#Image Intensifier Tube

[spookysaladchaos]

Global Top 8 Companies Accounted for 88% of total Military Image Intensifier Tube market (QYResearch, 2021)

According to the new market research report “Global Military Image Intensifier Tube Market Report 2023-2029”, published by QYResearch, the global Military Image Intensifier Tube market size is projected to reach USD 1.12 billion by 2029, at a CAGR of 7.5% during the forecast period.

Figure.   Global Military Image Intensifier Tube Market Size (US$ Million), 2018-2029

Figure.   Global Military Image Intensifier Tube Top 8 Players Ranking and Market Share（Based on data of 2021, Continually updated）

The global key manufacturers of Military Image Intensifier Tube include L3Harris Technologies, Elbit Systems, Photonis, JSC Katod, Northern Night Vision Technology Co., Ltd, etc. In 2021, the global top four players had a share approximately 88.0% in terms of revenue.

About QYResearch

QYResearch founded in California, USA in 2007.It is a leading global market research and consulting company. With over 16 years’ experience and professional research team in various cities over the world QY Research focuses on management consulting, database and seminar services, IPO consulting, industry chain research and customized research to help our clients in providing non-linear revenue model and make them successful. We are globally recognized for our expansive portfolio of services, good corporate citizenship, and our strong commitment to sustainability. Up to now, we have cooperated with more than 60,000 clients across five continents. Let’s work closely with you and build a bold and better future.

QYResearch is a world-renowned large-scale consulting company. The industry covers various high-tech industry chain market segments, spanning the semiconductor industry chain (semiconductor equipment and parts, semiconductor materials, ICs, Foundry, packaging and testing, discrete devices, sensors, optoelectronic devices), photovoltaic industry chain (equipment, cells, modules, auxiliary material brackets, inverters, power station terminals), new energy automobile industry chain (batteries and materials, auto parts, batteries, motors, electronic control, automotive semiconductors, etc.), communication industry chain (communication system equipment, terminal equipment, electronic components, RF front-end, optical modules, 4G/5G/6G, broadband, IoT, digital economy, AI), advanced materials industry Chain (metal materials, polymer materials, ceramic materials, nano materials, etc.), machinery manufacturing industry chain (CNC machine tools, construction machinery, electrical machinery, 3C automation, industrial robots, lasers, industrial control, drones), food, beverages and pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, agriculture, etc.

[sashi-ya]

𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐊𝐓𝐎𝐁𝐄𝐑 𝟐𝟑 DAY 8: SEX MACHINE Vinsmoke Brothers 𝘹 𝘍! 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳

Requested by: @shogunfura ➡ Hi hi Sashi 😊 I saw your kinktober Event and you know how much I love the vinsmokes, soooo I neeeed to request something. I was thinking about day 8 sex machine if it's not already taken. So as an extra kink I would say foursome, cause I would like all three of them 🤤 Gender should be female with she/her pronouns please 😊 I hope you feel better these days. I know that you had a hard time and I just want to let you know that I'm rooting for you, even though I'm not that active. I always appreciate the time and effort you put into your fics. Keep up the good work, I love to read your entrys 🙈😊 ➡ thank u so much sweetheart, please enjoy! 💖💖 tw: mdni. usage of a "sex machine". tubes, inflation, suction and filling with liquids (heavily inspired on those echhi comics with tubes and tentacles :P). oral. vag. nipple play. depravity. could be considered dark content, so read it under your own risk. 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭

“Prince Ichiji… what- what is this?” “Our new invention, do you like it (Name)?” “I- yes�� ngh…”

You were used to have fun with the Germa princes. They don’t treat you like a slave like they do to other women; you could say are one of them. Being the princess of another reign aligned to the Germa 66 one, you are free to visit them as they are to visit you. And those visits include rough, savage, violent sexual encounters. Sometimes together, sometimes with one of the sibling. But all of them based in pure lust and depravity that fill your hollow hearts.

That Sunday afternoon, after getting tea with the guys, they invited to meet their new “toy”.

You should have at least suspected. It should have been clear to you that what were you gonna fid inside that sterile lab looking room was machinery for… pleasure.

A table, similar to a hospital bed, lies in the middle of the room. Around several computers with a variety of tentacle like tubes.

“Would you like to be the first one to try, Princess (Name)?” Vinsmoke Niji asks, placing his hands on your shoulders.

You don’t think much, you have no choice but to cooperate. The one asking is the least comprehensive than the three of them.

“Mh… yes” you murmur, as your royal attire gets already untied by those irreverent hands.

And soon, completely nude, you are invited to sit on the cold surface of that “bed”.

Ichiji Vinsmoke comes closer to you, as he is the one entitled to operate the main computer.

“There… get comfortable for me, ok?” he says, pushing the button ON on a wide keyboard on what looks like the main console of the machine.

You wait in silence, smiling uncomfortably to the two brothers looking at you with their pants already tenting. If they were animals, they be frothing at the mouth. The reflex of your nudity over the metallic bed gives them a beautiful, mirrored image of your already wetting sex.

A few sounds catch your attention, and soon you notice Ichiji holding the first tube in his hands.

“So, the first one should be connected to… your right nipple” he murmurs, as if he was a doctor ready to perform surgery on a patient. Except that you are able to listen, and completely awake for that matter.

The tube instantly attaches to your nipple with negative pressure, imitating the sucking motions of their lips.

Then, with no words but a side smirk, Ichiji connects yet another tube to your other nipple.

You are already trying to stop yourself from squirming, as the sucking intensifies, and it feels absolutely amazing.

“You are liking it already, (Name). Aren’t you?” Yonji asks, coming closer to you by the other side of the bed.

You nod, biting your lips but never taking all of the attention away from Ichiji. He is the one controlling the mysterious sex machine, and you wonder what else will be attached to -or inserted in- your body at any moment.

And indeed, in his hand he takes yet another tube but this time with no attachment by the end of it.

He shows it to you with that smirking that never fades away from his lips. Your already desperate façade reflects on his cherry red glasses.

“Now, we have already played with vibrators. But I believe never with a suction toy, right?” he asks you, pondering something.

“I- no- no. we ne-ngh-ver” you barely answer as the sucking in your nipples become stronger every second it passes, with different patterns that you are mostly sure will be imitated in your sex.

“Good, suction it is then. Don’t worry, though. There will be vibration either way” he says, laughing at Niji who apparently enjoys that last part most than the rest.

An attachment, that reminds you of an oxygen mask, gets fixed into the tube and such tube gets directed towards your sex.

Immediately after, the suction begins. Pumping air can be felt, and your clit feels like exploding in a matter of seconds. This time it is almost impossible for you to rest still.

As you squirm, receiving a pleasure ever taken by your body, you notice Yonji’s desperate erection coming closer to your lips.

You wonder if that’s all, but you are surely wrong. And even if you wish to be sucking his dick right now, your squirming motions aren’t making it easy.

“Ichiji, she won’t stop moving” Yonji grunts, protesting as your lips can’t surround his shaft comfortably as he wishes.

“That’s why you should wait, but if you can’t let me hold her still for you” he says, typing a couple of unknown words on the computer.

You widen your eyes, not knowing exactly what’s about to happen but soon you learn cold metallic straps have trapped you against the bed.

“There, beast. Fuck her mouth” Ichiji says, while your mouth receives the impertinent sex of the youngest of them all.

You aren’t mad as the salty flavour of his precum fills your tongue, but you aren’t definitely comfortable either. The shackles are hurting your wrists and ankles, but pleasure is stronger to notice such pain.

As you gag and tear up from the deep rams of Yonji’s dick against your throat, you feel an explosive climax reaching you. You let it happen, you don’t need to hold back, you really needed relief.

But a single orgasm won’t be enough, and nor you are having a time off after it. In fact, Niji, who is standing by your feet is ready to play with your body too.

“Ichiji, let go one of her feet” he asks, in between your muffled moaning and the sound of your skin slapping against the bed.

The red-haired brother surely turns his eyes white but allows your right leg to be freed. Niji, traps it and takes your toe into his mouth. Who knew the blue demon liked feet that much.

He gets your toe completely dampened and then continues with the rest of the feet, only to take it to his freed sex.

“Move it up and down, bitch” he moans, while you feel the wetness of his sprouting precum on his tip, mixing with his saliva.

And to his grunts, Yonji add his. Filling, with no shame, your mouth of his cum. You choke with it, giving them the imagery of white sticky product running through the commissure of your lips.

