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Convenient detection of amide herbicides in water is essential for assessing the herbicide pollution and proposing the corresponding countermeasures. In this work, Eu3+ and Tb3+ co-doped lanthanide metal-organic frameworks (Ln-MOF) were prepared using hydrothermal and microwave methods respectively. Their structure and optical properties were also characterized. Then the synthesized material was applied to the analysis of five amide herbicides (acetochlor, propisochlor, pretilachlor, napropamide and metolachlor) in water qualitatively and quantitatively. Results showed that the Ln-MOF prepared by microwave synthesis method was fluffy clusters with good crystallinity and high luminous efficiency. Therefore, the microwave synthesis method was selected. Test results show that diverse herbicides quench the fluorescence of Tb3+ and Eu3+ differently, which can change the color of emission light, then realizing the visual detection of amide herbicides in water. Further, when the concentration of pretilachlor is between 0.1 to 1 mmoL/L, the emission intensity ratio of I (Tb3+)/I (Eu3+) increased with increase of the concentration of pretilachlor, with a correlation coefficient of R2 = 0.998. The limit of detection is 0.08 mmoL/L. Moreover, Ln-MOF can also be used for the qualitative analysis of the herbicide in lake water. These results indicated potential application of Ln-MOF for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of amide herbicides in water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moisture sorption has a great impact on the mechanical properties of lignin. To better characterize the moisture sorption of lignin, an approach for in situ qualitative and quantitative analysis of moisture adsorption in nanogram-scaled lignin by using micro-FTIR spectroscopy and partial least squares regression is introduced in this study. Spectra of nanogram-scaled lignin were collected within the relative humidity (RH) of 0%–92%. A qualitative analysis of these measured spectra confirmed the effective water sorption sites and determined spectral ranges related to moisture adsorption. Using these identified spectral ranges, a quantitative forecasting model for the moisture content (MC) of lignin was built and developed according to partial least square regression (R2, 0.9996; RMSECV, 0.408; RMSEP, 0.118). Furthermore, the water sorption isotherm of lignin was acquired using the established forecasting model in which a very positive correlation between the estimated and measured MCs was demonstrated using a dynamic vapor sorption (DVS) setup. The results confirmed the practicability and effectiveness of this in situ qualitative and quantitative analysis approach. Unlabelled Image • Approach for analyzing moisture sorption in nanogram scaled lignin was confirmed. • Carboxyl and hydroxyl groups proved effective sites for moisture sorption. • Micro-FTIR spectral ranges of lignin related to moisture sorption were determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Erycibe obtusifolia and E. schmidtii are widely used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to treat joint pain and rheumatoid arthritis. With the reduction of wild E. obtusifolia and E. schmidtii resources, Porana sinensis has been widely used as a substitute. However, few studies have been conducted on the chemical composition and quality control of P. sinensis. Objective: To clarify the chemical composition and improve the quality control of P. sinensis. Methodology: We developed an ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionisation Q‐Exactive Focus tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐ESI‐Q‐Exactive Focus‐MS/MS) method to characterise the chemical constituents of P. sinensis. A strategy based on a combination of high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography (HPTLC) and direct analysis in real‐time (DART) ion source was proposed for the identification of alkaloid components in P. sinensis. Thin‐layer chromatography (TLC) autography for 2,2′‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl free radical (DPPH˙) and TLC bioautography for xanthine oxidase were used to rapidly screen marker compounds for high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) determination of P. sinensis. Based on the selected marker compounds, a HPLC method for the quantitative determination of eight marker compounds in P. sinensis was developed. Results: Eighteen compounds in P. sinensis were identified by UHPLC‐Q‐Exactive MS. Taken together with the results of TLC autography and TLC bioautography, eight compounds were chosen as marker compounds for HPLC determination of P. sinensis. The alkaloid components in P. sinensis were identified as Baogongteng A and Baogongteng C by DART‐MS. Conclusion: We systematically clarified the chemical composition of P. sinensis for the first time, and potentially improved its quality control. These results should promote the application of P. sinensis as a new resource for Caulis Erycibes. With the reduction of wild Erycibe obtusifolia and Erycibe schmidtii resources, Porana sinensis has been widely used as a substitute. The study systematically clarified the chemical composition of P. sinensis, and the proposed HPLC method can potentially improve quality control of P. sinensis. Combined with previous reports, the study identifies similarities in chemical components between P. sinensis and Erycibe species; it also provides a reference for the use of P. sinensis as a substitute. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • An approach to calculate the effective carbon number is suggested. • A FID response factor prediction formula is deduced and verified. • How to judge the effectiveness of relative response factors of FID is proposed. • Material balance is obtained by quantitative analysis of coal-based crude oil. Abstract To realize the fast and accurate determination of coal-based crude oils, gas chromatography combined with mass spectrometry and flame ionization detection is employed to assist in qualitative and quantitative analysis. In addition, material balance is introduced into the analysis at the same time as a constraint. A new equation is deduced and verified, which can predict flame ionization detection relative response factors mainly by the molecular formula of the compounds. Meanwhile, the formula is integrated with the area normalization method. The standard compound addition method is employed to test the reliability as well, and the recovery experiments show that the designed system is simple, fast, accurate and effective. Finally, the analytical method system is applied to characterize the light weight fractions of coal-based crude oil, and the results show that approximately 70–80 wt% of the components can be balanced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An improved, reliable and comprehensive method for assessing the quality of the ethyl acetate extract from persimmon leaves (EAPL) and its commercial preparation, Naoxinqing (Brain and Heart Clear capsules), has been developed and validated. Based on HPLC-DAD-ESI-Q-TOF-MS analysis, myricetin-3-O-β-D-galactoside (1), myricetin-3-O-glucoside (2), quercetin-3-O-β-D-galactoside (3), quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucoside (4), quercetin-3-O-(2″-O-galloyl-β-D-galactoside) (5), quercetin-3-O-(2″-O-galloyl-β-D-glucoside) (6), kaempferol-3-O-β-D-galactoside (7), kaempferol-3-O-β-D-glucoside (8), kaempferol-3-O-(2″-O-galloyl-β-D-galactoside) (9), kaempferol-3-O-(2″-O-galloyl-β-D-glucoside) (10), quercetin (11) and kaempferol (12) were identified from 15 batch samples. A HPLC fingerprint analytical method was established. All compounds, with the exception of compound 2, were simultaneously quantified by the single standard to determine multi-components (SSDMC) method, using kaempferol-3-O-β-D-glucoside as the internal standard. The rate of analysis was found to be faster with the SSDMC method than with current acid hydrolysis method (Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China 2015 edition) and the results were more intuitive and reliable. Three-dimensional principal component analysis revealed that there were similar characteristics in persimmon leaf from same district. Analysis of the myocardial cell protection activity of 11 monomeric compounds showed that compounds 12, 11 and 10 were the main active ingredients that produce pharmacologic functions in EAPL. Among these compounds, the bioactive constituent of myricetin-3-O-β-D-galactoside was determined for the first time in Diospyros khaki. Thus, we have established an effective assessment method that can be applied to the comprehensive quality evaluation of EAPL extract and Naoxinqing capsule. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • A sensitive and efficient method was established and validated for qualitative and quantitative analysis. • 52 compounds were tentatively identified using UHPLC–ESI–QTOF–MS. • 5 compounds were quantified using UHPLC–ESI–QQQ–MS/MS. • 3 batches samples were analyzed by the proposed method. Abstract A sensitive and efficient method was established and validated for qualitative and quantitative analysis on the chemical constituents in Orthosiphon stamineus Benth. (O. stamineus) using ultra high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. Based on the retention time and MS spectra, 61 compounds were detected by using ultra high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. 52 chemical structures in the O. stamineus extracts including 26 phenolic acids, 11 flavonoids, 6 diterpenoids, 4 fatty acids and 5 tanshinones were tentatively identified without the time-consuming process of isolation. Moreover, five chemical constituents (Danshensu, Caffeic acid, Rosmarinic acid, Sinensetin and Eupatorin) were quantified in three different batches of O. stamineus samples by the developed ultra high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry method in 10 min. The method validation of the five compounds was performed with acceptable linearity (R2, 0.9930–0.9997), precision (RSD, 1.87–10.36%), repeatability (RSD, 0.59–4.87%) and recovery (105.30–110.53%, RSD ≤ 13.90%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • An efficient optimal multilevel thresholding brain MRI image segmentation. • Implementation of AWDO algorithm for multilevel thresholding segmentation. • Objective is to select optimal threshold levels for better image segmentation. • Quantitative, qualitative and statistical validation of results and comparisons. • Results proved the efficacy of the proposed approach. Abstract Medical image processing is one of the real research regions in the most recent four decades. Numerous researchers have contributed very great algorithms and reported outstanding results. In this paper, adaptive wind driven optimization (AWDO) based multilevel thresholding is implemented for the segmentation Magnetic Resonance Image (MRI) brain images. The axial T2-weighted MRI brain images are considered for image segmentation. The effectiveness of the AWDO for multilevel thresholding of MR images is yet to be explored, and this paper presents humble contribution in this context. The optimal multilevel thresholding is found by maximizing the very popular objectives such as between class variance (Otsu method) and Kapur's entropy. The efficiency of proposed approach was compared with the outcomes of existing algorithms like RGA, GA, Nelder–Mead simplex, PSO, BF and ABF. To check the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm, experimental results are analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. The results showed the superiority of the proposed approach regarding better segmentation results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Carotenoid cleavage products (apocarotenoids; APOs) exert important biological functions in