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Background: EDTA-induced pseudothrombocytopenia (PTCP) during whole blood collection requires significant laboratory resources to obtain accurate results. We evaluated platelet-deaggregation function in EDTA-induced PTCP and platelet-clump flagging by the BC-6800Plus hematology analyzer using integrated digital image analysis. Methods: We prospectively collected 132 whole blood samples suspected of platelet clumping (102 in EDTA and 30 in sodium citrate) from 88 individuals. We compared platelet counts determined using the platelet count by impedance (PLT-I) function of the DxH 900 hematology analyzer and the PLT-I or optical platelet count (PLT-O) function of the BC6800Plus. Platelet clumping was verified through manual inspection and the MC-80 digital image analyzer. Results: Among the 132 whole blood samples, 43 EDTA samples showed platelet clumping. The DxH 900 PLT-I and BC-6800Plus PLT-I results demonstrated a strong correlation (r=0.711) for the EDTA samples but only a moderate correlation with the BC-6800Plus PLT-O results (r=0.506 and 0.545, respectively). The BC-6800Plus PLT-O results were consistent with the sodium citrate platelet counts, with a median dissociation rate of 102.5% (range, 74.9%–123.1%). The DxH 900 and BC-6800Plus analyzers had sensitivity values of 0.79 and 0.72, respectively, for platelet-clump flagging. When integrating the MC-80 digital image analysis results, the sensitivity of BC-6800Plus improved to 0.89 (standard mode) or 1.0 (PLT-Pro mode). Conclusions: BC-6800Plus PLT-O measurement results are close to the actual values obtained by platelet deaggregation with PTCP samples. Integrating the BC-6800Plus with a digital imaging analyzer effectively improved the diagnosis of PTCP and reduced the requirement for additional laboratory procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The research purpose is to diagnose the market for beeswax quality analyses in Poland and to develop assumptions for the business model for the commercialization of the WAXO beeswax quality analyzer. Design/methodology/approach: The market analysis was conducted using Computer Assisted Self Interviewing (CASI). The study was conducted among randomly selected 124 respondents in beekeeping throughout the country. Most answered questions on behalf of beekeeping groups or associations, indicating how many members they had. Based on these data, it was determined that the interview results were representative of 2226 respondents. Assumptions for the business model were developed using the Business Model Canvas methodology about: customer segmentation, value proposition, channels, customer relationships, revenue structure, key activities, key resources, key partners, cost structure. Findings: A business model was developed based on which the commercialization of the WAXO device should be carried out. Practical implications: The conducted research allowed for the formulation of conclusions along with the presentation of operational initiatives necessary to introduce the device to the market and further commercialize it. Social implications: The invention of a beeswax quality analyzer protects bee colonies and the natural environment by changing the awareness of the beekeeping community and taking steps to change the applicable legislation. The presented recommendations support the university authorities in making decisions regarding the commercialization strategy of WAXO and the selection of operational solutions necessary to introduce it to the market, production, sales, and customer service. Originality/value: The subject of the invention is a portable electromechanical device allowing the analysis of beeswax for the presence of added impurities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycotoxins are dangerous human and animal health-threatening secondary fungal metabolites that can be found in various food and agricultural products. Several countries have established regulations to restrict their presence in food and agricultural products destined for human and animal consumption. Consequently, the need to develop highly sensitive and smart detection systems was recognized worldwide. Lateral flow assay possesses the advantages of easy operation, rapidity, stability, accuracy, and specificity, and it plays an important role in the detection of mycotoxins. Nevertheless, strategies to comprehensively improve the sensitivity of lateral flow assay tomycotoxins in food have rarely been highlighted and discussed. In this article, a comprehensive overview was presented on the application of lateral flow assay in mycotoxin detection in food samples by highlighting the principle of lateral flow assay, presenting a detailed discussion on various analytical performance-improvement strategies, such as the development of high-affinity recognition reagents, immunogen immobilization methods, and signal amplification. Additionally, a detailed discussion on the various signal analyzers and interpretation approaches was provided. Finally, current hurdles and future perspectives on the application of lateral flow assay in the detection of mycotoxins were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emissions from agriculture are a worldwide problem as it is the major anthropogenic source of ammonia, methane, and nitrous oxide. Several efforts have been made to mitigate emissions. To achieve this, reliable measuring techniques are necessary to quantify the impact of the emissions. Different techniques relying on different principles are available. Generally, these techniques demonstrate good agreement on their measurements but there is a lack of studies that thoroughly investigate cross-interferences. In this work, three different models of Cavity Ring-Down Spectrometers measuring ammonia, nitrous oxide, and methane were tested in parallel for potential biases due to interference from ammonia, water vapor, and twelve volatile organic compounds commonly present in agricultural environments. Our results showed a small negative bias with increasing humidity on nitrous oxide and minor interferences of ammonia on nitrous oxide and methane. None of the tested volatile organic compounds interfered with ammonia, methane, or nitrous oxide measurements. Overall, concentration measurements of ammonia, nitrous oxide, and methane with cavity ring-down spectrometry have proven reliable under typical agricultural conditions. Minor interferences were only observed under exceptional conditions.

