Dual-Frequency Soil Moisture Meter Method for Simultaneous Estimation of Soil Moisture and Conductivity.

The measurement of soil water content is a very important factor in plant cultivation, both from an economic and ecological point of view. Proper estimation of moisture content not only allows for proper yields but can also contribute to ecologically appropriate use of fresh water, of which the world's resources are limited. It is important, for example, that the moisture content in the root area of plants is optimal for their growth, while over-watering can result in losses in the form of water, which seeps below the root layer and is lost. The novel, inexpensive electronic meter for measuring soil moisture is presented in the article. The meter, based on a capacitive method, uses an optimization algorithm to calculate soil electrical permeability and a simplified new formula between soil electrical permeability and volumetric moisture content. Moreover, by using two high-frequency signals for measurements, it is possible not only to estimate moisture content but also soil conductivity. Both readings obtained from the meter not only allow for rational management of crop optimization for economic reasons but are also important for environmental protection. In addition, the inexpensive meter, based on the principle of operation presented, can be made as an IoT module, which allows for its wide application.

On-Off Scheduling for Electric Vehicle Charging in Two-Links Charging Stations Using Binary Optimization Approaches.

In this study, we deal with the problem of scheduling charging periods of electrical vehicles (EVs) to satisfy the users' demands for energy consumption as well as to optimally utilize the available power. We assume three-phase EV charging stations, each equipped with two charging ports (links) that can serve up to two EVs in the scheduling period but not simultaneously. Considering such a specification, we propose an on-off scheduling scheme wherein control over an energy flow is achieved by flexibly switching the ports in each station on and off in a manner such as to satisfy the energy demand of each EV, flatten the high energy-consuming load on the whole farm, and to minimize the number of switching operations. To satisfy these needs, the on-off scheduling scheme is formulated in terms of a binary linear programming problem, which is then extended to a quadratic version to incorporate the smoothness constraints. Various algorithmic approaches are used for solving a binary quadratic programming problem, including the Frank-Wolfe algorithm and successive linear approximations. The numerical simulations demonstrate that the latter is scalable, efficient, and flexible in a charging procedure, and it shaves the load peak while maintaining smooth charging profiles.

Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis in healthy and immunocompromised patients.

PURPOSE: To examine the proportion of Demodex folliculorum and D. brevis in the eyelashes of healthy and immunocompromised patients. METHODS: Eyelashes were taken from 95 patients at the Pomeranian Medical University, Clinic of Haematology, and from 1091 healthy controls. RESULTS: Demodex folliculorum and D. brevis were found in 22.9% of controls and in 20% of immunocompromised patients. In neither the control group nor the immunocompromised patients did we observe a correlation between the proportion of symptoms of blepharitis and the presence of Demodex spp. - symptoms including burning sensations, loss of eyelashes, sensitivity to light, smoke and dust, dacryorrhea (excessive flow of tears), and foreign body eye sensation. A correlation between itching eyes and Demodex spp. infection was found only in the control group. A correlation between the proportion of cylindrical dandruff in eyelashes and the occurrence of Demodex spp was found in both the control group and immunocompromised patients. CONCLUSION: Proportions of D. folliculorum and D. brevis, and also symptoms of blepharitis were similar in the control group and immunocompromised patients. Immunosuppression did not seem to increase the rate of Demodex spp. infection.

Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis as a cause of chronic marginal blepharitis.