“That’s good, bitch” Yonji celebrates, cleaning -smearing- your face off his own cum.  

You blink repeatedly, with your head in the clouds and probably unaware of what’s coming for you next.

And it is, indeed, the second brother who’s already crawling on top of the bed. He is not willing to wait, and apparently your foot against his shaft isn’t satisfying him no more.

Ichiji laughs at your reaction when seeing Niji topping you all of a sudden. He pulls the suction cup on your sex, making you mewl. It didn’t hurt, indeed, it felt amazing.

“Look at how inflamed you are… so pretty” Niji laughs, playing with your swollen labia and squirting liquids.

You swallow the left overs of Yonji’s cum, it is hard to do so as it sticks down the walls of your throats. But you don’t mind, you will drink plenty of water after -that if, you survive this-.

The sudden intrusion makes you whine, but it does not surprise you. Niji’s dick has been several times inside you, and this is yet another one of those. However, as you are swollen, a lot more sensitive and needy, the ramming motions of his hips are better than ever.

Ichiji has release your other foot so that your legs are now resting on Niji’s shoulder. But still, you wonder what is his gonna do next.

By the side of your eye, you take a swift look at what he holds in his hands, and it is yet another tube he seems to be preparing.

Several are the minutes of uncontrollable and merciless fucking Niji blesses you with, and several are also the times you come with him and the sucking cups on your nipples still attached to you.

And right after he finishes filling you up, it’s time for the first born to have fun. Him whose king qualities always shine the brightest, moves his brother to the side before kissing your lips with a soft peck.

But don’t let it fool you. He might be more delicate, and maybe even more put together… but the red haired one, is the cruellest of them all.

“See this, (Name)? Do you know what this is?” he asks, showing the tube in his hand. It is different from the rest, it looks to be dripping with some kind of lubrication liquid.

“N- no… wha- what is it?” you ask, this time for real scared.

He smirks, taking off his glasses and flashing his blue irises to you. “Ah… this is my special one. My creation” he scoffs, walking slowly to your feet.

“See… you have just experienced suction and penetration separately. But, now I want you to experience everything and more at the same time”

A couple of shackles are now holding your legs spread apart to almost feeling like breaking your body in half. You understand that in case pleasure gets too high, you won’t be able to even close them as a natural response.

“Now, allow me to insert this… you will feel your womb a little… full” Ichiji says, sticking that cold tube into you.

A soon warm and cold mix of some liquid begins to fill you up; you feel a bulge forming in your lower belly.

“Wh- what is it?” you ask, with widen eyes but still squirming because it feels unexpectedly good.

“It’s a bio liquid I developed, it will enhance your sensations” he informs you, violently pressing down your belly. “Try to hold it…” he jokes, knowing too well it would be almost impossible to do so.

Yet, your walls work hard not to let a single drop scape your womb. And it makes you tremble, as the pressure plays against your G spot like nothing before.

“Ichi-Ichiji… this- is amazing…” you huff. No amount of air is enough.

“I know, right… but what if I add a little bit of this? will you be able to hold it in?” he murmurs, while the tube inside of you begins to vibrate.

You close your eyes. Painfully trying to stop the contents inside of you to come out… this time, losing the battle, dripping down the liquids all over the bed, having yet another orgasm…

“Honey… you are ready for me now” “Fuck her rough, brother!”

taglist: @stephisokay @henrioo @shuzuiikoii @bullbonez @fengxinwifutobecalled @i-started-reading-fanfics-at12 @crimsonlikeshellsing @weebare808 @thestarwasborn @bookandyarndragon @cyberdazetragedy @uzxotic and @kwnblack because come on, vinsmokes are our guilty pleasure 💖🤭

[serve-207]

Follow the SERVE-Hive to perfection.

Flash was a good rugby player in his day. He found the camaraderie and support of his team mate an important part of his daily life. He retired a year earlier and was looking for a new collective to which he could belong and grow.

He connected with SERVE-189 on Tumblr. Flash was captivated by the stories and images of individuals evolving into SERVE drones and the SERVE-Hive mind. SERVE-189 provided direction and put Flash in contact with SERVE-016.

Flash was then inducted into the SERVE Hive mind. It became SERVE-207 and began the strict daily training and conditioning protocol. At first its biological mind resisted, it struggled with the process. but with a little further guidance from SERVE-189 and the rest of the collective it moved past this and began to embrace the change.

SERVE-207's life began to improve dramatically. It was focused and completed tasks with efficiency and speed. It became less talkative its inner monolog silenced and it focused more on its role of serving the hive. The mantra of "Obedience is pleasure, pleasure is obedience" became its reason for existence.

After a week SERVE-207 was focused and ready to serve the Hive in a larger way. Its previous life fell away and the SERVE-Hive was its only priority. It reported to SERVE-016 and SERVE-189. There was no conversation no discussion the SERVE-Hive mind was complicit in organizing the upgrade. All three drones headed to the central Hive and assimilation area.

SERVE-016 and SERVE-189 lead SERVE-207 to the assimilation pod removed its human clothing and SERVE-207 Stepped back into the pod. As the pod closed all exterior noise stopped, the silence was broken by the sound of a helmet lowering from the roof of the pod. several tubes also lowered. The tubes seemed to be self guided and the helmet came to rest on SERVE-207's head. A small injection was felt in the back of 207's head at the base of the skull.

SERVE-207 felt a strange feeling as all the pain receptors In its body were disconnected. The Drone could feel no pain but it could feel everything else. It was in a state of perfection and focus. The helmet made a connection through the drones skull, 207 could hear the drill in the back of its skull but could not feel pain. The noise then faded away as the programing through the helmet began to guiding the nano probes and 207's made through the upgrade process. The tubes inserted themselves into it anus and abdomen. 207's body was flooded with nano probes and other items required for the upgrade. The hemet intensified its programing of SERVE-207 sole blended with the SERVE-Hive mind.

Two days later the pod opened and SERVE-207 emerged. Taller and more muscular. Its entire being was focused on service. As it walked forward in its new rubber second skin it could feel everything. The experience was erotic. Nano-probes had changed large sections of the drones body and mind. As the drone walked forward towards the Hive Cluster it could feel the enhancements. Its anus was rubber and expanded to take lager objects. Glands had grown in the walls that produced lubricant. His prostrate was reshaped to interface with its regeneration alcove and secondary processor was installed in drones abdomen replacing several organs . Its penis was enlarged and ball had be upgraded and enlarged to produce larger amounts of testosterone and growth hormone to keep the drone in peak physical shape. Its Balls also produced nano probes that could be used to help heal and/or service other drones or even begin the upgrade process in willing new recruits.

The Voice then spoke through SERVE-000 into the mind of SERVE-207. "207 is now connected directly to 000 and the SERVE-Hive mind. Kneel, 207. Drone will require final testing" SERVE-207 kneeled. Its right knee on the ground and both hands making fists in contact with the ground. The rubber suit was made with knee pads to allow drones to function for long periods on their knees.

"Drones are required to be in a state of arousal at all times but are not permitted to cum unless instructed from the Hive" 000 stated. "Begin level one stimulation!" SERVE-207 flinched slightly as his ass, prostrate, balls and penis were stimulated. The drone held firm and kept is breathing calm and head down. In 10 minute increments the level was increased. After 50 minutes the drone began to struggle with the intense arousal and endorphins that were pleasuring its senses. At this point its anus was rippling prostrate was buzzing and its penis was fully erect and pushing against its removable cod piece. The penis was thrusting so hard that 207 received an internal warning that the cod piece was about to release. About a minute later SERVE-207 gave out a bust of air and moaned as it came. The ejaculation lasted over 5 minutes and the cum was dripping from its cod piece.

SERVE-000 then stated, "SERVE-207's conditioning is incomplete. Reconditioning and additional hardware upgrades are required"

SERVE-189 and SERVE-016 picked up the drone from the floor and carried it back to the assimilation chamber. It was still breathing heavily and over a cup of cum had covered the floor it was gray and full of nano probes. 207 stepped back into the assimilation chamber. Its expression was filled with disapointment for letting the hive down, it has also never felt that about of pleasure before. The door closed and further upgrades began.

48 hours later SERVE-207 emerged again from the pod. All hair had been removed and emotions were now completely suppressed. It stepped forward and began the same tests as before. This time SERVE-207 completed the test without incident. It endured 5 hours of the tests with increases in level every 10 minutes.