This article discusses the issue of studying the parameters of the bounce of electrical contacts of switches in digital systems. Digital circuits of bounce analyzer are described. The results of experimental studies of the behavior of electrical contacts of various buttons and switches are presented. It is shown that various electric switches have random and unique characteristics, which can be used to solve the problems of random numbers generating, identifying of digital devices and user’s authentication. Prototyping of the proposed circuits was carried out on Digilent ZYBO Z7-10 debug boards, digital circuits were designed in VHDL for the Xilinx Zynq-7000 FPGA chip.

Copyright of Computer Measurement & Control is the property of Magazine Agency of Computer Measurement & Control 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.)

HEZER, a ground-breaking analyzer for higher education that aims to improve the decision-making process for people starting their educational journeys. The developed system makes use of web scraping techniques and cutting-edge machine learning algorithms to deliver individualized recommendations, with an emphasis on solving issues like limited advice, financial limits, career possibilities, and limited options. Students are helped in choosing their ideal degree programs by insightful opinions from both newcomers and professionals in the sector that have been gathered through surveys and questionnaires. HEZER includes a full range of functionality, such as budget planning, financial estimation, career analysis, and loan payback predictions. It is powered by cutting-edge technologies like React.js, Python, and machine learning methods like Random Forest Regression. It allows students to arrange their finances effectively by allowing them to predict future course prices. Carefully crafted research components offer individualized recommendations, financial advice, and perceptive analysis of commercial potential connected to chosen projects. The system's accuracy and dependability have been confirmed through meticulous integration and testing. HEZER establishes a new benchmark for customized recommendation systems in higher education, providing students with crucial tools to negotiate the challenging environment and make well- informed decisions. choices, ultimately leading to successful and fulfilling careers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eastern indigo snakes (EIS; Drymarchon couperi) have unique physiological features that are not well understood. A useful tool to better understand the physiology of this species is reference intervals for plasma biochemical analytes; however, reported values for such analytes are often specific to the analyzer used. To determine whether a point-of-care analyzer would produce results comparable with those of a veterinary reference laboratory analyzer, this study aimed to compare plasma biochemical analyte values between these two types of analyzers, regardless of EIS health status. Plasma biochemical analyte values were obtained from 31 EIS and were compared between analyzers. The analytes were albumin (ALB), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total calcium (Ca), creatinine kinase (CK), glucose (GLU), potassium (K), sodium (Na), phosphorus (P), total protein (TP), and uric acid (UA). A very high correlation between analyzers was found for AST (r = 0.923), K (r = 0.916), and UA (r = 0.965); a high correlation for Ca (r = 0.724), CK (r = 0.789), GLU (r = 0.889), and TP (r = 0.812); and a moderate correlation for P (r = 0.528), a low correlation for ALB (r = 0.471), and no correlation for Na (r = −0.138). A point-of-care analyzer offers many benefits such as portability, rapid results, small sample-size requirements, and the ability to use whole blood. The Vetscan VS2 point-of-care analyzer produces similar values for only some analytes, signifying the need for method-specific reference intervals for plasma biochemical analytes in EIS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to: (1) identify all relevant studies reporting on the diagnostic accuracy of maternal circulating placental growth factor) alone or as a ratio with soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1), and of placental growth factor-based models (placental growth factor combined with maternal factors±other biomarkers) in the second or third trimester to predict subsequent development of preeclampsia in asymptomatic women; (2) estimate a hierarchical summary receiver-operating characteristic curve for studies reporting on the same test but different thresholds, gestational ages, and populations; and (3) select the best method to screen for preeclampsia in asymptomatic women during the second and third trimester of pregnancy by comparing the diagnostic accuracy of each method. A systematic search was performed through MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, ClinicalTrials.gov , and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform databases from January 1, 1985 to April 15, 2021. Studies including asymptomatic