Initial Results Research Articles

Analysis of correlating factors: Social media addiction in Shanghai's Generation Z

In the current digital era, the way Generation Z interacts with social media, particularly in vibrant cities like Shanghai, is significant and varied. This study, influenced by Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), investigates the detailed motivations behind Generation Z's online behavior and examines how these motivations might relate to the risk of becoming addicted to social media. We carefully gathered data from 318 participants, mainly aged 22 to 28, from various socio-cultural backgrounds in Shanghai. Using SPSS for detailed analysis, we applied descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analyses to identify patterns and relationships. The initial results show that Generation Z in Shanghai is heavily involved in the digital world, and their social media use aligns with the principles of SCT, including observational learning, reciprocal determinism, and self-efficacy. This study adds to the growing body of research on digital behavior, emphasizing the importance of understanding the complex effects of social media on individual lives and society as a whole.

Edible honeysuckle as a source of fruits promising for new functional food products development

The possibilities of introducing honeysuckle berries into the plant-based functional product being developed as a component that enriches its composition are discussed basing on initial results of an experimental evaluation of the introduction of original lozenges based into the diet of laboratory animals (rats). The lozenges were prepared using apple pulp with the addition of mixed berries of five honeysuckle varieties (Berel, Sinichka, Moskovskaya M103 (L. caеrulea varieties), Kamchadalka and Chelyabinka (L. kamtschatica varieties). the most variable for used berries was the sugar content in the juice (from 8 to 11%), somewhat less the content of the ash component and the amount of phenolic compounds differed, but dry matter content (about 12% for all varieties) was similar. The highest polyphenols accumulation was detected for Sinichka variety (8.3 mg/g fresh fruit weight). The two-month consumption of functional lozenges with honeysuckle in a volume of 50% of the daily diet led to a decrease in systolic pressure in the experimental group of rats by 19% compared to the control. Also this diet resulted in less weight gain in experimental animals, their body weight was 30% less than that of control rats after a two-month exposure.

Development of a negative helium ion source with non-metallic charge exchange

Negative helium ion (He−) beams are required for tandem accelerators used at research centers and implanter facilities. The common production method of such beams involves charge exchange between a positive helium ion (He+) source or beam, with a low pressure alkali metal vapour. However, the efficiency of this reaction is poor (only a small percentage) and the alkali metal vapour increases the potential flammability of the interior surfaces of the reaction chamber, as well as contributing to unwanted electrostatic discharge and target contamination downstream. In this paper we describe initial results from experiments using a focused He+ ion microscope (HIM) to measure charge uptake efficiencies after transmission through carbon membranes. The He+ beam (15 keV to 30 keV, 50 fA to 10 pA) collides with a non-metallic foil, and transmitted particles (He+, He0, and He−) are separated electrostatically into discrete beam spots and detected using a radiation camera (AdvaCam MiniPIX). A He− percentage uptake of 0.05 was observed using a 20 nm exfoliated graphite membrane consistent with previous reports. Future work will investigate the efficiency of charge exchange through other suitable membrane materials.

Project digiSTAR – digital augmented Science Teaching and Research

This paper introduces the digiSTAR project, whose primary focus is on bridging the digital gap in undergraduate studies, which arises between the now digitalized schools and the technology-driven master’s programs at universities when undergraduate courses are taught in a more traditional and less digitalized way, by providing teaching-learning modules and digital resources. The second goal is to provide pre-service science teachers with authentic learning opportunities for designing and testing lessons and (peer) feedback on their own developments, in accordance with the DiKoLAN framework, which characterizes digital competencies for teaching in science education. Initial results of the first design-based research cycle, based on a survey of first-year chemistry students, showed that chemistry students have difficulty understanding the physical fundamentals of quantum chemistry needed to understand topics such as molecular orbital theory. These challenges can potentially be eased through the implementation of innovative digital modules, which have been and will be created by teacher students enrolled in the Master of Education program. The project digiSTAR aims to establish a collection of digital modules designed for first-year science courses, with the long-term vision of extending this endeavour to encompassing a broader range of academic disciplines to address and reduce the digital gap.

Potential Effects of an Exoskeleton-Assisted Overground Walking Program for Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury Who Uses a Wheelchair on Imaging and Serum Markers of Bone Strength: Pre-Post Study.