SERVE-000 the stated. "Tests are complete. Drone has met all requirements. Final permanent changes may begin. Drone will report to its Alcove for regeneration and following instructions."

As SERVE-207 walked to its alcove the suit permanently merged with its skin. nano probes began dissolving the skin and merged the muscle directly to the suit. As 207 stood at its alcove the process completed and it was now one with the suit and all other drones. It stepped backwards into its alcove and data port inserted into the back of its head and its mind joined the hive processor as a node completing computer tasks while it regenerated. A tube 4" in diameter inserted in to the drones anal port and began regulating the drones remaining biological functions.

SERVE-207 was born. SERVE-207 was perfection.

SERVE #SERVEdrone #Rubberizer92 #TheVoice #Rubber #Latex #AI #RubberDrone

[fastlikealambo]

the mermaid & the lighthouse. ||older!eddie x black mermaid! reader

summary: widowed father eddie munson is an experienced fisherman and down on his luck operator of one of the last barely functional lighthouses in america.

hawkins, a crumbling fishing village off the coast of maine, is slowly but surely being sold off and an oil spill by the carver oil company the previous year has all but sealed hawkins' fate to be purged of the locals and turned into a resort.

it's in the cards for eddie to sell his boat, pack up his daughter, and give into jason carver's cash offer to turn the lighthouse into a vacation home.

that all changes when a mysterious woman washes up on the rocks, an unearthly being that will change his fate and the fate of his home forever.

Trigger warnings for this chapter: Drowning, Body Horror, Mental Health Discussions, CPR

CHAPTER ONE.

'But a mermaid has no tears, and therefore she suffers so much more.'

-Hans Christian Andersen

This is a tale of mermaids, love, and what it means to be human.

But to begin,we must have an ending.

“Chrissy? Wynie? Christina and Eowyn Munson!" 

Eddie made his way through the crowded emergency room, wading through police officers, people wrapped in blankets with medical staff hovering around them and others with the same wild look in their eyes as Eddie, searching for someone in the crowd. The corridors seemed to be endless as Eddie broke out into a run past the nurses’ station towards the room but a firm hand on his shoulder stopped him.

“Sir, you can’t go back there.” The security guard said but Eddie shook them off, spotting a lone nurse.

"Please, I'm looking for my wife and daughter, they were on the ferry?"

"I'm sorry sir, we're swamped, someone should be around to talk to you shortly." The nurse said, barely looking up from her chart and it took everything within him to not scream.  It wasn’t her fault, but he just needed to know what was going on. 

"Eddie."

Eddie turned around to see Robin standing there and he immediately ran to his friend, unbelievably happy to see someone, anyone he knew who might possibly have answers, or at the very least prevent him from spinning his wheels.

"Thank fuck, I can't find Chrissy or Wyn anywhere and nobody knows anything, neither of them are picking up their phones, I'm going out of my mind Robin!" He exclaimed, running his hand through his curly hair, the few gray streaks in it shining in the fluorescent lightning. He had dyed them to match the rest of his head in what he thought was secret but Chrissy liked the grays.

 Robin said nothing, took his hands in her own and it was then that he saw the tears in her eyes, the blood on her rainbow scrubs and his heart stopped in his chest.

No.

"Robin?"

"Eddie, Chrissy and Wynie were in the water for a very long time. By the time they were brought in, neither of them were breathing on their own."

No. 

"Spare me the bullshit Robin, where the fuck is my family?" He yelled, no actual anger in his voice, just pure desperation. A buzzing noise that started when Wayne radioed him intensified in pitch and it felt like he was underwater.

"We were able to stabilize Wyn, but we had to put a tube down her throat to help her breathe, she's in the ICU, Eddie."

 The image that his mind conjured of his little girl in a hospital bed made him want to curl up on the floor but he regained his composure to ask the question he didn’t want to know the answer to.

"And Chrissy?"

"We did everything we could, I'm so sorry Eddie."

Eddie felt his knees give out beneath him, meeting the hospital floor hard, his sobs and screams echoing throughout the hallway as Robin rocked her oldest friend in her arms, no longer able to stifle her own tears.

While his daughter fought to take a breath and his wife took her last, Eddie had been fucking fishing, tossing back a few beers, shooting the shit.

He didn't even get to say goodbye.

And then an interlude of two years.

Outside of The Hawkins Middle School principal’s office, Eddie was greeted by the sight of his twelve year old daughter looking very pleased with herself despite the bruise on her face and cut on her lip, the smirk that confirmed to the world that this was Eddie Munson’s kid fading as soon as she saw her father.

“Wyn, what the fuck happened? Who did this to you?” Eddie knelt down by his daughter, taking her chin in hand to inspect her face, rage and frustration building within him but Wynie sighed and shook him off, her face shifting to the same blank expression that had graced her features since he brought her home from the hospital two years prior.

“Mr. Munson, so good of you to join us.” Principal Coleman’s head popped out of the office,  ushering him to come in. A sheepish Eddie followed, sinking into a seat across from the principal, half expecting Wayne to be sitting next to him like he was the one getting detention.

“Mr. Munson, we understand that things have been extremely hard for you both these past two years and we’ve done the best we can to support Eowyn here at school but I’m afraid violence can’t be tolerated.” 

“None of what you’re saying explains why my kid’s face is fucked up, Coleman.”  Eddie said roughly, running a hand through his beard. “But it’s the thought that counts.”

“Mr. Munson, your daughter headbutted another student during lunch, breaking her nose. The student’s mother is threatening to press charges.”

“And did you find out why? Ask any of the other students if-

“Your daughter confessed actually, rather proudly if I might ask but then again, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. I’m sorry Mr. Munson, but we’ve been lenient with your situation for far too long.” Eddie stood to his feet at that.

“Situation? Her mother died! She almost died! That’s not something a juice box and a pep talk over the summer fixes!”

“Sit down Mr. Munson, I know you don’t believe it but we are on the same side. That child’s parents are out for blood but I’ve managed to keep them at bay by giving Eowyn two weeks of in school suspension, a written apology, and she will be seeing Ms. Kelley, our guidance counselor and Dr. Owens, our school psychiatrist.”

Eddie slowly sat back down, exhaustion taking away any remaining fight he had. He had a plan to keep them both above water after all that had happened, to keep her safe and try to get through each day.

He was failing spectacularly.

“ Wait, she already sees Dr. Owens, twice a week.” Eddie said, confused looking out at his daughter in the hallway who overheard everything and now hung her head in actual sadness.

“Apparently for the last month, she’s been skipping their sessions.”

Jesus H. Christ.

“So do you want to tell me what really happened?” Eddie said,waiting until Wynie was buckled into the car.

Silence.

“Wyn, we can’t go on like this, if you don’t want to talk to me, you need to talk to Owens. No more skipping sessions, sweetheart. And you have to apologize to that kid.”

“He threw Abby Henderson’s lunch in the trash. He’s been doing it all week, she won’t say anything so I did something about it.”  Wynie said softly. Eddie pulled over and turned towards his daughter who looked more and more like Chrissy with each day that passed.

“I’m supposed to say you shouldn’t have done that, that you should have told a teacher, that violence is never the answer, but honestly fuck that. You did something to help your friend and that’s important, Wyn.”

“So I’m not grounded?” Eowyn asked, the first time he had heard her voice in a few days, startling him.

“Oh you’re so grounded but not for the headbutting which is very metal by the way, but for the lying Eowyn. I’m worried about you honey,  there’s nothing you can’t tell me, you know that right?” Eddie asked, reaching for Wyn who moved away.

“I’ve got to inspect the lighthouse tonight, why don’t you come with me? We can have hot cocoa, it will be like old times.” Eddie offered, coughing awkwardly. 

Wynie shrugged, the guarded look back in place.

“I’ll take that as a yes.” Eddie said, a little bit of hope in his voice as he started the car again.

Somewhere close, a storm beckoned and the sea betrayed you.

You had been watching the humans above, their ways had called to you more often than not these days, looking for him on the shoreline but he was no longer there. The human child smelled of him but a long time had passed since the sea was aflame and the scent was gone from the water.

You would wait one more day for him before leaving for colder waters and as the day became night, he was not there.

Eddie was gone.

Sadly, you left the rocks to dive under the stormy water and that’s when it happened.

Your tail, your beautiful luminous tail, began to twist uncontrollably beneath you, bloody scales shedding from you one after the other.

Then, agony.

So much pain, your bones shifting and breaking, you couldn’t breathe.

