Qualitative and Quantitative Analyses of Hazardous Compounds from NTPC Rihand, India

Stress thallium-201 transaxial emission computed tomography: Quantitative versus qualitative analysis for evaluation of coronary artery disease

Phytochemical analysis involves both qualitative and quantitative analysis. While qualitative analysis is concerned with the presence or absence of a phytochemical, quantitative analysis accounts for the quantity or the concentration of the phytochemical present in the plant sample. The first step in phytochemical analysis is preliminary phytochemical screening before quantitative analysis. Quantitative analysis is a more comprehensive and useful method compared to qualitative analysis because the results obtained from the studies can be useful for drug discovery, standardization of herbal drugs, explanation of the medicinal potentials of plants and determination of the toxicity levels in plants. This chapter details the various simplified methods for the qualitative 382and quantitative analysis of phytochemicals including proximate composition analysis. It also presents useful hints for reagent preparation, how to determine the concentration of plant extract and make dilute solutions for standard curve making. It also details how to calculate the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of plant extracts on a given biological system among other calculations commonly encountered during phytochemical studies.

Educational research has long used quantitative and qualitative analysis. Quantitative analysis is the process of quantifying things through the use of numbers, which represent quantifiable characteristics of things such as scale, speed, and degree, as well as the spatial arrangement of their constituents (Yang, 1995). Qualitative analysis is the polar opposite, i.e., evaluating things on the basis of their quality rather than their quantity. A thing's quality refers to its normative nature, which distinguishes it from other things (Li, 1997). Simply put, quantitative analysis focuses on the "what" and employs numerical expressions to depict a given reality, whereas qualitative analysis aims to comprehend the "why" and investigates how we describe something.

Chapter 6 - Qualitative versus quantitative analysis

ObjectiveTo determine the added value of qualitative analysis as an adjunct to quantitative analysis for the discrimination of benign and malignant lesions in patients with breast cancer using diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) with readout-segmented echo-planar imaging (rs-EPI).MethodsA total of 99 patients with 144 lesions were reviewed from our prospectively collected database. DWI data were obtained using rs-EPI acquired at 3.0 T. The diagnostic performances of DWI in the qualitative, quantitative, and combination analyses were compared with that of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI). Additionally, the effect of lesion size on the diagnostic performance of the DWI combination analysis was evaluated.ResultsThe strongest indicators of malignancy on DWI were a heterogeneous pattern (P = 0.005) and an apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value <1.0 × 10–3 mm2/sec (P = 0.002). The area under the curve (AUC) values for the qualitative analysis, quantitative analysis, and combination analysis on DWI were 0.732 (95% CI, 0.651–0.803), 0.780 (95% CI, 0.703–0.846), and 0.826 (95% CI, 0.754–0.885), respectively (P<0.0001). The AUC for the combination analysis on DWI was superior to that for DCE-MRI alone (0.651, P = 0.003) but inferior to that for DCE-MRI plus the ADC value (0.883, P = 0.03). For the DWI combination analysis, the sensitivity was significantly lower in the size ≤1 cm group than in the size >1 cm group (80% vs. 95.6%, P = 0.034).ConclusionsQualitative analysis of tumor morphology was diagnostically applicable on DWI using rs-EPI. This qualitative analysis adds value to quantitative analyses for lesion characterization in patients with breast cancer.

Machine learning-based methods are commonly used for landslide susceptibility mapping. Most of the recent publications focused on quantitative analysis, i.e., improving data processing methods, comparing and perfecting the data-driven model itself, but rarely taking the qualitative aspects of the local landslide occurrences into consideration and the further analysis of the key features was always lacking. This study aims to combine qualitative and quantitative analysis and examine its effect on mapping accuracy; based on the feature importance ranks and the related literature, the key features for identifying landslide/non-landslide points of different sub-zones were further analyzed. Before modeling, the study area Yunyang County, Chongqing City, China, was manually divided into four sub-zones based on the information from geological hazards exploration in Chongqing, including the mechanism of landslide formation and sliding failure and geomorphic unit characteristics. Upon the qualitative analysis basis, five grid searches tuned random forest models (one for the whole region and four for the sub-zones independently) were established by 1654 data points and 20 conditioning features. Compared with the conventional data-driven method, the integrated quantitative evaluation based on the qualitative analysis results showed higher reliability, which not only improved the mapping accuracy but also increased the AUC values of all four sub-models, which were 8.8%, 2.3%, 1.9% and 9.1% higher than that of the parent model. Moreover, the quantitative evaluation based on the qualitative analysis revealed the key factors affecting local landslide formation. Therefore, qualitative analysis is recommended in future landslide susceptibility modeling with the additional combination of data-driven methods.

