The Great Transformation. The Formulation of New Models

The authors start from Einstein’s thought according to which present problems cannot be solved with the same mind that generated them. In other words, a new approach is needed. It is shown that the need of change was highlighted also at the World Economic Forum of Davos (January 2014). The change of mentality determines, in the opinion of the authors, a chain reaction: change – expectations – attitudes – behavior – performances. Evolution always supposes a change. Leads of economy, politicians, entrepreneurs supported the need of adopting new development models, on the b

Consumerism and exclusion in a throw-away culture

Various sources draw our attention to contemporary problems such as irrational use of resources, pollution, and, even more alarming, the application of the market logic to human relations. Given this unfolding, we ask ourselves if the prevailing economic model has a human purpose. We show that consumerism, as an important feature of nowadays lifestyle, generates corruption, squandering, and addictions, which in turn lead people to an existential void, as psychiatrist Viktor Frankl put it. This being the status, we argue for a leap of conscience – a thorough consideration of how we act now and how we should behave if we want to maintain the various balances that make possible life on Earth

Metallic fractures assessments: OCT versus SEM

Metals can break either in a ductile or brittle manner if a static or dynamic load is applied to the same material. This depends on a variety of factors, such as the manner in which the load is applied, the shape of the mechanical part, the operating conditions, the nature and structure of the metallic material, and the working temperature. If subjected to variable loads, metallic materials break due to what is called fatigue. The microscopic analysis of fracture surfaces is currently carried out by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We have proposed, for the first time to our knowledge, a new method to analyze fracture surfaces, using a low coherence interferometry technique, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) [Gh. Hutiu, V.-F. Duma, et al., Surface imaging of metallic material fractures using optical coherence tomography, Appl. Opt. 53, 5912-5916 (2014); Gh. Hutiu, V.-F. Duma, et al., Assessment of ductile, brittle, and fatigue fractures of metals using optical coherence tomography, Metals 8, 117 (2018)]. The present paper presents the way we have demonstrated that OCT can replace the gold standard in such assessments, i.e. SEM, despite the fact that OCT has a resolution of 20 to 4 μm (in our investigations), while the SEM we employed has a 4 to 2 nm resolution. A few examples are given in this respect–for different types of fractures. The advantages of OCT versus SEM are discussed. This development opens the way for in situ investigations, for example in forensic sciences, where OCT can be applied (including with handheld scanning probes. as we have developed). In contrast, SEM, TEM, and AFM are lab-based techniques, more expensive, and they require trained operators

Investigations of dental cavities: between x-ray radiography and OCT

Nowadays in dentistry a correct diagnosis is given only after a clinical and radiological evaluation. Radiographs are also required for treatment assessments. The aim of this study is to present results obtained on evaluating dental cavities in a dental clinic in Western Romania, using both X-ray radiography and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). The most common methods for daily-basis clinical imaging are utilized, i.e. panoramic radiography and three-dimensional (3D) cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Advantages of OCT as an imaging method in dentistry are discussed: it avoids exposing the patient to X-ray radiation, and image resolution of OCT is superior. This led us to test this technique for dental assessments and see how it can work in conjunction with radiography. The study also provides upsides and downsides of both medical imaging techniques. Panoramic radiographs and 3D CBCT to several extracted teeth are performed. Dedicated toolbars from Romexis software (Planmeca, Helsinki, Finland) are analyzed with regard to their capability to make precise measurements. Processing of images are made to obtain a high-quality; measurements are done and data are collected. The same teeth are scanned with an in-house developed SS-OCT system. Images from both investigations are presented, and clinical conclusions are drawn. For dental issues (i.e., cavities) that appear on the surface of the teeth, OCT proves to be more suitable than radiographs; it is also more accurate and radiation-free

A combination of imaging techniques for dental medicine: from X-rays radiography and 3D CBCT to OCT

The assessment of dental issues is done nowadays both clinically and radiologically. The latter includes radiographs that are based on X-ray radiation, i.e. intraoral radiography, panoramic radiography, and three-dimensional (3D) cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). In several cases, radiographs have limitations, as they do not reveal dental issues such as small cavities, enamel cracks, or tooth erosion. These aspects can be visible with another medical imaging technique, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). The aim of this study is to present a few results obtained with an in-house developed swept-source OCT (SS-OCT) system on several dental issues that cannot be visible on radiographs. These results prove that OCT can be utilized in dentistry, with advantages such as radiation free technique and superior resolution. This study presents both radiography and OCT images for different dental issues which include small cavities, metal crowns cracks, or crowns manufactured with different materials (i.e., zirconia, ceramics, or composite). Firstly, samples have been analyzed radiologically and some abnormalities could be detected, but they could be correctly assessed. Secondly, these abnormalities have been analyzed with the SS-OCT system and finally all images and collected data from both medical imaging techniques have been compared. One of the conclusions is that OCT is more appropriate than radiography for several dental issues such as those presented in this study. These two medical imaging techniques can therefore be complementary in dental medicine

Dental Diagnosis and Treatment Assessments: Between X-rays Radiography and Optical Coherence Tomography