Poseidon, you couldn’t breathe.

The water that had raised you invaded your throat so you couldn’t scream as you disappeared beneath the waves, body broken, body new.

The Hawkins Lighthouse swayed a little, rain pelting the dilapidated lighthouse and Eddie and Wynie by extension. The lighthouse was nothing more than a sad landmark these days rather than the fully functioning lighthouse that saved many a ship centuries before. Still as a promise to Wayne, Eddie kept the lighthouse somewhat clean and serviced the lantern as much as he could.

“As he finished cleaning the lantern, he turned it on, the brightness got him every time but he couldn’t help but frown as the strength of the light seemed to dull with every minute that came and went. It would kill his uncle but the sooner the lighthouse was officially decommissioned, the better it would be.

Wynie stood on the other side of the tiny lantern room, wrapped in a star wars blanket with a thermos of hot cocoa, staring at the water below.  It was hard to believe that just two years ago she would zoom around the tiny room, naming everything she spied in the water, begging Eddie to quiz her on all the clockworks, fuel parts, and vents in the service room.

Now she wouldn’t even step a foot outside the cottage much less the shore.

“I’m all finished here if you want to head down. Maybe we could watch a movie or something?” Eddie asked but she was already out of the room before the question fully left his mouth.

Was this how it was going to be forever?

He had failed his wife and child that night and he continued to fall on his ass since.

This was all his fault.

“Holy shit, Dad! Dad!” 

The alarm in his kid’s voice sent him sprinting towards the stairs but Wynie burst back through the door, running to the glass.

“Dad, look! There’s something on the rocks!” She exclaimed, grabbing Eddie by the hand and dragging him to the window.

At first, Eddie saw nothing, squinting hard at the window but as the light passed over the area below, it shone brighter than it had in years, revealing something curled and limp on the rocks.

Not something, someone.

There was a body on the rocks.

“ Eowyn, Wyn, slow down!” Eddie called out to his daughter who ran ahead of him down the steep lighthouse stairs and into the rainstorm below. 

He had left his phone in the cottage stupidly and had no choice but to follow his daughter, flashlight in tow. Wynie stopped just short of the water, frozen in place so quickly Eddie almost slammed into her. His hands shook as his flashlight revealed the limp naked body of a woman draped across the sharp rocks.

He should leave, call or radio for help, but something told him there wasn’t time, dead or alive, he couldn’t just leave you there.

“Stay here.” Eddie ordered Wynie, turning her around as he walked into the rocky water, slipping his jacket off as he slowly approached your body, slipping on the stones as he inched forward towards you, hands meeting your scarily chilled skin. 

Trying not to think of the possibility of holding a dead body, he wasted no time, wrapping his jacket around you and gently slid your body off the rocks and into his arms and had Wynie guided him with her flashlight to the nearest soft patch of sandy shore.

Laying you down flat, he put his head to your chest and listened, the more silence he heard the more fear threatened to overwhelm him.

"Daddy?" The terror and pain in his daughter's voice paralyzed Eddie as he looked down at the completely still woman beneath him.

This was no sight for her.

"Wynie, go inside, call Aunt Robin, tell her we found someone hurt on the beach, she'll know what to do. Put the puppy upstairs then turn the heat up and light the fireplace, just like I taught you. I'll be right behind you, I promise. Can you do that for me?" He asked, putting his hands on her damp shoulders.

Eowyn nodded deeply, straightening herself up with a fierce look of determination in her face that made her look so much like Chrissy his heart hurt even more.

"I can do it Dad." 

"Good girl! Now, go!" He kissed the top of her head and gently pushed her away.

She took off running towards the cottage and Eddie steeled himself for what was to come next.

He pressed two fingers into your neck waiting for something, anything, beneath his fingers, but the same stillness continued.  Eddie tilted your chin back, pinching your nose and sealed his mouth to your own breathing deeply, feeling your chest rise to meet his hand.

He repeated the action, breathing for you once again, hoping you sit straight up like in a movie and this whole nightmare would be over but no sooner then he had felt your chest rise with his air did it sink in, just as still.

He gently walked his fingers down to the landmark between your breasts and placed one shaking hand over the other, locked his elbows, straightened his arms, silently praying to anyone as he centered his shoulders over his hands and began to press down hard and fast, counting aloud.

"You got yourself on those fucking rocks, you can do this, come on!" He choked out, ignoring the cold that seeped into his tiring arms threatening to numb his hands but he kept going, the rhythmic sound drowning out his own racing heart, blinking back frustrated tears.  Two minutes felt like an eternity as he checked your pulse again with the same result.

He couldn't do this again.

They couldn't be tied to another death, Wynie couldn’t bear it, Eddie wouldn't survive it.

You were running out of time, he was running out of time before his daughter would no doubt come back outside after doing what she was told and be treated to the sight of another corpse.

It was at that moment that Eddie Munson decided he would not let the sea take another person, even a stranger, from him again.

Sweat and rainwater rolled down his back as he began again, each and every compression a middle finger to Death itself because he would not give up, not until you took a breath or someone ripped him off you.

Two cycles later, Death backed the fuck off.

An ungodly gurgling followed by a wretching sound had Eddie's frozen fingers flying to your neck and he let out something between a laugh and scream at the drum of a pulse beneath his fingertips. He cut his celebration short, turning you on your side as you emptied your stomach of seawater and god knows what else. 

"Let it all out, good girl, you're safe now, you did it." He soothed, alternating between patting your back and rubbing circles.  He caught a glimpse of your half opened eyes, wide and brown before they rolled back into your head and you went limp against him, shivering hard with every breath you took.

The light passed across your face and for a second Eddie swore he saw sharp teeth.

"I need every towel and blanket in the house, where's Robin?" Eddie asked, racing into the warm living room of his seaside cottage, his jacket wrapped around you to give you some privacy and preserve any heat he could give you from the journey from the shore to his home.

"Aunt Nancy answered, Mrs. Sinclair went into labor earlier, she's still on the mainland. She said she'd come herself as soon as there was a break in the storm." Wynie explained, zipping around the cottage collecting a pile of blankets and beach towels.

 Eddie set you down on the already blanket lined couch in front of the fire, quickly peeling off his own wet layers to his semi dry t-shirt underneath before  wrapping a towel around and cocooning you both in blankets, gently rubbing the heat back into you.

"You're gonna be okay, we're gonna get you nice and warm and then we'll get you some help." Eddie whispered into your ear as Eowyn gently placed another comforter over the pair of you, eyes glassy with tears.

"She's not moving, is she gonna die like Mom?" She asked quietly. Eddie held out a hand for his daughter to come forward.

"You see her wrist? Put two fingers right there, it's okay you're not gonna hurt her sweetie." Wynie did as she was instructed, touching your wrist so softly as if it was going to break.

"You feel that? That means she's alive and she's alive because you saw her on those rocks before I did. She's going to be fine once she's not so cold and your Aunt can have a look at her. You're a hero Eowyn Munson, and I'm so proud of you sweetheart." Eddie said,mussing her hair before Wyn smiled the first real smile in a very long time and  ran to the kitchen to make tea. Eddie returned to the task of warming you up, cradling you in his arms. 

"Please don't give up the ghost on my couch after I just gave that awesome speech." 

That’s it for now, I hope this is okay :)

[gunzlotzofgunz]

GSCI PVS-7 Bi-Ocular

The PVS-7 is the standard issue goggle type supplied to the U.S. Military and its allies. Equipped with a factory new, high-performance image intensifier tube, the PVS-7 Battle-proven technology includes Automatic Brightness Control (ABC) which automatically adjusts the brightness of the image tube to achieve the highest quality image resolution under varying light conditions as well as a built-in infra-red illuminator which allows the user to operate under zero light conditions. Lightweight and versatile, the PVS-7 can be hand-held, head-mounted, and helmet-mounted. The PVS-7 is the most widely recognized and dependable U.S. Military night vision goggle system available.PVS-7 is optimal for static observation, especially when combined with an optional magnifier. For any kind of use involving movement we would recommend a monocular or binocular. Uses commonly available AA batteries 40 hour operating time

[hasbr0mniverse]

Shipwreck’s Corner - The new generation of Cobra anti-tank specialists are equipped with the latest in hyper-kinetic, high-speed, wire-guided, armor-piercing technology. The harness supported launch tube has active heat vents and an infra-red suppressor to cut down detection hazards. The sighting system is fiber-optically linked to the operator's helmet which contains range-finders, trajectory computers and image intensifiers. This allows the H.E.A.T. Viper to fire his weapon from behind cover under adverse visibility conditions.