light perception and as vitamin A source, signaling molecules, hormone precursors, pigments and volatiles. However, an analytical method that allows simultaneous profiling of these diverse compounds is still missing. We developed an efficient method to analyze APOs present in plant tissues, which is based on ultra-high performance liquid chromatographic separation and high-resolution hybrid quadrupole-Orbitrap (Q-Orbitrap) mass spectrometry (MS). Our approach allowed unambiguous identification and quantification of volatile and non-volatile APOs in a single run. Modified sample preparation and optimized ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC)-MS parameters permitted the measurement of APOs in Oryza sativa seedlings and Spinacia oleracea leaves, unraveling 20 endogenous APOs with chain lengths ranging from C 10 to C 30 , confirmed by high-resolution MS, MS/MS data and using synthetic standards. Our experimentation demonstrates that the usage of methanol with 0.1% butylated hydroxytoluene facilitates the extraction of both short-chain and long-chain APOs from plant materials. In addition, our validated analytical method allows the quantitative analysis of APOs with a wide content range from 2.5 pg/mg to 10 ng/mg dried weight. The adoption of the analytical protocol, as described in this study, realizes the measurement of volatile APOs by using a LC-MS method, hence, allowing informative and reliable profiling of APOs, which is important for determining the content of these compounds in food and crucial for understanding their function and metabolism in plants. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • We developed a LC-MS method to analyze volatile and non-volatile apocarotenoids. • We optimized LC-MS conditions to detect simultaneously C 10 - to C 30 -apocarotenoids. • We applied the new validated method to profile 20 apocarotenoids in plant samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The Iranian city of Sari with a green nature has great environmental importance, especially in ecotourism. Thus, the proper management of medical wastes is necessary to maintain a sustainable environment. This study is aimed to determine the quantitative and qualitative wastes in the hospitals of Sari. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using a descriptive-analytical approach to analyze the infectious and noninfectious wastes of four hospitals in Sari. The data collection instrument was a checklist that was completed on visits to hospitals and observation of cases. Data analysis was performed using Excel and R software programs. Results: The average quantity of the total waste produced in hospitals was 218, 482, 19.5, and 17 kg/day for infectious, household, sharp-cutter, and pharmaceutical wastes, respectively. The rate of hospital waste production for various types of infectious, household, sharp-cutter, and pharmaceutical wastes equaled 1.15, 2.13, 0.09, and 0.28 kg/bed, respectively. Conclusion: Due to the high percentage of infectious wastes, despite considerable efforts to separate wastes, there are still problems in the hospitals that require more attention from the authorities, as well as the incorporation of new methods to render waste safe before it leaves the hospital.

In order to obtain comprehensive quality evaluation of one traditional Chinese patent medicine of Mailuoning oral liquid (MLN), one smart strategy combined by fingerprint, qualitative and quantitative analyses were carried out in this study. Firstly, the fingerprints of MLN were established by HPLC-UV and HPLC-ELSD, and explained the similarity of twenty-seven batches of MLN by similarity analysis (SA). Secondly, qualitative analysis was performed by high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-QTOF-MS/MS). A total of 60 compounds were identified or tentatively identified based on chemical standards and fragmentation information. Finally, the quantitative method based on UPLC combined with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC-QqQ-MS/MS) was developed for the simultaneous determination of 40 target compounds. The results showed that MLN samples of different productive year were clearly discriminated and eight compounds (5-hydroxymethyl-2-furaldehyde, neochlorogenic acid, loganic acid, chlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, isoacteoside, angoroside C) were selected as differential markers for MLN. In a word, this strategy including fingerprint, identification of chemical composition and multiple-component quantification could be well applied to modern quality evaluation of MLN, which could be valuable for the further quality control of more other traditional Chinese patent medicines. [Display omitted] • Fingerprint of Mailuoning oral liquid (MLN) was firstly established by HPLC-UV/ELSD. • Sixty constituents of MLN were characterized by HPLC-QTOF-MS/MS for the first time. • A sensitive UPLC-QqQ-MS/MS method of 40 components in MLN was firstly developed. • A strategy based on fingerprint, qualitative and quantitative analysis was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A real-time electric nose (E-nose) with a metal oxide sensor (MOS) array was developed to monitor 5 highly flammable liquids (ethanol, tetrahydrofuran, turpentine, lacquer thinner, and gasoline) in this work. We found that temperature had a significant impact on the test results and temperature control could efficiently improve the performance of our E-nose. The results of our qualitative analysis showed that principal component analysis (PCA) could not efficiently distinguish these samples compared to a back-propagation artificial neural network (BP-ANN) which had a 100% accuracy rate on the test samples. Quantitative analysis was performed by regression analysis and the average errors were 9.1%−18.4%. In addition, through anti-interference training, the E-nose could filter out the potential false alarm caused by mosquito repellent, perfume and hair jelly.

