Integrated Test System Research Articles

Development of a Decision Support System (DSS) for an integrated test system towards the effective and competitive risk assessment on transgenic plants

Transgenic plants need specific approaches to analyse their potential impact on environment and consumer. The procedures used to date are often too extensive and time-consuming and associated with high costs. The BioOK network was established to develop an effective and competitive risk assessment on transgenic plants based on interdisciplinary research. New and effective methods for the risk assessment were established which focus on transgene-specific effects measured in in vitro systems in the laboratory or greenhouse whenever possible. Nevertheless event-specific field experiments have to be carried out in addition to implement environmental effects e.g. on non-targets or the variability of transgene expression.The novel methods are combined with traditional procedures to form a multiplicative integrated decision support system (DSS) for the analysis of transgenic plants. The DSS is supported by a computerized tool using specific algorithms following a decision dendrogram. The decision rules are based on baseline, indicator and threshold data identified for the specific plant species. The prototype of the DSS is developed using potato as a model plant and to be validated on a cereal. The final decision is made by scientific expert judgment.

Development of a Decision Support System (DSS) for an integrated test system towards the effective and competitive risk assessment on transgenic plants

Development of a Decision Support System (DSS) for an integrated test system towards the effective and competitive risk assessment on transgenic plants

A TTCN-3-based protocol testing system and its extension

The protocol testing technology used in the next generation Internet should satisfy some new challenges and requirements. This paper focuses on the test suite description and test implementation techniques. TTCN-3 is chosen as the test suite description language and extended in both syntax and semantics to satisfy the requirements of protocol robustness testing. PITSv3, a protocol integrated testing system based on TTCN-3, is developed, and the extensions for robustness testing are implemented. Finally, two practical test applications are presented.

Integrated DSL Test, Analysis, and Operations

This paper describes methods of integrating the digital subscriber line (DSL) automated test, data from network elements, analyses, and DSL operations, including work-force administration. Fiber-to-the-node systems using very-high-rate DSL 2 will particularly need the integrated DSL test to increase customer satisfaction and streamline operations to reduce costs. The integrated DSL test extends beyond copper tests to encompass all elements of DSL service, all through the network and at higher layers. An integrated test system queries multiple test points, including network elements, allowing physical and higher layer problems to be identified. Diagnosis, fault isolation, and even suggested reconfigurations are all automated in software. A number of techniques, which are implementable in software, are described, which can show the root cause of many intricate troubles to relatively unskilled technicians. Automated maintenance routines can isolate faults in flowthrough testing, automatically issuing trouble tickets toward the correct work center: Internet service providers, central offices, outside plants, user PCs, etc. New triple-play services have high customer expectations for easy-to-use TV and voice services, with demanding bit rates and reliability requirements that can be ensured with an integrated test.

Telemedicine for audiology screening of infants

Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) and automated auditory brainstem response (AABR) screening were conducted in infants at a distant hospital using remote computing. Eighteen males and twelve females ranging in age from 11-45 days were tested. Both DPOAE and AABR data were recorded using an integrated test system which was connected to the computer network at the Utah Valley Regional Medical Center. Using a broadband Internet connection, an examiner at Utah State University, 200 km away, could control the DPOAE and the ABR equipment. Identical hearing screening results were obtained for face-to-face and telemedicine trials with all infants. The DPOAE means for face-to-face and telemedicine trials were not significantly different at any frequency. In an analysis of variance, there was no significant difference for the test method (F = 0.8, P > 0.05). These results indicate that remote computing is a feasible telemedicine method for providing DPOAE and ABR hearing screening services to infants in rural communities.

Development of an integrated optical system for warpage and hermeticity test of microdisplay

Abstract We have developed an integrated optical system to measure the warpage of a microdisplay product at post-packaging die-attach temperature and to test its hermeticity after manufacturing. This system is constructed based on the principle of Twyman/Green (T/G) interferometry and Newton interferometry. T/G interferometry is used to characterize warpage of the microdisplay's base-plate, while Newton interferometry is used to characterize the gap variance between face-plate and base-plate of the microdisplay. With these measurements, deformation and shape of the microdisplay can be comprehensively determined during its manufacturing process, which is critical for its quality test and reliability evaluation. Delicate mechanical system was designed to facilitate the optics integration and alignment. To evaluate the performance of the optical system itself, warpage of a sample was re-measured with Tailor–Hobson profilometer whose resolution is 10 nm, the results from these two testing systems agree well with each other. Some application examples of the integrated testing system were presented to verify its work efficiency.

DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPUTER AIDED SYSTEM FOR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT INSPECTION AND TESTING FOR BOILER IN THERMAL ELECTRIC POWER STATION

There is a problem, in Iraq, due to the multitude of malfunction after the overall annual maintenance has been achieved, and that raises the cost of continuous repairs, one of the reasons of this problem, is the absence of planned testing and automation for testing devices, the second reason is the neglect of concentrating on a database, the third one is not following an integrated testing system for all parts, as well as, there are no documented reports for inspected parts. Most of various nondestructive inspection techniques have been achieved random selection steps. The lack of a documentation system leads to lack of historical information a bout failures parts of a boiler that affect inspection decision process. This paper summarizes Programmed system designing and computerized for internal inspection of boiler heatsurfaces (IIBHS) at Nassyriah power station as an example.

An on-chip air-bursting detonator for driving fluids on disposable lab-on-a-chip systems

A new fluidic delivery system for driving fluids on disposable lab-on-a-chip systems using an air-bursting detonator device has been designed, fabricated and successfully characterized in this paper for driving fluid on disposable lab-on-a-chip or point-of-care testing. The disposable air-bursting detonator device uses a pressurized gas source, sealed in a microcavity with a thermoplastic membrane. A microheater positioned on the thermoplastic membrane is used as an electro-thermal heater to melt the sealing membrane thus releasing the pressurized gas to the integrated microfluidic system. The pressurized gas drives liquid samples through designated microfluidic channels. Both air pressure and detonating temperature are adjustable to get the desired driving pressure responses. A 40 mW electrical power pulse applied to the microheater for 700 ms resulted in releasing 650 µJ of stored pneumatic energy in the microcavity and driving a 500 nl sample through the microchannels of an integrated test system. The dynamic pressure response of the fabricated air-bursting detonator has been fully simulated and characterized. Due to its compact structure and fast response, the air-bursting detonator device will be a promising alternative power source to drive fluid samples in disposable lab-on-a-chip systems or portable clinical diagnostic kits.

Evaluation of a new silica clotting time in the diagnosis of lupus anticoagulants

Introduction A new commercial silica clotting time (SCT), the HemosIL™ SCT assay (Instrumentation Laboratory, Milan, Italy) was evaluated in the laboratory diagnosis of lupus anticoagulants (LAC). This integrated test system for screening and confirmation was compared with the frequently used aPTT-based PTT-LA and Staclot-LA (Diagnostica Stago, Asnières, France) in a patient population investigated for LAC and in a subpopulation who met the clinical criteria for antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Materials and methods 201 samples were analysed with the HemosIL™ SCT assay. Own reference values were calculated. Results are expressed as measured clotting times in seconds or as normalised ratios. Results SCT screen and PTT-LA had a sensitivity of, 61.1% and 63.8%, respectively. Normalising the results gained sensitivity up to 72.2% and 90%, respectively. The confirmation SCT and the Staclot-LA had a sensitivity of 30.6% and 63.9% with a specificity of 86.7% and 100%, respectively. Sensitivity of SCT for detecting LAC in clinical criteria positive patients was lower compared to aPTT and dRVVT (45.8% versus 66.7% and 65%). Combination of SCT/dRVVT and aPTT/dRVVT gave a sensitivity of 51.2% and 63.6%, with a specificity of 50.0% and 52.3%, respectively. Conclusions In comparison with PTT-LA as screening test, the SCT screen shows an acceptable sensitivity. However, the HemosIL™ SCT assay including the confirmation step, has a much lower sensitivity in the diagnosis of LAC in comparison with the Staclot-LA test. Combining the HemosIL™ SCT assay with dRVVT results in a better sensitivity, although lower than the combined aPTT/dRVVT based method as usually performed in our lab.

A Simplified Algorithm for the Laboratory Detection of Lupus Anticoagulants

Diagnosis of antiphospholipid antibody syndrome includes laboratory testing for lupus anticoagulants (LAs). Guidelines for testing have been published, but approaches vary, often incorporating multiple tests. We evaluated the performance of the activated partial thromboplastin time using 2 reagents, a dilute Russell viper venom time, and a hexagonal phospholipid assay for detecting LAs in 105 adults. Of the patients, 26 were taking anticoagulants at the time of testing. Based on findings, an algorithm was derived for optimal detection of LAs using 2 easily performed, automated, integrated test systems. Of 105 patient samples, 30 (28.6%) were positive for LAs, using the algorithm interpretive criteria. Of these 30 positive results, 10 were detected in the 26 patients taking anticoagulants. Analysis by &chi2 showed no difference in performance of the integrated tests between samples from patients taking and not taking anticoagulants. The algorithm is offered as a means for standardization of laboratory testing for LAs.