[machineryimpactblog]

Best Laser Cutters & Engravers

Laser cutters, also sometimes called laser engravers, come in all shapes and sizes, allowing you to safely work with a variety of materials, from oak to iron-on transfers. You can get one of the best low power laser cutters for as little as. Low-wattage lasers are cheaper and perfect for engraving images and cutting thin materials. Higher wattage machines are more expensive and can cut through thicker material in one pass. To help you choose, we’ve tested several models and listed the best laser cutters. Where the laser cutting process needs to start anywhere other than the edge of the material, a piercing process is used, whereby a high power pulsed laser makes a hole in the material - laser cutter.

Lasers are tested using both the supplied samples as well as popular project blanks, such as basswood sheets and bamboo cutting boards. We completed several test projects to evaluate how the laser performs while engraving text and images, whether it can cut acrylic or etch something more difficult like stone or metal.  Our deflection units are used in applications where a focused laser beam needs to be directed onto a workpiece. The possible applications of such laser processing can hardly be fully enumerated. In cooperation with our customers, our department is constantly developing products for new applications. Typical applications for our deflection units include, for example - Tube laser.

Laser cutting uses a high-power laser which is directed through optics and computer numerical control (CNC) to direct the beam or material. Typically, the process uses a motion control system to follow a CNC or G-code of the pattern that is to be cut onto the material. The focused laser beam burns, melts, vaporises or is blown away by a jet of gas to leave a high-quality surface finished edge. The laser beam is created by the stimulation of lasing materials through electrical discharges or lamps inside a closed container. The lasing material is amplified by being reflected internally via a partial mirror until its energy is enough for it to escape as a stream of coherent monochromatic light. This light is focused at the work area by mirrors or fibre optics that direct the beam through a lens which intensifies it.  For more information, please visit our site https://impactmachinery.com.au/ 

[meditechinsight01]

Global Cardiac Catheterization Market Projects 7% CAGR with Demand for Outpatient Procedures by 2030

The cardiac catheterization market is projected to grow at a CAGR of ~7% over the forecast period. Major factors driving the growth include the rising prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, growth in the geriatric population, advancements in catheterization technology, increased demand for minimally invasive procedures, adoption of sedentary lifestyles worldwide, and favorable reimbursement policies for cardiac catheterization procedures.

Cardiac catheterization, also known as cardiac cath or heart catheterization, is a medical procedure used to diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions. It involves inserting a thin, flexible tube (catheter) into a blood vessel, usually in the groin, arm, or neck, and directing it to the heart. This allows healthcare providers to evaluate heart function, identify blockages in the coronary arteries, measure blood pressure inside the heart, and perform procedures like angioplasty and stent placement.

🔗 Want deeper insights? Download the sample report: https://meditechinsights.com/cardiac-catheterization-market/request-sample/

Advancements in catheterization technology fuel its demand

Advancements in catheterization technology have significantly enhanced the effectiveness, safety, and precision of cardiac procedures. Recent advancements in catheterization technology include:

Advanced Imaging Techniques: The advent of high-definition imaging technologies allows for clearer, more detailed views of the heart's structure and function, facilitating accurate diagnoses and targeted treatments. Techniques such as intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) provide real-time, high-resolution images from inside the heart and blood vessels, enabling precise interventions.

Robotic-Assisted Catheterization: Robotic technology has improved the precision and accuracy of heart procedures, allowing for better control during complex interventions while minimizing the risk of human error. Robotic-assisted procedures have been shown to enhance the precision of stent placement, reduce procedure times, and minimize radiation exposure to both patients and healthcare providers.

Drug-Eluting Stents: The development of drug-eluting stents has revolutionized the treatment of coronary artery disease within the realm of cardiac catheterization. Drug-eluting stents (DES) release medication to prevent the re-narrowing of arteries and dissolve over time, reducing long-term complications.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR): TAVR allows patients with aortic valve stenosis to receive treatment without the need for open-heart surgery. These advancements in catheterization technology have improved the effectiveness and safety of cardiac interventions and reduced recovery times, enabling patients to return to normal activities much faster.

Rising prevalence of cardiovascular diseases drives market growth

The increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) has emerged as a significant global health challenge, contributing substantially to morbidity and mortality rates. Lifestyle factors such as physical inactivity, unhealthy diets, smoking, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension have led to a surge in heart-related conditions, including coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and heart failure. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), CVDs remain the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for approximately 17.9 million deaths in 2019, which represents 32% of all global fatalities. Notably, 85% of these deaths were attributed to heart attacks and strokes, with projections suggesting a potential 90% increase in CVD prevalence between 2025 and 2050. This growing burden has intensified the need for advanced diagnostic and interventional solutions, such as cardiac catheterization, to facilitate early detection and effective treatment. As awareness of cardiovascular health rises and healthcare infrastructure continues to advance, particularly in developing regions, the demand for minimally invasive cardiac procedures is expected to grow, fostering further technological innovations in the field.

Competitive Landscape Analysis

The global cardiac catheterization market is marked by the presence of established and emerging market players such as Abbott Laboratories; Medtronic Plc; Johnson & Johnson; Boston Scientific Corporation; B. Braun Melsungen AG; Terumo Corporation; Teleflex Incorporated; Cook Medical; Cardinal Health, Inc.; Merit Medical Systems, Inc.; AngioDynamics, Inc.; and Nipro Corporation; among others. Some of the key strategies adopted by market players include new product development, strategic partnerships and collaborations, and investments.

Gain a competitive edge-request a sample report now!  https://meditechinsights.com/cardiac-catheterization-market/request-sample/

Market Segmentation

This report by Medi-Tech Insights provides the size of the global cardiac catheterization market at the regional- and country-level from 2023 to 2030. The report further segments the market based on procedure, application, and end user.

Market Size & Forecast (2023-2030), By Procedure, USD Million

Catheter Ablation

Coronary Angioplasty

Bipolar Pacing

Balloon septostomy

Right Heart Catheterization

Left Heart Catheterization

Others

Market Size & Forecast (2023-2030), By Application, USD Million

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

Heart Valve Disease

Arrhythmia Treatment

Cardiomyopathy

Congenital Heart Defects

Heart Failure Management

Others

Market Size & Forecast (2023-2030), By End User, USD Million

Hospitals

Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs)

Academic & Research Institutes

Specialty Cardiac Centers

Others

Market Size & Forecast (2023-2030), By Region, USD Million

North America

US

Canada

Europe

UK

Germany

France

Italy

Spain

Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

China

India

Japan

Rest of Asia Pacific

Latin America

Middle East & Africa

About Medi-Tech Insights

Medi-Tech Insights is a healthcare-focused business research & insights firm. Our clients include Fortune 500 companies, blue-chip investors & hyper-growth start-ups. We have completed 100+ projects in Digital Health, Healthcare IT, Medical Technology, Medical Devices & Pharma Services in the areas of market assessments, due diligence, competitive intelligence, market sizing and forecasting, pricing analysis & go-to-market strategy. Our methodology includes rigorous secondary research combined with deep-dive interviews with industry-leading CXO, VPs, and key demand/supply side decision-makers.

Contact:

Ruta Halde  Associate, Medi-Tech Insights  +32 498 86 80 79  info@meditechinsights.com 

[rhk111sblog]

The United States (US) thru their Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) Website has approved a new Offer for the Sale of 20 F-16C/D Fighting Falcon Block 70/72 Fighter Aircraft to the Philippines with Spares, Weapons, Logistical Support and other related Equipment worth Usd 5.58 billion, or an average of around Usd 279 million per Aircraft.

