Porcelain enameling quality steel plates and weldments

Issued as Status report, no. 1-11, Summary report, no. 1-3, Special report, no. 1, and Annual report, no. 1, Project no. A-204Continued by Project no. A-30

What country, university or research institute, performed the best on COVID-19? Bibliometric analysis of scientific literature

In this article, we conduct data mining to discover the countries, universities and companies, produced or collaborated the most research on Covid-19 since the pandemic started. We present some interesting findings, but despite analysing all available records on COVID-19 from the Web of Science Core Collection, we failed to reach any significant conclusions on how the world responded to the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, we increased our analysis to include all available data records on pandemics and epidemics from 1900 to 2020. We discover some interesting results on countries, universities and companies, that produced collaborated most the most in research on pandemic and epidemics. Then we compared the results with the analysing on COVID-19 data records. This has created some interesting findings that are explained and graphically visualised in the article

A survey of bioengineering interests in Atlanta

Issued as Letter report and Final Report, Project no. E-300-90

Mathematical modelling of radiation-induced cancer risk from breast screening by mammography

Objectives: Establish a method to determine and convey lifetime radiation risk from FFDM screening. Methods: Radiation risk from screening mammography was quantified using effective risk (number of radiation-induced cancer cases/million). For effective risk calculations, organ doses and examined breast MGD were used. Screening mammography was simulated by exposing a breast phantom for cranio-caudal and medio-lateral oblique for each breast using 16 FFDM machines. An ATOM phantom loaded with TLD dosimeters was positioned in contact with the breast phantom to simulate the client’s body. Effective risk data were analysed using SPSS software to establish a regression model to predict the effective risk of any screening programme. Graphs were generated to extrapolate the effective risk of all screening programmes for a range of commencement ages and time intervals between screens. Results: The most important parameters controlling clients’ total effective risk within breast screening are the screening commencement age and number of screens (correlation coefficients were -0.865 and 0.714, respectively). Since the tissue radio-sensitivity reduces with age, the end age of screening does not result in noteworthy effect on total effective risk. Conclusions: The regression model can be used to predict the total effective risk for clients within breast screening but it cannot be used for exact assessment of total effective risk. Graphical representation of risk could be an easy way to represent risk in a fashion which might be helpful to clients and clinicians

Morphological characterisation of unstained and intact tissue microarchitecture by x-ray computed micro- and nano-tomography

Characterisation and quantification of tissue structures is limited by sectioning-induced artefacts and by the difficulties of visualising and segmenting 3D volumes. Here we demonstrate that, even in the absence of X-ray contrast agents, X-ray computed microtomography (microCT) and nanotomography (nanoCT) can circumvent these problems by rapidly resolving compositionally discrete 3D tissue regions (such as the collagen-rich adventitia and elastin-rich lamellae in intact rat arteries) which in turn can be segmented due to their different X-ray opacities and morphologies. We then establish, using X-ray tomograms of both unpressurised and pressurised arteries that intra-luminal pressure not only increases lumen cross-sectional area and straightens medial elastic lamellae but also induces profound remodelling of the adventitial layer. Finally we apply microCT to another human organ (skin) to visualise the cell-rich epidermis and extracellular matrix-rich dermis and to show that conventional histological and immunohistochemical staining protocols are compatible with prior X-ray exposure. As a consequence we suggest that microCT could be combined with optical microscopy to characterise the 3D structure and composition of archival paraffin embedded biological materials and of mechanically stressed dynamic tissues such as the heart, lungs and tendons

Comprensión y contención de la depresión durante el distanciamiento social por COVID-19