Background and objectives: Lack of proper management, increasing waste production and non-normative disposal of waste in addition to misspend the national capital, cause loss of precious natural resources. To address this problem we need a coherent and dynamic management program. The goal of this project is to reduce environmental pollution, cost saving, promoting citizen participation, revenue and reduce land loss. Methods: In this study, check lists, interviews and field report were used to collect data at period of one year. To determine the waste components, sampling technique was used then sampling data was imported into Excel software and was analyzed. Results: At the beginning of the project, the average per capita of generated waste was 580 g/day and at the end of the project will 660 g/day. The waste materials determined as %66.8 putrescible, %4.3 paper and cardboard, %7.2 plastic, %2.3 glass, %2 textiles, %0.2 metals, %1.6 wood, and also, hospital waste was equal to 4400 Kg. According to estimates made annual cost of solid waste management services per capita in Qom is 70 Rial and the cost of collection, transportation, separation and disposal of garbage for every Kilogram per day is 280 Rial. Conclusion: Amount of waste per capita in Qom was less than of Tehran, Delijan and Mallayer cities, and more than Esfahan and Kashan cities. Hospital waste was desirable as compared to the average of Iran.

Rapid and nondestructive near infrared spectroscopy (NIR) methods have been developed for simultaneous qualitative and quantitative analysis of methamphetamine, ketamine, heroin, and cocaine in seized samples. This is the first systematic report regarding a qualitative and quantitative procedure of applying NIR for drug analysis. A total of 282 calibration samples and 836 prediction samples were used for the building and validating of qualitative and quantitative models. Two qualitative analysis modeling methods for soft independent modeling by class analogy (SIMCA) and supporting vector machine (SVM) were compared. From its excellent performance in rejecting false positive results, SIMCA was chosen. The drug concentrations in the calibration and validation sample sets were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography. Based on the use of first-order derivative spectral data after standard normal variate (SNV) transformation correction, in the wavelength range from 10,000 to 4000cm-1, four partial least squares quantitative-analysis models were built. The coefficients of determination for all calibration models were >99.3, and the RMSEC, RMSECV, and RMSEP were all less than 1.6, 2.9, and 3.6%, respectively. The results obtained here indicated that NIR with chemometric methods was accurate for qualitative and quantitative analysis of drug samples. This methodology provided a potentially useful alternative to time-consuming gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy and high-performance liquid chromatography methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Cotton Textile Technology is the property of Cotton Textile Technology Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper concerns design thinking (Lawson, 1980), system thinking (systems theory) (von Bertalanffy, 1968), and system dynamics modeling as methodological platforms for analyzing large amounts of qualitative data and transforming it into quantitative mode. The aims of this article are to present an integral (mixed) research process including the design thinking process—a solution oriented approach applicable in the social sciences and humanities which enables to reveal causality in research on societal and behavioral issues. This integral approach is illustrated by an empirical pilot study from art/design-educational environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radix Dipsaci (RD), the dried root of Dipsacus asper , is used in traditional Chinese medicine as a remedy for bone fractures, traumatic hematoma, threatened abortion, and uterine bleeding. A novel ultra high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time-of-flight tanderm mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS) approach was performed to rapidly characterize the chemical constituents of RD. Consequently, 21 compounds, including 12 iridoid glycosides (IGs), 4 furofuran lignans (FLs), and 5 phenolic acids (PAs) were discovered and identified from RD. Among these compounds, 3 IGs were previously unreported. Furthermore, a rapid and reliable UHPLC-DAD-based method was developed. The linearity (R 2  > 0.999), repeatability (RSDs < 3.0%), intra-day and inter-day precision (RSDs < 1.6%), recovery (98.9%–102.5%), limits of detection (0.2–2.75 ng), and limits of quantification (0.75–8.5 ng) of the method was validated. The method was successfully applied for the simultaneous determination of 11 compounds in 20 batches of RD collected from various geographical regions in China. Different RD samples exhibited significantly varied contents of 11 analytes, among which IGs and PAs are abundant compounds that could be used as suitable quality markers for RD. The present study provided a useful approach for comprehensively evaluating the chemical composition and quality of RD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sols of silver nanoparticles surface-stabilized by cetyltrimethylammonium bromide or polyvinylpyrrolidone can be used for the determination of active chlorine in water samples. As analytes modeling active chlorine in water, we used freshly prepared sodium hypochlorite solutions. Because of the high values of standard electrode potentials of reduction half-reactions, active forms of chlorine can oxidize silver nanoparticles, exhibiting the effect of surface plazmon resonance with an absorption maximum near 400 nm. The absorption intensity of silver nanoparticles correlates with the concentration of sodium hypochlorite. This effect was used for the qualitative and quantitative determination of active chlorine in water samples. The quantitative characteristics of the described method were obtained for two versions of analysis, spectrophotometry and photometric titration. The calibration graphs for both versions were similar and linear in the range of sodium hypochlorite concentrations 0.1-2.5 mM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monitoring the presence