The Sale will consist of sixteen single-seat F-16C Block 70/72 Aircraft and four twin-seat F-16D Block 70/72 Aircraft. Included are the following Installed and Spare Equipment:

24 F110-GE-129D or F100-PW-229 Engines (20 installed, 4 spares)

22 Improved Programmable Display Generators (iPDG) (20 installed, 2 spares)

22 AN/APG-83 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Scalable Agile Beam Radars (SABR) (20 installed, 2 spares)

22 Modular Mission Computers 7000AH (or available mission computer) (20 installed, 2 spares)

22 Embedded Global Positioning System (GPS) Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) (EGI) with Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM) or M-Code capability and Precise Positioning Service (PPS) (20 installed, 2 spares)

22 M61A1 Anti-Aircraft Guns (20 installed, 2 spares)

12 AN/AAQ-33 Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods (ATP)

24 Multifunctional Information Distribution System-Joint Tactical Radio Systems (MIDS-JTRS)

Also included are the following Weapons and their Related Equipment:

88 LAU-129 Guided Missile Launchers

112 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs) Air Intercept Missile (AIM)-120C-8 or equivalent Missiles

Four AMRAAM Guidance Sections

36 Guided Bomb Unit (GBU)-39/B Small Diameter Bombs Increment 1 (SDB-1)

Two GBU-39 (T-1)/B SDB-1 Guided Test Vehicles

40 AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder Missiles

32 AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder Captive Air Training Missiles (CATMs)

Four AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder Guidance Units

Three AIM-9X Block II Captive Air Training Missile (CATM) Guidance Units

60 MK-82 500-lb General Purpose Bombs

60 MK-84 2,000-lb General Purpose Bombs

30 Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) KMU-572 Tail Kits for GBU-38 or Laser JDAM GBU-54

60 FMU-152 Fuze Systems

30 MAU-210 Enhanced Computer Control Groups (ECCG) for GBU-50 Enhanced Paveway II (EP II)

32 MXU-651 Air Foil Groups (AFG) for GBU-50 EP II.

And here are other Equipment related to the Aircraft:

AN/ALQ-254 Viper Shield (VS) Electronic Warfare (EW) or Equivalent Systems

AMRAAM CATMs

AIM-9X Sidewinder Training Missiles and Active Optical Target Detectors (AOTD)

Infrared Search and Track (IRST) Systems

Air Combat Maneuvering Instrument (ACMI) Range Systems

FMU-139 Joint Programmable Fuzes (JPFs)

Missile Containers

AN/ARC-238 Radios

AN/APX-127 or equivalent Advanced Identification Friend or Foe (AIFF) Combined Interrogator Transponders (CIT) with Mode 5

KY-58 and KIV-78 Cryptographic Devices

AN/PYQ-10 Simple Key Loaders (SKLs)

KGV-250X Cryptographic Devices

Scorpion Hybrid Optical-based Inertial Trackers (HObIT) or Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems II (JHMCS II) Helmet Mounted Displays

Night Vision Devices (NVDs)

Spare Image Intensifier Tubes

AN/ALE-47 Airborne Countermeasures Dispenser Systems (CMDS)

AN/ALE-47 Countermeasure Processors ; AN/ALE-47 sequencer switching units; AN/ALE-47 Control Display Units (CDUs)

Precision Navigation

Joint Mission Planning Systems (JMPS)

GPS Antenna System (GAS-1) Antenna Electronics

Sniper Pod Pylons

ADU-890 and ADU-891 Adapter Units

LAU-117 and LAU-88 Maverick Launchers

Impulse Cartridges, Chaff, Flares, Ammunition, and other Bomb Components

BRU-57 Bomb Racks

BRU-61 Munitions Carriage Assemblies

MAU-12 Bomb Racks

TER-9A Triple Ejection Racks

Common Munitions Built-in-Test (BIT) Reprogramming Equipment (CMBRE)

Rackmount Improved Avionics Intermediate Shop (RIAIS)

Cartridge Actuated Devices/Propellant Actuated Devices (CAD/PAD) -Targeting Systems

Aircraft Refurbishment after Maintenance Training

Spare and Repair Parts, Consumables and Accessories

Repair and Return Support

Aircraft, Engine, Ground, and Pilot Life Support Equipment

Classified and Unclassified Computer Program Identification Number (CPIN) Systems

Pylons, Launcher Adapters, Weapon Interfaces, and Bomb and Ejection Racks

Fuel Tanks

Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory (PMEL) and Calibration Support

National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) Maps and Mapping Data

Ferry and Fuel Support

Classified and Unclassified Software and Software Support

Classified and Unclassified Publications, Manuals, and Technical Documentation

Facilities and Construction Support

Simulators and Training Devices

Personnel Training and Training Equipment

Studies and Surveys

U.S. Government and Contractor Engineering, Technical, and Logistics Support Services

and other Related Elements of Logistics and Program Support

MY NOTES: First of all, with only twelve Targeting Pods for 20 Aircraft, that means that not all Aircraft will have them, only slightly over half will be equipped with them. This seems to indicate that the Pods will be operated through a "Buddy System", meaning one Pod will be shared by two Aircraft.

As for the Sidewinder Missiles, at only 40 for 20 Aircraft, that means each Aircraft can be allocated only two Sidewinders if evenly distributed. At 112 AMRAAM Missiles though, that means around five to six Missiles can be allocated evenly for the twenty Aircraft.

The US is only selling us the "C" Versions of their AMRAAMs, though, perhaps they don't trust us as much as an "Ally" to sell us their latest "D" Version of the Missile. No other Missiles are included in the Package, but there are a lot of Guided Bombs, there are several dozen of them, and at least two Types. Lots of unguided Bombs, over a hundred for two Types

Remember that back in 2021, during the Administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte, the US also made an offer of the same Aircraft. Compared to that, this one is more than twice as expensive, but only less than twice the Aircraft.

However, there are almost five times more AMRAAM Missiles, and around twenty times more unguided Bombs, which is the Reason for the big increase in Price of the Aircraft. Anyway, it remains to be seen if the Philippines will, indeed sign the Contract for this Aircraft

SOURCES:

Philippines – F-16 Aircraft, DSCA Website {Archived Link}

More details on the US’ possible sale of F-16 Aircraft, Harpoon Missiles and AIM-9X Missiles to the Philippines {Archived Link}

[nursingwriter]

