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This study aims to analyze the protein aggregates spatial distribution for different cataract degrees, and correlate this information with the lens acoustical parameters and by this way, assess the cataract regional hardness. Different cataract degrees were induced ex vivo in porcine lenses. A 25 MHz ultrasonic transducer was used to obtain the acoustical parameters (velocity, attenuation, and backscattering signals). B-scan and Nakagami images were constructed. Also, lenses with different cataract degrees were sliced in two regions (nucleus and cortex), for fibers and collagen detection. A significant increase with cataract formation was found for the velocity, attenuation, and brightness intensity of the B-scan images and Nakagami m parameter ( ). The acoustical parameters showed a good to moderate correlation with the m parameter for the different stages of cataract formation. A strong correlation was found between the protein aggregates in the cortex and the m parameter. Lenses without cataract are characterized using a classification and regression tree, by a mean brightness intensity ≤0.351, a variance of the B-scan brightness intensity ≤0.070, a velocity ≤1625 m/s, and an attenuation ≤0.415 dB/mm·MHz (sensitivity: 100% and specificity: 72.6%). To characterize different cataract degrees, the m parameter should be considered. Initial stages of cataract are characterized by a mean brightness intensity >0.351 and a variance of the m parameter >0.110. Advanced stages of cataract are characterized by a mean brightness intensity >0.351, a variance of the m parameter ≤0.110, and a mean m parameter >0.374. For initial and advanced stages of cataract, a sensitivity of 78.4% and a specificity of 86.5% are obtained.

In this work PZT sensors are proposed to characterize the impact effects in fiber glass composite plates. To provide effective and reliable results the analysis was accomplished on samples submitted to multiple impacts, then guaranteeing the same testing conditions for different impact levels. The analysis of the impact effect has been made by two parameters; amplitude response and time shift. PZT sensors have been bonded to the samples in a pitch-and-catch configuration and the Lamb wave symmetrical mode (S 0) signal was used. The results demonstrate that the two evaluated parameters are able to characterise the different damage types occurring in these composites, as well as to evaluate their severity. It was also observed that amplitude predict well the defect size, whenever fiber-breakage occurs.

Based on this work, a medical prototype will be developed for early cataract detection, classification, and hardness estimation.

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