Purpose To investigate the performance of two microwave ablation (MWA) systems regarding ablation volume, ablation shape and variability. Materials and Methods In this ex vivo study, the Emprint and Amica MWA systems were used to ablate porcine livers at 4 different settings of time and power (3 and 5 minutes at 60 and 80 Watt). In total, 48 ablations were analysed for ablation size and shape using Vitrea Advanced Visualization software after acquisition of a 7T MRI scan. Results Emprint ablations were smaller (11,1 vs. 21,1 mL p < 0.001), more spherical (sphericity index of 0.89 vs. 0.59 p < 0.001) and showed less variability than Amica ablations. In both systems, longer ablation time and higher power resulted in significantly larger ablation volumes. Conclusion Emprint ablations were more spherical, and the results showed a lower variability than those of Amica ablations. This comes at the price of smaller ablation volumes.

The health risks of exposure to loud noises are a well-established fact and are widely addressed in modern industries. Yet, in less developed countries, it is thought these hazards receive less attention, both in the workplace and in private life. (1) Background: The aim of this study is to assess the occupational noise exposure in a developing country and identify possible risk groups for whom intervention is needed. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed among brewery employees in Lagos, Nigeria. Pure-tone audiometry (PTA) was performed, paired with a self-report questionnaire. Personal noise dosimetry (PND) was also performed with an additional group of participants. (3) Results: A total of 458 employees were submitted to PTA. The Packaging and Utilities department reported the largest shifts in hearing thresholds (18 dB [sd = 15] and 16 dB [sd = 15] @4kHz, respectively). No significant effect of department type on auditory health could be found. PND results were obtained from 39 employees. Packaging and Sales were identified as the most exposed departments. (4) Conclusions: A healthy hearing profile was found for a large proportion of the brewery employees (91.7%). However, NIHL (noise-induced hearing loss) proportions specifically among Bottling and Sales employees were elevated.