singleton pregnant women at >18 weeks' gestation with risk of developing preeclampsia were evaluated. We included only cohort or cross-sectional test accuracy studies reporting on preeclampsia outcome, allowing tabulation of 2×2 tables, with follow-up available for >85%, and evaluating performance of placental growth factor alone, soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1– placental growth factor ratio, or placental growth factor-based models. The study protocol was registered on the International Prospective Register Of Systematic Reviews (CRD 42020162460). Because of considerable intra- and interstudy heterogeneity, we computed the hierarchical summary receiver-operating characteristic plots and derived diagnostic odds ratios, β, θ i , and Λ for each method to compare performances. The quality of the included studies was evaluated by the QUADAS-2 tool. The search identified 2028 citations, from which we selected 474 studies for detailed assessment of the full texts. Finally, 100 published studies met the eligibility criteria for qualitative and 32 for quantitative syntheses. Twenty-three studies reported on performance of placental growth factor testing for the prediction of preeclampsia in the second trimester, including 16 (with 27 entries) that reported on placental growth factor test alone, 9 (with 19 entries) that reported on the soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1–placental growth factor ratio, and 6 (16 entries) that reported on placental growth factor-based models. Fourteen studies reported on performance of placental growth factor testing for the prediction of preeclampsia in the third trimester, including 10 (with 18 entries) that reported on placental growth factor test alone, 8 (with 12 entries) that reported on soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1–placental growth factor ratio, and 7 (with 12 entries) that reported on placental growth factor-based models. For the second trimester, Placental growth factor-based models achieved the highest diagnostic odds ratio for the prediction of early preeclampsia in the total population compared with placental growth factor alone and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1–placental growth factor ratio (placental growth factor-based models, 63.20; 95% confidence interval, 37.62–106.16 vs soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1–placental growth factor ratio, 6.96; 95% confidence interval, 1.76–27.61 vs placental growth factor alone, 5.62; 95% confidence interval, 3.04–10.38); placental growth factor-based models had higher diagnostic odds ratio than placental growth factor alone for the identification of any-onset preeclampsia in the unselected population (28.45; 95% confidence interval, 13.52–59.85 vs 7.09; 95% confidence interval, 3.74–13.41). For the third trimester, Placental growth factor-based models achieved prediction for any-onset preeclampsia that was significantly better than that of placental growth factor alone but similar to that of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1–placental growth factor ratio (placental growth factor-based models, 27.12; 95% confidence interval, 21.67–33.94 vs placental growth factor alone, 10.31; 95% confidence interval, 7.41–14.35 vs soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1–placental growth factor ratio, 14.94; 95% confidence interval, 9.42–23.70). Placental growth factor with maternal factors ± other biomarkers determined in the second trimester achieved the best predictive performance for early preeclampsia in the total population. However, in the third trimester, placental growth factor-based models had predictive performance for any-onset preeclampsia that was better than that of placental growth factor alone but similar to that of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1–placental growth factor ratio. Through this meta-analysis, we have identified a large number of very heterogeneous studies. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop standardized research using the same models that combine serum placental growth factor with maternal factors ± other biomarkers to accurately predict preeclampsia. Identification of patients at risk might be beneficial for intensive monitoring and timing delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The understanding of the video encoding/decoding processes is a key skill for students of computer science, engineering, or telecommunications, especially those specialized in multimedia. The special characteristics of the video signals, and how such features are leveraged to compress the video frames using coding theory, are hard to understand for engineering students. In this paper, we describe MPEG‐2 analyzer, an educational tool designed to provide a comprehensive and interactive way to understand MPEG‐2 video compression and encoding techniques. We have used our tool to evaluate its usefulness in reinforcing the knowledge about the MPEG‐2 video (de)coding process to Telecommunication Engineering students. Results show that the evaluation of the tool is very positive, and it has helped them to understand many of the complex concepts covered in the course. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the event of various emergency situations related to chemical pollution of the environment, including accidents at chemical facilities, in the emergency (accident) zones, additional operational monitoring of the environment should be carried out. Monitoring data is transmitted to relevant centers in order to assess the actual situation, predict it and make decisions about the protection and normalization of the population and territories. In this regard, devices that control chemical factors are of great importance. The main goal of the system of monitoring and control measures for the state of the natural environment is to ensure that legal entities and citizens comply with the requirements of the country's legislation in the field of protection. The main tasks are detection, prevention and prevention of violations of legislation in the field of environmental protection by individuals and legal entities; to determine the causes and conditions that create emergency conditions; is to detect those who violate the environmental legislation. In this regard, it is important to examine the devices listed below. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been established that in order to obtain a high-quality image of a surface structure in polarized light with crossed nicols and to accurately quantify the bainitic fraction in Kh2G2S2MF grade structural steel, alongside with the LePera reagent, Nital reagent can be used. It has been established that the brightness level of martensite in polarized light does not depend on the etching time of 22Kh2G2S2MF and 44Kh2G2S2MF grade steel being at the background level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dielectric constants, dielectric degradation and A.C. conductivity have been calculated according to the doping material frequency and composition. High AC-conductivity and low dielectric constant were observed at higher frequencies. The above hypothesis can be clarified by 'Maxwell Wagner Model' and may offer new insights into the manufacture of dialectically conceivable nanomaterials. The degradation of Rhoda mine B in the UV visible light has been investigated for the photocatalytic function of our samples. The analysis of photocatalyst provides a convenient way to determine your destiny by various reutilizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Viscoelastic coagulation monitor (VCM‐Vet) is a point‐of‐care device that has been used to characterize hemostatic abnormalities in sick pets but has not been validated in veterinary patients. Objectives: We aimed to compare VCM‐Vet and thromboelastography (TEG) in sick dogs with suspected disorders of hemostasis. Methods: Duplicate VCM‐Vet tests using untreated native blood performed concurrently on two VCM‐Vet machines, and simultaneous TEG tests were performed (one citrated native (CN), and one activated with tissue factor (TF) at a 1:3600 dilution). Each VCM‐Vet result was compared with both TF‐activated and CN TEG. Results: Fifty‐three dogs were enrolled. Eleven cases displayed apparent hyperfibrinolysis. Spearman correlation coefficients for individual VCM‐Vet devices and CN and TF TEG were obtained between R and CT values and ranged from 0.21 to 0.27, CFT and K (r = 0.60–0.67), angles (r = 0.51–0.62), and MCF and MA (r = 0.85–0.87). Comparison of the two VCM‐Vet devices displayed positive correlations for all clot formation parameters with Lin's concordance correlation coefficients of 0.75–0.95. Variable lysis parameter agreement existed between the VCM‐Vet devices and VCM‐Vet and TEG. When samples were classified as hypercoagulable or coagulopathic, VCM‐Vet had a low positive predictive value (17–33%) for the detection of hypercoagulable states and a moderate negative predictive value (64–74%) for the detection of coagulopathy as defined by TEG. Conclusions: VCM‐Vet and TEG had variable correlations in clot formation values and a strong correlation for final clot strength. More information is needed to make conclusions about the lysis parameters. Artifact in the fibrinolysis portion of the test can confound the interpretation of VCM‐Vet results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The paper considers the issues of using microcontrollers in measuring technology directly in measuring procedures and the subsequent mathematical processing of output data. Materials and methods. Methods are proposed for converting signals with a programmatically changeable structure of the measuring path using switched different scale converters. Errors arising during switching conversion signals are analyzed, and technical solutions are proposed to eliminate additive switching and multiplicative amplitude-phase errors. The proposed methods for converting signals with a program-changeable structure of the measuring path are universal. Results and conclusions. They can be used both in single-pole and multi-pole measuring structures.