INTRODUCTION: Intensive long-term studies of Demodex spp. (D.) and its role in chronic blepharits have been carried out in recent years by scientists from the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin. It has resulted in numerous publications, spurring a lot of interest worldwide. A few of the papers have been cited in leading American medical journals. In recent years many papers dealing with demodicosis of the eyelids have been published worldwide. Based on the growing interest in the role of Demodex spp. in chronic blepharitis we decided to present and discuss the results of the latest experimental and clinical studies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A review of the literature concerning the role of D. folliculorum and D. brevis in the pathogenesis of chronic blepharitis was done. RESULTS: Demodex spp. are intradermal parasites, which thrive in follicles and sebaceous glands of humans and animals. D. is spread by direct contact and probably by dust containing eggs (figs. 1, 2, 3). Currently, it is thought that pathological changes in the course of demodicosis of the eyelids are consequences of: (1) blockage of follicles and leading out tubules of sebaceous glands by the mites and by reactive hyperkeratinization and epithelial hyperplasia; (2) a mechanical vector role of bacteria; (3) host's inflammatory reaction to the presence of parasite's chitine as a foreign body; and (4) stimulation of the host's humoral responses and cell-mediated immunological reactions under the influence of the mites and their waste products. It has been established that: (1) D. folliculorum and D. brevis are cosmopolitan in terms of their distribution; (2) Infection of Demodex spp. often occurs in the course of chronic blepharitis; (3) With the increase in age, the prevalence rate of eyelid demodicosis rises; (4) Demodicosis of the eyelids may be the effect of the decrease of immunity of some patients. Treatment of demodicosis of the eyelids as a general rule lasts a few months. The use of yellow mercurial ointment, sulphur ointment, camphorated oil, crotamiton, choline esterase inhibitors, sulfacetamide, steroids, antibiotics, as well as antimycotic drugs offers some improvement. A good response has been observed after oral application of ivermectin along with topical application of cream permethrin. However, the best results were obtained after 2% metronidazole gel or ointment treatment. Medical University in Szczecin. It has resulted in numerous publications, spurring a lot of interest worldwide. A few of the papers have been cited in leading American medical journals. In recent years many papers dealing with demodicosis of the eyelids have been published worldwide. Based on the growing interest in the role ofDemodex spp. in chronic blepharitis we decided to present and discuss the results of the latest experimental and clinical studies. Material and methods: A review of the literature concerning the role of D. folliculorum and D. brevis in the pathogenesis of chronic blepharitis was done. Results: Demodex spp. are intradermal parasites, which thrive in follicles and sebaceous glands of humans and animals. D. is spread by direct contact and probably by dust containing eggs (figs. 1, 2, 3). Currently, it is thought that pathological changes in the course of demodicosis of the eyelids are consequences of: (1) blockage of follicles and leading out tubules of sebaceous glands by the mites and by reactive hyperkeratinization and epithelial hyperplasia; (2) a mechanical vector role of bacteria; (3) host's inflammatory reaction to the presence of parasite's chitine as a foreign body; and (4) stimulation of the host's humoral responses and cell-mediated immunological reactions under the influence of the mites and their waste products. It has been established that: (1) D. folliculorum and D. brevis are cosmopolitan in terms of their distribution; (2) Infection ofDemodex spp. often occurs in the course of chronic blepharitis; (3) With the increase in age, the prevalence rate of eyelid demodicosis rises; (4) Demodicosis of the eyelids may be the effect of the decrease of immunity of some patients. Treatment of demodicosis of the eyelids as a general rule lasts a few months. The use of yellow mercurial ointment, sulphur ointment, camphorated oil, crotamiton, choline esterase inhibitors, sulfacetamide, steroids, antibiotics, as well as antimycotic drugs offers some improvement. A good response has been observed after oral application of ivermectin along with topical application of cream permethrin. However, the best results were obtained after 2% metronidazole gel or ointment treatment.

Investigation of normal and malignant laryngeal tissue by autofluorescence imaging technique.

OBJECTIVE: During oncogenesis significant changes in tissue properties occur that result in alteration of fluorescence characteristics of the tissue. The differences in autofluorescence between normal and malignant tissues offer new possibilities in detecting epithelial pathological lesions. AIM: The aim of our study was to determine the usefulness of autofluorescence technique in diagnostic of laryngeal tumors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fluorescence in larynxes from 10 laryngectomized cancer patients was induced by excitation light at 360-450 nm wavelength. As a light source, mercury lamp and laser (404 nm) were used. The CCD camera captured the fluorescent light emitted. Normal epithelium and cancer tissue were also analyzed on fluorescence microscopy. RESULTS: Laryngeal carcinoma tissues when excited with ultraviolet or blue light generate attenuated or absent autofluorescence in the green light band compare with normal epithelium where strong signal around 505 nm was detected. Average value of maximal autofluorescence intensities was 26.2V (range 18-35) and 4.4V (range 2-8) in healthy and cancerously changed mucosa respectively. Spectral analysis revealed that autofluorescence signal from unchanged mucosa (around 505 nm) was significantly higher compared to cancer tissue (P=0.005). CONCLUSIONS: It seems that autofluorescence imaging may be a supplementary tool in diagnosis of laryngeal tumors.

Photostimulation of coronary arteries with low power laser radiation: preliminary results for a new method in invasive cardiology therapy.

BACKGROUND: The main problem after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is restenosis affecting the site where dilatation is performed. In order to minimize its occurrence, the method of intravascular laser photostimulation (LP) with low power irradiation has been developed. The new procedure is carried out during PCI. MATERIAL/METHODS: A special setup was prepared for intravascular photostimulation with 808 nm wavelength laser diode and special diffuser, delivering the laser light into the coronary artery. The construction of the device makes it possible to irradiate the coronary artery in the place of previously performed of dilatation, in an satisfactory and programmable manner and with uniform intensity. We describe our own, unique LP procedure. Two pilot LP procedures carried out in our clinic are described here. The patients were diagnosed before treatment and followed up three and six months after the LP procedure with non invasive tests. After six months, a control angiography was also performed. RESULTS: The procedures were well tolerated. In both cases the follow-up examinations showed no evidence of restenosis. CONCLUSIONS: The new, innovative technique of intravascular low power laser photostimulation is a relatively inexpensive and easy to use treatment method. No negative side effects were observed after two procedures. The results obtained are very promising. Because the group of treated patients is still too small, the results cannot yet be subjected to statistical analysis.