Introduction: the high contagiousness of COVID-19, the increase of confirmed cases and deaths, and the social isolation have caused negative emotions and thoughts, threatening the mental health of the elderly population. Objective: to identify the emotional states of seniors in social isolation during COVID-19. Method: a descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out between May to June 2020, in the health area part of the Policlínico Universitario “Dr. Rudesindo Antonio García del Rijo”, in Sancti Spíritus. The study population was made of 100 seniors. The variables evaluated were: age, gender, marital status, coexistence, occupation, comorbidity, anxiety, depression, irritability, stress. The information was obtained through semi-structured interview, observation and psychological tests. Results: 61.0% were female; 57.0% in the 70-79 age group; most of them lived with their partner, a minor or a disabled person (64.0%), only 36.0% actually lived alone. 65.0% had no employment relationship. 89.0% had pathologies considered risky for COVID-19. A normal level of irritability prevailed, both external (68.0%) and internal (70.0%), a mild level of anxiety (73.0%) and a mild level of depression (50.0%). 47.0% showed alteration in stress levels. Conclusions: social isolation as a measure to avoid contagion by COVID-19 has had an impact on the mental health of the elderly.Introducción: la alta contagiosidad de la COVID-19, el crecimiento de casos confirmados, las muertes y el aislamiento social han ocasionado que las emociones y pensamientos negativos se extiendan, con amenaza a la salud mental de la población adulta mayor. Objetivo: identificar los estados emocionales de adultos mayores en aislamiento social durante la COVID-19. Método: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, transversal, entre mayo y junio de 2020, en el área de salud perteneciente al Policlínico Universitario “Dr. Rudesindo Antonio García del Rijo”, Sancti Spíritus. La población de estudio fue de 100 adultos mayores. Se evaluaron las variables: edad, sexo, estado civil, convivencia, ocupación, comorbilidad, ansiedad, depresión, irritabilidad, estrés. La información se obtuvo mediante la entrevista semiestructurada, la observación y test psicológicos. Resultados: el 61,0 % correspondió al sexo femenino; el 57,0 % pertenecía al grupo de 70-79 años; la mayoría de los ancianos vivía acompañado con su pareja, un menor de edad o un discapacitado (64,0 %), solo el 36,0 % vivía efectivamente solo. El 65,0 % no tenía vínculo laboral. El 89,0 % presentaba patologías consideradas de riesgo para la COVID-19. Predominó un nivel de irritabilidad normal, tanto externa (68,0 %) como interna (70,0 %), un nivel leve de ansiedad (73,0 %) y un nivel leve de depresión (50,0 %). El 47,0 % mostró alteración en los niveles de estrés. Conclusiones: el aislamiento social como medida para evitar el contagio por COVID-19 ha repercutido en la salud mental de los adultos mayores.Introdução: a alta contagiosidade do COVID-19, o crescimento de casos confirmados, mortes e isolamento social têm causado a disseminação de emoções e pensamentos negativos, ameaçando a saúde mental da população idosa. Objetivo: identificar os estados emocionais de idosos em isolamento social durante o COVID-19. Método: estudo descritivo, transversal, realizado entre maio e junho de 2020, na área de saúde pertencente ao Policlínico Universitario “Dr. Rudesindo Antonio García del Rijo”, Sancti Spíritus. A população do estudo foi de 100 idosos. As variáveis avaliadas foram: idade, sexo, estado civil, convivência, ocupação, comorbidade, ansiedade, depressão, irritabilidade, estresse. As informações foram obtidas por meio da entrevista semiestruturada, observação e testes psicológicos. Resultados: 61,0% corresponderam ao sexo feminino; 57,0% pertenciam à faixa dos 70-79 anos; A maioria dos idosos morava com o companheiro, menor de idade ou com deficiência (64,0%), apenas 36,0% morava realmente sozinho. 65,0% não tinham vínculo empregatício. 89,0% tinham patologias consideradas de risco para COVID-19. Prevaleceu nível normal de irritabilidade, tanto externa (68,0%) quanto interna (70,0%), nível leve de ansiedade (73,0%) e nível leve de depressão (50,0%). 47,0% apresentaram alteração nos níveis de estresse. Conclusões: o isolamento social como medida para evitar o contágio pelo COVID-19 tem repercussões na saúde mental dos idosos

A systematic review of viewing conditions and monitor specifications in mammography