A Simplified Algorithm for the Laboratory Detection of Lupus Anticoagulants

Diagnosis of antiphospholipid antibody syndrome includes laboratory testing for lupus anticoagulants (LAs). Guidelines for testing have been published, but approaches vary, often incorporating multiple tests. We evaluated the performance of the activated partial thromboplastin time using 2 reagents, a dilute Russell viper venom time, and a hexagonal phospholipid assay for detecting LAs in 105 adults. Of the patients, 26 were taking anticoagulants at the time of testing. Based on findings, an algorithm was derived for optimal detection of LAs using 2 easily performed, automated, integrated test systems. Of 105 patient samples, 30 (28.6%) were positive for LAs, using the algorithm interpretive criteria. Of these 30 positive results, 10 were detected in the 26 patients taking anticoagulants. Analysis by chi2 showed no difference in performance of the integrated tests between samples from patients taking and not taking anticoagulants. The algorithm is offered as a means for standardization of laboratory testing for LAs.

Liquid metal integrated test system (LIMITS)

Abstract This paper describes the liquid metal integrated test system (LIMITS) at Sandia National Laboratories 1 . This system was designed to study the flow of molten metals and salts in a vacuum as a preliminary study for flowing liquid surfaces inside of magnetic fusion reactors. The system consists of a heated furnace with attached centrifugal pump, a vacuum chamber, and a transfer chamber for storage and addition of fresh material. Diagnostics include an electromagnetic flow meter, a high temperature pressure transducer, and an electronic level meter. Many ports in the vacuum chamber allow testing the thermal behavior of the flowing liquids heated with an electron beam or study of the effect of a magnetic field on motion of the liquid. Some preliminary tests have been performed to determine the effect of a static magnetic field on stream flow from a nozzle.

From active to passive — Progress in testing internet routing protocols

Routing protocols play an important role in the Internet and the test requirements are running up. To test routing protocols more efficiently, several enhancing techniques are applied in the protocol integrated test system described in this paper. The Implementation Under Test is modeled as a black box with windows. The test system is endowed with multiple channels and multiple ports to test distributed protocols. The test suite and other related aspects are also extended. Meanwhile, the passive testing is introduced to test, analyze and manage routing protocols in the production field, which is able to perform the conformance test, the interoperability test and the performance test. The state machine of peer sessions is tested with the state synchronization algorithm, and the routing information manipulation and other operations are checked and analyzed with the methods like the topology analysis and the internal process simulation. With both the active testing and the passive testing, the routing protocol test is going further and more thoroughly and helps a lot in the development of routers.

Development of an EB/FIB Integrated Test System

Development of an EB/FIB Integrated Test System

Design of a flexible, integrated testing system for STEP and OMG standards

New software standards supporting integration of manufacturing and engineering systems are emerging at a rapid pace. Two groups, the Object Management Group (OMG) and the community producing the Standard for the Exchange of Product Model Data (STEP, formally known as ISO 10303), dominate in the production of standards for manufacturing and engineering industries. Their standards are based on common methods, which can be exploited in developing tests for systems supporting the standards. This paper describes the methods employed and a system that builds on those methods to support the automatic and rapid development of conformance tests for the emerging standards.

Universal and flexible DNA microarray approach: arrayed primer extension

We describe an integrated genetic testing system consisting of DNA oligonucleotide array production, template preparation, multiplex primer extension on the array, fluorescence imaging equipment and data analysis. DNA oligonucleotide (ON) arrays are produced by spotting presynthesized 25-mer ON with a 5' amino group on the glass microscope slide. This approach involves a number of potential problems, such as silanization of the slides, ON selection and immobilization. As a matter of fact, these steps should be more efficient and reproducible. Currently, the spacer separating ON from the glass surface is 2−18 carbons, but longer linker arms seem to be better. Two DNA strands have been analysed simultaneously according to our protocol. The double-stranded DNA template preparation can be described as an one-tube reaction with minimal number of pipetting steps without centrifugation or ethanol precipitation. Arrayed primer extension (APEX) is carried out as a single-step reaction simultaneously with all four dye terminator nucleotides (fluoresceine, Cy3, Texas Red and Cy5) in the presence of the DNA polymerase (Thermo Sequenase). For this purpose, a special four-colour instrument, FD-003, was developed at Asper Ltd. The latter uses a total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF)-based excitation mechanism combined with four lasers, filter wheel and scientific grade CCD camera. Image acquisition is fast (0.5−2 min for 4-colour) and automatic, followed by software analysis to convert the fluorescence information into DNA sequence data. Signal-to-noise ratio is at least 30:1, allowing comfortable analysis of heterozygous positions in DNA. This system is used for mutation detection in -globin, BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, resequencing of p53 gene fragments, SNP testing and gene expression using mtComplex I genes.

