Acceptance Criteria Research Articles

Assessment of Mechanical Strength of A36 Steel with Flux Cored Arc Welding Process

Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) is a popular welding technology in the construction and industrial sectors due to its ease of use. Flux-cored arc welding (FCAW) has gained popularity in the construction sector and industrial settings. The Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) restricts material compatibility for FCAW due to systematic selection and qualification. Penetrant Testing exposes damage to welded specimens, ensuring they meet the standard. Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) and mechanical tests like tensile and bending tests determine the mechanical strength and weld characteristics of steel using FCAW. The results show the effectiveness of pWPS and satisfy the code and standard. Dye Penetrant Test results show no cracks and acceptable criteria for both side A and side B of the steel plate. Bending test results show expected yield points, but failures occur due to discontinuities in break force and failures in tensile strength.

An automated Peak Group Analysis for vibrational spectra analysis

Peak Group Analysis (PGA) is a multivariate curve resolution technique that attempts to extract single pure component spectra from time series of spectral mixture data. It requires that the mixture spectra consist of relatively sharp peaks, as is typical in IR and Raman spectroscopy. PGA aims to construct from individual peaks the associated pure component spectra in the form of nonnegative linear combinations of the right singular vectors of the spectral data matrix.This work presents an automated PGA (autoPGA) that starts with upstream peak detection applied to time series of spectra, combining different window-based peak detection techniques with balanced peak acceptance criteria and peak grouping to deal with repeated detections. The next step is a single-spectrum-oriented PGA analysis. This is followed by a downstream correlation analysis to identify pure component spectra that occur multiple times. AutoPGA provides a complete pure component factorization of the matrix of measured data. The algorithm is applied to FT-IR data sets on various rhodium carbonyl complexes and from an equilibrium of iridium complexes.

Luminescence dating of rock surfaces in challenging environments: The case of MIS5e gravelly transgressive lag deposit (Southern Sardinia, West Mediterranean Sea)

Determining the age of precise sea level markers such as marine terraces is often difficult because of the inherent limitation of traditional dating methods. A novel method based on Optical Stimulated Luminescence applicable to rock surfaces has been showing great promise in dating boulder and cobble surfaces from various environments. We performed Optically Stimulated Luminescence Rock Surface Dating (OSL RSD) on five cobbles from a basal transgressive lag deposit sealing a marine terrace referred to as the Last Interglacial (Marine Isotopic Stage 5e). We applied a consistent and highly selective 3-step acceptance criteria on five cobbles and obtained that only one was sufficiently well-bleached prior to burial. The resulting ages of 131 ± 8 ka and 127 ± 8 ka (obtained on 22 analyzed aliquots, n = 22) derived from the post-infrared infrared stimulated signal at 225oC (pIRIR225) and the preceding infrared stimulated signal at 50oC (pIR50/225), respectively, are consistent with each other as well as with the conventional luminescence age of ∼135 ka from the same sequence and with the U/Th age of ∼130 ka obtained from coral fragments. This work demonstrates that the RSD is a promising method for dating gravel veneer deposits overlaying marine terraces, enabling new chronologies for similar Quaternary deposits.

Application of pattern deconvolution strategies for the estimation of bromochloro alkane concentrations in indoor dust samples

Bromochloro alkanes (BCAs) are a class of flame retardants similar in structure to polychlorinated alkanes (PCAs), which are the major component of short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) listed as Persistent Organic Pollutants under the Stockholm Convention. BCAs have recently been detected for the first time in environmental samples. Due to the complete lack of commercially available analytical standards, no method for quantifying BCAs has been reported to date. In this study, 16 custom-synthesised standards with mixed bromine and chlorine halogenation and carbon chain lengths ranging from C10 to C17 were characterized by liquid chromatography and Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry and used to assess the applicability of pattern deconvolution quantification strategies for BCAs in indoor dust. Br1-9 and Cl1-8 BCAs were detected as [M + Cl]– adduct ions among the C10 to C17 standards, as well as numerous PCA homologues. After applying correction factors to account for the presence of PCAs in the standards, triplicate fortification experiments using varied halogenation composition and concentration determined an average measurement accuracy of 81% over the carbon chain lengths studied and coefficient of variance ≤20% between replicates. Overall, approximately 89% of the ΣBCA concentrations quantified in the fortification trials met the European Union Reference Laboratory's accuracy acceptability criteria recommended for PCAs, between 50 and 150%. Application of the BCA pattern deconvolution quantification procedure to seven representative indoor dust samples from the United States of America revealed a low correlation between the homologue distribution in the samples and the prototype standards (R2 ≤ 0.40), which precluded reliable quantification. This study indicates that pattern deconvolution is an appropriate strategy for quantifying BCAs in environmental samples, but that a large set of appropriate mixture standards will be required before more reliable estimates of BCA concentrations can be achieved in indoor dust.

Seismic Performance Evaluation of Irregular Auditorium Building based on ASCE 41-23

This study discusses the seismic performance evaluation of an irregular auditorium building. The building is an educational facility which has roof span up to 46 meters, column height up to 10 meters, beam span up to 15 meters, cantilever up to 6.50 meters, 2 inclined columns with the angle up to 54.72°, and 1 transfer column with 1 transfer beam. The evaluation process was carried out using Tier 3 method with linear dynamic procedure which consisted of Response Spectrum Analysis (RSA) and Linear Time History Analysis (LTHA) according to ASCE 41-23 using SAP2000 subjected to short (S s ) and long (S ) period of earthquakes. The building is designed to Risk Category IV, which the target performance levels for structural components are Immediate Occupancy (IO) for Basic Safety Earthquake 1 for New Building (BSE-1N) and Life Safety (LS) for Basic Safety Earthquake 2 for New Building (BSE-2N). Even though the building had a torsional strength irregularity, the percentage of components with a Demand-Capacity Ratio value that did not meet the requirements was 9.87% of the total components; hence the linear procedure was assumed to be still applicable. Analyses showed that the average acceptance criteria ratio of the components with the RSA method was lower than with the LTHA method but the percentage of the components with acceptance criteria ratio exceeding 1 using RSA method was higher than using the LTHA method. In addition, the results indicated that the average performance level of the components was IO for BSE-1N and LS for BSE-2N, which both results had met the expected performance level targets. However, the maximum performance level of the components did not meet the IO performance level target for BSE-1N and did not meet the LS performance level target for BSE-2N.

Analytical Validation of Cxbladder® Detect, Triage, and Monitor: Assays for Detection and Management of Urothelial Carcinoma.

Background: Cxbladder® assays are reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) tests incorporating five genetic biomarkers (CDK1, MDK, IGFBP5, HOXA13, and CXCR2) to provide risk stratification for urothelial carcinoma (UC) in patients with hematuria or undergoing surveillance for recurrent disease. This study evaluated the analytical validity of the Cxbladder Detect, Triage, and Monitor assays. Methods: Pre-specified acceptance criteria, including the assays' fundamental aspects (sample and reagent stability, RNA extraction quality, RT-qPCR linearity, and analytical sensitivity and specificity), accuracy and precision, and reproducibility between laboratories. Results: Cxbladder had an analytical sensitivity of 12.5-31.1 RNA copies/mL urine for the CDK1, MDK, IGFBP5, and HOXA13 UC biomarkers and 68.9 RNA copies/mL for the inflammatory biomarker CXCR2. All the pre-specified analytical criteria were met. Cxbladder had diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive values of 77%, 94%, 68%, and 96%, respectively, for Detect; 95%, 46%, 20%, and 98% for Triage; and 91%, 39%, 21%, and 96% for Monitor. Cxbladder had high analytical accuracy (≤10.63% inaccuracy across all biomarkers) and good reproducibility (>85% concordance between laboratories). Conclusions: Cxbladder accurately and reproducibly detects UC biomarker expression and can aid clinicians in risk stratification of hematuria patients or those undergoing surveillance for recurrent UC.

Assessment of Quality Control parameters under Accelerated Stability Conditions for Manasamitra Vatakam; A Herbo Mineral Formulation

Accelerated Stability Studies predicts the stability data and significantly explains the drug decision process. In the present study, Manasamitra Vatakam, a Herbo mineral formulation was subjected to stability conditions at 40°C ± 2°C /75%± 5% RH for 06 months. Control and stability samples were determined for parameters like Weight variation, Moisture content, Marker content determination, and Disintegration test, Dissolution study with different mediums, Friability and Hardness test. The phytomarker analysis showed decrease assay value for β-sitosterol, Vitexin, Kampferol and Withaferin. The dissolution studies were performed for the major biomarker Berberine in 0.1N HCl, pH 4.5 acetate and pH 6.8 phosphate buffer in which pH 6.8 buffer showed maximum release of 66.82% at 04 hours. The other Quality control parameters showed minimal difference under acceptance criteria. The study explains the need of stability analysis in polyherbal formulations and developed method can be used for routine analytical studies in various formulation containing berberine. Keywords: Berberine, HPLC, Manasamitra Vatakam, Quality Control, Stability.

Validation of a rapid GC–MS method for forensic seized drug screening applications

With the lack of standardized validation protocols across the forensic chemistry community, validation of instrumentation can be a challenging and time-consuming task. However, this process is crucial to understanding the associated capabilities and limitations, especially for nascent technologies. Rapid GC–MS is one such emerging analytical technique being increasingly implemented in forensic laboratories due to its fast and informative screening capabilities. However, a full validation for forensic samples has yet to be published since its debut. This work presents the results of a comprehensive validation of a rapid GC–MS system for seized drug screening through the assessment of nine components: selectivity, matrix effects, precision, accuracy, range, carryover/contamination, robustness, ruggedness, and stability. Single- and/or multi-compound test solutions of commonly encountered seized drug compounds were used to assess method and system performance. Results met the designated acceptance criteria for a majority of components. For example, retention time and mass spectral search score % RSDs were ≤10 % for precision and robustness studies. Limitations were identified for components that did not meet the acceptance criteria (e.g., inability to differentiate some isomers). The study design is part of a larger validation package developed for rapid GC–MS that includes a validation plan and automated workbook. The template, available for adoption by laboratories, ultimately aims to reduce the barrier of implementation for rapid GC–MS technology.

Interference from anti-drug antibodies on the quantification of insulin: a comparison of an LC-MS/MS assay and immunoassays.

Aim: This study aims to compare the anti-drug antibody (ADA) interference in four pharmacokinetic (PK) assays across different platforms (AlphaLISA, Gyrolab, LC-MS/MS) and to devise a strategy for ADA interference mitigation to improve the accuracy of measured drug in total PK assays.Materials & methods: Spiked test samples, created to achieve different ADA concentrations in human serum also containing an insulin analogue, were analyzed alongside pooled clinical samples using four assays.Results & conclusion: Interference was observed in all platforms. A novel approach using the Gyrolab mixing CD, including acid dissociation in the PK assay, significantly reduced interference and thereby improved relative error from >99% to ≤20% yielding measurements well within the acceptance criteria. Clinical sample results reinforced findings from the test samples.

Double-layer dissolving microneedles for delivery of mesenchymal stem cell Secretome: Formulation, characterisation and skin irritation study

Regenerative therapy based on stem cells have been developed, focusing on either stem cell or secretome delivery. Most marketed cellular and gene therapy products are available as injectable dosage forms, leading to several limitations requiring alternative routes, such as the intradermal route. Microneedles, capable of penetratingthe stratum corneumbarrier, offer a potential alternative for intradermal delivery. This present study aimed to develop double-layer dissolving microneedles (DMN) for the delivery of freeze-dried mesenchymal stem cell secretome. DMNs were fabricated using a two-step casting method and composed of two polymer combinations: poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) or PVP with sodium hyaluronate (SH). The manufactured DMNs underwent assessments for morphology, mechanical strength, in skin dissolution, protein content, in vitro permeation, in vivo skin irritation, and physical stability. Based on evaluations of morphology and mechanical strength, two formulas (F5 and F12) met acceptance criteria. Evaluation of protein content revealed that F12 (PVP-SH combination) had a higher protein content than F5 (PVP-PVA combination), 99.02 ± 3.24 μg and 78.36 ± 3.75 μg respectively. In vitro permeation studies showed that F5 delivered secretome protein by 100.84 ± 0.88%, while F12 delivered 99.63 ± 9.21% in 24 h. After four days of observation onSprague-Dawleyrat’s skin, no signs of irritation, such as oedema and redness, was observed after applying both formulations. The safety of using PVP-PVA and PVP-SH combinations as excipients for DMN secretome delivery has been confirmed, promising significant advancements in biotherapeutic development in the future.

Assessment of internal defects in flush ground butt welds in marine structures

In this paper, acceptance criteria of internal planar defects for the highest design S-N curve for surface ground butt welds in fatigue design standards has been assessed based on fatigue tests of tethers containing internal defects. The results from crack growth analysis from defects placed close to the surface are compared with test data from constant amplitude testing of tethers with circumferential welds that includes flaws or small planar defects close to the surface. Floating structures and support structures are subjected to variable loads and the calculated response leads to a long-term stress range distribution with many small stress ranges. This means that if the cracks are small, the resulting stress intensity may be less than the threshold stress intensity factor and the crack does not grow for this stress cycle, or it grows at a reduced crack growth rate in the near threshold region. A methodology to account for this is presented based on a two-parameter Weibull long-term stress range distribution that is representative for load response of floating structures and for support structures for wind turbines. It is shown that the threshold value and the reduced crack growth rate in the near threshold region for small internal defect heights can be used to lift the fatigue test data from constant amplitude testing to be in better correspondence with a higher S-N curve when considering an actual long-term loading.

Concurrent and predictive validity of the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria for adult patients in convalescent rehabilitation wards

Background & aimsThe Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria has been recognised as major diagnostic criteria for malnutrition in adults worldwide; however, its validity in rehabilitation settings remains unclear. This study investigated the concurrent and predictive validity of the GLIM criteria for adult patients in convalescent rehabilitation wards. MethodsThis retrospective cohort study was conducted using pre-established datasets from convalescent rehabilitation wards in a hospital. The inclusion criteria were adults aged ≥18 years admitted to the wards between November 2018 and October 2020 who were available for body composition assessment. Malnutrition diagnoses were determined by registered dietitians (RDs) using the GLIM criteria. The Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) was performed by another RD and used for the malnutrition reference standard. The GLIM criteria sensitivity and specificity were examined for SGA. The odds ratios and hazard ratios of GLIM-defined malnutrition for the total score of the Functional Independence Measure (tFIM) effectiveness and non-home discharge were calculated using univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses and Cox proportional hazard models. ResultsData from 723 patients were extracted from the dataset. GLIM-defined malnutrition was confirmed in 207 (28.6%) patients, 87 (12.0%) with moderate malnutrition and 120 (16.6%) with severe malnutrition. The SGA graded 146 (20.2%) patients with moderate malnutrition (grade B) and 86 (11.9%) with severe malnutrition (grade C). The GLIM criteria (malnutrition/ no malnutrition) had fair sensitivity (76.7%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 70.7–82.0%) and good specificity (94.1%, 95% CI: 91.6–96.0%), indicating acceptable concurrent validity. GLIM-defined moderate malnutrition had poorer sensitivity than severe malnutrition (42.5% vs 81.4%). Logistic regression analyses revealed no evidence for the association between GLIM-defined malnutrition and poor tFIM effectiveness (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.09, 95% CI: 0.71–1.69) and non-home discharge (AOR: 1.19, 95% CI: 0.76–1.84). The Cox proportional hazard analyses also showed no effect of malnutrition on outcomes. ConclusionThe GLIM criteria had fair sensitivity and good specificity, indicating acceptable criteria for diagnosing malnutrition in rehabilitation settings. However, its predictive validity for functional recovery and discharge outcomes was insufficient.

Determination of Aloin A, Aloin B, and Aloe-Emodin in Raw Materials and Finished Products Using HPLC Multi-Laboratory Validation Study, AOAC 2016.09, Final Action Status.

A multi-laboratory validation study was performed on AOAC Official Method of Analysis (OMA) 2016.09, for final action. Eight different laboratories throughout the world participated in the study tested the same set of 6 different laboratory samples of raw materials (commercial) and formulated products (commercial), and all the laboratories successfully generated results within the acceptance criteria. The intention of the study was to evaluate specificity, precision (variation), linearity/range, system suitability, limit of detection (LOD), and limit of quantitation (LOQ) by multiple laboratories to satisfy the requirement of moving the OMA 2016.09 to the final action status. Accuracy and ruggedness were already validated in earlier work of single laboratory validation (1), and it was not necessary to include these validation parameters in the multi-laboratory validation study. Laboratory samples containing Aloe were sent out to participating laboratories. Each lab followed AOAC 2016.09 (First Action status) to analyze contents of aloin A, aloin B, and aloe emodin using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) instrument. The results generated by each laboratory were collected and evaluated. The specificity results show that blank and matrix chromatograms do not contain major interfering peaks on the retention time of aloin A, aloin B, and aloe-emodin. The precision (variation) results of duplicated preparations are not more than 0.05 parts per million (ppm) different. The linearity/range results from six standards (10 parts per billion (ppb), 20 ppb, 40 ppb, 80 ppb, 160 ppb, and 500 ppb) have correlation coefficient (R) value of ≥ 0.999. The system suitability results meet the acceptance criteria to show the instrument validity. The limit of detection (LOD) results show that the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio of 10 ppb standards for all three components are about 3. The limit of quantitation (LOQ) results show that the S/N ratio of 20 ppb standards for all three components are about 10. The validation parameters (specificity, precision (variation), linearity/range, system suitability, LOD, and LOQ) have been successfully analyzed, and it shows that the test method is suitable for its intended use. The test method has been successfully validated by the eight different laboratories around the world (US, UK, Germany, and Canada). Each of the laboratory is managed independently by the site lab management team. This multi-lab study validated the method of Determination of Aloin A, Aloin B, and Aloe-Emodin in Raw Materials and Finished Products Using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and the method fits for its intended purpose.

KINETIC AND THERMODYNAMIC ADSORPTION STUDIES ON THE REMOVAL AND TREATMENT OF TEXTILES EFFLUENTS USING ACTIVATED CARBON DERIVED FROM DIOSPYROS MESPILLIFORMIS SEEDS.

An agricultural waste Diospyros mespiliformis seeds were treated, and activated with 30% of 0.3M sodium hydroxide base, to obtain an activated carbon employed in an adsorption process. It was utilize to treat effluent textile water sample from African Textile Manufacturers Limited in Dala, Kano State, Nigeria. Various techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and proximate analysis were employed to investigate the adsorption process. The adsorbent was able to remove the dark red color to colorless found in textile effluents and shown a higher removal affinity for zinc ( 99.4%) and least affinity for nickel (0.11%), also Chromium (Cr) reduced by 39.4%, Copper (Cu) reduced by 20.9%, Iron (Fe) reduced by 91.9% , Manganese (Mg) reduced by 79.3%, are reduced significantly, the PH change from acidic PH 6.4 to neutral PH 7.1, turbidity decrease from 131 to 14 NTU , electrical conductivity change from 723 to 110 ?s·cm?1 .Diospyros mespiliformis seeds activated carbon was used for removal of congo red and malachite green from an aqueous solution. The effect of adsorbent dose, adsorbate concentration and contact time on the process of adsorption was investigated. The optimum dosage was found to be 0.5g had a percentage removal of 98.1% for congo red and 94.4% for malachite green. 10mg/l and 80minute was found to optimum concentration and optimum time in adsorption of congo red and malachite green. The equilibrium, kinetic and thermodynamic properties of the dyes removal were also investigated. The experimental data were modeled using linear regression method of analysis. The correlation coefficient was used as a criterion for model adequacy and acceptance. The pseudo second-order kinetic model was found to best correlate the experimental data with R2 of 0.9523 for CR and 0.9297 for MG. The experimental data were investigated at three different temperature, 305k, 325k and 335k were found to follow the Langmuir model with R2 of 0.9679, 0.9662 and 0.989 for CR and 0.9529, 0.9662 and 0.994 for MG. also were found to follow Temkinp model with with R2 of 0.9549, 0.9318 and 0.9952for CR and 0.9885, 0.9443 and 0.9209 for MG. The negative free gribbs energy indicated that the adsorption processes were spontaneously feasible. The positive values of +31.66KJ/mol and +92.3KJ/mol on both CR and MG indicate that adsorption process has been found to be endothermic in nature. The removal of congo red was found to be more spontaneous and feasible than the removal of malachite green on the adsorbent. From the study, it was deduced that the Diospyros mespiliformis seeds activated with sodium hydroxide was found to be a good adsorbent for the treatment of textile wastewater containing Congo red and Malachite green.

Development and validation of a UPLC-MS/MS method for rapid and simultaneous quantification of BPI-460372 and its metabolites BPI-460444 and BPI-460456 in human plasma

In cancer development and progression, the Hippo signaling pathway functions. The transcriptional enhanced associate domain (TEAD) stands out as a pivotal transcription factor within this pathway, and the suppression of TEAD represents a promising approach for cancer treatment. The primary aim of the study was to establish an analytical method for the concurrent quantification of a novel TEAD target inhibitor, BPI-460372, and its principal metabolites, BPI-460444 and BPI-460456, in human plasma. The chromatographic separation utilized a XSelect™ HSS C18 column (2.1 × 100 mm, 2.5 µm), while quantification was conducted on a SCIEX API 4000 mass spectrometer. 22 plasma samples were tested via the developed method. The calibration curve for BPI-460372 exhibited linearity from 2 to 2000 ng/mL, while its metabolites BPI-460444 and BPI-460456 had linearity between 1 and 1000 ng/mL (r > 0.99). The precision (RSD) was ≤ 17.1 %, and the accuracy (RE) fell within the range of −17.7 % to 15.0 %, all meeting acceptance criteria. The matrix effect was from 101.0 % to 105.8 %. The extraction recovery of analytes fell within the range of 96.8 % to 104.1 % with an RSD of less than 7.4 %. The developed method was effectively utilized in an advanced solid tumor patient, and the concentration trends of the three analytes in plasma were found to be largely consistent. The established analytical method showed great sensitivity, simplicity, accuracy, and reliability for the rapid and simultaneous analysis of the TEAD target inhibitor BPI-460372, alongside its major metabolites BPI-460444 and BPI-460456 in human plasma. This analytical method provided essential support for future clinical investigations and pharmacokinetic analysis.

A small step toward precision dosing of caffeine in preterm infants: An external evaluation of published population pharmacokinetic models

BackgroundSeveral population pharmacokinetic (PopPK) models of caffeine in preterm infants have been published, but the extrapolation of these models to facilitate model-informed precision dosing (MIPD) in clinical practice is uncertain. This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate their predictive performance using an external, independent dataset. MethodsData used for external evaluation were based on an independent cohort of preterm infants. Currently available PopPK models for caffeine in preterm infants were identified and re-established. Prediction- and simulation-based diagnostics were used to assess model predictability. The influence of prior information was assessed using Bayesian forecasting. Results120 plasma samples from 76 preterm infants were included in the evaluation dataset. Twelve PopPK models of caffeine in preterm infants were re-established based on our previously published study. Although two models showed superior predictive performance, none of the 12 PopPK models met all the clinical acceptance criteria of these external evaluation items. Besides, the external predictive performances of most models were unsatisfactory in prediction- and simulation-based diagnostics. Nevertheless, the application of Bayesian forecasting significantly improved the predictive performance, even with only one prior observation. ConclusionsTwo models that included the most covariates had the best predictive performance across all external assessments. Inclusion of different covariates, heterogeneity of preterm infant characteristics, and different study designs influenced predictive performance. Thorough evaluation is needed before these PopPK models can be implemented in clinical practice. The implementation of MIPD for caffeine in preterm infants could benefit from the combination of PopPK models and Bayesian forecasting as a helpful tool.

Quantitative Risk Assessment of an Oil-Gas-Hydrogen-Electricity Integrated Energy Station in China.

This paper presents a quantitative risk assessment (QRA) study of an oil-gas-hydrogen-electricity integrated energy station in China. A comprehensive assessment of the station was made in terms of consequences and risks, respectively. Consequence analysis shows that the severity of hazardous chemical leakage accidents in the station is in the order of natural gas, hydrogen, gasoline, and diesel fuel, especially in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG) storage tank areas, which may cause major accidents in the event of leakage. The results of the risk assessment showed that the individual and societal risks of the integrated oil-gas-hydrogen-electricity energy station exceeded the risk acceptance criteria. Moreover, the catastrophic rupture of LNG and CNG storage tanks is the main cause of the unacceptable risk. Additional mitigation measures for them, mainly including the installation of emergency manual shut-off valves, the installation of combustible gas detection and alarm devices, and pressure relief protection devices, can effectively reduce the risk to an acceptable level.

The use of visual schedules to increase academic-related on-task behaviors of individuals with autism: a literature review

A literature review was conducted to examine the existing studies on visual schedules to increase academic-related on-task behaviors for individuals with autism. Systematic searches of electronic databases and reference lists identified 10 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. These studies were evaluated in terms of the effectiveness of visual schedules based on (a) participant characteristics; (b) intervention settings and activities; (c) independent variables including visual schedule forms, presentation modes, and other methods or strategies combined with visual schedules; (d) research design and measures; and (e) generalization, maintenance, and social validity. Also, the methodological rigor of each study in this review was assessed (e.g. against Reichow’s evaluation standards). The results provided evidence that visual schedules could be utilized in combination with other strategies or methods, especially prompting and reinforcement, to increase the academic-related on-task behaviors of individuals with autism. Seven studies reported social validity, six studies programmed for generalization, and four studies reported maintenance effects. According to Reichow’s evaluation standards, six studies met strong criteria and one study met acceptable criteria, indicating that they provide good evidence for the effectiveness of VS on the academic-related on-task behaviors of individuals with autism. Implications and suggestions for practitioners and researchers are provided.

Ultra-rapid determination of andrographolide and dehydroandrographolide in Andrographis Herba by solid phase extraction and liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry

AbstractAn ultra-rapid analytical method for determination of andrographolide and dehydroandrographolide in Andrographis Herba (AH) was developed by liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The sample was ultrasonically extracted with 10 mL 40% (v/v) methanol, and then purified with a C18 solid phase extraction column. The LC separation was performed on a Poroshell 120 EC-C18 column (30 × 2.1 mm, 2.7 μm) and eluted with 0.5 mmol L−1 ammonium acetate aqueous solution and acetonitrile (65:35) at a flow rate of 0.7 mL min−1, and detected by mass spectrometry (MS). The LC-MS analytical time was less than 1 min. The new developed method presented a good linearity (r > 0.9900), precision and repeatability (RSD < 2.0%). The recoveries for andrographolide and dehydroandrographolide were 93.5% (RSD = 2.2%) and 97.7% (RSD = 2.4%), respectively. The developed method was successfully applied in determination of andrographolide and dehydroandrographolide in seven batches of AH samples, and the contents of analytes in all samples were complied with the relative acceptance criteria in Chinese Pharmacopeia (>0.8%). This new developed LC-MS method is an ultra-rapid assay method for AH, which will help to improve the efficiency and reduce the cost of AH sample test.

Dose Deintensified 3-Day Photon, Proton, or Brachytherapy: A Nonrandomized Controlled Partial Breast Irradiation Trial

BackgroundThe optimal approach for partial breast irradiation (PBI) is unknown. We investigated a novel de-intensified 3-fraction PBI regimen for photons, protons, and brachytherapy. MethodsA multicenter nonrandomized controlled trial with primary outcome of adverse cosmesis at 3 years versus pre-PBI. Eligibility criteria were ≥ age 50 years treated with breast-conserving surgery for node-negative estrogen receptor positive (ER+) invasive breast cancer or any ductal carcinoma in-situ (DCIS) measuring ≤ 2.5 cm. Photon and proton PBI were prescribed 21.9 Gy (RBE) and brachytherapy 21 Gy in 3 fractions. Radiotherapy technique and use of adjuvant endocrine therapy was selected at physician and patient discretion. ResultsBetween June 17, 2015 and July 13, 2017, 161 eligible patients were treated with photons (56), protons (49), or brachytherapy (56). Median patient age was 66.8 years. 126 (78.3%) had invasive breast cancer (all ER+) and 35 (21.7%) had DCIS (88.6% ER+). 54.0% of patients with invasive breast cancer and 25.8% of patients with ER+ DCIS initiated and adhered to prescribed endocrine therapy. The proportion of patients with adverse cosmesis (by trained nurse assessment) was 14.5% at baseline, 2.3% at 3 years (difference -12.2%, 95% CI (-100%, -6.4%)). Adverse cosmesis at last-follow-up, with median follow-up 5 years, was 5.7% by nurse assessment, 5.6% by panel assessment of digital photographs, and 5.2% by patient self-report. There were no observed clinically meaningful changes in other patient reported outcomes, and just two grade 2 or higher adverse events, both grade 2, in the brachytherapy cohort. 5-year local recurrence-free and progression-free survival were 98.0% and 95.5%, respectively. There were no local recurrences amongst 60 patients with invasive breast cancer and Ki67 ≤ 13.25%. ConclusionsDe-intensified 3-day PBI provided favorable disease control, tolerability, and cosmetic outcomes, meeting the pre-specified criteria for acceptability. This approach is an attractive option for small node-negative ER+ BC and DCIS patients. Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02453737