As many as 60% of individuals use a wheelchair long term after a spinal cord injury (SCI). This mode of locomotion leads to chronic decline in lower-extremity weight-bearing activities and contributes to the development of severe sublesional osteoporosis and high rates of fragility fracture. Overground exoskeleton-assisted walking programs provide a novel opportunity to increase lower-extremity weight bearing, with the potential to improve bone health. The aim of the study is to measure the potential effects of an exoskeleton-assisted walking program on lower-extremity bone strength and bone remodeling biomarkers in individuals with chronic (≥18 months) SCI who use a wheelchair. In total, 10 participants completed a 16-week exoskeleton-assisted walking program (34 individualized 1-hour sessions, progressing from 1 to 3 per week). Bone mineral density and bone strength markers (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry: total body, left arm, leg, total hip, and femoral neck and peripheral quantitative computed tomography: 25% of left femur and 66% of left tibia) as well as bone remodeling biomarkers (formation=osteocalcin and resorption=C-telopeptide) were measured before and after intervention and compared using nonparametric tests. Changes were considered significant and meaningful if the following criteria were met: P<0.1, effect size ≥0.5, and relative variation >5%. Significant and meaningful increases were observed at the femur (femoral neck bone mineral content, bone strength index, and stress-strain index) and tibia (cortical cross-sectional area and polar moment of inertia) after the intervention (all P<.10). We also noted a decrease in estimated femoral cortical thickness. However, no changes in bone remodeling biomarkers were found. These initial results suggest promising improvements in bone strength markers after a 16-week exoskeleton-assisted walking program in individuals with chronic SCI. Additional research with larger sample sizes, longer interventions (possibly of greater loading intensity), and combined modalities (eg, pharmacotherapy or functional electrical stimulation) are warranted to strengthen current evidence. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03989752; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03989752. RR2-10.2196/19251.

The Tree-Crop Remote Sensing of Evapotranspiration Experiment (T-REX): A Science-Based Path for Sustainable Water Management and Climate Resilience

Abstract Water scarcity threatens agriculture in California. During the last two decades, historically severe droughts have led to severe water shortages. Under projected changes in climate, droughts of greater severity and duration will exacerbate this situation. California produces 80% of the world’s almonds, which require consistent water supplies for irrigation. Almonds are the most commonly grown crop in California, covering nearly 1.4 million acres over about 8,000 farms. In response to these challenges, almond growers are considering a myriad of management strategies to save water and mitigate climate change. The Tree-Crop Remote Sensing of Evapotranspiration Experiment (T-REX) aims to identify water and orchard management opportunities to maximize water use efficiency and carbon sequestration in almonds and other woody perennial tree crops. The project combines satellite, uncrewed aerial vehicles, and proximal sensing technologies to retrieve key variables used to model surface fluxes and biophysical properties. We aim to advance our understanding of water management and cultural practices on water–carbon relationships in tree-perennial agroecosystems. Through new methods, such as evapotranspiration-based irrigation scheduling, even a modest 10% decrease in almond orchard irrigation across the state equates to about a third of the water in Lake Oroville, California’s second-largest reservoir, at average levels. From a carbon perspective, almond orchards could sequester 8% of the state’s current greenhouse gas emissions by transitioning toward climate-smart practices. As such, the almond industry is uniquely positioned to curb water use and contribute to climate change mitigation while maintaining economic viability of almond production. An overview of initial results related to evapotranspiration observational and modeling uncertainty and carbon sequestration potential are presented in this article.

Retrospectif Analysing of Anesthesia Manegement in Robotic Assisted Radical Prostatectomy Cases

Aim: In our study, we aimed to investigate anesthesia management, hemodynamic changes and complications that may ocur due to steep trendelenburg, pneumoperitoneum and sugery in RARP patients operated in A.U.T.F, and to evaluate our initial results.&#x0D; Methods: Patients who underwent RARP operation with the diagnosis of prostate adenocarcinoma by the Urology Clinic at Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine between January 2015 and February 2018 were evaluated retrospectively. Patient’s demographic data, intraoperative hemodynamic and respiratory data, postoperative transfer sites, extubation times, post-extubation blood gas values, complications and discharge times were recorded. Obtained data were analyzed with IBM SPSS® 23.0 program.&#x0D; Results: We found that mean age of the 131 patients included study was 62 years, and mean BMI was 27,6 kg/m2. Also we found that 47 of patients were ASA-I, 69 of patients were ASA-II and 15 of patients were ASA-III. After general evaluation, it was seen that HR, SBP, DBP and MAP decreased significantly in intraoperative period in all patients. There was also a significant decrease in pH and increase in pCO2 in patients due to pneumoperitoneum. In our study, we found thah the most common postoperative complication was nause and vomiting, and the second common was anastomotic leakage. However, none of our patients had a permanent complication. &#x0D; Conclusion: In order to manage anesthesia in RARP, it is necessary to know the physiologic effects of trendelenburg position and pneumoperitoneum on the systems and physiological changes in old age.

