Polarized multispectral imaging in a rigid endoscope based on elastic light scattering spectroscopy

Elastic light scattering spectroscopy (LSS) is widely utilized to investigate cellular structures in cultured cells and various tissues. However, few imaging systems, especially endoscopic imaging systems, can implement LSS. It is the aim of this work to create a polarized multispectral imaging system based around a rigid endoscope to detect micrometer sized particles using LSS. The instrument first validated with different sized mono-disperse polystyrene microspheres, then an image is reconstructed based on LSS which shows the differentiation of different sized microspheres. Finally a preliminary experiment is conducted to demonstrate its capability to discriminate different types of cells

Diagnosis of breast cancer using elastic-scattering spectroscopy: preliminary clinical results

We report on the first stages of a clinical study designed to test elastic-scattering spectroscopy, mediated by fiberoptic probes, for three specific clinical applications in breast-tissue diagnosis: (1) a transdermal-needle (interstitial) measurement for instant diagnosis with minimal invasiveness similar to fine-needle aspiration but with sensitivity to a larger tissue volume, (2) a hand-held diagnostic probe for use in assessing tumor/resection margins during open surgery, and (3) use of the same probe for real-time assessment of the `sentinel' node during surgery to determine the presence or absence of tumor (metastatic). Preliminary results from in vivo measurements on 31 women are encouraging. Optical spectra were measured on 72 histology sites in breast tissue, and 54 histology sites in sentinel nodes. Two different artificial intelligence methods of spectral classification were studied. Artificial neural networks yielded sensitivities of 69% and 58%, and specificities of 85% and 93%, for breast tissue and sentinel nodes, respectively. Hierarchical cluster analysis yielded sensitivities of 67% and 91%, and specificities of 79% and 77%, for breast tissue and sentinel nodes, respectively. These values are expected to improve as the data sets continue to grow and more sophisticated data preprocessing is employed. The study will enroll up to 400 patients over the next two years

Thyroid Shielding in Radiographic Procedures: Fit vs Dose

The thyroid gland is a vital hormone gland that plays a major role in the metabolism, growth and development of the human body. The thyroid gland is among the most radiosensitive organs. The usage of thyroid shields by healthcare professionals is an essential precaution for radiation protection. The purpose of this experiment was to determine if thyroid shield fit affects radiation dose received to the thyroid gland. The fit was recorded by measuring from the jugular notch or location of thyroid, to the inside of the thyroid shield. Qualitative data was collected by interviewing staff technologists on whether or not they thought thyroid shield fit was important

Effect of bio-oil and epoxidized linseed oil on physical, mechanical and biological properties of treated wood

In this article, the effects of bio-oil and epoxidized linseed oil (ELO) on water absorption, tangential swelling, decay and insect resistance, thermo-gravimetric analysis, and mechanical properties of treated wood samples were studied. The bio-oil used in this article was by-product of ThermoWood thermal modification process. Linseed oil and hydrogen peroxide were used to prepare ELO. The results indicated that the samples treated with bio-oil had lower water absorption than that of the control group. The sec- ond treatment with ELO significantly reduced further the water absorption. The decay resistance of treated wood samples with 20% of bio-oil against brown (Coniophora puteana) and white rot (Trametes versicolor) fungi was very high. According to the insect test results, increasing bio-oil concentration from 10% to 20% significantly decreased surviving rate of Hylotrupes bajulus. Thermo-gravi- metric analysis showed that all treated samples had higher initial deterioration temperature than that of the control group. Regarding the wood strength, the impregnated bio-oil generally reduced the mechanical properties of wood except modulus of elasticity (MOE). VC 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 1562–1569, 20

The Perception of Optical Flow in Driving Simulators

Optical flow is generated when a driver’s vehicle traverses a 3-D virtual environment in a driving simulator. Understanding the generated optical flow may help in lessening simulator sickness. Two experiments were designed to investigate the perceived optical flow in different driving environments using two driving simulators: 1) a fixed base simulator and 2) a turning cabin simulator whose turning cabin rotates around the y-axis. In the first experiment, the perception of optical flow when making left/right turns was studied using both simulators. Results revealed that subjects experienced a higher amount of optical flow when making right turns then left turns. In addition, the optical flow perceived by drivers in the fixed base simulator was greater than that in the turning cabin simulator. We designed the second experiment to investigate the optical flow perceived when driving straight ahead, driving on circular curves, and driving on curves with transitions (clothoids). Again, two simulators were used. The amount of optical flow was highest when driving on circular curves, and was lowest when driving straight ahead. While using the turning cabin simulator, the degree of optical flow decreased greatly on circular curves, and curves with clothoids as compared to that in the fixed base simulator. We conclude that optical flow in driving simulators can be lessen by using a turning cabin simulator

A HMD-Based Virtual Reality Driving Simulator

Recent advances in optics, HMD design, 3D graphics chips, and processes for personal computers have combined to make HMD based virtual reality driving simulators available at low cost. A HMD with a resolution of 1,024 by 768 with a FOV of 50o diagonally is now available for about $20,000. A graphics processor that can render large databases at fast frame rates costs only$400. Personal computers can now support multiple processors that run over 1 Gigahertz. We discuss visual concerns with a HMD, choosing a HMD for a driving simulator, HMDs compared with fixed displays, consequences of improved frame rates, autonomous vehicles, and the use of a HMD based driving simulator for studying drivers who have cognitive impairments

An understanding and appreciation of employment protection for senior staff in local governments in New Brunswick

1 online resource (vii, 103 p.)Includes abstract.Includes bibliographical references (p. 93-103).The purpose of this study was to understand the law related to employee termination and the employment protection clauses in the New Brunswick Municipalities Act and to appreciate its results and effectiveness in respect to Senior Staff working in Local Governments. In New Brunswick, Article 74(5) of the Municipalities Act (2014) was meant to prevent the termination of municipal officers without just cause. Almost 50 years after its adoption, no municipal officers have been reinstated under Article 74(5) of the New Brunswick Municipalities Act. As a matter of fact, municipal employees are hired at pleasure by Council. In enacting Article 74(5), the Legislature vested in municipal councils the power to determine what constitutes cause and decide when a municipal officer can be removed from office for cause. Furthermore, in the event that procedural fairness was not followed prior to the termination of employment of a municipal officer, municipalities still have the right to terminate for cause... following a fair hearing. Article 74(5) is misleading municipal officers to believe they benefit from adequate protection in the performance of their duties while in fact, they are leaving their reputation and professional career at the mercy of municipal politicians. As it was the intention of the legislators in New Brunswick 50 years ago, and as this belief had been maintained during the last half of a century, I believe that Article 74(5) of the New Brunswick Municipalities Act (2014) could become the predominant component to employment protection for municipal officers in local governments in the province