Precise analysis of complex gas mixtures is an urgent task today, since its accuracy and quality is important not only for human health, but also for the ecology of population centers or the planet as a whole. Traditional methods of gas environment analysis are imperfect, and those that have the necessary sensitivity and selectivity do not yield results in a particularly short time. Nowadays, the Fabry- Pérot interferometry is used for research in a significant number of industrial and scientific areas. The analysis of the works presented in this paper confirms the relevance of research in the field of multibeam interferometry and the prospects of developing modifications of the Fabry- Pérot interferometer. The article is devoted to classical optical correlation methods for the analysis of gas mixtures with a quasi-periodic structure of the spectrum. A modification of the analyzer was developed and it was shown that the use of the modified Fabry- Pérot interferometer as a correlation mask ensures the express realization of the selectivity of the measurement components. An experimental study was conducted to test the possibility of scanning the SO2 absorption spectrum in the 220 nm region. Laboratory tests of the described layout of the SO2 analyzer demonstrated its high metrological parameters. The main reported error was 1% on the 0 -10000 ppm scale and 10% on the 0 -1000 ppm scale. The length of the cuvette was 170 mm, the warm-up time of the model was 30 minutes, the minimum measured concentration was 25 ppm. We can state that the correlation masks based on the IFP can be widely used for the analysis of gas components with a quasi-periodic structure of the spectrum. Compared to other devices of a similar type, they have a much higher luminous intensity: U = ΩA, where Ω is the solid angle; A is the light diameter of the IFP with the same resolution. This is crucial for remote instruments [V. R. Kozubovskii, Yu. Yu. Bilak, Ukr. J. Phys. 66, 664 (2021)]. In addition, their small weight and dimensions allow one to create portable devices based on them. However, since the IFP is a multi-beam interferometer, the procedure for optimizing its parameters is rather complicated, although technical methods for solving this problem exist [V. R. Kozubovskii, V. L. Goldovskii, O. D. Kraysler, AS 1182345 USSR, MKI G01N 21/61]. The conducted analysis and research open up new opportunities for the optimization of interferometric devices and interferometric methods of gas analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Creatinine is a universally important blood parameter used to detect and monitor acute and chronic kidney disease. Reliable measurements at the bedside remain a challenge in human and veterinary medicine. Despite its potential, a trustworthy point‐of‐care creatinine biosensor has yet to be established. Objectives: We aimed to determine the precision and accuracy of the StatSensor (SS) and StatSensor Xpress (SSX) handheld creatinine measurement devices in dogs. Methods: Paired creatinine samples from dogs with normal (creatinine ≤159 μmol/L), moderate (159–354 μmol/L), and marked (>354 μmol/L) azotemia were compared with a commercial enzymatic analyzer. Within‐day precision and linearity studies were performed prior to method comparison studies. Method comparison was evaluated using Bland–Altman, concordance correlation coefficient, Deming, and Passing‐Bablok regression analysis. Results: Seventy‐eight dogs were enrolled in the study, including 28 (35%), 25 (32%), and 26 (33%) with normal, moderate, and marked azotemia. Total error surpassed recommendations for all devices, and linearity deviated from identity for the SS1 and SS2. The concordance correlation coefficients of the SS1, SS2, SSXI, and SSX2, were 0.69, 0.59, 0.82, and 0.44, respectively. Bland–Altman analyses showed a high variation in the differences, and relationships showed high heteroskedasticity with negative systemic bias among high creatinine concentrations. Conclusions: Neither the SS and SSX are considered acceptable for clinical applications in dogs. Further research is indicated for the development of a reliable, cost‐effective, point‐of‐care creatinine analyzer to improve the rapid detection and monitoring human and veterinary patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The possibilities of treatment of myopia are not yet fully disclosed. And although in recent years research on this issue has expanded significantly, still in the case of solving the problem of myopia have not yet received sufficiently complete and systematic coverage. Objective: to investigate the features and effectiveness of physical therapy for visual impairment. Material and methods: assessment of myopia is established on the basis of objective clinical research, as well as the study of refraction. Physical therapy classes were held with office workers during the lunch break. Number of subjects – eight young people (from 32 to 44 years). Results: Vis OD (right eye) was 0.48±0.06 diopters, at baseline – 0.54±0.06 diopters, which corresponds to 0.76 Student's t-test. This Vis OS (left eye) was 0.45±0.05 diopters (at the initial examination) and 0.51±0.05 diopters (at the final examination), Student's t-test was 0.88. The level of significance was >0.05, which indicates the inaccuracy of the changes. Conclusions: An analysis of the effectiveness of physical therapy has shown that regular training of eye muscles and regulation of refraction is important to preserve vision, slow or stop the progression of myopia, as well as prevent age-related eye changes and eye fatigue during intense visual work.