A correct diagnosis in dental medicine is typically provided only after clinical and radiological evaluations. They are also required for treatment assessments. The aim of this study is to establish the boundaries from which a modern, although established, imaging technique, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), is more suitable than the common X-ray radiography to assess dental issues and treatments. The most common methods for daily-basis clinical imaging are utilized in this study for extracted teeth (but also for other dental samples and materials), i.e., panoramic, intraoral radiography, and three-dimensional (3D) cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). The advantages of using OCT as an imaging method in dentistry are discussed, with a focus on its superior image resolution. Drawbacks related to its limited penetration depth and Field-of-View (FOV) are pointed out. High-quality radiological investigations are performed, measurements are done, and data collected. The same teeth and samples are also imaged (mostly) with an in-house developed Swept Source (SS)-OCT system, Master-Slave enhanced. Some of the OCT investigations employed two other in-house developed OCT systems, Spectral Domain (SD) and Time Domain (TD). Dedicated toolbars from Romexis software (Planmeca, Helsinki, Finland) are used to perform measurements using both radiography and OCT. Clinical conclusions are drawn from the investigations. Upsides and downsides of the two medical imaging techniques are concluded for each type of considered diagnosis. For treatment assessments, it is concluded that OCT is more appropriate than radiography in all applications, except bone-related investigations and periodontitis that demand data from higher-penetration depths than possible with the current level of OCT technology. View Full-Tex

Surgical treatment of renal stones by pyelolithotomy

Catedra Urologie şi Nefrologie Chirurgicală, USMF „N.Testemiţanu”, Secţia Urologie, IMSP Spitalul Clinic Republican, Al V-lea Congres de Urologie, Dializă şi Transplant Renal din Republica Moldova cu participare internaţională (1-13 iunie 2011)Summary. Objective of the present study was estimation of the efficacy of surgical treatment in renal lithiasis by pyelolithotomy. The study was performed on a group of patients with urolithiasis treated in the Clinic of Urology and Surgical Nephrology, RCH during the years 2009-2010 and included 97 patients, 38 (39.2%) men and 59 (60.8% ) women undergoing surgical treatment by pyelolithotomy. The stone-free rate was of 96.9%, 3 patients’ residual stones were detected, which were resolved by ESWL. The most common postoperative complications were: fever - 30.9%, extravasation of urine - 27.8%, acute pyelonephritis - 14.4%, sepsis - 4.1%. Conclusion: pielolithotomy is actually surgical technique for treatment of kidney stones. In the absence of modern endoscopic treatment of urolithiasis as NLP, ESWL open surgery remains a successful alternative, with a high rate of “stone free” and a minimum recurrence frequency of complications, which differs from international authors

Evaluation of treatment in renal stone by extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy

Catedra de Urologie şi Nefrologie Chirurgicală, USMF „N.Testemiţanu”, Centrul Medical „Magnific”, Chişinău, Secţia Urologie, IMSP Spitalul Clinic Republican, Al V-lea Congres de Urologie, Dializă şi Transplant Renal din Republica Moldova cu participare internaţională (1-13 iunie 2011)Summary. Objective of the study was evaluation of renal stone treatment by extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. In the study were included 35 patients with pelvis lithiasis, undergoing shock wave therapy (ESWL) in the Medical Center “Magnific” Lithoscop Siemens device. We obtained a success rate of 57.14% at the end of the procedure, one month after treatment the rate of “stone free” was 94.3%. The failure occurred in 5.7%, which were resolved by repeated ESWL session. The following complications were recorded: fever after treatment - 4 (11.4%) patients , renal colic -3 (8.5%), urinary infection -2 (5.7%), acute pyelonephritis - 1 (2.8%) “Steinstrasse” -1 (2.8%). Conclusion: ESWL is an effective method to treat small and medium-size kidney stones. It is a minimally invasive method that can be repeated without major consequences. Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy is the method of choice to treat kidney stones less than 2 cm, without obstruction

Roughness measurements using optical coherence tomography: a preliminary study

To determine the roughness is an important aspect in both industrial and biomedical applications. We propose and utilize for roughness evaluations, a non-destructive evaluation methods, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). For the metallic surfaces investigated from this point of view, the Ra and Rz parameters are utilized, according to ISO 4287/1988. Also, according to ISO 4280 and ISO 3274 standards, the measurements have been made on 12.5 mm portions. In order to accommodate such evaluations with the specific OCT field-of-view, four consecutive OCT images have been made for each sample, and an appropriate processing of the data collected from the surface profiles has been made. A validation of the results obtained with OCT has been completed with the gold standard for such evaluations, using a contact mechanical method, with a Mitutuyo profiler

Optimization of X-ray Investigations in Dentistry Using Optical Coherence Tomography

The most common imaging technique for dental diagnoses and treatment monitoring is X-ray imaging, which evolved from the first intraoral radiographs to high-quality three-dimensional (3D) Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). Other imaging techniques have shown potential, such as Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT).We have recently reported on the boundaries of these two types of techniques, regarding. the dental fields where each one is more appropriate or where they should be both used. The aim of the present study is to explore the unique capabilities of the OCT technique to optimize X-ray units imaging (i.e., in terms of image resolution, radiation dose, or contrast). Two types of commercially available and widely used X-ray units are considered. To adjust their parameters, a protocol is developed to employ OCT images of dental conditions that are documented on high (i.e., less than 10 �m) resolution OCT images (both B-scans/cross sections and 3D reconstructions) but are hardly identified on the 200 to 75 �m resolution panoramic or CBCT radiographs. The optimized calibration of the X-ray unit includes choosing appropriate values for the anode voltage and current intensity of the X-ray tube, as well as the patient’s positioning, in order to reach the highest possible X-rays resolution at a radiation dose that is safe for the patient. The optimization protocol is developed in vitro on OCT images of extracted teeth and is further applied in vivo for each type of dental investigation. Optimized radiographic results are compared with un-optimized previously performed radiographs. Also, we show that OCT can permit a rigorous comparison between two (types of) X-ray units. In conclusion, high-quality dental images are possible using low radiation doses if an optimized protocol, developed using OCT, is applied for each type of dental investigation. Also, there are situations when the X-ray technology has drawbacks for dental diagnosis or treatment assessment. In such situations, OCT proves capable to provide qualitative images