of microplastics (MP) in marine organisms is currently of high importance. This paper presents the qualitative and quantitative MP contamination of two bivalves from the French Atlantic coasts: the blue mussel ( Mytilus edulis ) and the Pacific oyster ( Crassostrea gigas ). Three factors potentially influencing the contamination were investigated by collecting at different sampling sites and different seasons, organisms both wild and cultivated. Inter- and intra-species comparisons were also achieved. MP quantity in organisms was evaluated at 0.61 ± 0.56 and 2.1 ± 1.7 MP per individual respectively for mussels and oysters. Eight different polymers were identified. Most of the MPs were fragments; about a half of MPs were grey colored and a half with a size ranging from 50 to 100 μm for both studied species. Some inter-specific differences were found but no evidence for sampling site, season or mode of life effect was highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare qualitative and quantitative computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters for longitudinal disease monitoring of multiple myeloma (MM) of the axial skeleton.Materials and Methods: We included 31 consecutive patients (17 m; mean age 59.20 ± 8.08 years) with MM, who underwent all baseline (n = 31) and at least one or more (n = 47) follow-up examinations consisting of multi-parametric non-enhanced whole-body MRI (WBMRI) and non-enhanced whole-body reduced-dose thin-section MDCT (NEWBMDCT) between 06/2013 and 09/2016. We classified response according to qualitative CT criteria into progression (PD), stable(SD), partial/very good partial (PR/VGPR) and complete response(CR), grouping the latter three together for statistical analysis because CT cannot reliably assess PR and CR. Qualitative MR-response criteria were defined and grouped similarly to CT using longitudinal quantification of signal-intensity changes on T1w/STIR/ T2*w and calculating ADC-values. Standard of reference was the hematological laboratory (M-gradient).Results: Hematological response categories were CR (14/47, 29.7%), PR (2/47, 4.2%), SD (16/47, 34.0%) and PD (15/47, 29.9%). Qualitative-CT-evaluation showed PD in 12/47 (25.5%) and SD/PR/VGPR/CR in 35/47 (74.5%) cases. These results were confirmed by quantitative-CT in all focal lytic lesions (p < 0.001). Quantitative-CT at sites with diffuse bone involvement showed significant increase of maximum bone attenuation (p < 0.001*) and significant decrease of minimal bone (p < 0.002*) in the SD/PR/VGPR/CR group. Qualitative MRI showed PD in 14/47 (29.7%) and SD/PR/VGPR/CR in 33/47 (70.3%). Quantitative MRI diagnosis showed a statistically significant decrease in signal intensity on short tau inversion recovery sequences (STIR) in bone marrow in patients with diffuse bone marrow involvement achieving SD/PR/VGPR/CR (p < 0.001*).Conclusion: Imaging response monitoring using MRI is superior to CT only if qualitative parameters are used, whereas there was no definite benefit from using quantitative parameters with either CT or MRI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reports the findings of a classroom‐based study whose main purpose was to investigate the changes in the levels of FLA over the course of one semester. In addition, the study sought to understand causes of such changes. The participants were 52 Polish senior high school students, aged 17–19, who were all learners of English. The study encompassed 121 naturally occurring English lessons. The data were gathered by means of questionnaires, interviews and lesson plans. The collected data were analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively. The quantitative and qualitative results of the study provided evidence for the dynamicity of FLA throughout the semester including changes during single lessons and from one lesson to the next. Some factors responsible for such variations were also identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variability study of agro-morphological characteristics is important for varietal improvement and plant breeding program. For this, 148 chili pepper landraces (Capsicum annuum L.) collected from Northern Benin were characterized using 39 (21 qualitative and 18 quantitative) morphological characters. The trial was conducted in a Fisher block design with 3 replicates at the experimental station of the Faculty of Science and Technology (FAST) of Dassa based in Central Benin. The results revealed considerable morphological variability between landraces. Twenty nine (16 quantitative and 13 qualitative) variables among the 39 examined were discriminatory and group the landraces into 4 classes when considering the qualitative variables. With quantitative variables, 9 groups were obtained. The correlations between the studied quantitative variables show that the yield parameters are correlated with the variables related to the vegetative part of the plant. This study will help breeders to better select their parents for crossing in order to produce desirable and high yielding varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taste sensor with five all-solid-state electrodes (ASSE) III (third version) was used for qualitative and quantitative analysis of selected tonic waters (J.Gasco, Kinley, Jurajski, Jurajski with citrus flavor, Carrefour, Schweppes Indian Tonic, and Schweppes Bitter Lemon). The results obtained by this taste sensor analyzed with principal component analysis, agglomerative hierarchical clustering methods show that this sensor can be applied for discrimination of tonic waters with respect to their composition. Based on sensor’s results, two models for prediction of the content of quinine hydrochloride and total saccharides in selected tonic waters were developed using multivariate linear regression. The results obtained by this analysis in comparison to nominal data (experimentally determined and obtained from manufacturers’) are consistent (range of 0.1%–1.8%). It means that taste sensor with five ASSE III may be a useful tool for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of selected tonic waters. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Copyright of Romanian Review of Eurasian Studies / Revista Română de Studii Eurasiatice is the property of Romanian Review of Eurasian Studies and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