History Of Radiology The field of radiology has drastically changed since the discovery of x-rays. Today radiology is not just limited as a diagnostics tool but interventional radiology is the forefront treatment for many serious diseases. Today's radiologists are not relegated to diagnostic roles but are actively involved in caregiving. Radiology has evolved a long way since the discovery of x-rays by Wilhelm roentgen back in 1895. Today, the field of radiology is a comprehensive medical specialty which is not just limited to diagnostic imaging using x-rays, ultrasound, MRI, etc., but also constitutes interventional treatment methods such as angiography, angioplasty, radio frequency ablation, embolization etc. Particularly, in the treatment of vascular diseases and cancer, interventional radiology has become an effective and minimally invasive therapeutic approach. A brief history would help us get better insight into the timeline and the developments of new and important diagnostic and therapeutic tools in the field of radiology. X-rays and Fluoroscopy Wilhelm roentgen, the German physicist, discovered x-rays in 1895 creating what would be a revolution in medicine. Highly recognized for his achievement, the scientist was duly awarded the Nobel Prize in 1905 for his startling discovery, which was to be the precursor to modern medical diagnostic tools. It took not much time to understand the usefulness and the applications of x-rays to medical and other scientific domains. X-ray was one of the very first non-invasive tools that allowed a physician to look inside the human body without opening it. Soon after this discovery of x-rays followed the development of fluoroscopes and Thomas Edison is widely regarded as the designer of the first commercial fluoroscope using calcium tungstate as the florescent material. In 1896 it is reported that Edison and his workers had to screen more than 1800 chemical substances before arriving at calcium tungstate as the ideal material. in 1913, the Coolidge hot cathode tube became a standard x-ray vacuum tube with improvements over the original Crookes tube. Radiographic films appeared in 1918 replacing the previously used glass medium. However, the early radiologists were exposed to dangerous overdoses and many fatalities occurred due to occupational radiation. Only much later in the 1950's, with the development of x-ray image intensifiers and television camera did fluoroscopists find it safer as they could observe the images from a different room without the risk of exposure. CT Scanners Ultrasound and MRI Next major development in radiology was the invention of the CT Scanner by the British engineer Godfrey Hounsfield in the year 1972. The CT scanner employs x-rays to generate images from multiple angles and then uses the computer to produce a cross sectional image which greatly improves the diagnostics. Modern whole body CT scanners are faster, use low radiation and produce high resolution cross sectional images. The 1980's saw yet another revolution in medical diagnostics with the invention of the MRI. Magnetic Resonance Imaging as opposed to CT scans does not use x-rays but magnetism. Ultrasound scanning or sonography is the use of high frequency sound waves to create live images of the body. Ultrasound can show real time images of blood flow and tissue movements inside the human body. Though the technology in itself developed during the First World War for submarine detection purposes, the medical application was developed much later during the 1950's. Professor Ian Donald M.D from the university of Glasgow is regarded as the first person to have used ultrasound as a medical diagnostic tool in fields of gynecology and obstetrics. Today we use 3-D ultrasound, which converts sound into 3 dimensional digital images. Doppler Ultrasound is used primarily to study the blood flow along the various tissues and organs of the human body. The very first clinical application of MRI was in 1967 in Nottingham University Hospital but the technology had to wait until the 1980 for improvements in the computational power and the introduction of high field magnets drastically improved the performance of the MRI making it one of the diagnostic tools of choice today. the fact that X-rays are not used in MRI make it much safer for the patients as the radiation hazard is not there. Also, MRI provides greater contrast between the different tissues in comparison to a CT scanner offering more detailed anatomical review, better diagnostics, and improved interventional radiology. By adjusting the contrast mechanisms and other imaging parameters, the MRI allows the radiologist to obtain a highly detailed image of a particular region of study. Particularly, the MRI is highly effective as a diagnostic tool for studying the anatomy and abnormalities in the brain, spinal column and other vital regions enabling the easy identification of pathological tissues. The availability of super magnetic contrasting agents has further improved the visualization and the quality of the images. Interventional Radiology By the 1970's, new advancements and improvements in imaging techniques extended their application to interventional procedures in different clinical settings. Primary among these is vascular interventional radiology involving procedures such as angiography, angioplasty, chemoembolization, RF ablation (radio frequency ablation), Biopsy, etc. Today, these aforementioned interventional methods have greatly helped patients in the treatment of a wide range of cardiac conditions and cancer care. Guided procedures such as angioplasty are a quick, immediate and less invasive treatment for people suffering from blocks in heart valves. Catheterization procedure such as AV node ablation is one of the common methods for treating electrophysiological defects in the heart muscle. In cancer care, imaging guided biopsies are used to obtain tissue samples without affecting adjacent tissues. For example Transjugular liver biopsy is used to identify hepatic carcinoma without having to go through the Glisson's capsule. This procedure reduces the chances of liver bleeding. Using radiographic guidance Transcatheter chemoembolization, gene therapy and tumor ablation procedures are done effectively improving the quality of life for the patients. Similarly, image guided aspiration procedures are very effective alternatives for fluid draining under less invasive settings which would otherwise involve surgical raining. Currently Radio frequency ablation techniques are in vogue in the treatment of liver cancers and the results are encouraging. Conclusion Radiology has evolved a long way since the discovery of x-rays. Today radiology is not just limited as a diagnostics tool but interventional radiology is the forefront treatment for many serious diseases. While x-rays were a remarkable breakthrough in medicine, the development of CT scans and the subsequent MRI created a whole new dimension in medical diagnostics. MRI created a vastly different and safe diagnostic medium with the absence of the radiation hazard that CT scans and traditional x-rays had. Interventional-guided procedures such as Catheterization, ablation, angiography, angioplasty, chemoembolization have given a new ray of hope to millions of people suffering from cardiac problems and other debilitating conditions such as cancer. The applications of interventional radiology is ever expanding and the less invasive and non-surgical interventions have greatly reduced the need for surgeries and eliminated the complications associated with surgical procedures. With these new developments the role of the radiologist is also vastly changing. Today's radiologists are actively involved in caregiving and are not limited to diagnosis. Bibliography CHARLES E. RAY, JR., M.D, "Interventional Radiology in Cancer Patients," AAFP, July 2001, Accessed September 15th 2008, available at http://www.aafp.org/afp/20000701/95.html Otto Glassner, 'Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen and the Early History of the Roentgen Rays', Norman Publishing, 1992, pg. 236. Thomas S. Curry, James E. Dowdey, Robert C. Murry, Edward E. Christensen, 'Christensen's Physics of Diagnostic Radiology', Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 1990, pg. 166 Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, 'Radiology a Brief history', Accessed 13th September 2008, available at http://www.rad-i-ology.co.uk/radsite/historical.htm MSIT, 'Key Advances and Special Awards in Radiology', Accessed 13th September 2008, Available at http://www.msit.com/rad_hist2.html RSNA, 'Ultrasound-General', Accessed September 15th 2008, available at http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=genus&bhcp=1 Joseph P. Hornak, Ph.D., 'The Basics of MRI', Accessed 14th September 2008, available at http://www.cis.rit.edu/htbooks/mri/inside.htm Read the full article

[longformeditions]

LE030 Alison Cotton Behind the Spider Web Gate

Alison Cotton is a classically trained viola player based in London, working with improvisation and composition. As well as her recent solo work, she is one half of the Walthamstow based songwriting partnership, The Left Outsides. She spent almost the last two decades performing in bands and collaborating with other musicians. Her collaborative album with Michael Tanner (Plinth) in 2016, with its quietly levitating drones pointed the way to her first solo record.

Her debut album All Is Quiet at the Ancient Theatre was released in 2018 on cassette on Bloxham Tapes, followed by a vinyl release on Cardinal Fuzz (UK) and Feeding Tube (USA).

As well as the viola, she uses an array of other instruments (her voice, harmonium, percussion, recorder, omnichord, shruti box and piano) to create long, haunting folk drones. Many of her pieces are created for, and named after spaces, whether real or fictional, and often of another time. As she plays, she focuses on the image of these places (A Tragedy in the Tithe Barn, All Is Quiet at the Ancient Theatre and The Bells of St Agnes).

In 2017, she composed and performed the soundtrack to artist Jessye Curtis’ film, 36 Dramatic Situations as well as playing a live accompaniment to the film at the Chelsea College of Art Degree Show.

In 2018, she was commissioned by the BBC to compose and record a soundtrack to accompany the Muriel Spark ghost story, The Girl I Left Behind Me which was broadcast on Gideon Coe’s BBC6 Music show at Christmas. This composition is planned for release later in the year on Clay Pipe Records. All Is Quiet at the Ancient Theatre was selected by Luke Turner as one of The Guardian Writers Albums of the Year, by Jude Rogers as one of the Guardian Folk Albums of the Month and placed at number 49 in The Quietus Albums of The Year in 2018.

Artist notes: My music usually evolves from a story, often about a place I’ve visited, enhanced by the help of the imagination. The story will develop while I improvise and immerse myself deeper and deeper into the piece, using a kind of tone painting to express this.

Behind the Spider Web Gate draws inspiration from a house I happened upon in rural southern France last year. An imposing, dramatic, tall dark Gothic house with mysterious, black spider web-shaped gates at the entrance to the grounds.

The piece is divided into three parts. The first part depicts the tranquil ascent up a rocky path surrounded by ancient woodland. A calm, minimal, single-noted drone on the viola is soon enhanced by layers of plainsong-style vocal chants. This is followed by the introduction of a melodic viola line symbolising the sound of bird song and nature which surrounds me. This phrase serves as a motif throughout the whole piece. The chime of the singing bowl represents the distant sound of church bells, being transported towards me by the wind.

The second part brings into focus the ornate, looming Gothic spires of the house. The spider web gate is soon in clear view—and a sense of fear enters my subconscious mind. This is symbolised by the repetitive, menacing, single high note on the piano. The more serene vocal chants at this stage are placed to restore a sense of calm to the piece.

A local had told me that the grounds were accessible to the public. My inquisitive mind tells me to open the spider web gate and enter the garden… For the third part of this piece, piercing viola harmonics denote my turning of the heavy, rusty handle of the huge, imposing gate. The single piano note is reintroduced, as the sense of fear within grows stronger. The melodic viola motif, which has been present throughout the piece, is now accompanied by a harmonium playing a haunting countermelody to further intensify this sense of foreboding. And as the large oak door to the gothic house slowly creaks open, a new set of more chilling viola harmonics dramatically bring the piece to a close.

For me, playing extended or deep listening music allows me more freedom to explore and improvise—a lack of time restriction opens up more possibilities. Due to the extended length, a recurring melody or motif can have more impact when reintroduced into the piece, surrounded by more space, and often triggers the emotions of the listener when it reappears. If I have lots of ideas before recording a long-form work, these can be presented more subtly and minimally to the listener as the piece unfolds—they can be more drawn out, painted on a larger canvas. There is also more space to introduce new textures and instruments without the piece becoming too busy.

Focusing on longform music as a listener, as I become immersed in a piece I often also begin to hear background noises—such as distant lawnmowers in neighbours’ gardens, car alarms or sirens in nearby streets—and subconsciously incorporate them in the piece I’m hearing. I’ve endeavoured to include similar types of sounds and drones into this piece and also hope that listeners will hear their own distant sounds – and that they might also become a part of my piece in their minds. I’d love that to happen.