A REVIEW OF THE MAIN DIFFERENCES BETWEEN BEHAVIORAL AND TRADITIONAL ECONOMICS: A FOCUS ON THE IMPACT OF NUDGE THEORY ON PUBLIC POLICIES AND ITS APPLICATIONS

This paper explores the distinctions between behavioral and traditional economics by analyzing recent literature. It underscores the importance of employing nudge theory in economic decision-making, its impact on consumer choices, and its role in shaping public policies. Data synthesis involved a search across EBSCO Discovery, Google Scholar, and databases like Academic Search Complete, Business Source Premium, and ScienceDirect, yielding 40 relevant articles from 324 initial results. The study contrasts traditional economics, rooted in individual rationality, with behavioral economics, which incorporates psychological and neurological factors. Results reveal that Nudges are recognized as cost-effective, behavior-focused interventions, successfully applied in diverse policy contexts. The Nudge theory's ability to influence behavior through positive reinforcement and indirect suggestions is highlighted. This paper underscores the value of leveraging behavioral economics with nudges to inform decision-making in marketing, social policy, and economic development.

Economics of renewable hydrogen production using wind and solar energy: A case study for Queensland, Australia

This study presents a technoeconomic analysis of renewables-based hydrogen production in Queensland, Australia under Optimistic, Reference and Pessimistic scenarios to address uncertainty in cost predictions. The goal of the work was to ascertain if the target fam-gate cost of AUD 3/kg (approx. USD 2/kg) could be reached. Economies of scale and the learning rate concept were factored into the economic model to account for the effect of scale-up and cost reductions as electrolyser manufacturing capacity grows. The model assumes that small-scale to large-scale wind turbine (WT)-based and photovoltaic (PV)-based power generation plants are directly coupled with an electrolyser array and utilises hourly generation data for the Gladstone hydrogen-hub region. Employing first a commonly used simplified approach, the electrolyser array was sized based on the maximum hourly power available for hydrogen production. The initial results indicated that scale-up is very beneficial: the levelised cost of green hydrogen (LCOH) could decrease by 49% from $6.1/kg to $3.1/kg when scaling PV-based plant from 10 MW to 1 GW, and for WT-based plant by 36% from $5.8/kg to $3.7/kg. Then, impacts on the LCOH of incorporating curtailment of ineffective peak power and electrolyser overload capacity were investigated and shown to be significant. Also significant was the beneficial effect of recognising that electrolyser efficiency depends on input power. The latter two factors have mostly been overlooked in the literature. Incorporating in the model the influence on the LCOH of real-world electrolyser operational characteristics overcomes a shortcoming of the simplified sizing method, namely that a large portion of electrolyser capacity is under-utilised, leading to unnecessarily high values of the LCOH. It was found that AUD 3/kg is achievable if the electrolyser array is properly sized, which should help to incentivise large-scale renewable hydrogen projects in Australia and elsewhere.

Comparative Studies of Repellent Activity of 5 Essential Oils Extracted from Plants in Jos North Plateau State against Mosquito Bites

The ability of the mosquitoes to repel five essential oils from plants at four different concentrations was evaluated against the mosquito Aedes aegypti under certain conditions in the laboratory using human subjects. 0.2 mL of the oil was applied per 25 cm2 of exposed skin of the volunteer’s forearm. When the tested oils were applied and evaluated at a 5%, 10%, 15% concentration, the mosquito bites were not prevented for as long as 1 hour. However, the undiluted oils of Ginger, Garlic, and Lemon grass were the most efficient and shows 1 h of complete repellent. The initial results indicate that four concentrations (5%, 10%, 15% of Ginger, Lemon grass and Turmeric were used) for repellency tests against Anopheles dirus. The undiluted oil indicated the highest protection in each case of the test as expected which is in agreement with previous work Ginger oil resulted in the longest duration of 100% repellency (3 to 4 hours) against the Anopheles dirus species of mosquito.