• An UPLC–MS/MS method was developed for qualitative and quantitative analysis of five common toxic alkaloids. • Analyses of five common alkaloids in human postmortem blood were performed. • The method could be useful for forensic toxicological analysis. Toxic alkaloids are typically found in herbal medicines and have strong pharmacological effects and a broad therapeutic spectrum. On the other hand, toxic alkaloids exert toxicological activities in vivo ; as such they have a narrow therapeutic window and can induce poisoning due to incorrect dose or misuse. In this view, there is an urgent need to develop a rapid and sensitive assay to detect these toxic alkaloids. This study developed a method for determining five common toxic alkaloids in blood, including brucine, strychnine, aconitine, mesaconitine, and hypaconitine using ultra-high liquid chromatography-tandem quadrupole/linear ion trap mass spectrometry (QTRAP UPLC–MS/MS). The analytes in this investigation were extracted with ether and detected using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM)-information-dependent acquisition (IDA)-enhanced product ion (EPI) scanning modes. SKF 525A served as the internal standard (IS). The approach demonstrated excellent linearity, with a correlation coefficient (R) > 0.9964, and satisfactory sensitivity, with the limit of detection (LOD) of 0.31 ∼ 3.26 ng/mL and a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 1.13 ∼ 11.52 ng/mL. The extraction recovery (ER) was 78.8 ∼ 116.2%, the matrix effect (ME) was −12.3 ∼ 21.2%, and the method accuracy was 0.8 ∼ 12.8%. In addition, the intra-day precision and the inter-day precision (RSD) were 0.7% ∼ 7.4% and 0.4% ∼ 13.5%, respectively. The developed approach is sensitive and efficient, and offer significant application prospect in clinical monitoring and forensic detection of poisoning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous articles in this column have studied how technical service units provide value to their organizations. Those articles explored ways in which cataloging units provide service to libraries and how to develop and market those services to communicate their value. This article builds on this previous work by studying assessment approaches broadly for departments like technical services that provide “building block” or supporting services for user-facing organizations like libraries. The author proposes a framework for identifying an assessment outcome and connecting it back to a specific research question and design (i.e., intended outcome, assessment question[s], data gathering approach, data gathering method, data analysis method). Issues around question design, privacy, and organizational culture are discussed as factors to consider in the assessment of building-block services. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Viscum coloratum is a perennial evergreen, semi-parasitic plant. It is generally used for treating cardiovascular diseases, cancer, hepatitis and hemorrhage. In this study, reliable methods were developed for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the common constituents in Viscum coloratum and its corresponding host. In the rapid qualitative analysis, a method of ultra-high performance liquid chromatography and quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry was established for identification of the same compounds. Based on the retention times, accurate mass measurement and previous literatures, 23 components were clearly identified by comparison with reference substances. In the quantitative analysis, a method for Viscum coloratum and its corresponding host was developed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. 13 common compounds of viscum coloratum and host plants from 19 batches were analyzed with a good linearity ( r 2 ≥ 0.9991), intra-day precision (RSD ≤ 3.24%), inter-day precision (RSD ≤ 3.31%), repeatability (RSD ≤ 2.43%), stability (RSD ≤ 2.63%), and recovery (98.2–102.4%). The overall limits of quantification were less than 5.0 ng/mL. The results indicated that these effective and comprehensive methods can be applicable to simultaneous qualitative and quantitative analysis of these common compounds presented in Viscum coloratum and corresponding host plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid qualitative and quantitative analysis of solid samples (e.g., pharmaceutical preparations) by using a small and low-resolution mass spectrometer without MS/MS function is still a challenge in ambient pressure ionization mass spectrometric analysis. Herein, a practically efficient method termed microwave-enhanced in-source decay (MEISD) using microwave plasma torch desorption ionization coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MPTDI-TOF MS) was developed for fast analysis of pharmaceutical tablets using a miniature TOF mass spectrometer without tandem mass function. The intensity of ISD fragmentation was evaluated under different microwave power values. Several factors, including desorption distance and time that might affect the signal intensity and fragmentation, were systematically investigated. It was observed that both the protonated molecular ions and major fragment ions from the active ingredients in tablets could be found in the full-scan mass spectra in positive ion mode, which were comparable to those obtained by a commercial LTQ-XL ion trap mass spectrometer. The structures of the ingredients could be elucidated in detail using the MEISD method, which promotes our understanding of the desorption/ionization processes in microwave plasma torch (MPT). Quantitative analysis of 10 tablets was achieved by full-scan MPTDI-TOF MS with low limit of detection (LOD, 0.763 mg/g), acceptable relative standard deviation (RSD < 7.33%, n =10), and 10 s for each tablet, showing promising applications in high throughput screening of counterfeit drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades, the teaching and learning of ESL/EFL writing has evolved into an important and interesting research area. Until recently, few studies have investigated how to teach L2 writing. The research interest has always been on how to teach L1 writing. However, the situation has now changed with studies increasingly looking into new methods used to teach L2 writing. Little attention has been paid to the