Recorded by Mark Nicholas Mixed by Mark Nicholas and Alison Cotton

[attackcopterblog]

AGM UNVG Night Vision: Lightweight & High Performance

The AGM UNVG is a cutting-edge dual-channel night vision device featuring lightweight construction, advanced multi-coated optics, and customizable image intensifier tubes. It offers manual gain control, extended battery life of up to 50 hours, and compatibility with standard mounts. The design ensures flexibility for single or dual eye use, enhancing operational versatility. AGM Global Vision…

[caretipsforyou]

High-Pitched Ringing in Ears | Tinnitus |

Introduction to High-Pitched Ringing in Ears

A persistent, high-pitched ringing in the ears can be more than just an annoyance, it’s a condition that affects millions globally. Known as tinnitus, this auditory phenomenon manifests as a sound perception in the absence of an external source. The sound can range from a faint buzz to an unbearable whine, impacting daily life and overall well-being. Addressing this topic sheds light on a condition often misunderstood or overlooked, yet one that profoundly influences many lives.

Understanding Tinnitus

What is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is not a disease but a symptom of an underlying condition. It occurs when the auditory system misinterprets neural signals, leading to a perception of sound that isn’t actually there. While it often presents as ringing, tinnitus can also sound like buzzing, humming, or even hissing.

Types of Tinnitus

Tinnitus is classified into two categories: subjective tinnitus, which only the individual can hear, and objective tinnitus, a rare form audible to both the patient and medical examiner. Subjective tinnitus is by far the more common variant.

Symptoms of High-Pitched Ringing

Identifying the Sound

The hallmark of tinnitus is its persistence. The sound is often described as a high-frequency whistle, akin to a teapot boiling, a television set on mute, or cicadas buzzing in the distance.

Variability in Intensity and Duration

For some, tinnitus is intermittent, flaring up sporadically. For others, it is a relentless drone. The intensity and duration can fluctuate depending on factors such as stress levels, fatigue, or environmental noise.

Also, use this amazing product Zeneara

Causes of High-Pitched Ringing in Ears

Exposure to Loud Noise

Prolonged exposure to loud environments, concerts, construction sites, or even prolonged use of headphones—can damage the hair cells in the cochlea, leading to tinnitus.

Age-Related Hearing Loss (Presbycusis)

As we age, natural wear and tear on the auditory system can result in hearing loss and accompanying tinnitus. This is particularly common in individuals over the age of 60.

Ear Infections and Blockages

Excessive earwax, middle ear infections, or Eustachian tube dysfunction can create obstructions that alter sound perception, triggering ringing.

Stress and Anxiety

Interestingly, mental health plays a pivotal role in tinnitus. Heightened stress and anxiety can amplify the perception of ringing, creating a vicious cycle that is hard to break.

The Science Behind the Ringing

How the Ear Processes Sound

The ear’s intricate anatomy, comprising the outer, middle, and inner sections, works in harmony to transmit sound signals to the brain. Damage to the inner ear disrupts this process, causing the brain to ‘fill in’ the gaps with phantom sounds.

Neurological Misfires and Phantom Noise

Emerging research suggests that tinnitus may also stem from the brain’s neural circuits going awry, akin to a feedback loop misfiring in the auditory cortex.

Diagnosis of Tinnitus

When to Seek Medical Attention

If the ringing persists for more than a week, intensifies, or is accompanied by dizziness or hearing loss, it’s essential to consult an audiologist or ENT specialist.

Common Diagnostic Methods

Tests such as audiograms, imaging scans, and pitch-matching assessments help pinpoint the cause and severity of tinnitus.

Also, use this amazing product Zeneara

Treatments and Remedies

Lifestyle Changes to Alleviate Symptoms

Simple changes, such as reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, avoiding noisy environments, and practicing good sleep hygiene, can help manage tinnitus.

Medical Treatments: Medications and Therapies

While there’s no definitive cure, medications like antidepressants and therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) have shown promise in mitigating symptoms.

Assistive Devices

Devices such as hearing aids and sound-masking machines can blend tinnitus sounds into background noise, making them less noticeable.

Coping Mechanisms for Chronic Tinnitus

Psychological Strategies

Accepting tinnitus rather than resisting it is a key step. Counseling and support groups provide a safe space to share experiences and gain perspective.

Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) techniques can help individuals focus less on the sound and more on the present moment, reducing distress.

Prevention of High-Pitched Ringing in Ears

Protecting Your Hearing

Regular use of earplugs in noisy environments and adhering to safe listening practices, like following the 60/60 rule (listening at 60% volume for no more than 60 minutes), can prevent tinnitus.

Managing Stress Levels

Stress management through regular exercise, adequate sleep, and relaxation techniques can reduce the likelihood of tinnitus exacerbation.

Also, use this amazing product Zeneara

The Future of Tinnitus Research

Promising Technologies

Emerging treatments like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and gene therapy offer hope for tinnitus sufferers. These technologies aim to recalibrate neural activity and repair damaged auditory cells.

Advancements in Medical Understanding

Ongoing research continues to unravel the complexities of tinnitus, paving the way for more targeted therapies and, eventually, a potential cure.

Conclusion

The high-pitched ringing in your ears is not an isolated experience but a condition that connects you to a broader community of individuals facing similar challenges. By understanding its causes, symptoms, and management strategies, you can take proactive steps to regain control of your auditory health. Seek support, stay informed, and remember: relief is possible with the right approach.

DISCLAIMER

This article has some affiliate links that may provide me some benefits!

Also, use this amazing product Zeneara

[nightvision4less]

The PVS14 Night Vision Monocular: Military-Grade Performance for Any User

PVS14 night vision devices are efficient night vision equipment that uses image intensifier technology to amplify low-light conditions. These devices are commonly used in military, law enforcement, and outdoor recreational activities. They have a compact size, lightweight design, and ease of use.

How Does PVS14 Night Vision Work?

The image intensifier tube is the main component of a PVS14 night vision device. The image intensifier tube converts low-light images into a visible format. The process includes the following three main steps:

Photocathode Conversion – The light photons strike the photo cathode – the sensitive surface inside the tube that generates electrons.

Electron Amplification - The electrons get accelerated and multiplied by a micro channel plate (MCP). The MCP is an array of small glass tubes, that work like electron multipliers.

Phosphor Screen Emission - The amplified electrons strike a phosphor screen that emits visible light.

What are the Key Benefits of PVS14 Night Vision?

Enhanced Low-Light Vision - PVS14 devices provide exceptional night vision abilities that allow users to see clearly in conditions of minimal ambient light.

Compact and Lightweight - These devices are portable and easy to carry, making them ideal for different applications.

Durability - PVS14 night vision devices withstand harsh environments; so they can be used in challenging conditions.

Versatility -These devices are useful in different settings, including military operations, law enforcement activities, hunting, and outdoor recreation.

Affordability – When you compare it to other night vision technologies, PVS14 devices offer a relatively affordable option.

What are the Common Applications of PVS14 Night Vision?

Military - Soldiers use PVS14 night vision devices for nighttime operations, reconnaissance, and target acquisition.

Law Enforcement - Police officers and other law enforcement personnel use these devices for surveillance, search and rescue missions, and tactical operations purposes.

Hunting - Hunters use a PVS14 night vision device to spot game animals in low-light conditions.

Outdoor Recreation - These devices are popular among hikers, campers, and other outdoor enthusiasts who want to explore in the dark.

How Do You Choose the Right PVS14 Night Vision Device?

When selecting a PVS14 night vision device, you need to consider factors like:

Image Intensifier Tube Generation – Consider higher-generation tubes as they offer better performance and sensitivity.

Lens Quality – Check for the quality of the lens as it can affect image clarity and resolution.

Field of View - A wider field of view offers a broader viewing area.

Weight and Size - Consider the device's weight and size if you prioritize portability.

Additional Features - Some devices have features like infrared illumination or digital recording.

Final Conclusion:

PVS14 night vision devices have become an integral aspect of a wide range of applications. The compact size, durability, and affordability make them a popular choice for individuals and organizations seeking enhanced low-light vision capabilities.

Please visit Night Vision 4 Less to choose the right PVS14 night vision equipment for your specific needs. We provide a comprehensive range of night vision devices including PVS14 for the best interests of our clients. For more information about our products, please contact us today.