Research on Green Financial Services and Rural Revitalization under the "Dual Carbon" Goal: Take Xuancheng City as an Example

The path of green financial services for rural revitalization is a booster to achieve the goal of "green development, circular development, and low-carbon development". Although it has broad prospects and initial results, this path is not yet sound and there are still many constraints and bottlenecks. Based on the existing literature and data and the collection of relevant data, this project will provide a positive impact on Anhui from three aspects: supporting green financial services, constraints and solutions Xuancheng City conducts field research. Learn from the local government and residents about the details and deficiencies of the implementation of green financial services and rural revitalization, collect the data we need through questionnaire surveys, establish a model analysis of the data, and give policy suggestions based on the local development situation, so as to actively promote the local area innovation in green finance. It will also optimize the rural revitalization system of green financial services, improve the feasibility of its implementation, promote the use of green financial technology products according to local conditions, and promote the development of rural revitalization in the direction of green and sustainable development across the country.

Improving Learning Outcomes Of Islamic Religious Education Through The Application Of The Project Method For Class Iii Students Of Gresik State Primary School

They are using commercial tactics to increase their accomplishments in Islamic education in the third year, and learning at Gresik State Elementary School results in enrollment at Gresik State Elementary School. The instructor's way considers this to be a loss of concern for the students, as those who still need to meet the Minimum Completion Criteria are classified as impoverished individuals. In elementary schools, the Strategy Project is a comprehensive initiative that teaches writing, reading, crafts, and other subjects. Over three years at Public Alementary School Gresik, the Project learned Islamic principles by using technology to construct this formula for investigating inner difficulties. This study used a project technique to expand on the findings of three years at Gresik State Elementary School by examining Islamic lessons. The study will be conducted over a number of months, beginning in August 2010 and terminating when it is finished. A study of classroom activities makes up the research structure (classroom Activity Research). The instruments for studying edges and gathering data to update the status of inspection findings are included in this inspection equipment. Cycles I and II yielded the initial test results, which indicated a rise in scores from Cycle I to Cycle II. The learning value gained in the pre-activity outcomes information was 49%. The score climbed by 63% in Cycle I and by 77% in Cycle II. It is clear from the facts above that degree II and degree II learning outcomes and the development of teacher activities are closely related. The existing state of affairs demonstrates how educator activities and second degrees affect second-degree success. The readiness of educators and their replacements to support the growth of activities at the level of learning outcomes keeps things as they are. The findings support the following research conclusions. "A second degree in the field of Islamic school system training will be studied in three years at the Gresik State Elementary School through the project strategy, which will allow the results to be further developed.

From text to tech: Shaping the future of physics-based simulations with AI-driven generative models

This micro-article introduces a method for integrating Large Language Models with geometry/mesh generation software and multiphysics solvers, aimed at streamlining physics-based simulations. Users provide simulation descriptions in natural language, which the language model processes for geometry/mesh generation and physical model definition. Initial results demonstrate the feasibility of this approach, suggesting a future where non-experts can conduct advanced multiphysics simulations by simply describing their needs in natural language, while the code autonomously handles complex tasks like geometry building, meshing, and setting boundary conditions.

Bariatric arterial embolization in patients with body mass index ranging from 25 to 40 kg/m2: A systematic review & meta-analysis.

The present review sought to evaluate by meta-analysis the efficacy of bariatric arterial embolization (BAE) in promoting weight loss in patients with body mass index (BMI) ranging from 25-40 kg/m2. This study was performed and reported according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines. A systematic literature search of MEDLINE, Embase Google Scholar, and World Health Organization Library database was done for studies evaluating BAE for promoting weight loss in patients with BMI ranging from 25-40 kg/ m2 published up to March 10, 2021. Primary outcome measure included weight loss after the embolisation procedure. Three single-arm studies comprising of a total of 28 patients (BMI: 25- 40 kg/m2) were found eligible for meta-analysis. All patients underwent embolization with either Embosphere microspheres or PVA particles. The predominant artery embolised was left gastric artery (in all patients). Additional arteries embolised included gastroepiploic artery (8 patients), or accessory left gastric artery (1 patient), or short gastric artery (1 patient). Pooled absolute mean weight loss was 7.854 kg (95% CI: 6.103-9.605). No significant statistical heterogeneity was detected (I2=51.75%, P=0.126) among pooled studies. In conclusion, limited single-arm studies report BAE as an effective, and relatively safe procedure for promoting weight loss in patients with BMI ranging from 25-40 kg/m2, although the number of patients included is very small. Initial results of BAE in promoting weight loss are promising with no major/severe complications reported; however, long term follow-up is required to see the sustainability of the effects.