use of collaborative writing to improve learners' essay writing at Saudi universities. The current study aims to examine the role of collaborative writing, as opposed to individual writing, in improving learners' skills in writing in class. This research study focuses on the advantages of collaborative writing in class to improve EFL learners' proficiency in essay writing. In the field of applied linguistics, this issue is an interesting area to investigate. To what extent is collaborative writing better than individual writing in improving learners' skills in essay writing? The researcher selected 20 L2 male students in level three majoring in English at Imam University, College of Languages and Translation in Saudi Arabia. To collect data, the researcher utilized four researcher-made instruments: an EFL essay writing test, error correction writing test, open-ended questionnaire, and semi-structured interviews. The data was collected from the participants using a mixed method technique that combines qualitative and quantitative analysis in a unique treatment. The data of this study was found to be very significant, which will open room for wide research in collaborative writing as an effective method to adopt in teaching EFL writing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a sensitive and efficient method was established and validated for qualitative and quantitative analysis of major bioactive constituents in Dazhu Hongjingtian capsule by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. A total of 32 compounds were tentatively identified using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Furthermore, 12 constituents, namely gallic acid, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, salidroside, p-coumaric acid-4- O- β- d-glucopyranoside, bergeninum, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid, syringate, 6′′- O-galloylsalidroside, rhodiosin, rhodionin and kaempferol-7- O- α- l-rhamnoside, were simultaneously quantified by the developed ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a triple quadrupole mass spectrometry method in 9 min. All of them were analyzed on an Agilent ZorBax SB-C18 column (3.0 × 100 mm, 1.8 μm) with linear gradient elution of methanol-0.1% formic acid water. The proposed method was applied to analyze three batches of samples with acceptable linearity ( R, 0.9979-0.9997), precision (RSD, 1.3-4.7%), repeatability (RSD, 1.7-4.9%), stability (RSD, 2.2-4.9%) and recovery (RSD, 0.6-4.4%) of the 12 compounds. As a result, the analytical method possessing high throughput and sensitivity is suitable for the quality control of Dazhu Hongjingtian capsule. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The processing procedure of traditional Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) plays an essential role in clinical applications. However, little progress has been made on the quality control of crude and processed products. The present work, taking Radix Scutellariae ( RS ), wine-processed RS and carbonized RS as a typical case, developed a comprehensive strategy integrating chromatographic analysis and chemometric methods for quality evaluation and discrimination of crude RS and its processed products. Chemical fingerprints were established by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array detector and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, and similarity analyses were calculated based on eleven common characteristic peaks. Subsequently, four chemical markers were discovered by back propagation-artificial neural network (BP-ANN) modeling. The selected markers were quantified by the ‘single standard to determine multi-components’ (SSDMC) method, and then the quantitative data were subjected to principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). Furthermore, support vector machine (SVM) was employed to predict the different processed products of RS . Finally, a hotmap visualization was conducted for clarifying the distribution of major flavonoids among different drugs. Collectively, the proposed strategy might be well-acceptable for quality control of CHMs and their related processed products from the processing mechanism-based perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Fritillaria genus, including different kinds of medicinal and edible plants belonging to the Liliaceae family which have the function of treating and relieving a cough and eliminating phlegm, is widely planted in Xinjiang (China). There are few comprehensive studies reporting on the characterization of the chemical constituents of Fritillaria from Xinjiang, and to date, no work describing the quantitative differences between the components in Fritillaria from Xinjiang and related species. The purpose of this study was to develop qualitative and quantitative analytical methods by Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography-Quadrupole Time-of-flight Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS) for the rapid quantification and quantitation of alkaloids in wild and cultivated Xinjiang Fritillaria, which could be used in the quality control of medicine based on this natural herb. Using the UPLC-QTOF-MS method, the chemical constituents of Xinjiang Fritillaria were identified by fragmentation information and retention behavior, and were compared to reference standards. Furthermore, a quantitative comparision of four major alkaloids in wild and cultivated Xinjiang Fritillaria was conducted by determining the content of Sipeimine-3β-D-glucoside, Sipeimine, Peimisine, and Yibeinoside A, respectively. A total of 89 characteristic peaks, including more than 40 alkaloids, were identified in the chromatographic results of Fritillaria. Four main alkaloids were quantified by using a validated method based on UPLC-QTOF-MS. The relative contents of Sipeimine-3β-D-glucoside, Sipeimine, Peimisine, and Yibeinoside A varied from 0.0013%~0.1357%, 0.0066%~0.1218%, 0.0033%~0.0437%, and 0.0019%~0.1398%, respectively. A rough separation of wild and cultivated Fritillaria could be achieved by the cluster analysis method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A nonenzymatic method was developed for the detection and quantification of hydrogen peroxide using metallic sols obtained by the reduction of silver compounds with sodium borohydride in the presence of a surface