Metrological characterization of 3D imaging systems: progress report on standards developments

A significant issue for companies or organizations integrating non-contact three-dimensional (3D) imaging systems into their production pipeline is deciding in which technology to invest. Quality non-contact 3D imaging systems typically involve a significant investment when considering the cost of equipment, training, software, and maintenance contracts over the functional lifetime of a given system or systems notwithstanding the requirements of the global nature of manufacturing activities. Numerous methods have been published to “help” users navigate the many products and specifications claims about “quality”. Moreover, the “best” system for one application may not be ideally suited for another application. The lack of publically-available characterization methods from trusted sources for certain areas of 3D imaging make it difficult for a typical user to select a system based on information written on a specification sheet alone. An internationally-recognized standard is a vehicle that allows better communication between users and manufacturers. It is in this context that we present a progress report on standards developments to date in the diverse, but finite, world of non-contact 3D imaging systems from the nanometre to the 100 m range

Retrospective, multicenter analysis comparing conventional with oncoplastic breast conserving surgery: oncological and surgical outcomes in women with high-risk breast cancer from the OPBC-01/iTOP2 study

Introduction: Recent data suggest that margins ≥2 mm after breast-conserving surgery may improve local control in invasive breast cancer (BC). By allowing large resection volumes, oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery (OBCII; Clough level II/Tübingen 5-6) may achieve better local control than conventional breast conserving surgery (BCS; Tübingen 1-2) or oncoplastic breast conservation with low resection volumes (OBCI; Clough level I/Tübingen 3-4). Methods: Data from consecutive high-risk BC patients treated in 15 centers from the Oncoplastic Breast Consortium (OPBC) network, between January 2010 and December 2013, were retrospectively reviewed. Results: A total of 3,177 women were included, 30% of whom were treated with OBC (OBCI n = 663; OBCII n = 297). The BCS/OBCI group had significantly smaller tumors and smaller resection margins compared with OBCII (pT1: 50% vs. 37%, p = 0.002; proportion with margin <1 mm: 17% vs. 6%, p < 0.001). There were significantly more re-excisions due to R1 (“ink on tumor”) in the BCS/OBCI compared with the OBCII group (11% vs. 7%, p = 0.049). Univariate and multivariable regression analysis adjusted for tumor biology, tumor size, radiotherapy, and systemic treatment demonstrated no differences in local, regional, or distant recurrence-free or overall survival between the two groups. Conclusions: Large resection volumes in oncoplastic surgery increases the distance from cancer cells to the margin of the specimen and reduces reexcision rates significantly. With OBCII larger tumors are resected with similar local, regional and distant recurrence-free as well as overall survival rates as BCS/OBCI

Fall with acute traumatic central cord syndrome in an older patient

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Measurement Standard for Monitoring Performance of Machine Tools in Harsh Environmental Condition

The principle of in-process metrology is to obtain measurement data directly in the manufacturing process and to use them for effective process control and for reliable quality assurance. One prerequisite to significantly improve the manufacturing processes is the incorporation of traceable dimensional metrology directly on machine tools. In order to introduce traceability chain into in-process geometrical measurements, European project EMRP IND62 TIM was agreed between EC and European metrology association Euramet. One of the tasks of the project is to develop highly accurate robust temperature invariant measurement standards that can be used in the harsh environment of the production floor for verification and mapping of the measurement errors of machine tools. Laboratory for Production measurement (LTM) at the University of Maribor - Faculty of Mechanical Engineering is taking part in the consortium of this joint research project. The main task of LTM is to develop, manufacture and calibrate at least one 1D measurement standard with length up to 2 m and with thermal expansion coefficient close to 0. The task is being performed in co-operation with EMO Orodjarna and Veplas. The design is based on composite body and ceramic probing balls. Original approach of compensating thermal expansion was introduced in order to enable use of the standard in harsh environmental conditions. Furthermore, the standard is designed as a modular artifact that can be assembled in four different lengths (500 mm, 1000 mm, 1500 mm and 2000 mm). The article is presenting basic design characteristics and application possibilities of this standard.This article is based on a presentation at the conference "MacroScale 2014 - Recent developments in traceable dimensional measurements", Vienna (Austria), 28th-30th October 2014

Reconstruction and modernization of factory "Hartija Kocani", Macedonia

This work presents the reconstruction and modernization of Factory HARTIJA Kocani, for production of high quality graphic paper. Part one analyses the goal of modernization and the approach to its realization. Part two describes the pre-reconstruction state and points to the trouble spots and technical shortcomings of the paper machine. Part three shows the state of technology after the modernization. Here, the companies that took part in realization of project are presented and the quality of their engagement is graded. The final part gives the evaluation of usefulness of the reconstruction and modernization. The evaluation is given for reaching projected capacity and quality, as well as for financial efficiency of the investment, i.e. the price of the execution of the project assignment

Tuberculose tibiale chez l'enfant à l'IRM: à propos d'un cas

La localisation osseuse isolée de la tuberculose est peu fréquente et survient surtout chez les adultes jeunes immunodéprimés. Elle peut simuler une infection à germe banal au début ou une atteinte tumorale lorsque l'évolution est chronique. Les auteurs rapportent le cas d'une patiente de 15 ans sans antécédent particulier ayant présenté une tuméfaction indurée et indolore du tiers supérieur de la jambe d'évolution chronique. Les explorations radiologiques conventionnelles ont permis d'objectiver une lésion lytique tibiale métaphysaire supérieure avec une réaction périostée. L'IRM a précisé une rupture corticale et une extension aux parties molles sous la forme d'une collection liquidienne avec une paroi épaisse, se rehaussant intensément après injection de gadolinium. Une biopsie chirurgicale avec analyse histologique a permis de retenir le diagnostic d'ostéite tuberculeuse. Ce cas clinique souligne l'intérêt de l'IRM dans l'exploration des pathologies musculosquelettiques