Illness representations and coping following an abnormal colorectal cancer screening result.

Receipt of an abnormal screening test result is likely to activate an illness representation that guides emotional, cognitive and behavioural responses. The study investigates relationships between illness representations specified by self-regulation theory, and coping responses in people receiving abnormal faecal occult blood test (FOBT) screening results during the UK colorectal cancer screening pilot. After completion of all clinical investigations and treatment, men and women diagnosed with invasive cancer (N=196), adenoma (N=208), or no neoplasia (N=293) completed measures of illness representations, coping and state anxiety.

Development of a shape memory alloy actuator for transanal endoscopic microsurgery.

This paper describes problems in traditional transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM), and proposes a mechatronics approach in new design. As one of several actuation mechanisms to expose rectal cavity, a compression coil spring made of shape memory alloy (SMA) has been studied. A custom SMA spring actuator was designed to displace 12 mm with 45 N driving force.

Nondestructive Quality Evaluation of Agricultural Products - Industrial Application.

Use of nondestructive quality evaluation techniques for agricultural products is steadily increasing. Reasons for increased application and refinements of techniques in processing of agricultural products are discussed, especially with regard to more automation and less labor in processing, increased processing rates, and demand for more quality and uniformity of product. Information is presented on a number of nondestructive techniques presently being used, and the need for additional development is covered.