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Digital Image-based Elasto-Tomography (DIET) is a novel surface-based elasticity reconstruction method for determining the elastic property distribution within the breast. Following on from proof of concept simulation studies, this research considers the motion evaluation and stiffness reconstruction of a soft tissue approximating gelatine phantom. This initial phantom work provides an intermediate stage between prior simulation studies more detailed phantom studies to follow. Reference points on the surface of a cylindrical phantom were successfully tracked and converted into a steady-state motion description. Motion error based mechanical property reconstruction allowed an estimation of the stiffness of the gelatine when actuated at 50 Hz. The reconstructed stiffness compared favorably with independently measured stiffness properties of the gelatine material when experimental assumptions were considered. An experimental noise estimate of 50% was confirmed accurate by comparing experimental motions to simulated motion data with added noise.

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The seismic performance of a test structure fitted with semi‐active resetable devices is experimentally investigated. Shaking table tests are conducted on a ⅕th scale four‐storey building using 27 earthquake records at different intensity scalings. Different resetable device control laws result in unique hysteretic responses from the devices and thus the structure. This device adaptability enables manipulation or sculpting of the overall hysteresis response of the structure to address specific structural cases and types. The response metrics are presented as maximum 3rd floor acceleration and displacement, and the total base shear. The devices reduce all the response metrics compared with the uncontrolled case and a fail‐safe surrogate. Cumulative probability functions allow comparison between different control laws and additionally allow tradeoffs in design to be rapidly assessed. Ease of changing the control law in real‐time during an earthquake record further improves the adaptability of the system to obtain the optimum device response for the input motion and structural type. The findings are an important step to realizing full‐scale structural control with customized semi‐active hysteretic behaviour using these novel resetable device designs. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Non-invasive estimation of arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) and heart rate using pulse oximeters is widely used in hospitals. Pulse oximeters rely on photoplethysmographic (PPG) signals from a peripherally placed optical sensor. However, pulse oximeters can be less accurate if the sensor site is relatively cold. This research investigates the effects on PPG signal quality of local site temperatures for 20 healthy adult volunteers (24.5 ±4.1 years of age). Raw PPG data, composed of Infrared (IR) and Red (RD) signals, was obtained from a transmittance finger probe using a custom pulse oximeter (PO) system. Three tests were performed with the subject's hand surface temperature maintained at baseline (29 ±2°C), cold (19 ±2°C), and warm (33 ±2°C) conditions. Median root mean square (RMS) of PPG signal during the Cold test dropped by 54.0% for IR and 30.6% for RD from the baseline values. In contrast, the PPG RMS increased by 64.4% and 60.2% for RD and IR, respectively, during the Warm test. Mean PPG pulse amplitudes decreased by 59.5% for IR and 46.1% for RD in the cold test when compared to baseline, but improved by 70.1% for IR and 59.0% for RD in the warm test. This improvement of up to 4x in signal quality during the warm condition was associated with a closer match (median difference of 1.5%) between the SpO2 values estimated by the PO system and a commercial pulse oximeter. The differences measured in RMS and mean amplitudes for the three tests were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Overall, warm temperatures significantly improve PPG signal quality and SpO2 estimation accuracy. Sensor site temperature is recommended to be maintained near 33°C for reliable transmittance pulse oximetry.