Lupus Anticoagulant Testing in Europe: An Analysis of Results from the First European Concerted Action on Thrombophilia (ECAT) Survey Using Plasmas Spiked with Monoclonal Antibodies against Human β2-Glycoprotein I

Lupus anticoagulants (LA) are immunoglobulins directed to either prothrombin or Beta-2-glycoprotein 1(beta1GPI) bound to phospholipids. Most patients with LA have both beta2GPI- and prothrombin-dependent antibodies. Several recent reports have shown that LA is more strongly associated with thrombosis than anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL). Therefore, an accurate detection of LA is of utmost importance in patients suspected of an antiphospholipid syndrome. We recently raised a series of murine monoclonal antibodies against human Beta-2-glycoprotein I (beta2GPI) with LA activity similar to affinity purified human beta2GPI-dependent LAs. A normal plasma pool, and the same pool spiked with LA positive anti-beta2GPI antibodies at two potency levels, were used as materials in an external quality assessment scheme organised by the European Concerted Action on Thrombosis (ECAT). Fifty nine laboratories participating in this trial were asked to test for the presence of a LA in the 3 samples submitted. The majority (82%) of the participants found the high potency LA sample to be positive. Only 37% of the laboratories considered the weak potency LA sample to be positive. The submission of a normal sample, a weakly positive sample and a clearly positive sample enabled us to compare the relative LA responsiveness of the different screening assays used. Clotting time ratios varied from 0.81 to 3.28 for sample B and from 0.66 to 5.32 for sample D. In general, the highest clotting time ratios were found with the dilute prothrombin time (dPT), the dilute Russell Viper Venom time (dRVVT) and the Kaolin Clotting time. The most frequently used screening tests were the aPTT and the dRVVT. With the various assay systems, LA responsiveness varied largely according to the reagents used. For the beta2GPI-dependent LA used in this study, PTT LA clearly showed the highest responsiveness among the aPTT reagents and Innovin among the dPT reagents. The present study also shows that many laboratories still rely on poorly responsive screening assays for their LA tests. Other laboratories rely on sensitive and more specific integrated test systems based on a sensitive screening assay with a low phospholipid content and a confirmatory test employing high phospholipid concentrations. The most used integrated system was dRVVT based. However, also here the LA responsiveness was largely reagent dependent. In conclusion, many laboratories still rely on poorly responsive screening assays by which weakly positive LA samples are misdiagnosed. LA positive anti-beta2GPI moabs have a potential for the unlimited production of LA control specimens, that may help hemostasis laboratories choose more LA responsive assay systems and to assess intralaboratory precision of their LA testing.

Establishing a reliable visual function test and applying it to screening optic nerve disease in onchocercal communities.

The computer Controlled Video Perimetry (CCVP) is a computer screening test for detecting visual function loss caused by onchocerciasis, glaucoma, etc. Installed on portable computers, the CCVP has been shown to be high acceptability in field community investigation. However, it is regarded to be difficult in obtaining reliable results from portable computer screening tests because of human behavioural variants and the lack of standard testing environment. In this paper, we propose an architecture for implementing a more reliable CCVP system. In particular, a self-organising neural network is applied to manage measurement noise caused by behavioural factors. A control unit is introduced to manage the overall behaviour of the system. The integrated test system has been used to screen optic nerve disease in onchocercal communities of rural Nigeria and the experimental results obtained from a large number of test records are very encouraging: reliable results from volatile test environments may be obtained using the proposed method.

New diagnostic strategies for lupus anticoagulants and antiphospholipid antibodies.

Laboratories are currently challenged with the problem of ruling out APA in a patient plasmas. In order to optimize the identification of these antibodies, it is necessary to institute a well-planned approach. Both coagulation assays for the identification of LA and solid phase ELISA assays for the identification of ACA are indicated. In the case of LA, it is often necessary to screen the patient plasma with more than one test system. If two screening tests are negative, no further evaluation for the presence of LA is indicated. However, it is imperative to also perform ACA testing. The literature describing LA and ACA testing is growing exponentially. Several new integrated test systems which seek to simplify the approach to the diagnosis of LA have been introduced. These systems employ one test performed under two different conditions (low and high PL concentration). This approach may prove to be the most cost-efficient way of establishing the diagnosis of LA.

What we need is an integrated test system a response to the letter of Pavlidis

In his letter, Pavlidis (1992) has pointed out the lack of progress in computer vision research to three reasons: (1) the commitment to specific methodologies, (2) the commitment to obsolete models, (3) the layered approaches. The solutions he suggested are subgoals, integration of methodologies and studies of human vision and physic imaging procedures