Background: EDTA-induced pseudothrombocytopenia (PTCP) during whole blood collection requires significant laboratory resources to obtain accurate results. We evaluated platelet-deaggregation function in EDTA-induced PTCP and platelet-clump flagging by the BC-6800Plus hematology analyzer using integrated digital image analysis., Methods: We prospectively collected 132 whole blood samples suspected of platelet clumping (102 in EDTA and 30 in sodium citrate) from 88 individuals. We compared platelet counts determined using the platelet count by impedance (PLT-I) function of the DxH 900 hematology analyzer and the PLT-I or optical platelet count (PLT-O) function of the BC-6800Plus. Platelet clumping was verified through manual inspection and the MC-80 digital image analyzer., Results: Among the 132 whole blood samples, 43 EDTA samples showed platelet clumping. The DxH 900 PLT-I and BC-6800Plus PLT-I results demonstrated a strong correlation (r=0.711) for the EDTA samples but only a moderate correlation with the BC-6800Plus PLT-O results (r=0.506 and 0.545, respectively). The BC-6800Plus PLT-O results were consistent with the sodium citrate platelet counts, with a median dissociation rate of 102.5% (range, 74.9%-123.1%). The DxH 900 and BC-6800Plus analyzers had sensitivity values of 0.79 and 0.72, respectively, for platelet-clump flagging. When integrating the MC-80 digital image analysis results, the sensitivity of BC-6800Plus improved to 0.89 (standard mode) or 1.0 (PLT-Pro mode)., Conclusions: BC-6800Plus PLT-O measurement results are close to the actual values obtained by platelet deaggregation with PTCP samples. Integrating the BC-6800Plus with a digital imaging analyzer effectively improved the diagnosis of PTCP and reduced the requirement for additional laboratory procedures.

The clinical analysis of urine has classically focused on conventional chemical-based urinalysis and urine microscopy. Contemporary advances in both analysis subsets have started to employ new technologies such as automated image analysis, flow cytometry, and mass spectrometry. In addition to new detection technologies, current analyzers have incorporated more advanced imaging, automated sample handing, and machine learning analyses into their workflow. The most advanced semiautomated analyzers can be interfaced with hospital medical record systems, and in the point-of-care setting, smartphones can be used for image analysis. This review will discuss current technological advancements in the field of urinalysis and urine microscopy., Competing Interests: Disclosure The authors have nothing to disclose., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Point-of-care analyzers such as the Vetscan VS2 (VS2) that provide fast results are becoming an important tool in a variety of clinical and research settings. Several studies have explored the use of the VS2 to evaluate blood chemistry values in chickens; however, the VS2 analyzer has not yet been tested in turkeys. The first objective of this study was to utilize the VS2 to evaluate possible time-dependent changes in biochemical blood analytes over time, such as glucose, calcium, or sodium. Blood samples from 30 turkeys were analyzed with the VS2 at three time points (0, 15–20, and 40–60 min post collection), and it was found that the blood biochemistry values were stable when stored at 4 °C and analyzed within 60 min of collection. Next, we assessed the agreement between the VS2 portable analyzer and the reference benchtop analyzer (Cobas c501) and found that all of the blood analytes were comparable between both analyzers. Finally, we determined reference intervals using 120 blood samples collected from turkeys in the brooding period (0–7 days) and 118 samples collected from turkeys in the growing period (1–12 weeks). Although the values were compared to the published data, the understanding of any observed differences was challenging because reference intervals for the biochemical values in turkeys are limited, and the origin of these interval values could not be traced. Significant differences in the whole blood analytes were noted between brooding and growing birds. This study offers reassurance of the validity of the use of portable analyzers in the field for turkey veterinarians. We conclude that the VS2 can be used to measure biochemical analytes in turkeys and provide the first reference intervals for brooding and growing turkeys using this instrument. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adulteration of meat is a global issue, necessitating rapid, inexpensive, and simple on-site testing methods. Therefore, the present study aimed to develop a one-minute toothpick-based DNA extraction method, a handheld microfluidic chip, and a smartphone-controlled portable analyzer for detecting multiple meat adulterations. A toothpick was inserted into the meat to promote DNA release and adsorption. Furthermore, a handheld microfluidic chip was designed for DNA elution on toothpicks and fluid distribution. Finally, a smartphone-actuated portable analyzer was developed to function as a heater, signal detector, and result reader. The portable device comprises a microcontroller, a fluorescence detection module, a step scanning unit, and a heating module. The proposed device is portable, and the app is user-friendly. This simple design, easy operation, and fast-response system could rapidly detect as little as 1% of simulated adulterated samples (following UK standards) within 40 min at a cost of less than USD 1 per test. • Toothpick DNA extraction was developed for meat adulteration detection within 1 min. • Low-cost reagents were embedded on-chip to simplify the operation process. • A detector function