Initial results from multi-beam observations of pulsars and solar transient with the digital beamformer for the Gauribidanur pulsar system

Initial results from multi-beam observations of pulsars and solar transient with the digital beamformer for the Gauribidanur pulsar system

Application of Electrocoagulation in Soy Milk Wastewater Treatment Process with Variation of Time and Voltage

Processing of soymilk liquid waste is carried out using the batch system electrocoagulation method. Variations in processing time are 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, and 120 minutes. The plate used is an aluminum plate measuring 10×5 cm. The electrode distance was 2 cm with an electrical voltage of 10 and 30 volts. The results of this research show that the best electrocoagulation process can reduce COD levels by 64.70%, TSS by 72.90% and increase the pH value to 5.17, however COD, TSS and pH levels are still above standard quality. Initial analysis results of soymilk wastewater with pH 4.06, COD 34408 mg/L, TSS 1550 mg/L, DO 0.30 mg/L, DHL 1090 μS/cm and Al 54.95 mg/L. After carrying out the electrocoagulation process, the pH value was 5.17, COD 12144 mg/L, TSS 420 mg/L, DO 0.37 mg/L, DHL 648 μS/cm and Al 231.33 mg/L at a voltage of 30 V with time. electrocoagulation 120 minutes.

Service Marketing, Trust And Company Image On Satisfaction And It’s Impact On The Loyalty Of Umrah Pilgrims In Palembang

Umrah travel service industry in Palembang was long provided and dedicated to the community of Palembang. The provider of Umrah service hope all residents of Palembang to increase faith and piety to Allah. Based on the initial research result, it’s identified that there wewr several problems on customers with less-loyalty to the provider of umrah service industry.The purpose of this study is develop model of service marketing for umroh/pilgrim customers. We do analysis the effect of their loyalty on the satisfaction of the service provide for umrah customer whether it’s true or not.The research design used descriptive statistic to analyse topic of research on 20 umrah travel providers which have met the requirements. We have 200 respondents as population from 20 companies and taken 10 respondents respectively.The data was primarily collected from questionnaires that have been validated about its reliability. The analytical tools of this study is SEM with Lisrel Application. The end of this research concludes that the service marketing management practices, trust, company image, pilgrim satisfaction and pilgrim loyalty need to be improved. The outcomes of this research atates that causality analysis is used to present a) the loyalty of umroh pilgrims in Palembang is strongly influenced by consumer’s trust and company image; b) services marketing could not proven as direct variable, because of service marketing to have no effect on consumer satisfaction, consumer’s trust, corporate image and consumer’satisfaction that could be proven that the service marketing is influence by consumer loyalty

First Results of Studying EAS Cores Using a High-Mountain Ionization Calorimeter

In high-altitude experiments to study the central cores of EAS at E0 ≳ 1016 eV (√s ≳ 5 TeV) using X-ray emulsion chambers and ionization calorimeters, phenomena such as the coplanarity of the arrival of the most energetic particles in super families of γ-rays and hadrons and a so-called Tien Shan effect (too slow absorption of cascades initiated by high-energy hadrons in the calorimeter) were observed. These effects could not be reproduced within the framework of theoretical models of the 80s and 90s. The coplanarity is explained via a process of coplanar generation of the most energetic secondary particles in interactions of super high-energy hadrons with nuclei of air atoms. Perhaps the Tien Shan effect could be explained using a high cross section for the generation of fragmentation-region charmed hadrons. To study these phenomena, a new set of detectors has been developed, including the world’s highest high-mountain ionization calorimeter, “Hadron-55”. This paper presents the initial experimental results.