Objectives The purpose of this systematic review was to establish the current status of recommended monitor specifications and viewing conditions in mammography for image acquisition and reporting rooms. A literature search was completed between August 2018 and March 2019 using ScienceDirect, PubMed, Web of Science and MEDLINE databases. An additional manual search was performed to identify relevant guidelines to support the review. Only articles and guidelines written in English were included. Key findings Results were selected according to the following criteria; articles detailing (i) monitor specification and, (ii) viewing conditions in mammography acquisition and reporting rooms. Twenty-one studies met the inclusion criteria. Six papers described monitor specifications, five described viewing conditions and ten guideline documents were identified from the UK, Europe and the US. Common outcomes were that monitors with 3 or 5 MP resolution seemed to be preferred and at the same time higher illumination levels (>15 lux) were found to decrease the luminance of the monitors and negatively impact the assessment of image quality. Contrary to this, the majority of guideline documents recommended illumination levels above 20 Lux. Finally, there is a lack of guidance for viewing conditions in acquisition rooms. Conclusion This review did not reveal any strong evidence for the proposed room illumination levels in acquisition rooms. In reference to monitors specifications, there is preference for using higher resolution displays (3 and 5 MP) but again, the evidence is not strong. Moreover, variance exists in the guidelines and that promotes inconsistency in mammography departments. Implications for practice This review highlights the lack of standardised guidelines and the need for further research on the viewing conditions and monitor specifications for the acquisition rooms in mammography

Survey of monitor specification and viewing conditions in breast screening units in the North West of England

Introduction: Monitor specification and viewing conditions are important factors affecting image assessment in mammography. This survey evaluates the different viewing conditions and monitor specifications that exist in acquisition and reporting rooms in UK breast screening units. Methods: Static (n=10) and mobile (n=2) breast screening units were evaluated in North West England. Room illumination levels were measured in 3 locations for each room using a calibrated Lux meter and the specification of 122 monitors recorded. Room layout, wall colour, location and number of doors, windows and light sources were recorded. Results: In reporting rooms, 90/91 of monitors had similar technical specifications and were compliant to guidelines. The ambient light levels ranged from 10-25.8 lux. The mean illuminance was 12.32 ± 4.6 lux. In acquisition rooms, great variances appeared in monitor specification and ambient light levels. The majority of monitors (24/34) had 3 megapixel (MB) optimum resolution but the ambient light level ranged from 10-1020 lux. The mean illuminance was 105.3 ± 178.8 lux. The mobile units were consistent with each other and compliant with guidelines. Conclusion: A lack of consistency and great variances appeared in terms of ambient light levels and monitor specifications in the image acquisition rooms. However, there was excellent consistency among the illumination measurements and the monitors’ technical specifications in the reporting rooms. Implications for practice: This research demonstrates, for the first time, the need for further research and specialised guidelines for acquisition rooms

Broadband X-ray spectral analysis of the Seyfert 1 galaxy GRS 1734-292

We discuss the broadband X-ray spectrum of GRS 1734-292 obtained from non-simultaneous XMM-Newton and NuSTAR observations, performed in 2009 and 2014, respectively. GRS1734-292 is a Seyfert 1 galaxy, located near the Galactic plane at $z=0.0214$. The NuSTAR spectrum ($3-80$ keV) is dominated by a primary power-law continuum with $\Gamma=1.65 \pm 0.05$ and a high-energy cutoff $E_c=53^{+11}_{-8}$ keV, one of the lowest measured by NuSTAR in a Seyfert galaxy. Comptonization models show a temperature of the coronal plasma of $kT_e=11.9^{+1.2}_{-0.9}$ keV and an optical depth, assuming a slab geometry, $\tau=2.98^{+0.16}_{-0.19}$ or a similar temperature and $\tau=6.7^{+0.3}_{-0.4}$ assuming a spherical geometry. The 2009 XMM-Newton spectrum is well described by a flatter intrinsic continuum ($\Gamma=1.47^{+0.07}_{-0.03}$) and one absorption line due to Fe\textsc{XXV} K$\alpha$ produced by a warm absorber. Both data sets show a modest iron K$\alpha$ emission line at $6.4$ keV and the associated Compton reflection, due to reprocessing from neutral circumnuclear material

Freight Data Architecture Business Process, Logical Data Model, and Physical Data Model

Texas Department of Transportation Research and Technology Implementation Office P.O. Box 5080 Austin, Texas 78763-5080Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineerin