In-house Approach Research Articles

A fit-for-purpose method to monitor 16 European Union PAHs in food: results of five years of official food control in two Italian regions

ABSTRACTA gas-chromatographic single-quadrupole analytical method for the analysis of the 16 priority European Union (EU) polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in food is presented. The method fulfils the request of Regulation EU 836/2011 for an analytical procedure to be used for official control of PAHs in food in EU member states. The sample preparation involves a pressurised liquid extraction (PLE) with an in-cell clean-up step followed by a lipid removal using solid-phase extraction (SPE) on a styrene divinylbenzene stationary phase (SDVB) and a final gel-permeation chromatography (GPC) step. To reach a better sensitivity for all the analytes, including the heaviest last eluting PAHs, 3 μl of the purified extract were injected in solvent vent mode using a programmable temperature vaporization (PTV) injector. The isobaric PAH isomers were successfully separated using an Agilent Technologies DB-17MS (20 m × 0.18 mm × 0.18 μm) column. The method was fully validated using an in-house approach and the sensitivity, accuracy and precision obtained were satisfactory. The method expanded uncertainty was estimated and it was verified that it was below the maximum standard measurement uncertainty. Moreover, the results of 347 samples of meat and meat products, fish and fish products and mussels collected from January 2012 to December 2016 in the Marche and Umbria regions of Italy are reported. None of the samples exceed the maximum levels fixed by EU Regulation 835/2011, and clams turned out to be the most contaminated among the food matrices analysed. Finally, an estimate of the sum of four marker PAHs (benzo[a]anthracene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[a]pyrene, chrysene) as indicator of the PAHs contamination was done by comparison with the 16 carcinogenic PAHs sum.

Different Approaches for Digestion, Performance Assessment and Measurement Uncertainty for the Analysis of Cadmium and Lead in Feeds

Certain feedingstuffs are sources of contamination for animals with cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb). Different approaches for sample digestion, performance assessment, and measurement uncertainty for the analysis of Pb and Cd by flame atomic absorption spectrometry were compared. Full method validation, including matrix effect and analytical limits, were assessed. Despite having a lower performance compared to the microwave digestion, dry ashing was a viable alternative for sample digestion, leading to lower operating costs. Interlaboratory validation proved to be a cheaper alternative, instead of the long traditional in-house approach. The method was suitable for routine analysis of several feed samples. There was a greater amount of quantifiable results for Pb, ranging from traces up to high concentrations (7430 ± 930 mg kg-1). Cd was also quantified in some samples, ranging from 0.11 ± 0.01 to 8.71 ± 0.90 mg kg−1. The higher concentrations of both metals were found in mineral mixtures and fish meal.

Mandibular reconstruction after cancer: an in-house approach to manufacturing cutting guides

The restoration of mandibular bone defects after cancer can be facilitated by computer-assisted preoperative planning. The aim of this study was to assess an in-house manufacturing approach to customized cutting guides for use in the reconstruction of the mandible with osteocutaneous free flaps. A retrospective cohort study was performed, involving 18 patients who underwent mandibular reconstruction with a fibula free flap at three institutions during the period July 2012 to March 2015. A single surgeon designed and manufactured fibula and mandible cutting guides using a computer-aided design process and three-dimensional (3D) printing technology. The oncological outcomes, production parameters, and quality of the reconstructions performed for each patient were recorded. Computed tomography scans were acquired after surgery, and these were compared with the preoperative 3D models. Eighteen consecutive patients with squamous cell carcinoma underwent surgery and then reconstruction using this customized in-house surgical approach. The lengths of the fibula bone segments and the angle measurements in the simulations were similar to those of the postoperative volume rendering (P=0.61). The ease of access to 3D printing technology has enabled the computer-aided design and manufacturing of customized cutting guides for oral cancer treatment without the need for input from external laboratories.

Film Cooling Modeling for Gas Turbine Nozzles and Blades: Validation and Application

The design of modern gas turbines cooling systems cannot be separated from the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and the accurate estimation of the effect of film cooling. Nevertheless, a complete modeling of film cooling holes within the computational domain requires an effort both from the point of view of the mesh creation and from computational time. It is here proposed a new way to model the film cooling (FCM), capable of representing the effect of the coolant at hole exit. This is possible due to the introduction of local source terms near the hole exit in a delimited portion of the domain, avoiding the meshing process of perforations. The goal is to provide a reliable and accurate tool to simulate film-cooled turbine blades and nozzles without having to explicitly mesh the holes. The model was subjected to an intensive validation campaign, composed of two phases. During the first one, FCM results are compared to experimental data and numerical results (obtained with complete cooling holes meshing) on a series of test cases reproducing flat plate cooling configurations for different coolant conditions (in terms of blowing and density ratio). In the second phase, a film-cooled vane test case has been studied, in order to consider a real injection system and flow conditions: FCM predictions are compared to an in-house developed correlative approach and full conjugate heat transfer (CHT) results. Finally, a comparison between FCM predictions and experimental data was performed on an actual nozzle of a GE Oil & Gas heavy-duty gas turbine, in order to prove the feasibility of the procedure. The presented film cooling model (FCM) proved to be a feasible and reliable tool, able to evaluate adiabatic effectiveness, simplifying the design phase avoiding the meshing process of perforations.

Novel reagentless paper-based screen-printed electrochemical sensor to detect phosphate

Herein we describe a novel reagentless paper-based electrochemical phosphate sensor, manufactured with a simple and inexpensive approach. By following three easy steps, consisting of wax patterning, paper chemical modification, and electrode screen-printing, the filter paper provides an effective electroanalytical platform to sense phosphate ions in standard solutions and real samples (river water). The electrochemical properties of the paper-based platform were evaluated, firstly, by using ferricyanide as a redox mediator, proving no analyte-entrapment due to the cellulose lattice. Then, the reference colorimetric method for phosphate ions, which is based on the formation of phosphomolybdic complex, was successfully adapted to a reagentless electrochemically paper-based platform. This novel and highly sustainable configuration readily allows for the determination of phosphate ions with high reproducibility and long storage stability, achieving a detection limit of 4 μM over a wide linear range up to 300 μM. This in-house approach would be able to generically develop an affordable in situ and user-friendly sensing device without the addition of any reagent, to be applied for a broad range of analytes.

An In-House Approach for Fabrication of Poly-Silicon Nanobiosensor Using Conventional Photolithography and Etching Method

In this work, we demonstrated a method to fabricate and characterize poly-silicon nanowires for biosensing application using conventional photolithography and etching process. Nanowires Mask must be first designed using AutoCAD, before patterning onto chrome mask. Chrome mask was used for better photo masking and to transfer structure onto poly-silicon layer. The poly-silicon nanowires process flow were developed which includes all the fabrication process such as growth, deposition, lithography and etching process. In order to prove the effectiveness of the fabricated devices as a biologically sensor (Biosensor), the poly-silicon nanowires is modified chemically to allow the integration with biological element. The drain (Id) was found to increase after the DNA immobilization and hybridization. These results demonstrate that the in-house fabricated poly-silison nanobiosensor is capable as a platform for label-free biosensing. The morphological characterizations were carried out using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Atomic Force Microscope (AFM). Besides that, the electrical measurement of the poly-silicon biosensor were carried out using a KEITHLEY 6487 picoampmeter/voltage source.

A Framework for the Development of a Manufacturing Resources Planning System

Many Small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs), because of the limited scope and size of their operations consider investment in proprietary Enterprise Systems unattractive. Meanwhile In-house development approach has been identified as a way deepening the adoption of these productivity enhancement systems among SMEs in developing economies. This paper presents a framework for developing Manufacturing Resources Planning software adaptable for SMEs in Nigeria and other developing economies. After the critical study and analysis of manufacturing systems, algorithms were developed for generating the material requirement plans for four different lot-sizing techniques. Subsystems for determining Labour and machine capacity requirements and costs, subsystems for material and running costs were integrated into the MRP algorithms. User friendly software of the resulting system was developed using visual basic. The system components were tested using a small-scale process and a middle-scale process to ensure proper functionality. The software which comes with various graphical reporting tools like tables and bar charts was shown to be flexible and accurate, suitable for small and medium enterprises.Keyword: Enterprise Systems, inventory, Material Requirement Planning, Resources planning

Considering Student Coaching

What does student coaching involve and what considerations make sense in deciding to engage an outside contractor to provide personal coaching? The author explores coaching in light of his own professional experience and uses this reflection as a platform from which to consider the pros and cons of student coaching when deciding whether to choose an external provider or invest in an in-house approach.

Leadership development to transform a library

Purpose – This case study aims to explain why one Canadian academic library chose to design and deliver in-house leadership development training for its employees, rather than taking a consortial approach, and seeks to highlight the impact of this decision on the library's organizational culture. Design/methodology/approach – This paper is presented in three parts: the benefits and challenges of in-house, external and consortial training; the impact of an in-house leadership development program at the University Library at the University of Saskatchewan; and considerations when deciding whether to collaborate on the provision of employee training. The author draws upon her own personal experiences as the Director of Human Resources for the library, and presents evidence acquired through surveys, observations, and conversations. Findings – The paper explains how a deliberate decision to provide in-house leadership training had a transformative effect on individual employees and the organization. Practical implications – When considering collaborating to provide leadership development training, library administrators should ensure the pros and cons of doing so are thoroughly explored; the pressure to collaborate can sometimes lead to participation in activities simply to be seen as a “good library citizen,” and often such activities are not necessarily contributing to the strategic goals of the library. In economically challenging times, library leaders and decision makers will need to be very aware of these implications. Originality/value – This paper discusses why a library chose an in-house approach to leadership development training rather than a consortial approach. This article has value to library administrators as they consider implementing leadership development training in their libraries.

Modulation of the host cell RNA splicing program by the gastric pathogen Helicobacter pylori

Helicobacter pylori is a Gram-negative bacterial pathogen colonizing the human stomach. Infection with H. pylori causes chronic inflammation of the gastric mucosa and may lead to peptic ulceration and/or gastric cancer. Using a quantitative phosphoproteomic approach several splicing factors were found to be differentially phosphorylated upon infection (Holland et al. 2011).Functional consequences of the differential phosphorylation were analyzed using RNA-seq. Analysis revealed differntially spliced genes in the infected cells. Analysis was performed using either DEXSeq or Cufflinks. Results of this tools will be compared to an in-house approach for detection of genes with significantly altered isoform expression.

Quantification of hepatitis B e antigen between Elecsys HBeAg and Architect HBeAg assays among patients infected with hepatitis B virus

BackgroundAmong patients infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV), quantification of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) is accruing substantial clinical relevance as a marker for HBeAg-loss during treatment. No direct comparison has been made between assays that quantify HBeAg. ObjectivesTo compare the performance of HBeAg quantification (qHBeAg) between Architect and Elecsys HBeAg assays among 183 patients with chronic HBV infection (94 treatment-naïve HBV-monoinfected and 89 antiretroviral-experienced HIV-HBV co-infected). Study designqHBeAg was determined in Paul Erlich Institute Units (PEIU)/mL using previously designed protocols. Values were compared with correlation and linear regression. Bland–Altman analysis was used to compare mean differences (d¯) between Elecsys and Architect assays and limits of agreement (LOA) (±2 standard deviations [SD]). ResultsBetween-assay correlation was significant overall (r=0.970), yet stronger for qHBeAg<1000 (n=131) versus >1000PEIU/mL (n=52) as determined by the Elecsys assay (r=0.969 vs. 0.880, respectively). On average, the Elecsys assay reported qHBeAg at 13.3PEIU/mL lower than the Architect assay (LOA: −415.9, 389.3), while LOA between assays were much wider at higher levels (<1000: −198.2, 147.9; ≥1000PEIU/mL: −688.4, 721.5). Further analysis indicated that d¯ did not change substantially with respect to HBV genotype, precore mutation, and CD4+ cell count, regardless of HBeAg-level. Nevertheless, seven of eight patients with highly divergent between-assay results had HBV-DNA>2000IU/mL. ConclusionsElecsys and Architect assays report similar qHBeAg units with high correlation. Since qHBeAg was performed using an in-house approach, a commercially-available assay could reduce between-assay discrepancies, especially at higher HBeAg-levels.

An in-house approach for fabrication of silicon nanowire arrays using electroless metal deposition and etching method

In this work, a simple and cost effective in-house process has been developed by combining the ultrasonication bath and electroless metal deposition and etching (EMDE) technique for the growth of vertically oriented, single-crystalline, silicon nanowire (SiNW) arrays with uniform coverage over the whole surface area of the wafer without using any template. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis shows the uniformity in distribution of SiNW arrays by the proposed method. The samples with as-grown SiNW arrays appear to be blackish in colour and provide a very low reflectance of less than 0.15% in the wavelength range of 300-900 nm. This implies that the as-grown SiNW arrays can be used as the antireflection coating-layer in SiNW-based solar cells and photodetector devices. The compatibility of these Si nanostructures with the well-matured Si-based CMOS technology also assure their application in the development of future generation nanoelectronic and nano-optoelectronic devices.

Assessment of a probabilistic framework for combining structure- and ligand-based virtual screening

A wide variety of structure- and ligand-based virtual screening approaches have been developed that aim at finding potential leads to initiate drug discovery efforts. Since each method has its strengths and weakness, combining the outcome of different structure- and ligand-based approaches can be expected to decrease the number of false positive predictions. However, a reliable fusion of information from different methods is challenging. This holds true in particular for new target structures, where target specific performance experiences are missing. Here, we assess the performance of a probilistic framework approach [1] that combines structure- and ligand-based information in a meaningful way by assigning probabilities that any two molecules are active. The approach is validated using two popular docking methods (GOLD and AutoDock) and an in-house ligand-based screening approach (ElectroShape [2]). Results of similarity search and docking calculations for the Directory of Useful Decoys (DUD) [3] are combined through rank fusion as well as a probabilistic framework approach. The study will be used to answer questions such as: How far do the virtual screening-approaches used provide complementary or redundant hit lists? Does the fusion of structure- and ligand-based approaches consistently outperform any single screening metric? Using a probabilistic framework approach, is it possible to obtain a quantification of the confidence that any molecule will be active?

Data Warehouses in Bioinformatics: Integration of Molecular Biological Data

Abstract This paper surveys the area of biological data integration and data warehousing, which has become a major focus of the data integration research field in the last few decades. The challenges in biological data integration are caused by several factors such as the variety and amount of available data, the heterogeneity of the data in different sources, and the autonomy and different capabilities of the sources. This paper gives insight into a small selection of important biological databases and the problems in biological data integration. We would like to focus on data warehouses that have become a popular approach in bioinformatics and life sciences. We will also introduce major existing integration systems that have been developed such as SRS, DiscoveryLink, BioWarehouse and ONDEX. Finally, this paper presents an in-house data warehouse approach for biological data.

Doing It Yourself: An In-House Approach to Gauge Adjusted Radar Rainfall

Doing It Yourself: An In-House Approach to Gauge Adjusted Radar Rainfall

Ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for the determination of 5-nitroimidazoles and their metabolites in egg

Abstract An ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) procedure was developed for the determination of five 5-nitroimidazoles (dimetridazole, ipronidazole, metronidazole, ronidazole and ternidazole) and three of their metabolites (1-methyl-2-hydroxymethyl-5-nitroimidazole, 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-hydroxymethyl-5-nitroimidazole and 1-methyl-2-(2′-hydroxyisopropyl)-5-nitroimidazole) in egg matrices. Conditions for UPLC separation and electrospray ionization MS/MS in the positive ion mode were optimized. Samples were prepared by liquid-liquid extraction with buffered aqueous 2.5% trichloroacetic acid followed by solid-phase extraction on a Strata-X-C cartridge with reversed-phase and cation-exchange functionalities. The method’s performance was evaluated in accordance with Commission Decision 2002/657/EC, applying the alternative matrix-comprehensive in-house validation approach using specially designed InterVal software. The method was robust against different sample matrix and SPE cartridges, operator change, and changes in sample extract storage. Acceptable apparent recoveries (76 to 109%) were obtained for all analytes. The decision limits (CCα) and detection capabilities (CCα) were within the ranges of 0.19–2.62 and 0.26–4.29 μg kg−1. For all compounds the calibration curve linearity was good with correlation coefficients greater than 0.99. Fifteen eggs and ten whole egg powder samples obtained commercially in Lithuania were analyzed by UPLC-MS/MS; none were found contaminated by 5-nitroimidazoles or their metabolites.

Use of an in-house approach to study the three-dimensional structures of various outer membrane proteins: structure of the alcaligin outer membrane transporter FauA fromBordetella pertussis

Bordetella pertussis is the bacterial agent of whooping cough in humans. Under iron-limiting conditions, it produces the siderophore alcaligin. Released to the extracellular environment, alcaligin chelates iron, which is then taken up as a ferric alcaligin complex via the FauA outer membrane transporter. FauA belongs to a family of TonB-dependent outer membrane transporters that function using energy derived from the proton motive force. Using an in-house protocol for membrane-protein expression, purification and crystallization, FauA was crystallized in its apo form together with three other TonB-dependent transporters from different organisms. Here, the protocol used to study FauA is described and its three-dimensional structure determined at 2.3 A resolution is discussed.

Fall Prevention in Long-Term Care: An In-House Interdisciplinary Team Approach

Fall Prevention in Long-Term Care: An In-House Interdisciplinary Team Approach

In-house approach to develop a complete information management system for an anaesthesia department.

The development and daily use of the PDMS has shown that the greatest benefit this type of in-house development is the stepwise growth of the system. In a step-by-step approach, we can add new stand-alone software products to the system only when it has been ensured that they are running on their own without failure. Presumably, requirements of our end-users would not have been realized if we had just bought a commerical software package. In fact, we doubt that we could even have found a commercial solution suitable for our needs. We conclude that in clinical PDMS development, it is crucial to have continuous daily communication between the system development team and the end-users. It is important that development from the very beginning takes place in a clinical environment. The user-oriented approach allows us to ensure that the designed software really supports the actual clinical process.

In-house approach to instructional development

Performance + InstructionVolume 32, Issue 7 p. 11-16 Article In-house approach to instructional development Francis B. Plattner, Francis B. Plattner USATREX International, Inc., 7926 Jones Branch Drive, Suite 410, McLean, VA 22102-3303 Francis B. Plattner recently retired from the United States Air Force after spending 17 years as an Instructional Systems Designer. He is an Instructional Systems consultant for USATREX International, Inc. of McLean, VA. He is a national member of NSPI and a member of the Chesapeake Chapter— NSPI.Search for more papers by this author Francis B. Plattner, Francis B. Plattner USATREX International, Inc., 7926 Jones Branch Drive, Suite 410, McLean, VA 22102-3303 Francis B. Plattner recently retired from the United States Air Force after spending 17 years as an Instructional Systems Designer. He is an Instructional Systems consultant for USATREX International, Inc. of McLean, VA. He is a national member of NSPI and a member of the Chesapeake Chapter— NSPI.Search for more papers by this author First published: August 1993 https://doi.org/10.1002/pfi.4170320705 AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Volume32, Issue7August 1993Pages 11-16 RelatedInformation