The development process of four new digital tools in Flanders: how blended care could be an answer to the challenges of integrated care

Child and youth care services are facing several challenges these days, such as a high caseload, waiting lists, fragmented care, excessive focus on administration and staff shortages (Naert et al., 2017). These challenges are often obstacles for high-quality care, tailored to the needs of children, youngsters and their families. Innovative solutions, such as digital tools, can help to cope with these challenges. While international research shows that blended care (the combination of on- and offline care) is promising (Wentzel et al., 2016; Van Orden et al., 2018), research on blended youth care programs is scant (De Witte et al., 2021). In recent years, both governmental actors, researchers and nonprofit organizations in Flanders are increasingly involved in the implementation of digital approaches and are experimenting with blended care. As a result, practices are more and more convinced of the added value of digital tools. Initial research results show that these new applications could stimulate integrated care, help to build up a sustainable network for clients, focus on continuity of care, strengthen clients in their competences and give more ownership to children, youngsters and families about their care trajectory and their case files. These innovative tools may facilitate the conversation and lower the threshold for seeking and signing up for care.&#x0D; In this presentation, we will present four different digital applications that are being developed and implemented in youth care in Flanders: Opla, LifeCity, LifeTree and B-Adult. All four apps were created through a co-creation process involving clients, youth workers, researchers, government actors and software developers. Different research methods were used to develop these apps, such as workshops, interviews, focus groups, brainstorm sessions and user testings. On the ICIC23, we will discuss the development process of the four applications and tensions and obstacles we have experienced during the co-creation process with practitioners and young care leavers. Finally, we will present how we try to find an answer on the current challenges youth care is facing these days through using these new blended care programs.&#x0D; - De Witte, N., Joris, S., Van Assche, E., Van Daele, T., (2021). Technologische en digitale toepassingen in zorg &amp; welzijn: een richtingwijzer. Leuven: Steunpunt Welzijn, Volksgezondheid en Gezin&#x0D; - Naert, J., Stevens, C., Roose, R., en Vanderplasschen, W. (2017), ‘Continuïteit in het hulpverleningstraject: interpretatief onderzoek naar de beleving van jongeren in de jeugdhulp‘, Orthopedagogiek: Onderzoek en Praktijk, 56(3-4), 55-70.&#x0D; - Van Orden, M. &amp; den Hollander, N. (2018). Herstelgerichte ‘blended’ cognitieve gedragstherapie voor cliënten met een verslavingsproblematiek. Kansen en uitdagingen. Verslaving, 1 (1)&#x0D; - Wentzel, J., van der Vaart, R., Bohlmeijer, ET &amp; van Gemert-Pijnen JE (2016). Mixing Online and Face-to-Face Therapy: How to Benefit From Blended Care in Mental Health Care. JMIR Ment Health, 3 (1)&#x0D;

Accurate determination of Biotinidase activity in serum by HPLC and its utilization as second tier test for the confirmation of initial positive newborn screening results

Diagnosis of Biotinidase deficiency (BTD) is extremely important to avoid several neurodevelopmental problems in early childhood. Colorimetric and fluorometric methods lack specificity and selectivity due to several interferences resulting in a high number of false positive results. We developed an HPLC method for BTD activity in serum with fluorescent detection. In colorimetric assays, biotinidase attacks the amide linkage of the artificial substrate biotinidyl-4-aminobenzoic acid (B-PABA) and releases p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), which is converted to a purple dye by diazotization reaction. The newly developed method injects the reaction mixture directly into the HPLC column and quantifies using a six-point calibration curve without coupling and diazotization reaction. The method is linear over the 5–1000 μmol/L range. The detection and quantitation limits were 2.5 μmol/L and 5.0 μmol/L, respectively. When compared with colorimetric assay, the correlation coefficient (R2) was 0.9963. The within-assay and between-assay precision was <10.0% for four levels of quality control samples. No significant variation in BTD activity was detected due to hemolysis, icteric, and lipemic samples. The newly developed method eliminates the potential interference due to the presence of aromatic amines and significantly reduces the false positive results observed with the colorimetric method. It is simple, specific, sensitive, faster in sample preparation, and requires a small sample volume. The newly developed HPLC method was used in our laboratory as a secondary tier test for initial positive BTD samples from newborn screening programs. To our knowledge, no similar HPLC method has been reported to date.