stabilizer. These sols changed color on exposure to aqueous solutions of hydrogen peroxide. The nature of the stabilizer used in sol preparation affects spectral characteristics of the final product formed in the reaction with hydrogen peroxide. In the case of polyvinyl pyrrolidone, the intensity of the surface plasmon resosnance absorption band at 405 nm decreased. In using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, a signal at 519 nm appeared along with the similar decrease in the absorption band at 408 nm. The band intensity depends on the concentration of hydrogen peroxide. The described phenomena can form a basis for the development of procedures for the qualitative and quantitative determination of hydrogen peroxide in water bodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a pilot field research on the user experience of students and teachers with a digital classroom in a comprehensive institute (primary and lower secondary school) in Rome, Italy. The investigation was carried out in the framework of the original methodology KidLab Media Research, an innovative approach for field studies on younger users, initially designed for schools. Personal interviews to teachers and focus groups with students are at the core of the first phase of research. Due to the limited size of the considered sample, emphasis is given to the methodology followed, which encompasses the exploration of user experience according to the constructs of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT): performance expectancy, effort expectancy, facilitating conditions, social influence and behavioural intention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The development of GaN-PANI-PPy modified electrode for as electrochemical sensors. • Tests confirmed for the selectivity, specificity, long term stability of GaN-PANI-PPy sensors. • The small effective electron mass and low background current supporting for the enhanced activity. • Observation of low detection and quantitation limits are confirming for the efficiency of GaN-PANI-PPy electrode. This study investigates the electrochemical sensing behavior of a gallium nitride-polyaniline-polypyrrole (GaN-PANI-PPy) hybrid composite towards mebendazole (MBZ). Followed by synthesis, the MBZ drug was detected by differential pulse voltammetry using GaN-PANI-PPy modified glassy carbon electrode as working electrode which shows linear responses towards the MBZ drug in the concentration range of 3 × 10−7 - 9 × 10−8 M with the sensitivity of 3.02 µA/µM cm−2. The detection limit (DL) and quantification limit (QL) were calculated to be 2.581 × 10−8 M µA−1 and 8.973 × 10−8 M µA−1 respectively with signal-to-noise ratios of 3. By observing the of reproducibility, long-term stability, and anti-interference ability, the prepared GaN-PANI-PPy electrode is considered to be suitable for the electrochemical sensing detection of MBZ in liquid samples such as anti-helthiminic drug milk. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diagnosis management aims to identify critical situations and positive aspectsof corporate management. An effective diagnosis made by a team with thestatus of independence from the organization’s management is for managers auseful feedback necessary to improve performance. The work presented focuseson the methodology to achieve effective diagnosis, considering multitudecriteria and variables to be analyzed.

Aeolian landscapes dominate the semiarid dune fields across the Asian summer monsoonal boundary (ASMB) of northern China, where the widespread palaeosols are usually regarded as indicators of enhanced monsoonal precipitation (moisture) during the Late Quaternary. However, the processes of palaeosol development, and their response to climate change, remain controversial due to the complex land-atmosphere interactions within different bioclimatic zones. Here, we review the patterns of palaeosol development, precipitation/moisture (P/M) evolution, and lake level fluctuations across different sub-regions of the ASMB. With the aid of typical temperature and vegetation records, we qualitatively and quantitatively distinguish the contributions of different climatic factors to palaeosol development since 20 ka (1 ka = 1000 cal yr BP) and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Our results indicate an asynchronous pattern of palaeosol development, with optimum development during 10–4, 8–4, and 6–2 ka in northeastern (NE) China, north central (NC) China, and on the NE Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP), respectively. This implies a transmeridional asynchronous pattern of palaeosol development on the scale of the ASMB. Our qualitative and quantitative analysis of the contributions of climatic variables elucidates the various relationships between palaeosol development and the climatic background across different sub-regions of the ASMB. The results demonstrate that temperature and precipitation are the dominant factors for palaeosol development in NE and NC China, respectively; whereas effective moisture, rather than temperature and precipitation alone, controls palaeosol development on the NE QTP, demonstrating different pedogenic responses against the same overall climatic background. These mechanisms are supported by the results of multiple studies of Holocene vegetation evolution and the associated climatic conditions. We conclude that the asynchronous pattern of palaeosol development across the ASMB was caused by variations in different dominant climatic factors, highlighting the diverse and complex interactions of climate change and Earth surface processes, even within the relatively uniform climatic environment of semiarid northern China. Our findings emphasize the differing responses of palaeosol development to regional climate change and provide new insights into the interactions of the land-atmosphere system in the critical zone of northern China. [Display omitted] • Asynchronous palaeosol development demonstrates transmeridional characteristics of pedogenesis across the ASMB of northern China • Various qualitative and quantitative relationships are demonstrated between palaeosol development and climate • Asynchronous palaeosol development in the ASMB since 20 ka was caused by variations in different dominant climatic factors [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]