such testing are only limited by blockage considerations. Thus the partial simulation methodology can be used to produce aerodynamic data for low-rise buildings by using large-scale models in wind tunnels and WOW-like facilities. This is a major advantage, because large-scale models allow for accurate modeling of architectural details, testing at higher Reynolds number, using greater spatial resolution of the pressure taps in high pressure zones, and assessing the performance of aerodynamic devices to reduce wind effects. The technique eliminates a major cause of discrepancies among measurements conducted in different laboratories and can help to standardize flow simulations for testing residential homes as well as significantly improving testing accuracy and repeatability. Partial turbulence simulation was used in the WOW to determine the performance of discontinuous perforated parapets in mitigating roof pressures. The comparisons of pressures with and without parapets showed significant reductions in pressure coefficients in the zones with high suctions. This demonstrated the potential of such aerodynamic add-on devices to reduce uplift forces.

Avaliação da biodegradação do dibenzotiofeno utilizando lodos ativados

During the oil refining process a huge discard volume of water occurs, which carries the contaminants from the process. A class of contaminant compounds resulting from the petrochemical industry are the Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH's). To evaluate the biodegradation of Dibenzothiophene in refinery water a synthetic wastewater was prepared to be treated using activated sludge. For this, a 2 3 Composite Design (plus 3 central points and six axial points) was carried out. The planning had as independent variables (factors) the initial concentration of DBT, pH and time of biodegradation. Biodegradation of DBT was assayed following the parameters COD, pH, temperature, SS, VSS, FVS, SVI. Concerned to the chromatographic conditions, a methodology was validated in order to verify the presence of DBT and its metabolite, 2-HBF, in the final wastewater treated by activated sludge system using a liquid - liquid extraction coupled to HPLC / UV analysis. The parameters used for validation were DL, QL, linearity, recovery and repeatability. As for optimization, the results indicated that the studied methodology can be used in monitoring the DBT degradation and 2- HBF by activated sludge, as they showed excellent linearity values, coefficients of variation, so as satisfactory recovery percentage. COD reduction efficiency tests showed an average percentage of 64.4%. The increasing trend for the results for the TSS and VSS tests showed that the activated sludge was well tailored. The best operating conditions for the reduction of COD were observed when operated with median concentrations of DBT, a higher time to biodegradation, and pH in both the acidic range as the basic one. The biodegradability of the DBT was confirmed by determining the presence of HBF-2. The highest concentrations of HBF-2 were obtained in extreme concentrations of DBT and pH, and higher biodegradation times.

Validity of the portable piko-6 spirometer used for screening obstructive airway diseases in community pharmacy practice

Background: Obstructive airway diseases (OADs) are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Shortness of breath (SOB) is the main symptom associated with OADs. International guidelines from the Global Initiative for Chronic Lung Disease (GOLD) and the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) have recommended spirometry as an indispensable tool for the diagnosis of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD), but spirometry is rarely used in family practice. Simple and reliable diagnostic tools are necessary for screening community patients with onset of OADs for timely management. Purpose: This thesis examined screening utility of the PiKo-6 forced expiratory volume in one second (pFEV₁) , in six second (pFEV₆), and the pRatio ( pFEV₁/pFEV₆) in SOB patients for OADs in community pharmacy settings. FEV₆ has recently been suggested an excellent surrogate for Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), which requires maximum exhalation of the lungs. Methods: Patients with SOB symptoms who were prescribed pulmonary inhalers, by their family physicians, were recruited via community pharmacies. Trained pharmacists collected two PiKo-6 tests to assess the repeatability of the PiKo-6 device. All patients performed laboratory spirometry ( FEV₁, FVC and FEV₁/FVC) to obtain physician diagnosis of their OADs. The results of the PiKo-6 spirometer and laboratory spirometer were compared. In addition, the PiKo-6 pRatio and laboratory FEV₁/FVC were assessed against physician diagnosed COPD. Results: Sixty three patients volunteered to perform the PiKo-6 spirometry. Of these, 52.4 % were men (age 53.9 ± 15.3 years; BMI 31.9 ± 7.40 kg/m2). Repeated testing with pFEV₁, pFEV6 and pRatio correlated significantly (within correlation, r = 0.835, p-Value≤ 0.05 ; 0.872, p- Value≤ 0.05; and 0.664, p-Value≤ 0.05). In addition, pFEV₁, pFEV6 and pRatio correlated significantly with FEV₁, FVC and FEV₁/FVC, respectively (between correlation = 0.630, p- Value≤ 0.05 ; 0.660, p-Value≤ 0.05 and 0.580, p-Value≤ 0.05). The cut-off value corresponding to the greatest sum of sensitivity and specificity of pRatio for physician-diagnosed COPD was <0.80, the sensitivity and specificity were 84 % and 50%, respectively. Conclusions The portable PiKo-6 correlates moderately well with the standard spirometry, when delivered by community pharmacists to patients with OADs. The PiKo-6 spirometer may play a role in screening patients suspected of having an OAD in community pharmacies that may benefit from early physician diagnosis and appropriate management.