as a heater, signal detector, and result reader. • This platform enabled real-time data display and store. • Simulated and commercially adulterated samples were detected by the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives : This study characterizes the gaseous emission from the combustion of PMS of different volumes from Kaduna Refinery and Petrochemical Company. Methods : The E8500 plus combustion analyzer was used for gaseous emission characterization of different volumes. Oxygen (O2), Hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), Oxides of Nitrogen NOx (NO, NO2), Sulphur dioxide (SO2), and Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) were measured using the analyzer. The values were recorded and the descriptive statistics graph was plotted. Results and Discussion : The concentrations for the gaseous emission from the combustion of PMS were 69.85 mg/m3 HC, 117.33 mg/m3 CO, 334 mg/m3 NOx for 10 ml, 58.93 mg/m3 HC, 130.33 mg/m3 CO, 784.33 mg/m3 NOx for 20 ml, 50.20 mg/m3 HC, 84.00 mg/m3 CO, 798.67 mg/m3 NOx for 30 ml, 65.48 mg/m3 HC, 160.33 mg/m3 CO, 850.33 mg/m3 NOx for 40 ml, 87.31 mg/m3 HC, 212.67 mg/m3 CO, 801.33 mg/m3 NOx, 3.67 mg/m3 SO2 for 50 ml. This study shows that CO and HC exceeded the permissible limit for stationary sources while NOx and SO2 were below the permissible limit. Conclusions : Hence, there is a need for rapid response and urgent attention from government and regulatory bodies to develop and implement appropriate policies that will help in reducing the effect. Appropriate measures to control air emissions that may be embarked upon by regulatory bodies include increase in the use of low-emission fuels and renewable fuels such as bio-fuels and introduction of the use of devices with low CO emissions.

Antemortem blood biochemical and blood gas analyses are routinely used in health screening and diagnosis of disease in domestic veterinary species. These testing modalities are not routinely performed in poultry, in part, due to the distance from the diagnostic laboratory. Portable blood analyzers such as the i-STAT and VetScan (VS2) can be used to obtain results on the farm without delay, potentially offering a more practical option for poultry practitioners. We investigated the time effect on blood chemistry values and compared the results obtained using the i-STAT and VS2 with those obtained using conventional laboratory analyzers (GEM Premier 3000 and Cobas c501, respectively). We tested blood from 60 healthy chickens. Each sample was tested in triplicate using each of the portable analyzers and once using conventional analyzers. All samples were analyzed within 60 minutes of collection. The concentrations of some analytes were outside the limit of detection of the portable analyzers (i.e., bile acids). Although statistically significant differences were found for some biochemical analytes over time, the actual mean or median differences were too small to be considered of clinical importance. As observed in mammals, significant time-dependent changes in blood gas analytes were observed in whole blood samples exposed to ambient air. Correlation coefficients between portable and conventional analyzers were moderate to high for most of the analytes. For the most part, there was an agreement between the portable and conventional analyzers. We identified constant and proportional biases in the measurement of multiple analytes by both the i-STAT and VS2. Future studies are warranted to establish analyzer-specific reference intervals for poultry.

Telecommunications companies in Nigeria have formulated policies that could enable them to cope with the global challenges. However, most of them have not really employed strategic options that could enable them to cope with the changing condition. The main objective of this study is to examine the effect of Miles and Snows strategies which is considered the major approach that could promote competitiveness in the industry to enable them manage and survive challenges. The study adopted survey research design and population is 7,567 staff of four major service providers MTN, Airtel, Globacom and 9Mobile with sample size of 380. Judgemental and stratified random sampling techniques were used to select participants for the study. Out of the 380 distributed questionnaires, 369 were retrieved. The study reaffirmed the efficacy of Mile and Snow’s competitive strategy. It was recommended that Telecom Company should adopt prospector, analyzer, and defender strategies to improve their performances.

AbstractAs wireless communication continues to develop in limited frequency resource environments, it is becoming important to identify the state of spectrum utilization and predict the amount needed in future. It is essential to collect reliable information for data analysis. This paper introduces a platform that enables the gathering of the scheduling information of a long‐term evolution (LTE) cellular system without connecting to the network. A typical LTE terminal can confirm its assigned resource information using the configuration parameters delivered from a network. However, our platform receives and captures only the LTE signal over the air and then enables the estimation of the data relevant to scheduling for all terminals within an LTE cell. After extracting the control channel signal without loss from all LTE subframes, it detects valid downlink control information using the proposed algorithm, which is based on the error vector magnitude of depatterned symbols. We verify the reliability of the developed platform by comparing it with real data from mobile phones and service operators. The average difference in resource block utilization is only 0.28%.