Rigorous electron probe x-ray microanalysis (EPMA) with energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry (EDS) takes place in two sequential steps: qualitative analysis followed by quantitative analysis.Qualitative analysis: Qualitative analysis involves the assignment of the peaks found in the x-ray spectrum to specific elements. One of the most important attributes of energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry (EDS) for qualitative analysis is that we can always view the complete x-ray spectrum. The EDS photon detection process effectively provides parallel detection in energy. Depending on the detector window and spectrometer characteristics, the entire energy range from Be K radiation (0.106 keV) to the incident beam energy can be available for analysis. With an incident beam energy of 15 keV, at least one family of x-ray lines (K, L, or M shell) will be excited for each element in the Periodic Table with atomic number ≥ 4. We ignore at our peril this capability to do a complete qualitative analysis at all specimen locations that we choose to measure. Quantitative analysis is meaningless if qualitative analysis has not been properly perfonned first. The bases for qualitative analysis include the exact energy of the peak(s), which places a premium on spectrometer calibration, the recognition of all members of each x-ray family and the possibility of two (or more) families being excited, the relative intensities ("weights of lines") within a family, and the artifacts associated with each high intensity peak, particularly the escape peak(s) and sum peak(s).

BackgroundTo evaluate paraspinal back muscles of asymptomatic subjects using qualitative and quantitative analysis on CT and MRI and correlate the results with demographic data.MethodsTwenty-nine asymptomatic subjects were enrolled prospectively (age: mean 34.31, range 23–50; 14 men, 15 women) from August 2016 to April 2017. Qualitative analysis of muscles was done using Goutallier’s system on CT and MRI. Quantitative analysis entailed cross sectional area (CSA) on CT and MRI, Hounsfield unit (HU) on CT, fat fraction using two-point Dixon technique on MRI. Three readers independently analyzed the images; intra- and inter-observer agreements were measured. Linear regression and Spearman’s analyses were used for correlation with demographic data.ResultsCSA values were significantly higher in men (p < 0.001). Fat fraction was higher (22.53% vs. 14.35%) and HU lower (36.00 vs. 47.43) in women (p < 0.001). Intra- and inter-observer reliabilities of the two methods were greater than 0.8, except for CSA of L5/S1 on MRI; however, regarding quantitative analysis, decreasing HU and increasing fat fraction were correlated with increasing age, female gender and lower lumbar segment (p < 0.001).ConclusionMRI and CT can be reliably used for qualitative and quantitative analysis of paraspinal back muscles, regarding fat content. Fat fraction and HU showed highest reliabilities.

Qualitative Analysis with Virtual Touch Tissue Imaging & Quantification for Differential Diagnosis of Breast Lesions Compared with Quantitative Analysis

Non-enzymatic glycation of proteins is a post-translational modification produced by a reaction between reducing sugars and amino groups located in lysine and arginine residues or in the N-terminal position. This modification plays a relevant role in medicine and food industry. In the clinical field, this undesired role is directly linked to blood glucose concentration and therefore to pathological conditions derived from hyperglycemia (>11 mm glucose) such as diabetes mellitus or renal failure. An approach for qualitative and quantitative analysis of glycated proteins is here proposed to achieve the three information levels for their complete characterization. These are: 1) identification of glycated proteins, 2) elucidation of sugar attachment sites, and 3) quantitative analysis to compare glycemic states. Qualitative analysis was carried out by tandem mass spectrometry after endoproteinase Glu-C digestion and boronate affinity chromatography for isolation of glycated peptides. For this purpose, two MS operational modes were used: higher energy collisional dissociation-MS2 and CID-MS3 by neutral loss scan monitoring of two selective neutral losses (162.05 and 84.04 Da for the glucose cleavage and an intermediate rearrangement of the glucose moiety). On the other hand, quantitative analysis was based on labeling of proteins with [(13)C(6)]glucose incubation to evaluate the native glycated proteins labeled with [(12)C(6)]glucose. As glycation is chemoselective, it is exclusively occurring in potential targets for in vivo modifications. This approach, named glycation isotopic labeling, enabled differentiation of glycated peptides labeled with both isotopic forms resulting from enzymatic digestion by mass spectrometry (6-Da mass shift/glycation site). The strategy was then applied to a reference plasma sample, revealing the detection of 50 glycated proteins and 161 sugar attachment positions with identification of preferential glycation sites for each protein. A predictive approach was also tested to detect potential glycation sites under high glucose concentration.

Research methods in business: Quantitative and qualitative comparative analysis

Proton density fat fraction (PDFF) maps aid fat metaplasia evaluation in the sacroiliac joints in additional to T1WI: Improved diagnostic accuracy in axial spondyloarthritis

BackgroundTo determine the benefit of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the assessment of breast lesions.MethodsA standardized contrast-enhanced ultrasound was performed in 230 breast lesions classified as BI-RADS category 3 to 5. All lesions were subjected to qualitative and quantitative analysis. MVI (MicroVascular Imaging) technique was used to derive qualitative analysis parameters; blood perfusion of the lesions was assessed (perfusion homogeneity, type of vascularization, enhancement degree). Quantitative analysis was conducted to estimate perfusion changes in the lesions within drawn regions of interest (ROI); parameters TTP (time to peak), PI (peak intensity), WIS (wash in slope), AUC (area under curve) were obtained from time intensity (TI) curves. Acquired data were statistically analyzed to assess the ability of each parameter to differentiate between malignant and benign lesions. The combination of parameters was also evaluated for the possibility of increasing the overall diagnostic accuracy. Biological nature of the lesions was verified by a pathologist. Benign lesions without histopathological verification (BI-RADS 3) were followed up for at least 24 months.ResultsOut of 230 lesions, 146 (64%) were benign, 67 (29%) were malignant, 17 (7%) lesions were eliminated. Malignant tumors showed statistically significantly lower TTP parameters (sensitivity 77.6%, specificity 52.7%) and higher WIS values (sensitivity 74.6%, specificity 66.4%) than benign tumors. Enhancement degree also proved to be statistically well discriminating as 55.2% of malignant lesions had a rich vascularity (sensitivity 89.6% and specificity 48.6%). The combination of quantitative analysis parameters (TTP, WIS) with enhancement degree did not result in higher accuracy in distinguishing between malignant and benign breast lesions.ConclusionsWe have demonstrated that contrast-enhanced breast ultrasound has the potential to distinguish between malignant and benign lesions. In particular, this method could help to differentiate lesions BI-RADS category 3 and 4 and thus reduce the number of core-cut biopsies performed in benign lesions. Qualitative analysis, despite its subjective element, appeared to be more beneficial. A combination of quantitative and qualitative analysis did not increase the predictive capability of CEUS.

Formaldehyde is an active compound, irregularly used in hair products, that has the property of straighten and waterproofing the wires. However, it is highly toxic and can stimulate dermatological hypersensitivity and cancer. In this context it is of fundamental importance the inspection of these products that can be used in safe conditions for the consumer, without formaldehyde in concentrations higher than the allowed. Thus, the aim of this research was the qualitative and quantitative identification formaldehyde in samples of hair straighteners that was obtained by donation in the beauty salons of Araraquara-SP. In addition, the analysis of the packaging labels of the products tested were conducted, following the requirements of the national legislation. A qualitative analysis for formaldehyde identification is based on the formation of a purple colored complex. The quantitative analysis was performed by spectrophotometry. The qualitative and quantitative formaldehyde analysis methods were applied to 13 bottles of hair straighteners. When submitted to qualitative analysis, all samples showed formaldehyde presence. The quantitative analysis demonstrated that the samples identified as B, C, D, E, G, H, I, J and M presented formaldehyde concentration of 3.5 to 14.5%, which is above of the limit recommended by the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA), of 0.2%. In the label analysis, in all samples were found irregularities.

Phonetics with mechanics and aesthetics are considered cardinal factors contributing to the success of complete dentures. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the changes in speech in complete denture patients with and without palatal surface changes. The data collected for the study involved completely edentulous Patients (n= 80). Patients were divided into two groups. Group A: Up to 50 years (n= 40); Group B: Above 50 years (n= 40) (including male and female). Each group was further divided into four subgroups for speech analysis-without dentures (A1/B1); with conventional dentures (A2/B2); dentures with a palatogram (A3/B3) and dentures with palate sandblasted (A4/B4). The speech sounds of all patients were evaluated for pitch and intensity using a spectrophotogram (Praat software) and Likert scale. The data so obtained from the quantitative and qualitative analysis were statistically analysed through one-way ANOVA, unpaired student's t-test, and Pearson correlation coefficient. Qualitative analysis was done with the Mann-Whitney U test. The maximum mean value of the pitch and intensity in Groups A and B was subgroup A3 (Palatogram) 190.37 ± 21.50 and 77.07 ± 7.58, B3 (Palatogram) 190.87 ± 24.36 and 75.33 ± 8.12. When comparing Groups A [A1, A2, A3, A4] and B [B1, B2, B3, B4] on the basis of pitch and intensity, a statistically insignificant value was found. No changes in speech sounds (pitch and intensity) were observed in terms of age. Both quantitative and qualitative analysis results showed that speech sounds in the patients with palatogram, had the highest pitch and intensity and were most clear to the listener and there were statistically significant differences from other groups. Speech was better in palatogram-based dentures in comparison to a sandblasted denture, conventional denture and without denture in terms of qualitative and quantitative analysis. The physiologic nature of the palatogram fabrication technique produces the palatal part of the denture more compatible with the tongue, thus producing better speech.