Avaliação da incerteza de medição no Setor Médico-hospitalar

This study aims to evaluate the uncertainty associated with measurements made by aneroid sphygmomanometer, neonatal electronic balance and electrocautery. Therefore, were performing repeatability tests on all devices for the subsequent execution of normality tests using Shapiro-Wilk; identification of influencing factors that affect the measurement result of each measurement; proposition of mathematical models to calculate the measurement uncertainty associated with measuring evaluated for all equipament and calibration for neonatal electronic balance; evaluation of the measurement uncertainty; and development of a computer program in Java language to systematize the calibration uncertainty of estimates and measurement uncertainty. It was proposed and carried out 23 factorial design for aneroid sphygmomanometer order to investigate the effect of temperature factors, patient and operator and another 32 planning for electrocautery, where it investigated the effects of temperature factors and output electrical power. The expanded uncertainty associated with the measurement of blood pressure significantly reduced the extent of the patient classification tracks. In turn, the expanded uncertainty associated with the mass measurement with neonatal balance indicated a variation of about 1% in the dosage of medication to neonates. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Turkey test indicated significant and indirectly proportional effects of temperature factor in cutting power values and clotting indicated by electrocautery and no significant effect of factors investigated for aneroid sphygmomanometer.

Bone morphology of the femur and tibia captured by statistical shape modelling predicts rapid bone loss in acute spinal cord injury patients

We would like to thank the study participants and the clinical and research staff at the Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injury Unit, as without them this study would not have been possible. We are grateful for the funding received from Glasgow Research Partnership in Engineering for the employment of SC during data collection for this study. We would like to thank the Royal Society of Edinburgh's Scottish Crucible scheme for providing the opportunity for this collaboration to occur. We are also indebted to Maria Dumitrascuta for her time and effort in producing inter-repeatability results for the shape models.

Bone morphology of the femur and tibia captured by statistical shape modelling predicts rapid bone loss in acute spinal cord injury patients

We would like to thank the study participants and the clinical and research staff at the Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injury Unit, as without them this study would not have been possible. We are grateful for the funding received from Glasgow Research Partnership in Engineering for the employment of SC during data collection for this study. We would like to thank the Royal Society of Edinburgh's Scottish Crucible scheme for providing the opportunity for this collaboration to occur. We are also indebted to Maria Dumitrascuta for her time and effort in producing inter-repeatability results for the shape models.

High accuracy mobile robot positioning using an external large volume metrology instrument

A method of accurately controlling the position of a mobile robot using an external Large Volume Metrology (LVM) instrument is presented in this paper. Utilizing a LVM instrument such as the laser tracker in mobile robot navigation, many of the most difficult problems in mobile robot navigation can be simplified or avoided. Using the real- Time position information from the laser tracker, a very simple navigation algorithm, and a low cost robot, 5mm repeatability was achieved over a volume of 30m radius. A surface digitization scan of a wind turbine blade section was also demonstrated, illustrating possible applications of the method for manufacturing processes. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2010.