Background: In the original glucose oxidase-peroxidase (GOD-POD) protocol, the time required to decrease the initial total bilirubin (TB) level by 20% is used for unbound bilirubin (UB) calculation. However, it needs to continuously monitor the TB levels by spectrometry. Methods: Here, we hypothesized that the TB decrease during fixed time periods can also be used to extrapolate UB values (fixed-time protocol). Serum UB levels measured by the different protocols were compared using 10 new-born serum samples. Results: Serum UB levels determined using the fixed-time protocol, especially using periods of 10 - 40 seconds, were strongly correlated with those determined using the original protocol (coefficient of determination > 0.9). The fixed-time protocol, using periods of 20 - 60 seconds, showed the high measurement precision (coefficient of variation < 5%). Conclusions: The fixed-time protocol, using periods of 20 - 40 seconds, can help determine serum UB levels as effectively as the original protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impedance spectroscopy represents a basic operating principle for biomedical sensors, bioimpedance spectroscopy, electrochemical analyses and for characterization of functional biomaterials. For automated long-term investigations, an impedance analyzer for multi-channel testing of up to eight passive two-pole networks is presented in this paper. Its operating system is application-specific adapted to the required test functionalities and measuring ranges. Measurements are based on a commercially available integrated impedance converter circuit. Our current analyzer setup is capable of measuring impedance values from 50 kΩ up to 10 MΩ with automated range selection for most accurate results. The impedance under test is excited with a single frequency of 1 kHz. An impedance accuracy of 1.5 % was determined in reference measurements. The presented impedance analyzer is a low cost system ready for use particularly in long-term characterization of dielectric networks, such as material properties, with multiple samples.

To monitoring and optimization the operation of merchant vessels, remote access to the ship's systems, the so-called "ship-shore" networks, is being established. This requires the use of new complex digital electrical metering devices. Choosing the right and optimal device from the available on the current market is not an easy task. This article provides an overview of the typical electrical value analyzers used to create online data collection and transmission systems. A comparative review of the three devices currently widely used by different manufacturers (Phoenix Contact, Germany; ABB, Switzerland; DEIF, Denmark). The data reviewed is compiled into a table. Examples of the usage of these devices on specific vessels are given.

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) have revolutionized the era of conventional computing into a digitized world, commonly known as “The Internet of Things”. WSN consists of tiny low-cost sensing devices, having computation, communication and sensing capabilities. These networks are always debatable for their limited resources and the most arguable and critical issue in WSNs is energy efficiency. Sensors utilize energy in broadcasting, routing, clustering, on-board calculations, localization, and maintenance, etc. However, primary domains of energy consumption at node level are three i.e. sensing by sensing-module, processing by microprocessor and communication by radio link. Extensive sensing, over-costs processing and frequent communication not only minimize the network life-time, but also affects the availability of these resources for other tasks. To increase life-time and provide an energy-efficient WSN, here we have proposed a new scheme called “A Content-based Adaptive and Dynamic Scheduling (CADS) using two ways communication model in WSNs”. CADS dynamically changes a node states during data aggregation and each node adapts a new state based on contents of the sensed data packets. Analyzer module at the Base-Station investigates contents of sensed data packets and regulates functions of a node by transmitting control messages in a backward direction. CADS minimizes energy consumption by reducing unnecessary network traffic and avoid redundant message-forwarding. Simulation results have been shown that it increases energy-efficiency in terms of network life-time by 9.65% in 100 nodes-network, 11.36% in 150 nodes-network and 0.94% in 300 nodes. The proposed scheme is also showing stability in terms of increasing cluster life by 87.5% for a network of 100 nodes, 94.73% for 150 nodes and 53.9% in 300 nodes.

Introduction: Tests detecting SARS-CoV-2-specific antigen have recently been developed, and many of them are now commercially available. However, the real-world performance of these assays is uncertain; therefore, their validation is important. In this study, we have evaluated the performance of STANDARD F COVID-19 antigen fluorescence immunoassay (FIA) kit. Methods: Nasopharyngeal samples collected from patients were subjected to the test as per manufacturer's instructions. The performance of the kit was compared with the gold standard real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: A total of 354 patients were tested with STANDARD F COVID-19 antigen FIA test kit. The overall sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of this test were found to be 38%, 99%, 96.2%, and 72%, respectively, with a diagnostic accuracy of 75.7%. Conclusion: STANDARD F COVID-19 antigen FIA showed high specificity and positive predictive value but low sensitivity and negative predictive value.